Spotlight on the Community (Cloudcast)

Greg Quirin, Program Specialist and Resource Teacher for the San Diego Unified School District's Career Technical Education Division, is joined by Omar Sevilla, automotive teacher at Madison High School, talk about the opening of two new state of the art high school automotive facilities; preparing students to become successful in the global transportation industry; and STEM automotive projects.

Ruthie Millgard, Artistic Director for the San Diego's Children's Choir, discusses the growing popularity of the San Diego Children's Choir, which is entering its 30th year as one of the region's highly acclaimed choirs. Millgard chats about the choir's Fall 2020 programming in the midst of COVID-19.

Sara Jacobs, Chair of San Diego for Every Child: The Coalition to End Child Poverty, talks about the coalition's work with myriad community organizations to cut the experience of child poverty in San Diego County in half by 2030. The coalition launched the San Diego COVID-19 Children's Fund to address food security, childcare, equitable distance learning, housing insecurity and access to health care.

Barry Price, President of the Hemlock Society, is joined by the organization's founder, Faye Girsh, to talk about the Society's mission; COVID-19 and End of Life choices; and the need for a dementia-related advanced Health Care Directive.

Laila Aziz, Director of Operations for Pillars of the Community, and Ana Ardon, a researcher for the National Latino Research Center (NLRC), talk about the critical economic and social justice ramifications of having everyone participate in the 2020 Census. Aziz and Ardon discuss the strategies their respective organizations are utilizing to ensure all voices are represented in the Census count.

Matthew Trautt, Founder and CEO of his recently launched CLSICS (pronounced "Classics"), business, to talk about his company's lifestyle brand that is founded on the intersection of cannabis and art.

Don Wells, Executive Director of Just in Time for Foster Youth (JIT), and Virgo Villajin, Education/Outreach Manager for JIT, talk about the success of their virtual annual event that netted $24,000 above their $700,000 goal. Wells and Villajin, discuss how JIT's "College Bound" program is and other JIT services are adjusting to COVID-19 challenges.

Betzy Lynch, CEO of the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center, discusses the Center's recent re-opening; its JCC Cares Initiative; and its Inclusion Playground Grant Award.

Todd Lane, President & CEO of California Coast Credit Union, chats about the credit union's emergency relief loan programs, along with it's partnership with the City of San Diego and San Diego Grantmakers to establish a San Diego Small Business Grants Fund--COVID19. Lane talks about Cal Coast's donation to the La Mesa Business Disaster Relief Fund and Black Business Relief Grant Fund of the Central San Diego Black Chamber of Commerce.

Kristie Bruce-Lane, Founder and President of The Thumbprint Project Foundation, chats about the Foundation's mission to aid in the transitional process of homeless children who have been impacted by childhood domestic violence. Bruce-Lane talks about the organizations that have partnered with the Foundation to combat the cycle of domestic violence.

Lenny Leszczynski, Executive Director of the San Diego Automotive Museum, chats about the importance of highlighting how our county's rich automobile culture is interwoven in our region's history. Leszczynski talks about the recent re-opening of the museum; it's current exhibit featuring cars of the 1970s; and the restoration of the building where the museum is housed, which dates back to the 1935-1936 California Pacific International Exposition.

Reid Carr, Founder and CEO of Red Door Interactive, discusses his company's core values that has led to it's growth as one of the region's top marketing agencies servicing major brand clients. Carr talks about Red Door's laser-beamed approach to data driven marketing strategies and initiatives for its clients.

Joshua Bonnici, Founder of the Bonnici Law Group and a San Diego Mountain Biking Association Board Member, chats about importance of bicyclists and motorists understanding the rules of the road to ensure that each can share the streets safely. Bonnici talks about the Association's fundraising work for sustainable bike trails.

Halee Kalevitch and Andrea Kelley, Co-owners of Bear Necessities, Co., talk about their THC-free CBD products that are 100% hand-made. Kalevitch and Kelley discuss the diverse uses of the products.

Mia Roseberry, CEO and Founder of Wounded Warriors Homes, describes the organization's mission and vision of facilitating the transition of wounded warriors with Traumatic Brain Injury and/or Post Traumatic Stress to successful civilian life.

Dr. Corey Pahanish, Executive Director of Bayside Community Center, is joined by Adam Osorio, Associate Director of Communications, to chat about the myriad programs, services and advocacy the Center provides the culturally diverse Linda Vista community.

