The Face
OF HOLLY DRIVE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
“Growing up in San Diego near Lincoln High School, I have always felt a sense of community—so much support and acceptance. I made a life decision to always work and serve in the Southeast San Diego area, especially with children.” - Alysia Shaw Smith
ALYSIA SHAW SMITH –MIDDLE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
Alysia Shaw, a native of San Diego, a graduate of Point Loma High School and San Diego State University is the Principal of Holly Drive Leadership Academy and the Mother of three wonderful daughters. While attending San Diego State, Alysia showed what a resourceful person she was by working at the Girls Club of San Diego, UPS, and Sea Port Village Ice Cream & Eatery – all while carrying a full college course load. Her working career began at a very young age when she became a program aide at the Girls Club when she was 14 years old. For 12 years she worked at the Girls Club in many different capacities, first as a tap instructor, a gymnastic coach and eventually serving as Program Director.
Open Enrollment - Holly Drive Leadership Academy
Holly Drive Leadership Academy is a charter school established in 1999 and we are located in Ridgeview-Webster neighborhood in San Diego. The mission of the charter school is to establish a child-centered community and learning environment that will assist students in understanding the purposes and value of the school experience. In doing so, we hope to inspire students to develop a personal sense of ownership and appreciation for the great potential they have and the role that schooling plays in developing and realizing that potential. The student goals of the school are to provide and create within students. The school aims to develop in its students a dedication to community service and the motivation and skills necessary for continuous successful life-long learning.
Now accepting applications for the 2024 2025 school year.
We are open from 8:00am-2:00pm Monday through Friday. Address: 1647 47th Street, San Diego, 92102
Secure your spot today!
For questions please call: (619) 266-7333
Nominate someone in your community! https://thefacesofsandiego.com/nominate/
Scan to read the full interview with Alysia Shaw Smith
Reverse Mortgages
7 Truths I Wish I Had Known!
1. HECM reverse mortgages allow homeowners aged 62 and older to access a portion of their equity tax free to use for any purpose…i.e.…home renovations, pay off debt, create a living legacy for kids and grandkids, health care, rainy day emergency fund.
2. Unlike a HELOC, there are no monthly payments with a HECM reverse mortgage, AND the lender can never reduce or cancel your access.
3. The HECM reverse mortgage has a line of credit option which currently has a growth rate of 7.5%. Where else can you get a 7.5% return on your money guaranteed? This valuable and unique loan feature is a smart hedge against inflation and future housing market decline.
4. Heirs will inherit more money if parents use a HECM reverse mortgage because keeping the home allows for future appreciation in equity. Many seniors sell and then rent, which eliminates capitalizing on future equity gains. The HECM reverse mortgage allows seniors to stay in their homes and capitalize on continued appreciation. AND NO MORTGAGE PAYMENTS.
5. HECM reverse mortgages are non-recourse loans. This creates zero risk and complete upside for borrowers. If the loan balance ever exceeds the value of the home (i.e. housing crash), there will not be any deficiency judgment attached to the estate. If upside down, the FHA insurance covers the difference to prevent losses to the lender.
6. HECM reverse mortgages are insured through FHA. HUD oversees FHA and the industry is highly regulated by CFPB, making the product and process subject to greater levels of regulatory scrutiny than almost any product on the market. HECM reverse mortgages have a 95% customer satisfaction rating according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
7. Baby Boomers now have over 18 trillion dollars in homeowner equity. What good is all this equity if it can’t be responsibly utilized? The HECM reverse mortgage allows seniors to take some chips off the table in a responsible manner to significantly improve their retirements.
Gold Award Girl Scout Receives Rare Medal of Honor, Takes Actions to Save Classmate’s Life
Four Girl Scouts from San Diego and Imperial counties have earned this prestigious honor in the last decade.
On Wednesday, Aug. 7, Girl Scouts San Diego (GSSD) honored Gold Award Girl Scout Angela King (grade 12) with the prestigious Medal of Honor for her courage and action during an emergency on an 8th grade class trip.
When her classmate experienced a choking incident in the airport, Angela initiated the Heimlich maneuver to dislodge the food from the girl’s throat. Having learned first aid skills in school and through hands-on trainings offered in Girl Scouts, Angela was the first person to take action that day while fellow students and adults stood by. Angela’s efforts successfully saved her classmate’s life.
“It is an honor to receive this award, but I don’t do anything for validation,” said Angela. “It’s empowering to have these skills because I know I’ll be equipped and prepared for anything that could happen, and I don’t have to be scared. I hope this can inspire others to know that helping people is never something to take for granted. When you have the chance to help someone, always take the opportunity, even if you don’t get the Medal of Honor.”
The rare Girl Scouts of the USA Medal of Honor—one of the highest honors in Girl Scouting—is presented to young leaders who have shown heroism and sound judgment in an emergency to save a life without risk to their own life. Angela is one of only fifteen Girl Scouts nationwide to be awarded this honor so far in 2024 and the fourth from San Diego and Imperial counties in the last decade.
“Angela’s responsible and courageous actions in a moment of crisis highlight the core values that we strive to instill in all our members,” said Carol Dedrich, CEO of Girl Scouts San Diego. “We are proud to honor Angela with this award, celebrating her heroic deed and her ongoing commitment to making a positive impact in her community. Her story serves as a powerful example of how Girl Scouts prepares girls to lead, and a reminder of the difference one person can make.”
To learn more about Girl Scouts San Diego and its leadership programs, visit sdgirlscouts. org.
About Girl Scouts San Diego
Girl Scouts of the USA is the nation’s preeminent leadership development organization for girls, with a mission of building girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. As one of 111 councils, Girl
Scouts San Diego provides year-round activities and volunteer training for more than 24,000
girls and adults in San Diego and Imperial counties.
SAN DIEGO COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION
WELCOMES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Highly experienced leader joins at the start of an exciting new chapter for the San Diego County Bar Association as it celebrates its 125th year.
Debra Rosen has joined the San Diego County Bar Association (SDCBA) as Executive Director, effective August 5, 2024.
Debra Rosen is a seasoned senior executive with an extensive track record of success in both for-profit and nonprofit sectors. Her expertise spans strategic planning, revenue growth, financial management, organizational leadership, and stakeholder relations. With over three decades of experience, Rosen has demonstrated a particular talent for engineering successful organizational turnarounds and driving sustainable growth through innovative strategies and visionary leadership.
As President and CEO of the North San Diego Business Chamber for 14 years, Rosen led a remarkable transformation, taking the organization from facing considerable challenges at the height of the recession following the post-housing crash, to achieving 5-star U.S. Chamber Accreditation — a distinction held by only nine chambers in California and just one in San Diego. Prior to that, her tenure at the Downtown Business Association of Escondido similarly showcased her ability to revitalize organizations, tripling its annual budget and revenue in just four years.
Prior to her non-profit leadership roles, Rosen spent 14 years at The San Diego Union-Tribune, where she excelled in management, sales, new product development, marketing, and developing strategic partnerships.
For her numerous accomplishments in these key roles, Rosen was recently awarded the San Diego Business Journal’s 2023 Lifetime
“It is truly an honor to step into the role of Executive Director for the San Diego County Bar Association at this very exciting time,” Rosen said. “This organization is nothing short of fabulous, with a dedicated internal team, a strong board of directors, and a richly diverse membership. I am thrilled to work closely with all stakeholders as we continue
to grow and strengthen this wonderful community.”
Rosen was selected for the role after a monthslong search that attracted candidates from across the United States. Finalists were vetted and interviewed by a demographically diverse committee with a wide range of years of experience, practice areas, and areas of involvement in the San Diego community.
