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CONTENTS

6 Athletics

A Tradition Of

Excellence

8 WWL

February

10 Inspiration

Go Red

Co-Publishers

12 Philanthropy

Uncertain Times

14 Awards

Red Boudreau

18 What’s In

Sparkle In Every Detail

20 Celebration

Messengers Of Hope

24 Health

Champions For Health

26 About San Diego

Remembering The

Douglas Hotel

28 Benefit

Winter Wonderland

32 Healthcare

Iliana’s Journey

34 Resilience

Love Beyond Limits

36 Fundraiser

Gingerbread City

ISRAEL

4 FEBRUARY 2025 | GBSAN.COM

BAJA CALIFORNIA

40 Benefit

Off To The Races

44 Empowerment

ECS

46 Athletics

San Diego FC

48 Recognition

Women Of Dedication

50 Fundraiser

MAAC Soiree

54 SWA Community

Girl Scouts San Diego

56 Culture

Patrons Of The Prado

58 Celebration

CJ Charles Jewelers

66 Innovators

San Ysidro Health’s Plans

For The Jacobs Center

68 Education

National University

74 Culture

Discover Israel Unfiltered

76 Perfil

Neil O’Connell

/GIVINGBACKMAGAZINE

@GBMAG

78 Gala

Super Sonic

82 Fellowship

Donor Appreciation

84 Equality

Legal Aid Society of San

Diego

86 Environment

25 Yearrs Of Wildcoast

88 Honor

Celebrating Jerry

Coleman

89 Official Program

Jewish Family Service:

Heart & Soul Gala

ON THE COVER: MICHAEL AND SUSANNA

FLASTER, JEFF AND KAREN SILBERMAN

WIITH MICHAEL HOPKINS

@GIVINGBACKMAGAZINE

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

ESTEBAN VILLANUEVA

ESTEBAN@GBSAN.COM

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

DANITZA VILLANUEVA

DANITZA@GBSAN.COM

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

ROSARIO HEER

DIANNA IPPOLITO

SANDY SPEAR, IN MEMORIAM

JOSÉ LUIS VENEGAS

EDITORIAL DESIGN

SHERDELLAH ANUNCIADO

PHOTO EDITORS

ROSARIO HEER

JOSE MARTINEZ

WEB DESIGN

JOSE MARTINEZ

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

KEN KRAMER

PAPA DOUG MANCHESTER

NICHOLE NAOUM

LORI WALTON

TRANSLATIONS

CAROLINA WALLACE

CIRCULATION MANAGER

DANIELA HANI

DIGITAL CONTENT MANAGER

CAMERON NICHOLS

ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT

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SAVE

THE DATE

CELEBRATE WITH US

04.05.25

CATAMARAN RESORT

Private concert to be announced

Join us for our third annual

Rooted in Resiliency

Celebration benefiting Boys

to Men Mentoring and make

a profound impact on the

lives of struggling young men

throughout San Diego.

To purchase tickets or learn

more about sponsorship

opportunities, call

619.323.1283 or visit

boystomen.org.

Athletics

Page Tab

SAN DIEGO CREW CLASSIC BRUNCH BY THE BAY

A Tradition of

Excellence

The San Diego Crew Classic is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, world-class rowing, and

unique opportunities for social engagement. Among the many cherished traditions of this iconic

event, the Brunch by the Bay stands out as an unparalleled experience, blending luxury, festivity,

and front-row seats to the regatta’s thrilling finish line on picturesque Mission Bay.

Brunch by the Bay, set for Sunday, March 30, 2025, offers a gourmet dining experience amid the

excitement of the regatta. Held in a tented venue with indoor and outdoor seating, guests enjoy

a premium finish-line view, live racing

coverage on multiple screens, and a menu

featuring a delectable spread, handcrafted

espresso, and artisanal cocktails for adults.

Athletes in traditional rowing blazers and

ladies in elegant hats evoke the sport’s

storied heritage. Whether a rowing fan

or newcomer, Brunch by the Bay offers a

perfect taste of the Crew Classic spirit.

Founded in 1993, Brunch by the Bay

celebrates the San Diego Crew Classic’s

Stewardship Program and commenced

as part of the regatta’s 20th anniversary.

Stewards, the backbone of the Crew Classic

community, are dedicated supporters and

ambassadors of rowing. The brunch offers a

chance to connect with and celebrate these

advocates, including local philanthropists

like the Copley, Considine, Fetters, and

Devries families.

Considine Children with Cup

The event also features a distinguished lineup

of trophy sponsors which symbolize a legacy

of dedication, community, and passion for

rowing. The San Diego Crew Classic thanks

its donors for their steadfast support

induing The Jean Jessop Hervey Cup –


Sponsored by the

Hervey Foundation,

whose trophy honors

the winners of the

Men’s Youth B 8+

category, carrying

forward Jean Jessop

Hervey’s lasting

enthusiasm for life

- a spirit which the

Crew Classic hopes

to instill in all of

our participants on

and off the water.

Another storied

trophy is The Rose

Cup – Sponsored

by the Crew

Classic President,

Mark Rose, and

his wife, Betsey

Rose, recognizing

the outstanding

achievements of the

Men’s U16 8+

crews.

The Copleys awarding Nereus

The San Diego

Crew Classic is

more than just

a regatta, it is

a cornerstone

of the rowing

community and

a cherished San

Diego tradition.

The event

Rose Cup Winners with Mark and Betsey Rose

attracts athletes

of all levels,

from novices experiencing their first spring regatta, to

seasoned Olympians. It is a place where rowers grow up,

The Devries at Brunch by the Bay

build lifelong

friendships,

and create

unforgettable

memories.

One

exceptional

team of

note is The

University

of Texas

women’s

rowing team,

founded in 1998

after the 1993 Title

IX settlement, which

has a decorated

history with

multiple Big 12 titles

and three NCAA

championships

(2021, 2022, 2024).

In 2024, Texas

became the third

program to win

three NCAA titles

in four years.

In addition, The

Crew Classic

introduces high

school athletes

to competitive

rowing, offers

collegiate teams

a chance to

assess national

competition, and welcomes alumni to reconnect

and race.

Join Us for a Memorable Day

Brunch by the Bay is a must-attend highlight of the Crew Classic, blending world-class rowing with an elegant

social gathering. Celebrate athletic excellence, community, and tradition on March 30, 2025. Reserve your

spot and join this timeless San Diego tradition.

www.crewclassic.org/spectators/#hospitality

FEBRUARY 2025 | GBSAN.COM 7

WWL

WHAT WE LOVE

FEBRUARY

1

Go Red for Women

Go Red for Women empowers women to take

control of their health by raising awareness about

cardiovascular disease - the leading killer of women. Through

education, support, and shared stories of strength, Go Red

inspires women to live their healthiest lives at every age and

stage. Join us as we Go Red for Women on February 28.

www.heart.org/SDGoRed

San Diego International Jewish Film

Festival

2

From January 27 through February 8, join us

for the 35th San Diego International Jewish

Film Festival! Celebrate connection, culture, and the

joy of independent film. Your support keeps this

world-class event thriving – let us come together

come together to share stories that inspire and unite!

www.lfjcc.org/film


3

Other Desert Cities

With biting wit and

razor-sharp insight,

Other Desert Cities promises

a riveting exploration of family

dynamics that will leave you

on the edge of your seat.

Presented at the iconic Cygnet

Theatre in Old Town from

February 5 to March 2, this

family’s buried secrets make

for great entertainment!

www.cygnettheatre.com

4

Museum Month

Get ready for San Diego’s

biggest Museum Month

yet! Explore 70+ museums, zoos,

gardens, and more with half-price

admission for up to four people all

February. Grab your pass at any San

Diego Public Library starting Jan

24th or download it to your phone

Feb 1st!

www.sandiegomuseumcouncil.org


Inspiration

Go Red

PROMOTING WOMEN’S

HEART HEALTH

For more than

20 years, the

American Heart

Association’s

signature women’s

initiative, Go

Red for Women,

has met the evolving health

needs of women and addressed

the awareness and clinical

care gaps of their greatest

health threat, cardiovascular

disease (CVD). Go Red for

Women is a source of credible,

equitable health solutions at

every age, stage, and season

of life. Recently, members of

the San Diego’s Circle of Red,

Go Red for Women’s annual

giving society, met at Paradise

Point, the site of the 2025 Go

Red for Women luncheon.

This group of women includes

survivors, and leaders in our

community who are using

their influence, generosity, and

passion to advocate for women’s

heart health. This is because

cardiovascular disease does not

discriminate, and it unfairly

targets women. CVD continues

to be the No. 1 killer of women

- claiming more lives than all

forms of cancer combined.

Women experience unique life stages such as adolescence,

pregnancy and menopause that can increase their risk of developing

CVD. Even more startling is the fact that only about half of women

are aware that cardiovascular disease is their greatest health threat.

Women have been left out of research, testing, treatment, and

funding. A woman is also less likely to receive CPR from a bystander

than a man, and men have 23% higher odds of surviving a sudden

cardiac arrest than women. Too many women die from cardiac arrest

and Go Red for Women is working to change that, by supporting

research on the disparities in women receiving bystander CPR and

training everyone to feel confident in performing CPR on a woman.


Fortunately, women have

an amazing resource – each

other. Women motivate each

other, educate each other,

and inspire each other. From

receiving bystander CPR to

facing inequities in care,

women deserve better. Go Red

for Women is committed to

closing gaps in access to care

and championing community

and support. It is time to Go

Red for health, to Go Red for

life, to Go Red for good, to Go

Red for Women.

The American Heart Association

and its supporters, including

the Circle of Red giving society,

have been relentless in their

pursuit to raise awareness and

fund life-saving research and

opportunities, much of which

is studied and performed right

here in San Diego. Circle of

Red is an influential group of

women dedicated to supporting

the mission and work of the

American Heart Association,

San Diego Division.

We invite you to celebrate with

us at the Go Red for Women

luncheon on February 28, 2025

at Paradise Point. Learn more at

www.heart.org/SDGoRed or

contact at Shana Contreiras at

(585) 410-4705.

Circle of Red Chair

Linda Naviaux Niggli

Circle of Red Vice Chair

Beth Bowman

Circle of Red Members

Sheila Brown (Not pictured)

Bodie Campagna

Debbie Day

Circle of Red Members

Barbara Enberg

Lee Goldberg

Dr. Alexandra Kharazi

Ludmila Kharazi (Not pictured)

Juli Moran

Andrea Nicolas

Phyllis Schwartz

Debbie Turner

Caroline Winn (Not pictured)

Vicki Zeiger

InspiRED Young Professionals

Members

Lucky Narasimhan

Erin Naviaux

Laura Sturr (Not pictured)

Philanthropy

THE POWER OF

ALIGNED GIVING IN

Uncertain Times

BY BRIAN ZUMBANO,

VICE PRESIDENT, CHIEF DEVELOPMENT &

STEWARDSHIP OFFICER, CHIEF OF STAFF,

SAN DIEGO FOUNDATION

Legacy of philanthropy

focused on community

“If you want to

go fast, go alone.

If you want to go

far, go together.”

