Rancho Penasquitos Local Lifestyle NEWS - JULY 2021

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RANCHOPenasquitos July 2021 | VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 7

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Vick Vannucci

comes back to Mother Earth See Page 6

Photo by FT Images – Farima Tabrizi

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July, 2021 | VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 7

Did you know that last year alone there were 8,445 reports of child abuse right here in Central San Diego?

343 of those children were placed in foster care

40% of foster children will be separated from their siblings These children need your help! Be that hope these children are looking for with as little as $25/mo.

Your gift will ensure that siblings living apart in foster care can reunite each month; foster youth have the guidance, skills and resources to complete their higher education; foster children can enjoy the same extracurricular activities as their peers; and have a place to go where they feel safe and cared for.

Become a Promise Maker by mail or at give.classy.org/promisemaker

YES! I want to help create a brighter

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For 40 years, Promises2Kids has been creating a brighter future for foster children in San Diego.

EMILY JENNEWEIN NAMED BOARD CHAIR OF JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE Two Additional Members Named to Nonprofit’s Board of Directors

SAN DIEGO (July 13, 2021) – Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS) has named Emily Jennewein as chair of the nonprofit’s board of directors. Jennewein will depart from her role as first vice chair to replace Adam Welland as chair.

An experienced leader in the Jewish community for the past 20 years, Jennewein served as president of Hillel of San Diego from 2017 to 2018 and 2014 to 2016. There she oversaw construction of the Melvin Garb Hillel Center at San Diego State University and won unanimous approval from the San Diego City Council to build the

Beverly and Joseph Glickman Hillel Center at UC San Diego.From 2011 to 2013, Jennewein was president of the Congregation Beth Israel.

Jennewein’s daughters started the family’s involvement with the nonprofit after volunteering with JFS’s Hand Up Food Pantry.

“Emily’s dedication to the Jewish community, as well as San Diego at large, is well known throughout the region,” said CEO Michael Hopkins.

“JFS is sure to benefit from her experience, and we are confident she will bring passion to the role and expand our outreach.”

Jennewein served as principal for a website and marketing communications firm for 25 years before retiring professionally. She graduated from Amherst College and received her Master of Business Administration from Dartmouth College’s Tuck School of Business.

“I feel truly honored to become chair of JFS’s board, and I feel an awesome responsibility to ensure that this organization serves the welfare of the entire community — making the world a better place for all,” said Jennewein.

In addition to Jennewein, JFS added two members to the board: • Dr. Li-Rong Lilly Cheng serves as director of the Chinese Cultural Center at San Diego State University and chair of the board of directors at the San Diego Chinese

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Historical Museum. Focused on the intricacies of communication, Dr. Cheng is a fellow of the American Speech, Language, and Hearing Association and the chair of the Education Committee for the International Association of Logopedics and Phoniatrics. A published author, Dr. Cheng travels globally to lecture on language learning and teaching, as well as cultural diversity.

• Sid Voorakkara worked as deputy director of external affairs at the California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development, where he promoted California’s economic advantages to start-ups to expand the state’s business opportunities.

Voorakkara also assisted California communities during natural disasters, acting as a spokesperson and allocating resources. He later transitioned to consulting, and now serves as senior vice president at Strategies 360, a full-service research, public affairs and communications firm. Voorakkara is also chair of the San Diego City Ethics Commission.

For a full list of Jewish Family Service of San Diego’s board of directors, visit www.jfssd.org/board.

About Jewish Family Service of San Diego – Moving Forward Together

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Founded in 1918, Jewish Family Service (JFS) is one of San Diego’s most impactful nonprofit agencies – providing resources and support to over 34,000 San Diegans this past year. Through integrated services, the organization empowers people of all ages, faiths, and backgrounds to overcome challenges, set goals, and build more stable, secure, and connected lives. JFS is committed to helping individuals and families in crisis move forward, while developing innovative strategies to break cycles of poverty and strengthen our San Diego community.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the agency adapted, revised and expanded its services to focus on what was needed most, including critical food assistance through a no-touch drive-thru distribution, meal delivery and self-care support for seniors, safe spaces for people living out of their vehicles, and employment services and counseling. From response to recovery, JFS will be there for the community and offer much needed relief and vital necessities. Together, we will make it through this.

To get help, volunteer or support JFS, visit www.jfssd.org or call 858-6373000.

Media Contact: Ashley Bendas, J. Walcher Communications ashley@jwalcher.com, 619-987-6676

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VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 7 | July, 2021

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A WORLD IN CONTRADICTION: A WORLD IN ITSELF

Kelsey Brookes LSD Painting Series Quint Gallery though July 24,2021

LSD

Kelsey Brookes is an artist, scientist, and surfer, living and working in San Diego. The former biochemist had studied and worked in the field of microbiology, biological and empirical methodology very successfully.

However, he had a beef: he couldn’t understand why the education system “refuses to teach scientists how to draw.”

His next move was to leave the industry and pursue a full-time career in art where he began to develop his own unique style.

His work is currently on view at Quint Gallery: 7655 Girard Avenue, La Jolla. www.quintgallery.com tel. 858-454-3409.

When visiting, make sure to have a gallerist tell you about the black light effect on many of the works.

“Science’s loss is art’s gain and Kelsey’s powerful canvasses attract due attention whenever they’re shown, be it in California, London or Europe. The work’s potency arguably lies in the way its clash of ancient and ultra-modern references even drown out the sex and death which also features heavily. He describes his art as “an unrefined and some would say unskilled mix of sex, comedy and animals which is derived from a true passion for all three, except not necessarily at the same time.

Kelsey’s figurative paintings draw influence from Hindu and Buddhist deities, exotic animals and sex, as well as rustic American quilts. Each figure is adorned with ghostly representations of the natural world... Animals and plants that unfold from the body into the surrounding canvas. His chimeras are frozen with animalistic intensity in explosive and sometimes tortured positions. He said that “most of my influence comes from a desire of beautiful women (me and every other bi-pedal ape with a twig

SEROTONIN

and two berries hanging between his legs), a childhood love of the discovery channel, and a more recent interest in Hindu Folk art. Funny how when that all comes together it looks like pop.”

In Brooke’s works called “Better Living through Chemistry” --from his background in molecular biology--he has taken his knowledge of scientific images & expanded them into extremely intricate paintings that explore the mutability of human consciousness. His painstaking process involves the painting of

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MESCALIN

hundreds of concentric shapes that are both psychedelic & grounded in empiricism.

Explaining his starting point, Brookes says; “Art and science are often, and in my view incorrectly seen as two opposing poles of a creative continuum.

This is a misunderstanding of both. My recent work is a combination of my scientific background and current artistic interest: I have taken my understanding of molecular biology and married it with painting.”

Milja Ficpatrik, author of the above article, concludes: “Kelsey

Brookes is an artist of contrasts.

His well-documented background in microbiology, surf culture and folk art combine in explosive prisms of raucous color, bold imagery and timeless motifs. Raw and un-tethered, his vibrant, mixed-media assemblages reveal a free-flowing aesthetic that’s altogether energetic, sexual and humorous. Each work is a microcosm of life itself, where smiley-faced characters and wild animals cavort with abstract forms and splices of color to form something infinitely complex and visually joyful.”

Kelsey in his studio

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July, 2021 | VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 7

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VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 7 | July, 2021

GIVING HUNGER THE BLUES

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The AimLoan.com San Diego Blues Festival Returns at 100% Capacity on Saturday, Sept. 11 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. to Raise Vital Funds for San Diego Food Bank and North County Food Bank chapter The AimLoan.com San Diego Blues Festival is returning to the downtown San Diego waterfront on Saturday, Sept. 11 for its eleventh year. The festival brings nine talented blues acts from across the country into one venue for a day of good music, good food and good deeds.

This year’s Blues Fest will feature nine musical acts on two stages including its headliner, Grammy-nominated sister act, Larkin Poe. In addition, festival guests will hear the musical stylings of Rick Estrin & the Nightcats, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Aki Kumar, Nikki Hill Band, Backtrack Blues Band, Tia Carroll, The Fremonts and Tracy Lee Nelson.

No matter who takes the stage in September, it will surely be a moment to be treasured by all in attendance as the community transitions back to enjoying in-person events again.

“The AimLoan.com San Diego Blues Festival is a fun, family-friendly event that was tremendously missed this past year,“ said San Diego Blues Festival producer, Michael Kinsman.

“We produced a virtual event

in 2020 to continue raising vital funds for the San Diego Food Bank, during the pandemic, when they needed it most. We accomplished that, but we are excited to be back in action this year at 100% capacity!”

In addition to bringing topnotch blues artists to the San Diego community, the annual event has an even bigger purpose each year – to support the critical hunger-relief programs of the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank and its North County Food Bank chapter.

Since the pandemic reached the San Diego community back in March of 2020, the Food Bank experienced a sharp increase in demand for its services. They went from feeding 350,000 people per month to 600,000 people, on average. With the support of a steadfast network of more than 500 partners with feeding programs, the Food Bank looked for innovative ways to enhance and improve the efficiency of its existing food distributions to meet the increase in demand. One of the ways they did this is by creating the Super Pantry Program.

According to Food Bank staff,

Larkin Poe Headlines the 2021 AimLoan.com San Diego Blues Festival

Food Bank volunteers will be on site collecting donations of nonperishable foods.

The San Diego Blues Festival is an annual event to be enjoyed by all ages.

the Super Pantry Program, which consists of 35 high-volume distribution sites strategically located throughout the county, is going to be instrumental in maintaining operations post-pandemic as they anticipate seeing the demand continue in the months ahead as families continue needing support to help make ends meet.

“Since the pandemic hit the region more than a year ago, the Food Bank and our nonprofit distribution partners have seen an unprecedented amount of house-

Bring your chairs because there is plenty of lawn space available at the Blues Festival.

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holds visiting sites to pick up food to bring back home. Even as the economy reopens, we don’t expect the demand for our services to go down anytime soon,“ stated the Food Bank’s Vice President of Operations, Vanessa Ruiz.

