GB Magazine San Diego November 2024 Edition!

DARLENE 

MARCOS 

SHILEY 

Celebrates the 

University of San Diego’s 

75th Anniversary See Page 18 

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CONTENTS 

6 What We Love 

November 

8 Perfil 

Kimberly Herrell 

10 Golf 

Swing For The Stars 

14 Fundraiser 

Fortune Favors The Bold 

18 Cover Story 

USD Founders Gala : 

Lighting The Way Forward 

22 Community 

Teeing Off For Students 

26 Community 

Strenghtening Families 

With PLF 

28 Community 

Environmental Champions 

30 Fundraiser 

The Garden Party 

34 Philanthropy 

The Art Of Fashion 

SAN DIEGO RIVER 

HURTIGRUTEN EXPEDITIONS 

40 Hope 

Lifeline Of Joy 

42 Finance 

Wheelhouse Credit 

Union 

44 STEM 

San Diego Squared 

48 Health 

TrueCare 

50 Empowerment 

Mark Klaus 

52 Fashion Show 

Haute With Heart 

56 Education 

UC San Diego 

Scholarship Match 

60 Education 

Ignite Their Spark 

62 Leadership 

The Appleby Family 

64 About San Diego 

A Little Gift To His 

Community 

66 Benefit 

Casino Night 

70 Empowerment 

Boys To Men 

Mentoring 

72 Music 

The River At Sycuan 

74 Environment 

Taking Action For 

Our River 

76 Compassion 

St. Madeleine 

Sophie’s Center 

78 Community 

Dance For Diabetes 

82 Leadership 

Recognizing Father 

Joe’s Volunteers 

84 Community 

Celebrando Raices 

86 Heroes 

Support Workshops 

For Warriors 

88 Golf 

Charity Golf Tournament 

90 Food Rescue 

Feeding Our Heroes 

92 Exhibition 

Blue Gold 

94 Housing 

Legal Aid Society Of San 

Diego 

96 Exhibition 

The Myth Of Superheores 

97 Escapadita 

HX Hurtigruten 

Expeditions 

ON THE COVER: DARLENE MARCOS SHILEY 

LOCATION: UNIVERSITY OF SAN DIEGO 

4 GBSAN.COM | NOVEMBER 2024 /GIVINGBACKMAGAZINE @GBMAG 

@GIVINGBACKMAGAZINE 

Co-Publishers 

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF 

ESTEBAN VILLANUEVA 

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CREATIVE DIRECTOR 

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CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS 

ROSARIO HEER 

DIANNA IPPOLITO 

SANDY SPEAR, IN MEMORIAM 

JOSÉ LUIS VENEGAS 

EDITORIAL DESIGN 

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PHOTO EDITORS 

ROSARIO HEER 

JOSE MARTINEZ 

WEB DESIGN 

JOSE MARTINEZ 

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS 

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PAPA DOUG MANCHESTER 

NICHOLE NAOUM 

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AN EVENT FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY AND YOUR FURRY FRIENDS!

WWL 

What We Love: November 

Hall of Fame 

Join the San Diego Air & Space 

Museum on November 9 in a 

spectacular evening of recognition 

for achievements in aviation and 

space. Since 1963, the International 

Air & Space Hall of Fame has 

honored the world’s most 

significant pilots, crew members, 

visionaries, inventors, aerospace 

engineers, business leaders, 

preservationists, designers and 

space explorers. A can’t-miss event 

representing the human pioneering 

spirit and pursuit of mankind’s final frontiers. 

www.sandiegoairandspace.org 

Holiday Village 

Father Joe’s 

Villages is honored 

to partner with 

Hilton San Diego 

Bayfront to host 

the 1st Annual 

Holiday Village at 

the Bayfront: A 

Cause to Celebrate. 

This special event 

will provide an 

opportunity 

for businesses, 

organizations, 

and individuals to join Father Joe’s 

Village’s mission to prevent and end 

homelessness one life at a time, 

through sponsoring a beautifully 

decorated tree for display and auction. 

my.neighbor.org 

Lightscape 

Season of Sharing 

Set to return to San Diego Botanic 

Garden for its third year from 

November 15 through January 5. 

Spanning one mile, the enchanting, 

illuminated trail has been 

reinvigorated to feature spectacular 

sights with brand-new eye-catching 

artistic installations 

from international 

artists. This one-ofa-kind, 

immersive 

experience will guide 

visitors through a 

festive world of 

colorful wonder, 

allowing them to 

see the Garden in a 

whole new light. 

www.sdbg.org 

This holiday season, you can be part of 

something truly special. By joining the Season 

of Sharing campaign, you will help San Diego 

Regional Center families receive the resources 

they need to experience 

the joy and warmth the 

holidays should bring. Join 

the heartfelt initiative on 

November 17th at Stone 

Brewing Gardens and 

together create lasting 

change and bring hope to 

those who need it most. 

www.foundationfordd.org 

6 GBSAN.COM | NOVEMBER 2024

Fight Hunger 

This Season 

Volunteer 

We offer 2- or 3- 

hour volunteer 

shifts Monday 

through Saturday. 

sandiegofoodbank.org/ 

volunteer 

Donate 

Online 

Contribute online. 

Every $1 donated 

provides 2 meals for a 

neighbor in need. 

sandiegofoodbank.org/ 

holiday 

Donate in 

Person 

Bring nonperishable 

food items to a Vons 

Albertsons Pavilions 

near you. 

We can Fight Hunger and Feed Hope... 

Together 

Learn about more ways to support the 

San Diego Food Bank. 

sandiegofoodbank.org 

NOVEMBER 2024 | GBSAN.COM 7

Perfil 

Kimberly Herrell 

LEADING SCHUBACH AVIATION WITH 

VISION, INTEGRITY, AND HEART 

BY: NICHOLE NAOUM 

8 GBSAN.COM | NOVEMBER 2024 

Kimberly Herrell

Schubach Aviation has 

been a cornerstone of 

Southern California’s 

private aviation 

scene for over 30 

years. Known for 

its impeccable fleet 

and top-tier service, Schubach 

operates out of Palomar Airport 

and Lindbergh Field, offering both 

aircraft management and ondemand 

charter services 

with global reach. 

Now, under the leadership 

of Kimberly Herrell, 

Schubach Aviation is 

entering a new chapter. 

With over 22 years of 

experience in the aviation 

industry, Kimberly’s 

journey to becoming CEO 

and co-owner was driven by 

her love for adventure and 

her passion for aviation. 

“A private plane can take you almost anywhere in the 

world,” Kimberly shared with GB Magazine. “That 

really excited me and still does to this day. I love 

aviation because every day the stakes are high and we 

are challenged in new ways.” Starting in charter sales, 

she worked her way up, eventually becoming president 

before realizing she wanted to own the company to 

continue shaping its future. 

As a female leader in a traditionally male-dominated 

industry, Kimberly has faced her share of challenges, but 

she has leaned into her differences as a strength. “Rather 

than try to emulate other male leaders, I leaned into my 

female essence and used being different as an advantage,” 

she says. Her leadership style, characterized by empathy 

and intuition, sets her apart. While she is highly 

competitive and driven to succeed, Kimberly credits 

much of her success to the mentors and male leaders who 

supported her early on. “I do not have a big ego, and I 

think that has given me an advantage when navigating 

difficult situations,” she adds. 

Beyond the business of aviation, giving back to 

the community has always been a core value for 

Schubach Aviation. Kimberly continues the tradition of 

philanthropy through 

the company’s “Miles 

That Matter” initiative, 

which supports a 

variety of nonprofits 

each year. “Henry 

Schubach really 

instilled this into our 

team, and I am honored 

to carry it forward,” 

Kimberly explains. 

The initiative also encourages employees to get involved, 

fostering a sense of connection and purpose across the 

entire company. 

For young women entering the aviation industry or 

any male-dominated field, Kimberly’s message is clear: 

“Embrace being a female and the amazing attributes 

that brings to the business world, like empathy and 

intuition. Do not think you have to match male energy 

to be successful, in my opinion it is the opposite. Do 

not be afraid to voice your opinions and ideas and take 

up space.” 

Looking ahead, Kimberly is optimistic about the future 

of both Schubach Aviation and the aviation industry as a 

whole. She sees exciting changes on the horizon. “Aviation 

has come a long way in terms of gender diversity and is 

continuing to evolve,” she says. “My own team has several 

strong, smart, and talented females that are going to push 

our industry even further.” Under Kimberly’s leadership, 

Schubach Aviation is poised to soar to new heights, 

while always staying true to its core values of integrity, 

excellence, and community. 

www.schubachaviation.com 


Golf 

Swing for 

the Stars 

San Diego Air and Space 

Museum celebrated 60 years 

of “Preserving, Inspiring, 

Educating and Celebrating” 

all the wonders of air and 

space, at the 40th Annual Charity 

Golf Tournament. Proceeds support 

the improvement plan for the 

Museum’s 4D Theater. Coinciding with 

improvements to the theater is the 

premier of “Soaring Over San Diego,” 

a new feature video that brings an 

exciting aerial perspective to the 

iconic sites and historic venues in our 

beloved San Diego community. 

Alan Baca and 

Declan Baca 

Jim Petranoff, Rodger 

Dougherty, Jamie Monroe 

Harry Kominski 

and Tom Stackpole 

Jim Kidrick and 

Steven Hamerslag 

Mark Wernig 

and Dale Yahnke 

Denny Scharer, Mike 

Rookus and Matt Rookus 

Steve Aldrian, Jason Grove, 

Larry Gregg and Murray Todd 


Jerry Portnoy 

and Ken Oswald

VETERANS DAY 

CEREMONY 

REMEMBERING THE “FORGOTTEN WAR” 

Honoring Veterans of the Korean War 

Join us as we pay homage to our nation’s Korean War Veterans, their families, and those who still 

remain missing in action. This conflict served as the inspiration that created this hallowed Memorial. 

SATURDAY • NOV 9 • 2024 • 11AM - 12PM 

No Cost Event • Open to the Public 

Free Parking and Shuttle Services from 

the Mt Soledad Presbyterian Church 

and French American School 

AT THE MT. SOLEDAD NATIONAL VETERANS MEMORIAL 

6905 La Jolla Scenic Drive South, La Jolla, CA 92037 

In 1952, during the Korean War, the Mt. Soledad Memorial Association was founded with an initial charter of 

“Preserving the Mt. Soledad Memorial and Natural Park as a War Memorial honoring Veterans of the Korean 

War and WWII”. Today, beneath the 29-foot tall cross which was dedicated in 1954, nearly 6,600 black granite 

plaques commemorate those who have proudly served our nation and helped preserve our freedoms. 

70 years later, we remain committed to our mission. 

70 years later, we remain 100% privately supported. 

https://soledadmemorial.org/donate/ 

(858) 384-2405 • www.soledadmemorial.org 

For more information, visit soledadmemorial.org/event/veterans-day-event/ or to support this event, contact neiloconnell@soledadmemorial.org 

The Mt. Soledad Memorial Association is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. (EIN 95-2373533) 


Golf 

San Diego Air and Space 

Msuem festeja los 60 

años de “Preserving, 

Inspiring, Educating 

and Celebrating” todas 

las maravillas del aire y del 

espacio durante la 40° edición 

de su Torneo anual de golf de 

caridad. Lo recaudado por el 

torneo se destinará a apoyar 

el plan de mejoras para el cine 

4D del Museo. En coincidencia 

con las mejoras del teatro, 

se realiza el preestreno de 

“Soaring Over San Diego”, 

un nuevo video que muestra 

los sitios históricos e icónicos 

de nuestro querido San 

Diego desde una increíble 

perspectiva aérea. 

Dawn Ferreira and 

Edward Hughes 

Ty Summerlin, Vernon Everly, 

Jennifer Cook and Jeff Ackley 

Norm Walker, Fred Galloway, 

Chuck Niskey and David Neville 

Ed Howland and 

Gene Malone 

Lance and 

Isabelle Lareau 

Ted Scholl, Gil Rud 

and Craig Dever 

Tyson McDowell 

and Malak Radwan 


Jay Rains and 

Larry Nishnick 

Tim Shields 

and Bob Parker

Ensuring a vibrant Jewish future 

Connecting with Israel & global Jewish peoplehood 

Caring for Jews in need 

Building a resilient & secure Jewish community 

This is Federation. 

For nearly 90 years, Jewish Federation has worked to ensure there will be 

a vibrant, caring, connected, and enduring Jewish community in San Diego, Israel, 

and around the world for generations to come. Your support is not just 

a donation; it is an investment in a thriving Jewish future. 

To learn more or make a gift, visit 

jewishinsandiego.org. 


Fundraiser 

Fortune 

Favors 

the Bold 

Girl Scouts San Diego 

recently hosted their Urban 

Campout: Fortune Favors 

the Bold fundraising event 

which was all 

about honoring the Girl 

Scout way of taking chances, 

trying new things, and 

making our own luck. Guests 

explored the campus, 

enjoyed camp favorites 

like archery and s’mores 

all while supporting the 

mission of empowering girls 

to seek new adventures and 

tackle challenges, building 

within them the skills to 

become leaders who make 

the world a better place. 

Girl Scouts San Diego 

Board of Directors 

Michelle Rodriguez 

and Amy Bergen 

Maggie Watkins 

and JoDee Jacob 

Sara and 

Anthony Napoli 

Jeannie Marquie 

and Nancy Pratt 

Amanda Montgomery 

and Emily Cole 

Tony and 

Liza Crisafi 

Emily and 

David Rex 



Fundraiser 

Recientemente Girl Scouts San 

Diego llevó adelante su Urban 

Campout: Fortune Favors the 

Bold (La fortuna les sonríe a los 

atrevidos), un evento que rinde 

homenaje a las Girl Scouts que eligen los 

desafíos, probar nuevas experiencias y ser 

dueñas de su propia suerte. Los invitados 

recorrieron el campus, disfrutaron de los 

favoritos del campamento como arquería 

y muchos más mientras apoyaban la 

misión de empoderamiento de las niñas 

que buscan nuevas aventuras y desafíos, 

construyendo con ellas las herramientas 

necesarias para convertirse en los 

líderes del mañana que convertirán el 

mundo en un mejor lugar. 