“Debra Rosen is the perfect person to take the reins at the SDCBA as we sail into the next chapter of our bar’s history,” said Stacey A. Kartchner, President of the San Diego County Bar Association. “We are excited to celebrate the opening of our new downtown Bar Center, our 125th Anniversary, and the countdown to our next milestone in 2049 — our 150th year of serving this amazing legal community. Debra brings an extensive background in successfully leading member-driven associations, along with tremendous passion and a wonderfully warm personality that will ingratiate her to our community immediately. I look forward to partnering with her on this journey over the next five months of my presidency, and to witnessing all of the great things the Association will accomplish in the years to come under her stewardship.”
Rosen holds a B.A. in Public Administration from San Diego State University.
###
The San Diego County Bar Association, founded in 1899, is the region’s largest law-related organization, dedicated to serving the needs of attorneys, the legal community, and the public in San Diego County.
Achievement Award.
Del Mar’s 85th Racing Season Opens with Fashion and Fanfare
The sold-out Opening Day of the 2024 Del Mar summer racing season drew 22,484 attendees to the iconic racetrack on July 20, with the focus on two stakes. Formidable Man with jockey Umberto Rispoli won the Caesars Sportsbook Oceanside Stakes, while Iscreamuscream & Hector Berrios claimed victory in the Grade II San Clemente Handicap.
Over the 31-day season, a total of $26 million in purse money is up for grabs, with 39 stakes races worth $7.8 million alone. Del Mar’s famed Opening Day presented by Caesars Sportsbook allowed fashionable guests to embark on a weekend of festivities in true Southern California style. The highly anticipated season, which runs through September 8, features the nation’s highest prize money for horse owners, trainers and jockeys, and the most robust lineup of trackside events in recent years.
Notable dates:
August 10 – Tacos & Tequila: Enjoy samples of tequila, margaritas and cervezas paired with tacos from San Diego’s top vendors – presented by Espolòn Tequila.
August 17 – Breeders’ Cup Tumbler Giveaway – In anticipation of the 2024 and 2025 Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Del Mar, racing fans will receive a 2024 Breeders’ Cup branded tumbler collectible item. Available for free with paid admission while supplies last.
August 24 – Taste of New Orleans: The South meets the West in an epic celebration of New
Orleans culture with Big Easy-inspired food, music and more – presented by Bacardi.
September 1 – Family Fun Day: Families can enjoy free trackside attractions like face painting, kid-friendly games and more.
September 7 – College Day: Students can present their valid student ID for free track admission and exclusive access to grandstand seating. Additionally, Del Mar offers a variety of weekly attractions including: Diamond Club Free & Easy Thursdays: Diamond Club members can enjoy free admission, seats and food and beverage specials. Learn
more about the Diamond Club.
Turf Club Fridays: Purchase tickets for a high-end happy hour in the exclusive (normally members-only!) Turf Club every Friday.
Happy Hour Fridays: Enjoy half-off Del Mar’s signature drinks for a limited time.
Taste of the Turf Club (Sundays): Another opportunity for non-Turf Club members to experience this exclusive area – feast on a locally-inspired brunch menu while imbibing on bottomless beverages and taking in one of the best views of the track).
In addition to trackside events, Del Mar’s most anticipated race of the season, the FanDuel Racing Pacific Classic, will run on Saturday, August 31. This year’s Pacific Classic race brings even more excitement – as a Breeders’ Cup Classic win-and-you’re-in race, the winner can return to Del Mar this fall to compete in the World Championships of horse racing.
The highly-anticipated return of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships to Del Mar on Nov. 1 and 2, 2024, marks Del Mar’s third time hosting the prestigious “Super Bowl” of horse racing, followed by a consecutive hosting in 2025. Breeders’ Cup brings the world’s best thoroughbreds, jockeys and trainers as well as thousands of fans from around the globe.
Tickets for the summer racing season can be purchased at www.dmtc.com/tickets.
Formidable Man with jockey Umberto Rispoli wins the Oceanside Stakes
Photo Credit: Del Mar Thoroughbred Club
Opening day attendees line up for photos at Del Mar’s Plaza de Mexico
The Best and Boldest Hats at Del Mar Opening Day
A group of friends poses for a quick pic before heading into the paddock
Racegoers poses at the step-and-repeat upon arriving for opening day
Melina Butuci matched her dramatic feathered dress with her colorful, oversized hat. A perfect combination for opening day.
Aimee Fuller and Chris Janikas in fashionable and complementary pink shades and a dynamic floral fascinator
Vidi Revelli celebrates a marvelous opening day while sporting a glittering pink butterfly crown.
Susan Leonard (center) volunteers with the popular Del Mar Hat Contest
Lori Shelton sports a picture-perfect, stunning hat at opening day. She would later win the category of “best theme” in the hat contest.
This racegoer donned a colorful feather & floral fascinator that teamed perfectly with her dress
Dave and Tammy Marabella are interviewed by a Southern California news station about betting strategy and their take on opening day
Another couple chose matching pink for their race-day ensembles
Amy Brooker celebrates 85 seasons “where the turf meets the surf” with an ornate, oversized ocean-themed hat which she created herself
This racegoer came equipped with one of the biggest hats of opening day complete with roses, a disco ball, and a top-hatted horse. A tip of the hat to all the beautiful and creative hats!
San Diego Fishermen’s Working Group Reels in Local Top Chefs for Dockside Night Market’s “Local Fish, Global Flavors”
In an ode to our local fishermen and the fresh product they supply San Diegans, the San Diego Fishermen’s Working Group (SDFWG) and Puffer Malarkey Collective will present a one-night event showcasing chef-driven dishes using locally sourced seafood. The festival will take place on August 25, 2024, from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Tuna Harbor Market Pier in Seaport Village.
100% of all ticket profits will be donated to SDFWG, which protects the commercial fishing interests and opportunities in San Diego by providing seafood choices that affirm regional cultural traditions, support local communities and contribute to the health and sustainability of natural marine resources.
Attendees of the Dockside Night Market: “Local Fish, Global Flavors” will explore a variety of unique dishes that showcase the freshest catch of the day, skillfully seasoned and cooked to perfection by the city’s finest chefs.
Pete Halmay, president of the San Diego Fishermen’s Working Group and longtime San Diego commercial fisherman, said, “San Diego is in a unique position of having access to a wide variety of locally caught seafood and our local fishermen are stewards of our natural resources. The fishing industry is integral to San Diego – just like we support small locally owned businesses and farms – we must support the local fisherman to preserve this important local industry that bring us fresh, healthy fish.”
Chefs from some of San Diego’s best restaurants will participate, including:
Tara Monsod - Animae and Le Coq
Aidan Owens - Herb & Sea
Mariano Rayon - Herb & Wood
Carmine Lopez - Wolf in the Woods
Brad Wise - Trust Restaurant Group
Roberto Alcocer - Valle
Quinnton Austin - Louisiana Purchase
Davin Waite - Shootz
Pablo Becker - Fish Guts
David Sim - Kingfisher
Chelsea Coleman, Ross Garcia, Dan Luong - Mabels Gone Fishing
Dante Romero - Lionshare / Two Ducks
Danny Romero - Ponyboy
Charlie Knowles & Manny de Luz - Bica
Marcus Twiliger - Dockside Fish
Andrew Gerdes - Make Projects
The market will host a cash bar sponsored by Suntory, Campari, Tincup Whiskey, Ojo de Dios Mezcal and Topo Chico. Live musical entertainment will also be available from Sounds by Nikki, Good Gravy St Blues and The Barnacle Boys.
