Support Local

clayton’s coffee shop / coronado

The days have bled into weeks, and while I know that we are all manifesting the world to return to “normal” sooner than later, well. . .here we are. In a few ways life still feels kind of the same for me. I still work from home, I still binge watch the Hallmark Channel almost daily, I still wear my comfy clothes as much as possible, and I do still enjoy the luxury of some fresh air everyday. But things are different. Very different. And although Ryan and I are so incredibly blessed to still be employed, I find myself so acutely aware of just how drastically this has changed the lives of so many people. And the complete domino affect that this pandemic has caused.

Now more than ever, in addition to spreading positivity, I think that it is crucial for us to support our local restaurants, shops and organizations. I know that we are a resilient nation, and that our current circumstances will not define us – but I do think that part of that resiliency is built on the ideals of compassion and empathy. And those are things that we can easily share and spread by supporting local.

Free Ways to Support Local

• Write a review on Yelp, Tripadvisor, Google, Facebook or the like.

Drum up support for your favorite spots. Sharing positive reviews encourages and influences other people to try your favorite restaurant, or to book an appointment with your hairdresser.

• Write a note.

Send a handwritten note to your favorite business or businesses that have been closed during this time. You will be amazed at how touching just a few words can be for someone, and how they can truly sustain and strengthen the soul during trying times.

• Spread the word.

Maybe you’re not the tech savvy type, but that doesn’t mean that you still can’t spread the good word about your favorite places. Make a point to share your favorite spots with your friends and family, and encourage them to try them when they reopen.

• Reach out.

Make a phone call, write an email, or send a text message to your favorite bookshop, hairdresser, gym or restaurant. Ask them how they are holding up. Offer a shoulder to lean on, or be prepared to offer something to laugh about together.

• Post a message to your community bulletin board.

If you participate in something like Nextdoor, share with your neighbors which of your favorite businesses are still open and why you love those spots. But also make a point to share where you are excited to go when things reopen.

• Stay home.

And yes, the most important and free way that we can all support each other right now is to stay home. Stay home, stay healthy, and stay safe. We are all in this fight together, and we can all equally contribute to staying home. Find new ways to connect with family and friends, and trust in the knowledge that (as my brother-in-law just reminded me of) this too shall pass.

Financial Ways to Support Local

• Order takeout or delivery from your favorite restaurants or cafes.

And get creative! While it would be great to order something for yourself, you could also order dinner for a friend, or lunch for a long distance family member. Additionally, you could offer to order a meal or a hot coffee for a community member who is struggling during this time.

• Shop online at your favorite stores.

Many shops are offering great discounts, free shipping and extended return policies. Go take a look, you’d probably be surprised at some of the deals out there right now.

• Purchase gift cards.

Use the gift cards now, use them in the future, or even give them out as gifts. However you use them, this is cash in hand for your favorite businesses.

• Make an appointment, and pay in advance for the service.

Think haircut appointments, spa services, personal trainer sessions, dance classes, or even a nail appointment.

• Sign up for a CSA box.

Look into purchasing a CSA (community supported agriculture) subscription box from a local farm. Most farms have them, and many are even offering free delivery services right now.

• Order flowers from a local florist.

Since we’re all spending more time than ever at home, this is the perfect time to enjoy some fresh flowers. (Especially since flowers are a proven mood booster.)

• Purchase tickets to a future show or an event.

And for those events that have already been cancelled, consider donating your tickets back to that organization as an act of support.

• Donate to a virtual tip jar.

Just do a Google search for “virtual tip jar” and you will find yourself with a plethora of options to choose from and to support.

Support Local San Diego

Warwick’s Bookstore / free La Jolla Delivery or $2.50 flat rate book delivery

San Diego Symphony / support with gift giving, donating tickets + purchasing tickets

Our Lady of the Rosary Parish / support by making donations online

San Diego Zoo + Safari Park / make a donation or purchase a membership

Caffe Italia Little Italy / open daily from 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. for takeout orders

Sushi Ota / open daily for takeout

Lofty Coffee Co. / shop online for coffee, tea, merchandise + gift cards

Mona Lisa Italian Foods / market open daily from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Achilles Coffee Roasters / open daily from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. for takeout or delivery

Cocina 35 / shop online for merchandise + their famous coffee

Pop Pie Co. / open daily from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. for takeout

the Kebab Shop / open daily for takeout + shop online for gift cards

Little Frenchie / takeout options + a “market” are available daily

Huapangos / open daily from 11:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. for curbside pick-up or free delivery

Lefty’s Chicago Pizzeria / open daily from 12 p.m. – 8 p.m. for takeout

El Pescador / open daily from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. for pick-up or local delivery

Venissimo Cheese / open daily from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. for pick-up or delivery

Bird Rock Fine Wine / open daily from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. for pick-up or local delivery

J.R. Organics / order a CSA box, available for pick-up or home delivery

Sweet Tree Farms / contact for local pick-up options

Tuna Harbor Dockside Market / open every Saturday from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Little Italy Mercato / open every Saturday from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.