‘Look at the happiness when they come out’

A local charity is offering something to the region’s unsheltered people that has apparently gone overlooked for years and is making all the difference to them in the world: showers. Marine veteran Rafael Peralta, 59, says that the showers are transformative for people who, like him, are forced to live without homes. “Look at the happiness when they come out,” he said.

If you hear explosions this week, loud noises and rumbles will be emanating from Camp Pendleton through July 20 as Marines conduct live-fire training; they warn that sounds may be heard up to 50 miles away.

That oppressive heat wave that blanketed the region for the last few days has finally dissipated, but it came with small power outages that have been plaguing San Diego this weekend, including one caused by a tree fire. The causes of most of the rest of the fires remain undetermined.

Finally, congratulations to Bliss Vasquez, the very first winner of the Julia Legaspi Trans Leadership Award and will be honored at Friday’s San Diego Pride Spirit of Stonewall rally. The 27-year-old works at the San Diego LGBT Community Center, leading the transgender and nonbinary service program. They say their fight is fueled through joy and connection with their communities, as well as a sprinkling of spite.

Joy, community, and a smattering of spite — sounds like a good way for anybody to live to me.

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