“Families who were impacted by the pandemic in different ways are still working on rebuilding their lives. The Food Bank and our network of nonprofit partners are here to make sure no one has to make that tough choice between paying bills and providing food for themselves and their families.”

On the day of the event, festival guests are encouraged to bring donations of nonperishable food items like jars of unopened peanut butter, canned meats, canned fish, canned vegetables, canned soups, pasta, oatmeal, and other staple pantry items to place in donation bins outside the front entrance.

Tickets for the festival start at $40 online and will be $50 at the front gate on the day of the event.

Children, under the age of 12, receive free entry with one paid adult general admission ticket.

All proceeds benefit the Food Bank. For more information and to purchase tickets online, visit SDBluesFest.com.

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July, 2021 | VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 7

VICK VANNUCCI COMES BACK TO MOTHER EARTH Former tennis prodigy, model and TV presenter Maria Victoria “Vick” Vannucci lived through the photograph, then figuratively died by the photograph.

Now owner and chef at Normal Heights’ Pachamama Restaurant, Vannucci pursues a new socially aware image featuring her tale of personal redemption centering on giving back to the community and educating people about healthy food and animal conservation.

“My story is a special story,” said Vannucci, 38, who speaks English, Spanish and Italian. “I look at it as a means to help the community.

I learned from my mistakes. I am more than a picture.”

Vannucci found herself immersed in social media outrage in October 2016 when photos emerged from a 2011 African hunting trip during which she was pictured with Argentine tycoon businessman Matias Garfunkel, her husband at the time.

Matias came from a family, in which, hunting was something they used to do,” Vannucci said.

“I was his fiancé, and when he invited me, I went. Even though I appeared in those pictures, I never shot at anything, much less killed an animal.”

Vannucci added: “I started having a hard time on what he did in that trip many years before the pictures became public. It was my own grief and sadness. Once he saw the way I felt, he never hunted again.

The incident was 12 years ago now, and my depression started before the scandal. I suffer from social panic and constant panic attacks after that episode.”

Fallout from the African photo, and animal shoot stopped Vannucci’s career and life in its tracks.

Until that fateful outing, Vannucci had achieved a high level of fame. She was a professional tennis player who was ranked #1 in the national rankings made by the Argentinian Tennis Association.

She represented Argentina in international tennis championships, and with tennis legend, Guillermo Vilas as a coach, won the Argentina Cup. After retiring from professional tennis due to injury, Vannucci began a successful modeling career, becoming the top paid model in the country. She participated in fashion shows all over Latin America and Europe, representing brands such as Adidas, Nike and Topper.

Vannucci also was a television presenter for Forbes Latin American as well as an actress, winning a comedy award for Best Female Actress.

And then, the African safari pictures from 12 years ago came home to roost.

“I was young and stupid,” Vannucci said. “I noticed how awful it was when that picture came out.

People were horrified. My fans were horrified. I myself was horrified. I knew I had to change my

life.”

The road to recovery was long and rugged. Vannucci struggled with acute depression, relocated to Aspen and slowly rebuilt her life while also building a special garden at her home. “ After that episode, I started suffering of constant panic attacks. The episode changed my life forever. At the time I had my own clothes brand, with plans to expand it to Europe and America.

Had to close it, had to stop working and moved to Colorado. It was in Colorado, where I started dreaming about the pachamama concept. The more I dreamt the better I started to feel. I found a way to cure myself! During all that time, I started asking questions to myself. How did something like this happen? Why? Why wasn’t I aware? And thanks to asking over and over again those questions on my mind, is that I realized, how big of a change I needed to make.

I started reading and informing myself. I realized how many things are wrong in our planet and needs to be addressed. Sport animal hunting is one of those. The use of plastics/water is another one.

Colorado help me to start curing myself.

At the end of the day,I am convinced that thanks to the public appearance of those pictures, is that I made a really big change within me. I know that today I am a much better person than what I was previous to the appearance of the pictures.

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Nowadays I am a woman who has a clear message to give to the world: the Pachamama mission.

I hope I can serve my purpose in life and leave behind a good example for my children and the community.

The concept of Pachamama -- Mother Earth -- took shape. It was that of a sustainable vegan restaurant offering top quality eco-friendly cuisine coupled with educational programs and a tithing of all profits to animal protection groups. Vannucci was ready to hold serve.

This brought a reinvigorated Vannucci to San Diego, a place she had visited while staying in Los Angeles years before, and knew to

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be family-friendly. It was seemingly perfect for her little girl Indiana, now 8 years old, and boy, Napoleon, now 7 years old.

Pachamama, according to Vannucci, is a symbol of transformation, a fully sustainable restaurant taking its ingredients from local farms, supporting animal goodness and ecosystem restoration.

“I want you to feel the love and energy that are part of my life,” Vannucci said. “My successes, my failures, everything that has brought me to this moment. I want you to feel nurtured from the inside out. I want them to feel as if Mother Nature herself is preparing food for them.”

Vannucci is certified in food

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VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 7 | July, 2021

handling and general management through ServSafe. She also studied at Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts and holds a college degree. With a passion for Peruvian, Japanese, Colombian, Chilean, Argentine and Cuban cuisine, she established Pachamama’s healthy menu in 2018 “Pachamama is here to provide healthy food made with love and respect for each ingredient and the journey it takes from farm to table,” Vannucci said. “Starting with the soil it is harvested in, to the people that enjoy a meal in our restaurant, we aim to enjoy the best quality nourishment from the world and offer the best quality nourishment back to the world,” All of the dishes are created with organic, whole-food ingredients with only a small emphasis on animal protein, which she sources solely from providers with high food safety and quality standards that treat their animals humanely, Vannucci said.

“We also give a portion of everything we earn to animal welfare services,” Vannucci continued, “in hopes that we may continue to support the cycle of life on this planet.” Ten Percent of all restaurant profits are donated to the San Diego Humane Society.

Located at a 2,058 square-foot space at 3737 Adams Ave. that previously housed Cafe Cabaret,

Pachamama can be reached by phone at 619-738-3737. Its website is https://whoispachamama.com.

With roots extending all the way to South America, Pachamama’s name is synonymous with “Mother Earth”. Its practices maintain the utmost reverence for nature, and our business is deeply committed to working in a way that is environmentally sustainable and even regenerative while offering our customers delicious food that nourishes them from the inside out, according to Vannucci.

Vannucci has created innovative dishes containing elements honoring countries, such as Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Cuba, and Mexico.

“We hope to awaken the palates of our customers with exciting, exotic flavors found throughout our menu,” she said.

Aside from amazing food, “Amazing things are about to hap-

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pen,” Vannucci said, referring to her partnership with Bee Leaf USA. She will be hosting 3 p.m.

Wednesday workshops on honeybees, who are responsible for more than one-third of the world’s food source.

Workshops will show people how to make their own beehives.

What’s more, Pachamama will start building its own beehives in mid-July, harvesting the honey for serving at the earth-friendly restaurant.

“It’s an unbelievable opportunity to educate the community,” Vannucci said.

“Without bees, we don’t have any food, and without food, we don’t exist.”

Earlier this year, she teamed up with Bee Leaf USAFounder and beekeeper Travis Wolfe to come up with a concept that honors her values of education, integrity and sustainability.

Wolfe said the idea

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aligns perfectly with the organization’s core purpose to reconnect humans to nature through safe and sustainable beekeeping.

“Together, we’re embarking on an educational journey to shift the negative paradigm associated with bees,” Wolfe said. “After years of chasing this passion, it’s incredibly rewarding to see someone willing to take it to the next level while supporting bees in the right way.”

While the use of honeybees has been incorporated into local hotel restaurant models, Wolfe believes that Pachamama will become the only stand-alone restaurant with a sustainable on-site beehive that also has an educational aspect for customers and elevates food and drink quality.

“I don’t know of a project like this being done yet, even on a national level,” Wolfe said.

“It’s a one-of-a-kind honeybee installation that will provide a unique learning experience.”

Wolfe said the estimated 40,000-to-80,000 bees will be transferred from a nearby sanctuary and are expected to produce at least four gallons of honey within a year.

Pachamama and Bee Leaf USA partnered with Tecture Inc., a design and architecture studio in Barrio Logan to design, build and install the modified beehive.

The installation is made with heavy-duty glass that respectfully emulates the actual reality of honeybees in nature, while giving them the best chance at longterm survival.

“I opened Pachamama with the sole purpose of helping the community and planet in a small way,” Vannucci said. “This is my humble attempt at helping the planet.”

The modified beehive is also built to standards in full compliance with the county’s Department of Agricultural Weights and Measures with the design adapted to assist the bees in harvesting honey while protecting the human population from unnecessary exposure.

Within Pachamama’s mission, is to help not only the animals welfare, but also the community in which we are. Something that makes me very happy, is that Pachamama is building an organic garden at Adams Ave Elementary. Children will learn how to take care of an organic garden, harvest and then eat the vegetables they planted and harvest themselves.

“At the end of the day we need to change,” Vannucci said. “I feel if we can change as a company we’re showing people everywhere they can change too.”

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July, 2021 | VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 7

Horses Helping Heroes By: Molly Galliher

Serving 25 years in the Navy, Mike Oluvic had faced many challenges, perhaps none as long-lasting as those that came when his service was over. After retiring, Mike, like many other service members, was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression among other mental health issues. Battling these would be a life-long task. Shortly after retirement, Mike and his wife, Tammy, moved to Alpine California and rescued 2 horses, something Tammy had always wanted to do. In caring for the horses and helping rehabilitate them, Tammy saw a vast improvement in Mike’s mental health. Through helping the horses, Mike was helping himself in a way that didn’t involve expensive treatments or prescription medication.

This was something that Tammy and Mike wanted to share with others in similar situations.

Saddles In Service was founded in 2017 by Mike and Tammy Oluvic to support veterans and first responders like Mike focus on mental wellness due to the stresses of their service. Since its founding, Saddles In Service has helped hundreds of service men and women on their mental health journeys and is only getting bigger.

Along with helping heroes, Tammy and Mike have also worked to rescue and rehabilitate horses in need. This non-profit’s focus on helping the community and raising awareness about the importance of mental health has gained nationwide attention. We had the opportunity to speak with Tammy about her work.

