Revelle Forum examines ‘deadliest plague’
Learning from the past helps address present issues. University of California, San Diego (UCSD) Extension is pleased to announce that celebrated historian John M. Barry, author of the New York Times bestseller “The Great Influenza: The Epic Story of the Deadliest Plague in History,” will speak on Tuesday, Feb. 20, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Following the lecture, a panel of local researchers and experts will address the present-day challenges of disease control.
“The Great Influenza” tells the compelling and surprisingly little-known story of the 1918 flu pandemic that killed 50 to 100 million people worldwide. Barry’s lecture will detail the massive social upheavals caused by the deadly disease, the frantic efforts of medical researchers to combat the epidemic and the government’s refusal to divert resources used in World War I to address the issue.
“It’s always interesting to learn about historical incidents, especially one that is not so far removed from our lifetime. It has some implications of what could happen today,” said Dan Atkinson, dean of arts, humanities and languages at UCSD Extension.
In addition, Atkinson said that this topic brings together many subjects, such as the devastation of the epidemic, what tools are needed to address such an issue if it were to happen again and what the government can do to prevent or litigate a similar crisis.
This event will take place at the auditorium of the Neurosciences Institute, 10640 John Jay Hopkins Drive. Admission is $35 per person; parking is free. To register, call UCSD Extension, (858) 822-8000, or visit http://revelleforum.ucsd.edu. Advance registration is strongly advised. When registering, refer to section ID number 05858
Presidents’ Day delays trash pickup one day
The City of San Diego’s Environmental Services Department will be collecting trash and recyclables one day later than normally scheduled due to the Presidents’ Day holiday, Monday, Feb. 19.
Trash and recyclable collection will return to its normal schedule beginning Monday, Feb. 26.
The Miramar Landfill will be open for limited hours, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., for trash hauling and drop-offs.
For information, call (858) 694-7000 or visit www.sandiego.gov/environmental-services.
Stella Maris Academy plans gala ball
Stella Maris Academy will host its 60th anniversary fund-raiser ball on March 3.
With a theme of “Star Way to Heaven,” this year’s gala will pay tribute to alumni and community leaders. The event will kick off an 18-month celebration, culminating in the fall of 2008 with the 60th anniversary of the opening of Stella Maris Academy. This follows the year-long centennial celebration of Mary Star of the Sea Parish in 2006.
Proceeds from past balls have helped fund the expansion of the school curriculum and uprade the grounds. Efforts include a field in place of an asphalt parking lot, a gym set, landscaping and fountain, a new senior lunch area and remodeled restrooms.
“Star Way to Heaven” guests will enjoy a formal dinner and silent and live auctions. For information, visit www.stellamarisacademy.org or call (858) 454-2461.