Finally, parity! San Diego beaches are cleaning up
Parity is a word used to mean equality of status or functional equivalence. We are most used to hearing it applied to sports, where one team is equal in status to another team. But for the first week of the alcohol ban in Mission Beach and Pacific Beach, the term seems most appropriate applied to the beach environment.
As early as last Thursday, like other beaches in San Diego County and the state, beach residents and visitors have been walking the beach sidewalks and sand without the odor of alcohol, urine, and vomit. No broken glass from trash can rummaging to watch out for, either.
Unfortunately, this is an environment longtime residents have adapted to and visitors have avoided. This past weekend, however, families with children were walking the beach side, not just the bayside. Young girls were learning to ride their bicycles on the beach-side, not just the bayside.
Surprisingly, since the ban went into effect, the major change has not been due to young people and college students no longer partying at the beach. The change has not been due to empty beaches because it’s winter. The weather was beautiful the first days of the ban and on into the weekend, and lots of people were out. It’s been about a cleaner, safer environment every day, like at other beaches in San Diego.
Ann Mayo, Mission Beach

Anxiety in the elderly can be treated
On Dec. 27, 2007, an article was published by Grace-Marie Turner in the La Jolla Village News outlining the Medicare Part D prescription drug option (“Is your Medicare drug plan naughty or nice?”, page 8). Considering that anxiety disorders are among the most common problems in older adults, it is important to note that Medicare Part D can also help older adults with mental health issues pay for appropriate medication.
Anxiety Disorders can lead to problems with sleep, energy, concentration, and irritability. If untreated, anxiety can affect elders’ physical and cognitive functioning. Unfortunately, few older adults with anxiety disorders seek treatment.
Our group is conducting research for older adults (aged 60 and up) with difficulty with anxiety, worry, or excessive concerns. We evaluate the benefit of medications and psychotherapy in reducing anxiety and improving quality of life. I would like to encourage anyone who might be interested to call us at (619) 725-3530.
Julie Wetherell, Ph.D.
Director, Extended Relief Study, University of California San Diego