The Weekly Design Dispatch: Cuddly Quarantine Buddies, Thank the Internet, and How to #SupportLocal — Blog

A quick note:

What a year this week has been. When I set out to create the Design Dispatch, the intent was to share what was happening around the Bay and in the design scene at large. Events, product launches, sales, and the like. Over the past month, however, it has felt as though the ground is shifting below our feet. Just rumblings at first, then to a degree where nothing looks quite the same as it did a few short weeks ago. People near the "epicenters" of this are feeling it more strongly while the rest look on wondering if it's really as bad as we make it out to be.

Nearly 1 in 5 American's jobs have been impacted in the span of a few short weeks. The stock market continues to drop, and according to the NYT, we're on the brink of a global recession. None of that compares to the value of human life. One of the beautiful things to come out of this is to see the sense of solidarity. To see people putting aside their wants, desires, and needs in an effort to slow down something that will likely impact others more than it will affect themselves. That's not to say that they won't be affected. Loss of life affects everyone. While you may not be as susceptible to this virus as someone in a higher risk category, you may well lose a loved one. Businesses can be rebuilt, and we will all pick up the pieces, but people cannot be replaced. So I'm asking you to think twice as you go about your day. Do what you can to minimize your exposure and the exposure of others. Aware that you may never know what impact, if any, your actions have. Knowing only that those who take both a figurative and literal step back are upholding the credo: first, do no harm.

Back to your regularly scheduled programming.

Local Interest:

While all dine-in restaurant service and non-essential shops in the Bay are currently closed, there are a handful that have taken the opportunity to fulfill a need in the community:

Prairie SF has converted to a general store with the option to shop in person or order online for pickup. They are offering a selection of shelf-stable food, dinner kits, cleaning supplies. And, notably, they have created a pantry kit you can purchase to be donated to recently laid off restaurant workers.

Lady Falcon Coffee Club is offering free coffee bean delivery in San Francisco in under 24 hours, so if you're currently attempting to homeschool your children with limited guidance and zero experience- at least you'll be well-caffeinated?

In other coffee news, Andytown SF is allowing you to send coffee or pastries to healthcare workers. You can send one cup for $3.50 or a whole carafe for $55. You can also send pastries for $3 apiece or $30 for a dozen. If you have a specific facility you think would appreciate the gesture, you can fill out a form, and Andytown will reach out to set up a safe delivery.

Local children's bookstore Charlie's Corner is live-streaming their famous storytime on Youtube, you can tune in live at 12 pm and 3 pm or watch past storytimes anytime.

If you're in need of a quarantine buddy, consider a four-legged friend. As animal shelters have to scale back their operations, they have been asking for volunteers to foster pets. At this time, the SPCA is no longer in need of fosters, but Rocket Dog Rescue put our a Facebook post asking for help, and Family Dog Rescue has a few pups in need of care now and more arriving on Thursday. You can learn more and find current contact info on their Facebook.

Design News:

Thank the internet. Here are a few things worth checking out online this week.

Brit and Co is offering free e-classes through 3/31 with code SELFCARE. Our top pick is the intro to weaving course with local artist Meghan Shimek.

While theaters might be closed, you can still enjoy a flick with your friends via Netflix Party; the Chrome extension allows you to watch a movie or favorite show in sync with friends and chat while you stream.

If you're looking for an activity you can enjoy with your kids, Lunch Doodles with Mo Williams is the holy grail. The daily drawing lesson with the illustrator behind the beloved "pigeon" series of books brings together the elements that make Bob Ross and Mr. Rodgers so appealing, he takes his time and speaks directly to his audience- but with the veneer of a hip uncle.

If you're looking for something to do offline, check out our posts this week on The Best Modern Jigsaw Puzzles or get crafty with A Reversible Modern Wall Hanging With a Twist.

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