The team from 

Mission Fed 

Rob and Natasha Bowman 

with Karmin Noar 

Karla and 

Tonya Torosian 

Matt and 

Janice Kurth 

Coreen and 

Kevin Petti 

Louarn Sorkin and 

Lorie McGrath 

Emily Rex, Perette Godwin, 

Carol Dietrich and Patti Roscoe 

Julie and 

Manuel Medina 


Esther Nahama and 

Cindy Goodman


Cover Story 

USD’s Founders Gala Celebrates 75 Years 


As it 

continues its yearlong 75th 

anniversary celebration with 

this month’s Founders Gala, the 

University of San Diego will 

“Shine Bright on the Diamond” 

at Petco Park. 

The honorary chair of the 

Founders Gala is Darlene 

Marcos Shiley, who is featured 

on the cover. 

Shiley, Chair Emerita of 

USD’s Board of Trustees, is 

also the benefactress behind 

academic scholarships, as well 

as USD’s Shiley Theatre and 

Donald P. Shiley Center for 

Science and Technology. The 

Old Globe University of San 

Diego Shiley Graduate Theatre 

Program ranks in the top 5 

nationally, and the Shiley- 

Marcos School of Engineering 

ranks #12 among the country’s 

undergraduate engineering 

programs. 

The Founders Gala, USD’s 

signature fundraiser for student 

scholarships, is presented 

by U.S. Bank with additional 

support from Qualcomm 

and the San Diego Padres. 

Representatives from each 

gathered on the pitcher’s 

mound at Petco Park to mark 

this momentous occasion. 

Pictured (opposite page) from left to right is Erik Greupner, Chief Executive 

Officer of the San Diego Padres and 2004 graduate of USD’s School of 

Law; Kimberly Koro, Sr. VP and General Manager of Qualcomm and 

1986 graduate of USD’s School of Law; Coreen Petti, USD’s Associate Vice 

President for University Events and Partnerships and Founders Gala Event 

Chair; and Manuel Rodriguez, San Diego Market President of U.S. Bank. 

The Founders Gala was created by Petti in 2009 in celebration of USD’s 

60th anniversary. The six galas held since then have netted more than $6 

million for student scholarships. 

This year’s gala co-emcees are Andrew Biros of USD and Veronica 

Guzmán of Entravision. Biros is the senior director of the Center for Social 

Innovation and Entrepreneurship, which presents many of USD’s social 

impact programs, including the Fowler Global Social Innovation Challenge 

and Fowler Business Concept Challenge. Guzmán is an anchor for Noticias 

Univision in San Diego. The longtime partnership between Entravision 

and USD celebrates the university’s commitment to being a Hispanic 

Serving Institution. 

This year’s Founders Gala will build on successes of the past and position 

USD to continue fostering peace, working for justice, leading with love and 

Lighting the Way Forward. 


PROGRAM 

Continuando con el festejo anual 

de sus 75 años, este mes, la 

Universidad de San Diego llevará 

adelante su Founders Gala 

“Shine Bright on the Diamond” 

en el Petco Park. 

La anfitriona honoraria de 

The Founders Gala es Darlene 

Marcos Shiley. (foto de portada). 

Shiley es presidente emérita de la comisión directiva de 

USD, benefactora de becas académicas y del USD Shiley 

Theatre y Donald P. Shiley Center Para las Ciencias y 

Tecnología. El programa de teatro para graduados Old 

Globe University de San Diego Shiley, se encuentra 

entre los 5 más importantes a nivel nacional y el Shiley- 

Marcos School of Engineering en el puesto 12° entre los 

programas de ingeniería del país para no graduados. 

The Founders Gala es el evento más emblemático 

de USD destinado a recaudar fondos para becas y es 

presentado por el U.S. Bank con apoyo adicional de 

Qualcomm y de los San Diego Padres. Representantes 

de cada institución se reunieron sobre el montículo del 

lanzador del Petco Park para conmemorar este histórico 

momento. 

En la foto de izquierda a derecha se encuentran 

Erik Greupner, gerente ejecutivo de los San Diego 

Padres y graduado de la camada 2004 de la facultad 

de Leyes de USD; Kimberly Koro, Sr. vicepresidente 

y gerente general de Qualcomm y graduado de la 

facultad de Leyes de USD camada 1986; Coreen Petti, 

vicepresidente asociada de Eventos universitarios y 

asociaciones de USD y anfitriona de la Gala y Manuel 


USD 4.0 

Rodriguez, presidente del San Diego 

Market de U.S. Bank. 

The Founders Gala fue creada en el 

2009 para celebrar el 60° aniversario 

de USD y desde ese momento 

ya llevan celebrados 6 eventos 

recaudando más de $6 millones en 

becas estudiantiles. 

Los maestros de ceremonia de 

la gala de este año son Andrew 

Biros de USD y Veronica Guzmán 

de Entravision. Biros es director 

del Center for Social Innovation 

and Entrepreneurship, el cual 

ofrece muchos de los programas 

de impacto social del USD, como 

el Fowler Global Social Innovation 

Challenge y el Fowler Business 

Concept Challenge. Guzmán es 

presentadora de Noticias Univision 

de San Diego. La antigua asociación 

entre Entravision y USD se 

relaciona con el compromiso que la 

universidad tiene con su esencia de 

institución hispánica de servicio. 

The Founders Gala de este año se basa en los 

éxitos logrados con anterioridad y busca que 

USD continúe promoviendo la paz, el trabajo y 

la justicia, liderando con amor e iluminando el 

camino hacia el futuro. 

www.sandiego.edu

Community 

Teeing off 

for Students 

The 7th Annual Cal Coast Cares 

Foundation Charity Golf Tournament 

recently took place at the Fairbanks 

Ranch Country Club. Proceeds help 

propel the mission of the Cal Coast 

Cares Foundation by directly impacting the 

student scholarship and educator grant program. 

This year, the Foundation is proud to award 

over $200,000 in scholarships and grants. The 

tournament featured a new Paint & Sip event 

for non-golfers, who painted while enjoying a 

glass of wine overlooking the golf course. 

Andrea Gutierrez, Todd 

Lane and Fred Grigsby 

Kevin, Barbara 

and Jody Watkins 

Rick Carlton, Jay Shepard, Steve 

McMahon and Shannon Taylor 

Steve Eckerson 

and Ryan Golden 


David Morgan 

and Sheree Shea 

Freda Amir and 

Michelle Hendrix


Community 

La 7° edición del Torneo de Golf 

solidario de la Fundación Cal 

Coast Cares se realizó en el 

Fairbanks Ranch Country Club. 

Lo recaudado por el torneo 

se destina a fomentar la misión que 

lleva adelante la Fundación Cal Coast 

Cares, impactando de manera directa 

en becas y subvenciones educativas para 

estudiantes y educadores, logrando este 

año entregar más de $200,000 en becas 

y subvenciones. El torneo contó con un 

nuevo evento Paint & Sip para los no 

golfistas, quienes pintaron y disfrutaron 

de un vaso de vino mientras observaban 

a los jugadores sobre la espléndida 

cancha de golf. 

Eric Gilbert, Paulo Vieira, Anatoly 

Dobrovinsky and Victor Melo 

Shelley Wikoren with 

Matt and Sienna Ficco 

Eric Zittel and 

Mark Cope 

Richard Hubeny with 

Steve and Jack O’Connell 

Misty Morton 

and Kyra Seay 


Chase Peckham, Brian 

Blackburn and Jeff Ciccarella

Don Hatchett 

and Gary Jackson 

Kyle Norrid and 

Steven Singh 

Rob Disotell 

and Bob Scheid 

Roger Howard, Nick 

Jackson and Dave Berry 

John Gibbons and 

Christy Dempsey 

Josh Kim 

and Alex Lee 

Greg Zwerg, Gabriela Garcia 

and Dave des Rochers 


Community 

Strengthening 

Families with PLF 

BY MARIA SIMPSON 

everyone’s life.” When 

presented with this 

challenge, he was 

unsure who to turn to 

or how to ask for help. 

Hezekiah, a former Para 

Las Familias (PLF) 

parent and current 

Episcopal Community 

Services (ECS) board 

member, attended 

therapy at PLF with 

his two children. 

Although the family 

graduated from the 

program about three years ago, they 

still see the impact on their lives today. 

After a difficult divorce and the 

stresses of the pandemic, Hezekiah’s 

family faced immense turmoil. “Our 

family was torn apart by that divorce,” 

Hezekiah said. “There was this kind 

of seismic shift that brought about 

immense heartache and turmoil into 


It is 

okay to 

ask for 

help. We 

are not 

alone 

on this 

journey. 

Hezekiah and his 

children at the ice rink 

Through PLF’s 

intervention, 

Hezekiah and his 

children rebuilt 

broken bonds and 

fostered secure 

attachments that 

facilitated healing 

and growth. His 

daughter, who 

previously struggled 

with emotional outbursts and school 

resistance, now exhibits better 

emotional regulation and academic 

success, while his son learned 

resilience and empathy, and how to 

overcome anxiety and perfectionism. 

Hezekiah spoke about practices 

that PLF teaches – the importance 

of viewing disabilities and mental

health with inclusivity and understanding. “Instead of 

trying to get those individuals with those disabilities 

to conform with our society, we need to be able to be 

more accommodating with them,” Hezekiah said. “ECS 

provided those lifetime tools to help my son and help 

those individuals around him better support him.” 

In 2022 

Hezekiah 

became a 

member of the 

ECS Board 

of Directors. 

When asked to 

take on the role, 

he responded, 

“Whatever 

you need, I 

am forever 

indebted.” He 

expressed how 

glad he was 

to see PLF’s 

expansion and 

enjoys the 

opportunities 

the board gives 

him to spread 

the word about 

the impact of 

ECS programs. 

“It is okay to 

ask for help. 

We are not 

alone on this 

journey. There 

are resources 

Hezekiah’s children 

always sharing a smile 

and people to support you and your kids through these 

difficult times that you are going through,” Hezekiah 

said. “At Para Las Familias, you are not a number. You 

are family. I am quite positive of that. That embrace 

and that desire for all of us to grow is there.” 

Para Las Familias offers bilingual early childhood 

mental health services to underserved children ages 

0 - 12. Services include screenings, assessments, 

therapy, school observation, teacher consultations, and 

parenting groups. 

Hezekiah’s journey is just one of many stories that 

reflect the profound impact of ECS’ work across its six 

core programs. 

From 

homelessness 

and mental 

health services 

to substance 

use disorder 

treatment 

and early 

childhood 

education, 

ECS touches 

the lives 

of more 

than 10,500 

individuals in 

the San Diego 

region each 

year. 

Families like 

Hezekiah’s 

often face 

struggles we 

cannot see, 

but your 

compassion 

can be the 

strength 

they need. 

By getting 

involved, whether through a monthly gift, volunteering 

your time, or contributing in other meaningful ways, 

you are not just offering help - you are offering hope. 

Your generosity ensures that families like Hezekiah’s 

receive the care and resources they need to rebuild, heal, 

and thrive. Visit www.ecscalifornia.org to learn how 

you can help transform lives today. 


Community 

Environmental Champions 

EXPANDING GREEN SPACES, ENHANCING LOCAL HABITAT 

At San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E), our employees feel a strong sense of purpose beyond 

delivering clean, safe and reliable energy services to our 3.7 million customers. As part of our 

commitment to the communities we serve, we support a variety of initiatives through shareholder 

contributions, employee giving programs, and volunteerism. Our philanthropic strategic priorities 

include climate action, emergency preparedness and safety, economic prosperity, and K-16 STEM. 

Many of our initiatives focus on advancing racial and gender equity in alignment with our company value 

to “champion people.” We understand that for our region to thrive and become more sustainable, it is 

important for all of us to do our part to ensure no one is left behind. 

San Diego Parks Foundation 

According to a report issued by the 

University of San Diego’s Nonprofit 

Institute, San Diegans are increasingly 

concerned about environmental 

issues impacting our quality of life, 

including climate change. In 2022, 

climate change ranked among the top 

three concerns for San Diegans in a top 10 list that also 

included other climate-related issues such as wildfires 

and drinking water quality. Despite this high level of 

public concern, very little philanthropic funding goes 

to support environmental causes locally. 

San Diego Gas and Electric recognizes the importance 

of environmental philanthropy and includes climate 

action among its four strategic giving pillars which 

include K-16 STEM education, economic prosperity 

and emergency preparedness and safety. Since 

developing its climate action giving initiative in 

2011, SDG&E’s Environmental Champions grant 

program has provided critical funding to numerous 

nonprofit organizations, with over $10 million 

invested in community-based environmental efforts 

in the past seven years alone. This year, SDG&E 

awarded Environmental Champions grants to 30 


local organizations 

for projects focused 

on restoring habitat, 

planting trees and 

expanding community 

and school gardens. 

These shareholderfunded 

grants will enable 

nonprofits to plant over 

2,000 trees, restore more 

than 200 acres of habitat 

and plant more than 

100,000 new plants, 

including pollinators 

and edible plants like 

vegetables. 

San Diego Canyonlands 

S & S Friendly Ranch, 

located in the Tijuana River Valley, is the hub for 

nonprofit Servicing Every Soul. They are tackling 

food insecurity and environmental restoration 

by creating an educational community garden, 

food forest and native plant habitats alongside 

community members and under-resourced youth. 

