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THE COUNTRY FRIENDS: PHOTO COURTESY OF HEBBLE PRODUCTIONS 7 0 It's hard to imagine that in the wholesome 1950s, when San Diego's total population hovered just around 500,000 people, litter was already a big enough issue that residents declared it an all-out war, establishing a citizens' committee to tackle the issue. "e War Against Litter" was the genesis of I Love a Clean San Diego, which, over seven decades, has grown to become so much more than a community trash pickup organizer, though that's still an essential part of its many functions. ose countywide cleanups rally roughly 5,000 people at more than 100 sites twice a year, amassing a staggering 50,000 to 100,000 pounds of trash plucked from the community. However, as the organization strives to push us closer to zero-waste living, it's the educational component — for adults, children, and businesses — that is paramount, helping to make deep connections between our actions and their impact on the environment and our future in order to move toward that goal. In a video honoring ILACSD's 70th anniversary, executive director Steve Morris shared his optimism for that ultimate outcome, saying, "I am hopeful that we become unnecessary at some point, that litter and waste and debris become a non-issue in the next 50 years." DEANNA MURPHY e Country Friends also marks its 70th anniversary this year — seven decades of raising funds and awareness for San Diego County-based nonprofits with an emphasis on women, children, the elderly, military families, and persons with disabilities. Since its founding, the organization has raised $15 million through fundraisers that include an outdoor runway show and luncheon held each fall for the past 69 years at e Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. Now known as the Art of Fashion, this year's show marked the organization's 20-year-partnership with South Coast Plaza, the Costa Mesa shopping destination. e nonprofit also raises funds through its Consignment Shop on El Tordo in Rancho Santa Fe, an emporium filled with high-end, gently used items, and sponsors a holiday tea, spring luncheon, pickleball tournament, lectures, and other events throughout the year. ANDREA NAVERSEN On August 19, 1954, Rady Children's officially opened and admitted its first 12 patients. In the 70 years since, the hospital has grown from a single 59-bed facility into a world-class healthcare network that attracts patients from around the globe for its innovation and research. e hospital has expanded its presence in Southern California, opening satellite locations throughout San Diego and Riverside counties. Rady Children's also partners with other local healthcare systems to bring its nationally recognized neonatology care to hospitals across San Diego County. Looking ahead, Rady Children's is reimagining its entire campus, starting with the construction of a new hospital tower that will double the size of the emergency department and house 140 pediatric, neonatal, and cardiothoracic intensive care unit beds. e seven-story, 500,000-square-foot Intensive Care Unit and Emergency Services Pavilion is set to open in 2027. MIA PARK 6 5 Formed in 1959, Rancho Santa Fe Rotary Club's mission is to serve various San Diego area causes including ending hunger and human trafficking, and helping the less fortunate, our brave soldiers present and past, and many others needing a hand. In partnership with the Rancho Santa Fe Rotary Foundation, the club is celebrating its 65th anniversary this year and continues to step up for those in need with a commitment to making a difference through "Service Above Self." MIA PARK ranchandcoast.com 64 NOVEMBER 2024 RANCH & COAST MAGAZINE I Love a Clean San Diego The Country Friends 2024 Board of Directiors