It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Cabrillo National Monument gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in San Diego, CA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Martesha has always been in a good mood and pleasant while providing her services to”
“I have been with Always Best Care for about 2 years, caring for my 86”
“I am very proud to Belong to Always Best Care Senior Services ❤️ Because”
“Great company. The staff is amazing and helpful. I was a caregiver for my husband”
“My name is Gabriela, I have been with Always Best Care for seven years and”
“I been working with always best care for a year now, let me just say”
“My experience with the clients with them have been great.Plus they have a very flexible”
“Hi, my name is Janett .. Working at Always Best Care has been the best experience”
“I'm a caregiver with Always Best Care. I've work for the agency since early April”
“My name is Haley Maddox and I’ve been with Always Best Care for a few”
“So grateful to be apart of this wonderful community of people, it is such a”
“Have really enjoyed working for Always Best Care !”
“Chelsea from the day she manager has been sweet and wonderful, making sure my schedule”
“This is Gloria Brown and Ive been with always best care for some years. Its”
“Aida Gomez is truly an Angel in disguise She is patient with me & attend to”
“For me it is a honor to be part of this company called ALWAYS BEST”
“Always Best Care has been and continues to be a great working environment. The flexibility”
“I have a great experience, flexible hours, great place to work.”
“This is a great place to work, great environment there is very nice staff a”
“Always best care provides an excellent service as a caregiver. They care about the staff”
“Ophelia Carter is the best thing that ever happened to Bobby Wigley. She has a”
“Hello ???????? there this is Leonardo Martínez I’m one of the formal Care givers associates”
“I am getting the best quality of care”
“Always Best Care Senior Services meets each of their client's needs regardless of the intensity”
“From the start everyone (I've interacted with) has been awesome. You can tell they really”
“Martesha has always been in a good mood and pleasant while providing her services to me. She goes beyond what has been asked to do both physically and mentally. Her attitude is always positive and encouraging me in my recovery. She is an excellent companion and helpful to me. She is morally fit and encouraging I can’t thank you enough. ABC thank you for providing services”
“I have been with Always Best Care for about 2 years, caring for my 86 year old father. Although I am his main caregiver, I still need help. My dad has 2 caregivers assigned to him which allows me to still keep my job. Dawn, his daily caregiver, goes that extra mile. Treating my dad as if it was her father. And Martesha, a newer caregiver for my dad, knew just what to do. And with a little background about my father, she didn't need much prompting ABC is so thoughtful and really shows their employees and client's how much they are appreciated.”
“I am very proud to Belong to Always Best Care Senior Services ❤️ Because is a Company which really care about of their clients and their team workers”
“Great company. The staff is amazing and helpful. I was a caregiver for my husband and they help with training and were always pampering me with gift cards, birthday cards, Raffles. It felt just like a hug in this road”
“My name is Gabriela, I have been with Always Best Care for seven years and I have to say, it's really a great company to work for. The owners and manager are very professional, attentive, kind and flexible. As a caregiver is important that my client's needs are met and that we are a good match, and ABC does this perfectly. It's been a rewarding experience, taking care of my clients and Always Best Care has a huge heart towards people in need of care. Thank you ABC”
“I been working with always best care for a year now, let me just say how wonderful it has been to work for such an amazing company that not only cares for their clients but also their employees. If you are looking for a job as a caregiver I would highly recommend always best care!”
“My experience with the clients with them have been great.Plus they have a very flexible hours.”
“Hi, my name is Janett .. Working at Always Best Care has been the best experience of my life, from the day I went to apply for the job as a caregiver I felt very humbled. Im happy working at ABC and I hope to continue working for many years.. "❤️"”
“I'm a caregiver with Always Best Care. I've work for the agency since early April 2023. My experience has been fun, challenging at times but very rewarding. My clients are very nice. It is a great place to work. Management and administration are very communicative and attentive. They always address any concerns I have whether it is schedule issue, a client issue, or a special request. I love working for ABC. I highly recommend our company for any prospective or experienced caregivers. ????”
“My name is Haley Maddox and I’ve been with Always Best Care for a few months now and I would just like to say I absolutely LOVE and appreciate the company because they are always willing to work with you and your schedule to fit your personal life as well. Not only that but they make sure you know it’s ok to report any and every kind of complications at work and they always encourage you to ask questions and I like that a lot because not many jobs give you that comfortable feeling that YOU matter too. Thank you to ALWAYS BEST CARE for taking great care of not just their clients but their employees as well!❤️”
“So grateful to be apart of this wonderful community of people, it is such a great company! My clients treat me as I am their family and I truly take great pride in being able to care for them.”