The organization has a deep history of land 

stewardship in the River Valley as a multi-generational, 

family-run organization and one of few Black-led 

environmental organizations in the region. 

Another organization that embodies an 

intersectional approach to environmental 

stewardship is San Diego Canyonlands. An 

Environmental Champions grant from SDG&E 

is helping them to restore habitat in a local City 

Heights canyon. In addition to the environmental 

benefits of restoring that habitat, their program 

also offers social benefits by training and upskilling 

local community members to earn a living wage in 

green careers. Their approach to breaking down 

barriers that have historically impeded individuals 

from under-represented and under-invested 

communities is contributing to the preservation of 

local flora and fauna while offering a pathway to 

employment for those who have been marginalized. 

Reflecting SDG&E’s dedication to diversity 

and inclusion, more than 85% of this year’s 

Environmental Champions grants benefit diverse 

and under-resourced populations. 

S & S Friendly Ranch 

These environmental investments are targeted to support 

communities across the region, from Palomar Mountain 

to Tijuana River Valley and from Oceanside to Borrego 

Springs, and everywhere in between. 

“Funding from SDG&E’s Environmental Champions 

grant program has allowed us to increase our tree planting 

efforts in some of San Diego’s most underinvested 

neighborhoods,” said Leona Sublett, president and CEO of 

San Diego Parks Foundation. “Through this partnership, 

as well as the support from several other donors, we are 

making incremental progress toward meeting our City’s 

Climate Action Plan goals and improving quality of life 

by planting more than 300 trees in communities like Bay 

Terraces, Southcrest, Linda Vista and Otay Mesa.” 

You can find a full list of Environmental Champions partners 

at www.sdge.com/environmental-champions-initiative. 


Fundraiser 

The 

Garden 

Party 

Inspiring wonder and planting 

possibilities was this year’s 

theme for the San Diego Botanic 

Garden party. The Garden’s 

annual fundraiser supported 

the vital science, conservation, and 

education programs. Guests took in 

the sounds of talented artists Lee 

Coulter, Shhhhh, and Moth Milk as 

they were surrounded by the lush 

beauty of the San Diego Botanic 

Garden. A perfect backdrop for 

a night of celebration, nature, 

and community helped to 

ensure the Garden remains a 

thriving place of beauty and 

growth for seasons to come. 

Chasen and 

Kyla Eddow 

Casandra and 

Scott Mires 

Carol and Vann Parker 

with Lizbeth Ecke 

Marissa and Randi 

Coopersmith 

Sammy and 

Charles Gillespie 

Ruth Evans and 

Shanna Maximov 



Fundraiser 

Durante la fiesta 

organizada por 

el San Diego 

Botanic Garden, 

la temática de 

este año fue el inspirar 

posibilidades de plantaciones 

y asombros. Este evento 

anual para recaudar fondos 

apoya los programas de 

ciencias, conservacionismo 

y educacionales de la 

institución. Rodeados de 

la exuberante belleza de 

los jardines botánicos de 

San Diego, los presentes 

disfrutaron de la música de 

talentosos artistas como 

Lee Coulter, Shhhh y Moth 

Milk. El Jardín fue el perfecto 

marco para este festejo 

nocturno de naturaleza y 

comunidad, ayudando a 

asegurar la continuidad del 

Jardín, un espacio de belleza 

y naturaleza. 

Jessica Monahan 

and Venice Henson 

Miss Rancho Bernardo Teen First Princess Laila 

Riley, Miss Rancho Bernardo First Princess Ysabel 

Diprofio and Miss Rancho Bernardo Kennedy Stowe 

Jenna and 

Tyler Stearns 

Linda Shohet and 

Alana Asmussen 

Ann Wycoff and 

Bruce Hubbard 


Paul Ecke III 

and Ari Novy 

Kari Prevost and 

Russ Schreier 

Gary and 

Rebecca Welch 

Nena Jo Haskins 

and Deana Carter 

John Ciullo and 

Jean Kelleher 

Barbara Trohimovich 

and Carolyn Roufs 

Bill and Mary 

Rawlings 


Philanthropy 

The 

Art of 

Fashion 

The Country Friends 

celebrated fashion and 

philanthropy at the 

sold-out Art of Fashion 

Luncheon in Rancho 

Santa Fe. Co-chairs Tamara 

Lafarga-Joseph and MJ Wittman 

welcomed the community to a 

fashion show and luncheon that 

marks The Country Friends 70th 

anniversary. The Country Friends 

has remained steadfast in its 

commitment to supporting critical 

services for women, children, 

the elderly, military families and 

persons with disabilities. 

Kat Green, Sage Billick, Sydney 

Holland and Valerie Robbins 

Stephanie Curry 

and Lisa Arnold 

Alex Murphy and 

Jennifer Janzen 

Suzanne Newman 

and Maggie Watkins 

Bree Bornstein, Julie Dillon 

and Rachel Van Betten 


Vivian McDonald 

and Rose Courtney

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Philanthropy 

Los Country Friends celebró la 

moda y la filantropía durante 

el almuerzo Art of Fashion 

realizado en Rancho Santa 

Fe. Las anfitrionas Tamara 

Lafarga-Joseph y MJ Wittman dieron 

la bienvenida a este show de moda y 

almuerzo que marcó el 70 aniversario 

de Country Friends. Country Friends 

sigue con su inquebrantable apoyo 

a servicios esenciales que brinda 

a mujeres, niños, personas mayores, 

militares y personas con discapacidad. 

Sanaz Nozari, Marjan 

Mortazavi and Carmela Koenig 

Cynthia and 

Dan Kronemyer 

Amber Anderson 

and Linda Cooper 

Vivian Hardage, Kelly 

Stroud and Kathryn Brown 

Heidi Dixon, Julie 

Plashkes and Nicole Frank 


Jeffry and 

Sandra Schafer 

Taylor Miller and 

Karla Simoes

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Philanthropy 

Shamala Saripalli, Kimberly 

King and Roni McGuire 

Caitlin Sleichter 

and Paige Sloniker 

Janine Stripe, MJ Wittman, Tamara 

Lafarga Joseph and Sandra Maas 

Kimiya Hardke 

and Erica Ram 

Melissa Reinke 

and Kim Sanders 


Irina Fenison, Irina Shkov 

and Philly Montbleau 

Bethany Dyson, Barbara Nappi 

and Marti Gellens–Stubbs

Presented by 

Susanah Petersen, 

Karen Hoehn and 

Mercedes Pederson 

MAAC Familia 

MAAC Pathways 

Marina Smith 

and Alla Kesser 

MAAC Padrinos 

Media Sponsor 

Together, we provide life-changing services 

to nearly 100,000 individuals throughout 

San Diego County. 

MAACproject.org 

Bianca Beale 

and Elisa Jaime 


Hope 

Lifeline of Joy 

TRANSFORMING LIVES THIS HOLIDAY SEASON 

For families like 

Sarina’s, the holiday 

season once meant 

uncertainty and struggle, but 

Lifeline Community Services 

has changed that story. As the 

year draws to a close, Lifeline is 

dedicated to making the holidays 

brighter for San Diego County’s 

most vulnerable individuals and 

families. Through compassionate care and a mission 

to open doors to opportunity, Lifeline transforms 

lives, exemplified by their year-end Adopt-A-Family 

Program, which turns holiday wishes into reality for 

low-income families in need. 

Lifeline is dedicated 

to making the holidays 

brighter for San 

Diego County’s most 

vulnerable individuals 

and families 

Adopt-A-Family 

Lifeline’s 

Adopt- 

A-Family 

program 

goes beyond being just a holiday 

campaign - it is a lifeline of hope 

for families facing immense 

challenges like homelessness, 

unemployment, and mental health 

struggles. Each year, generous 

donors are paired with families, 

offering them a chance to share 

their holiday wish lists. These 

lists often reflect simple desires: 

a warm jacket, toys for children, or even a holiday 

meal. In response, our donors not only fulfill these 

wishes but offer something more profound - a sense of 

belonging and hope for the future. 


What sets the Adopt-A- 

Family program apart is 

the personal connection 

formed between donors and 

families. Donors not only 

fulfill wish lists but often 

build lasting bonds, creating 

a sense of community and 

support that extends beyond 

the holidays. This year, over 

225 families will experience 

the joy of receiving gifts 

through the program. 

Funds raised directly 

support families in Lifeline’s 

essential services, including 

the LifeSpring Program, 

which helps transition-age 

youth exit homelessness, 

and The House 

Drop-In Center, 

offering a safe 

haven for youth 

without family or 

stable housing. 

In addition 

to adopting a 

family, another 

powerful way to 

give at year-end 

is by making a 

cash donation 

and their cold 

weather kits 

for youth in 

the LifeSpring 

program. These 

kits provide 

essentials like 

socks, sleeping bags, food gift cards, toothbrushes, and 

soaps - basic items that can make a world of difference 

for young people exiting the foster care system or 

experiencing homelessness. 

One former LifeSpring client, Sarina, shared how Lifeline 

changed her life. She recalled wandering the streets of 

Vista while facing homelessness and depression: “I was in 

the lowest depression ever. 

I was also going through 

sexual assault, and one of 

my case managers picked 

up the phone - literally at 

midnight. She was there 

to take me to the hospital.” 

Sarina found hope when 

she discovered The House 

Drop-In Center, a safe 

space where she could 

shower, cook a warm meal, 

and receive support from 

a case manager. Thanks to 

Lifeline, Sarina now enjoys 

stable housing, has rebuilt 

her relationship with her 

family, and is thriving. 

The House 

provides 

essential 

services like 

food, clothing, 

and shelter. 

Your support 

of programs 

like LifeSpring 

and their cold 

weather kits 

can make all 

the difference 

for youth like 

Sarina. 

At Lifeline, 

they believe 

everyone 

deserves to experience the joy of the holidays, and 

the support of our community makes that possible. 

The year-end is a critical time for Lifeline, and we 

invite you to join in making a difference. Whether it is 

adopting a family, contributing a cold weather kit, or 

making a donation, your support will light up the lives 

of San Diego’s most vulnerable this holiday season. 

LifeSpring 

To learn more about how you can get involved, please 

visit www.lifelinecs.org. 


Finance 

Wheelhouse Credit Union 

OFFERING BETTER PERKS THAN TRADITIONAL BANKS 

In today’s financial landscape, where banking 

options abound, finding the right institution to 

meet your needs can be overwhelming. Traditional 

banks have long been the go-to choice for many; 

however, consumers are quickly realizing that 

credit unions are often a better option knowing 

that local credit unions offer all of the advantages 

of a bank, yet more perks for your wallet. 

There are many unique advantages of banking with 

Wheelhouse Credit Union and it is easy to compare its 

offerings to those of traditional banks. 

Enhanced Rewards Program 

Wheelhouse Credit Union stands out among banks 

and other credit unions with its unique Debit 

Rewards program, designed to benefit its members 

in meaningful ways. While traditional banks may 

offer basic rewards like cashback or travel points for 

credit card purchases, Wheelhouse Credit Union 

takes it a step further. Their Debit Rewards program 

typically offers higher cashback percentages and 

a broader range of rewards categories. With their 

rewards program, Members can earn points for every 

qualifying transaction made with their Wheelhouse 

Visa Debit Card, including on expenses like groceries, 

dining, and even online shopping. 

Competitive Dividend Rates 

When it comes to savings accounts, traditional banks 

often offer meager dividend rates that fail to keep 

up with inflation. Some are near zero. Wheelhouse 

Credit Union, on the other hand, frequently provides 

competitive rates on their savings and high-yield 

checking accounts - as much as 3.00% APY* when 

you go with Inspired Checking. This means your 


money can work harder 

for you, generating more 

substantial returns over 

time. By leveraging higher 

dividend rates, Wheelhouse 

Credit Union empowers 

its Members to grow their 

savings and achieve their 

financial objectives faster. 

Community-Focused 

Approach 

One of the defining 

features of credit unions 

like Wheelhouse is their 

community-focused 

ethos. Unlike 

traditional 

banks, 

which are 

profit-driven 

entities, credit 

unions are 

not-for-profit 

cooperatives 

owned 

by their 

Members. 

This 

ownership 

structure 

allows credit 

unions to 

prioritize the 

needs and interests of their members above all else. 

Wheelhouse Credit Union is deeply committed to 

supporting the local community through financial 

literacy programs, charitable initiatives, and 

personalized Member service. Choosing a credit 

union over a traditional bank means you become part 

of a community that truly cares about your financial 

well-being. 

Personalized Service and Member Benefits 

Traditional banks often struggle to provide 

personalized service in an era dominated by digital 

interactions. 

Wheelhouse, 

however, excels 

in offering a 

more intimate 

and personalized 

banking 

experience while 

also putting 

cutting edge 

technology in 

the palm of your 

hands. With a 

credit union, you 

are not just an 

account number 

but a valued Member. Wheelhouse Credit Union 

takes pride in providing tailored financial advice, 

educational resources, and exclusive Member benefits. 

From financial planning assistance to educational 

workshops and discounted rates on loans, Wheelhouse 

Credit Union goes the extra mile to support Members’ 

financial success. 

By choosing Wheelhouse, you become part of a 

supportive community that is committed to your 

financial well-being. For more information, please visit 

www.WheelhouseCU.com or call (619) 297-4835. 

* Visit the website or a Wheelhouse branch for terms, conditions and specific details. 


