Together/ Apart: The COVID-19 Community Memory Archive

"Tengo Ansiedad, mom"

Feelings of a 21-year old Mexican-American in quarantine.

The collage is intended as a tribute to the multitude of heroes who sustained us and brought us together as one people during the COVID-19 pandemic. It features healthcare professionals and many other essential workers from across the globe who took care of our physical and emotional needs during a grim period of escalating sickness, death, and intense social isolation.
The new coronavirus had no discrimination. It attacked the rich as well as the poor, people of all races, creeds and politics, in over two hundred countries. But it disproportionally harmed the most vulnerable among us: the elderly, the poor, and people of color.

Cities across the globe were deserted. Yet doctors and nurses worked tirelessly to save multitudes of lives and held the hands of dying patients unable to be with their loved ones. With protective equipment scarce, some nurses improvised scrubs from plastic trash bags.

Paramedics, police, firemen and other first responders continued to safeguard us. Grocery workers, farm workers, delivery people, caretakers, and janitors continued to provide essential services, regardless of the risk to their own lives. Volunteers cared for the hungry, manning food banks and handing out food to the homeless. Hungry families lined up in their cars to receive food packages at parking lots.

Musicians improvised ways to lift our spirits. To support frontline healthcare workers, the Global Citizen organization gathered together musicians from around the world to broadcast and stream a two-hour concert into our homes. The historic “One World: Together at Home” concert was the source of many of the photographs in this collage.

This is a small representation of those who helped us, some risking, even losing their lives to save us. May they inspire us to link our hands together around the world in unity.

I Want to Hold Your Hand

One of six poems by Gabrielle O'Flaherty, written at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting her feelings and experiences at that time.

The Present Will Soon Pass

One of six poems by Gabrielle O'Flaherty, written at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting her feelings and experiences at that time.

Clouded reality

Pictured Is me in a graduation gown that I never got to wear, crying as I realize all of the things I am missing out on because of covid [sic] and how I am no longer excited about anything which is why everything around me is smeared and clouded.

Tags California State University San Marcos, CSUSM 2020 Commencement, Student reflections

Learning to wear a mask

A family friend made masks for our family, including making a special one for Isabel Visintainer (2) and her Minnie to help her learn how to wear a mask.

Masks at the park

While on an afternoon walk, we came upon this group having a gathering at Mulberry Park.

Closures and reopening at O'Sullivan's Irish Pub

Signage on the door of O'Sullivan's Irish Pub addressed to patrons. The sign on the Pub reads:

"We thank you for your continued support!"
"As you know we have been ordered "shut down" three (3) times now starting with the original shut down order on March 16, 2020."

"After having to lay off our entire staff each time you can understand that you do not just turn on the switch and reponen the next day. Governor Newsom has recently reopened patio dining, and we are now setting up to do just that."

"We want it done right which includes restocking food supplies which spoiled due to the previous closures."

"With that said..... We look forward to seeing you again Febuary 8, 2021 on our repon date!!!"

"Come thirsty!"

Tags Government and governance, Unemployment and underemployment

Outdoor drinking and reading

Outdoor drinking and reading space for Plan 9 Alehouse and Helen's Book Mark. In an effort to keep local businesses afloat, the parking lane of Grand Avenue has been closed off with concrete barriers, allowing businesses to set up outdoor dining. Businesses and artists have painted the concrete barriers, creating small outdoor murals that run along 3 or 4 blocks on both sides of the street. The center lane of Grand Avenue is now given over to parking, with traffic moving along the left lane. Despite the efforts of the city, there seem to be a number of vacant storefronts, indicating businesses that have gone under in the past year.

Outdoor dining tents along Grand Avenue

Tents lined up for outdoor dining and drinking along the north side of Grand Avenue in Escondido. In an effort to keep local businesses afloat, the parking lane of Grand Avenue has been closed off with concrete barriers, allowing businesses to set up outdoor dining. Businesses and artists have painted the concrete barriers, creating small outdoor murals that run along 3 or 4 blocks on both sides of the street. The center lane of Grand Avenue is now given over to parking, with traffic moving along the left lane. Despite the efforts of the city, there seem to be a number of vacant s torefronts, indicating businesses that have gone under in the past year.