This proverb

resonates in

business, but it

also holds true

in philanthropy.

Aligned giving - strategically uniting individual

resources and passions - becomes even more critical in

times of uncertainty, multiplying impact and driving

lasting change.

At San Diego Foundation (SDF), we have seen time

and again the incredible power of giving together. For

50 years, San Diegans have partnered with us to align

their philanthropy around shared priorities to amplify

both their giving and their impact.

Amplifying impact through collaboration.

Connie Matsui, a former biotech and finance

executive and past Chair of the SDF Board of

Governors, understands the potential of aligned

giving. She has dedicated her life to empowering

others and, through SDF, has championed initiatives

that bridge gaps in education, improve access to

opportunity and strengthen the community.

“The Foundation is one of the few organizations that

has such an extensive network of relationships, not

only with the nonprofits, but also with thought leaders

and change-makers,” Matsui shared.By partnering with

SDF, Matsui extends the reach of her philanthropy,

creating a broader and more lasting impact for the

San Diego region.


Fifty & Forward Campaign

for the Next 50 Years

future. These areas reflect some

of San Diego’s most pressing

needs, but the campaign also

offers flexible opportunities for

you to align your giving with

your values. Now more than

ever, your support is vital to

advancing just, equitable and

resilient communities across

our region.

Legacy of philanthropy focused on community.

Similarly, Marilyn Brown has taken a strategic approach to her giving. As

the founder of a legacy fund honoring her late husband, James Silberrad

Brown, she invests in causes reflecting their passions. Since its founding,

the James Silberrad Brown Foundation at SDF has granted more than $15

million to local organizations, including $6 million to Sharp Healthcare for

enhancements at Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital and $5 million to the renamed

James Silberrad Brown Center for Artificial Intelligence at SDSU.

“Philanthropic work is a big responsibility, and I think it’s important to do

it well,” Brown shared. SDF, she said, has been a critical partner, providing

administrative support and guidance.

Connie Matsui and Marilyn Brown have two things in common: they connect

their resources and passions with others to align their impact, and they are

community leaders serving on the SDF Fifty & Forward Campaign Council.

The impact you envision.

Whether through corporate

philanthropy, donor-advised

funds, planned gifts, or online

donations, you can amplify

your impact just like Connie

Matsui, Marilyn Brown and

thousands of other San Diegans.

This year, consider the power of

aligned giving and partner with

us to create a brighter future for

all who call San Diego home.

Learn more and get involved at

www.SDFoundation.org/50.

Fifty & Forward:

Campaign for the Next

50 Years.

As SDF celebrates its

50th anniversary in 2025,

we invite you to join us

in shaping the next 50

years through the Fifty

& Forward campaign.

Together, we will grant

$500 million to realize

our region’s greatest

potential in education,

children and families,

and the environment

- and raise $1 billion

to shape San Diego’s

Amplifying impact

through collaboration


Awards

Red Boudreau

Guests recently enjoyed a night of cocktails

and hors d’oeuvres at the 40th Annual Red

Boudreau Trial Lawyers’ Dinner, honoring

this year’s winner of the prestigious Daniel

T. Broderick III Award and Pillar of the

Community Award. Proceeds from the Annual Red

Boudreau Trial Lawyers’ Dinner directly benefit Father

Joe’s Villages and its programs and daily activities that

foster cognitive, social, physical, and emotional growth

for the children and families they serve.

Judge Ronald Frazier and Lisa Frazier with

Brenda Peterson and Bridget Mastrobattista

PHOTOGRAPHED BY: DIANNA IPPOLITO

Victor Vianchini, Melissa

Johnson and Maureen Summers

Cheryl Naumann

and Denny Schoville

Alexis Santana and

Anthony Japuzo

Dan Stanford and

Steven Denton

Sid Stutz, Paula Mccoll

and Manny Valdez


Richard Rauth

and Erin Markham

Judge Harry Powazek

and Beverly Powazek


Awards

Durante la 40° edición de

la cena anual de abogados

Red Boudreau, los

presentes disfrutaron de

una noche de cócteles y

tentempiés mientras homenajeaban al

ganador de los prestigiosos premios

Daniel T. Broderick III y el Pillar of

the Community del corriente año.

Las recaudaciones de la cena Red

Boudreau Trial Lawyers se destinan de

manera directa a Father Joe ‘s Villages

y sus programas de actividades que

promueven el crecimiento cognitivo,

social, físico y emocional de los niños

y familias a las que asisten.

Sarah Havens and

Victoria Lazar

Joseph McMullen,

Judge Frank Devaney

and Camille McMullen

Becky Tontz, Honorable Blaine

Bowman with Barb and Doug Munro

Michael Smyth

and Judge Katz

Cynthia Chihak

and Michael Neil

Brooks and

Kristina Cutter

Susan and

Bob Vaage

Judge Janice Sammartino, Judge Herbert

Hoffman, Judge Lorna Alksne and Chris McKellar


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FEBRUARY 2025 | GBSAN.COM TO LEARN MORE 17

What’s In

Sparkle In

Every Detail

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Celebration

Messengers

of Hope

The Salvation Army Women’s

Auxiliary hosted a luncheon to

announce the 2025 Women

of Dedication. The honorees

include Kim Folsom, Colleen

Peterson, Paula Cordeiro, Fabienne

Hanks, Susan Polizzotto, Susan Davey,

Valerie Attisha, Kristie Bruce Lane, Linda

Spuck, Julie Dubick, Deanna Mackey and

Janean Stripe. The honorees represent

San Diego County’s wonderful

community, each one of them with

decades of public service and personal,

often poignant, reasons for volunteering

with many different nonprofits.

Peggy Graf, Zesty Harper

with Amy and Rob Reardon


Colleen Peterson, Susan Polizcotto,

Susan Davey and Favienne Hanks

Judy Brucker and

Paula Cordeiro

Ferol Henkens

and Janine Stripe

Laura Applegate

and Judy Burer

Lynne Guidoboni

and Julie Novak


Our vision

End cancer as we know it, for everyone.

Our mission

Improve the lives of people with cancer

and their families through advocacy,

research, and patient support, to ensure

everyone has an opportunity to prevent,

detect, treat, and survive cancer.

Who we are

The American Cancer Society is a leading

cancer-fighting organization with a vision

to end cancer as we know it, for everyone.

We are improving the lives of people with

cancer and their families as the only

organization combating cancer through

advocacy, research, and patient support, to

ensure that everyone has an opportunity to

prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer.

55 million total lives impacted each year. And

counting. Thanks to local community engagement.

San Diego CEOs Against Cancer

Robin Toft has been named one of the 2024 recipients of the prestigious American

Cancer Society St. George National Award. This honor recognizes exceptional

volunteers who have shown extraordinary leadership in community engagement

and mission delivery, significantly advancing the goals of the organization.

Created in 1949 by Charles S. Cameron, MD, former ACS medical and scientific

director, the award is one of ACS’s highest volunteer honors, given to a select few

each year. Recipients across the country are chosen for their dedication, passion,

and innovative contributions

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of San Diego

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of San Diego, presented by Illumina, marked

a milestone in 2024 by hosting its first event at SDSU Mission Valley Snapdragon

Stadium & River Park. As the largest and most impactful breast cancer movement

in the nation, the event celebrated hope and resilience while honoring Tammy

Blackburn for her advocacy and support of those impacted by cancer. More than

15,000 participants raised over $700,000 to fund lifesaving research and programs,

ensuring everyone has an equal chance to live a longer, healthier life free from

breast cancer.

81%

More than 81% of our

revenue is invested in

delivering our mission.

1M+

and

The only nonprofit with over one

million volunteers working in

local communities across the US

Puerto Rico.

You Can Help End Cancer.

Take Action and Donate.

www.cancer.org/southerncalifornia

FEBRUARY 2025 ©2025 | GBSAN.COM American Cancer Society, 21 Inc.

Celebration

El Salvation Army

Women’s Auxiliary llevó

adelante un almuerzo

donde anunció las 2025

Women of Dedication.

Las galardonadas son: Kim Folsom,

Colleen Peterson, Paula Cordeiro,

Fabienne Hanks, Susan Polizzotto,

Susan Davey, Valerie Attisha, Kristie

Bruce Lane, Linda Spuck, Julie

Dubick, Deanna Mackey y Janean

Stripe - un grupo que representa

a la maravillosa comunidad del

condado de San Diego, cada una de

ellas con décadas al servicio de la

gente y de muchas organizaciones

con conmovedoras razones por las

cuales dedicarse a la solidaridad.

Cynthia McCulloch, Janice Kurth,

Fern Murphy and Diane Christensen

Marla Black, Inez

Thomas and Vivian Tuck

Betty Brayshay, Pamela

Lennen and Pattie Wellborn

Janette Day and

Joyce Dostart

Kristy Gregg and

Dee Ammon

Linda Spuck and

Deanna Mackey


Health

Project Access

San Diego

physician

volunteers

are united

by one

person: the

patient and their basic need

for health. Our physician

volunteers are kind,

compassionate and treat

each person with dignity.

The patient’s wishes to

be healthy, feel normal,

and have their lives begin

anew are fulfilled by our

physician volunteers. Thank

you with all our hearts.


CHAMPIONS FOR HEALTH PROJECT ACCESS

Volunteer Physician Specialists 2025

Michael Ammar, MD

Guiseppe Ammirati, MD

Georges Argoud, MD

Roy Avalos, MD

John Backman, MD

Afshin Bahador, MD

Anne Bareiss, MD

Samantha Berg, MD

Julie Berry, MD

Alberto Bessudo, MD

Sunil Bhoyrul, MD

Luke Bremner, MD

Jacqueline Brogan, MD

Wendy Buchi, MD

Kim Bui, MD

Dori Cage, MD

Nick Celano, MD

Justin Chan, MD

Heather Chen, MD

Puja Chitkara, MD

Frank Coufal, MD

Christopher Crosby, MD

Michelle Crosby, MD

Catherine Dieffenbach, MD

Steven DiLauro, MD

Jonathan Dunn, MD

Julio Echegoyen, MD

Adam Fierer, MD

Sergio Flores, MD

Alexander Foster, MD

David Frankel, MD

Ronald Goldberg, MD

Robert Goldklang, MD

Hernan Goldsztein, MD

Bradley Greider, MD

Kelsi Greider-Sideris, MD

James Grisolia, MD

Keerti Gurushanthaiah, MD

Nathan Hammel, MD

Ali Hamzei, MD

Anne Hanneken, MD

Rina Jain, MD

Serge Kaske, MD

Adrianne La Joie, MD

Bret Langenberg, MD

Nik London, MD

Mikhail Malek, MD

Catharine Marshall, MD

Payam Mehranpour, MD

David Michelson, MD

Eimaneh Mostofian, MD

David Najafi, MD

Aislyn Nelson, MD

Hung Nguyen, MD

Cheryl Olson, MD

Supriti Paul, MD

Mark Rally Pe, MD

Varuna Raizada, MD

Smitha Reddy, MD

Marsha Reuther, MD

Tania Rivera, MD

Lauren Robertson, MD

Sharjeel Sabir, MD

Arvind Saini, MD

Carol Salem, MD

Moses Salgado, MD

Ronald Salzetti, MD

Mark Schechter, MD

Michel Silverman, MD

Blake Spitzer, MD

Benjamin Stephens, MD

Nathan Uebelhoer, MD

Lindsey Urband, MD

Kimberly Washkowiak, MD

Sarah Wilkinson, MD

Maryam Zarei, MD

Maulik Zaveri, MD

www.championsforhealth.org

(858) 300-2777

4699 Murphy Canyon Road

Suite #102

San Diego, California 92123


About San Diego

REMEMBERING

THE DOUGLAS HOTEL

BY KEN KRAMER

I

wonder if you’ve ever

seen it. On the northeast

corner of Second Avenue

and Market Street on

the brick sidewalk is a

plaque recalling some

remarkable San Diego

history. Stained by years

of spilled coffee and street

grime, the words have

become barely readable.