STEM 

Ashenafew Daniel 

and Bill Rastetter 

Isaac and Karen 

Veinbergs 

Barbara Muenzen, Tom Daniel, Gentry 

Patrick and Cindy Stalmaster–Patrick 

Ashley Salguero, Frida 

Valenzuela and Kolaiah Frazier 

Mitch McCormick, Pat Leckman 

with Vanessa and Pete Light 

San Diego 

Squared 

San Diego Squared Co-founders Bill 

Rastetter and H. Puentes hosted a 

Sunset Social event at a private home 

bringing together a community that 

believes that diversity belongs in 

STEM. Guests enjoyed hearing a stellar lineup 

of representatives from the Fellows, Scholars, Interns, and 

H. Puentes and 

Nico Gutierrez 

Company Champions. With the support of STEM companies, 

they gave untapped, diverse high school and college students the 

opportunity to pursue a career in STEM - through mentorships, 

internships, scholarships, and professional development. 

Grace Groccia 

and Chad Lohrli 


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STEM 

Charles Bannerman, Charles 

Theuer and Eddie Garcia 

Ron Giannotti 

and Robin Toft 

Mark Ruyle and 

Cheryl Goodman 

Los fundadores de San Diego 

Squared, Bill Rastetter y H. 

Puentes llevaron adelante 

el Social Sunset, un evento 

realizado en una residencia 

privada, donde reunieron a un 

grupo de personas que cree en la 

diversidad dentro de STEM. Los 

invitados disfrutaron de escuchar 

charlas de destacados representantes 

de cofradías, pasantías, eruditos y 

campeones de las empresas. Con el 

apoyo de las compañías de STEM, 

por medio de patrocinios, becas, 

pasantías y desarrollo profesional, 

se les da a jóvenes de secundaria 

y universitarios la oportunidad de 

seguir una carrera en STEM. 


Mario and Linda 

Sierra with Pantea 

and Ida Khodmai 

Cavin Nguyen and 

Malcolm Lloyd-Smith 

Sunday Carroll 

and Korin Urie 

Mel and 

Linda Katz 

Develle Turner 

and Karmin Noar


Health 

TrueCare 

EMPOWERING MOMS, BABIES, AND 

FAMILIES WITH LIFELONG SUPPORT 

H 

annia Bolanos, 

pregnant with her 

first child, was 

excited to have 

a natural birth. 

However, when 

an unexpected 

diagnosis of 

preeclampsia 

changed that, she 

was not alone in 

figuring out a new 

game plan. Her 

doulas helped her 

pivot; adapting the 

pre-birth techniques 

and tools to a new 

plan and informing 

her of what each 

step would look like. 

Hannia admitted 

that without the 

doulas, she would 

have been very lost 

during her birth 

experience. Being prepped on what to expect, from the 

procedures to the pain, and how to communicate with 

her care team at the hospital helped eliminate the fear 

and uncertainty. 

“The whole 

experience, from 

before the hospital 

visit to the labor 

and then recovery, 

was amazing. The 

breathing techniques 

were very helpful!” 

The thing was, 

Hannia had not 

expected to have a 

doula present with 

her at the hospital, 

much less pre- and 

post-delivery. Prior 

to her first meeting, 

she did not know 

what a doula was. 

However, she readily 

agreed when she was 

offered the service 

at one of her routine 

check-ups with a 

childbirth educator 

at TrueCare. This 

changed everything 

for her. 

The doulas offered 

support, guidance, 

and tips in various 

forms. During labor, 

they supported her with breathing and relaxation 

techniques. Post-partum, they provided invaluable 

assistance with the baby. During recovery, they helped 

by teaching new approaches to latching and burping. 


The birth doula program 

is only one of the 

services TrueCare has 

launched to address the 

barriers marginalized 

communities face, such as 

higher maternal mortality 

rates. This new program 

offers doulas at low to no 

cost for patients enrolled 

in the prenatal program, 

including those 

with Medi-Cal, 

private insurance, 

or self-paying. 

TrueCare’s 

doula program 

exemplifies 

the nonprofit 

community 

health center’s 

dedication to 

finding innovative 

solutions. 

Beyond women’s 

health, TrueCare 

addresses 

key social 

determinants of 

health, such as 

access to care, 

nutrition, literacy, 

and behavioral 

health, ensuring 

that children in 

the community are 

well-positioned for 

long-term success and improved health. 

Recognizing the ongoing mental health crisis, 

TrueCare also operates under an Integrated Behavioral 

Health Model to reduce stigma and normalize mental 

health care for patients. 

This approach ensures 

patients receive behavioral 

health support during all 

primary or specialty care 

visits throughout their 

health care journey, with 

seamless referrals or warm 

handoffs to behavioral 

health professionals. 

TrueCare’s 2025 gala, 

ILLUMINATION: Lighting 

a Pathway to Belonging, 

on April 12th, will raise 

funds for comprehensive 

programs that promote 

growth and belonging for 

infants, children, teens, and 

young adults, like the doula 

program. TrueCare relies 

on community support 

to continue expanding its 

mission of accessible health 

care for all. Your donation supports patients like Hannia, 

turning life’s major moments from stressful and fearful 

into experiences of joy and wonder. To learn more or 

contribute, please visit www.truecare.org. 


Empowerment 

Mark Klaus 

LEADING THE SAN DIEGO REGIONAL CENTER’S 

MISSION FOR PERSON-CENTERED CARE 

BY: NICHOLE NAOUM 

Mark Klaus, the Executive Director 

of the San Diego Regional Center 

(SDRC), brings over 40 years 

of experience in advocating for 

person-centered services for 

individuals with developmental 

disabilities. Appointed in 

November 2021, Klaus leads the organization with a 

mission to provide 

tailored support 

to over 44,000 

individuals across San 

Diego and Imperial 

counties. With a team 

of 800 employees, 

SDRC has become 

the largest nonprofit 

organization in 

San Diego County 

dedicated to delivering 

essential services to 

those who need it 

most. 

Klaus’s approach 

to service delivery 

reflects the evolving 

nature of support 

for individuals with 

developmental 

disabilities. Reflecting 

on the changes he has 

seen, he highlights 

the shift toward more 

person-centered 

care, focusing on 

individualized 

services. “The most significant change is how services 

are now delivered. They take into account individuals’ 

specific needs and helping them achieve personal goals - 

whether that is making friends, building a community, or 

getting a job,” Klaus explains. 

As Klaus looks ahead to the coming year, one of his 

top priorities is addressing workforce challenges. The 

Mark Klaus 


organization’s 

ability to 

provide highquality 

care 

depends on 

maintaining 

a well-trained 

and dedicated 

staff. “We need 

to ensure that 

our employees, 

as well as 

the 3,000 

contractors 

we work with, 

are fairly 

compensated and 

dedicated to our 

mission.” He views 

these challenges 

as opportunities, 

noting that by 

investing in the 

workforce, SDRC 

can continue to 

deliver impactful 

services. 

One of SDRC’s 

unique strengths 

Jan Adams, Mark 

Klaus and Sitara Sethi 

lies in its collaboration with other regional centers across 

California. The state’s entitlement program ensures that 

all eligible individuals receive services, unlike many 

other states where long wait times can delay care. Klaus 

emphasizes the importance of creating a unified system 

while maintaining flexibility to meet local needs. “Each 

regional center is independent, but we contract with the 

state of California. Our system of care allows us to be 

consistent across the board while also providing flexibility 

to cater to the unique needs of our communities,” he notes. 

Cultural responsiveness is another cornerstone of SDRC’s 

approach. Klaus has made it a priority to extend the 

center’s reach into diverse communities, particularly 

underserved ones. “When I took over, SDRC was the 

best-kept secret in town. We have since put in the time 

and effort to reach out to the community and become 

active participants,” Klaus explains. One notable initiative 

Mark Klaus 

with friends 

is SDRC’s 

work with the 

18 federally 

recognized 

tribal 

communities 

in San Diego 

County. By 

establishing 

trust and 

building 

relationships 

with tribal 

leaders, SDRC 

has been able 

to foster better 

communication 

and engagement. 

Klaus shares that 

the organization’s 

third annual Tribal 

Symposium will be 

bringing together 

over 300 leaders and 

members from local 

tribes. 

Looking to the 

future, Klaus 

remains deeply 

committed to the principles outlined in the Lanterman 

Developmental Disabilities Services Act. First enacted 

in 1969, this legislation guarantees essential services for 

individuals with developmental disabilities in California. 

While much has changed since the law’s inception such as 

the shift away from institutional settings, Klaus continues 

to advocate for updates that align with modern needs. “We 

are always advocating for changes that ensure we can meet 

the evolving needs of the people we serve,” he asserts. 

Under Klaus’s leadership, the San Diego Regional Center 

is more than just a service provider -it is a beacon of hope 

and support for thousands of individuals and families in 

the region. By prioritizing person-centered care, fostering 

cultural inclusivity, and ensuring a strong workforce, 

Klaus is positioning SDRC to continue making a 

profound impact on the lives of those with developmental 

disabilities. 

www.sdrc.org 


Fashion Show 

Haute 

with 

Heart 

This year marked the 

46th annual presentation 

of St. Madeleine 

Sophie’s Center’s Haute 

with Heart Fashion 

Event. Guests savored the glamour of 

the fashion as they delighted in freeflowing 

champagne, live music, and 

indulgent shopping opportunities 

during the pre-luncheon reception. 

They also enjoyed a luncheon 

while being captivated by a dazzling 

fashion show echoing the grandeur 

of Paris. It was heartwarming and a 

thrill for the crowd to see so many 

wonderful clients strut their stuff 

on the catwalk! The participation 

directly supports SMSC’s programing 

and the consumers they serve every 

day, working to empower individuals 

with intellectual disabilities to live life 

to the fullest. 

Debra Emmerson 

John and Pat Seiber 

Cyndi Sapper and 

Sandra Cozza 

Martha Dennis, Angel Kleinbub 

and Kathleen Lundtren 


Carol Karlovich, Arthur 

Hammons and Virginia Foster 

Laura Applegate 

and Charlotte Rand 

Karen Smith with Wyatt 

and Linda Cooper

Angelica Robles 

and Eileen Sze 

Tina Manabat and 

Jacqueline Strausbaugh 

Sarah Holbrook, Dominica 

Soners and Denise Taylor 

Jim Buckley and 

David Mulvaney 


Fashion Show 

Este año marcó la 46° edición 

del evento de alta costura: 

Haute with Heart que 

organiza el St. Madeleine 

Sophie’s Center, con los 

invitados disfrutando del glamour 

de la moda de alta costura, del 

exquisito champagne, música en vivo 

y la oportunidad de hacer compras 

durante la recepción que se realizó 

previo al almuerzo. Luego, durante la 

comida, se llevó adelante el desfile 

de modas, reflejando la grandeza 

de la alta costura parisina y con la 

especial presentación de 

muchas colaboradoras 

sobre la pasarela, 

mostrando los modelos. 

Esta participación directa 

se destina a los programas 

de SMSC y a quienes son 

asistidos por los mismos. 

Día a día trabajan por 

empoderar a las personas 

con discapacidades 

intelectuales a lograr llevar 

una vida más plena. 

Kathryn Murphy, Taylor 

Miller and Laurie McGrath 

Kristy Kersten and 

Susan Roberts Ugley 

Linda Daniels 

and Sally Irwin 

St. Madeleine Greeters 

Alyssa Stovall and 

Adeline Newman 


The Mansour Family 

Karen, Michael and 

Sean Mercadante

Jennifer and 

Carl Findley 

Cali and Becky 

Williams 

Cynthia and 

Makena Kronemyer 

Caitlyn Griffith and 

Jessica Lambert 

Diane and 

Faith Davies 

Conny Jamison, Deni Carpenter, 

Joe Perucca and Robbin Lockie 

Madie and 

Emily Smith 

Dee Ammon, Judy 

Burer and Coreen Petti 

Teresa and Devin Aubert 

with Kristin King Stevenson 

Maureen and 

Charlie King 


Education 

UC San Diego 

Scholarship Match 

SUPPORTING TOMORROW’S LEADERS 

Solange Jackson 

When Solange Jackson’s brother 

collapsed while exercising with 

his college football team in 

2016, her family was shocked. 

He was diagnosed with 

hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, 

which causes the thickening 

of the heart muscle. After a week in a coma, Jackson’s 

brother died with a condition that could have been 

treated if caught earlier. 

“No one ever detected my brother’s condition,” says 

Jackson. “I felt like, with all the physicals we get as 

athletes, why did no one do a heart check on him? 

How was it never detected?” 

A recent UC San Diego human biology graduate, 

Jackson is now working towards her master’s degree 

in health administration from USC. She hopes to 

use her experience to change health care policies in 

underrepresented communities. Jackson credits the 

scholarship she received with helping her cover food 

and housing expenses and allowing her to spend any 

extra time volunteering to help others. 

Jackson is one of many UC San Diego graduates working 

to make a difference in our community - from finding 


etter treatments for disease 

to developing innovations to 

address some of the world’s 

biggest challenges. 

To support promising students 

who will go on to become 

tomorrow’s leaders, UC San 

Diego Chancellor Pradeep 

K. Khosla has established the 

Chancellor’s Alumni Council 

Scholarships Match. The goal is 

to raise $1 million, bringing total 

scholarship funding with the 

match to $2 million. 

Eligible gifts that are made to 

scholarships endorsed by the 

campus’s alumni councils will be 

matched 1:1 through June 2025. 

Those include the Asian Pacific 

Islander Alumni Council, Black 

Alumni Council, Chicanx Latinx 

Alumni Council and Pilipino/a/x 

Alumni Council. 

“At UC San Diego, we are 

dedicated to ensuring that 

students from all backgrounds 

have access to the world-class 

education this campus has to 

offer,” Khosla shared with GB 

Magazine. “This initiative is very 

important to me, and I am proud 

of our alumni councils, which are 

working tirelessly to help raise 

scholarship funds so that the 

next generation of students have 

the tools they need to succeed.” 