Tickets are $100 and can be purchased online at: https:// bit.ly/3V6ZLoh. Must be 21+ to purchase and attend. Each ticket includes one tasting from each chef.
This event supports the efforts of a U.S. Department of Agriculture-funded initiative for “Local Fish Global Flavor,” in partnership with the San Diego Fishermen’s Working Group, Policy & Innovation Center, San Diego Food System Alliance, and California Sea Grant. Sponsors
include the Port of San Diego.
For more information about the San Diego Fishermen’s Working Group, visit https://www.sandiegofishermen.com.
ABOUT SAN DIEGO FISHERMEN’S WORKING GROUP
The San Diego Fishermen’s Working Group is a nonprofit organization comprised of fishermen from the ports of San Diego who harvest approximately 65 different species of local fish and crustaceans. Its mission is to raise awareness, foster appreciation, and drive support for San Diego’s commercial fishing community by elevating the relationship between local consumers and fishermen.
ABOUT
PUFFER MALARKEY
Puffer Malarkey Collective is a San Diego-based restaurant group founded by Brian Malarkey and Christopher
Puffer. Working side-by-side for over a decade, the duo launched the original Searsucker and Herringbone venues, building the Fabric of Social Dining restaurant group, which they sold to Hakkasan in 2012. Since then, we’ve been not-so-quietly building their empire here in Southern California, starting with the award-winning Herb & Wood in 2016. Proven fine-dining operators, their portfolio has expanded to include Herb & Sea in Encinitas, ANIMAE in Downtown San Diego, Le Coq in La Jolla, and Herb & Ranch in Orange County. For more information, visit https://puffermalarkeycollective.com/.
ABOUT
POLICY & INNOVATION CENTER
The San Diego Regional Policy & Innovation Center (PIC) is a 501C3 organization that exists to conduct research and policy analysis and help solve the region’s biggest problems. PIC is facilitating a USDA-funded initiative to provide greater local commercial opportunities for San Diego fishermen. Its founding partners include the San Diego Foundation, the County of San Diego, and the world’s leading think tank – The Brookings Institution. Over the next few years, PIC will continue building strong and diverse partnerships among the leaders of the region; use equity-centered research to identify the region’s biggest needs, and the best opportunities for change, and secure funding for potential solutions; challenge systemic inequities; and develop a pipeline of potential scalable projects and pilots that improve the lives of San Diegans. For more information, visit https://www.sdrpic.org/.
Festival goers gathered dockside enjoying the festivities at last year’s Dockside Night Market, featuring San Diego’s freshest seafood caught by local fishermen and prepared by top local chefs.
Guests grabbing some bites created by Herb & Wood restaurant.
Animae restaurant serving up a carefully crafted seafood dish.
Herb & Sea chefs grilling up some culinary creations.
Brick n Barn Themes Next Antique Show
“Back to School” Event Raises Funds for New School in Africa
By Marlise Kast-Myers
Brick n Barn, located at the historic Betty Crocker Estate in Valley Center, is closing the book on summer with their “Back to School” themed antique show, August 16-18. Each month, they open their gates to the public for shopping, food, workshops, and often puppy adoptions in partnership with local animal rescues.
The August event is no exception as they host their 3-day market with kids at the center of this shopping “playground”. In the wake of their successful July 21 st Children’s Entrepreneur Market, Brick n Barn is inviting back three young entrepreneurs to showcase their work.
Among those guest vendors are Eli Woelbern with Eli’s Eco-Line of home products, Kamden Cunningham from KC Chimes, and Sol Montano from Sol Creations Plushies. These three talented children were beyond thrilled to be part of the Children’s Entrepreneur Market that brought in over 600 customers to support these little CEOs. From cookies and t-shirts to artwork and candles, all types of products were available for purchase from the 45 young entrepreneurs who ran the show.
Following the Children’s Entrepreneur Market, Elisa Araiza, who served as onsite director, said, “I have such a full heart, as so many parents and kids expressed their gratitude. And now, to see that some of our last market participants already have business propositions at Brick n Barn, I’m so thankful that you continue supporting them. I’m sure we will see them grow alongside Brick n Barn.”
In addition to these three young vendors selling their handmade windchimes, laundry soaps, and plushies, the barn will be featuring six local artisans on August 16–18 from 9–5. Among them are Simply Be Apothecary, Bees and Teas, Dancin’ Clay Jewelry, Rockin’ P Studios with fused glass, Wings of Change, Buckeye Leather, Michelle Cohn with candles, and Swiss Gardens Landscaping offering plants to raise funds for a school they are building in Lesotho, Africa.
In keeping with the “school” theme, this effort to help children in Africa is dear to the heart of Brick n Barn Owner, Marlise Kast-Myers. Her own parents started five schools in Lesotho and are building a Learning Center for a secondary school with 1,200 student enrolled.
For shoppers with antiques on the mind, the barn will be full of thousands of collectables including a variety of “Back to School” items. Among those vintage school finds are metal lockers, 1960’s tin lunch boxes, children’s clothing, school desks, chalkboards, desk lamps, pencil boxes, paints, crayons, globes, school bells, metal school signs, shelves, and hundreds of books including the Dr Seuss series.
Customers are invited to linger for lunch provided by Augustin’s Kitchen Crepes serving sweet and savory crepes on Friday, August 16; Angelita’s offering tacos, quesadillas, corn mulitas, quesabirria, tater tots, and more on Saturday, August 17. Little Thai Cottage will provide authentic, home-style Thai food on Sunday, August 18.
All three days, Ruthii’s Coffee Truck will keep energy high with artisan coffees, teas,
smoothies, and more. Also Friday through Sunday, Susan and Jack from Jane’s Kitchen / Motherload Farms are bringing French-style baked goods including breads, pies, scones, muffins, rolls, jams, spices, and other mouthwatering treats.
Brick n Barn’s 3-day “Back to School” show is free to the public and takes place August 16-18 from 9–5 at 29200 Miller Rd in Valley Center. For more info, visit www.bricknbarn.
The Hillcrest Farmer’s Market and Fresh Fennel Gazpacho
San Diego’s Oldest Farmer’s Market Yields a Tribute to Freshness
by Michael A. Gardiner
Soup is pretty much the ultimate thermometer. When the mercury drops, we want warming soup: Jewish Mother’s Chicken Soup, Mulligatawny Soup, Vietnamese Pho, and so many more. But when that same mercury rises our soup-oriented desires head in the opposite direction as well: cold soups.
There are a lot of excellent cold soup options out there: Vichyssoise, classic Ashkenazi Jewish Cold Borscht, Cold Cucumber Soup, Turkish Cacik, and many more. But for me, when the weather turns warm my mind goes to Gazpacho. There is no shortage of variations on the theme of Gazpacho: the classic Andalusian Spanish version, Green Gazpacho, Watermelon Gazpacho, and many more. And there are nearly as many techniques as there are variations. Ask three grandmothers and you will get at least four opinions.
But there is one requirement that nearly all gazpacho variations have in common: absolutely, sparklingly fresh vegetable ingredients. While there are many places to get good vegetables there is none better than your neighborhood Farmer’s Market. But there may be no better Farmer’s Market in San Diego County than its oldest (and many would say best) one: the Hillcrest Farmer’s Market on Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Normal Street north of University Avenue and south of Lincoln Avenue.