Q: What is Saddles In Service?

A: Saddles in Service is a veteran-founded non-profit. Our mission is to provide mental wellness and healing to our veterans, active-duty military, and first-responders along with doctors and nurses that are dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, job related stress, or traumatic brain injuries. We partner them with a rescued horse. We rescue and rehabilitate horses and give them a new purpose. It works so well because our heroes feel like they are giving back to the horse but in essence, they

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VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 7 | July, 2021

are both being healed.

Q: What made you start this organization?

A: My husband was diagnosed with PTSD, anxiety, depression, and agoraphobia after serving 25 years in the Navy. Right after he retired, we moved to Alpine and I rescued two horses. I saw what interacting with the horses was doing for him mentally and realized this was something that could have an impact on others in similar situations.

It’s like a non-pharmaceutical type of healing.

Q: Is there a particular moment from your work that stands out to you?

A: We have a couple of heroes that were on the verge of suicide. Now that they’re out at the ranch, they’ve spoken out about how if they hadn’t found us, they wouldn’t be here today. It’s not even just about the horses, it’s about the sense of camaraderie, that brotherhood and sisterhood, that they were missing when they got out of the military. Saddles in Service is like a whole new family.

These two men are huge proponents of what we do because it has literally saved their lives.

Q: What is the most rewarding part of your job?

A: On the human side of things, it’s seeing that I’m making a difference in people’s lives. These people are all service oriented. They are the people that were willing to give their lives for us and I feel blessed to be able to give back to them. On the horse side, seeing these horses blossom and bloom is great. Seeing their personalities come to life and watching how much they enjoy working with our heroes feels like seeing little miracles all the time.

Q: Where do you get your motivation?

A: I feed off of the energy of the people I work with. Everyone is so positive. It’s so great to see people pulling together to help each other.

Q: When did you develop your interest in horses?

A: When I was young, my aunt had horses so I’ve been around them all of my life. I’ve been riding since I was 3 and even rode English Dressage in high school. I’ve always loved them.

Q: Can you tell us a little about the upcoming golf tournament fundraiser?

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A: This is our very first tournament and we’re so excited. It is our big fundraiser for the year. We don’t charge anything for the program and none of us are paid so we need money to offer our program to help us get through the year.

With COVID, we weren’t able to have a fundraiser last year so we’re hoping this one is big. The tournament is sponsored by SDG&E, AMR ambulances, and others. The tournament is Friday, July 30th at Cottonwood Golf Course. It is a scramble tournament with a shotgun start and there will also be a silent auction and a barbecue. We want to make this a great experience for everyone. We are also planning on bringing our Budweiser Clydesdale horse, members of the Hole-In-The-Wall gang, and the country singer Amy Scruggs will be performing as well. People can sign up on our website saddlesinservice. org under the golf link.

Q: How has COVID impacted Saddles In Service?

A: We closed down during the first two weeks along with the rest of the world. Shortly after that, I was getting phone calls from a lot @LocalUmbrellaMedia

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of veterans that were struggling because many of the resources they counted on were no longer available. I called all of my wranglers, the people that work one-on-one with the heroes. I asked if they could come back and help not only to help with the veterans, but to help care for all of the horses and everyone was more than willing.

We were able to open back up and ended up doubling our numbers last year. So many people needed us but the donations were especially difficult because of what was going on in the world. We rely heavily on the donors so we were impacted twofold. Last year we delivered just under 1300 individual program sessions. This year, we’ve already delivered 1100 and it’s only June.

We will probably more than double our numbers from last year.

Q: How can people donate?

A: People can go straight to our website and click on donate. People can sponsor a horse or, soon, a hero, or make a general donation online. Checks can also be mailed to our PO box. We are currently working to open new locations in Texas and Wyoming so these donations are more important than ever.

Q: Can you tell us a little bit about your horses?

A: We have such amazing horses- they love being with people and are so willing to help and support the veterans. We currently have 17 horses. One of them is named Red. She is a very opinionated draft horse and the guys love her- they love the challenge. She is able to provide them with an adrenaline rush in a healthy way instead of forcing them to turn to other outlets and brings them so much joy.

We’ve also just received a grant that will allow us to purchase new trail horses and a horse trailer so we can expand our services.

Q: Can you talk about awareness and the importance of mental health in regards to your program?

A: By making people aware of the mental health issues many people face and our existence, we can reach more people. We were featured in a documentary called Wounded Heroes by Michael Gier. Out of all the Equine therapy locations across the country, we were chosen to demonstrate the benefits of our program. It focuses on alternative resources to drugs that help people with PTSD. We will also be featured on the Discovery Channel to bring awareness to the cause. Awareness is key. Mental health is so important. I think a lot of people don’t realize how stressful these veterans’ and first responders’ lives are.

Mental health needs to be something people can talk about openly.

A lot of people don’t want to go to therapists because of the stigma so coming out to the ranch offers them a place to reset and reground themselves.

Q: What is your favorite part about the San Diego community?

A: San Diego is such an amazing city- you have everything. There are beaches, mountains, and such great people. I also love that it has such strong ties to the military. Did you know San Diego has the highest concentration of veterans in the nation? The weather is also an added bonus.

Learn more at

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July, 2021 | VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 7

Have you ever been wronged in your relationship? Or rather... that you had a need to be right?

Take this common situation scenario: You’ve had a long day. You’ve been up since the crack of dawn. You made up the bed (because your partner forgot), you got the kids ready for school - and you helped them with their homework. You made dinner.

AND you had your own work to deal with on top of that.

Your partner, on the other hand, has had a pretty easy day. He or she comes home all chipper, reporting a big success at work. Maybe they were even treated to lunch by the boss.

So at the end of the day, all you want to do is tune out and tune in to a favorite TV show. It’s the least you can ask, right?

And you can’t believe it when your partner wants control of the remote.

Wait a minute. Don’t they realize that it’s your turn to relax and unwind? Shouldn’t they give in a bit?

So, you let your point of view be known: you’ve clearly had a tougher day, and you should get a little more precedence for it. And before you know it, you’re wrapped up in a surge of conflict - probably the kind of fight you’ve had more than once.

The Root Of Resentment In the situation above, it’s easy to experience yourself as a victim.

You think you’ve had the rougher day, and your partner’s dash for the remote control seems to wipe it all out in the blink of an eye. Don’t they realize what you’ve been through in the past 12 hours?

And the truth is, maybe you did have a more challenging day. Maybe your partner could be more sensitive and realize that you should get a chance to call the shots now that the kids have gone to bed.

Conflicts like this usually escalate as you believe your partner doesn’t understand how much you do around the house, work and/or your relationship.

Soon, you’re not just debating about the remote control, but about your entire relationship - and how you’re the one who seems often overlooked.

In short, you’re the victim.

Had Enough of Fighting? Stop the Pattern Victim Or Villain: Two Sides Of

The Same Coin We’re talking about control of the TV after a long day, but this exchange could really be about anything: how your partner never listens to you, why you’re always going along with what they want, or what you should do about a certain investment.

If you’re experiencing being ignored or discounted, you’ve cast yourself in the role of victim - someone who deserves sympathy and wants a certain outcome by fixing blame or guilt on someone else. In this case, it’s your partner.

But here’s a revelation: even if you are being wronged and you want change, being the victim never works.

Why? Because the moment you cast yourself in the role of victim, you immediately – and usually unconsciously – invite your partner into the role of a villain or hero.

And… nobody wants to be the villain (and being the hero is equally harmful to relationships).

Couples that truly get this have been able to dismantle even long-standing arguments and wake up in a completely new, revitalized relationship.

If you think like you’re usually getting the “short end of the stick” - in your relationships and in other areas of your life - this might be the reason.

Racing To Claim The Role Of Victim When one person claims the role of victim, the other person will rush to evade the designation of villain.

They’ll then try to prove why she or he is in fact the victim: What are you talking about? I’ve had weeks and weeks of crunch time at work - and the one-day things let up for me, I’m not allowed to rest?

So, you end up with a situation where each person is trying to one-up the other for the title of victim.

It never works - even in cases where someone is actually the guilty party and gets what they (think) they want.

Since both of you will always want to claim the victim role, and this is a dead-end situation, something has to give (and usually it’s your happiness or the relationship).

However, when even one of you rises above this, the entire dynamic of the relationship shifts.

You can channel all the energy you’ve been expending on victimhood into the very energy that pro-

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pels you and your relationship into victory.

It’s a radical move that changes everything and that can free you and your partner from fruitless power struggle. It may seem like a big step for you, but when you understand the underlying reasons for being like a victim, you’ll see how this is a trap where you’ll never really be happy.

The Secret Driver Of “Victimhood” When you find yourself claiming the role of victimhood, there is usually an underlying desire for change. In the case of the remote-control scenario above, what you’re likely really wanting is: • More free time • More understanding • More pampering • More closeness • More autonomy Yet instead of communicating about these things with clarity and personal responsibility, you avoid your personal responsibility by fixing blame on your partner. You might think that if you don’t assert yourself, things will never get better.

Why Victims Always Lose If you’ve had the same argument, hassle, negative set of interactions a handful to times, you’re likely playing the role of victim! When you claim the “victim” position, you are actually helping that argument repeat over and over again!

You think you are pointing out the issues in your relationship, but you are actually trying to make your partner accept the role of villain. And no one sees themselves as villains, even the most guilty of parties.

Slipping into the role of victim never works.

So, what does?

Stop Thinking You’ve Been Wronged and Start Creating Real Change In Your Relationship Communication, as I’ve suggested, is one way out of the ineffective victim/villain scenario.

Working as a team to arrive at a mutually-beneficial outcome is another.

Claiming total responsibility for your own feelings, thoughts and actions - rather than blaming your partner - is key.

These three strategies are critical to resolving relationship conflict, and our Soul Expansion: Conscious

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Loving & Living and Born.Romantic. programs guide you through all of them.

With just your initial session, you’ll learn how to stop vying each other for the victim crown and instead create a true, equal partnership where you can both get what you need in healthy, supportive ways.