Yen Tu, a UC San Diego alumna 

of 1991, is a leader in nonprofit 

management and member 

of the Asian Pacific Islander 

Alumni Council. When she was 

an undergraduate, scholarship 

support allowed her to travel 

abroad to Hong Kong. “I was a 

fully independent student with 

no family support, so getting scholarship funding meant the world to me,” 

said Tu. “It allowed me to study abroad, which was transformative for me and 

impacted the rest of my life.” 

Current UC San Diego student Kelly Mendoza is a scholarship recipient who 

hopes to become an architect. But coming from a low-income background, 

she was worried about how her family would cover the cost of a university 

education. The scholarship she received made all the difference. “We have 

always been tight on money, sometimes using food stamps,” said Mendoza. 

“For a child who worries about whether they can attend college and pursue 

their dreams, a scholarship is like a ray of light. Scholarships bring hope.” 

To learn more about how you can make a difference, please visit 

www.crowdsurf.ucsd.edu/pages/alumni-council-scholarships 

or scan the QR code. 


2024 SELECTIONS 

FOR ADULTS 

Know My Name* 

by Chanel Miller 

FOR TEENS 

Victory. Stand! 

Raising My Fist 

for Justice 

by Tommie Smith, 

Derrick Barnes, and 

Dawud Anyabwile 

FOR KIDS 

Barrio Rising* 

by María Dolores Águila, 

illustrated by Magdalena Mora 

*ALSO AVAILABLE IN SPANISH 

Pick up a copy at your local library or bookstore. 

Attend a community event. Find event listings and more at: 

www.kpbs.org/onebook 

SCAN THE 

QR CODE 

FOR EVENT 

LISTINGS 

Made possible by the Linden Root Dickinson Foundation. 

Additional support comes from the Frieda Berlinski Foundation, Seth Sprague Educational 

and Charitable Foundation, the Payne Family Foundation, and the following: 

KPBS is a public service of San Diego State University. 


Education 

Ignite 

Their 

Spark 

Matt Desforges, Nick Disher and Edd Hillman 

San Diego Discovery Museum 

hosted an enlightening 

evening celebrating early 

education and the collective 

power of lighting the way for 

the youngest learners. The Museum 

was transformed into an atmosphere 

with live music, hand-crafted cocktails, 

and incandescent entertainment. This 

event sparked curiosity, energized the 

mind, and inspired a lifelong love of 

learning. All proceeds from this event 

will support the Museum’s ability to 

provide accessible hands-on education 

to the children in our community. 

Stephanie and Brian Adkins 

Alissa Hauser, Christina Piranio and Amanda Flisher 

Franci and Steve Hermes 

San Diego Discovery Museum 

organizó una velada donde se 

celebró la educación temprana 

y el poder colectivo de iluminar 

el camino de los más pequeños. 

El Museo se vio transformado en un 

ambiente muy alegre, con música en vivo, 

cócteles de autor y gran entretenimiento. 

Este evento despertó la curiosidad, 

energizó las mentes y alimentó el amor 

por el aprendizaje. Las recaudaciones 

de la noche se destinan a los esfuerzos 

que lleva adelante el Museo por ofrecer 

educación práctica y accesible a los niños 

de nuestra comunidad. 


Miguel Sosa and Monique Casellas

Sara and Shane Sligh 

Veronica and Marvin Cigarroa 

Saima Khan and Haile Brooke 

Jordan Doll and Beth Gutierrez 

Conserving wild places for wildlife to thrive 

The San Diego River Park Foundation 

Conserving wild places for wildlife to thrive 

Acquiring threatened open spaces since 2001 

Learn more at sandiegoriver.org 


Leadership 

The Appleby Family 

PHILANTHROPY AT ITS CORE 

Lynn and Paul Debban, Kerry Appleby Payne with 

Mark and Stacy Lindsey at The Party in the Park 

The Appleby family’s introduction to 

local philanthropy began for Kerry with 

the Junior League of San Diego. The 

organization’s mission is to advance 

women’s leadership for meaningful 

community impact through volunteer 

action, collaboration and training - its 

purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. 

There are currently 290 Junior League chapters around 

the world - the original chapter was founded in New 

York in 1901. San Diego’s chapter was founded in 

1929 by Lillian Abrams Bradley who also served as 

Chairman of San Diego’s 18th Annual Charity Ball. 

Kerry’s grandmother and mother were members of 

the Junior League of Los Angeles and now a fourth 

generation of the Appleby family recently joined the 

JLSD chapter! 

The Appleby and Woodward family’s 100-year history 

led to Scott and Kerry being sponsors of the Helen 

Woodward Animal Center’s Black Tie Gala for the past 

12 years. Twice Kerry has been Co-Chair and enjoys 

hosting friends at the popular event that just celebrated 

its 36th Annual “Spring Fling” Gala. Scott and Kerry 

are passionate about their four-legged children and 

recently rescued a sweet 4-year-old puppy. 

Growing up in a tennis family, Kerry and Scott have 

played competitive junior, college and adult tennis 

and continue to have a passion for promoting the 

sport. Kerry has served on the Barnes Tennis Center 

Foundation Board and organized the campaign to fund 

the Cathedral Catholic HS Tennis Center, named after 

her neighbor and tennis teammate, Jane Johnson. 


Scott, Andrew and Edison Appleby supporting 

Future Legends Scholarship Foundation 

Salute to San Diego’s Troops at the 

San Diego Automotive Museum 

Most recently Scott and Kerry had good friends and clients honored at the 

San Diego Automotive Museum Summer Gala - “The Party in the Park”. The 

Applebys have supported and attended the event that raises money to benefit 

the Vocational Education Academy for at-risk youth, for the conservation of 

automotive artifacts and its numerous exhibits/collections. Their father was 

invited to be honored when the museum debuted a new exhibit in 2023, “Salute 

to San Diego’s Troops” and Mr. Appleby represented the Korean War veterans. 

Andrew Appleby serves as the youngest member on the advisory board of the 

Future Legends Scholarship Foundation, a non-profit organization started by 

members of the Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club to honor past Club Professional, 

Chuck Courtney. Future Legends is dedicated to empowering young people 

through education assistance and mentorship and provides scholarships 

and resources to 

deserving San Diego 

students pursuing higher 

education. The foundation 

believes that every student 

deserves the chance to 

chase their dreams and 

achieve academic success. 

They not only offer 

financial support but also 

mentorship programs that 

connect students with 

professionals in various 

fields, fostering guidance 

and inspiration. Andrew is 

passionate about helping 

to raise awareness about 

the foundation’s mission. 

He works closely with 

students, sharing his 

own experiences and 

encouraging them to 

pursue their goals and 

to give back to their 

community. 

www.applebyfamilygroup.com 


About San Diego 

A Little Gift To His 

Community 

BY KEN KRAMER 

Bernell Hopkins looks over a part of his 

front yard miniature city in Valencia Park. 

Bernell Hopkins paused a moment, gave 

the question some thought and then 

flatly stated “I guess I am the Mayor. I 

am the giant of the city, so yeah.” To be 

clear, Bernell has no political ambition. 

But he also has no challengers. 

His “city” is a masterpiece in miniature, 

a collection of tiny buildings, lovingly hand fashioned 

from cast-off bits of furniture, scrap metal, and random 

curios that might otherwise have ended up in a landfill. 

Bernell comes across the stuff every day. Between gigs 

as a deejay, he does construction work and haul away 

in San Diego, and the things people were throwing 

out fired his creative imagination. In the front yard of 

his home in the 56-hundred block of Bonita Drive in 

Valencia Park, he started building a little town with 

streets, restaurants, markets, and seemingly complete 

public infrastructure right down to mass transit and 

bicycle lanes. A couple of little toy fire trucks nobody 

wanted and some scrap wood, and the town had a fire 

station. The sidewalks came from old wood planks and 

baseboard. One of at least a half-dozen restaurants was 

fashioned from a dresser drawer. 

“In the beginning I was not expecting this,” Bernell says. 

“This was just for fun.” But as his little city has now 

grown to cover most of his front yard, he is hearing 

something else from visitors. “Wow, this is really cool. 

Wow, this is like Legoland. Wow, my kids are really 

appreciating what you have got in the neighborhood.” 


Bernell Hopkins built his little town with cast off bits 

of scrap wood and metal, and a lot of imagination. 

As the months have 

passed, his tiny but 

growing city has faced 

some unique challenges. 

Among them, he has 

had to come up with 

names for the many 

streets and businesses. A 

high school was named 

for Martin Luther King 

Junior, a college for 

Malcolm X. Cafes and The City of Bonita Drive 

parkways are named 

not just for inspiring 

political figures, but for his cousins, uncles, and 

relatives on his wife’s side of the family. 

As Mayor, Bernell has pretty much proclaimed the 

whole town to be a place of harmony. You can see 

groups of people talking, getting along. There is no 

trouble. It is a little community where everyone is 

kind, nobody goes hungry, and everyone has a parking 

space. “You know, everything is cool. It is laid back and 

everybody is in good spirits.” 

A couple of years ago, when it came time to name his 

front yard town he decided on The City of Bonita 

Drive. “A whole society of people,” he calls it; “a whole 

community.” For those in his neighborhood, and 

those passing by who pause to take it all in, it is an 

unconditional gift that unfailingly brings a smile. 

His Honor, the Mayor, would have it no other way. 

Ken Kramer is the creator and 

host of Ken Kramer’s About 

San Diego, seen Thursday 

nights at 8:00 on KPBS-TV. 

He has been presenting 

stories about the history of 

our area since the 1970s. 


Benefit 

Casino 

Night 

PHOTOGRAPHED BY: DIANNA IPPOLITO 

An amazing group of 

supporters from Tijuana’s 

COP – the Center for 

Oncology in Pediatrics 

recently hosted a 

spectacular Casino Night to help raise 

funds for Fundación Castro Limon in 

Tijuana. Guests enjoyed an evening of 

fashion, appetizers from Michelin Star 

chefs, auctions, raffles, and wines from 

Baja. All proceeds of this event will 

directly benefit children undergoing 

cancer treatments, providing them 

with essential medical care, emotional 

support and financial assistance. 

Regina Rodriguez, Lupita Quesada, 

Mary Quesada and Gini Castellanos 

Diane Roberts with Lupina, 

Claudia and Patricia Salcido 

Laura Castro Rico 

and Patty Valdez 

Alejandra Reyes and 

Maria Isabel Kabande 

Gibran and 

Karla Suffy 


Regina Adame 

and Ana Adame

Father Scott Santarosa with 

Claudia and Robert Halley 

Andrea Arizona, Marialy 

Nuza and Estefania Padilla 

Janet and 

Tony Navarro 

Genaro Manilla, Yadira 

Huerta and Roselia Manilla 


Benefit 

Un increíble grupo de 

colaboradores del Tijuana COP, el 

Centro Pediátrico de Oncología, 

recientemente organizó una 

Noche de Casino para ayudar a 

recaudar fondos destinados a la Fundación 

Castro Limón de Tijuana. Los invitados 

disfrutaron de una velada de moda, 

aperitivos realizados por chefs galardonados 

con estrellas Michelin, subastas, rifas y vinos 

de la Baja. Lo recaudado por el evento se 

destina de manera directa a beneficiar a los 

niños que están pasando por tratamientos 

de quimioterapia, brindándoles la atención 

médica, el apoyo emocional y financiero 

necesario. 

Elena Sanchez and 

Ivonne Martinez 

Patricia Martinez and 

Gustavo Vildosola 

Ricky and 

Stephanie Johnson 

Javier and Mabel Freig with 

Heather and Rene Vidal 

Barbara Amezcua, Liliana 

Segura and Martha Torres 

Rosella Ballesteros, Yanula 

Valladolid and Iris Garate 


Claudia and Robert Halley with 

Leslie White and Al Limon 

Arie and 

Laura Troyce 

Amalia Hussong 

and Soraya Baloyan 

Councilman Raul 

Campillo and 

Nadia Farjood 

Ruben Rivera Villegas 

and Nora Aceves 

Katalina and 

Luis Leal 

Bianca and 

Erik Esparza 

Gladys Sadighi and 

Blanca Martin del Campo 


Empowerment 

Boys to Men Mentoring 

TRANSFORMING YOUNG LIVES THROUGH MENTORSHIP 

Jed pictured center and his fellow 

B2M program participants and friends 

at this year’s 100 Wave Challenge 

As the boy crisis in America intensifies, 

Boys to Men Mentoring (B2M) is 

providing a crucial solution for 

teenage boys in San Diego County. 

The statistics are alarming: boys are 

diagnosed with ADHD at twice the 

rate of girls, account for 70 percent of 

failing grades, and have a suicide rate that is four times 

higher. Additionally, boys are five times more likely to 

be incarcerated. These issues impact all boys, not just 

those growing up without fathers, and point to the 

larger mental health struggles boys face, such as anxiety, 

depression, and risky behaviors like substance abuse. 

At the core of these struggles is societal pressure on 

boys to suppress their emotions, excel academically or 

athletically, and navigate the challenges of addictions to 

video gaming or inappropriate online content. Family 

and cultural expectations further complicate boys’ 

emotional and mental health, leaving them feeling 

isolated and unable to express vulnerability. 

Boys without a stable male role model face even greater 

disadvantages. Nationally, 34 percent of boys grow up 

in fatherless households, putting them at a heightened 

risk of academic, emotional, and behavioral challenges. 


Research shows that having 

a mentor or positive male 

role model can dramatically 

reduce these risks. Boys 

with mentors are more likely 

to stay in school, avoid 

high-risk behaviors, and 

develop a stronger sense of 

self-worth. B2M Mentoring 

directly addresses this need 

by partnering with local 

middle and high schools, 

offering boys a safe space 

to share their feelings and 

fears. In weekly group 

mentoring sessions, B2M 

provides the consistent 

guidance these boys need to 

build emotional resilience 

and positive life paths. 