“Former Site: Douglas Hotel

— 1924.” It’s a memorial to

the hotel and its Creole Palace nightclub where black

stage and screen stars of the 1930s and 40s stayed and

performed. In the era of segregation in San Diego,

the Douglas was the only major hotel to provide

accommodations for black visitors.

The Douglas Hotel and Creole Palace Nightclub

were located at Second Avenue and Market Street

The legacy of the Douglas is rich with stories of

the legendary artists who appeared there. At the

Creole Palace which held about 200 patrons, Count

Basie, Lionel Hampton,

Duke Ellington, Billie

Holiday, and the Mills

Brothers were among

an astounding list of

performers who could be

seen there for 25 cents

admission.

When black entrepreneurs

Robert Lowe and George

Ramsey established the

Douglas, San Diego was

deeply segregated, but their Creole Palace next door

was, by every account, welcoming to patrons of all

races. Articles written over the years consistently

describe it as the most famous western cabaret

outside of Los Angeles, featuring its own house band,

flamboyantly costumed showgirls on stage, and an

astonishing list of jazz performers like Nat King Cole

and Jelly Roll Morton, who made it a point to stop in if

they were in town or nearby.

A plaque placed in 2005 in tribute to the Douglas

Hotel has become worn by weather and foot traffic


Any sensible appreciation for San Diego history would

demand a place like the Douglas Hotel be preserved.

Imagine what a landmark in our downtown it would be

today. Think of music spilling out onto Market Street

from artists inspired by the marquee names that played

there from the 1920s to the post war years. But it didn’t

happen. In 1956, George Ramsey’s widow Mabel Rowe

Ramsey sold the business. The building was later

listed as a group residence operated by Alcoholics

Anonymous. By the 1970’s it was becoming clear

that the two-story brick building wasn’t part of city

leaders’ vision for downtown. In the push for urban

development, historical preservation, particularly

sites of significance to people of color, simply wasn’t

a priority, and the Douglas was torn down in 1985 to

make way for apartments and commercial space.

Now only a corroded plaque on the sidewalk

memorializes the Douglas and The Creole Palace,

where once rang out the music of Bessie Smith, Louis

Armstrong, and Dinah Washington. It is the sole

reminder of how, in the time of segregated San Diego,

the premier black entertainment venue in our city

thrived. Its memory deserves more.

Singer and Actress Billie Holiday was among the

many jazz stars who appeared at the Creole Palace

Ken Kramer’s stories About

San Diego are seen Thursday

nights at 800 on KPBS-TV

and on the station’s Evening

Edition newscasts. He is

a regular contributor to

Giving Back Magazine

An ordinary Agent is appropriate to represent an ordinary home

However, when you own Architecture only an Agent well versed in the

intricacies involved can help you to best maximize your investment.

With over 25 years of experience representing many of the

most iconic Historic and Architectural properties throughout

San Diego County, Elizabeth has solidly established herself

as the leader in brokering the acquisition and sale of unique

properties by focusing on the quality of the properties she

represents...not just the quantity.

As a Licensed Real Estate Broker with Pacific Sotheby’s

International Real Estate, Elizabeth chose to align her

business with one of the most trusted Global Luxury brands

in the world, Sotheby’s and their revered Auction House,

ensuring that she is uniquely positioned to provide her

clients with every advantage possible in the market.

Elizabeth has been fortunate enough to represent an

unparalleled caliber of Architecture by such noted Architects

and Architectural Designers as; Norm Applebaum, J. Herbert

Brownell, Loch Crane, Wallace Cunningham, Homer Delawie,

Gordon Drake, Russell Forester, Irving Gill, William Sterling

Hebbard, James Hubbell, William Templeton Johnson,

Kendrick Bangs Kellogg, William Kesling, Sebastian Mariscal,

Cliff May, Patrick McInerney, Richard Neutra, Herbert Palmer,

Parkinson & Parkinson, Charles & Edward Quayle, Richard

Requa & Herbert Jackson, William Templeton Johnson, John

August Reed, Lilian Rice, Sim Bruce Richards, Lloyd Ruocco,

Hal Sadler, Jonathan Segal, Rudolph Schindler, Edgar Ullrich,

Emmor Brooke Weaver, John Lloyd Wright and Richard

Yen; as well as numerous properties listed on the National

Register of Historic Places and/or designated by the City of

San Diego as Historic Sites.

ELIZABETH COURTIÉR | Historic & Architectural Specialist

ArchitectureInSanDiego.com

DRE# 01198840 | 619.813.6686 Direct

Each Office is Independently Owned And Operated. DRE #01767484


Benefit

Winter

Wonderland

The Arc of San

Diego hosted the

annual Winter

Wonderland Fashion

Show & Luncheon.

Dr. Howard and Barbara

Milstein served as Honorary

Chairs alongside event

Chairs Maria Stanley, Laura

Applegate, Cici Drummond,

Erica Ram, Malissa Sanfilippo,

and Jenny Seligmann. The

spectacular celebration

of fashion, festivity, and

philanthropy raised funds

to support The Arc of

San Diego’s life-changing

programs for individuals

with disabilities.

Kathryn Vaughn, Cathy Abarca,

Sara Napoli and Danitza Villanueva

Jenny Seligmann

and Voight Shacarie

Natasha Philippides

and Denise Schwartz

Paula Rivera

and Aleah Maes

Maggie Watkins

and Taylor Miller

Barbara and

Howard Milstein

Andrea Naversen

and Joyce Glazer


SA N D I EG O

CALIFORNIA

Stay in San Diego

SAV E

% O N R O O M S

CALIFORNIA LOCALS SAVE ON ROOM NIGHTS

+

ENJOY $$$ DAILY CREDIT

T H R O U G H F E B R UA RY

B O O K N OW

W E STGAT E H OT E L .C O M


Benefit

El Arc of San Diego

llevó adelante su

almuerzo anual Winter

Wonderland Fashion

Show bajo la temática

“Marching Into Holidays: A

Nutcracker Extravaganza”.

Los anfitriones fueron el Dr.

Howard y Bárbara Milstein,

acompañados por los

miembros de la comisión del

evento: Maria Stanley, Laura

Applegate, Cici Drummond,

Erica Ram, Malissa Sanfilippo

y Jenny Seligmann. La

espectacular celebración de la

moda, las fiestas y la filantropía

fueron la excusa para recaudar

fondos destinados a colaborar

con los programas del Arc of

San Diego dedicados a cambiar

las vidas de las personas con

discapacidades.

Kathryn Murphy, Gail

Donahue and Karina Lion

Marla Black and

Ellen Bryson

Nicolette and

Jennifer Navarra

Julie Bonnett and

Rebecca Crampton

April and

Mathew Fink

Alex Tecnorio

and Erika Lamb

Amy Balelo and

Malissa Sanfilippo


Gerrie Woo and

Coop Cooprider

Laura Applegate, Dee

Ammon and Judy Burer

Margalit Ram, Kimiya

Hardke and Erica Ram

Get your Green On this St. Patrick’s Day

at Fairbanks Ranch Country Club

FREEDOM DOGS

12 th Annual

GOLF TOURNAMENT

Monday, March 17, 2025

9am-5pm Fairbanks Ranch Country Club

15150 San Dieguito Road, Rancho Santa Fe

Speeding the recovery and

enhancing the lives of wounded

military heroes through the use of

specialty-trained service dogs.

For details, registration & sponsorship info:

FreedomDogs.org

(760) 696-3076


Healthcare

Iliana’s Journey

BEATING TUBERCULOSIS ONE STEP AT A TIME

Truecare’s Nurse Jenny

For many families, a routine visit to the

pediatrician is quick and uneventful. But

for six-year-old Iliana and her family, a

visit to TrueCare San Marcos Pediatrics

marked the start of a

life-changing journey.

Iliana, a lively child

who loved school and playdates, was

diagnosed with latent tuberculosis

during a routine check-up - changing

everything.

Tuberculosis (TB) often conjures

images of severe illness, but latent

TB is a quieter threat. Unlike the

active form of the disease, latent TB does not cause

symptoms, yet it can still pose serious risks if left

untreated. Iliana’s parents were understandably

concerned. Though she appeared healthy, the inactive


“Moments like

these remind

us why we do

what we do.”

bacteria in her body could activate at any time.

Fortunately, they did not have to face this alone.

The dedicated team at TrueCare’s San Marcos

Pediatrics quickly stepped in. Iliana was promptly

enrolled in directly observed therapy

(DOT), a gold-standard approach

ensuring children complete their

medication safely. For Iliana, this

meant regular visits to the clinic to

take her medicine under the watchful

eye of health care professionals.

These visits became more than

medical routines - they became

moments of encouragement. Pediatric nurse Jenny,

who formed a strong bond with Iliana, recalls her

positivity. “She was always brave and cheerful, even

when the routine was tiring,” Jenny shared with

GB Magazine. Each visit offered Iliana a chance to

ILLUMINATION, Lighting

a Pathway to Belonging

feel supported, celebrated, and

rewarded with little joys like

stickers, which brought joy despite

the rigorous process.

Over time, Iliana’s resilience

shone through. Each week, she

diligently tackled her treatment,

finding reasons to smile. When

her final dose approached,

emotions ran high - relief, pride,

and gratitude. To mark the

milestone, Iliana dressed up for

her last visit, proudly wearing

a tie to symbolize the occasion.

Her gesture touched the hearts of everyone at the

health center. “It was such a proud moment for all

of us,” Jenny shared. “She had worked so hard to

reach this point.”

On her final day, TrueCare staff gathered to

celebrate Iliana’s achievement, presenting her with

a certificate of completion. In the photo taken that

day, Iliana stands beside nurse Jenny, beaming with

pride - a testament to her courage and the power of

compassionate health care.

Iliana’s story highlights the critical role community

health care plays in transforming stressful diagnoses

Iliana with

Nurse Jenny

into empowering experiences.

It also reflects the strength of

a child who would not back

down from a challenge. “We

are honored to have been part

of Iliana’s journey,” Jenny said.

“Moments like these remind us

why we do what we do.”

Looking ahead, Iliana faces

a bright, healthy future,

knowing she conquered a

significant challenge - with

strength, joy, and a stylish tie

to match.