“Have really enjoyed working for Always Best Care !”
“Chelsea from the day she manager has been sweet and wonderful, making sure my schedule which is very complicated was met. She is a blessing to me”
“This is Gloria Brown and Ive been with always best care for some years. Its always been a great company to work for, but it even got better when Chelsea became the manager. With my super busy schedule she's alway been able to accommodate me, witch is not easy. It has been a blessing having her in my life. I've never worked for a company that shows appreciation and rewards us often. It feels wonderful to be appreciated. Thank you.”
“Aida Gomez is truly an Angel in disguise She is patient with me & attend to all my needs as a caregiver.. Her appearance & personality is awesome!!????. Am very pleased with Aida. I love her flexibility.”
“For me it is a honor to be part of this company called ALWAYS BEST CARE . From the first moment they always treated me with great respect , always worried about what I need . For me , my clients are part of my family, they are people who needs heard,respected and loved♥️I feel very blessed to be their caregiver ????.. Thank you very much for allowing me to be part of your beautiful company ????”
“Always Best Care has been and continues to be a great working environment. The flexibility in my schedule has made it one of the most beneficial advantages working here. I have had the pleasure to have such great clients that have been very compatible both ways. Overall working at Always Best Care is and continues to be a great, flexible, compatible, understanding environment. Thank you Always Best Care”
“I have a great experience, flexible hours, great place to work.”
“This is a great place to work, great environment there is very nice staff a job you can call home and care about are clients.”
“Always best care provides an excellent service as a caregiver. They care about the staff and the patient needs. The Leadership team are very compassion because they have a good level of communication and it also wants to do the right things.”
“Ophelia Carter is the best thing that ever happened to Bobby Wigley. She has a lot of patience and she is so good for him. She manages to do everything in a timely manner for him. She's amazing. I don't know how much money she makes but she deserves more. Thank you”
“Hello ???????? there this is Leonardo Martínez I’m one of the formal Care givers associates for Always best Care I would like to thanks not only always best care in general for the amazing management but specially to my manager the best and most caring manager I have ever had ever, specially when it comes to work and making things work for everyone, awesome communication stills and training, always showing the best guidance for work,making me learn something new I can apply for work, honestly couldn’t be more great full and satisfied for chelsy Boscarino being by manages. God bless sincerely.”
“I am getting the best quality of care”
“Always Best Care Senior Services meets each of their client's needs regardless of the intensity of the illness. Health and safety are #1 with this agency without question as to the complexity or time frame. They are committed for the duration. Customer service is not a lost cause. The staff will go beyond its means to comply to request.”
“From the start everyone (I've interacted with) has been awesome. You can tell they really care and so do their jobs well. From Chelsea in admin to Steven the phone nurse and especially Martesha Dad's caregiver. They make taking care of my father so much easier than it would be if I were on my own. I appreciate all of you and all you do. Thank you.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Balboa Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Island Prime or visit Old Point Loma Lighthouse, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in San Diego, CA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in San Diego, CA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in San Diego, CA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
California has some of the nation’s top public schools, according to Niche.The ranking and review site recently released its 2026 list of the Best Schools in America, evaluating schools based on academics, diversity, teachers and college preparation.Niche then graded schools on a scale of A+ through D- on these factors.“Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions a family can make,” Luke Skurman, founder and CEO of Niche, said in a news release on Sept. 29. “Our K-12 rankings ...
California has some of the nation’s top public schools, according to Niche.
The ranking and review site recently released its 2026 list of the Best Schools in America, evaluating schools based on academics, diversity, teachers and college preparation.
Niche then graded schools on a scale of A+ through D- on these factors.
“Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions a family can make,” Luke Skurman, founder and CEO of Niche, said in a news release on Sept. 29. “Our K-12 rankings bring together rigorous data and real experiences from students, parents and educators.”
The top public schools in California include elementary, middle and high schools in the Bay Area, San Diego and Los Angeles, according to Niche.
Each school earned an overall Niche grade of A+, reflecting excellence in academics, resources, extracurriculars and more.
“Families can search, filter, and compare schools based on what matters most to them — from academics and extracurriculars to location and community fit,” Niche said in the release.