As Co-founder Joe 

Sigurdson shares with 

GB Magazine, “We 

are not here to fix, 

rescue, or give advice. 

Our mentors lend a 

listening ear, accept our 

boys where they are 

right now, and share 

their own stories of 

hardship to let them 

know they are not 

alone.” This approach 

allows mentors to build 

trust with the boys, 

helping them navigate 

their challenges without 

judgment. 

One powerful example of 

B2M’s life-changing impact 

is Jed’s story. Six years ago, 

Jed was a shy, reserved 

boy facing homelessness 

with his family. Despite his 

challenges, he remained 

Jed taking on this year’s 

100 Wave Challenge 

Jed with B2M Program Group 

Facilitator and Mentor, Jose G. 

Nationally, 34 percent of 

boys grow up in fatherless 

households, putting them 

at a heightened risk of 

academic, emotional, and 

behavioral challenges. 

kind and generous. After 

receiving a donor-advised 

grant, Jed immediately chose 

to buy groceries for the 

shelter that had supported 

his family - a true testament 

to his empathy and strength 

of character. 

Through B2M, Jed 

discovered his passions 

for music and surfing, 

and became a peer guide 

during Adventure Mountain 

Weekends, helping other 

boys in the program. In 

2022, he shared his story at a 

B2M event, standing before 

a crowd of over 100 people 

alongside world-renowned 

surfer Shaun Thompson. 

Today, Jed is active 

in his school’s ROTC 

program and aspires 

to become a drone 

pilot, his leadership 

shining through as he 

participates in the 100 

Wave Challenge with 

his Boys Team. 

Mentorship is the 

foundation of B2M’s 

mission. Just one to 

two hours a week can 

change a young man’s 

life forever. B2M is 

always seeking men 

willing to share their 

time, experience, and 

wisdom to guide boys 

on their journey toward 

adulthood. 

For more information or 

to become a mentor, visit 

www.boystomen.org. 


Music 

The 

River at 

Sycuan 

Country music 

duo LOCASH 

performed at 

The River, a live 

concert at Retreat 

Pool & Cabanas at Sycuan 

Casino & Resort. Guests 

enjoyed listening to their 

chart-topping hits “I Love This 

Life,” “Feels Like a Party,” and “I 

Know Somebody.” The River 

is San Diego’s only Country 

Music Concert Pool Party 

under the stars. Concertgoers 

hopped into an inner tube, 

floated down the lazy river and 

relaxed at the swim-up bar. This 

is the coolest concert venue 

in San Diego by far complete 

with poolside gaming, taco bar 

and private cabanas! 


El dúo de música 

Country LOCASH 

se presentó en 

vivo en el Retreat 

Pool & Cabanas 

del Sycuan Casino & 

Resort. Los invitados 

disfrutaron de escuchar 

grandes éxitos como 

“I Love This Life”, “Feels 

Like a Party” y “I Know 

Somebody”. The River 

es el único espacio de 

conciertos de música 

Country próximo a una 

piscina y realizado bajo 

las estrellas en San Diego. 

El público pudo subirse 

gomónes, flotar por el 

río lento y relajarse en 

el bar ubicado dentro 

de la piscina. Por lejos, es 

el mejor lugar para un 

concierto de San Diego, 

completado con juego, 

bar privado de tacos y 

cabañas justo al lado de 

la piscina.


Environment 

Taking Action for Our River – 

a Globally Important Ecosystem 

BY ROB HUTSEL 

Majestic oak woodlands 

of the South Rim 

Many people know of the San Diego 

River Park Foundation for their work 

to reduce trash and other pollution 

in San Diego’s namesake river. Others 

know this nonprofit for their many 

years of bringing hands-on nature 

learning experiences to students, 

stewardship of the Point Loma Native Plant Garden or 

efforts to champion the creation of a 52-mile-long public 

river park and trail system. Since 2001, this local nonprofit 

has championed the San Diego River and thousands of San 

Diegans have participated in one of their many programs. 

But you may not have heard of their dedicated and ongoing 

efforts to conserve imperiled local wildlife. With rapid 

changes to our climate, there is strong sense of urgency. 

The San Diego River Park Foundation has taken the lead 

to identify privately owned lands in the upper reaches of 


Upper San Diego 

River Gorge 

PHOTO CREDIT: MYSTERI LEMAY

the river’s 

ecosystem 

which are 

currently 

undeveloped 

and providing 

wild places 

for wildlife to 

thrive. This 

large area 

stretches from 

Santa Ysabel 

to Descanso. 

Their 

staff and 

volunteers 

conduct 

research 

to isolate 

the most 

important 

properties, and 

then they act. 

Sometimes this 

is working with 

a landowner to 

purchase their 

property at fair 

market value 

or to accept the 

donation of the 

land. 

Key wildlife corridor 

that was conserved 

Through dozens 

of transactions, 

more than 2,600 

acres of at-risk open space has now been permanently 

conserved by the organization. This means that 

wildlife will forever have wild places to live. Some of 

these places like El Cajon Mountain and Lillian Hill 

are known by many, but most are relatively unknown 

like Eagle Peak Ranch and the South Rim. 

But the work does not stop there. Research continues 

on these properties to care for the land. When 

necessary, volunteers are organized and guided to heal 

damaged areas and restore these natural treasures, 

the results are profound. As one of the founders and 

the President & CEO of the organization, I have been 

One of SDRPF’s historic 

land acquisitions. 

fortunate to 

experience a 

golden eagle 

flying over 

me as I visited 

a conserved 

property, 

wild trout 

swimming 

in a restored 

creek, and 

seeing cougar 

cubs grow 

up on our 

wildlife 

camera 

network. It 

is inspiring 

to see what 

people can do 

when they act 

together. 

The biological 

diversity of the 

Upper San Diego 

River ecosystem 

is a very special 

part of San 

Diego. Animals 

such as cougars, 

ringtails, 

American 

badgers, bobcats 

and gray foxes 

are found here, 

as are majestic Engelmann oaks and an incredible 

range of flowering plants and other species. From the 

newts to the toads, the pond turtles to butterflies, this 

is a very special place indeed. 

The San Diego River Park Foundation is fueled by the 

generosity of people who give their time, talents, land 

and financial gifts to make this work possible. If you 

are interested in getting involved and joining in to take 

action, the organization would love to hear from you. 

www.sandiegoriver.org 


Compassion 

St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center 

BUILDING THEIR TOMORROW 

SMSC staff and seniors, project supporters, and community leaders 

joined to break ground on the new center on September 13th 

In the heart of El Cajon, St. Madeleine Sophie’s 

Center has started a groundbreaking project 

that is “Building Their Tomorrow” for its senior 

population. St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center 

(SMSC) began its journey in 1966 and, since then, 

has proven itself to be a place of empowerment 

and opportunities for adults with intellectual and 

developmental disabilities (I/DD). On September 13th, 

2024, SMSC officially broke ground on what will be the 

new Senior Center Building. Community leaders and 

project supporters gathered to break ground on the stateof-the-art 

building, marking a new beginning in SMSC’s 

commitment to enhancing the services and programs for 

its aging population. 

This grand occasion represents more than just the start 

of construction; it is a new chapter in SMSC’s mission to 

nurture each student’s potential and to give their students 

the support to continue living life to the fullest, especially 

for seniors like Jane and Tom Dutcher. 

For the past 15 years, the siblings have made a second 

home at SMSC. Tom works the janitorial crew on 

campus, and Jane enjoys bingo and creating at Sophie’s 

Gallery, the center’s off-site Art Program. When asking 

students what their goals were for this year Jane’s was 

simple, to move from the Activity Center Program to the 

Senior Program so she could share lunch every day with 

her brother. To those in the program, the Senior Center 

will be a place where they can spend their golden years 

surrounded by their community. Since her proclamation, 

Jane has moved to the Senior Program and regularly 

shares lunch with Tom. 

The need for this new facility has been growing steadily. 

With over 18% of SMSC’s students enrolled in the 


The New Senior Center Building 

Senior Program and numbers 

only rising, the current space is 

struggling to meet the growing 

needs of the population. 

The Senior Center Building 

is designed to address these 

challenges head-on, offering 

dedicated spaces for art, exercise, 

a computer lab, and a nurse’s 

office. Accessibility is also a keyfocus, 

with ADA-compliant 

restrooms, easy transportation 

access, ramps, and handrails 

ensuring seniors of all 

mobility levels can navigate 

the space comfortably. 

The community’s role in 

bringing this vision to 

life cannot be overstated. 

SMSC has launched a 

fundraising campaign with 

a generous matching offer 

by the McGrath Family 

Foundation, doubling 

donations for the Senior 

Center Building up to 

$250,000 received by 

December 15, 2024. 

“These folks have earned a 

quiet place to call their own, 

Over 18% of 

St. Madeleine 

Sophie’s Center 

students are enrolled 

in the Senior Program 

and the numbers are 

only rising. 

Jane and Tom Dutcher 

away from all the hustle and 

bustle,” Laurie McGrath, of the 

McGrath Family Foundation 

shared with GB Magazine, “This 

new building is going to give them 

exactly that - a space where they 

can relax, engage in activities they 

love, and just be themselves. It 

is all about giving these amazing 

seniors the comfortable, tailored 

space they deserve” 

For Jane and Tom, and the 

many seniors at SMSC, 

“Building Their Tomorrow” 

is not just a slogan; it is being 

built before their eyes. As 

construction continues, it 

cements the futures of the 

current SMSC seniors and 

those to come, ensuring their 

tomorrows are as bright and 

fulfilling as possible. 

To support St. Madeleine 

Sophie’s Center and the 

Senior Center Building, visit 

www.stmsc.org/support-us. 

For information on naming 

opportunities or other ways 

to give, contact Joe Perucca at 

(619) 442-5129 ext. 332. 


Community 

Dance 

for 

Diabetes 

Diabetes Research 

Connection 

hosted a dance 

to raise funds, 

awareness and 

work towards finding a cure 

for Type 1 Diabetes. CEO 

Christine Roads welcomed 

the community for an amazing 

night of delicious food, 

cocktails, and live music to 

make a difference in the lives 

of those with Type 1 Diabetes. 

Together, they danced 

towards a brighter future. 

Joe and Diane 

Goodman 

Linda and 

Michael Rusnak 

Larry Katz, Robin Sassi with 

Kimberly and Don Reckles 

Teresa and 

Stephen Korniczky 

Mike Thorpe and Michelle 

Harrison-Mcallister 


Diane and 

Dan Gardner 

Camilo Salazar, Ecaterina 

Bavenco and Sharone Ody

SELLING LA JOLLA, DEL MAR AND 

RANCHO SANTA FE COMMUNITIES 

Jon and 

Dawna Corn 

SCOTT APPLEBY | 858.775.2014 | DRE 01197544 

KERRY APPLEBY PAYNE | 858.204.7920 | DRE 01071814 

ANDREW APPLEBY | 858.602.9696 | DRE 02141307 

David Brown 

and Kym Huyhn 

6273 CLUBHOUSE DRIVE 

Del Mar CC, Rancho Santa Fe 

Single Story | 5 BR | 7 BA | Recent Renovation 

Full Golf Course Views | Guard Gated | $6,500,000 

“It Takes A Family” 

applebyfamilygroup.com 

Adriana and 

Jonathan Benet 


Community 

Diabetes Research 

Connection llevó adelante 

un baile para recaudar 

fondos, crear conciencia y 

continuar trabajando en pos 

de lograr una cura para la diabetes tipo 

1. La CEO Christine Roads fue quien les 

dio la bienvenida a una increíble velada 

de deliciosa comida, cócteles y música 

en vivo, buscando hacer la diferencia 

en la vida de quienes padecen diabetes 

tipo 1. Juntos bailaron con destino hacia 

un futuro más brillante. 

Erika Beko and 

Anthony Rusnak 

Robin Rubin and 

Bruce Lindsey 

Martha Hayak 

and Barbara Insel 

Brad, Taylor and 

Greyson Goodman 

Erix Quinteros and 

Anastasia Lancaster 

Carmen Young, Lee 

Goldsmith and Sherry Ahern 


Karen and 

Gary Green

Paul and 

Barbara Insel 

Crystal Russ and 

Eric Famiglietti 

Mike and 

Linda Levin 

Mo and Allison Orechwa with 

Cathy and Mark Zumberge 

Joe Goodman and 

Jennifer Parker 

Taylor Zwisler and 

Anya Ivasenko 

Dennis and Molly 

Fredrickson 

David Winkler with Jerri–Ann 

and Gary Jacobs 

Kevin and 

Kimberly Krenek 


Leadership 

Recognizing 

Father Joe’s Village’s 

Volunteers 

Father Joe’s Villages is thrilled to join 

the community in celebrating National 

Philanthropy Day (NPD) this year 

on November 15th. This special day 

recognizes and honors the immense 

contributions of philanthropy that enrich 

our community. We proudly congratulate 

all the 2024 NPD honorees and nominees whose 

dedication uplifts and inspires San Diego. Among the 

distinguished nominees, we are especially excited to 

acknowledge Sydney Yang, nominated for Outstanding 

Student Volunteer, and the Ladies Guild, nominated 

for Outstanding Volunteer. 

Sydney Yang, a remarkable young leader, has shown 

exceptional commitment through her volunteer work 

with Father Joe’s Villages. Her tireless efforts in serving 

meals and providing emotional support to individuals 

experiencing homelessness embody compassion and 

kindness. The Ladies Guild, a cornerstone of our 

organization for over 40 years, contributes more than 


10,000 volunteer hours annually. Their impactful 

fundraising, advocacy, and hands-on service have 

made a profound difference in countless lives. 