TrueCare’s 2025 gala, ILLUMINATION: Lighting

a Pathway to Belonging, on April 12th, will raise

funds for programs that support infants, children,

teens, and young adults like Iliana. Community

support allows TrueCare to provide comprehensive

care, ensuring all patients receive accessible health

services. Your donation directly supports medical

appointments, visits, and comprehensive care,

empowering families during difficult times and

fostering a sense of belonging for all. To learn more

or contribute, visit www.truecare.org/gala.


Resilience

Love Beyond Limits

THE STORY OF VIRGINIA AND ROGER MEYERS

Virginia and Roger

Love stories are often

the threads that weave

the fabric of our shared

humanity. For Virginia

and Roger Meyers, their

journey together is a

testament to the power of

love, resilience, and the importance

of community support. Their story,

immortalized in the 1979 television

movie Like Normal People, showcases

how the dedication of organizations like

Home of Guiding Hands can transform lives.

Virginia and Roger met at a sheltered

workshop for individuals with

developmental disabilities in El Cajon.

Their instant connection grew into

a profound love that defied societal

norms and expectations of the 1970s.

Despite facing resistance from family

and navigating an often-unforgiving

world, the couple married in 1976

and began a life together. Their story

captured national attention, with

coverage in The Washington Post

and other outlets, painting a vivid picture of their

determination to live life on their own terms.


The Meyers’ love story was

groundbreaking, challenging

misconceptions about what

people with intellectual and

developmental disabilities

(IDD) could achieve. It also

highlighted the critical role of

support systems in fostering

independence and selffulfillment.

Enter Home of

Guiding Hands (HGH); a San

Diego-based nonprofit that has

been a cornerstone of support

for individuals with IDD for

over 55 years.

Organizations like HGH

empower individuals to

lead enriched lives by offering

resources and services tailored to

their unique needs. For Virginia

and Roger, support networks

played a vital role in ensuring

they could navigate life together.

From assisting with housing to

advocating for their rights,

such programs demonstrate the

profound impact of community

engagement and specialized care.

As we reflect on their legacy,

Virginia and Roger’s story

reminds us why organizations

like HGH are so crucial.

Every client supported by

HGH has a story - a journey

of overcoming challenges,

achieving milestones, and living

life to its fullest. The programs

offered, from residential

Roger and Virgina Meyers

HGH has been

a cornerstone

of support for

individuals with IDD

for over 55 years

services to transportation

and life skills training, ensure

that individuals with IDD can

thrive in environments where

they are respected and valued.

Home of Guiding Hands

will host its 51st Annual

Gala on May 3, 2025 at the

Pendry Hotel San Diego,

celebrating decades of

commitment to empowering

lives like Virginia and

Roger’s. The gala will bring

the community together

to honor the resilience of

clients and the dedication of

supporters who make HGH’s

mission possible. Proceeds from

this event will directly support

programs that enrich the lives

of thousands of individuals and

families.

Virginia and Roger’s love

story stands as a beacon of

hope and possibility. Their

lives were touched by the

compassion and commitment

of others, inspiring us to

continue breaking down

barriers and fostering a world

where everyone has the

opportunity to shine. Join us

in celebrating their legacy and

the enduring work of Home of

Guiding Hands at this year’s

gala. Together, we can continue

to make a difference.

Roger and Virginia celebrate Easter in 2017

www.guidinghands.org


Fundraiser

Gingerbread

City

Since 1954, the Epilepsy Foundation of

San Diego County has improved the

lives of people affected by epilepsy

through education, advocacy, research and

connection. To help further their mission

they hosted a festive, sold-out event featuring a

nationally recognized gingerbread competition, live

and silent auctions, interactive museum exhibits,

as well as a dinner and awards program. This

year, they welcomed gingerbread structures that

celebrated the 1970s and recognized their 70

years of service to the San Diego community.

Adrianna O’Donnell, Wendy

Urushima-Conn, Wendy

McKinney and Maggie Hannegan


Chuck Dewildt, Steve Jenner and Jenny Alonso

Vince and Tina Blumenfeld

Dawn and Michael Mills

Leslie and Mitchell Kneeshaw

Susan Shean and Libby Clemmer


Allison Kaplan and Steve Millands

grades

5-8

Award Winning

Public School

donate now

kippsocal.org/donate


Fundraiser

Desde 1954 la Epilepsy

Foundation del condado

de San Diego ha logrado

mejorar las vidas de las

personas afectadas por ella

por medio de la educación, la defensoría,

las investigaciones y las conexiones. Para

continuar con esta misión es que llevaron

adelante su renombrada competencia

nacional de construcciones en masa de

jengibre, subastas en vivo y silenciosas,

exhibiciones interactivas del museo y

una cena con premiaciones. En este año

recibieron estructuras de masa jengibre

que festejaban sus 70 años al servicio de

la comunidad de San Diego.

Beth Waters and Alessandra Konzen

Deborah Llewennyn and Andrea da Rosa

Kathleen and Mark Regan

Sue and Steve Zapoticzn with Ingrid de Llamas

Susan and Mike Clemmons

Pablo Ceniceros and Maria Carriedo-Ceniceros

Scott, May and Lisa Barton

Scott Hilkene and Sarah Anaya


Phil Blair, Ed Clancy and Mel Katz

Silvia Hon and Jeff Nelson

Susana Castanos, Marie Pagdanganan and Ana Villanueva

SAN DIEGO

2025 WOMAN OF IMPACT NOMINEES AND

TEEN OF IMPACT NOMINEE

Meet the class of changemakers bringing the

Go Red for Women movement to life in our community

Rhina Paredes

Scripps Health

& Paredes

Foundation

Dr. Sheila

Mody

UCSD Health

Alexandra Bryan

StepStone Group

Laurie Edwards Tate

At Your Home Familycare

Dr. Alexandra Kharazi

CBTS Medical Group Private Practice

Rosemary Reed

Name CommWorld of

San Diego - North Inc.

Company

Name

Company

Teen of Imact Nominee

Sofia Zamora

Cornado HIgh School

Pictures not available

Donate here


Benefit

Off

to The

Races

The 44th Annual Holiday Food

Drive was off to the races!

Attendees received free admission

to the Del Mar Races when they

made a minimum donation of $10

or donated nonperishable food items

in support of the San Diego Food Bank.

A donor appreciation event was held at

the clubhouse with an evening filled with

gratitude and fast horses.

Maureen Polimadei with Neil and Judy Finn

John Davis, John Sutherland and Michael Czysz

Patrick and Angie Frias with Casey Castillo

Tom Scott and Peggy Sewart

Jennifer Anderson and Nina Lu


At the San Diego Regional Center, we provide

support and services based on each person's

desires and needs to not just persevere but truly

thrive and build a life of their choosing.

We are committed to helping you every step of

the way. Our core services include assessments,

Individual Program Plan (IPP) or Individual

Family Service Plan, service coordination,

purchase of services, and community services.

Call us or visit our website and apply online.


Benefit

La 44° edición de la colecta

anual de alimentos de la

temporada de fiestas tuvo

lugar durante las carreras Del

Mar Races y con una donación

mínima de $10 o alimentos no

perecederos destinados al Banco de

Alimentos de San Diego se ingresaba

de manera gratuita. En una velada

llena de agradecimientos y veloces

equinos, en el club house se realizó

un reconocimiento a los donantes.

Jeannie and Bob Bollinger,

Chandra Kelly and Kevin McCowen

David and Kristin Howell

Kathy Cuffaro and

Anne Thomas

Pamela and Sudha Singh

Ralf and Chris Swenson


Joy Gorback and Bill Stern

TRACY

MORGAN

7 DE FEBRERO

L.A.VATION: A U2 TRIBUTE

16 de Marzo

MARK CHESNUTT

28 de Marzo

THE PRICE IS RIGHT LIVE!

29 de Marzo

TROUBLE MAN:

A TRIBUTE TO MARVIN GAYE

12 de Abril

MARIACHI SOL DE MEXICO

10 de Mayo

COMPRA TUS BOLETOS EN: SYCUAN.COM

SUJETO A CAMBIOS. PUEDEN EXISTIR RESTRICCIONES. INGRESO AL TEATRO MAYORES DE 21 AÑOS. POR FAVOR JUEGUE RESPONSABLEMENTE.

ESCANEE PARA

PRÓXIMOS EVENTOS


Empowerment

ECS

FINDING

SILVER LININGS

BY MARIA SIMPSON

Despite the challenges she has faced,

Maria maintains an optimistic attitude.

When you meet

Maria, you

will find a

lively and

optimistic

person, but

life has dealt

her an unfair hand. She faced several

traumatic situations as a child and

then, after moving to California as a

young adult, she got into the first of

several abusive relationships in which

she was physically and mentally

abused and raped.

Maria’s vision board keeps her on

track toward achieving her goals.

Maria tried her best to escape her

situation at home, but at 23, her

coping mechanisms took an unhealthy

turn when she was introduced to

drugs, quickly destroying everything

she had. After couch surfing for some

time, Maria found herself homeless

on the street in San Diego. Maria

described that experience as “dirty all

the time, trying to find places to use

the bathroom, horrible.” During that

time, Maria overdosed. It took three

doses of Narcan to bring her back.


Still, she could not break free

of her substance use disorder.

However, everything changed

when Maria went to the

emergency room for an

extreme infection. During her

recovery, she figured that since

she was off drugs, she might

as well stay off. After years of

tragic experiences, she began to

take her life back. “I know what

I want. I want to be happy. And

drugs did not make me happy,

it took everything I ever loved

from me.”

Maria went into

sober living and

eventually met

the criteria for

ECS Uptown

Safe Haven

(UTSH) where

she has been

living for

about a year. It

has given her

the ability to

reshape her life

with strength

and intention.

“UTSH have

good programs

I participate

in, the staff

is wonderful,

I’m very

happy being

here,” Maria

explained. “This

is a new chapter in my life, and it has been the best

year of my life.”

Above her desk, hangs a vision board which helps Maria

actualize her dreams. It is decorated with inspirational

phrases such as “I didn’t just survive, I thrived” and

“I’ve never felt stronger.” Maria’s current goals are to

save up for a new bike and her own apartment.

Uptown Safe Haven

is a residential

facility that provides

transitional housing

and supportive

services to

chronically homeless

single adults with

moderate to severe

mental health issues

UTSH provides a supportive

community where Maria has thrived.

Currently, Maria volunteers

feeding the homeless every week,

but her dream is to talk to other

victims of domestic violence.

She wants to inspire others

to work on themselves, strive

for sobriety, and reclaim their

lives. “Everything happens for a

reason... It is a beautiful life being

sober,” she said. “It is a beautiful

life waking up and knowing you

are not getting beaten anymore...

I am so happy now.”

With the support of programs

like UTSH, Maria was able to

turn her life

into something

beautiful. “I

wake up proud

of myself. I wake

up alive and

thank God for

another day,” she

said. “Becoming

an independent

woman is the

best feeling ever.

I mean look at

me, I am about

to have my own

apartment for

the first time. I

am so blessed

and thankful for

every day, for this

roof, the staff,

the food. I am so

blessed.”