Outdoor dining at Papusas Cuscatlan

Tents, tables, and patrons in the outdoor dining of Papusas Cuscatlan in Escondido. In an effort to keep local businesses afloat, the parking lane of Grand Avenue has been closed off with concrete barriers, allowing businesses to set up outdoor dining. Businesses and artists have painted the concrete barriers, creating small outdoor murals that run along 3 or 4 blocks on both sides of the street. The center lane of Grand Avenue is now given over to parking, with traffic moving along the left lane. Despite the efforts of the city, there seem to be a number of vacant storefronts, indicating businesses that have gone under in the past year.

Good Omen Mead

The parking lane, outdoor dining/drinking space, and outdoor taproom of Good Omen Meadery in Escondido (now out of business). In an effort to keep local businesses afloat, the parking lane of Grand Avenue has been closed off with concrete barriers, allowing businesses to set up outdoor dining. Businesses and artists have painted the concrete barriers, creating small outdoor murals that run along 3 or 4 blocks on both sides of the street. The center lane of Grand Avenue is now given over to parking, with traffic moving along the left lane. Despite the efforts of the city, there seem to be a number of vacant storefronts, indicating businesses that have gone under in the past year.

Thank you mural

Mural on plywood thanking essential workers in the Grand Avenue business district, Escondido.

Filippi's Pizza Grotto

Outdoor dining setup at local institution Filippi's Pizza Grotto. In an effort to keep local businesses afloat, the parking lane of Grand Avenue has been closed off with concrete barriers, allowing businesses to set up outdoor dining. Businesses and artists have painted the concrete barriers, creating small outdoor murals that run along 3 or 4 blocks on both sides of the street. The center lane of Grand Avenue is now given over to parking, with traffic moving along the left lane. Despite the efforts of the city, there seem to be a number of vacant storefronts, indicating businesses that have gone under in the past year.

Concrete barriers and Barrel Republic

Barrel Republic, Stephen's Custom Jewelry, and Vegan Soup Bar To Go (the soup bar seems to be closed permanently). In an effort to keep local businesses afloat, the parking lane of Grand Avenue has been closed off with concrete barriers, allowing businesses to set up outdoor dining. Businesses and artists have painted the concrete barriers, creating small outdoor murals that run along 3 or 4 blocks on both sides of the street. The center lane of Grand Avenue is now given over to parking, with traffic moving along the left lane. Despite the efforts of the city, there seem to be a number of vacant s torefronts, indicating businesses that have gone under in the past year.

Surfing is essential

Surfing is essential image and signage on the Surf Ride Boardshop in Oceanside, California.

Outdoor dining in Oceanside

Outdoor dining/drinking setup at the PCH Sports Bar & Grill. The outdoor tables and chairs are set up in the parking lot fronting the bar and grill's entrance.

Frida Kahlo mural

Escondido mural at Grape Day Park. Image of mural outside the California Center for the Arts. The mural is an advertisement for their Frida Kahlo exhibition, but seemed appropriate for the times we're in.

Opening Not Very Soon...

"Opening (Not Very) Soon" sign hanging from Municipal Taco building, 2002 S. Coast Highway, Oceanside, CA.

Signage at Mulberry Park

Sign at Mulberry Park in San Marcos. Sign reads "This city park is open for passive recreation," and "No active/group recreation allowed."

"Please practice social distancing of at least six feet at all times."
"For more information about the City of San Marcos' response to COVID-19, including current closures and cancellations, visit www.san-marcos.net/covid19."
The sign also contains information on social distancing and sanitation protocol.

Beaches closed

Beach closure at Carlsbad State Beach (Ponto Beach). Sign on lifeguard station reads "Beach Closed."

COVID Easter Basket

The neighbors brought by an Easter basket like no other. Never has a roll of toilet paper meant so much!

Corona Flower Bouquet Ding Dong Ditch

The first week home my daughter and I were cooking dinner when an unexpected know was at the front door. Cautious and a bit anxious we answered the door to find a huge bouquet of flowers and a note. The Note reads "Tell someone how much they mean to you. We all really need it right now."

COVID Grocery

Shelves like these would seemingly rotate around the store depending on the day... If they had received a shipment that day the shelves would have something on them but if it had been a few days then they would be empty. You wouldn't even enter the TP and paper towel aisle - it was not even worth it!

Around the Corona Neighborhood

All around the neighborhood we have these posted on mail boxes. Each is a different exercise or yoga pose. Sign says "Great to see everyone out walking! I'm posting some standing excercises [sic] to keep it interesting. Please feel free to post your own as well. Modify as need [sic] to your own ability level. ** Remember the 6 feet of social distancing! **"

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