The market opened on April 13, 1997 with only 27 vendors. It has grown continually since and there are now over 175 vendors offering a wide variety of locally and regionally grown produce, gifts, arts and crafts, flowers, clothing, and more. The market also sports a wide variety of vendors offering ready to eat delicacies.
But I was at the market for one reason and one reason only: to acquire the best possible ingredients for my gazpacho. The classic Andalucian gazpacho recipe is simple: tomatoes, cucumber and bell peppers with salt, sherry vinegar and olive oil as well as day old bread, all pureed.
But I wanted my gazpacho to be guided by what looked best in the market and to feature those ingredients. It did not take long for me to hear (errrrrr, see) an ingredient cry out to me: the fennel. It was gorgeous, it was a perfect, beautiful light but bright green and it would add a touch of licoricey sweetness that would underline the inherent sweetness of the classic tomatoes and bell peppers, both easy finds in a midsummer market.
HILLCREST FARMER’S MARKET FENNEL GAZPACHO
Serves 4 to 6
1-2 Persian cucumbers, depending on size
2 large red bell peppers
1 fresh fennel bulb, fronds reserved for garnish
1½ pounds (about 4 medium) incredibly, supremely flavorful tomatoes
½ teaspoon Kosher salt (plus more as needed)
¼ cup sherry vinegar (plus more as needed)
2-3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (plus more as needed)
Fennel fronds for garnish
Roughly chop the cucumber, bell peppers and fennel bulb. Put the chopped cucumber in the work bowl of a high-speed blender or food processer. Starting on the lowest setting possible (or by pulsing), begin puréeing the cucumber, gradually raising the speed until the cucumber is completely liquefied. Return the processor to its lowest setting. Add the bell pepper and the fennel bulb to the work bowl and repeat the previous step with the pepper. Do the same with the tomatoes, one at a time. Add the salt, vinegar, and olive oil and taste the soup; adjust the salt, pepper, and vinegar balance as needed. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes up to an hour.
the
through a fine-mesh
or strainer. Indeed, do so more than once until you achieve a perfectly smooth and
Strain
purée
sieve
silky texture. Pour the soup into bowls and garnish with fennel fronds in the middle of the bowl.
Technique Coach Dave Ray Discusses the Vital Art of Communication
By Frank Sabatini Jr.
It is no secret that the better a person is at speaking and writing, the greater their chances for succeeding in all areas of life.
They are the two essential forms of communication that consultant Dave Ray spotlights when helping small businesses and individuals present themselves to the world.
As a retired Navy commander who earned a bachelor’s degree in systems engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, and having also worked as a government contractor, Ray has engaged in countless presentations, meetings and organizational activities throughout his career. Such experiences gave him a keen eye for maximizing our approach to communication.
We caught up with this dynamic Spring Valley resident to discuss some of the do’s and don’ts when putting forth our messaging to a modern-day public, which we can attract more easily after fortifying our communication skills.
Umbrella Media: How long have you been a communications coach?
Ray: I started in 2016 under the name ‘Mind Masters South Bay,’ and then added, ‘Dave Ray Coaching and Consulting’ (daveraycoachingandconsulting.com) in 2022.
Umbrella Media: What are some of the services you provide? And who are your typical clients?
Ray: I specialize in helping people communicate confidently in both speaking and writing. I work mainly with small businesses and individuals—realtors, insurance agents, nutrition and health marketers, and even other consultants—anyone who wants to run their business in a more effective way.
Most of the people I’ve been working with want to come across more professional and confident in their jobs. It’s helpful to appear as confident as possible when briefing the boss, taking part in internal meetings, and giving presentations.
Umbrella Media: What are the biggest strengths and weaknesses you see in how people communicate these days?
Ray: Strengths, not a lot. [Chuckle] That is why I’m doing this. But there are people out there who use a lot of humor in whatever they talk about. Another strength is found in those who tell some kind of a story, which helps a lot if you can find some sort of a story connected to what you are
and not targeting the presentation to the needs of the audience. You have to get as much information as possible about what a group wants to learn about before giving a presentation. Another weakness would be adding in way too many unnecessary details in the spoken or written word.
Umbrella Media: What are some of the methods you use when helping clients overcome their fear of public speaking?
Ray: I use checklists for the kinds of props, materials, and narratives they will use in their presentations. And I provide examples of works, phrases and jokes they can use. I also get them to record themselves so they can see visually and audibly how they are doing. A lot of clients do a lot better job than they realize.
Umbrella Media: In your opinion, what is the proper length of time for business meetings?
Ray: There isn’t a specific set time for any type of meeting, but no longer than one hour is ideal because people start zoning out after that. It’s more about how the meeting is constructed and how well it’s controlled so that discussions don’t go down rabbit holes that will waste time.
When I was working as a government contractor developing computer war games for military
Dave Ray presenting a speech for a local business chamber
Dave Ray on the lecture circuit
training programs, I would count the number of people in the meeting and then try to figure out the cost to the taxpayers for that meeting. You can also see how long meetings will cost your company if you’re not giving people a good value for how you run the meetings.
Umbrella Media: Do’s and don’ts when writing emails?
Ray: Try to keep them short and to the point. Avoid abbreviations, acronyms and jargon. Have something very specific that you are asking for. Don’t just send a generalized informational email because you think have to. Make sure the email has a reason. Also, make your subject line as specific to the message as possible. Don’t just write, ‘Summary of Meeting.’ Which meeting? Use a name and date in the subject line to describe it.
Umbrella Media: What is the most important technique we can all use to become more concise in writing and speaking?
Ray: Create an outline of your premise beforehand to avoid duplicating your thoughts. Review the document for extraneous words. People need to have someone else read their speeches and presentations before they give them. When you are so close to the problem, you can’t see if you’re using the same words over and over or using bad grammar. The effectiveness of your speeches and documents will be so much higher if you take that one extra step of having someone else read them first.
Umbrella Media: In your opinion, what public figures or companies have done excellent jobs at communicating?
Ray: Mark Twain—he was witty and very observant in day to day life. And Benjamin Franklin because he gave great advice on everyday living that is still applicable 250 years later.
As for companies: Coca Cola because they’ve
stayed consistent with their branding and image over the last 100 years—and it works. In marketing, it’s not as much about the conciseness or choice of words, but rather it’s about connecting on an emotional level to the people buying their products. Also Richard Branson of Virgin Airlines/Virgin Records because he has taken his playboy billionaire personality and used it in fun, outgoing ways for every company he has ever started.
Umbrella Media: How many books have you written?
Ray: One so far: ‘Verbal Vigilante: Win Your Battles and Make Things Happen with Powerful Writing.’ It published in 2022 and it’s about writing ideas they never covered in English class.
Right now I’m thinking about writing a book about speaking and presentation skills for business professionals.
Umbrella Media: How long have you lived in San Diego? And where were you before that?
Ray: I grew up in a suburb of Boston and went straight to college after high school. Then I went to flight school in Pensacola for a year and came to San Diego in 1981. I served 28 years in the Navy and retired as a commander in 2008. I also ran a photography company here for about seven years.
I settled in Spring Valley with my wife, Mary Jo. She’s an independent fractional CFO. We celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary in 2018 with a trip to Tahiti. Also, we have a son who lives in Idaho and a son, James, who lives in heaven. We lost him six years ago.
Umbrella Media: We are very sorry to hear that—our sincere condolences.
Ray: Thank you.
Umbrella Media: We understand that you are an avid collector of Hawaiian shirts.
Ray: Yes. I’ve really enjoyed collecting them over the years. I have almost 70. And in the last year I started collecting tuck-in dress shirts with Hawaiian prints on them that I wear under a suit.