UTSH is a

residential facility program from ECS that provides

transitional housing and supportive services to

chronically homeless single adults with moderate to

severe mental health issues. To learn more visit

www.ecscalifornia.org/uptown-safe-haven-1.


Athletics

San Diego FC

BUILDING A LEGACY OF SOCCER EXCELLENCE

AND COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT

Hirving “Chucky”

Lozano

For decades, San Diego

has been a hotspot

for youth soccer

talent. The region

boasts some of the

highest participation

levels in the nation

and regularly produces talent for

youth and senior national teams

for the United States and Mexico.

The newest team in Major League

Soccer is the San Diego Football

Club, or San Diego FC. The

club will celebrate its inaugural

home match on Saturday, March

1 by hosting St. Louis CITY SC

at Snapdragon Stadium.

San Diego FC

Announcement in 2023


San Diego

FC became

a reality in

2023, and in

2025 the club

is officially

kicking off

its inaugural

season in MLS

as the league’s

30th franchise

in the

league’s 30th

anniversary.

Led by

Mexican international star

Hirving “Chucky” Lozano,

SDFC is set to make an

immediate impact both on and

off the field.

Jointly owned by Sir Mohamed

Mansour, a distinguished

entrepreneur, investor and

philanthropist with global ties

in the sport, and the Sycuan

Band of the Kumeyaay Nation,

the first Native American

tribe with a significant

ownership stake in a men’s professional team across

all major sports leagues, SDFC is looking to leave

its mark in MLS as a proud member of the Right to

Dream community – a group of youth academies and

professional football clubs around the world.

Sycuan’s status as a force for good in the San Diego

region needs no introduction. The tribe has established

a reputation as a powerful supporter of communitybased

economic development, hospitality, and nonprofit

organizations providing direct services to residents of

the region. Sycuan also has a commitment to cultural

preservation and a history of supporting educational

initiatives that promote self-determination, empower

youth, and support the San Diego region at large.

Meanwhile, the Right to Dream Academy has also built

a reputation in world soccer for being a global leader in

holistic talent development. Founded in Ghana in 1999,

SYCUAN IS THE

FIRST NATIVE

AMERICAN TRIBE

WITH A SIGNIFICANT

OWNERSHIP

STAKE IN A MEN’S

PROFESSIONAL TEAM

ACROSS ALL MAJOR

SPORTS LEAGUES

Right to Dream

Academy

the Right

to Dream

Academy has

since grown

to include

campuses in

Denmark,

Egypt and

now San

Diego. The

SDFC Right

to Dream

Academy is

located on

Sycuan tribal

land and is the prefect site for

young San Diegans to develop

into professionals.

The day after the club was

announced, SDFC launched

a crowd-funding campaign

- collecting $18 deposits for

season tickets that doubled as

donations to the San Diego

Foundation, the largest

community fund in the region.

The club aggregated over 18,000

deposits, generating a fund that

surpassed $300,000 that in turn will seed several of the

community initiatives that will be put into action in 2025.

Inspired by the Right to Dream philosophy, the club

promotes holistic youth development through programs

that encourage physical activity, healthy lifestyles,

and career exploration. The Parks & Pitches Initiative

transforms underutilized spaces into safe, vibrant hubs

for soccer, recreation, and social connection, while the

Coaching Education Initiative provides curriculum and

training for grassroots coaches and players.

San Diego Football Club’s commitment to community is

best celebrated on matchday when over 35,000 fans will

come together at Snapdragon Stadium in Mission Valley

to cheer on the city’s newest professional sports team,

starting with the Home Opener on March 1, 2025.

www.sycuan.com


Recognition

Women Of Dedication

TWELVE “MESSENGERS OF HOPE” TO BE HONORED

2025 Women of

Dedication Honorees

The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary (SAWA) will celebrate

“Messengers of Hope,” the theme of its 59th annual Women of

Dedication (WOD) luncheon, presentation and fundraiser on

Friday, March 28, 2025, at the Marriott Marquis San Diego

Marina. SAWA led by President, Ferol Henkels, along with

WOD Event Chair, Vivian Tuck and Co-Chairs Nayda Locke

and Inez J. Thomas have been working hard to ensure

that the Women of Dedication luncheon is a complete success.

The event honors twelve extraordinary women - a dynamic and diverse

group from throughout San Diego County - for their dedication to

our community through volunteerism and service. The honorees

include Valerie Attisha, Paula Cordeiro, Susan Davey, Julie Dubick,

Kim Folsom, Fabienne Hanks, Kristie Bruce Lane, Deanna Mackey,

Colleen Peterson, Susan Polizzotto, Linda Spuck, and Janean Stripe.


2025 Peggy Matthews

Legacy Award, Judy Brucker

“It is with

the utmost

pleasure that

The Salvation

Army Women’s

Auxiliary has

the opportunity

to recognize

these twelve

accomplished

women.” Ferol

Henkels,

Auxiliary

President

shared with

GB Magazine.

“We can

celebrate the significant

and diverse impact each

of them has made here in

San Diego and highlight

their commitment and

compassion to making our

community a better place.”

Fern Murphy, Pattie Wellborn, Betty

Brayshay, and Joan Henkelmann

The 2025 Peggy Matthews

Legacy Award recipient

is Judith Brucker for her

decades of service and

dedication to the mission

of The Salvation Army.

The 2025 Honorary

Chairs are Betty Brayshay,

Joan Henkelmann, Fern

Murphy and Pattie

Wellborn, all known for

their commitment to The

Salvation Army Women’s

Auxiliary and many other organizations.

The Women’s Auxiliary is proud to honor

these great community leaders.

The Women of Dedication luncheon

begins at 10:30 am with shopping at

exclusive boutiques offering jewelry,

clothing, accessories, gift items and

more, with 25% of proceeds donated to

The Salvation Army. The luncheon and

Event Chair, Vivian Tuck, Event Co-Chairs

Nayda Locke and Inez J. Thomas

presentation

of the twelve

Honorees

will follow

with musical

performances

by Mackenzie

Cartmill and

Bryan Verhoye

and the San

Diego Master

Chorale.

Proceeds from

the event will

fund local

Salvation Army

programs

that serve families and

individuals experiencing

homelessness, those

suffering from chemical

addiction, food pantries

at our Community

Corps Centers and

senior nutrition sites

across the county. The

Salvation Army meets

the needs of individuals

without discrimination.

Women of Dedication is

the signature fundraiser

of The Salvation Army

Women’s Auxiliary.

Founded in the 1950s,

the Auxiliary supports

The Salvation Army’s

social service programs

through fundraising, donations, and

hands-on volunteer efforts, helping those

in crisis to heal, to develop emotionally

and spiritually, and to learn new skills

which promote self-sufficiency and

transform lives for the better.

www.sdsawa.salvationarmy.org


Fundraiser

MAAC

Soiree

MAAC hosted their

annual Soiree presented

by Southwest

Airlines. CEO Arnulfo

Manriquez welcomed

the community to a special night

celebrating community, connection

and impact. The funds raised from

the Soiree allows MAAC to be

responsive in meeting the needs of

the community through programs

in our five pathways - Economic

Development, Education, Health &

Well-being, Housing, and Leadership

Development & Advocacy.

David Middleton, Lisette Islas,

Kirby Brady and Kazeem Omidiji

Veronica Macedo

and Osiris Romero

Richard Rico and

Patti Campos

Vanessa Cadena and

Darjene Graham-Perez


Todd Richardson

and Valerie Murrieta

John Borja and

Laura Gonzalez

14,000 scholarships,

and counting.

We’ve helped first-generation college

students create a brighter future for decades.

And we’re just getting started.

Make a difference at

SDFoundation.org/50


Fundraiser

MAAC llevó adelante su

velada anual presentada

por Southwest Airlines. El

CEO Arnulfo Manríquez, fue

quien dio la bienvenida a la

comunidad para compartir una noche

especial donde honrar a la comunidad,

los contactos e impactos logrados.

Los fondos recaudados por la Soiree

permiten a MAAC asistir a la comunidad

a través de programas en cinco áreas:

Desarrollo Económico, Educación, Salud

y Bienestar, Vivienda y Desarrollo de

Liderazgo y Defensoría.

Berenice Zamaro with

Ted and Lidia S. Martinez

David Brooke and

Adrianna O’Donnell

Nora Fuentes, Arturo

Amaro and Catalina Duarte

Gustavo Perez, Ashley Mctaggart

and Arnulfo Manriquez

Sofia Salgado, Anthony

Lompart and Irma Velasco

Enrique Meza, Nora

Vargas and Liz Ramirez


Candy Cuevas, Ana Melgoza

and Ruben Calleros

Ron and Cristi

Chaquica

Mauricio Torre, Travis

Gregory and Adolfo Ventura

Veronica Perondi

and Justine Murray


SWA Community

Girl Scouts San Diego

Southwest Airlines is

proud to celebrate

women-focused

nonprofit organizations that concentrate

on important matters like women’s equality,

education, leadership and confidence. Each year,

Girl Scouts San Diego honors exemplary women

whose personal and professional lives make them

consummate role models for girls. Southwest Airlines

is a supporter of Girl Scouts San Diego which

inspires girls to chase their dreams and reach their

full potential. Through our

Community Outreach

efforts, we have the

privilege of giving back and help

girls take flight in possibilities and

soar to new heights.

Kayla Valencia

Community Outreach

Regional Manager

Southwest Airlines

For more than

100 years, Girl

Scouts San

Diego has been

the premier

organization for

developing and

elevating girl and women

leaders. Beyond traditional

leadership development,

the relevant programs and

experiences foster a sense of

well-being in girls, so they

are well-rounded individuals

poised for success in life.

Today, the organization

serves more than 15,000 girls

and 8,000 adult volunteers

throughout San Diego and

Imperial counties. The

council maintains program

and service facilities in

Balboa Park and Escondido,

as well as two mountain

camps in Julian.

Each Women’s History Month, Girl Scouts San Diego hosts its beloved

luncheon the Cool Women Celebration, which honors five exemplary women

whose personal and professional lives make them consummate role models

for girls. These female leaders share the spotlight with Emerging Leader

Girl Scouts (10th to 12th graders), who are recognized for their outstanding

achievements by their mentors and community leaders. Now in its 24th year,

2025 Cool Women welcomes the largest class of Emerging Leader Girl Scouts

and highest number of Cool Women nominees to date.


“This program helped me learn

how to plan for the future and

make the best of the present.

I now feel more confident in

myself and my goals!” said

Theresa, a 2024 Emerging

Leader Girl Scout.

The Cool Women Celebration

and other Girl Scout San Diego

signature events are made

possible, thanks to

generous donors

and organizations

like Southwest

Airlines. Event

proceeds support

programs that

empower Girl

Scouts to develop a

strong sense of self,

step outside their

comfort zones, use

their voices, and

build resilience.

On Friday, March

14, more than 600

local community

members will

gather at the

iconic downtown Marriott Marquis for a one-of-akind

luncheon and inspiring award ceremony. The

afternoon will include mentoring opportunities,

networking, and the chance to engage with the

region’s next generation of leaders and movers.