Jose Angel Cruz, new CEO of the Barrio Logan College Institute, discusses his top priorities to support the Institute's mission to break the cycle of poverty by preparing underserved students to be the first in their families to go to college.

Neville Billimoria, Senior Vice President of Membership & Marketing for Mission Federal Credit Union, talks about his company's overwhelmingly successful fundraising campaign with the San Diego Food Bank that raised funds to provide more than 1.8 million meals for San Diegans suffering from food insecurity. Billimoria discusses the credit union's long history of its leaders investing their time and treasure in the community.

Dr. Hector Salazar, Plastic Surgeon for the La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre, is joined by Monique Ramsey, GLAMFam-bassador and Chief Creative Officer, to chat about the Centre's innovative approach to patient education and informed consent. Dr. Salazar and Ramsey talk about the Centre's re-opening and its community philanthropy.

Kevin Crawford, President of Kevin Crawford Consulting, uses his wide-ranging and diverse leadership background to work with current C-Suite executives to enhance their crisis management skills, as well as become "comforter-n-chiefs" during times of uncertainty, such as COVID-19.

Agnes Barrelet, Executive Director of the Children's Nature Retreat Foundation, chats about the Foundation's vision to offer a rich connection between humans, animals and nature through student field trips, family events, team building activities and tours.

Jennifer Barnes, CEO and Founder of Optima Office, Inc., chats about her company's growth as a leader in providing outsourced accounting and human resources services for small and large business clients.

Authors Marshall and Debbie Hockett talk about their recently published book, Tripping 1975: Falling in Love One Country at a Time. The Hocketts discuss their year-long European odyssey 45 years ago in their yellow VW camper, appropriately named the "Banana."

Andrea Luoni, CEO and Founder of RateCraft, discusses the negotiation tactics her company utilizes to significantly improve her clients' bottom line by reducing their insurance premium costs.

Dr. Emily Young, Executive Director of the Nonprofit Institute at the University of San Diego, discusses the Institute's focus on research, partnerships and virtual programs to strengthen San Diego County's nonprofits in order to meet the region's critical community needs.

Janet Hamada Kelley, President of the Pacific South Coast Chapter, chats about the Chapter's impact on Multiple Sclerosis research, advocacy and services for those individuals and families affected by MS. Hamada Kelley talks about upcoming virtual MS Society events.

Pat Caughey, President and Principal Owner of Wimmer Yamada & Caughey landscape architects, the longest running landscape architecture firm in San Diego, discusses the firm's pro bono work with the Friends of Balboa Park on the iconic Moreton Bay Fig Tree in the park.

Sara Jacobs, Chair of San Diego for Every Child: The Coalition to End Child Poverty, talks about the Coalition's partnership with the Classroom of the Future Foundation to form the Equitable Distance Learning Taskforce. The Taskforce's mission is to work with a wide range of organizations to take on distance learning challenges.

Chris Kelly, CEO & Co-Founder of ProductionCrate, talks about his company's mission to help creators, filmmakers, businesses and the like with high-quality creative digital content.

Michelle Geller, Economic Development Manager for the City of Oceanside, talks about the City's response to support businesses affected by COVID-19. Geller discusses the "Hire Local" partnership with Mira Costa College, along with regional collaboration with public-serving organizations.

Tony Madureria, longtime mold remediation expert, discusses the founding of "Back to Work After COVID," a company whose mission to to heighten awareness about the safety gap in guidance related to COVID-19 safety protocols.

Greg May, Co-Founder and CEO of Renovating Lives, chats about how his 30-years of experience in home renovations and real estate investing has consistently grown the profit margins of home sellers.

Sonya Orme, Founder of Prime Executive Offices, chats about the need for her business to pivot quickly in this COVID-19 era to provide comfortable office spaces and services to help business professionals adapt to the "new normal" working conditions during the pandemic. Orme talks about the shift to digital office space.

Jeff Kaye, Founder of School Safety Operations, Inc., discusses how his quarter of a century experience in law enforcement has helped him enhance the safety operations of the many school district's he serves.

Linda Kurokawa, Executive Director of Community Education and Workforce Development at MiraCosta College's Career Institute, discusses the Institute's "game-changing" and innovative curriculum that prepares students of all ages for the changing world of work landscape.