You’ll be guided through uncovering the source of your upsets and learn the tools to keep blame and criticism at bay.

You’ll learn why you have the same fights over and over again, and how to discover a whole new way of being with your partner - so that you can feel joyfully connected, appreciated, and heard. So that you both experience the Loving and harmonious relationship you deserve.

There is an underlying reason you and your partner are entrenched in a power struggle and why, despite all your hard effort, you’re still getting what you don’t want out of your relationship. It has to do with your “unconscious commitments” - patterns you learned long ago that are keeping you stuck now. When even one of you does the inner work of uncovering these commitments, you can create massive breakthroughs in the entire relationship.

This happens to even the most in-love couples, and it’s not a sign of defeat - rather, it’s an opportunity to Love deeper.

If you’ve fallen into the victim trap, you’re not wrong. You’ve merely slipped into a relationship dynamic that is very common. It’s also correctable: You are cordially invited to the rest of your life! Take the next step towards Soul Expansion with the gift of a Complimentary Session or call (619) 832-2750.

Learn how this innovative practice bypasses common bottlenecks faster than traditional therapy to celebrate your purpose with clarity, awareness, and personal strength!

Daniel Allen is a writer, speaker, and spiritual & emotional counselor on the subject of relationships (including the one we hold with ourselves), and an advocate for Love and raising consciousness. For more information or article suggestions please visit www.SoulExpansion.com, email info@SoulExpansion. com or call (619) 832-2750.

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VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 7 | July, 2021

11

CANNABIS JOB GROWTH CONTINUES TO INCREASE Job growth in the cannabis industry will be fueled by sustained sales growth and the launch of new state markets, especially on the recreational side of the business. According to analysis from the 2021 MJ Biz Factbook, the marijuana industry will employ 340,000-415,000 full-time equivalent workers across the United States in 2021 and grow to 545,000-600,000 by 2025.

These figures account for workers directly employed by cannabis businesses, including budtenders and extraction technicians, as well as employees of ancillary companies that support the marijuana industry such as consultants and lawyers.

The retail sector constitutes most of the jobs in the cannabis industry, driven by requirements in nearly all states to sell marijuana in distinct physical locations.

Unlike alcohol, marijuana cannot be sold alongside other goods in traditional retail outlets such as a grocery or drugstore.

The use of full-time equivalent workers is a method for standardizing employment estimates and equating the hours worked by several part-time employees to the hours worked by full-time employees.

Cannabis job gains in 2021 will be largely driven by the implementation of new markets across the United States, such as recently added states of Connecticut, New York, and soon to be added Rhode Island. Cannabis employment in 2020 exceeded that of mainstream industries such as

web developers. Cannabis jobs were more than the number of U.S. nurse practitioners, a high-demand employment sector across the country, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 2020 pandemic didn’t lead to wide-scale contraction in the marijuana labor market.

Though sales in select markets suffered, such as Nevada where much of the industry is reliant on tourism, many recreational and medical cannabis markets experienced higher than average sales volume.

Analysis If your business operates in the health care field, the growth of cannabis related jobs will make it harder to find talent. The cannabis industry (medical and adult use) is rapidly evolving into more accepted careers in which to work. Therefore, you will see more medical professionals (MDs, Physician Assts, NPs, Nurses, Therapists, Pharmacists, Laboratory Technicians, Pharmacy Technicians) start to leave traditional medical jobs and begin working in the cannabis industry.

As a medical professional who is a licensed Occupational Therapist and Nursing Home Administrator, I can tell you I was drawn to the cannabis industry because it was just getting started. I feel I can shape the way this industry grows and bring in regulation that is important for public safety, commerce, and patient access. Also, people who come work in the cannabis industry are willing to learn and

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take direction. This makes employees feel more connected to the company, rather than having to adapt to a medical system that has been in existence for 100 years and is extremely reluctant to new ideas. Furthermore, this trend will lead to less and less companies performing drug screening for cannabis.

Cannabis jobs will become more and more common, especially when federal legalization is enacted (sooner rather than later). As a medical healthcare employer, it is smart to be aware of this trend and find ways in which you can compete for talent with this new and exciting industry.

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12

July, 2021 | VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 7

PASSION in BUSINESS:

By Molly Galliher

dna PHOTO+STYLE

Dani Alger and Anna Clevenger are more than just business partners; they are best friends. Both women began taking photos of their children, a hobby that quickly turned into a passion, one they wanted to develop. Separately, each of these women ran their own photography businesses. After years, each knew they could do more. Both Dani and Anna wanted to expand their businesses but felt they couldn’t do it alone.

After a chance meeting, both came to the conclusion that they could build a great business together. Collaborating, Dani and Anna started DNA Photo+Style at the beginning of 2019. Utilizing their different styles, the women have successfully helped rebrand many San Diego-based businesses and continue to expand.

DNA Photo+Style is a labor of love. Both mothers, Dani and Anna have been able to create a successful business while simultaneously caring for their families by differentiating themselves. Through the past two years, the company has carved out its own place in the photography world as a source of branding for both businesses and individuals. Instead of focusing on weddings and events, DNA Photo+Style takes a different approach, working to build personalities for businesses and bring out the individuality in their clients.

to grow when COVID hit in March of 2020.

Anna and I were doing so well and having a blast when it all came to a screeching halt, we didn’t see each other for almost two months. By June we started doing outdoor practice sessions and slowly our business started coming back. Clients were reaching out to us again, and by August 2020 we were back at it!

Anna: It’s almost as if COVID gave people the push to put themselves out there again.

It drove people to start fresh by rebranding themselves and their business.

Q: Tell us about DNA Photo+Style.

What made you both start this company?

Dani: We were both photographers, with our own businesses. We got to know each other during the long hours on the sidelines of the soccer field watching our son’s play. We naturally talked about photography and our goals of growing our businesses. We both wanted to get to the ‘next level,’ but felt intimidated working solo on the bigger jobs we were striving for. In October 2018 we started meeting up to learn, practice, and create our own unique style. We decided to officially partner and in January 2019 we launched dna photo+style!

Anna: We both had our own businesses, but each felt we had more potential. Initially, we discussed being each others’ “accountability partner”. Through that process, we realized we made a great team. To this day, it is still a huge benefit to feel that you are responsible for another’s success as well as your own. I know Dani is working hard for “us”, and I want to do the same.

Q: How difficult was it to start a business?

Dani: We built major momentum in our first year of business, we were continuing LOCAL NEWS | LocalUmbrellaNews.com

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Dani: People had to rethink how they were doing business. When almost all business interaction went virtual during quarantine, an up-to-date and sharp online presence became even more important.

Q: What is a typical day at work like?

Dani: Everyday is different, which keeps it fun and interesting. We have a studio in Encinitas, but most of our shoots are on location- between Orange County and San Diego. Our actual shooting days are only part of the job, the other parts are: editing, pre and post shoot consultations and marketing.

Mondays are always ‘office day’ at our own spaces (but we are constantly on the phone with each other!). Whether shooting in the studio or on-location, we always block time for the two of us to plan and organize the shoot (ok, sometimes we are talking about some crazy story usually involving our teenagers!!). When our clients arrive our head is already in the game, we’re set up, music is playing, and it’s ON! Q: What is the best part about your job?

Anna: I don’t think I can choose just one part. I love the excitement of meeting new people and learning about their businesses.

I love that my job allows me to be creative, and has a constant push for me to learn.

Also, it doesn’t get much better than having my kids taking an interest in what I do, and telling me they are proud of me!

Dani: There are so many things we love about our business and working together. How cool is it that we created a business from our passion? It’s also extra fun when you get to work with your best friend. Anna and I are in the same stage of life, we’re the same age, we’ve been with our husbands for over 25 years, we are both Mom’s of lots of teenagers, and funny enough we each have a set of boy/girl twins! We definitely pick up each others slack when the craziness of life happensand it does! Best of all, we’re having fun.

We love what we’re doing and we love the people we get to work with. Anna and I are both high energy personalities and our clients have a blast right along with us!

Anna: Having a partner allows me to relax in situations where I previously would have had anxiety when working alone. It’s beyond helpful to bounce ideas off one another! Together we we double the creativity, perspectives, and images for our clients.

Q: What got you both interested in photography in the first place?

Anna: I was living in Brooklyn, NY and I was knee deep in babies. To make the days at the park as interesting for me as it was for the kids I would take pictures of them.

I enjoyed it so much that I started night school at Photo Manhattan. Learning about photography at that time was essential in keeping my own identity in addition to being a mom.

Dani: I was raised with Entrepreneurs and also married one. I had my own coffee business before kids and knew I wanted to have some kind of venture of my own after.

Like Anna, I enjoyed photographing my own kids, it gave me something to do that was fun and creative. Other people started asking me to photograph their families, and my business evolved from there.

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Q: Do you have any advice for people looking to start a creativity-based business?

Anna: There’s no such thing as ready. If you keep waiting to be “ready” you may never start. You don’t need to be an expert, and you’ll always be learning and growing.

Starting is the key to doing what you want.

Dani: I totally agree with Anna, most of the learning is in the doing. It’s never going to be perfect and most of the things you need to know you cannot read or have someone tell you, you must jump in and fumble around a bit to find out what works! I also suggest not putting so much pressure on your passion by expecting to make money from it right away. Start by making it a side-hustle, it takes time- just keep going!

Q: When a client comes to you, what can they expect from the experience?

Anna: By the time a client comes to us, they really know what to expect. We make sure they are very clear on the type of images they will be getting. We walk them through the whole process from what they should wear to how they will be posed. The only thing that may come as a surprise is how much fun they will have!

Dani: The feedback we hear most from our clients is, “That was so much fun!”

Most people do not look forward to ‘Picture Day,’ they feel nervous and awkward. Being in front of a camera is vulnerable and unnatural for most. We direct and guide our clients so they can get out of their own head, relax and let us take them through our fun process.

Q: Has there been a particular project that has stood out to you?