“The Cool Women Luncheon is a celebration of

leadership and community,” Natasha Bowman and

Joyce Gattas, the 2025 Cool Women Celebration

Co-Chairs shared with GB Magazine, “This event

is not just about recognizing accomplishments: it is

about inspiring future change-makers and creating a

last impact in San Diego. It is a moment to honor the

trailblazing

women among

us, while also

investing in

the future

by inspiring

young women

to lead with

purpose and

passion.”

Girl Scouts

San Diego

is proud to

partner with

Southwest

Airlines. Since

2003, the award-winning airline has partnered with

Girl Scouts San Diego to fund programming, camps,

and signature events like Cool Women, which help

build girls of courage, confidence, and character who

make the world a better place.

Through its financial investment and program

support, Southwest Airlines continues to play a

vital role in providing in-person collaborative

environments for girls. At the Operation Wing

Scout program aboard the U.S.S Midway, Cadette,

Senior, and Ambassador Girl Scouts learn about the

science behind flight and different career paths in the

aviation industry.


Culture

Patrons

of the

Prado

THE YEAR OF

GREATEST IMPACT

Since 1997, Patrons of the

Prado (POP) has been

dedicated to supporting

the arts, cultural,

historical and scientific

institutions in Balboa

Park, empowering

their nine beneficiaries to further

their missions, introduce innovative

programming, and quickly pivot to

meet community needs. In 2012, the

mission was expanded to include lifechanging

educational experiences for

San Diego County K-12 school children

through our Bucks4Buses initiative

(B4B). The 100 members of POP

support the organization’s two-pronged

mission: raising funds for the 9

beneficiaries with greatest need grants

and to provide educational access to

Balboa Park’s world-class treasures

for students, igniting curiosity and

nurturing cultural fluency for future

generations. The beneficiaries include:

The Fleet Science Center, Mingei

International Museum, San Diego

History Center, San Diego Junior

Theater, San Diego Museum of Art,

San Diego Natural History Museum,

The Old Globe, Museum of Us, and

The Timken Museum of Art.

POP President Dr. Jacqueline Denysiak


The POP Program

Bucks4Buses has funded

407,150 schoolchildren

to experience the cultural

riches of Balboa Park. To

date, POP has raised over

$6.2 million. Through

B4B funding, POP

provides transportation

for field trips enabling

schoolchildren to visit

Balboa Park, to experience

hands-on science,

historical archives and live

theatre, often for the very

first time. Post-pandemic,

POP provided funding for nearly

50,000 children to the park annually

at a cost of $2.46 per child. “You do

not aspire to be something you have

never seen,” shared POP President

Dr. Jacqueline Denysiak. That is why

they focus on underserved populations;

89.5% of the children who benefitted

from B4B this past year came from Title

1 schools, ensuring that the treasures of

Balboa Park remain accessible to all.

Fashion4Futures Fashion Show

The 2024-2025 fiscal year has been

designated as the “Year of Greatest

Impact.” POP hosted several inaugural

events to raise funds for B4B: the

Fashion4Futures Fashion Show by

designer Lena Trotsko, the Giving

Back Tuesday Telethon hosted by POP

President Dr. Jacqueline Denysiak, and

Gallery Gives Back at the renowned

Arjang’s Treasure House of Fine Art in

La Jolla. These three events have already raised more

than $21,135 for Bucks4Buses, enabling an additional

7,926 children to experience life-changing opportunities

and transform tomorrow!

By joining POP’s efforts, supporters are making a direct

and lasting impact on the beneficiaries and on the lives of

students in our community. Help POP succeed during

their Year of Greatest Impact! Support Patrons of the

Barbara Denysiak, Jacqueline

Denysiak and Julie Novak

Prado’s 4th Annual Miriam Summ Fashion Show on

April 11th at Bloomingdales and by attending our

Annual Prado Benefit “MASTERPIECE: Elegance

of the Elements” on Saturday, August 9, 2025 at the

San Diego Natural History Museum. The Masterpiece

Chair is Dr. Barbara Denysiak.

Tickets and more information are available online at

www.patronsoftheprado.org.


Celebration

CJ Charles

Jewelers

An evening of

holiday sparkle and

unforgettable CJ

Charles Jewelers

moments took

place at their stores in the

heart of La Jolla. Owner Vahid

Moradi welcomed attendees

to celebrate in style for an

unforgettable evening filled

with laughter, community, and

shopping a blend of iconic

brands for those perfect gifts.

The newest addition to La

Jolla’s luxury shopping, the new

boutiques including Omega,

Jaeger-LeCoultre, and CJ Charles

Lux elevate the experience and

community for all.

Michael DeTommaso, Vahid Moradi with

Anne Marie and Stephen DeTommaso

Joyce Clark, Sara Fashandi

and Amber Anderson

Claudia and

Guillermo Sanchez

Rachel Isacs and

Alyssa Moradi


Amir Mojaver and

Roshanak Roshanzamir

Sinai Harris, Roberto De

Gregorio and Gabriela Castro


Celebration

Una velada con

brillos festivos

e inolvidables

momentos se vivió

en los negocios de

CJ Charles Joyeros ubicados

en el corazón de La Jolla. Su

dueño, Omar Vahid Moradi,

dio en persona la bienvenida

a quienes se acercaron

para compartir este mágico

momento de diversión,

encuentro, lujosas compras

de emblemáticas marcas con

motivo de las fiestas. Las

nuevas incorporaciones de las

boutiques de lujo de La Jolla

incluyeron objetos de Omega,

Jaeger-LeCoultre y CJ Charles

Lux, llevando la experiencia a

otro nivel.

Dana Alkasmi, Christian

Potter and Mojdeh Razi

Maria Delgado

and Marie Green

Bianca Diaz and

Beth Murray

Weston Clark, Favi

Diaz and Ali Moradi

Kory Voss and

Sanaz Nozari

Roya Kohani, Alexa Moradi

and Noushin Malek

Andrew and

Arianna Canter


75 TH ANNIVERSARY

CHILDREN’S CHARITY GALA

A BEACON

OF HOPE

1950 2025

The Father Joe’s Villages’ signature event

supports our Therapeutic Childcare Center,

serving 1,200 infants, children, and teens annually.

Save the Date

SATURDAY, MAY 10, 2025

THE US GRANT HOTEL

_________________

CHAIRS

DRS. LISA KRIJGER

& AJAY NIRULA

_________________

MY.NEIGHBOR.ORG/GALA

GALA@NEIGHBOR.ORG

CALL (619) 446-2115

President & CEO Deacon Jim Vargas with

2024 Gala Chairs, Eric & Jennie Casazza


Celebration

Kiam Samimi, Roya Kohani with

Gaylene and Kleanthis Xanthopoulos

Dana Derissi and

Rebecca Crampton

Susann Ogg and

Jeff Anthony

Brian Tiell and

Joanne Lindberg

Mario Londono

and Laura Chacon

Ladan Mortazavi and

Marjan Mortazavi

CA and Deborah

Marengo


Sadra Salehian and

Fatine Aboulhouda

Carlos Chavez and

Alejandro de la Rocha

Tami Powers with Arnaud,

Zefi and Shawn L’Official

Start the Year Off Right at Beyond Body Wellness

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natural beauty, we provide advanced therapies like:

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Take the first step toward achieving your goals. Experience

wellness redefined at Beyond Body Wellness.

7880 Exchange Place in Downtown La Jolla

Call or Text (619) 402-9571

www.beyondbodywellness.com

Co-Founder,

Natasha Reiss, LAc


Celebration

Amy Chen, Wen Lisu,

Jian Yang and Peter Yang

Danesh Derissi with

Noha and Sam Avvoushi

Trulette Clayes

and Jeff Partrick

Saul Balderrama and

George Sallaberry

Pam and

Gregg Marks

Kiril Sprostranov with Joe

and Jennifer Gambino

Kirk and Mary

Loberman


Cindy and

Richard Waters

Margo Emami, MJ Wittman

and Valerie Robbins

Isabella and

Luis Phillips


Innovators

BIG PLANS UNDERWAY FOR

THE JACOBS CENTER

San Ysidro

Health’s New

SD PACE And

Urgent Care

Joe and VI Jacobs Center

The acquisition of the Jacobs Center

in 2024 marks a significant step

in SYHealth’s efforts to expand

equitable healthcare. The first floor of

the building will be dedicated to the

new healthcare facilities, while the

upper floors will continue to serve as

a hub for nonprofit organizations and

community-focused initiatives.

SYH Cares

San Ysidro Health (SYHealth), a trusted leader in

delivering compassionate, high-quality healthcare in

San Diego County, is set to transform access to care

in Southeast San Diego. Two new initiatives - the

region’s first Program of All-Inclusive Care for the

Elderly (SD PACE) and an after-hours Urgent Care

facility - are planned for the Joe & Vi Jacobs Center,

reinforcing SYHealth’s mission to serve underserved and diverse

communities. These services are expected to launch in Spring 2026.

Since its founding in 1969 by seven mothers seeking medical care

for their children, SYHealth has grown to serve over 161,000

individuals annually through a network of 50 program sites. Services

include medical, dental, behavioral health, specialty care, and

senior-focused programs like SD PACE.

The 21,412-square-foot SD PACE

facility will provide comprehensive

care for seniors aged 55+ who are

eligible for Medicare and Medicaid,

particularly those with chronic

conditions requiring coordinated

support. By addressing physical,

emotional, and social needs, SD

PACE enables participants to live

independently and remain connected

to their families and communities.

With the capacity to serve over

500 seniors in Southeast San

Diego, this new facility builds on

SYHealth’s proven success. In 2023,

SYHealth’s PACE program supported

2,724 participants, reducing

hospitalizations, ER visits, and falls

while improving overall health

outcomes and quality of life.


The Jacobs Center will also house a 3,293-squarefoot

Urgent Care facility designed to fill a critical

gap in after-hours healthcare access. Open evenings

and weekends, the facility offers walk-in care for

minor injuries and illnesses, such as cuts, burns,

fevers, and infections. Advanced services, including

imaging, rapid lab testing, and IV treatments,

ensure patients receive comprehensive care without

the need for an emergency room visit.

This new Urgent Care will alleviate overcrowding

in local hospitals by addressing non-lifethreatening

conditions and will seamlessly

coordinate follow-up care with SYHealth’s

primary care clinics. Building on the success

of similar facilities in Chula Vista and beyond, it

ensures timely, affordable healthcare for all residents.

These projects represent more than expanded

healthcare services. By creating up to 175 new jobs,

SYHealth is investing in the economic and social

vitality of the community. The Jacobs Center remains

a cornerstone of the neighborhood, now further

SYH in the community

enriched by these innovative healthcare initiatives.

San Ysidro Health’s commitment to improving health

and well-being is unwavering. With the launch of SD

PACE and the Urgent Care facility, SYHealth reaffirms

its mission to ensure no one is left behind.

For more information and to support SYHealth’s

work, visit www.SYHealth.org.


