The American Red Cross exists to provide compassionate care to those in need, down the street, across the country and around the world. Every March, during Red Cross Month, we honor people who make the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross possible –individuals who want to turn compassion into action, helping others in times of crisis. We invite you to join the Red Cross mission by volunteering, giving blood, learning lifesaving skills or making a financial donation!
August 31, 2023. Horseshoe Beach, Florida.
Red Cross disaster responder, Holly Swiney, gives a meal kit to Kristi Bowen of Horseshoe Beach, Florida. Kristi was relieved to see the Red Cross emergency response vehicle delivering food and supplies in her neighborhood after Hurricane Idalia. As a result of the climate crisis, hurricanes are becoming more intense and more destructive with increased rainfall and higher storm surges.
Photo by Scott Dalton/American Red Cross
“I was attracted to the Red Cross because of the purity of the mission. I am drawn to serving my community, and helping people in emergency situations seems to be the most important mission anyone could support,” says local volunteer Renée Sabol.
In San Diego, the Red Cross needs more volunteers. From volunteering as a disaster worker to helping at local blood drives, to providing services for military families and so much more, there are dozens of volunteer opportunities. Bilingual volunteers are also greatly needed. Your time and talent can make a real difference in people’s lives.
“If you are looking for a way to give back, if you are looking for an organization that makes a difference on the spot, where you can see the effects of your work right away, then volunteer with the Red Cross!” says Teri Allinger, San Diegan and Red Cross volunteer. Visit redcross.org/volunteer to learn more.
2. Donate Blood
About every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Every day, blood donors help patients of all ages: accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those battling cancer. There’s no substitute for blood. When a patient receives blood, it was given in advance by a generous donor.
Make an appointment to give blood or platelets by using the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). You can also make a difference by hosting a blood drive at your place of work or volunteering as a Blood Donor Ambassador or Blood Transportation Specialist.
September 24, 2023. Montgomery, Alabama. Alabama State University student Katelyn Williams is excited about helping to save lives after donating blood at the Magic City Classic Blood Drive. Photo by Scott Dalton/American Red Cross
3. Get Trained in Lifesaving Skills
When North Park resident Steve Cline went into sudden cardiac arrest, his life was saved thanks to CPR rendered by his wife, Annette, and first responders. After their experience, Annette took a Red Cross CPR and first aid class to be prepared in case of another emergency. Annette credits Red Cross training for giving her a greater sense of confidence should another emergency happen in the future. “If I was in the situation again, I absolutely feel more confident…I think we all have a hero in us. Somebody can take that action to save a life.”
Visit redcross.org/takeaclass to register for a class to learn first aid, CPR and other skills that can equip you to respond in an emergency.
4. Make a Financial Donation
Every 8 minutes, someone affected by disaster is helped by donations to the Red Cross. The Red Cross is proud that an average of 90 cents of every dollar we spend is invested in delivering care and comfort to those in need.
One of the leading watchdog organizations, Charity Navigator, gives the American Red Cross its highest rating — four stars — for accountability and transparency. Visit redcross.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS to make a donation.
For more information about the local Red Cross and how you can get involved during Red Cross Month and all year long, visit redcross.org/SoCal.
Studio S
JULY 1, 2026
Get Your Home Ready for (San Diego) Summer
Tips from the trusted experts at Mauzy Cooling, Heating, Plumbing, and Electrical
San Diego summers can be brutal. But since the hottest period is typically late summer into early fall, San Diegans still have time to prepare. The pros at Mauzy Cooling, Heating, Plumbing, and Electrical are standing by to help homeowners fortify their homes against the elements and ensure their air conditioning is as frosty as the penguins that serve as the company’s mascots.
Many homeowners underestimate the load their AC system faces, especially in the inland valleys where temperatures regularly top 100 degrees. San Diego regularly sees multi-day heatwaves each summer, and a system that struggles on the first day will likely fail by the third.Longer run times, unusual sounds or smells, and uneven cooling from room to room are all signs that your system may not survive the next hot spell.
Systems typically last 12 to 17 years, but there are exceptions. If a system is approaching that, or is already there, a professional evaluation is recommended before summer really heats up. A good rule of thumb: If you can’t remember when your system was last serviced, it’s due.
“As technology changes, systems become smarter and smarter,” says Sean O’Connor, an install manager at Mauzy with 42 years of experience. “There are a lot of people out there who will say a system’s only good for 10 years. I don’t buy that—these systems are built to last as long as they’re taken care of.”
There are also a few steps homeowners can take between services to extend the life of their system. Regularly changing a dirty filter—especially if you have kids or pets—and keeping an outdoor unit clean can help head off problems in the future, says O’Connor.
