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"I learned an incredible amount researching this project," Garcia reflects. "Most importantly, I think, is just how many San Diego families are facing challenges in getting the care they deserve. And also, how important it is for us to fight the stigma of mental health issues so that people seek and get the treatment they need. I believe there needs to be a fundamental shift in how we look at mental health care… so that it is no different than any other kind of health care. Making sure our brains are healthy should be no different than making sure we have a healthy heart or getting treatment for a broken bone." Recently, the station aired a follow-up report to highlight progress that has been made. "County leaders are, fortunately, taking this issue very seriously and making some real investments to address it," Garcia says. "But they admit there's still a lot of work to be done. At least we're headed in a better direction!" She is now working on an extensive project about the dangers of fentanyl. Nearby is the study where Garcia anchored nightly newscasts during the height of the pandemic. "Never in a million years would I have guessed that I would be anchoring on an iPhone from my own home!" she exclaims. "But that experience proved that it's technically possible and even had some perks." Garcia got to see her family more, and even did laundry between newscasts. Jackson, who at times was playing video games in the next room, had to "keep it down" during broadcasts. e bookcase in the study holds Garcia's beloved volumes — she is an avid reader — and displays numerous reporting awards. She is especially proud of the two Emmys, a Golden Mike, and "Best in Show" honors from the San Diego Press Club that she and her team won for "Breakdown: Investigating San Diego County's Mental Health Care Crisis," a year-long project that revealed a system "in need of an overhaul." TOP ROW FROM LEFT Folkloric statues purchased in Old Town top a wood sideboard. The master bath, one of Garcia's favorite places, was designed with the help of Susan Wintersteen of Savvy Interiors. The table and chairs in the formal dining room, crowned by a wrought iron chandelier, are from Restoration Hardware BOTTOM ROW FROM LEFT The staircase, once carpeted and with floral wallpaper, was redesigned with wrought iron railings and Mexican tile. The kitchen was updated with new custom cabinetry by Zoltan Custom Woodwork, and an island and counters topped with quartzite. Lighting is by Steve Handelman Studios. The dining room and kitchen offer sweeping views of the North County coastline. The study was the setting for Garcia's NBC 7 nightly newscasts during the pandemic. Bookcases hold Emmys and other reporting awards ranchandcoast.com @ranchandcoast RANCH & COAST MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2022 77 >>