Out of the dark

Human trafficking has become an unfortunate drumbeat in the national news cycle, and it picks up locally during those times as well, thanks to San Diego’s proximity to the international border and the legal grey zone that exists here, as it does around borders all over the world.

But human trafficking, whether it exists for labor, sex, or any other reason, is not an inevitable part of the human existence; as with so many other evils, it begins to wither under scrutiny. Our top story, by J.W. August, offers up some of that sunlight.

We also have a sad update in the story of missing fisherman and YouTuber Mikey Rijavec, whose body was found off Mexico’s coast after an international search.

If you finish reading these stories and find yourself in need of a bit of a palate cleanser, look no further than our Thanksgiving-flavored recipe suggestions.

Once you’ve had a taste of those, head on over to our story about San Diego’s very first Slow Fashion Day, which emphasized sustainability, recycling, and my own favorite pastime, upcycling.

On the topic of Slow Fashion Day:  I think a lot about sartorial communication and what we are all saying with the things that we wear, and I like what “slow fashion” has to say. I’m proud to say I was into it before it was cool, by virtue of haunting thrift stores all over the region finding and fixing up whatever strange and unusual things I find.

Apparently the city of San Diego likes it, too — it will now be celebrated the second Sunday of every November. I’m excited, not just to see our region start to lead in sustainability initiatives, but also to see what everyone will be wearing this time next year.

Stay warm out there!