Anna: A lot of different jobs flash through my head from that question. Recently, we photographed 4 high school senior girls that /LocalUmbrellaMedia

@LocalUmbrellaMedia

are best friends. We did some individual shots of each of them & then captured their chemistry together. This was amazing for me to watch how much these girls mean to one another and how much they loved the process. We went to the studio, the beach, a trail, and the middle of a road! Their excitement increased mine!

Dani: Our dna Branding Sessions are definitely my favorite- they are the most creative. We really get to know our clients in the pre-shoot process. By asking the right questions we are able to make a specific plan for their photo session, making sure we curate and capture the right images for all the different areas of their life.

Q: Where do you get your inspiration from?

Dani: Thank goodness for Pinterest, endless inspiration! Also, there are a ton of great photographers (even locally!) who are collaborative and great sources of inspiration for us.

Anna: Through our experience, photography is such a kind industry. There’s space for everyone and we all help each other.

Q: What is your favorite part about working in the San Diego community?

Anna: I feel so lucky that we live in one of the most beautiful places in the world.

We have access to the beach and the mountains in the same day if we want! From my perspective the people here are focused on living life as their true selves. A flip flop lifestyle seems to make for a lot of happy people!

Dani: It’s the hub for so many different industries, creatives, and businesses. People who can choose to live anywhere live here.

Another perk, specifically for our business, is that we can shoot outside almost every day of the year!

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July, 2021 | VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 7

SAN DIEGO NICE GUYS CHARITY AUCTION! San Diego Nice Guys held their 42nd Anniversary Charity Auction on June 26. Chaired by John Jensen, the evening of dining and entertainment, themed “Midnight in Paris”, was a huge success and was enjoyed by members and local dignified guests to raise money for serving San Diegan’s in Katie and David Walters

Dan and Barbie Spinazzola

need of assistance.

The main focus of The San Diego Nice Guys has always been to assist families and individuals who cannot meet life’s demands. For more than 40 years, the San Diego Nice Guys have continued to make a difference in people’s lives by offering a John Jensen and Joanie Keegan

“Hand Up” Not A “Hand Out”.

The San Diego Nice Guys, now with a membership of around 165 men and women, is strictly a non-profit, charitable organization with no paid staff, no overhead and all administrative costs to run the organization are donated by our members.

Jon and Dee Ammon

Francine and Brad Weber

Larry and Paola Kantor

Lynne Krepak and Brian Boswell

Karen and Mark Wheelan

Vincent Bartolotta III and Rachel, Judith and Vincent J. Bartolotta Jr.

Guest and Dion Rich

Susan and Dennis Cunningham

Penny and Dr. Robert Kahn

Frederick Gaston and Jennifer

Guests

Mime

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VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 7 | July, 2021

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THE SAN DIEGO NICE GUYS ANNOUNCE JON & DEE AMMON AS THE RECIPIENTS OF THE 2021 NICE GUY OF THE YEAR AWARD!

Jon & Dee Ammon Photo by FT Images/ Local Umbrella Media

The San Diego Nice Guys announced on July 14th that they will be honoring a couple for this year’s Nice Guy of the Year (NGOY), Jon & Dee Ammon.

The San Diego Nice Guys, a local non-profit 501(c)3 organization, will honor the Ammons at their 41st annual major fundraising gala. The event will be held at the Marriott Marquis in downtown San Diego on Saturday, October 23, 2021. Each year, the Nice Guys recognize local community leaders who have given their time, money, and support to help San Diegans improve their lives.

The Nice Guy of the Year event is also a fundraiser for Nice Guys charities. This year, at the request of the Ammons, part of the funds raised will go to the new Sharp HospiceCare MountainView Hospice Home in Poway, The Salvation Army Homeless Services in San Diego and the Patrons of the Prado’s Bucks4Buses Fund for underserved youth. The remainder of the funds will be used for individual San Diegans who need a “one time” helping hand up to get their lives back on track. The Nice Guys Charity Committee identifies these cases throughout the year. “Every single dollar we raise goes to needy San Diegans,” said John McAvoy, this year’s Nice Guy of the Year Committee Chair.

Founded in 1979, the Nice Guys of San Diego is an all-volunteer nonprofit 501(c)3 organization of

more than 150 men and women, with no paid staff. In 2020, they provided more than $550,000 to underserved San Diegans, including $170,000 to their Victory Fund in assisting military families. Their total charitable distributions now exceed $23 million with 100% of every dollar raised going to needy recipients. All Nice Guys operating costs are paid by its members.

“We are privileged to be honoring the Ammons this year,” said Nice Guys President, David Walters. “Their achievements as business owners are matched only by their generosity for others in our community. They are both dedicated community leaders who have been long-time contributors to many organizations in San Diego.

They exemplify what the Nice Guys organization and its members are all about.”

The Ammons have been involved in the San Diego Community both professionally and philanthropically for more than 40 years. Jon, who grew up in the family business, Tri-County Insulation Co., Inc. started from the bottom and worked his way up the ladder. He took over the reins in 1990 and has been the President & CEO since then. He has grown the business into what it is today, continuing to provide mechanical insulation systems for large commercial projects. Tri County is affiliated with the Heat & Frost Insulators & Allied Workers Union Local #5. He

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is proud to have both of his sons in the business and looks forward to Tri-County becoming a thirdgeneration family company in the future.

Born in Guam, Dee moved to San Diego in 1983, where she would become an active community volunteer. She began volunteering and fundraising at her children’s schools while also working as a law firm administrator. Dee and Jon met in 1991 at an American Cancer Society event and married in 1996.

While she worked in the family business for a few years, she turned her focus to sharing her leadership and fundraising skills to many San Diego organizations.

Together, the Ammons have gone on to be a major force in the San Diego community. Jon started his community involvement in 1988 as a board member with the Jackalopes, Inc. In 1994, he became a member of the San Diego Nice Guys. He went on to become a board member and was President in 2000 and remains an active member today. He was also on the Grossmont Hospital Foundation $10 Million capital campaign to build the new Emergency and Critical Care center in 1998-2000 - they raised $13M. Jon has been proud to support Dee in her many philanthropic efforts as well. Dee has served on numerous boards in leadership roles and currently is a Board member of Grossmont Hospital Corporation, Patrons of the Prado, and VP of the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary. She served as a trustee of the Friends of Vista Hill Foundation, where she chaired the annual Gala and Fashion Show Luncheon. She also served as chair of the Board of Governors of Grossmont Hospital Foundation, chaired Sharp’s Hospice Care Regatta and was a member of the Capital Campaign Committee that raised funds to build the Bonita Hospice Home.

Additionally, she co-chaired the City Ballet Gala and the Salvation Army’s Women’s Auxiliary Women of Dedication event, was a member of the Alpine Community Center Auxiliary and has worked on the San Diego Police Foundation Gala.

The Ammons were Honorary Chairs of Sharp Hospice Care Annual Regatta event in 2016. The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary honored Dee as a Women of Dedication in 2017 and Dee was @LocalUmbrellaMedia

the Honorary Chair of St. Madeline Sophie Center’s Annual Luncheon in 2019.

The Ammons are long-time volunteers at the Noah Homes Annual Summerfest Fundraiser and have attended and served as honorary committee members at numerous community fundraisers.

Even during the Covid pandemic, Dee found a way to volunteer by helping at Sharp Grossmont Hospital COVID vaccine clinic site (after she and Jon were vaccinated). They have both continued to be active volunteers with the Nice Guys helping those in the most need during this last year.

The Ammons live in Alpine, are avid golfers and together have six children and eight grandchildren.

Past recipients of the “Nice Guy of the Year” award include: 1980 John Helmer 1981 Frank Rhodes 1982 George A. Scott 1983 Mac Hudson & Joe Bauer 1984 Police Chief Bill Kolender 1985 Tawfig Khoury 1986 Sheriff John Duffy 1987 John Carlson 1988 Clair Burgener 1989 Ron Blair 1990 Father Joe Carroll 1991 Dr. Jack Fisher 1992 Ernest Hahn 1993 Gayle Wilson 1994 Gene Luth 1995 Frankie Laine 1996 Malin Burnham 1997 Ron Fowler 1998 John T. Lynch 1999 Bob Breitbard 2000 John Moores 2001 Billy Casper 2002 Robert Horsman 2003 William D. Lynch 2004 Lou Ferrero 2005 Terry Brown 2006 Dan Mulvihill 2007 Dan Spinazzola 2008 Jeffrey Strauss 2009 Conrad Prebys 2010 Peter Farrell 2011 Ted Rossin 2012 Ernest Rady 2013 Doug Manchester 2014 T. Denny Sanford 2015 Douglas Allred 2016 Mike McKinnon 2017 Peter Seidler 2018 Debra Reed 2019 Joe Harper To purchase tickets for the gala, or to discover more about Sn Diego Nice Guys visit www.sdniceguys. com

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July, 2021 | VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 7

TWO UNFORGETTABLE ADVENTURES AWAIT YOU Experience Vietnam and Spain/Portugal with the Chamber and encourage your friends to join you.

The Vietnam adventure will take place from February 19-28, 2022. The $2399 offers an inclusive package that includes 10 days/8 nights. North San Diego Business Chamber President, Debra Rosen experienced the Vietnam trip in February of 2019 and said, “it was the experience of a lifetime, probably the second favorite trip of the many we have taken.”

June 9, 2021 –North San Diego Business Chamber has announced their International travel plans for 2021 - 2022 and never before, has traveling to exotic places been this affordable. These international trips are open to anyone 18 and over.