Umbrella Media: When you aren’t consulting, what are your favorite hobbies?
Ray: I like hiking on local trails such as Cowles Mountain and Mission Trails Park. I still enjoy photography and I like to ski at Big Bear and Mammoth in the winter.
A perfect escape on hiking trails in Jamul
CORONADO ISLAND FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES HEAD
JURORS FOR INAUGURAL SCREENWRITING COMPETITION
Suzanne
Farwell
and
Susan
Cartsonis to Lead Narrative Features Category Joey Siara to Lead Limited Series Category
The Coronado Island Film Festival (CIFF) is excited to announce the head jurors for its first-ever screenwriting competition. Renowned Executive Producers Suzanne Farwell and Susan Cartsonis will lead the Narrative Features Category, reviewing the finalist’s scripts and determining the Grand Prize winner. New York based screenwriter Joey Siara will lead the Limited Series category.
Farwell is a longtime collaborator of writer/director Nancy Meyers and is best known for producing mega movie hits including The Holiday, It’s Complicated, and The Intern. Cartsonis’ top credits include What Women Want and Where the Heart Is. Both women have worked with many of the industry’s most recognized and sought-after talent and together founded Resonate Entertainment in 2016. Siara is a highly respected screenwriter most recently working as a Story Editor on Peacock’s THE RESORT and as a Staff Writer on ABC’s EMERGENCE.
“The inclusion of these esteemed and experienced jury members to our distinguished panel of judges further elevates the prestige of our Jury Awards, drawing the highest quality of creative talent submitted to our festival annually.” shares CEO Merridee Book, “ We are committed to establishing a robust foundation in this inaugural year to honor, celebrate, and recognize the artistry of exceptional scripts.”
The screenwriting competition kicked off on March 15, 2024 via FilmFreeway with two categories, Features and Limited Series. The top finalists in each category will be announced this September. The finalists will receive two complimentary badges to attend the annual film festival, held November 6-10, 2024, where a jury will announce a Grand Prize cash winner in each category, as well as recognizing a second prize at the Jury Awards on November 8. The final deadline to submit a screenplay for consideration is Saturday, July 20.
For more information about the competition, submission guidelines, and key dates, please visit the website at coronadofilm.com
###
ABOUT SUZANNE FARWELL
Longtime collaborator of writer/director Nancy Meyers, Suzanne Farwell has produced some of the most commercially successful comedies in recent history and has worked with many of the industry’s most recognized and sought-after talent.
With early training at The William Morris Agency, Farwell began her production career on the set of Walt Disney Pictures’ remake of The Parent Trap. As President of Waverly Films at Sony Pictures Entertainment, Farwell co-produced the 2003 critically-acclaimed box oce success Something’s Gotta Give (starring Academy Award winners Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton) and was Executive Producer on the 2006 worldwide box-oce hit The Holiday (starring Academy Award winner Kate Winslet, Academy Award nominee Jude Law and Golden Globe nominees Cameron Diaz and Jack Black) for the studio. In 2009, Farwell went on to executive produce It’s Complicated (starring Academy Award winners Meryl Streep and Steve Martin and Emmy Award winner Alec Baldwin). In 2015, Farwell produced The Intern (starring Academy Award winners Robert DeNiro and Anne Hathaway) for Warner Bros.
Farwell produced the 2017 independent feature film Carrie Pilby, starring Bel Powley, Nathan Lane, Gabriel Byrne, Jason Ritter and Vanessa Bayer. Carrie Pilby premiered at the 2016 Toronto International Film Festival and was released theatrically by The Orchard and on Netflix in 2017.
In 2016, Farwell founded Resonate Entertainment with Susan Cartsonis and Brent Emery, her producing partners on Carrie Pilby. In 2020, Farwell was Executive Producer on the hit Netflix original film Feel theBeat starring Sofia Carson and on the Disney Channel Origi-
nal Movie Upside Down Magic, both under the Resonate banner.
She recently produced the final installment of Disney hit musical franchise Zombies 3 which was released on Disney+ in July 2022 as the number one hit movie on the platform. She also recently produced Sitting In Bars With Cake for Amazon starring Yara Shahidi, Odessa A’zion, and Bette Midler, which premiered September 2023, with her Resonate partners. ABOUT SUSAN CARTSONIS
The Hollywood Reporter named Susan Cartsonis one of the top five grossing producers of the year for What Women Want—the highest grossing romantic comedy of all time at the time of its release starring Academy Award-winners Mel Gibson and Helen Hunt—and Where the Heart Is starring Academy Award-winner Natalie Portman. She has produced recent hits for Netflix including True Spirit, starring Academy Award-winner Anna Paquin. The movies that she’s supervised have amassed more than 1B in theatrical box oce worldwide.
Cartsonis was Senior VP of Production 20th Century Fox where she worked for a decade, developing and supervising iconic films including Nell starring Academy Award-winner Jodie Foster, French Kiss starring Academy Award and Tony Award winner Kevin Kline, For the Boys starring Academy Award winner Bette Midler, Dying Young starring Academy Award-winner Julia Roberts, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer which launched a billion dollar television franchise. She also supervised talent deals for Fox such as that of Academy Award winner Peter Farrelly (Green Book, There’s Something About Mary), Academy Award-winner Geena
Davis (Thelma & Louise, The Accidental Tourist), Golden Globe Award winner Richard Gere, and Golden Globe Award-winner Johnny Depp. Cartsonis is a member of the Motion Picture Academy, the Television Academy and the Producer’s Guild. She serves on the board of The Writer’s Lab founded by Meryl Streep, co-funded by Nicole Kidman and Oprah Winfrey. She serves on the board of the non- profit screenwriters’ workshop, Cinestory, and teaches at USC’s School of Cinematic Arts.
She recently produced Sitting In Bars With Cake for Amazon starring Yara Shahidi, Odessa A’zion, and Bette Midler, which premiered September 2023, with her Resonate partners.
ABOUT JOEY SIARA
Joey Siara is a New York based screenwriter. He was most recently the Story Editor on Peacock’s THE RESORT and before that was the Staff Writer on EMERGENCE on ABC. He has sold an original pilot to Hulu with Goddard Textiles producing and, with his brother, also sold their original feature A COACHELLA STORY to Rivers Edge. He has worked in non-fiction as well on shows for PBS, Discovery, CNN, and most recently co-produced THE POWER OF FILM for TCM on MAX. Joey has a Master’s from Harvard and MFA from UCLA. Before pursuing writing, he spent his twenties in a band. They put out five albums, played hundreds of shows – including sets at Lollapalooza and Coachella – and were featured in several series – from SONS OF ANARCHY to PARENTHOOD.
ABOUT CORONADO ISLAND FILM FESTIVAL
Founded in 2016, the Coronado Island Film Festival is dedicated to celebrating the art of cinema and providing a platform for emerging and established filmmakers alike and connecting filmmakers, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts from around the world. With a focus on diversity and innovation, the festival showcases a curated selection of films that captivate, inspire, and entertain audiences.
Reality Changers Alum Rappels 29 Stories to Support College-Bound Students
Reality Changers Alumni Jacob Fernandez is embarking on an incredible adventure by rappelling down 29 stories of the Grand Manchester Hyatt San Diego hotel to support college-bound students in achieving their dreams.
Meet Jacob Fernandez, a determined third-year college student at San Diego State University. His inspiring journey is marked by resilience in overcoming obstacles.
Since his early years, Jacob has been passionate about electronics and computers. Despite limited access to technology in middle and high school, he pursued his interests with the help of a school-provided Chromebook during the pandemic.
