SLO County neighborhood sings its respect for health care workers from the rooftops

Neighbors on Cambria’s Kerry Street are serenaded each Friday night from a rooftop. They also ring bells at 8 p.m.

These rituals reflect neighbors’ deep appreciation for the courage of health care workers and first responders — professionals caring for coronavirus pandemic victims on the front lines.

The ringing of bells at 8 p.m. on Friday nights was Helen Pitton’s idea. Steve Kniffen and Mike Shanley came up with having a mini-concert from Kniffen’s roof.

On May 1, about 20 people observed social distancing on the street below as Koa Crampton sang the Beatles’ hopeful tune “Here Comes the Sun,” accompanied by an electric piano.

Gary Stephenson, assistant baseball coach at Coast Union High School, arranged the sound system. Kniffen is head softball coach.

The health care worker who was honored during the May 1 rooftop concert was Lorna Breen, a New York City emergency room doctor who contracted COVID-19 while treating patients. Then, after recovering from the virus, she “took her own life,” Kniffen said.

“We mourn for her family and celebrate her contribution to the battle against the virus,” Kniffen added. “Dying on the outside is normal, but dying on the inside while still breathing is a new cost of this pandemic.”