Alexander Karp, Co-Founder and Head of Development for Etha Natural Medicine, talks about the company's mission and products, along with its support of frontline grocery store workers.

Ken Barnes, President & CEO of Options For All, talks about the organization's mission to empower individuals living with intellectual and developmental disabilities to gain independence and become fully participating members in their communities. Barnes discusses Options For All's "Community Engagement Program," "Film & Media Studies Program" and "Bow Ties & Sandals" virtual gala slated for Saturday, August 29.

Goran Bozinovic, Founder and President & CEO of the Boz Life Science Research and Teaching Institute, chats about his vision for life science education; the mission of the Institute; and hands-on life sciences experiences underserved students receive during their work at the Institute.

Charles Parisi, Founder and CEO of Cloudcast Media, discusses his company's early success in providing myriad platforms and programs for local brands and nonprofits to showcase their diverse stories.

Tootie Thomas, Executive Director of the El Cajon Blvd. Business Improvement Association (BIA), is joined by Beryl Forman, the Association's Marketing and Mobility Coordinator, to talk about the BIA's support of its 1,000 members during the pandemic; it's leadership role in Transit Oriented Development; and its Blvd 2020 Plan.

Jose Cruz, President of the Downtown San Diego Lions Club, talks about preparations for the Club's 100th Anniversary in two years. Cruz chats about the Club's programs and services, and it's push to increase its membership.

Matt Schulte, a Health Insurance Broker and Agent for Schulte Insurance Agency, discusses his company's recognition as a Top 100 Insurance Agency in California. Schulte talks about Group Health Insurance, Employee Benefits and how to administer a successful Health Insurance Benefit Plan

Caroline Heinze, Co-CEO of HempMeds, chats about the growth of HempMed's CBD products in the United States, as well as in Brazil and Mexico.

John Huemoeller, CEO of AXIM Biotechnologies, discusses his company's recently announced COVID-19 test that aims to speed up the COVID testing process that would, hopefully, lead to a COVID-19 vaccine more quickly. Huemoeller chats about AXIM's pivot into cancer care.

Jill Hall, a best-selling author, discusses how her background as an artist and teacher led her to become a writer. Hall, who calls herself an intuitive writer -- she does not use an outline to guide her writing -- chats about her passion for artists (visual and performing) who are struggling during the pandemic crisis. Hall serves on the San Diego Arts & Culture Steering Committee to raise emergency funds for individual artists.

Rebecca Jones, Mayor of the City of San Marcos, chats about her unplanned path to political office. Mayor Jones talks about the myriad features the city offers from its college and university to its Union Cowork space to its vibrant Chamber of Commerce.

Ariella Pacheco, a San Diego County high school student, makes look-a-like dolls for children with physical deformities who are undergoing reconstructive surgery through Fresh Start Surgical Gifts. Pacheco is joined by Michelle Pius, Chief Development Officer for Fresh Start, to talk about the organization's mission, which has provided $45 million in free medical services for more than 8,100 children since its founding in 1991.

Mia Roseberry, Executive Director of Wounded Warrior Homes, talks about the organization's major fundraiser, the 6th Annual Fairways for Veterans event. This year's fundraiser will be held virtually from September 17-20 to coincide with the actual U.S. Open major golf tournament. Participants will choose pros who are participating in the U.S. Open as their "teammates" during the virtual event. Roseberry discusses other programs and services offered by the Wounded Warrior Homes.

Tonya Mantooth, CEO and Artistic Director for the renowned San Diego International Film Festival, discusses the lead up to this year's Festival through drive-in movies at the Westfield UTC parking lot on September 18, 19, 25 and 26. Mantooth chats about the four-day Festival that will run from October 15-18.

Joice Curry, Founder and President & CEO of c3Communications, chats about her 25+ years in public relations; why a company should hire a PR agency; and the keys to her company's success. Joice is joined by her husband and c3's COO, Sean Curry, to talk about the importance of messaging to the right audiences.

Amber Ravenscroft, Manager of Innovation for the nationally recognized EdVenture Group, is joined by Ed Hiner, President of Asymmetrical Evolution, to talk about the collaboration between both innovative-focused organizations to form The Curiosity Mission ... an initiative to inspire curiosity, creativity and entrepreneurship in students.

Samantha Holt, Executive Director of the Armed Services YMCA Camp Pendleton, discusses the organization's programs and services, along with challenges its constituencies face due to the pandemic.