While he excelled in Advanced Placement Computer Science classes, Jacob realized he lacked a clear plan for his post-high school future. Fortunately, a fortuitous introduction to Reality Changers opened doors to invaluable guidance on college essentials. The local nonprofit organization prepares youth to become first-generation college graduates and agents of change in their communities.
Despite his family’s support, Jacob encountered financial concerns surrounding college expenses. Through the assistance of an instructor at Reality Changers, he successfully navigated the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and secured
admission to five out of eight colleges, including San Diego State University.
Today, Jacob is pursuing his passion for Computer Engineering at San Diego State University and actively engages as a Civic Intern with the
City of San Diego, gaining firsthand knowledge of community impact. He hopes to apply his degree to expand technology access, so that other families do not have to face the same challenges that he had as a student.
Jacob is now preparing to take on a new featrappelling down 29 stories in Reality Changers’ Over The Edge Event on August 25th, 2024. This unique event empowers participants to make a meaningful impact on the educational journeys of college-bound youth.
Over The Edge presents an opportunity to confront fears and challenge personal limits,
mirroring the resilient spirit of the organization’s students. Individuals interested in rappelling can establish a custom online fundraising page and raise a minimum of $1,500 for Reality Changers to secure a spot. Every dollar raised directly supports first-generation college students striving to make a difference in their communities. Limited slots are available; sign up at give.realitychangers.org/Over-
TheEdge2024 today!
Moreover, individuals can participate by setting up an online fundraising page to sponsor a friend going Over The Edge, supporting a Reality Changers Student’s participation, or exploring volunteer opportunities at realitychangers.org/over-the-edge. Join Jacob and the Reality Changers team in making a difference at this thrilling event!
Cultivating Nature’s Medicine - the Green Compass Startup Story
The hemp plant has been around us for centuries, used by cultures around the world because of its natural medicinal properties. Over the last several decades, the hemp plant had largely become lost with the rise of Western medicine, until its resurgence when the farm bill passed in 2018 making cannabidiol (CBD) legal in all 50 states. Farmers across the US now had the opportunity to expand operations into hemp production. And companies had the opportunity to take part in the rapidly growing global CBD industry which reached $9.4 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow to $36 billion by 2033.
Family Owned, Family Inspired
One group of farmers, Adam and George Wooten, six-generation family farmers in North Carolina, came upon one such opportunity with Meredith and Sterling Cook when the couple was on the hunt for a clean, high quality CBD product. Meredith was experiencing a challenging period with postpartum depression and there wasn’t a product on the market that met their needs. So, Green Compass Global was born
in 2019 in partnership with the Wooten family organic farms to create the cleanest, most potent CBD product on the market.
Growing Hemp with Integrity
The hemp plant is known as a scavenger plant because it absorbs whatever is in its environment, making USDA organic certification critical for hemp production. The hemp flower is where the most potent CBD is found and a clean CO2 extraction process keeps the potency in tact from harvesting through to product formulation. Transparency is also important in a currently unregulated industry, so knowing where the CBD is grown and sourced will mean the difference between a high quality, clean product and one that may include toxins or a low percentage of CBD.
What started as a word-of-mouth business in 2019 has grown to become the second largest CBD company in the US. In addition to an extensive line of CBD products including tinctures, nano-enhanced jellies, topical products and more, the company is launching into a new
product category - organic functional mushrooms - this month. At a time when products including CBD and functional mushrooms are everywhere, it’s helpful for consumers to find a company like Green Compass that is transparent from seed (or spore) to bottle.
Getting Involved
Few companies in this space offer opportunities for people to join and grow businesses of their own, and not only is Green Compass one of them, but is the only USDA certified company offering a business opportunity. As a new company launched just five years ago that has experienced explosive growth in a fast-growing industry, the opportunity is wide open for anyone interested in leveraging nature’s wellness solutions from clean and traceable hemp and functional mushroom products.
To learn more about Green Compass, visit umbrella.greencompassglobal.com or email at brad@localumbrella.com.
BY BART MENDOZA
Adams Avenue Street Fair
San Diego’s biggest annual music happening, the Adams Avenue Street Fair, returns for it’s 42nd Annual two day run, on September 21 and 22. A free, all ages event, music performances will take place on seven stages set along Adams Avenue in Normal Heights, with 75 performers taking part. Amongst the weekends highlights will be punk legends, The Zeros 77, long running self-described, “Scariest Band in the World,” Deadbolt, and award-winning country singer, Sara Petite. For Southern California music fans, it doesn’t get much better than this.
“The importance of events like these is not to be understated,” said Jessie Burns of SDMA winning combo, The Brothers Burn (Saturday, Felton Street Stage. 2:45 p.m.). “It’s a showcasing of the musical and artistic culture that resides right here in San Diego, and it gives a chance to connect with a wider array of fans and potential collaborators.”
Tatiana Mac of Poison Hearts A.C. (Saturday, Casbah Rock Stage. 2:30 p.m.). concurs. “Growing up in San Diego, events like the Adams Avenue Street Fair were oftentimes my first introduction to bands that would be otherwise inaccessible before I turned 21,” she said.
Meanwhile guitarist Nathan Raney (Saturday, Vibe Variety Stage. 2 p.m.) considers another important part of the AASF. “Supporting Local is important!” he said. “And with Adam’s Ave support for these events it only pushes for a stronger community and growth for local businesses and music.”
Do artists treat regular indoor gigs differently than outdoor events like this? “Sunscreen is first rule for outdoors,” joked guitarist Larry Teves, aka Chickenbone Slim, who will perform with his band, The Biscuits, featuring Blues guitarist of the year, Laura Chavez (Saturday, Blues Stage. 2:45 p.m.). “Personally, my favorite part is bringing out the 59’ Fender Bassman, as outdoors you really need some oomph! With the quality of sound at Adams Avenue we always have at Adams Avenue Street Fair, I feel like it’s gonna be like ice cream and pie.”
Some artists will make special adds to their set list on the day. “Fans of the punk rock classics will surely dig “PHAC on 45” our signature medley that combines a dozen of our favorite songs into one big, bold arrangement,” said Mac. “We rarely play it live, but this seems like the perfect venue for it.”
Burns notes that while his approach
doesn’t change from indoor shows, “it’s definitely a different vibe. At events like this, we do try to catch the eye of the passer by and draw them to the stage. It’s always fun when you can stop someone in their tracks and get them to engage and listen to you for a moment, or longer.”
What is Burns looking forward to most on the day? “This is our first time officially playing, but we’ve been attending since we were knee-high to a Big Wheel,” he said. “We’re most looking forward to playing on the stage, in the middle of the street, in the neighborhood we literally grew up in. This is a full-circle moment for us!”
For Raney, it’s all about the camaraderie. “Honestly, Adam’s Ave brings the
best out of bands and people, and has an overall powerful energy that is just fun and awesome to be a part of. It’s something I look forward to every year, performing or just attending.”
Meanwhile, Teves already has his schedule lined up for the big weekend. “I guarantee after we play that I will get a Louisiana Hot Sausage, and probably hit Marianne’s Ice Cream,” he said. He counts Deadbolt amongst his “must see” groups this year. “Otherwise, it’s as many as I can get to, there are always interesting acts to catch…and if you don’t like someone, walk a block or two and hear something completely different!”
www.adamsavenuebusiness.com/adams-avenue-street-fair
Beatles Fair / 20th Anniversary!