Father Joe’s Villages is deeply grateful for all the 

philanthropists who share their time, talent, and 

treasure to make San Diego America’s Finest City. 

For nearly 75 years, Father Joe’s Villages has had the 

enduring support of a vast community that advances 

their mission to prevent and end homelessness, 

enabling them to deliver essential programs that 

transform lives and foster hope for a brighter future. 

Father Joe’s Villages looks forward to celebrating 

the spirit of giving and honoring our philanthropic 

community at the Association of Fundraising 

Professionals (AFP) San Diego Chapter’s 52nd Annual 

National Philanthropy Day Luncheon on November 

15th at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel. It is a 

special opportunity to reflect on the power of giving 

and the limitless possibilities it creates for a stronger, 

more compassionate San Diego.

For nearly 75 

years, Father 

Joe’s Villages 

has had the 

enduring 

support 

of a vast 

community 

that advances 

their mission 

to prevent 

and end 

homelessness 

Con 

mucho entusiasmo es que 

Sydney Yang 

Father Joe ‘s Villages se une a 

la comunidad para festejar el 

National Philanthropy Day (NPD) a realizarse el 15 de 

noviembre de este año. Este día tan especial reconoce 

y honra las inmensas contribuciones de los filántropos 

que diariamente enriquecen nuestra comunidad. 

Queremos felicitar a los homenajeados y nominados 

al NPD 2024, cuyos compromisos y dedicaciones son 

una inspiración para la gente de San Diego. Entre 

los nominados queremos destacar a Sydney Yang, 

nominada como Outstanding Student Volunteer y a la 

Ladies Guild, nominada como Outstanding Volunteer. 

Sydney Yang es una destacada joven líder que ha 

demostrado un compromiso excepcional a lo largo de 

su trabajo en Father Joe ‘s Villages. Sus incansables 

esfuerzos en el servicio de comida, su apoyo emocional 

a personas en situación de calle, son algunas de sus 

The Ladies Guild with the late Father Joe Carroll 

manifestaciones concretas de compasión 

y solidaridad. La Ladies Guild, por otro 

lado, desde hace 40 años es esencial para 

nuestra organización, contribuyendo 

con más de 10,000 horas voluntarias 

por año. Su impacto en la recaudación 

de fondos, defensoría y servicios han 

tenido un profundo impacto en las vidas 

de muchas personas. 

Father Joe ‘s Villages está sumamente 

agradecido a todos los filántropos que 

comparten su tiempo, talento y tesoros 

para hacer de San Diego la mejor ciudad 

de los Estados Unidos. Durante casi 

75 años, Father Joe’s VIllages se ha 

dedicado a brindar apoyo a un amplio 

sector de la comunidad, buscando prevenir y terminar 

con la situación de calle, pudiendo asistir a las personas 

a través de programas que logran transformar sus vidas 

y dándoles la esperanza de lograr un futuro mejor. 

Father Joe’s Villages espera festejar y honrar la 

solidaridad de la comunidad de filántropos durante 

el 52° almuerzo anual National Philanthropy Day que 

lleva adelante la sede de San Diego de la Association 

of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) el 15 de noviembre 

en el Hotel Hilton San Diego Bayfront. Esta es una 

oportunidad muy especial para pensar en el poder de la 

solidaridad y las infinitas oportunidades existentes para 

crear un San Diego más compasivo y solidario. 

my.neighbor.org 


Community 

Celebrando 

Raices 

A 

vibrant and unifying celebration 

of Latino heritage was held to 

commemorate Chicano Federation’s 

55th anniversary. Supporters came 

together to honor rich cultural roots, 

the progress made as a community, and all the 

work that still needs to be done. This event was 

not only a celebration but also 

a reminder of the strength and 

resilience that unites us. 

Aida Castaneda, Teddy 

Martinez and Osiris Romero 

PHOTOGRAPHED BY: DIANNA IPPOLITO 

Robert Lopez and 

Denise Newell 

Carlos Medina 

and Azahlis Valdez 

Liz Ramirez and 

Carlos Sanchez 

Amanda Chavez 

and Tessa Hemmi 


Lorie Nguyen 

and Emilie Dang 

Una vibrante y unificante 

celebración de la 

herencia latina se 

llevó adelante durante 

el 55° aniversario 

de la Chicano Federation. Los 

seguidores de la organización 

se reunieron para honrar la rica 

herencia cultural, el progreso 

logrado como comunidad y 

pensar en el trabajo que queda 

por delante. Este evento no solo 

fue un festejo sino también un 

recordatorio de la fortaleza y 

resiliencia que nos une.

Stephen Chin, Todd 

Schultz and Stephen Gamp 

Matching Candidates to Culture to Mission 

Leadership and Executive 

Recruitment Specializing In 

Nonprofits 

Engaging our vast 

community network of 

diverse candidates to 

secure exceptional talent. 

• Executive Officers 

• Development 

Department 

• Programs Team 

Jason Feinstein 

and Mario Pereira 

• Finance Department 

• Key Strategic Positions 

Karla Torosian, 

President and Founder 

(619) 984-9094 

www.redbonerecruiting.com 

SOME OF OUR CURRENT CLIENTS INCLUDE: 

Jorge Ceballos and 

Jose Mondragon 


Heroes 

Support Workshops for 

Warriors with a Lasting Legacy 

Workshops 

for Warriors 

(WFW) is 

dedicated to 

rebuilding 

America’s 

critically 

challenged manufacturing workforce 

while empowering veterans, 

transitioning service members, and 

military spouses. Each year, more 

than 200,000 veterans leave active 

duty, often facing challenges as they 

transition to civilian life. With many 

lacking transferable skills, they 

Each year, 

more than 

200,000 

veterans leave 

active duty, 

often facing 

challenges as 

they transition 

to civilian life. 

struggle to find meaningful, stable 

employment. WFW provides a lifechanging 

solution, equipping veterans 

with advanced manufacturing skills 

and nationally recognized credentials, 

ensuring their success in high-demand 

industries like welding and machining. 

Their mission goes beyond simply 

providing skills. At WFW, they believe 

in supporting the whole individual. 

Many veterans face housing insecurity, 

mental health challenges, and the 

absence of a supportive community. 

WFW addresses these needs by offering 


comprehensive services that include mental health 

counseling, food distribution, and housing assistance. 

They create a supportive environment where veterans 

can thrive, helping them regain their sense of purpose 

and security. 

As we look to the 

future, the need 

for skilled workers 

in manufacturing 

is only increasing, 

with an estimated 

800,000 unfilled 

jobs nationwide. To 

meet this growing 

demand, WFW is 

expanding their 

facilities, increasing 

the number of 

veterans they can 

serve each year, 

and investing 

in state-of-theart 

equipment 

to ensure their 

students are 

well-prepared 

for the modern 

workforce. 

However, this 

cannot be 

accomplished 

without the 

support of 

people who care 

deeply about 

veterans and 

America’s future - people like you. By making a planned 

gift and including WFW in your will, you can make a 

profound and lasting impact on the lives of veterans 

and their families for generations to come. Your gift will 

help WFW continue to provide critical training, support 

services, and job placement assistance, ensuring that 

veterans can secure high-paying, stable careers, and a 

bright future. 

By naming WFW in your will, you leave a lasting legacy 

that reflects your commitment to supporting veterans 

and their transition to civilian life. Your gift will help 

sustain the organization’s work for future generations, 

ensuring veterans continue to receive the training 

and support they need. It is a way for you to make a 

significant, long-term impact without affecting your 

current financial situation. 

Workshops for 

Warriors invites 

you to join a 

community of 

supporters who 

believe in honoring 

the service and 

sacrifices of our 

veterans. By 

including WFW 

in your estate 

planning, you 

help ensure that 

veterans receive 

the training 

and support 

they need to 

lead successful, 

fulfilling lives. 

WFW would 

be honored 

to discuss the 

planned giving 

options that 

best align with 

your financial 

goals and 

philanthropic 

vision. Every 

gift - no matter 

the size - makes 

a difference in the lives of those who have served our 

country. Together, we can make a lasting impact on 

veterans, their families, and the future of America’s 

workforce. 

For more information or to discuss how you can include 

WFW in your estate planning, please call (619) 679-2906 

or visit www.wfw.org. 

Your support ensures that those who have bravely 

served our country receive the care, training, and 

support they deserve. 


Golf 

Charity Golf 

Tournament 

For the past 31 years, the Arc San Diego 

Foundation has presented their Annual 

Charity Golf Tournament. This event 

has been a remarkable success, raising 

millions of dollars to benefit children 

and adults with disabilities receiving services 

from The Arc of San Diego. The event was held 

on a beautiful golf course in Rancho Santa Fe, 

but even though it was one of the hottest days 

of the year, it did not deter the golfers from 

having fun or from raising funds! 

Eric Baggett, Jon and Linda 

Kurtin and Douglas Gundermann 

Marty Brown, Gary Welch, 

Gary Lewis and Gary Laperle 

Miles Harper, Paul 

LaBounty, Stacy Moskowitz 

and Scott Wensley 

Gabrielle Sarmiento, Jennifer 

Navarra and Chloe Pankratz 

Ken Ghahremani 

and Steve Willmer 


Howard and 

Barbara Milstein 

Durante los últimos 31 años, la 

Fundación Arc of San Diego ha 

presentado su Annual Charity 

Golf Tournament con gran 

éxito, recaudando millones de 

dólares a beneficio de niños y adultos con 

discapacidades que reciben los servicios 

del Arc of San Diego. El evento se llevó 

a cabo en una preciosa cancha de golf 

de Rancho Santa Fe y a pesar del intenso 

calor, los golfistas dieron el presente para 

sumarse a esta causa solidaria.

Tim Himstreet 

and Ryan Dalzell 

Kristy and 

Tom Nardini 

Berni and 

Linda Kurtin 

Robin DeFay and 

George Copoulos 


Food Rescue 

Feeding Our Heroes 

FEEDING SAN DIEGO TACKLES FOOD INSECURITY 

AMONG MILITARY FAMILIES AND VETERANS 

When 

thinking of 

our local 

military 

community, 

it may not 

seem likely 

that food insecurity is a problem 

for active-duty military families 

and veterans. Yet, it is. According to Feeding America, 

the national organization of which Feeding San Diego 

is a partner food bank of, nearly a quarter of activeduty 

service members experience food insecurity. 

Additionally, one in nine working-age veterans live 


NEARLY A 

QUARTER OF 

ACTIVE-DUTY 

SERVICE MEMBERS 

EXPERIENCE 

FOOD INSECURITY 

in food insecure households. 

These numbers are shocking to 

anyone who believes that those 

who protect or have protected our 

country should have their basic 

needs met. 

“Every time there is help with 

food, we want to come out and 

get it because everything keeps 

going up. It is a lot of budgeting. My husband is 

deployed right now, and we just live on his income. I 

try to find things with Feeding San Diego and go to 

their programs. With everything increasing it helps 

a lot of people. This definitely helps military families

feel appreciated. It 

feels like someone 

is looking out for us 

and we appreciate 

that,” shared Crystal, 

a military spouse 

and mother of three 

receiving support from 

Feeding San Diego. 

According to the 2023 

Military Economic 

Impact Report, more 

than 115,000 activeduty 

service men 

and women currently 

call San Diego home. 

Over 1.2 million San 

Diegans, 37% of our 

population, have direct 

ties to the military. Since 

2018, when Feeding 

San Diego launched 

its Feeding Heroes 

program, the non-profit 

has been working with 

local partners to directly 

address the problem 

of food insecurity 

among military families 

and veterans. By 

partnering with nonprofit 

organizations 

that directly serve the 

military, like Support 

the Enlisted Project 

(STEP), Courage to 

Call, and Us 4 Warriors, 

Feeding San Diego 

can provide food for 

service members and 

their families, and veterans, at trusted locations and 

often alongside wraparound services specifically for the 

military community. 

The unique causes of food insecurity for military 

families include low pay for lower enlisted service 

members, the challenge of finding steady work for 

military spouses if 

they have to move 

often or live on 

base, unexpected 

expenses that crop 

up like moving costs 

and medical bills, 

high cost of living 

in cities where they 

are stationed, and 

the fact that many 

military family 

members do not 

qualify for food 

assistance programs 

because they are 

considered to have too 

much income. This is 

because the housing 

allowance they receive 

to help pay for housing 

counts as income. 

Meanwhile, causes of 

food insecurity for 

veterans include low 

income, especially 

for older veterans 

and veterans with 

disabilities, trouble 

finding work after 

leaving the military, 

and impact of military 

service on physical and 

mental health. 

Feeding San Diego 

is proud to partner 

with seven local nonprofits 

that support the 

military community, 

as well as schools on 

or near military bases, to provide nutritious food for 

regular food distributions around San Diego County, 

including on base at Camp Pendleton and Marine 

Corps Air Station Miramar. 

www.feedingsandiego.org 


Exhibition 

Blue 

Gold 

Mingei International 

Museum’s bold, new 

exhibition Blue Gold: 

The Art and Science of 

Indigo celebrates magical 

transformation of plants into color. 

It is the color of ocean tides, a 

starry dusk sky, and a pair of vintage 

Levi’s. Indigo blue is all around, but 

harnessing this hue is a complex 

feat of chemistry and botanical 

transformation. The exhibition Blue 

Gold: The Art and Science of Indigo, 

opened at Mingei International 

Museum in Balboa Park combines art, 

craft, science, and history to explore 

this color’s past and present and is 

open to the public now. 