Also, be realistic about whether it’s time to replace a unit. O’Connor likens pouring money into salvaging a faulty unit with patchwork repairs and replacement parts to “tripping over a dollar to pick up a dime.” When one part fails, others are sure to follow, and newer parts may not be compatible with older units. Mauzy recommends homeowners use the 50% rule: If a repair costs more than 50% of the system’s replacement value, and the equipment is over 10 years old, replacement is usually the better long-term value. And don’t forget the ducting. An older house that was built with heat and later had air conditioning added may not have sufficient airflow, regardless of how good the system is.
Last but not least, homeowners should know who to trust when it comes to their homes. Built on three generations of professional integrity, Mauzy has grown into not just a leader for cooling, heating, plumbing, and electrical services, but a leader in the community known for supporting local nonprofits across an array of causes. To ensure complete peace of mind, Mauzy stands behind a comprehensive 12-point guarantee that outlines its commitment to outstanding service, quality equipment, expert technicians who understand how the local microclimates affect HVAC performance, and no upsells or surprises on the bill.
“We go the extra mile. That’s what sets us apart,” O’Connor says. To get a free quote today, visit mauzy.com.
Daniel A. Kaplan is a founding partner of Panakos LLP with more than three decades of civil litigation experience in both state and federal courts. Mr. Kaplan pursues and defends legal claims on behalf of companies, entrepreneurs, and business owners in high-stakes disputes. He focuses on business disputes including breach of contract, unfair competition, trade secret theft, securities disputes, fraud/misrepresentations, and employment matters.
“The best advocacy combines preparation, perspective, and a client relationship built on trust and candor.” — Daniel A. Kaplan
His clients include real estate investors, private and public corporations, and individuals seeking sophisticated legal counsel. Known for practical judgment and strategic advocacy, he works closely with an experienced and diverse legal team to protect, enforce, and defend his clients’ interests.
555 W. Beech Street, Ste. 500, San Diego, California 92101 619-8000-LAW Panakos.law
At Naumann Law Firm, PC, William Naumann and his team have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in damages litigating construction defects, insurance, and government claims. Mr. Naumann has spent his career fighting for people in their hardest moments, from winning $7 million for homeowners after landslide damage to advocating for victims of 9/11.
“We always believe in working as hard as we can to maximize the recovery for the client.” — William Naumann, Esq.
Combining a personalized approach with a results-driven strategy, he’s helped homeowners associations, property owners, and individuals win against the largest developers, builders, insurers, and municipalities. His commitment is to secure the best possible results efficiently, whether through settlement or at trial.
10890 Thornmint Road, Suite 200, San Diego, California 92127 858-792-7474 naumannlegal.com
For nearly two decades, Andrew Hall has helped clients find practical, cost-effective legal solutions to complex real estate and business matters. At Hall Legal, APC, Andrew offers the experience of a large law firm with the hands-on service of a boutique practice. Whether navigating a business or real estate dispute, he guides clients through every stage of the legal process, from pre-litigation resolution to trials and appeals.
“Combining big-firm experience with boutique attention for California business and real estate legal services.”— Andrew Hall
He has represented a broad range of clients, including residential and commercial property owners and managers, landlords, tenants, homeowners, title and escrow companies, lenders, and real estate agents and brokers, while providing personalized, pragmatic service.
At Christensen & Spath LLP, Charles Christensen (right) and his partner, Walter Spath (left), provide personalized, comprehensive and cost-effective legal counsel. The firm specializes in real estate law, helping clients with everything from litigation to transactional matters.
“From boundary disputes to every aspect of acquisitions and sales, we provide full service to clients in the real estate arena.” — Charles Christensen
Mr. Christensen takes the time to understand his clients’ specific goals so he can develop solutions that are as efficient and effective as possible. This commitment, combined with his decades of experience and deep legal knowledge, has earned him and his firms the Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent rating — the highest distinction an attorney can receive — for more than 35 years.
401 West A Street, Suite 2250, San Diego, California 92101 619-236-9343 candslaw.net
As CEO and lead trial attorney of Frantz Law Group (FLG), he leads a firm focused on catastrophic injury, environmental, wildfire and other mass tort litigation, representing clients through some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Under his leadership, FLG secured a landmark plaintiff jury verdict in a wrongful death tractor-trailer case in San Joaquin County, California.
“At the end of the day, results matter. We leave no stone unturned in every case we litigate.” — James P. Frantz
James P. Frantz is recognized throughout the legal industry for his results-driven approach to litigation and commitment to client advocacy. He has been named to Best Law Firms (2014–2026), named a Fellow and Associate of the American Board of Trial Advocates, earned an AV® Preeminent™ rating from Martindale-Hubbell® and spent more than two decades as a Master in the Enright Chapter of the American Inns of Court.
402 W Broadway #860, San Diego, California 92101 855-735-5945 frantzlawgroup.com