The 20th Edition of Beatles Fair takes place on September 7 at Queen Bee’s in North Park. The day is devoted to all things Fab Four, with sing-along, family friendly fun guaranteed. Kicking off at noon, this year’s lineup includes tribute groups The 63eatles, Come Together, cover bands Mojo Strut, The Suzanne Gladstone Trio and Acoustic Universe, and allstar combo, True Stories, featuring David Fleminger and Alicia Previn. Showing the Beatles influence in the decades after their breakup, Oasis tribute group, Oasiz, led by Scott Samuels, will also perform. Beatles Fair will be headlined by Tijuana based, The Revolution Band, who will perform three sets of costume changes during their performance, highlighting the moptop years, the Sgt. Pepper era and the Let It Be rooftop concert finale.
Beatles Fair was started in 1995 by local fan club, Come Together, taking place at
venues around San Diego, until finding a home at Queen Bee’s in 2012. Now produced by Queen Bee founder Alma Rodriguez, the event is a true labor of love for all involved. “It’s a testament to the power of the Beatles music that we’ve lasted all these years,” said Rodriguez. “These days their positive message and beautiful songs are needed more than ever.” She’s particularly happy to have
The Revolution Band as this year’s headliners. “They’ve been part of the event before, this year they move to the prime spot due to the reaction they’ve been getting, which is just about always with the crowd cheering for more.”
Drummer Nicolas Peters is a regular at Beatles Fair, playing with various bands at the event since 2012. He will be performing this year with the 63eatles.
Music Box Anniversary
Downtown’s Music Box is celebrating it’s 9-year Anniversary with a special outdoor block party on September 14, taking place right in front of the acclaimed venue. The party will shut down a whole block of India Street, between A and Ash, making room for an epic stage, food and retail vendors, a VIP area, a bar with craft drinks, and fun activities.
The event will be headlined by the kings of soft rock, Yachtley Crew, with the support act being local favorites, Radio Thieves. Yachtley Crew is one of the great musical success stories of the past decade, their spot on covers of Top 40 hits from the 1970’s and early 1980’s and fun stage presence
Peters considers that after 20 events, it’s a special day of music for many longtime attendees. “Beatlefair is a gathering; a celebration that allows us to bond, share, and communicate as one,” he said. “I mostly look forward to re-connecting with friends, making new acquaintances, and possibly, buying more Beatles items for my collection (laughs).”
For Peters the reason for Beatles Fair’s longevity is obvious. “I’d like to refer to the cross generational appeal that The Beatles have had for so many decades,” Peters said. “So many involved in music have at some point made reference to the Beatles, which shows their influence. The freshness of the Beatles has never waned. Case in point: all the new anniversary releases still sounds as vibrant as when originally released and many are eager to hear those.
Rodriguez concurs that as much fun as the music will be on the day, seeing friends and feeling the positive spirit of the event is also something she looks forward to. “No lie, it’s a lot of hard work putting this event together,” she said. “But everyone involved gives it their all to put together a really special experience for attendees of the show. At the end of the day, seeing all those smiling faces, singing along to “Hey Jude” or dancing to “Twist and Shout,” is enough to keep me going until the next Beatles Fair.”
www.eventbrite.com/e/san-diego-beatlesfair-2024-tickets-886514908957
have made them festival favorites, regularly selling out venues across the country. Yachtley Crew recently released their debut EP, Seas the Day, featuring five classic covers and their first original,
“Sex On The Beach,” which sounds like it could’ve been a hit on the radio back in the day alongside the other songs on their set list.
Founded in 2015, the 700-capacity Music Box has built its reputation on its state-of-the-art sights and sounds, with a 40-foot video screen, good sightlines from all three levels, and excellent food and beverages. Helmed by General Manager Joe Rinaldi, the Music Box is firmly established as one of the best places to see and hear music in San Diego, with a diverse booking policy that mixes music legends with rising stars, tribute bands and the best in local talent.
With Yachtley Crew topping the bill on September 4, The Music Box has a special request. “We would like everyone who has ever geeked out to YC to wear their best white nauticals and join us for a yacht rock sing along to reflect on what’s become of Yachtley, and what’s become of Music Box!” said the venue’s Marketing lead, Iris Pulsingay. “This fun block party is our way of showing appreciation to the local community for showing us support over the past nine years.”
www.musicboxsd.com/event/13561404/yachtleycrew-radio-thieves-outdoor-show
Johnny V Vernazza / Cancer Fight Fundraiser
Following recent treatments for cancer, legendary guitarist Johnny Vernazza could use our help. On August 21, a fundraiser to help with his medical bills was held at Humphrey’s Backstage Live, featuring Vernazza as well as The Chris Fast Band and Chicken Bone Slim & The Biscuits. For those who would like to help but couldn’t make the show, a Go Fund Me page has been set up, link below.
An integral part of San Diego’s music community since he moved to North County from the Bay Area in 2001, Vernazza is perhaps best known for his guitar work with the Elvin Bishop Group, including the classic single, “Fooled Around and Fell In Love” (#3/1976). It’s been an amazing career that’s seen him perform in concert with the likes of Jerry Garcia, on television with Van Morrison, and in the studio with the Marshall Tucker Band. More recently, he’s led his own group, and
teamed up for shows with fellow guitar hotshot, Anthony Cullins, as well as having performed with numerous groups including Len Rainey & The Midnight Players and recorded with True Stories on their upcoming EP.
While Vernazza moved to San
Top 5 Concerts / Spotlight Concerts
September 18 – Muireann
Bradley / Bornemann Theatre, San Marcos
An excellent three band lineup from promoters, the Six String Society, featuring rising star, Irish country blues singer-songwriter, Muireann Bradley, acoustic troubadour Gregory Page, and all-star Irish fusion combo, Skelpin, featuring percussionist Enrique Platas, flamenco guitarist Jimmy Patton, bassist Wesley Forsberg, multi-instrumentalist Tim Foley and fiery fiddler, Patric Petrie. All three artists on the bill this evening are incredible performers well worth spending an evening with.
September 25 – Paul Weller / The Magnolia, El Cajon
In a career now nearly five decades long, iconic British musician, Paul Weller has only performed in San Diego five times, all during his solo era. On September 25, he returns to San Diego for a sixth concert, and anticipation is high. Currently touring behind new album, 66, Weller’s recent set lists are a great mix of tracks, featuring new tunes, early solo hits and a handful of gems from his days in The Jam and The Style Council.
September 27 – The Hoodoo Gurus / Humphrey’s Concerts by the
Bay, Shelter Island
One of Australia’s best rock bands going, The Hoodoo Gurus, stop in at Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay on September 27. Their most recent release, Chariot of the Gods, is a killer addition to the band’s discography, with as much power and melody as their 1984 debut album, Stoneage Romeos. The new tunes slot well against their classic singles such as “Like Wow Wipeout,” “Bittersweet” and “What’s My Scene.”
September 27 & 28 – St. Michael’s Jazz Fest / St. Michael’s Church, Carlsbad Village
The free, all-ages, inaugural St. Michael’s Jazz Fest kicks off in grand style the weekend of September 27 & 28. Celebrating classic jazz and brass band music, the event features the likes of the Rebirth Brass Band, Euphoria Brass Band, Starsign, The Steph Johnson Band and more.
September 27, 28 & 29 Mission Bayfest / Mariners Point Park
The third annual Mission Bay Fest will bring music fans three days of reggae infused fun in the sun, the perfect way to wrap up the end of summer in San Diego. An impressive lineup includes Iration, Tribal Seeds and Dubbest, alongside the likes of Cypress Hill, Whiz Kalifa and Boostive.