The destinations of travel for 2021 include Portugal and Spain November 1-9, 2021, and a trip to Vietnam February 19-28 2022. For more details and information on all trips visit https://sdbusinesschamber.com/travel/ Thursday July 29, the Chamber will host a complimentary preview meeting to talk about the Vietnam trip and enlighten potential travelers of the amazing journey that awaits them. Admission is free but preregistration is required. Call 858487-1767 Ext 10 to register yourself

Vietnam Tour Price $2399 Includes: • Roundtrip International Airfare & Tax from LAX • Vietnamese Domestic Airfare & Tax • 4- and 5-Star Hotel Accommodations • Daily 3 Meals • Deluxe Bus Tours • Fluent English-speaking Tour Guides • Entrance Fees to Attractions Not Included: • Visa Fee • Gratuities • Personal Shopping Destination Highlights can be found at https://sdbusinesschamber.com/travel/ The Portugal/Spain adventure will take place November 1-9, 2021 Portugal/Spain price from $3299 Includes: • 9 days, 7 nights including hotels, meals, day trips, and airfare from San Diego, CA • Round Trip Air Transportation - Air Transportation from San Diego, Ca • First-Class Accommodations Hotel Accommodations for 7 Nights • Superb Cuisine - 10 Included

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Meals Consisting Of 7 Buffet Breakfasts and 3 Dinners. Wine and Water Included with Dinners • Sightseeing Tour Program - - Sightseeing, including local guide and all entrance fees as follows: City tours of Lisbon, Évora, and Seville as well as tour of Jerez and Arcos de la Frontera including horse show and a visit to Bodega.

• Optional tours available • Cultural Discovery Series • Professional Tour Director • Deluxe Motor Coaches • Baggage Handling and Transfers – • Optional Madrid extension available Destination Highlights can be found at https://sdbusinesschamber.com/travel/

“We’re offering the opportunity for the community to travel with the Chamber at competitive and inclusive rates,” said Debra Rosen, President and CEO of the North San Diego Business Chamber.

“The Chamber has traveled to China, Spain, Italy, Ireland, South Africa, Croatia and the Rhine River.”

One does not need to be a member of the Chamber to travel with them.

Chamber traveler, Melissa DeLaCazada and her friends have been on all of the Chamber trips and she shares, “Chamber trips are ideal for those traveling alone or with friends, and a great deal featuring all-inclusive travel destinations. I’ve visited countries, always dreamed of visiting, and felt completely comfortable and safe doing so with the Chamber.”

Get your friends and family together and join us for this fabulous trip!

Details and registration here at https://sdbusinesschamber.com/ travel/ For more details call 858-922-1766 @LocalUmbrellaMedia

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VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 7 | July, 2021

MARK YOUR

CALENDAR LA JOLLA FASHION FILM FEST July 23 - 24 | Various Times Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Ctr. 7600 Fay Avenue La Jolla, CA 92037 ljfff.com JEWEL BALL Las Patronas August 7 | 7:00 - 11:00 pm La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club 2000 Spindrift Drive La Jolla, CA 92037 laspatronas.org

Fairmont Grand Del Mar 5300 Del Mar Court San Diego, CA 92130 ticketsnorthcoastrep.org

POWER WOMEN SD® Discover Magazines | SD Int’l Film Fest.

September 09 | 6:00 - 10:00 pm The Brick 2863 Historic Decatur Road San Diego, CA 92106 sandiegofilmfest.com

SYMPHONY AT THE SALK August 21 | 6:00 - 10:00 pm 10010 Torrey Pines Road La Jolla, CA 92037 lcushman@salk.edu BOW TIES & SANDALS August 28 | 5:30 - 10:00 pm Rooftop La Jolla Cove Hotel 1155 Coast Boulevard La Jolla, CA 92037 gala@optionsforall.org SPOTLIGHT GALA North County Rep Theatre August 29 | 5:00 - 9:00 pm

WOMEN OF VISION San Diego Salvation Army September 17 | 10:30 am - 1:30 pm Marriott Marquis Hotel 333 West Harbor Drive San Diego, CA 92101 pamela.lennen@usw.salvationarmy. org

HOMETOWN

AWARENESS RAMONA COUNTRY FAIR July 29 - August 1 | Various Times 421 Aqua Lane Ramona, CA 92065 ramonachamber.com CITYFEST ART & MUSIC FEST August 8 | 12:00 - 11:00 pm Fifth Avenue Hillcrest San Diego, CA 92103 fabuloushillcrest.com SUMMER GRASS (BLUEGRASS) August 20 - 22 | Various Times Antique Engine Museum 2040 North Santa Fe Avenue Vista, CA 92083 summergrass.net LOCAL NEWS | LocalUmbrellaNews.com

GEM FAIRE SAN DIEGO August 20 - 22 | Various Times Scottish Rite Cathedral San Diego 1895 Camino Del Rio South San Diego, CA 92108 gemfaire.com FESTIVAL OF CARS August 22 | 11:00 am - 4:00 pm Port Pavilion | Broadway Pier 1000 North Harbor Drive San Diego, CA 92101

AN EVENING OF CHANGING LIVES Boys & Girls Clubs of San Diego September 29 | 5:00 - 9:00 pm Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina 333 West Harbor Drive San Diego, CA, 92101 kscalise@sdyouth.org MIDNIGHT IN PARIS Patrons of the Prado October 9 | 5:00 - 11:00 pm Spreckels Organ Pavilion Balboa Park 2125 Pan American Road East San Diego, CA 92101 Patronsoftheprado.org ALL REVED UP GALA San Diego Automotive Museum October 16 | 6:00 - 9:00 pm 2080 Pan American Plaza San Diego, CA 92101 sharon@sdautomuseum.org FOUNDERS GALA University of San Diego November 13 | 6:00 - 10:00 pm Petco Park 100 Park Boulevard San Diego, CA 92101 usd.events@sandiego.edu TEDDY BALL Cruise 4 Kids November 27 | 7:00 pm - 1:00 am Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine 3777 La Jolla Village Drive San Diego, CA 92122 nino@c4ksd.com

SAND SCULPTING CHALLENGE September 4 - 6 | Various Times Broadway Pier & Landing 1140 North Harbor Drive San Diego, CA 92101 ussandsculpting.com SAN DIEGO SPIRITS FESTIVAL September 11 - 12 | Various Times Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier 1000 North Harbor Drive San Diego, CA 92101 sandiegospiritsfestival.com SAN DIEGO FESTIVAL OF ARTS September 11 - 12 | Various Times San Diego Surf Sports Park 14989 Via de La Valle Del Mar, CA 92014 sdfestivalofthearts.org

CARLSBAD MUSIC FESTIVAL August 27 - 29 | Various times Lawn at St Michael’s By The Sea Carlsbad, CA 92008 carlsbadmusicfestival.org /LocalUmbrellaMedia

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July, 2021 | VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 7

JULY 2021

Mike Ruggirello & Bart Mendoza

BY BART MENDOZA © MUSICSCENESD // MUSICSCENESD.COM

18

SDTV SDTV

San Diego music fans has a new spot to check out news on local happenings; Music Scene SDTV. The weekly program mixes info, interviews and live performances, showcasing some of the best artists in the area. In addition to acclaimed musicians, weekly guests include behind the scenes folks, such as promoters, club owners, instrument makers and more for a well-rounded look at the local music scene.

The program is the brainchild of

with The Tourmaliners

by Sandra Castillo

national (and international). So with something like Music Scene SD TV, we get to be a part of an in-depth and systematic exploration of the music community in our own backyard...and San Diego really does have a tight-knit community.” He considers the timing to be good for a show like this. “It’s a time where artists are finally emerging from the lockdowns, so the new energy is bound to be explosive.”

According to Berezetsky the inspiration for EnterTalk itself (and later Concerts.Cafe) really started with a simple question, “How the heck are musicians supposed to make a living these days?” “Both me and my partner Florentino Buenaventura are musicians and avid music lovers, and at the time were actually in a band together,” he recalled. “What inspired us to found EnterTalk was the realization that no one in the music business really had a clear idea of how to adapt to all the changes that swept through the industry. in 2015 we started a podcast called “The Changing Stage,” examining where the music industry was at and where it was heading. One podcast grew into twenty, podcasts grew into video series, we were producing livestreamed events, concerts and clinics and we soon had a whole media network on our hands.”

A media network on the surface, that is. “Incognito, it was a massive intelligence gathering operation, mapping the Brian Witkin Johnny Vernazza Bart Mendoza

Casey Hensley

host Bart Mendoza, Brad Weber of newspaper publisher Local Umbrella Media and the projects heavy hitters, CEO Florentino Buenaventura and COO Paul Berezetsky, co-founders of Broadcasting & Media Production Company, Enter Talk Media.net.

How do they choose programming?

“First and foremost, we’ve created shows where the hosts are themselves highly placed music industry pros,” Berezetsky said. “From the most elite session players to producers, engineers, concert promoters, PR gurus and entrepreneurs. We´re talking cats that produced, recorded or toured with Santana, Michael Jackson, Earth Wind and Fire, Tony Bennet, etc.”

He notes it’s pros talking with other pros. “So it’s conversations you don’t normally get to hear unless you´re backstage, in the green room, in the inner sanctum. And that was the idea - to bring the viewer or listener behind the scenes so to speak but also to always try and map out a path for success and explore ways to actually have a sustainable career in the music business.”

Some of those same elements played a part in getting Music Scene SDTV on air. “What attracted us to the show was the opportunity to really dig into the local music scene of San Diego, not just the audience-facing aspects of it but all the goings on behind the scenes - the labels, the tours, the history, the technology, the struggles and the success stories,” Berezetsky said.

“Although we have been involved in the local scene as musicians, community organizers and content producers, as a network our focus has been more LOCAL NEWS | LocalUmbrellaNews.com

signed the platform, the artists also get their own analytics dashboard where they can track their sales and splits in real time. We are adamant about keeping everything as simple and transparent as possible.”

The various artist coffees include many organic, sustainably grown, single origin selections and unique blends from Ethiopia, Colombia, Brazil, Sumatra, Kona, Mexico, Kenya and Guatemala. We are also adding coffee subscriptions, so die-hard fans can support their favorite artist on an ongoing basis, while getting amped up on some of the most refined, delicious, freshly roasted coffee in the world. Some of our current artist coffees include prolific local artist Rebecca Jade, reggae legend Garth Dennis and Earth Wind and Fireś musical director Myron McKinley. What does Berezetsky hope viewers take away from the programs? “We hope viewers of Music Scene SD TV as well as from our livestream shows on Concerts.

