La Jolla News Nuggets

La Jollan helps renovate Ronald McDonald House

The Joseph Clayes III Great Room has reopened at the Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego, following a summer renovation funded by community donations, including a $500,000 matching gift and endowment from the Joseph Clayes III Charitable Trust.

“Families get more than a plate of food when they come to the Ronald McDonald House,” said La Jolla resident Trulette Clayes, a co-trustee of the trust and niece of philanthropist Joseph Clayes III. “The home-away-from-home environment gives them a place to rest and renew themselves so they can continue to provide strength for their hospitalized child. It is with great honor that the Joseph Clayes III Charitable Trust contributed in transforming this emotional and physical sanctuary for families going through the unthinkable.”

Each year, more than 15,000 people come to San Diego’s Ronald McDonald House for meals during their child’s treatment at a San Diego hospital. Meal service is provided three times daily year-round, free of cost to family members with a hospital-issued wristband. rmhcsd.org

UC Regents approve UC San Diego’s School of Public Health

The University of California Board of Regents Academic & Student Affairs Committee has approved the establishment of a School of Public Health at UC San Diego, to open in a couple of years, said communications rep. The bulk of the resources needed to establish the school are existing resources that would migrate there, according to a statement from UCSD, The new school’s financial plan does not request any additional state funds or full-time employees.

“UC San Diego’s new School of Public Health is the next logical step in the evolution of our public health programs, initiatives, clinics, undergraduate degree program and existing faculty expertise,” said UCSD chancellor Pradeep Khosla. “With a focus on public health, we can define the future where medicine, biology, engineering and public policy come together. We can look at how we, as human beings, can live in a better society and create better health outcomes for each and every one of us, regardless of our socio-economic background.”

Scripps adds four faculty members

Four new faculty members have joined Scripps Institution of Oceanography:

1) isotope geochemist Sarah Aarons, whose research primarily focuses on understanding the evolution of Earth’s surface through time as a function of a changing climate;

2) biogeochemist Julia Diaz, who explores how the ocean’s smallest inhabitants, such as phytoplankton, interact with their chemical environment to shape the natural world;

3) marine biologist Dovi Kacev, whose focus is understanding the ecology of migratory shark species including mako and thresher sharks; and

4) multidisciplinary researcher Amina Schartup, whose work lies at the intersection of marine biogeochemistry and human health — notably, how toxic methylmercury accumulates in fish people like to eat.

“These appointments support our interdisciplinary efforts to find solutions to our greatest environmental challenges, ranging from climate change to the health of the ocean and its smallest inhabitants,” said Scripps director Margaret Leinen.

Deacon speakin’ on Halloween morning

Deacon Jim Vargas, president of Father Joe’s Village, will speak on the virtue of justice during Stella Maris Academy’s monthly “Coffee with the Principal” meeting, 8 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 31 in the Star Center, 7654 Herschel Ave. The event is open to all.

La Jollan advises against money mistakes in new book

La Jolla financial planner Rich Rojeck, of Sagemark Consulting, has published a new book. He told the Light that “Wealth: The Ultra-High Net Worth Guide” (Palgrave MacMillan) crystalizes the biggest problem he’s seen with his ultra-wealthy clients over the past 30 years. “There’s a lack of coordination,” he said. “They’ve got different advisors with different perspectives, who put plans in place at different times.”

Rojeck provided an example of a client with two children involved in the family business and two not. “They had a great attorney who drafted eight trusts and five different business arrangements that were not coordinated,” he said. “As a result, there were conflicts in ownership and control in the business, the assets were passing in all different directions and so a dispersion rather than a concentration of wealth occurred.” For the book’s availablity, visit wealth-guide.com

Scout Troop 506 to hold open house

Boy Scouts of America Troop 506 will hold an open house for both boys and girls, ages 10-17, who are interested in Scouting, 6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 29 in Fellowship Hall at La Jolla United Methodist Church, 6063 La Jolla Blvd. The event will feature Scout patrol displays, troop activity exhibits and a Q&A for parents. Dessert and refreshments will be served. lajollatroop506.com

La Jolla artist’s work lauded

Artist Dottie Stanley, a 20-year La Jollan and vice president of the La Jolla Art Association, has informed the Light that her newest artwork was accepted into the 91st annual American Artists Grand National Exhibition. “Love” — depicting two young Ethiopian women in colorful dress — will displayed Nov. 11-22 at the Salmagundi Club. Art accepted into this exhibit is will be judged for awards by Metropolitan Museum of Art curator Adam Eaker, with winners announced Nov. 17.

Vaccinations: Best shot against flu

With 300 confirmed cases of influenza in San Diego this season — compared to 88 at this time last year — County health officials emphasize the importance of getting the flu vaccine. (There have also been two deaths so far, compared to none at this point last season.)

“More San Diegans getting sick is a sign that the flu is spreading,” said County public health officer Wilma Wooten. “People should get vaccinated now to avoid getting sick and spreading the virus to others.”

Last season, 77 people in the region died from complications from the flu and 9,655 confirmed cases were reported. That was down from the previous season’s 343 deaths and 20,833 confirmed cases.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone — age 6 months and older — get a flu shot every year. It takes about two weeks for immunity to develop. Flu vaccination is especially important for people who are at high risk of developing serious complications from influenza. They include people over age 65, people with chronic medical conditions, pregnant women and people who live with or care for others who are at higher risk.

The flu vaccine is available at doctors’ offices and retail pharmacies. If you don’t have medical insurance, you can go to a County public health center to get vaccinated. For a list of locations, visit sdiz.org

— Compiled by Corey Levitan from local reports