Rachael VanWormer, Manager of Educational Events for Write Out Loud, discusses three free education programs the organization is kicking off this year: NEA BIG Read, Student Shakespeare Festival and Poetry Out Loud.

John Bolthouse, Executive Director of the Friends of Balboa Park, is joined by Board Member, Pat Caughey, Principal Owner of the one of the region's most sought after landscape architecture firms -- Wimmer Yamada & Caughey -- to talk about the mission of the Friends organization. Bolthouse and Caughey chat about the venerable Moreton Bay Fig Tree project; the impact of COVID-19 on the horticulture of the park; and their favorite gardens in Balboa Park.

Author David O'Brien, chats about his recently released book, Building Smart Nonprofits: A Roadmap for Mission Success. O'Brien discusses what he learned during his research and interviews with more than 60 nonprofit leaders across the country.

Staci Reidinger, Board President of HomeAid San Diego, is joined by Mark Janda, Senior VP of Development for AvalonBay Communities and current HomeAid Board Member, to discuss how their organizations collaborate to build temporary homes for the homeless. Janda talks about AvalonBay's commitment to HomeAid, while Reidinger details HomeAid's impact on the homeless community. Reidinger shouts out the 2nd Annual STEP UP! Walk to End Homelessness Virtual 5K from November 1-6.

Kandace Crystal, San Diego actor, educator and director, and actor Susan Clausen, represent Scripps Ranch Theater and Oceanside Theater Company as they discuss their roles in the virtual performance, "Donna Orbits the Moon." Crystal and Clausen talk about the challenges of storytelling in the age of social distancing, and chat about other work they perform throughout the community.

Lenny Leszczynski, Executive Director of the San Diego Automotive Museum, is joined by David Young, General Manager of Precious Metals: Fine Motorcars of San Diego, to discuss the Museum's "Shifting Gears" car rally on October 10 that begins at the Museum and ends at Sycuan Casino Resort. Leszczynski and Young talk about the mission of their respective businesses and how their organizations have pivoted during the pandemic.

James Shih, Co-Founder and CEO of MyGreenNetwork, discusses his company's focus on creating a global network of thriving businesses empowered and driven by green initiatives. Shih talks about MyGreenNetwork's "Green Quest 2020" initiative that will fund a minority-controlled business looking to become a cannabis entrepreneur.

Ken Bishop, Founder and Team Market Owner of The San Diego Guardians -- a new San Diego professional basketball team whose season will launch in March 2021-- is joined by Chaunteal Webb-Candler, Co-Team Market Owner and Director of Community Engagement, to chat about the team's tryouts, marketing plans and focus on community engagement.

Laura Piening, Founder and Facilitator of the Power Peers Network, chats about the recent launch of her online forum, geared for those who desire to have thoughtful, diverse and respectful conversations on issues close to their hearts.

Nancy Sasaki, President and CEO of the United Way of San Diego County, is joined by Tony Russell, United Way Board Chair, to discuss the venerable organization's impact in the county over the past 100 years and the October 8 "Virtual Centennial Celebration." Russell, a San Diego County Regional Airport Authority Director, talks about his involvement with United Way, as well as the Airport Authority's longtime support of the organization.

Gabe Howard, podcast host and contributing writer of Guts, Grit & the Grind, chats about the self-help book which addresses the importance of men's mental health. Howard discusses society's stigmatization of mental health, and what men can do to better manage their mental health.

Tonya Mantooth, CEO and Artistic Director of the San Diego International Film Festival, discusses the October 15-18 Festival schedule. This year's festival features four drive-in movies, along with 114 films that address topics such as homelessness, prejudice, pollution, and animal and environmental extension.

Ken Barnes, CEO of Options For All, details the organization's past, present, and future services provided to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Gabby, an Options For All participant since 2016, talks about her favorite aspects of the services offered by the organization.

Yolanda Serra Martinez, a military spouse, passionately praises the "over-the-top" services and personal outreach she received from USO San Diego when her family with three young daughters moved from Houston to San Diego. Serra Martinez, who works in the public health space, is joined by Ashley Camac, Executive Director of USO San Diego, to elaborate on the plethora programs offered by the nearly 70-year-old organization.