Here’s a look at which schools made Niche’s 2026 Best Schools in California list:
Here are the top 10 public elementary schools in California for 2026, according to Niche:
1. Montecito Union in Santa Barbara
2. Granada Hills Charter in Granada Hills
3. La Cañada Elementary School in La Cañada Flintridge
4. Mt. Everest Academy in San Diego
5. Palm Crest Elementary School in La Cañada Flintridge
6. Rancho Learning Center in Arcadia
8. Renaissance Arts Academy in Los Angeles
9. Ross Elementary School in Ross
Here are the top 10 public middle schools in California for 2026, Niche said:
1. Girls Academic Leadership Academy: Dr. Michelle King School for STEM in Los Angeles
3. Riverside STEM Academy in Riverside
4. Granada Hills Charter in Granada Hills
5. Mt. Everest Academy in San Diego
6. The Preuss School UC San Diego in La Jolla
7. Rancho Learning Center in Arcadia
8. Fletcher Middle School in Palo Alto
10. Ross Elementary School in Ross
Here are the top 10 public high schools in California in 2026, according to Niche:
2. Girls Academic Leadership Academy: Dr. Michelle King School for STEM in Los Angeles
3. California School of the Arts - San Gabriel Valley in Duarte
4. Orange County School of the Arts in Santa Ana
5. Troy High School in Fullerton
6. Canyon Crest Academy in San Diego
7. Lowell High School in San Francisco
8. Academy of the Canyons in Santa Clarita
9. Henry M. Gunn High School in Palo Alto
Niche based its rankings on the most recent data available from public sources, including the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Census Bureau combined with millions of reviews from students, parents and residents.
“Key factors include academics, teachers, resources, facilities, extracurriculars, and more,” Niche said.
How to California — a guide to help you live, work and enjoy life in the Golden State, is here to help.
We’ll answer your questions — big and small — about state laws, history, culture, recreation and travel.
Ask your questions in the form below (can’t see it? Click here) or email [email protected].
The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom. Read more on our AI policy here.Updated: 8:28 a.m. Oct. 14First discovered: 1 week ago, 3:20 p.m. Oct. 7Initial location: West of Doville Ranch Road and Lynda Lane, De Luz, San Diego County, Calif.Fire unit: Cal Fire San Diego UnitFire type: WildfireFire name: Sandia FireSandia Fire initially started 3:20 p.m. Oct....
The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom. Read more on our AI policy here.
Updated: 8:28 a.m. Oct. 14
First discovered: 1 week ago, 3:20 p.m. Oct. 7
Initial location: West of Doville Ranch Road and Lynda Lane, De Luz, San Diego County, Calif.
Fire unit: Cal Fire San Diego Unit
Fire type: Wildfire
Fire name: Sandia Fire
Sandia Fire initially started 3:20 p.m. Oct. 7 in San Diego County, California.
Since its discovery a week ago, it has burned 24 acres. By Tuesday morning, the blaze has been fully contained. The fire's cause remains under investigation.
Fire containment
What does 100% containment mean?
Note that full containment doesn't mean the fire is completely out. In this case, it means that the whole perimeter of the wildfire has been surrounded by a control line and it is now stopped from spreading. A fully contained wildfire may continue to burn within the containment perimeter but is not likely to spread.
However, there's a significant difference between containing and controlling a wildfire. After the fire is fully contained, the next step is to control it. Controlling a fire means ensuring that the fire can't spread or cross the containment line.
Containment is part of a larger plan for managing a wildfire. It is normally expressed as a percentage and it refers to how much of the fire perimeter has been surrounded/enclosed by a control line that firefighters create. The containment percentage indicates a certain level of control, but it doesn't always correlate to safety level. Also, it's important to note that containment doesn't mean a fire is out.
How is containment measured?
The incident's central command constantly receives progress reports from firefighters on the ground. As the fireline is constructed, inspected or reinforced, mappers record those details to adjust the containment percentage. The percentage tells the public how much of the fire perimeter is believed to not go beyond the control lines.
Source: Cal Fire
A.J. Preller is expected to receive an extension offer this offseason, according to sources within the Padres organization.The Padres’ president of baseball operations, however, does not believe his contract status should have any bearing on a manager search that’s already begun.In fact, interested parties began reaching out to Preller shortly after manager Mike Shildt announced Monday that he was walking away from the job with two years remaining on his contract.“I think it’s a really attractive ...
A.J. Preller is expected to receive an extension offer this offseason, according to sources within the Padres organization.
The Padres’ president of baseball operations, however, does not believe his contract status should have any bearing on a manager search that’s already begun.
In fact, interested parties began reaching out to Preller shortly after manager Mike Shildt announced Monday that he was walking away from the job with two years remaining on his contract.
“I think it’s a really attractive job,” Preller said in a 45-minute video conference on Tuesday. “ … Everybody talks about the atmosphere that has been created by the fans of San Diego. You get 3 1/2 million fans coming to the ballpark, year in, year out. It’s a great organization. We produce players. We put talented rosters on the field. We go to the playoffs. I think it’s the challenge of winning a World Series in a city that hasn’t done it before. We have some phenomenal players and staff.