Cafe will feel a sense of rejuvenation and a re-energizing of the live music community,” Berezetsky said. “As well as an appreciation for the fact that local artists are still out there doing their thing, persevering and putting out creative energy,” he reflects on the latter. “If there is one lesson that I think everyone has taken away from the insanity of the last 18 months, it’s to not take anything for granted,” he

Mike Ruggirello, Wayne Riker, Emily Bartell

pitfalls and opportunities within the changing music industry, until a new paradigm began to emerge for us: If it’s becoming harder and harder to make money by selling recorded music but becoming easier and easier to reach a massive audience - the value is in that reach, in the artist´s brand and the loyalty of the fans. It’s just a matter of commoditizing something other than the music itself.”

Thus was created Concerts.Cafe, a live streaming and on-demand concert portal, but also one where music artists would also carry their own gourmet, specialty, private label branded coffees - consumable merch that most people already love and purchase regularly “only this coffee is selected and crafted to reflect the artist’s unique personality and vibe… their flavor, if you will.” There is no cost or setup or carrying inventory for the artists. “We and our roaster partner handle everything. All the artist has to do is keep making music, stay hip, help promote and collect their revenue split. The way we de-

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said. “Music is an expression of life and, like life, it’s powerful and all-pervasive but also fragile and transitory.

We hope that our viewers will keep that sense of appreciation alive, stay involved and engaged in the scene and keep supporting local musicians.”

Upcoming productions from Enter Talk Media include rock-reggae favorites The Resinators, SDMA nominees Crucial Blend, as well as the Michael O’Neill Trio and Myron McKinley, keyboardist and music director with Earth Wind and Fire. In the meantime, be sure to tune into Music Scene SDTV each Friday at 6:30 p.m. for the latest on San Diego’s incredible music community. www.entertalkmedia.com

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VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 7 | July, 2021

19

Tamar Berk / Shadow Clues

Music fans will want to hear Tamar Berk’s solo debut album, The Restless Dreams of Youth, a stylistically diverse mix of alternative rock tunes with an excess of melody, strong enough to be a collection of singles. Highlights are many: moody introspective current single “Shadow Clues,” lush, jangly rocker “Socrates & Me,” adrenaline charged powerpop sing-along “Better Off Meditating,” and current favorite, new wave / girl group inspired “In the Wild,” amongst the gems.

It’s all the culmination of an impressive life in music, that has seen Berk performing with a slew of notable bands starting with Chicago based 90’s power-pop combo Starball, then Sweet Heat (w/ Kim Thompson of Delta 72) electro-punk group The Countdown, sixties inspired psych band The Pynnacles and rock opera influenced Paradise Originally from Cleveland, with time spent in Chicago and Portland. Berk arrived in San Diego with her family circa the summer of 2018. “Prior to living here we were in Oregon,” she said. “We both really loved Portland, but the grey, wet long winters were starting to

get me down. I also had a dream of one day living in Southern California and when the opportunity came up for my husband, we grabbed it.” She’s happy with her adopted home. “What’s there not to love? The weather is incredible, we’ve met some of the nicest people and the music scene is diverse and rich. I pinch myself everyday at how lucky I am to live here.”

Even a cursory listen to The Restless Dreams of Youth, reveals a real devotion to songcraft. “As a songwriter, my influences vary because I’m very much a song person and get inspired by a really good song,” Berk remarked.

“That being said, I suppose I’ve been influenced by artists like Liz Phair, Elliot Smith, Guided by Voices, Juliana Hatfield, Aimee Mann, ELO, and power pop groups like The Cars.” She notes that as a musician, “it’s slightly different because my first instrument is keyboards, (piano, organ, Wurlitzer) and that ranges from Deep Purple and Small Faces, Stones and ELO. I also play guitar and bass and I would say, those influences come mostly from power pop bands like The Cars, Cheap Trick and Thin Lizzy.”

The roots of The Restless Dreams of Youth date back to Berk’s days in Portland. “I have a home studio and I’m always writing and recording,” she said. “Back in Portland, I sat down one day and wrote “Shadow Clues” inspired by Plato’s cave allegory. It literally came out of me in 10 minutes…fully formed. It felt different, more mature and something I was really proud of. It was at that moment that I thought about

putting out a solo album.” The songs included were written over several years “and then I had some very old four-track demos that I wanted to go back to and rework. In all honesty, the real push happened right before the pandemic and then I had to rethink how I wanted to do it and ended up producing it mostly by myself and working remotely with other musicians.”

Amongst the musicians she’s worked with locally are Chris Davies (The Penetrators) and Ron Silva (The Crawdaddys), an offshoot

of sitting in on keyboards with Chloe Lou and the Liddell’s. “Well, Ron and Chris are in Chloe’s band so when I asked them to work on some songs with me, it felt very organic,” Berk said. “They suggested Danny Cress (True Stories) because they thought his varied background would be great. And it was - we had a blast!

The music biz is tougher than ever – what motivates her to keep going? “I’ve been writing songs since I was a teenager, so it’s the melodies can live in my head that I need to get out,” Berk replied.

“I am motivated by the idea that someone hears one of my songs and tell’s me they are moved or they were inspired.”

Although The Restless Dreams of Youth is just out, Berk is already looking ahead. “I’ve already started writing and recording and I’m currently looking for some other musicians that would be into playing my album live,” she said.

“I’m a creative person and writing songs is like an itch that needs to be scratched. I can’t really describe it any other way.” www.tamarberk.bandcamp.com

SAN DIEGO MUSIC AWARDS

Showcases Showcases

In advance of the San Diego Music Awards, happening August 24 at Humphrey’s Concert’s by the Bay, there will be a series of showcase gigs around town, a great way to take in a lot of great new original music in one show. Money raised at the showcase concerts goes to the San Diego Music Foundations Music In Schools programs.

8/12 The Casbah (hip hop/rap): Bloodstone The Street Preacher, J Andrew, K-Rock Tha

Fantom, PCH & Evolve One, Cory Blaze, Sloat Dixon, BLV3, Keymon, The Toven 8/13 The Casbah (rock): Electric Mud, Aviator Stash, Hocus, Fuzz Huzzi 8/14 The Pourhouse (rock/indie/alternative): Nowhere Land, The Havenauts, more tba 8/15 The Holding Company (world/pop/rock): Marujah, Sometimes Julie, SM Familia, Naked I (early show: 4-8 pm) 8/20 Navajo Live (blues/Americana/etc): Dave

Preston and the Grownups, Julia Sage, S Mathias and the Honeycombs, Manzanita LOCAL NEWS | LocalUmbrellaNews.com

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Blues, Wise Monkey Orchestra, Piatt Pund, Rosas Cantina (early show 6 p.m.)

Second time nominee Julia Sage was pleasantly surprised to learn she was in the running for a trophy this year. “It was a bit of a shock,” she said. “My friend Tori texted me a screenshot of my name and album being shown during the announcements, and I asked her if it was real!,” she said good naturedly. Sage is proud of her nomination. “I have been writing music/songs since I was 14 and it’s a bit of a reassurance to be recognized,” she said. “Plus, the fact that I had to do this whole album on my own because of the pandemic. It was a huge learning curve, but somehow, it worked out.” It’s a huge honor for Sage, but the best part of August 24, may not necessarily be the nomination. “I am really, really looking forward to the live awards show,” she said. “Just being able to see all my musician friends in the f lesh again and finally hug everyone is gonna be pretty darn awesome.” www.sandiegomusicawards.com ADVERTISE | Press@LocalUmbrella.com

20

July, 2021 | VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 7

VICTORIA ROBERTSON

Opera For Kids Kids love music and storytelling so what could me more natural than introducing them to opera? That’s what soprano Victoria Robertson, of Opera4Kids hopes to accomplish on July 31 with a special free performance of The Enchanted Tail at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park (5:30 p.m.). There are 21 classical pieces used in this production including works from Mozart, Bizet, Verdi, and Lehar with Robertson joined in performance by tenor Bernardo Bermudez - who can also be heard with the San Diego Opera - alongside music played by San Diego Civic Organist, Raúl Prieto Ramírez.

“I was asked to write The Enchanted Tail in 2016 by the Port Ludlow Performing Arts in Washington State as an outreach to the children in the lower income communities surrounding the

town,” Robertson explained. “Previously I had a ‘princess company’ called Princess Parties and Friends creating events for kids birthdays and I have worked with young children since I was 16 years old, so I have a very good understanding of their attention span and how to engage them with music,” she said. To bring The Enchanted Tail to life quickly Robertson decided to source timeless music from famous operas and write new lyrics to the music creating a new tale for young audiences. “It is all in English to hold the children’s interest and the fairytale is a new one I created about a Princess and a Fox.” She notes it is a full production.

“We have created background pieces that are easily move-

able and adaptable to all situations,” Robertson said. “So we will be in full costume with sets.

Let’s hope it’s not too hot!

Robertson is hopeful that children having fun at this event will translate into music aficionados in the future. “My hope is that children will be enlightened by amazing music from some of the greatest composers, that has lasted the test of time,” she said. “They do not yet have a prejudice against what “opera” is and are open minded to enjoy the wonderous music of Mozart, Bizet, Verdi, Puccini, and Lehar. It is just charming to see children cheer with delight and get consumed with classical music because it is set to a story that they love and can relate to. To present kids and families with the highest level of performing musicians creates a memory that they will not forget.”

Look for Opera4Kids to release a recording of the Enchanted Tail, recorded in Nashville and Los Angeles, later this year. www.opera4kids.com

NEW SOUNDS!