Bob and Catherine Palmer 

with Kathy and Rob Jones 

Claire Anderson, Audrey 

Ratner and Julianne Markow 

Patrick Deangelis 

and Erin Page 

Robert Singer, Blair 

Harris and Zack Fuller 


Jeanette Stevens, Gordon 

Brodfuherer with Pam and Hal Fuson 

Robyn Bottomley 

and Elaine Shaw 

Blue Gold: The 

Art and Science 

of Indigo es la 

nueva atrevida 

exhibición 

que ofrece el Mingei 

International Museum, donde se rinde 

un homenaje a la transformación 

de la planta en color. El índigo es el 

color de las mareas del océano, del 

cielo estrellado, de un par de viejos 

jeans Levis… índigo está a nuestro 

alrededor, pero el aprovechamiento 

de este matiz requiere de complejos 

procesos químicos y transformaciones 

botánicas. La exhibición Blue Gold: The 

Art and Science of Indigo se encuentra 

abierta al público en el Mingei 

International Museum de Parque 

Balboa, combinando arte, ciencia, 

historia y artesanía para explorar el 

pasado y presente de este color.

THE ARC OF 

SAN DIEGO PRESENTS 

FASHION SHOW BY LEONARD SIMPSON 

Ellen Brown and 

Jessica Hanson York 

MARCHING INTO THE HOLIDAYS; 

A NUTCRACKER EXTRAVAGANZA 

Barbara Hanson 

Forsyth and Ian Forsyth 

Carl Findley III and 

Jennifer Findley 

Maureen King 

and John Seiber 

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2024 

THE US GRANT HOTEL 

Honorary Chairs 

Dr. Howard and Barbara Milstein 

Chairs 

Maria Stanley 

Cici Drummond 

Malissa Sanfilippo 

Laura Applegate 

Erica Ram 

Jenny Seligmann 

10 a.m. Check-In, Holiday Shopping 

Boutique, & Silent Auction 

12 noon Luncheon & Fashion Show 

Benefitting children and adults 

with disabilities at The Arc of San Diego 

Purchase Your Ticket Today! 

For more information, 

call (619) 795-4186 or visit 

www.arc-sd.com/winterwonderland 


Housing 

Legal Aid Society Of San Diego 

FIGHTING FOR TENANTS’ RIGHTS 

The COVID-19 pandemic brought massive 

disruption to countless lives, including 

vulnerable families in San Diego at the 

mercy of landlords seeking to evict them. 

Although statewide pandemic 

regulations prevented landlords from 

evicting tenants for nonpayment of 

rent, loopholes allowed evictions to proceed in several 

circumstances, including some in which the tenant 

had done nothing wrong. This in turn, left tenants 

vulnerable to housing instability and exposure to 

COVID-19, and further strained the County’s already 

overburdened healthcare system. 

Fortunately, the Legal Aid Society of San Diego (LASSD) 

joined the fight to protect tenants who were in danger 

of losing their housing. In 2021, Supervisor Nora 

Vargas championed a temporary countywide Eviction 

Moratorium to protect against unnecessary evictions 

during the state of emergency. Supervisor Vargas reached 

out to LASSD for guidance in drafting the ordinance to 

eliminate loopholes that could be exploited by landlords. 

San Diego County’s Emergency No-Fault Eviction 

Moratorium was passed but a landlord lobbying group 

filed a federal lawsuit against the County and Board 

of Supervisors to try to keep it from going into effect. 

LASSD leapt to the defense of the Eviction Moratorium 

by partnering with the non-profit Western Center on 

Law and Poverty (WCLP) and pro bono counsel Susman 

Godfrey LLP, to represent the tenant group Alliance of 

Californians for Community Empowerment (ACCE) 

as an Intervenor-Defendant in the lawsuit. Together 

with county counsel, LASSD, Susman Godfrey LLP and 

WCLP successfully convinced the court to allow the 

Eviction Moratorium to remain. 

As a result of LASSD’s advocacy surrounding the eviction 

moratorium and the tireless efforts of co-counsel at 

Susman Godfrey LLP and WCLP, they were able to 

keep countless tenants housed during the pandemic 

and established strong legal precedent if future eviction 

moratoriums are needed. 


La pandemia del COVID-19 produjo grandes 

conflictos en la vida de innumerables 

personas, entre ellas, familias de San Diego 

enfrentadas a la posibilidad de desalojo por 

parte de los propietarios de sus viviendas. 

Aunque las regulaciones estatales sobre la 

pandemia no permitían a los propietarios 

desalojar a los inquilinos, inclusive si no pagaban la 

renta, algunas lagunas legales dejaron espacio para que 

en ciertas ocasiones esto sucediera, inclusive en caso 

de no haber hecho nada malo, dejándolos vulnerables 

a la inestabilidad en cuanto a vivienda y expuestos al 

COVID-19, al mismo tiempo poniendo más presión 

sobre el ya desbordado sistema de salud. 

Afortunadamente, el Legal Aid Society of San Diego 

(LASSD) se unió a la lucha por proteger a los inquilinos 

en peligro de perder su techo. 

En 2021, la supervisora Nora Vargas presentó en el 

condado una moratoria temporal de desalojo que 

protegía a los inquilinos de desalojos innecesarios 

durante el estado de emergencia. La supervisora Vargas 

se acercó a LASSD para ser asesorada en la redacción 

de la ordenanza con el fin de evitar lagunas legales que 

pudieran ser usadas por los propietarios. 

La San Diego County Emergency No-Fault Eviction 

Moratorium (Moratoria de desalojo sin causa de San 

Diego) fue aceptada, pero un grupo de propietarios 

presentó una demanda contra el condado y la Comisión 

de supervisores hizo todo lo posible para que no 

fuera puesta en marcha. LASSD se sumó a la causa 

defendiendo la Moratoria de Desalojo asociándose 

con la organización sin fines de lucro Western Center 

on Law and Poverty (WCLP) y con el asesor Susman 

Godfrey LLP trabajando pro-bono, para representar 

como interventores y defensores al grupo de inquilinos 

Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment 

(ACCE) en el juicio que se estaba llevando adelante. El 

consejero del condado, LASSD, Susman Godfrey LLP y 

WCLP lograron convencer a la corte de mantener activa 

la Moratoria de Desalojo. 

Como resultado de la defensa llevada adelante por 

LASSD con respecto a la moratoria de desalojo y los 

incansables esfuerzo de asesoramiento de Susman 

Godfrey LLP y WCLP, muchos inquilinos pudieron 

mantener un techo bajo sus cabezas durante la pandemia, 

estableciendo un sólido precedente legal para futuras 

moratorias de desalojo. 

www.lassd.org 


Exhibition 

The Myth of 

Superheroes 

Comic Con Museum recently 

opened its newest exhibit which 

brings The Myth of Superheroes 

which takes guests on a journey 

through time that connects 

ancient Greek and Roman gods and 

goddesses to the superhero legends of today. 

From the strength of Hercules to the speed 

of Mercury, guests explored the evolution 

of these powerful mythological figures, 

and how they became our modern-day 

superheroes. Created in Italy, the exhibition 

features over 400 objects including original 

comics, hand drawings, modern statues, 

action figures, and more and is open now at 

the museum in Balboa Park. 


Recientemente, el Museo del Comic Con inauguró 

la nueva muestra The Myth of Superheroes, donde 

los visitantes son llevados en un viaje a través del 

tiempo que conecta los dioses de las antiguas 

Grecia y Roma con las leyendas de los superhéroes 

del presente. Desde la fuerza de Hércules a la velocidad de 

Mercurio, los visitantes podrán explorar la evolución de estas 

poderosas figuras mitológicas y su transformación en los 

superhéroes del presente. Creada en Italia, esta exhibición 

cuenta con 400 objetos como cómics originales, dibujos, 

estatuas modernas, figuras de acción y mucho más. La 

exhibición ya puede visitarse en Parque Balboa.

Escapadita 

Antarctica 

Giving Back Magazine is a proud 

partner of Boutique Travel 

Advisors, an agency that specializes 

in designing once-in-a-lifetime 

experiences. Through this 

partnership, we have seen a great 

interest in a new style of cruising - 

Expedition Cruising. While many people are familiar 

with traditional cruise ships, Expedition Cruising 

replaces waterslides, tenders and casinos with small 

Zodiac landing craft, laboratories and classrooms, and 

professional scientists and expedition leaders. 

We had the pleasure of experiencing the preeminent 

Expedition Cruise company – HX. Since 1893, the 

ships of Hurtigruten have been a hallmark of the 

Norwegian coast, and now they have expanded to 

unique destinations across the globe. We boarded the 

newest addition to Hurtigruten fleet, the MS Fridtjof 

Nansen - named after the Norwegian explorer, scientist, 

humanitarian and Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Known for 

his innovations in Arctic expeditions, Nansen led the first 

crossing of Greenland on cross-country skis. 

Danitza and Esteban 

on a Zodiac expedition 

Our journey started in Vancouver and the ship quickly 

felt like our home away from home. The clean and 

elegant interior design stems from Hurtigruten’s 

Scandinavian roots and can be seen in the various 

areas of relaxation in the lounges, three restaurants and 

bar. The core of the onboard experience is the Science 

Center which is packed with state-of-the-art technology, 

microscopes and high-tech gadgets such as touch 

screen maps. Our voyage was filled with adventure and 

discovery enjoying a mix of nature and scenic cruises. 

A team of specialists and modern-day explorers 


MS Fridtjof 

Nansen in Artic ice 

What can you expect on an all-inclusive 

expedition with HX 

• All-inclusive includes breakfast, lunch and 

dinner 

• Coffee, tea, soft drinks and alcoholic 

drinks all day 

• Daily expeditions and activities with guides 

Esteban and Danitza Villanueva 

on the MS Fridtjof Nansen 

accompanied us to explore the Gulf and Saturna Islands 

via small expedition boats. The scientists not only guide 

you on your expeditions but use the Science Center to 

explain and demonstrate in detail biological traits or the 

animals, water column inhabitants, ocean temperature 

experiments and more. You enjoy and understand the 

learning behind your destination and the natural world 

you surround yourself with. 

Hurtigruten voyages offer engaging insights on the nature, 

and wildlife allowing you to soak up the beauty, silence, 

and natural wonders of the world, whether Alaska, 

Northwest Passage, Antarctica, Greenland or Galapagos 

(stay tuned!) making it a perfect ESCAPADITA. 

• Expedition gear and water bottle – yours to 

take home! 

• A beautiful digital album of photos taken 

by the ship’s photographer 

• Wi-Fi for all those emails that cannot wait 

• Full Access to Science Center with onboard 

scientists, experts, and our citizen science 

projects 

Contact Boutique Travel Advisors 

and let them curate this, or a similar 

journey to meet your exact taste. 

(480) 787-1477 

www.travelbta.com 


La revista Giving Back está orgullosa de ser socia del Boutique 

Travel Advisors, una agencia especializada en el diseño de 

experiencias únicas. A través de esta asociación hemos visto 

crecer el interés en un nuevo tipo de expediciones en cruceros. 

Mientras que la mayoría de las personas está familiarizada con 

los cruceros tradicionales, Cruceros de Expediciones vienen 

a reemplazar los toboganes de agua, juegos y casinos con 

embarcaciones zodiac para desembarcar, laboratorios y clases lideradas por 

científicos profesionales. 

Tuvimos el placer de experimentar la compañía de cruceros de expedición 

- HX. Desde 1983 estos buques de Hurtigruten han sido una marca 

registrada en la costa noruega y hoy en día han ampliado sus destinos a lo 

largo y ancho del mundo. Nos embarcamos en una nueva edición de una 

embarcación de la flota Hurtigruten, el MS Fridtjof Nansen, nombrada así 

en honor al científico, humanitario explorador y premio Nobel de la Paz. 

Conocido por sus innovaciones en expediciones árticas, Nansen fue quien 

lideró el primer cruce en esquíes de cross-country a través de Groenlandia. 

Nuestro viaje comenzó en Vancouver y enseguida nos sentimos como 

en casa. El limpio y elegante interior con diseños de raíces noruegas se 

puede apreciar en las varias zonas de descanso, tres restaurantes y bar. 

El corazón de la experiencia de abordo es el Science Center repleto de 

tecnología, microscopios y elementos científicos de última generación 

como los son los mapas táctiles. Nuestro viaje estuvo lleno de aventuras y 

el descubrir la naturaleza en el confort de un crucero fue algo único. Un 

equipo de modernos exploradores nos acompañó a explorar las islas de 

Gulf y Saturna en pequeños botes. Estos científicos no solo nos guiaron 

en las expediciones, sino que también usaron el Science Center para 

explicar y demostrarnos detalles de la biología animal y vegetal de la 

zona, temperaturas oceánicas, experimentos y mucho más, disfrutando de 

comprender y aprender la naturaleza que nos rodeaba. 

Los viajes de Hurtigruten brindan comprometidas miradas de la naturaleza 

y vida silvestre mientras que también permiten sumergirse en la belleza, 

el silencio y las maravillas que ella misma nos ofrece, sea tanto en Alaska, 

el Paso del Noroeste, Antártida, Groenlandia o Galápagos, (¡permanezcan 

atentos!), estas son unas perfectas ESCAPADITAS. 

Oceanview Sauna 

Science Center 

La expedición de HX incluye 

• Desayuno, almuerzo y cena 

• Café, te, bebidas sin y con alcohol 

durante todo el día 

• Expediciones y actividades diarias 

guiadas 

• Equipo para expediciones y botella 

de agua- ¡se la pueden llevar a casa! 

• Un hermoso álbum de fotos 

digitales sacadas por el fotógrafo de 

abordo 

• Wi-Fi para aquellos correos 

electrónicos que no pueden esperar 

• Acceso al Science Center con los 

científicos, expertos de abordo 

y nuestros proyectos científicos 

ciudadanos. 

Expedition Suite on 

the MS Fridtjof Nansen 

Hot tubs and 

infinity pools

GB Magazine San Diego November 2024 Edition!

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