“I can only tell you in the last few hours, you get a lot of people reaching out.”
Preller is under contract through the end of the 2026 season. He deflected specific questions about his future in San Diego, calling it a conversation “between me and ownership.”
“I love San Diego,” said Preller, who has been with the Padres since August 2014. “I enjoy the people here, feel responsible for the people that are here and really enjoy the relationships. I’m looking forward to this offseason, honestly, and the future.”
For the time being, that future includes hiring a fifth manager since Preller fired Bud Black near the midpoint of the 2015 season. His first two managerial hires, Andy Green and Jayce Tingler, were rookie managers. His last two, Bob Melvin and Shildt, were former Manager of the Year winners who decided to leave the Padres’ playoff-caliber teams with time left on their deals.
The relationship between Preller and his manager became strained to the point that Melvin left to manage his hometown Giants after the 2023 season.
On Tuesday, Preller downplayed the idea that a strained relationship had anything to do with Shildt’s exit or the idea that it’s difficult to be a manager in San Diego. In fact, Preller and Shildt were planning to get lunch in the afternoon.
“You look up and down our team, our organization, our roster, our players, we’ve got a lot of people that have been here for a long time,” Preller said. “It’s a great place to work. It’s a fun place to work. Again, it’s always demanding. That’s just the nature of high-performance sports and Major League Baseball. And again, I think we set a high bar. That’s a good thing, but it’s a collaborative environment. It’s a fun environment, and that’s why I think a lot of people have been here for a long time.
“You hear from the players all the time: This is a crown jewel. This is a destination for players.”
Will Preller’s next hire be a first-timer, or will he have a certain level of experience to match Melvin or Shildt? The Padres have no shortage of in-house options, whether it’s pitching coach Ruben Niebla, bench coach Brian Esposito or special assistants A.J. Ellis, Mark Loretta or Scott Servais. Former big-league skippers Rocco Baldelli, David Ross or Brandon Hyde would bring managerial experience to the job.
Preller said his wish list is a blank slate as he, assistant general manager Josh Stein, chief executive officer Erik Greupner and club chairman John Seidler wade into the hiring process.
“I think for us, it’s just going to be best fit, best person … who fits our group and our team,” Preller said. “We’re going to be very thorough in what we do and talk to a lot of people that come from different backgrounds and experience levels, and hopefully get somebody that’s here for a long time and leads us to a championship.”
Staff writer Kevin Acee contributed to this report.
They were on the street Tuesday morning, packed onto the sidewalk in front of Kaiser San Diego Medical Center in Kearny Mesa, reveling in the first few hours of a five-day strike.It was a scene that unfolded in front of Kaiser hospitals across the state, and also in Hawaii and Oregon, as health care workers put pressure on their employer to improve its contract offer, forcing the health care system to hire replacement workers and disrupt the schedules of members.Though Kaiser has not said how many non-emergency appointments it ...
They were on the street Tuesday morning, packed onto the sidewalk in front of Kaiser San Diego Medical Center in Kearny Mesa, reveling in the first few hours of a five-day strike.
It was a scene that unfolded in front of Kaiser hospitals across the state, and also in Hawaii and Oregon, as health care workers put pressure on their employer to improve its contract offer, forcing the health care system to hire replacement workers and disrupt the schedules of members.
Though Kaiser has not said how many non-emergency appointments it has had to reschedule this week, the organization did reach out to its members Monday evening, notifying more than 600,000 members in San Diego County — 9.5 million across California — that it “may need to reschedule some nonurgent appointments, surgeries and procedures” during the strike.
Hospitals and especially emergency departments remain open despite an estimated 31,000 nurses and other types of caregivers walking off their jobs and picking up picket signs. The messages on those signs focused on patient care and safety, eliciting honks from passing vehicles Tuesday morning, though Kaiser has worked to make it clear to the public that wages are also part of the reason why the strike happened.
Kaiser says it has offered striking workers pay increases of 21.5% over the next four years, indicating that union members are demanding 25%.
Workers on the picket line in front of San Diego Medical Center on Tuesday morning were emphatic that the decision to walk a picket line rather than the halls of their hospital was about far more than money.
Registered emergency department nurse Sal Silva said that he and his colleagues are fed up with staffing levels that bleed into home life.
“It’s easy to focus on economics and use that as the story that sells well, but the reality on the ground is that I have to work 16-hour shifts like three or four days a week,” Silva said. “I have a wife and kids. I don’t want to be here that many hours.
