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ones R! th”Alex Morgan Foundation THURSDAY, Honors Local Girl Scout 5:30pm.

San Diego Girl Scout Cadette Nina Asnani with Alex Morgan

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California Center for the Arts, Escondido December 21 – 23 858-272-8663 • www.cityballet.org

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Awarded ‘Best Nutcracker’ in San Diego -San Diego Tommy Awards

The Nutcracker Photo by Chelsea Penyak

PURE HOLIDAY MAGIC with The City Ballet Orchestra

Music: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky • Choreography: Elizabeth Wistrich

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Alex Morgan Foundation Honors Local Girl Scout

One San Diego girl’s leadership and commitment to community service has caught the attention of U.S. women’s Soccer player, Alex Morgan. To honor the achievements of young female athletes in their local communities, Morgan started the Alex Morgan Foundation that includes a scholarship program known as the “Leaders of the Year” awards.

“I believe when girls and women have opportunities in life, it leads to transformative change within themselves and their communities,” explains Morgan on her foundation’s website.

Launched in 2023, the Alex Morgan Foundation has been dedicated to creating equity and opportunity on and off the field. According to her foundation’s website, the foundation helps identify roadblocks preventing local communities from reaching their full potential and invest in tangible solutions when, where and how they’re needed most.

Morgan reviews submissions sent in by coaches all around the county and selects a winner each year. This year, she selected two winners and presented them with their Leader of the Year Awards at the inaugural Celebration of Confidence on October 11, International Day of the Girl.

Lucky winner of this year’s foundation award is local Girl Scout Cadette, Nina Asnani. Asnani got to speak at the event and share inspiring stories about her grit and leadership on and off the soccer field. She opened up about her experiences and the incredible impact this award has had on her life.

“I was so honored to win the Leader of the Year Award! My mom actually nominated me by sending a video submission to the Alex Morgan Foundation. I also followed up with a video submission of my own, talking about my project to raise awareness of gender inequality in sports,” said Asnani. “Winning the award was a life changing experience. It felt great to be recognized in front of so many of my favorite soccer players, coaches and community leaders!”

Before this award, she had already demonstrated her dedication through essay submissions to attend the Let’s Go South Bay Empowerment Camp, a soccer initiative sponsored by the Alex Morgan Foundation. These experiences only fueled her desire to make a difference in the world of sports.

“My Indian dad and Mexican mom didn’t have a lot of opportunities when they were growing up, so I understand how important this award is to my family,” said Asnani. “I feel like I won it for all of us, because I know how hard everyone worked to get me to soccer practices, games, Girl Scout meetings, and support me as I worked towards my goals.”

The recognition that came with the Leader of the Year Award was indeed life-changing.

Nina had the honor of standing in front of her favorite soccer players, coaches, and community leaders, a moment she’ll cherish forever.

“I feel that the build up was very exciting.

However, I was also nervous, but when I was on the stage,” said Asnani. “It felt good to share my thoughts and opinions with so many people I admire.”

Nina’s journey with the Girl Scouts began at the tender age of five, and it has been a cornerstone of her life ever since. She describes the Girl Scouts as an avenue that not only allowed her to give back to her community but also provided her with unique opportunities that she wouldn’t have encountered otherwise.

This early involvement with the organization set the stage for her future as a leader.

“I’m passionate about my Girl Scouts Silver Award project about Equality in Sports because I have experienced inequality on the field since I was in elementary school, and feel that no one should have to go through that,” said Asnani. “My hope is to inspire people to stand up for what they believe in and create sustainable change in their communities.”

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Nina Asnani with Alex Morgan

Photos courtesy of Alex Morgan Foundation

The Leader of the Year Award also comes with various scholarships and prizes, but for Nina, the true reward was the opportunity to attend the Alex Morgan Confidence Gala and meet some truly inspiring individuals. Additionally, she received Nike soccer cleats and a gift bag, items that further symbolized her accomplishments. Nina takes great pride in recognizing that this award isn’t just a personal victory; meeting Alex Morgan, one of her lifelong heroes, was a surreal experience.

“I am so grateful for my family and friends, who have supported me throughout my entire journey,” said Asnani. “I understand that most kids don’t have as many opportunities as me, so it makes this moment very special.”

With her newfound platform as Leader of the Year, Asnani has a clear vision of how she wants to inspire other girls in her community.