David Marshall, Principal at Heritage Architecture & Planning, and Board Chair of Friends of Balboa Park, is joined by Executive Director of Friends of Balboa Park, John Bolthouse, to talk about the the architectural history of Balboa Park architecture; the growing deferred maintenance challenges of the park; and recent restoration work completed by Friends.

Joey Travolta, Founder of Inclusion Films and award-winning filmmaker and director, talks about his latest documentary, Let's Talk. The documentary will be featured in the upcoming annual San Diego International Film Festival, slated for October 15-18. Inclusion Films teaches filmmaking to individuals with developmental disabilities, with two-thirds of the Let's Talk film crew being comprised of neuro-diverse individuals. Travolta chats about his background as a former special education teacher with a passion for filmmaking.

Lesslie Keller, CEO and Executive Director of Episcopal Community Services (ECS), is joined by her colleague, Stacie Perez, ECS Housing & Clinical Services Director, to discuss the myriad services and programs offered by ECS's Central East Regional Recovery Center.

Rebecca Jones, Mayor of the City of San Marcos, returns with her colleague Rick Rungaitis, CEO of the San Marcos Chamber of Commerce, to chat about the strong partnership between the City of San Marcos and its Chamber of Commerce; new developments in the city; its vibrant Farmer's Market; and the impact COVID-19 on local businesses.

Author Sherrie Miranda discusses her new book, Crimes & Impunity in New Orleans, a novel about the shady happenings in 1980s New Orleans. Sherrie recounts her own experiences in New Orleans and describes why it was important for her to write this novel.

Veronica Murphy, Artistic Director for Write Out Loud, talks about her organization's annual PoeFest, that will stream from October 23 through November 1. Murphy discusses Write Out Loud's mission to inspire and entertain by reading literature aloud for a live audience.

Annie Buckley, Director and Professor at the SDSU School of Art & Design, is joined by SDSU's Vice President for Faculty and Staff diversity, Jennifer Imazeki, and Student Assistant/Diversity & Inclusion Committee member, Sabrina Davidson to discuss the critical need to embrace and support inclusivity and diversity on college campuses. Imazeki describes specific changes the School of Art & Design is making and how those changes can be adapted campus-wide. Davidson talks about her representative mural projects and the plans the Diversity & Inclusivity Committee have to reach local middle school children.

Dr. Luis Rankins-Ibarra, Superintendent for the Escondido Union School District, discusses his award-winning district's strong response to the challenges of COVID-19. Dr. Rankins-Ibarra details the district's quick pivot to virtual teaching in the Spring and its recent pivot to a hybrid model. The school district will be honored at the annual Classroom of the Future Foundation's virtual Innovation in Education event with the Inspire Award for the Central Elementary School's Beebots & Cubelets program.

Jose A. Cruz, CEO of the Barrio Logan College Institute (BLCI), chats about BLCI's focus on breaking the cycle of poverty in local underserved communities by providing a pathway for young students to reach higher education. BLCI annually serves between 750-1,000 students, starting in 3rd grade through college graduation and beyond. Cruz highlights the resiliency of his students and staff through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Andrea Luoni, CEO and Founder of RateCraft, discusses her company's nearly 25 years of helping businesses and organizations save millions of dollars in insurance premiums. One such organization that has benefitted from RateCraft's unprecedented success is TERI (Training, Education, Resource, Institute), a venerable, 40-year San Diego County organization whose mission is to change the way the world sees, helps, and empowers individuals with special needs. Joe Michalowski, Chief Financial Officer for TERI, talks about the myriad services offered TERI.

Dan Dubois, Managing Partner for Retirement DNA, talks about his organization's mission of helping companies prepare their employees for retirement. Dubois underscores the need to develop financial literacy skills as well as highlighting what people need to know about the new CalSavers program.

Annie Buckley, Founder and Director of the Prison Arts Collective, is joined by her colleague and Teaching Artist, Jennifer Poynter, to discuss their programs aimed at bringing the transformative power of art to correctional institutions in California. Buckley chats about the importance of helping those in prison connect with their creative side. Poynter discusses her role as a yoga, meditation, and breathwork instructor and what her incarcerated participants have taught her about life.

David Miyashiro, Superintendent of the nationally acclaimed Cajon Valley Union School District, talks about his district's innovative and student-focused approach to education. Miyashiro chats about the district's much anticipated World of Work Summit that will be held November 5-6 in conjunction with the San Diego Workforce Partnership.