Upcoming Releases Notes” (October), Stone Temple Pilots - “Tiny Music … Songs From

New Albums/ EP’s: Clinton Davis – “If I Live and Don’t Get Killed” (September), New Leaf – “Feels Like,” Omega Three – “Genghis,” Opera4Kids - “The Enchanted Tail” (tbd), P.O.D. “Satellite (20th Anniversary Edition)” (September 3), Tolan Shaw – “Sticky

The Vatican Gift Shop (25th Anniversary Remastered Edition),” Switchfoot – “Interrobang” (August 20), Taking On Water Band – “Dad’s Gone Mild,” Ike & Tina

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er,” Orbis Max – “You Sold Tomorrow,” Dave Preston – “Get Sick and Die Blues” New Videos Include: Biggie Babylon - “All In,” Tamar Berk – “Cleveland,” Robert Bidney – “Thank Goodness For The Giving People” - K-Rock Tha Fantom – “Letter To My Son,” Switchfoot – “fluorescent,” Wavves – “Hideaway”

Turner – “The Bolic Sound Sessions,” Wavves – “Hideaway” New Singles: Micheal J Dywer – “Summertime,” Suzanne Gladstone – “Aphrodites Kiss”, Justin Linn (Save Ferris) – “The Wander@LocalUmbrellaMedia

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21

San Diego Music News VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 7 | July, 2021

• There are two new all-star groups that local music listeners need to hear: Hip hop fans will want to check out all-star trio, Three Headed Monster a “3 song, 8 minute project” featuring 2020 San Diego Music Award / Best Hip Hop – Rap winners, Riston Diggs and Sly Beats as well as, Mike Holmes,

• Meanwhile, The Blindfold Monks describe their songs as “the sounds of an Irish traditional band with a punk heart.” Members include guitarist / singer David Lally of Brogue Wave, Matt Hensley (accordian) of Flogging Molly, and Nato Bardeen (mandolin), Gabe Messer (bouzouki), Todd Eisenkerch (bass) plus Rory Dolan (drums), the latter four all previously members of Oceanside indie rock band, Drowning Men.

guest on an upcoming album from legendary garage rockers, The Woggles • Jazz fans won’t want to miss the aptly titled Jazz at the Athenaeum series, happening through August 14. One of the best spots in town for listening to music, upcoming performances include Jaime Valle & Equinox (7/31), The Jeff Hamilton Trio (8/7) and The Joshua White NightStone Trio (8/14) • On July 31, Coral Bells hosts a release show for their third EP, Still Be Home, at the Holding Company. Door at 7 p.m. No cover before 9 p.m.

• According to guitarist Rob Shinno, quintet Hemisphere will be heading into the studio soon with producer Peter Sprague to record, Unity, the follow up to 2021’s SDMA nomi-

• Residency News: Every first Tuesday you can find The Charlie Arbelaez and Matt Hall Big Band laying down great jazz tunes at Queen Bee in North Park • The Adams Avenue Street Fair is back! No word on performers at press time, but music fans will want to hold both September 18 and 19 open for this free, outdoor, all ages event.

• Balboa Park’s Organ Pavilion has resumed their traditional free Sunday afternoon concerts under the direction of Civic Organist Raul Prieto Ramirez. The music starts at 2 p.m. with a program of classical and classically themed rock favorites • Guitarist Pat Beers (of Schizophonics, The Little Richards etc) will be a special LOCAL NEWS | LocalUmbrellaNews.com

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nated album, Information Age. Look for the band to also release a version of David Bowie’s “Rebel Rebel” later this year • San Diego’s singer-songwriter (etc) community can breathe a sigh of relief: Louis Brazier, formerly of Lestat’s West music venue, is moving that coffeehouses famed Monday night open mic to the Kensington Club beginning July 26 • The Museum of Making Music, located in Carlsbad, has been completely remodeled!

This wonderful museum celebrates instruments and sound, with interactive displays and exhibits such as iconic session drummer Hal Blaine’s kit and Beatles gear • Emily Bartell is hosting the new “Big Blues Jam” at Navajo Live each Wednesday. Manzanita Blues and Chicken Bone Slim will rotate as house band. There will be a 6 p.m. sign up to join in the fun. No cover.

• Sue Palmer and her Motel Swing Orchestra are back on the club scene, with a new singer, Liz Ajuzie, originally from Missouri • Look for Tolan Shaw (The BoDeans etc) to release a new solo album, Sticky Notes, this October. As if Tolan isn’t busy enough, he’s also formed a new project, After Hour alongside former Cage the Elephant guitarist Lincoln Parish • Tiki Oasis returns to the Town and Country Hotel on July 28 – August 1. This year’s musical lineup includes The Nashville Ramblers, The Amalgamated, El Vez, The Tourmaliners, The Blue Hawaiians and Alvino & The Dwells. The latter can be heard each week performing the opening theme, “Kyotototo,” to Music Scene SDTV’s Friday evening program.

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July, 2021 | VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 7

DISTROLLER WORLD DONATES NEONATE BABIES TO NONPROFIT MIRACLE BABIES CHRISTMAS IN JULY EVENT viding home to hospital transportation service and supportive services for families of critically ill newborns.

“The sole purpose of Miracle Babies is to provide families with comfort and support,” said Miracle Babies President & Founder Dr. Sean Daneshmand.

“The Christmas in July event helps siblings of NICU babies learn more about their little brother or sister, allowing us to further our mission of neonatal education.”

For more information on the inaugural Christmas in July event, please contact Miracle Babies Executive Director Marianela Camarillo at mcamarillo@ miraclebabies.org.

Local nonprofit Miracle Babies will host its inaugural Christmas in July event on July 19-23, 2021.

Miracle Babies will transform their conference room into Santa’s Workshop at 8745 Aero Drive, Suite 308, San Diego, CA 92123. Families can visit “Santa’s Workshop,” choose a donated gift to wrap and gift it to siblings of the baby in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

The nonprofit is working with hospitals and social workers to identify families in need and schedule shopping appointments to help minimize contact and provide an exclusive shopping experience. The event will be held by appointment only.

Distroller World, a retail entertainment brand that exists to overwhelm the world with joy by pushing the limits of imagination and creativity through unique experiences and storytelling, donates 30 Neonate Babies to the event. The Distroller Neonate Babies require love and care, and help demonstrate the delicate care process similar to those of hospitalized newborns to child siblings of babies in the NICU. Each Neonate Baby is born small and fragile, and comes with special care instructions on feeding, bathing and more.

“Our donation will provide a Neonate Baby for each at-

tending family to help their children grasp the know-how of taking care of a baby in the NICU,” said Distroller Founder Amparo “Amparin” Serrano. “We strive to make a positive impact among families, especially those going through challenging times with a hospitalized newborn.”

Miracle Babies assists families with babies in the NICU by pro-

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VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 7 | July, 2021

23

JOIN THE LA MESA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND BUSINESSES at the Upcoming “Summer Bash” Business Expo on July 21st

LOCAL COUNTRY MUSIC ARTIST AMY SCRUGGS TO PERFORM JULY 30TH Amy Scruggs is a nationally known country music artist who has opened for many country music greats. Amy has been featured in numerous country music magazines including radio and press while on tour. From 2009-2012 she was the spokesperson for the American Veterans California (AMVETS). Amy has her full energy show with her country band the “Ghostriders” led by her son Ryan Scruggs, as well as her jazz/pop concerts accompanying herself at the piano.

Scruggs will appear July 30th at the first annual Saddles in Service Golf Tournament at Cottonwood Golf Couse in El Cajon.

Scruggs shared with Local Umbrella Media why this event is important to her, and why is appearing to support Saddles in Service.

“I have spent years as a recording artist and TV Host working with hundreds of veteran non profit organizations.

Saddles in Service has truly stood out to me as one of the best organizations making a difference in the lives of our veterans and first responders. I am honored to support them in all that they do and thankful to be asked to be a part of this amazing event. This will be a day to remember!”

Website:

https://www.amyscruggsmedia.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amyscruggsmedia/ Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/amyscruggstvhost

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpphrD1XpX8QHBEbgxgSN7w?view_as=subscriber

For more information on the July 30th event go to: www.SaddlesinService.com LOCAL NEWS | LocalUmbrellaNews.com

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On Wednesday, July 21, 2021, the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce that “The Bash is Back.” Our last expo was produced in 2019, so seeing you in person – is long overdue! This special evening will be held at the Courtyard by Marriott San Diego El Cajon, 141 N. Magnolia Avenue in El Cajon between the hours of 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. To encourage you to come out and see us again, tickets are being offered at the low price of $10 each and include food from many local restaurants. There will be raffles and business vendors will offer over 45 FREE door prizes that evening.

You may win FREE prizes/ gifts to use the rest of your summer! We are proud to have Union Bank as our Presenting Sponsor for the evening. To date they are joined by: AAA Imaging, Carl Burger Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM World, Kirk Paving, Inc., Studio M.I.F., Amanda Hammett Insurance & Financial Services - State Farm, American Medical Response, EMBR Dispensary, Marque Urgent Care, and Westmont of La Mesa. We are happy to add: our graphics partner Kostedt Design & Marketing, Sandra Small/ Photographer, Eviezphotography. com, Sycuan Casino Resort, and A.L. Sound. The Chamber is happy to have the support of Courtyard

by Marriott San Diego El Cajon as the Venue Partner. To date the following @LocalUmbrellaMedia

businesses have enrolled to participate: AAA Imaging, Amanda Hammett Insurance & Financial Services - State Farm, Authentic Dental Designs – Meghan Toland, DMD, Courtesy TV – Sales & Service, East County Art Association, East County Transitional Living Center, EMBR Dispensary, EMCS Healthcare SD Bombshell Aesthetics, Express Blinds & More, Ellen Meador – Keller Williams Realty, FerSerge Construction Inc., Fiserv, Fully Promoted / EmbroidMe– LaMesa, Helix Dental – Dr. David Flamenco, Integrated Mac Solutions, Julie Boyadjian Realtor, Kristie Facto Insurance Agency – State Farm, La Mesa Courier, La Mesa Floral Design Shoppe, La Mesa Lions Club, La Mesa Park & Recreation Foundation, Local Umbrella Media, Marque Urgent Care, Mattress Makers, Next Door Craft Beer & Wine Bar, Nightwalker Caverns Escape Room Adventures, North Island Credit Union, Reventia Sterling Designs, Rogue Salon, San Diego Aesthetics and Med Spa, San Diego Eye Professionals, Sensi Media, Spa Piel, Studio M.I.F., TECHIT SERVICES, Total Thermal Imaging, Union Bank, USA Properties Fund, USE Credit Union, Westmont of La Mesa, and Wild Wild Pest Control. Join us for this fun-filled evening that begins at 5:00 p.m. and ends at 8:00 p.m. Order your tickets at: summerbash. lamesachamber.com.

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