She is committed to inspiring people to stand up for what they believe in and create sustainable change in their communities.

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| VOLUME 9 WINTER 2023 A Publication of Local Umbrella Media

Winter Wonderland Honorary Committee Tea Sets the Stage for Spectacular Event

The Winter Wonderland Honorary Committee Tea was held at The US Grant Hotel in the Chaffee Court on October 27th.

Guests included the event chairs, honorary chairs, and honorary committee. The tea was a prelude to the highly anticipated fashion extravaganza - Winter Wonderland Fashion Show and Luncheon on December 1st at The US Grant Hotel.

Guests enjoyed an array of delectable offerings; dainty tea sandwiches, smoked salmon paired with crisp asparagus, a selection of assorted scones and pastries, champagne, mimosas, and a variety of teas. The Chaffee Court, part of The US Grant Hotel, carries a rich history of hosting teas, including those held by Mamie Eisenhower, wife of President Eisenhower, lending a historic element to the event.

This illustrious gathering was made possible through the dedication of the event’s esteemed leadership. The Winter Wonderland Honorary Committee Tea is chaired by the dynamic leadership of Maria Stanley and her daughter Cici Drummond, as well as Laura Applegate and her daughter Erica Ram, all of whom are dedicated local philanthropists and unwavering supporters of The Arc of San Diego. Honorary Chairs Dr. Howard and Barbara Milstein added their inf luence and support to the event, further elevating its significance.

The Honorary Committee, a vital force behind the success of the Winter Wonderland Fashion Show, includes Dee Am-

Kathryn Vaughn, Maggie Watkins, and Arlene Esgate

Guests enjoyed a wonderful afternoon tea as a prelude to Winter Wonderland Fashion Show & Luncheon in support of The Arc of San Diego

Guests dined on delicacies at the tea

mon, Marla Black, Judy Burer, Vicki Eddy, Arlene Esgate, Judi Gottschalk, Daran Grimm, Roxi Link, Nayda Locke, Christina Maggiora, Cheryl Mitchell, Ludvina Nevarez, Phyllis Parrish, Clarice Perkins, Kristi Pieper, Sandy Redman, Barbie Spinazzola, Peggy Stern, Kathryn Vaughn, and Maggie Watkins.

Winter Wonderland Fashion Show & Luncheon is on December 1, 2023 at The US Grant Hotel (326 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101). The event promises an unforgettable experience and features a captivating runway show curated by Style Personality Leonard Simpson. Doors open at 10:00 a.m. with check-in, shopping boutique, and silent auction. At 12 noon, guests will be treated to a sumptuous luncheon followed by the highly anticipated runway show.

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Roxi Link and Kathryn Vaughn

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(Top Row Left to Right): Dr. Howard Milstein, Nayda Locke, Marla Black, Maggie Watkins, Kathryn Vaughn, and Cheryl Mitchell (Bottom Row Left to Right): Barbara Milstein, Arlene Esgate, Cici Drummond, Maria Stanley, Laura Applegate, Erica Ram, Dee Ammon, and Roxi Link

(Left to Right): Chairs Erica Ram, Cici Drumond, Maria Stanley, and Laura Applegate with Honorary Chairs Barbara Milstein and Dr. Howard Milstein

This event offers attendees the opportunity to support The Arc of San Diego by shopping at local boutiques and participating in a captivating auction. Proceeds from the event will help The Arc of San Diego continue its mission of providing essential life services to over 2,000 children LOCAL NEWS | LocalUmbrellaNews.com

and adults with disabilities throughout San Diego County.

To make reservations for Winter Wonderland or for more information, call (619) 685-1175 or email info@arc-sd.com. QR CODE Tickets are also available online at www. /LocalUmbrellaMedia

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arc-sd.com/winterwonderland.

In this celebration of fashion, philanthropy, and community, the Winter Wonderland Fashion Show promises to be an event that leaves an indelible mark, both on the runway and in the hearts of those it serves.

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| VOLUME 9 WINTER 2023 A Publication of Local Umbrella Media

Ring on the Mountain to be shown aboard USS Midway January 8th

San Diego’s Abigail Boretto is right at home on top of the world. This “Crazy American in Pink Cowboy Boots” has warmed hearts in Northern Norway over the last two years while creating her film, “The Ring and The Mountain.”

We had the opportunity to catch up with Boretto, as she prepares for her next adventure, right here in San Diego.