Megan Dowell and Stacy Dertien of The Salvation Army talk about their charitable organization's mission to help homeless individuals and families during this holiday season. Dowell, the Homeless Services Director, talks about the newly opened Rady Residence - a housing development that will serve 32 families, as well as the Salvation Army's Rescue Christmas effort which will provide food and presents for families in need. Dertien, Director of Volunteers and Community Engagement, outlines the ways listeners can help the Salvation Army's volunteer efforts including the donation-based Online Red Kettle program.

Kenneth Bishop, Founder/Team Market Owner, of the San Diego Guardians, is joined by Chaunteal Webb-Candler, Director of Community Engagement/Team Market Owner, to discuss new developments on their endeavor to bring professional basketball back to San Diego. Bishop highlights the team's upcoming events and programs, such as the November 12 press conference aboard the USS Midway Museum; current partnerships and membership opportunities; and the new Guardians' Elite club. Webb-Candler elaborates on the Guardians' commitment to community outreach.

Alberto Cortes, CEO of Mama's Kitchen, talks about his organization's 30 years of serving nutritious meals to people with critical illnesses. Cortes chats about Mama's Kitchen's various programs that benefit the communities they serve, including its annual Thanksgiving Bake Sale which aims to serve 50,000 meals to those in need of food assistance. Cortes discusses Mama's Kitchen's quick pivot once COVID-19 hit, and how the organization has managed to continue to serve its clients despite a massive increase in food service requests.

Brent Wakefield, President and CEO of Meals on Wheels, talks about the critical work of the hundreds upon hundreds of volunteers that deliver thousands of meals to those food insecure isolated seniors. Wakefield discusses the growing need for food assistance as well as the effects long-term isolation has had on the populations that Meals on Wheels serve.

Kanika Chaudhary and Luke Dubois, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo students and Co-Leaders of the Breaking Down Barriers training conference, discuss the importance of inclusiveness at their university. The Breaking Down Barriers training conference provides student leaders the tools to foster more inclusivity and diversity on campus. Chaudhary and Dubois chat about their experiences which led to the conference's development as well as their community's reception of the event.

Sally Spencer-Thomas, Psychologist and Impact Entrepreneur, is joined by her colleague, Sebastian Slovin, Mental Health Advocate and Co-Founder of Nature Unplugged, to discuss the work of United Suicide Survivors International to educate people about suicide prevention and mental health issues. Spencer-Thomas details how the workplace can serve as a support system for those with mental health struggles. Slovin and Sally-Spencer highlight the critical role storytelling plays in suicide prevention.

John Highkin, Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Fern Street Circus, and Marcella Mercado, President of the Board of Directors, highlight the circus' 30 years of community outreach in San Diego. Highkin chats about his origins in circus performing arts and the impact Fern Street Circus has had on underserved communities. Mercado talks about her experience as Board president as well as the benefits her three children have received from taking part in the circus. Fern Street Circus' 2020 Neighborhood Tour will culminate with two live-streamed shows on November 21 and 22.

Jeffery Sitcov, President and Founder of Doors of Change, is joined by Joanne Newgard, Program Director, to talk about the organization's nearly 20 years of work in changing the lives of homeless youth. Sitcov describes how Doors of Change builds trust through free music and art courses, a process which has been instrumental in helping over 2,000 homeless youth find stability in their lives. Newgard and Sitcov discuss the upcoming virtual symposium, "Invisible to Invincible: Success Stories of Homeless Youth," which will feature former homeless teens that have benefited from the Doors of Change programs. The free Virtual Homeless Youth Symposium will take place on December 1 at 7:00 p.m.

Meredith Hall-Chand, Executive Director of Susan G. Komen San Diego, is joined by her Board Chair, Merrilee Neal, to chat about the organization's mission to end breast cancer forever. Hall-Chand discusses the challenges breast cancer patients face in the era of COVID-19, while Neal talks about the recent virtual Race for the Cure.

Heather Nemour, Program Specialist for the San Diego County Office of Education's Student Support and Services Division, and Charisma De Los Reyes, the Division's Project Specialist, detail the Student Wellness and Positive School Climate (SW&PSC) program. SW&PSC stresses the importance of mental health education in schools; addresses the threat of human trafficking; supports suicide prevention initiatives.