Diego in 2001, his history with the city goes much further back. Throughout his career, he’s played in the area. Most notably, on May 14, 1976 Elvin Bishop’s tour stopped in at downtown’s Civic Theatre. Two songs recorded that night, “Fooled Around and Fell In Love,” and “Struttin’ My Stuff,” were included on a live album released the following year, Raisin’ Hell (#38/1977).
www.gofundme.com/f/help-johnny-vernazza-rebuild-after-cancer
San Diego Music Release News
New and Upcoming Singles: As I Lay Dying – “Burden,” Garrison Bailey –“Turn Around” featuring Sue Palmer & Wayne Riker, Kristina Bennett – “Dragonfly,” Bloodstone The Street Preacher – “Whateva” & “Run-A-Round,” Lisa Dee – “He Ain’t Just A Cowboy,” The Gravities – “Find a Lil Time,” Sara Jade - Singin’ Woman (feat. Jessie Lark & Elizabeth Bowersox), Jewel – “Goddess of Love,” Chloe Lou & The Liddells – “Graceful Ways,” Manganista –Experiencing the Fascinating Evolution (Box Set), Obsidian Hearts – “A Cons Quest,” Thee Sacred Hearts – “Lucid Girl,” Wearejackstrong –“Out of This,”
New and Upcoming Albums & EP’s: Atomic Surfers – Anger Issues, Garrison Bailey – Blue Suede Funk, Kristina Bennett – Shakti, Tamar Berk – Good Times For A Change (September 6), The Inks – A Child at Sea, Clikatat Ikatowi - S/T Demo Cassette, Jewel - The Portal: A Meditative Journey, Mrs. Henry – Keep On Rising, Dave Preston & The Grown Ups – Way Out West, RMthePoet - Like We Always Do, Sea Monks with Johnny Sapphire – New Dreams, Sorry It’s Over – tbd, Swami And The Bed Of Nails - All Of This Awaits You, Thee Sacred Hearts – Got A Story To Tell (October 4), Tzimani - We Stand and Fight, Well Well Well – Summer Heat, Various Artists - Keb Darge Presents The Best Of Ace Sixties Garage Punk (featuring The Lyrics)
New and Upcoming Videos: As I Lay Dying – “The Cave We Fear To Enter,” Garrison Bailey featuring John Gann - “Hey Pretty Lady,” Tamar Berk – “Good Impression,” Mrs. Henry – “Everybody Wants Peace and Love,” Smoke + Mirrors Sound System –“Drive” (The Cars cover) & “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” (Stevie Wonder cover)
San Diego Music News
Multi-day music festival KABOO has been postponed until 2025
on
Heavy metal combo As I Lay Dying is embarking on month long tour of Europe, kicking off November 15 in Wurzburg, Germany, and wrapping up on December 15 in Oberhausen, Germany. The band will also be performing in the Czech Republic, Italy, France, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Spain, Finland, Denmark, Poland, Hungary, Belgium and Austria.
Acclaimed Gypsy jazz combo the Zzymzzy Quartet is celebrating their 20th Anniversary with a special concert at Lou Lou’s on Saturday October 12, 8-10 p.m. “We’ve been together continuously for 20 years, averaging something like two gigs a week!” said guitarist Beston Barnett. “It’ll be no cover, first-come-first-serve seating. We’ve already got some cool cameos lined up: Claudia Gomez will tap one with us, Billy Hawkins is going to join on trombone, The Lindy/Balboa dancers are going to choreograph something, and Valentina On the Rocks will be performing her famous Carmen Miranda burlesque routine to “Tico Tico No Fuba!” We’ll probably have a few singers sit in as well.”
The July issue of UK based Mojo Magazine features The Byrds on the cover and comes with a free compilation CD featuring Byrds related tracks. The 15 songs include two San Diego related tracks: “Bells of Rhymney,” from Rancho Santa Fe native Chris Hillman and “Rueben,” by iconic early 1960’s combo, The Scottsville Squirrel Barkers. The latter were 2004 San Diego Music Award / Lifetime Achievement Award recipients. Lots of talent in that group. In addition to former Byrd Chris Hillman, the band also included Bernie Leadon of the Eagles, Larry Murray of Hearts & Flowers, and Kenny Wertz, later of The Flying Burrito Brothers.
The Naked I celebrate the release of their new
meant to be a one-time only group, put together to perform at this year’s Gator by the Bay, such a good time was had by all that the group is reuniting for a gig at Tio Leo’s on September 3. “It is a fantastic all women’s 11-piece band with Laura Chavez on guitar, Liz and Ruth Ajuzie and Mercedes Moore on vocals, 4 trombone players lead by April West, Jonesy Jones, Shirley Coggan, Rebecca McKinley, and a tight rhythm section with Sharon Shufelt, Jodie Hill and me,” said Palmer. “We play all covers except, “I Put a Hex on You,” which Laura wrote with (singer) Candye Kane. Every song has 3-part vocal arrangements and April wrote great and cool arrangements for the 4 trombones It’s one of the most flawless shows I’ve ever done with a basically one-time group. We weren’t ready to
quit!”
Congrats to Pierce the Veil, whose 2010 single, “Caraphernelia,” earns a Platinum award from the RIAA this month. It’s their fourth single to score an RIAA award this year
Jim Ryan (The Cardiac Kidz) releases his sixth album, Human AI, on August 16. Released under the name, The Jim Ryan Project. “Twelve tracks all carrying a mix of studio and AI software generated recorded tracks which travel through the punk and alternative rock genre,” said Ryan.
On August 3, Slack Key Ohana was joined onstage by a pair of surprise special guests when they performed at the NāHkHanohano Awards, the Hawaiian Grammy Awards equivalent held at the Hawai’i Convention Center in Honolulu. The band was nominated for Best Hawaiian Music Video of the Year, for the song “Nahenahe Ka Leo o Ka Wahine Uʻi,” and in addition to their own performance, they also backed fellow nominee Brittni Paiva on her song, “Heartbeat Melody.” The latter ultimately took home the award for Instrumental Song of the Year. Both of the night’s special guests, along with Paiva, appear on Slack Key Ohana’s latest release, Hawaiian Cowboy. Reprising his role on the title track of the album, Billy F. Gibbons of ZZ Top joined the band alongside four-time Grammy Winner, George Kahumoku Jr. Gibbons and Kahumoku Jr, also joined the band in backing Paiva. “What an incredible night,” said SKO frontman Brian Witkin. “We got in a quick rehearsal the night before with Billy and it went great, so really the hardest part of the event was keeping everything secret until showtime.” While it didn’t win its category this time out, “Nahenahe Ka Leo o Ka Wahine Uʻi” did score a trophy for Best World Music Song at the 2024 San Diego Music Awards held earlier this year.
New band alert! This Unrest is a Siouxsie & The Banshees tribute group featuring Jacquie Bazinet (vocals), Richard Chavez (guitar), Kristin Martin (bass) and Jody Ritacco (drums).
Congrats to Earl Thomas! On August 3 he was inducted into the Notodden Blues Walk of Fame in Norway.
On July 16, The Tourmaliners were joined onstage at their Tio Leo’s gig by legendary guitarist Willie Glover of 1960’s surf era hitmakers, The Pyramids, best known for their 1964, #18 hit, “Penetration.” Also in attendance that night: Mike Palm of Agent Orange and Sppike Mike of the Spice Pistols
EP, Artsy Attire,
September 8 at the Music Box. Andrew Barrack and Wasting Light open.
Although Sue Palmer & The Riveters were