Q-Can you tell us how it was to return to Harstad, Norway to premiere your film in the land where it began?

AB- “I don’t know where to begin! Last year was transformative, I mean-meeting the man who found my fathers ring, climbing the mountain where my father breathed his last breath, and experiencing the warmth and patriotism of the Norwegian people, it all has been very magical. I have no words to describe how it felt to see the journey come alive again, forever on screen, alongside these compassionate strangers who have contributed so much to the process…they are as emotionally invested as I am. We are family now.”

military and civilians, Hope and unity is something we, as Americans, need to hear desperately right now, in my opinion. This is also a story about a daughter meeting her father for the first time! But being here in San Diego, aboard the USS Midway, it will be magical!”

Q-January 8th, 2024,is the date for the premiere. Why a Monday?

AB-“It’s not just any Monday. It happens to be my father’s birthday! Last year

Q-San Diego has long been the beneficiary of your infectious energy. Is it accurate to say that this endeavor has allowed you to bring that talent worldwide?

AB-“Wow-Ha, I guess you could say it like that! What I would say is that I have met so many new friends in Europe through this project. In sharing the journey with friends and family stateside, several were even inspired to make the nearly 5000 mile trip to celebrate and experience the

we placed the memorial on the 50th Anniversary of the crash, this year, we debut his story, our story, on what would be his 76th. He has really come alive for me over the last two years. I think it’s time he had a proper celebration of life and now legacy!

film as it comes to fruition. Of course our Norwegian family enveloped these guests as well and now they are part of the greater family! Grassroots Nation Building at its best! Norway is a spectacular country with incredible people!”

Q-Well said, and surely, as his legacy, you have done him proud. Can anyone attend the event or is it invitation only?

AB-“Thank you so much for those kind words, and I certainly hope so. As for the event, VIP’s have already been invited and confirmed. A limited number of tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available and can be purchased at our event page.”

Q- A high school classmate with strong Norwegian ties attended the event, but was already in the country, tell us about that?

AB-YES!! The power of social media at its best! Lisa-Brit Wahlberg and I went to Farmington High School in Farmington, CT. She is an educator at Miss Porters School and currently a Fulbright Scholar in Oslo. Lisa reached out when I first shared

Q- We understand that part of the journey has been connecting with the next of kin, and that one family in particular was able to join you for the premiere as well as visit the crash site for the first time. Can you tell us about that please?

AB-“Melissa Merklinger! She and I never knew each other, or OF each other, until very recently, but we have so much in common. Her father, the pilot in command, perished alongside my father. She was two years old, and I was 15 months old when we lost our fathers. She had very little information about her father’s death previously, so to share this experience with her, and bring some knowledge to the many, many questions that she has carried throughout her life was a great honor. The smile on her face after returning from the helicopter f light to view the site and the memorial, wearing her father’s f light jacket, is etched in my memory forever.”

Q-You also met for the first time Minter Dial, author of the book, “The Last Ring Home”, and the documentary of the same name. It is evident from the video footage of the event how meaningful it was for both of you to share your documentaries together.

How was it to spend time together on such a personal level?

AB-“Minter has been instrumental to this process, even before I knew him! There aren’t too many people in the world that can relate to stories first hand. In fact, none that I’ve heard of, who have had such similar experiences with Naval Academy rings as Minter and I have. His is a “sister film” if you will, and it was through his story that I was able to reach out to Josh Shelov, who directed his [Minter] story and ultimately my own.”

Q-Is it true that even those in attendance at the premiere who did not speak English were moved to tears?

AB-“Truth. There was a couple sitting right next to us. I was honestly not expecting that nor the reaction of the crowd! It was really a night of celebration and that’s what it’s about now. This is part of Harstad/Grytoya Norway history that has until now, faded into the island mountain! We were proud to bring the film there first!”

Q-It sounds like this film is powerful. How do you anticipate the reception in the US?” AB-“I can’t imagine, but my message is one of hope, resilience and honor for both LOCAL NEWS | LocalUmbrellaNews.com

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the story two years ago and we’ve stayed in touch ever since. She is also f luent in Norwegian! It was an absolute blast to have her be alongside all of us. She fit right in!!

We hadn’t seen each other in 35 years and here we are both in Norway at the same time! EPIC really!”

Q-Among those who traveled was your son Huey, what did it mean to you to have him by your side?