Trevor Blair, Founder and CEO of Blair Search Partners, discusses his business' knack for matching companies with the right candidates to fill C-Level to staff positions. Blair chats about his long history in talent-acquisition, why San Diego is a prime location for conducting business, and what the job and candidate markets look like for job seekers and companies looking to hire.

Dr. Sheldon Zablow, Nutritional Psychiatrist and Author of Your Vitamins Are Obsolete, describes the correlation between essential vitamin deficiencies and chronic inflammation, a contributing factor in 9 out of 10 leading causes of death. Dr. Zablow discusses why multivitamins many people take are ill-suited for maintaining healthy vitamin levels, as well as the critical role that B12 and folate play in maintaining a highly functioning body.

Sharon Lutz, Executive Director of Hospice of the North Coast (HNC), is joined by her colleague, Jim Reiser, Bereavement Coordinator at Hope Bereavement Center, to talk about the end-of-life services HNC provides. Lutz highlights the Pacifica House, the only General In-Patient Hospice home in North County, along with HNC's annual "Light Up A Life Memorial" event scheduled for Thursday, December 3. Reiser recounts the challenges that have come with the pandemic as well as the promising results of EMDR - an emerging method for overcoming trauma.

Michelle Pius, Chief Development Officer for Fresh Start Surgical Gifts, talks about her organization's commitment to providing cost-free, high-grade medical treatments and surgeries for children with physical and cosmetic deformities. Pius explains how Fresh Start doctors have performed more than 8,000 surgeries and medical services valued at $45 million dollars since its founding in 1991.

Rich DeMarco and Pete Medhurst, longtime play-by-play announcers for Army Black Knights and Navy Midshipmen football teams, preview the 121st gridiron tilt slated for Saturday, December 12 at Michie Field on the West Point campus. DeMarco and Medhurst chat about the Army-Navy House Sweepstakes, in which one Army fan and one Navy fan will win a ticket to next year's game in New York City. DeMarco and Medhurst reminisce about memorable moments from prior games, as well as underscore the pageantry of "America's Game."

Nick O'Brien, CFO and one of three founders of Aeris, Inc., is joined by Co-Founder Andrew Medland, COO, discuss the science behind copper as a germ-killing product to reduce the spread of pathogens. O'Brien and Medland talk about their company's commitment to helping protect frontline healthcare workers.

Jennifer Paroly, President of the Tri-City Hospital Foundation, is joined by Aaron Byzak, Chief External Affairs Officer, to shout out the "game-changing" David C. Copley Foundation gift, which will allow the hospital to upgrade and renovate its Emergency Department. Byzak discusses the hospital's 60th Anniversary Plans next year; while Paroly talks about the hospital's outstanding reputation in cardiovascular and stroke care.

Tracy Jones, editor, writing coach, and founding member of the San Diego Memoir Writers Association (SDMWA), is joined by Chili Cilch, SDMWA memoirist, to discuss how their organization helps writers hone their memoir writing skills. Jones highlights the December 5 Memoir Showcase, which will feature a host of memoirs from local writers. Cilch chats about her journey to becoming a writer and speaks to how valuable her involvement with SDMWA has been for her work.

Deacon Jim Vargas, President and CEO of Father Joe's Villages, talks about his organization's campaign to prevent and end homelessness, one life at a time. Vargas discusses the new process of distributing three meals a day to those in need, as well as the Turn the Key Initiative, which will establish 2,000 affordable housing units in San Diego. Vargas also underscores the exponential benefits of helping even just one person get off the street and into a stable life.

Ashley Camac, Executive Director of USO San Diego, is joined by Brianna Ahern, a Board Member of the Same Organization, to discuss the nearly 80-year-old organization's annual outreach to 500,000 military men and women and their families. Camac underscores USO's efforts to connect military personnel with their families during their deployments. Ahern speaks about the duties of USO Board members, as well as how listeners can get involved with the USO San Diego Board. Camac and Ahern touch on the evolving needs of military families during COVID-19 and how USO San Diego meets those needs.

Stephanie Cook, Executive Director of the San Diego Women's Foundation (SDWF), chats about her foundation's goal of connecting, inspiring, and educating local women through collective philanthropy. Cook highlights the SDWF's desire to tackle the most pressing issues in the community by allowing the organizations which they sponsor to use funds in any manner that best suits their needs. Cook talks about the Foundation's latest grants cycle which focuses on nonprofit organizations that provide critically needed services to help individuals and families acquire or maintain stable housing.