Education

National

University

National University President Mark

D. Milliron recently hosted friends

at a Holiday Party in Santa Luz. The

celebration welcomed community

leaders, higher education professionals,

military leaders and more for a memorable

evening. The National University Foundation

is spreading the hope of a rich and rewarding

life to adult learners making higher

education accessible to all.

Lilia Gravenstein, Pauline Hill,

Mark Milliron and Lindsay Myman

PHOTOGRAPHED BY DIANNA IPPOLITO

Gregory and Lindsay Smith

Ken and Angela Barnes

Scott Page and Mike Engle

Ben and Jaime Moraga


Anita and Jeannette Handson


Community

Mark D. Milliron,

presidente de National

University, llevó adelante

un encuentro con

amigos en el Holiday

Party de Santa Luz. Este festejo

contó con la presencia de líderes

de la comunidad, profesionales

de la educación superior, líderes

de las Fuerzas Armadas y amigos,

buscando compartir una alegre

velada. La National University

Foundation se dedica a promover

la esperanza de una vida más rica

y gratificante entre los adultos que

se inician en los estudios superiores,

asistiéndolos en este camino.

Ritaka Bhawal and Kim Ledey

Indara and Tunde Ogunsaju

Ted Martinez Jr., Lidia S. Martinez and Trevor Blair

Krista Lee Ryans and James Ryans

Phil Blair and Mel Katz

Kevin Schieferdecker and Daniel Kuperschmid


Pearl Hoeglund and Sandi Best

Todd Lane and Kristie Bruce-Lane

Chris and Asako Russo

1,900,000+

Meals distributed through

our Food & Water

outreach initiative

450

individuals sheltered nightly

in our bridge shelters

17,000+

Sleeping bag coats provided to

unsheltered San Diegans

200+

tons of trash removed via

$2 per bag of trash program

“cash for trash”

Preventing and alleviating

the suffering of homelessness

throughout San Diego County

luckyduckfoundation.org

Picture: Youth Assistance Coalition

25+

Employment & job training

programs benefiting more

than 1,800 individuals

700,000+

pounds of food rescued via

homeless employment

collaboration

125+

Lucky Duckling high school

students participating in our

award-winning youth-led

movement

$1.5 million

Every donation is matched

up to $1.5 million per year


Community

Ann and George Poggs

Shelley Zimmerman, Karen Marquardt, Dale Ganzow and Todd Tibbits

Jeannie Bolinger and Wittney Jones

Emily Hill and Vince Vasquez

Mary and Terry Kraft, Nancy Rholand and Bob Bolinger

John Cisero and Tami Foy


SELLING LA JOLLA, DEL MAR AND

RANCHO SANTA FE COMMUNITIES

Heather Piedrahita and Lisa Harris

SCOTT APPLEBY | 858.775.2014 | DRE 01197544

KERRY APPLEBY PAYNE | 858.204.7920 | DRE 01071814

ANDREW APPLEBY | 858.602.9696 | DRE 02141307

Shaun and Patty Worthen

Angela Baldasare and JB Robinson

“It Takes A Family”

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Culture

Discover Israel

Unfiltered

A TRANSFORMATIVE JOURNEY FOR JEWISH TEENS

Federation’s new teen travel experience, Israel

Unfiltered, will immerse San Diego Jewish teens in

Israel’s vibrant culture, history, and dynamic society.

Jewish Federation of San Diego is

excited to launch Israel Unfiltered,

an extraordinary annual trip

designed to provide San Diego

Jewish teens with a profound

connection to their heritage, Israel,

and each other. This innovative

program, made possible through the

incredible generosity of Dana and Julie

Zeff, alongside Federation’s support,

reflects a deep commitment to nurturing

the next generation’s relationship with

Israel and their Jewish identity.


Teens participating in Israel Unfiltered will create life-long

bonds with their San Diego and Sha’ar HaNegev peers.

Israel Unfiltered includes unforgettable experiences such as floating in the Dead

Sea, sandboarding in the Negev Desert, and exploring Jerusalem’s ancient streets.

Taking place this summer from June

16 to July 7, 2025, Israel Unfiltered

is more than just a travel experience;

it is a gateway to discovery, growth,

and lifelong connection. Open to

high school juniors and seniors,

the program allows participants

to immerse themselves in Israel’s

vibrant culture, history, and dynamic

society. The trip aims to allow teens

to “Step into the Story,” and will

include unforgettable experiences

such as floating in the Dead Sea,

sandboarding in the Negev Desert,

exploring Jerusalem’s ancient

streets, and engaging in meaningful

conversations with Israelis from

diverse backgrounds.

“This program is about empowering

teens to see themselves as part of the Jewish story,” said

Heidi Gantwerk, Federation President & CEO. “We want

them to experience the richness of Israel firsthand.”

A highlight of Israel Unfiltered is its unique crosscultural

component. Teens from Sha’ar HaNegev, San

Diego’s Israeli sister region, will join the trip, creating

an opportunity for participants to connect with peers

whose lives are deeply intertwined with Israel’s history

and challenges fostering understanding, unity, and

enduring friendships.

Israel Unfiltered goes beyond sightseeing. The

program equips participants with tools and knowledge

to address the challenges they

may face as Jewish young

adults, particularly on college

campuses. From understanding

the nuances of modern Israel

to confronting antisemitism

and misinformation, teens will

return with the confidence

to advocate for their heritage

and share their stories

authentically.

Israel Unfiltered is

intentionally inclusive,

welcoming all Jewish teens regardless of their

background, beliefs, or personal abilities. Federation’s

commitment to fostering a safe, supportive

environment allows every participant to explore their

Jewish identity in a way that resonates personally and

authentically.

Generous subsidies from, the Zeff family, Federation,

and RootOne make the program accessible to more

teens, especially those who may not otherwise have the

opportunity to travel to Israel. This financial support

ensures that no teen is excluded from the chance to

“step into the story.”

Participants in Israel Unfiltered will not only explore

iconic landmarks like the Western Wall but also engage

with Israel’s people, challenges, and triumphs. They

will see firsthand the resilience and innovation that

define modern Israel while deepening their connection

to their Jewish heritage. Whether sharing Shabbat

with new friends, learning about Israel’s high-tech

advancements, or reflecting on the Holocaust in a

European Jewish quarter, every moment is designed to

inspire growth, pride, and belonging.

“Israel Unfiltered is more than a trip it is an

investment in our community’s future,” Gantwerk

shared with GB Magazine. “By experiencing Israel’s

beauty and complexities, these teens will return as

ambassadors for our shared values and vision.”

Do not let your teen miss this life-changing opportunity

to “Step into the Story.” To learn more and join the

interest list, visit www.israelunfiltered.org.


Perfil

Neil O’Connell

HONORING SERVICE, PRESERVING LEGACIES

BY: NICHOLE NAOUM

Neil O’Connell, the driving force behind

the Mt. Soledad National Veterans

Memorial, is

not your

typical

Executive Director.

A Marine Corps

veteran with a

grandfather who

served in WWI,

Neil knows

firsthand

what it means

to serve. He

has seen the

sacrifices, the

hardships, and

the unwavering

dedication of service

members within

his family and

throughout

his

career. After retiring in 2012, he felt an intense need

to continue fulfilling his sense of service and desire to

honor those who had served, those who had served

alongside him, and all the veterans who came before.

This led him to the Mt. Soledad National Veterans

Memorial, where he quickly became captivated by

its mission.

For Neil, the Memorial is more than a physical

marker of a moment in time; it is a place where

the stories of courage and sacrifice come to

life. He believes everyone who visits should

walk away with a deeper understanding

of what it means to serve, not just on the

battlefield but in every corner of our society

– firefighters, teachers, doctors, and all those

who dedicate their lives to improving our

communities daily.

In addition to being a leader, Neil is a

passionate advocate. He has infused the

Memorial with life, making it a vibrant part

of the community. Memorial Day and

Veterans Day are not merely

holidays at Mt.

Soledad; they are

opportunities

for people

to connect,

share

stories, and

remember.

You can

feel the

spirit of


camaraderie there, a

shared understanding of

what it means to serve

something bigger than

yourself.

With more than 325,000

visitors expected this

year alone, Neil and

his team are always

looking for ways to

make the Memorial even

more meaningful. Not

only are they focused

on the big battles, but

they want to tell the

personal stories of our

veterans, the stories of

Neil and his family

courage, resilience, and

the human spirit that define our nation. It is in these

stories that Neil’s vision takes root – to ensure that

the spirit of service lives on at Mt. Soledad, inspiring

generations to come.

www.soledadmemorial.org


Gala

Super

Sonic

The San Diego Air &

Space Museum hosted

the International Air &

Space Hall of

Fame honoring

the world’s most

significant pilots, crew

members, visionaries,

inventors, industry

leading companies,

aerospace engineers,

aerospace industrialists,

preservationists,

designers and space

explorers. This year

the honorees included

Stephen Altemus, Bell

Flight, Tory Bruno,

International Council of

Air Shows, Katherine

Johnson, Larry

Mendelson, Northrop Grumman

B-21 Raider and Blake Scholl.

Rachelle Spector

and John Hawkins

Jim and Andie Kidrick

with John Cudahy

Donna Mays, Anna Jones

with Lee and Peter McGrath


Laney Saykawalard, Robert

Freeland and Mike Hennessy

Steve and

Brunella Altemus

Jeremy Nelson and

Alejandro Coatu

Jennifer Barnes, Robert

Delaurentis and Charlie Hewitt


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Gala

El Museo del Aire y del Espacio de San

Diego llevó adelante en el International

Air & Space Hall of Fame, espacio donde

se rinde homenaje a los más destacados

pilotos, miembros de tripulación,

visionarios, inventores, líderes de compañías de la

industria aeroespacial, ingenieros aeroespaciales,

conservacionistas, diseñadores y exploradores

espaciales, el homenaje a los elegidos del

2024: Stephen Altemus, Bell Flight, Tory Bruno,

International Council of Air Shows, Katherine

Johnson, Larry Mendelson, Northrop Grumman

B-21 Raider y Blake Scholl.

Chuck Dorigan, Sheryl and Marty

Dine, Jesus Monzon and Diana Serhan

Perry Mansfield with Michelle,

Stephany and Jacob Lang

David Mendelson, Tory

Bruno and Alex Mendelson

Victor and

Marlene Gonzalez

Marcia Bellamy, Jim Kidrick

and Katherine Moore

Royce Williams

and Tammy Sande


Gordon Romanas

and Yvette Kelley

Bob and

Nancy Parker

Krister Gemmark

and Phil Derner

Lori and

Jon Kaskie

Jeff Linney and

Dorrie Stutz


Fellowship

Donor

Appreciation

Since 2009, East County Transitional

Living Center has been breaking the

cycle of homelessness, addiction, and

poverty with the vision to transform

lives, restore relationships and heal

communities. In gratitude to the community who

have helped further their mission, CEO Dr. Julie

Hayden hosted a Donor Appreciation event at a

historical landmark home in Point Loma.