“That over time, over the long term, you know, it hurts your family, it hurts everybody, honestly.”
Sandy Early, a registered nurse in the intensive care unit at San Diego Medical Center, said she recently sustained a neck injury at work that put her on temporary workers’ compensation. She attributes the injury to a lack of adequate staffing, especially to the workers who back up bedside nurses.
“People are getting hurt because there’s not enough bodies in there,” Early said. “This is not just about money. I’m a patient and a Kaiser member, too.
“I wait in line. I have delays. It takes me months to get in to see a physician because of short staffing and inability to get people in.”
Kaiser workers will not be the only ones demonstrating this week. Sharp HealthCare workers represented by the same coalition of unions will picket from Wednesday through Friday. The demonstration, however, is not a strike. Workers will demonstrate on their own time, but will not walk off their jobs, meaning that patient appointments should not be affected.
A locally authored bill would have banned the sale of certain exfoliants in personal care products and glitter. SAN DIEGO, CA — Gov. Gavin Newsom has vetoed a bill from a San Diego assemblymember that aimed to ban glitter and other microplastics in personal care products to reduce pollution.Authored by Tasha Boerner (D-Encinitas), AB 823 aimed to expand a law passed in 2015 that targets plastic microbeads in personal care products that are rinsed off. The law would have also banned the sale of non-rinse-off products, ce...
SAN DIEGO, CA — Gov. Gavin Newsom has vetoed a bill from a San Diego assemblymember that aimed to ban glitter and other microplastics in personal care products to reduce pollution.
Authored by Tasha Boerner (D-Encinitas), AB 823 aimed to expand a law passed in 2015 that targets plastic microbeads in personal care products that are rinsed off. The law would have also banned the sale of non-rinse-off products, certain cleaning products and personal care products containing plastic glitter.
Microbeads are tiny plastic particles used in personal care products like exfoliants or toothpaste. Boener says these tiny pieces of plastic don’t break down easily and can end up in drinking water supplies, food sources and human tissue.
“What we’ve seen is in the last couple of years increasing research that has shown how dangerous plastic microbeads and plastic glitter are for our human bodies and for our planet,” Boerner said previously.
Leah Kirpalani, owner of a beauty and wellness boutique with locations in North Park and Del Mar, had expressed support for the eco-friendly bill, insisting that there are alternatives for exfoliants like sugar, pumice, mineral salts, oats and volcanic clay.
“These are all natural ingredients that can reach the same effects, if not better, results because they have less of a chance to create micro tears in people's skin, which is a really great benefit of some of these more natural ingredients if done right,” Kirpalani said.
However, the governor didn't appear support the ousting of particles like glitter from products through the method Boerner had pitched.
Newsom wrote in his veto message that the approach may "incidentally result in a prohibition on biodegradable or natural alternatives."
High school football season is back, and small towns are buzzing under the Friday night lights. This year, T-Mobile is raising the stakes with Friday Night 5G Lights — putting more than $4 million in prizes on the line for schools across America.
“We heard inspiring stories from schools all across the country since kicking off the competition over two months ago, and the passion is just incredible,” said Jon Freier, President, T-Mobile Consumer Group. “It’s clear these schools are on a major mission not only to chase the big win but to also build pride in their communities.”
That sense of community is something three-time Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes knows well. “I know firsthand how much high school football means to families and entire communities,” Mahomes said. “I grew up in a small Texas town, so seeing how hard these high schools have hustled really resonates with me. These finalists represent everything that makes the game special, and I’m proud to be part of spotlighting their stories.”
Four-time Super Bowl champ Rob “Gronk” Gronkowski agreed: “Friday nights in small-town America are pure magic with the energy, the pride and the tradition that make it so electric. I already know these Top 25 are going to take the competition to another level, and I can’t wait to see how they rally their communities and people across the country on their mission for the million-dollar grand prize.”
Each of the 25 finalists has already scored $25,000 and a T-Mobile–hosted home game celebration, but only one will walk away with the ultimate prize: a $1 million football field upgrade, a renovated weight room from Gronk Fitness, a consultation with stadium experience experts, an all-expenses-paid trip to the SEC Championship Game for 16 school representatives and a 2026 tailgate party to reveal the finalized upgrades.
Voting is open from Sept. 25 through Oct. 24 at, and the winner will be announced Oct. 30. Fans can vote once per day, and schools can rack up extra points by completing weekly Spirit Week challenges.
Now, meet this year’s 25 finalists — each with a story of pride, resilience and community spirit:
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