George Mullen, Esther Araujo

with Denise and Brian Caster

Joel Sanders, Jeff Hamann, Julie

Hayden and Brendan Thiessen

Ben and April

Lundeen

Tisha Thiessen, Marsha Hamann

with Linda and Thomas Dickinson

Robert Kaminsky, Ruth Vasquez,

Kaye Turpin and Sam Duke

Desde el 2009, el East County

Transitional Living Center viene

dedicándose a luchar contra el

círculo vicioso de la situación

de calle, la pobreza, y la adicción

buscando transformar vidas, restablecer

relaciones y sanar comunidades. En

agradecimiento al apoyo de la comunidad

su CEO la Dra. Julie Hayden llevó adelante

el evento Donor Appreciation en una

histórica casa de Point Loma.


Mauricio and Elizabeth

Martinez with Ken Weekes

Jason and

Jessica Gage

Lori Stone, Ray Hayden

and Sylvia Miller

Restoring The

Fabulous 7 Motel Neon Sign

We need your financial support

to make this a reality!

Preserve Roadside Americana

Help ECTLC Increase Awareness

Beautify East County

Be a part of this exciting

restoration as this sign once

again becomes a thing of

beauty, a local landmark and

a piece of our region’s history.

www.Fabulous7Motel.com


Equality

FUNDRAISER WILL HELP FIGHT INJUSTICE

Legal Aid Society of San Diego

Holds 3rd Annual Gala

Masquerade Gala

The Pledge of

Allegiance is recited

daily nationwide

and ends with the

words “and justice

for all” and that

sentiment is taken

to heart by the Legal Aid Society of

San Diego (LASSD).

As the largest, most established

provider of free legal aid in the

county, the nonprofit law firm


strives to improve the lives of some

of the most vulnerable members of

our community.

The organization will celebrate its

commitment to justice and equality

at its 3rd annual San Diego

Masquerade Gala on April 12 at

the Prado in Balboa Park. The

fundraising event will emphasize

the real people and stories behind

the legal cases LASSD handles.

In 2024, more than 40,000 people

benefited from the nonprofit’s

services. Hundreds of volunteers

donate thousands of hours of their

time every year to aid San Diegans

in need with their legal issues. The

LASSD has helped with issues

ranging from housing, health and

consumer protection law to family,

taxpayer rights and immigration.

As the Legal Aid Society’s main

fundraising event of the year, the


gala supports its ability to provide

free legal services to lower income

San Diego County residents

and work towards its mission

to improve lives by advancing

justice through effective, efficient

and vigorous legal advocacy,

outreach and education. The gala

also honors valued community

partners in recognition of their

significant contributions to the

fight for justice.

In San Diego, nearly 1 in

10 residents live in poverty,

amounting to approximately

335,000 individuals, including

86,000 children. In 2022, the

Legal Services Corporation

released a study called “The

Justice Gap” that found that

nationwide, 3 out of 4 lowincome

households faced at

least 1 legal issue in the past year,

yet only 1 in 4 sought help. The


is proud to offer much needed

support for qualifying individuals

and families.

In addition to providing free legal

services, the LASSD is working

to prevent homelessness through

its Housing Justice Collaborative

program. The program is a

network of community-based

organizations committed to

preventing evictions and reducing

homelessness.

In San Diego, nearly

1 in 10 residents live in

poverty, amounting to

approximately 335,000

individuals, including

86,000 children

The Housing Justice Collaborative

launched a new website in 2024 to

help tenants in San Diego to stay

housed by providing information

about resources for free legal

clinics, free Know Your Rights

presentations, emergency rental

assistance, affordable housing

availability, and other resources.

Last year also saw LASSD work

with victims of the devastating

January floods to provide them

immediate services. LASSD staff

went to multiple shelters to meet

with displaced residents. Direct

legal service was provided

to 237 households, which

benefited 377 adults and 215

minors.

The Legal Aid Society of San

Diego is a proud, committed

group of people dedicated

to providing equal access

to justice for poor people

through aggressive, quality

legal services. As legal

advocates they redress clients’

legal problems, empower

clients to access and effectively

participate within the legal,

governmental and social systems

and encourage self-empowerment

in the fight against poverty and

injustice.

www.lassd.org


Environment

25 Years of WILDCOAST

DEL MAR-BASED OCEAN CONSERVATION GROUP

CELEBRATES A QUARTER OF A CENTURY OF IMPACT

BY SERGE DEDINA

Baja California Peninsula Wildlands


in 2000 with Wallace J.

Nichols, never in my

wildest dreams could I have

imagined the incredible

journey we would embark

on over the next 25 years.

What started as two friends and ocean advocates

with a vision, transformed into a 28-person, bootson-the-ground

team of conservationists that have

had a big impact in California and Mexico. Today,

WILDCOAST has helped to protect millions of

acres of coastlines and ocean habitat including gray

whale breeding lagoons, sea turtle nesting beaches,

wetlands, wildlands, tropical rainforest, islands,

coral reefs, and mangrove forests.

Founders Wallace J. Nicols and Serge Dedina, PhD

As we watch our world in the throes of destruction from

climate change, our team is fighting these threats with

innovative natural solutions. WILDCOAST is dedicated

to rewilding blue and green spaces. We stand at the

forefront of restoring and regenerating blue carbon

ecosystems like wetlands, marshes and mangrove

forests that sequester damaging atmospheric carbon.

MENDEZ, CLAUDIO CONTRERAS KOOBWhen I founded WILDCOAST

PHOTO CREDITS: BRIAN SKEERY, ERNESTO

At WILDCOAST we work with local and indigenous

communities to help protect their natural resources and

livelihoods, whether we are establishing or safeguarding

marine protected areas and coastal reserves, monitoring

coral reefs, establishing ecotourism opportunities, or

creating blue and green jobs.

I am most proud of WILDCOAST’s successful effort

to protect the last true coastal wildlands of the Baja

California peninsula. Together with our partners we have

safeguarded hundreds of miles of pristine coastlines, gray

whale lagoons, migratory bird habitat and some of the

largest remaining coastal lagoons left in North America.

This is some of the incredible conservation work our team is

leading in Mexico and California:

California Marine Protected Areas

WILDCOAST helped establish California’s 545,280-acre marine

protected area network and leads innovative compliance initiatives

to safeguard the network’s iconic marine species.

Coastal Wetlands

In Southern California, WILDCOAST has helped restore, manage,

and monitor 70.5 acres of coastal wetlands, removing invasive

species and planting native flora.

Wildlands

WILDCOAST owns 39.5 miles of coastline and 51,939 acres

of remote desert on the Baja California Peninsula, home to

spectacular flora, fauna, and epic surf breaks and safeguards

against critical habitat from development.

Sea Turtle Arrival

Mangroves

WILDCOAST works with women’s

collectives and indigenous communities,

creating jobs in remote communities,

to monitor and restore mangrove

forests that capture carbon better than

any other terrestrial ecosystem, even

rainforests.

Whales

WILDCOAST is supporting the

protection of a gray whale sanctuary

at Baja’s San Ignacio Lagoon, where

federal land concessions permanently

conserved 484 miles of the lagoon

shoreline and ecotourism thrives.

Sea Turtles

Once on the brink of extinction, thanks

to WILDCOAST’s efforts the olive ridley

sea turtle population has rebounded

and 132 million hatchlings have been

born on the 22-miles coastline we help

protect in coastal Oaxaca, Mexico.

Trash Boom

Our innovative trash booms at the

US-Mexico border have helped stop

250,000 pounds of plastic and solid

waste since 2021, addressing the

tsunami of trash that plagues our

coast and threatens the health of both

humans and wildlife.

www.wildcoast.org

Gray Whale Sanctuary


Honor

Celebrating

Jerry

Coleman

Volunteers

from across

San Diego

assembled

Care Packages

for deployed Marines

from 3rd Marine

Aircraft Wing at the

San Diego Air & Space

Museum. The long-time

voice of the Padres,

“The Colonel,” Jerry

Coleman, started a

tradition to take a

pause and gather on

his birthday to

assemble CARE

packages with

essentials to

deployed Marine

Corps Aviation

units. For his

100th, the Padres

commemorated

him at the San

Diego Air & Space

Museum in the

presence of a

Marine Corps

F4U Corsair (the

same type of

aircraft Coleman flew

in combat in Korea)

with his name stenciled

outside the cockpit.

Jim Kidrick, Maggie

Coleman and Ted Leitner

Tom Seidler and

Paula Badali


David Neville and

Bill Johnston

for an evening celebrating

community and philanthropy!

Saturday, April 26, 2025 | 5:00pm

The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park

HONORING

Susanna & Michael Flaster Karen & Jeff Silberman

FEATURING A SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO

Retiring CEO Michael Hopkins


Page Tab

HONORARY CHAIRS

Evelyn & Ernest Rady

GALA CHAIRS

Marie Raftery &

Dr. Robert Rubenstein


www.jfssd.org/gala

Underwriting: Diane Voit, Events Manager • (858) 637-3029 • DianeV@jfssd.org

About Jewish Family Service of San Diego

Since 1918, Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS) has been one of San Diego’s most impactful

nonprofit agencies—providing resources and support for thousands of people every year.

Dedicated to helping community members overcome life’s challenges, JFS empowers people of

all ages, faiths, and backgrounds with dignity and compassion. By providing innovative strategies

to help people break the cycle of poverty, we create a stronger and healthier community where

everyone can thrive.

Operating six Safe Parking lots

throughout San Diego County,

JFS provides a safe place to

sleep for individuals and families

sheltering in their vehicles in

addition to supportive services

that help people return to

stable housing.

The Center for Jewish Care is a

welcoming and compassionate

resource for San Diego’s Jewish

community to access critical

services and support. The Center

also provides comprehensive

care for 450+ Holocaust

Survivors residing in San Diego

and Orange Counties.

Through home-delivered meals,

point-based grocery shopping in

our on-campus Corner Market,

and food distributions throughout

the community, we are ensuring

that San Diegans have access to

healthy foods and resources that

promote wellbeing.

JFS Board of Directors

Board Chair

Deborah Bucksbaum

1st Vice Chair

Theresa Dupuis

2nd Vice Chair

Sean Joseph, PhD

Treasurer

Ryan Goldenhar

Secretary

Joel Smith

Advisory Officer

Marie Raftery

Directors

Sarah Bakhiet

Li-Rong Lilly Cheng, PhD

Amy Corton

Congresswoman Susan Davis (Ret.)

Nadia Farjood

Gary Frost, PhD

Seth Krosner, MD

Meryl Maneker

Jon Nachison, PhD

Rabbi Jason Nevarez

Agnes Wong Nickerson

Adam Rosenthal

Marceline Sciuto

Elliot Scott

Joel Shaps

Chief Executive Officer

Michael Hopkins, MSW

Chief Executive Officer Designate/

Chief Operating Officer

Dana Toppel

Chief Financial Officer

Bernadette Griggs

Chief Advancement Officer

Tanya Hackel

Chief Program & Impact Officer

Shreya Sasaki

Michael Hopkins, CEO

Deborah Bucksbaum, Board Chair

Dana Toppel, CEO Designate/COO

16 YEARS

of Earning Charity Navigator’s Highest 4-Star Rating

Less than 1% of nonprofits nationwide can make this claim.

www.jfssd.org


GB Magazine February 2025 Edition: Magazines in San Diego

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