AB- Yes! Sadly my daughters were unable to attend, but having my son alongside on this experience was absolutely terrific.

I don’t have words to express all of the emotions that came up for me, and all who witnessed, as Huey made the grueling trek up to the crash site on Grytøya, with the memorial plaque on his back, and USMC by his side! This is an eventful climb in more ways than one. He has expressed his understanding of sacrifice and loss with this honorable participation.”

Q -And the USMC was present to document that event, is that correct?”

AB-“Yes! A team from US Marine Forces Europe and Africa, out of Stuttgart Germany, joined the two week event to further memorialize these fallen Marines with their own film, entitled Short Stop 24. Their short version can be viewed on DVIDS. Incidentally, Short Stop was my father’s call sign and 24 was his helicopter number. I love that they chose this for their title.”

Q-Will there be a military presence at this premiere as well?

AB-“You will have to wait and see! I will say that I am honored to have such a dynamic group of guests. It will definitely be filled with patriotism given the nature of the films. I am so excited but mostly grateful to bring this story first to San Diego as it makes its way across the country.”

Q-Well Abby, you seem to have mastered this project and I’m sure it will be a success!

What’s next for you? What will you conquer

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next?

AB-”This story has so many stories within itself. This magic ring has not only enhanced my life in ways that are too many to list, but also the many that are still here to relish in

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it. We are in talks for a book, podcast, and a series in addition to bringing ”Written Out Loud”, the program that helped me outline my story, to Norway. It’s my desire to have everyone be able to tell their story!”

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| VOLUME 9 WINTER 2023 A Publication of Local Umbrella Media

Meals on Wheels Breaks Down The Walls Of Hunger

By Vince Meehan

Meals on Wheels literally broke down walls in the name of stamping out hunger in San Diego.

The event took place on September 5 at the site of their new soon-to-be headquarters in Kearny Mesa. Various staff and board members took turns knocking holes in the wall of a warehouse, which is to become their new headquarters. The warehouse was a labyrinth of halls and rooms and Meals on Wheels has started a demo project to create a more open and expansive work area for its staff and volunteers. The new location will consolidate the nonprofit’s kitchen, Metro San Diego Service Center, senior program teams, volunteer hub, collaborative partners office space, and administrative offices all under one roof to create a united headquarters.

Brent Wakefield is the President and CEO of Meals on Wheels and is excited at the prospect of finally having all departments under one roof. “We’re in Old Town, that’s where our administrative offices are, and our meal center is about a mile down the road by El Indio on India Street; so, we’re bringing those things together.

So we have our metro service center, our volunteer hub, our partner collaborative spaces, our administration, and the meal center all under this 23,000 square foot roof. Everything will be right here!”

Wakefield has been President and CEO of Meals on Wheels for a little over three years and has a fundraising external relations background with past posts at the Salk Institute as well as Serving Seniors which like Meals on Wheels, is a senior services provider. He says that during Covid, Meals on Wheels doubled its number of seniors it cares for and this new facility will help accommodate those new higher numbers.

“Meals on wheels has been in San Diego for 63 years! We started off – it was one of those typical stories of a church basement kind of thing – a bunch of ladies really helping out homebound seniors, and over the years it has grown. During the pandemic we had a 50 percent increase in demand for our services in the first month; and we blew up! So now, I’m with really overextended infrastructure – everything has been McGyvered and held together – so we’re building the infrastructure needed to address our current volume. But, in addition to that, we need to grow and accommodate our growth over the next 10 to 15 years.”

Meals on Wheels was founded in 1960 and has delivered 21,392,515 meals since it’s inception.

Their drivers gather the meals from the kitchen hub and rendezvous with volunteers at designated neighborhood parking lots. The volunteers then drive a short route distributing the meals to the homes of seniors who have signed up for the program. The driver has a delivery route as well, and then returns to the rendezvous point to pick up the insulated meal tote bags and then returns to base.

Meals on Wheels deliver over 625,000 meals a year which pans out to 331,000 individual touches to home bound seniors. Wakefield says that number will grow to one million meals a year in two years, then double that in five years.

That means Wakefield will need to plan for that much more donations and volunteers to handle the volume. And their service is not limited to the meals alone, but also serves as a welfare check to the seniors who often live alone.

“We really do need to increase our ability to serve people with – also not just the food – but the wrap-around serves that go along with the meal. So, when we deliver a meal, there’s also a safety check, and if our volunteer notices something, they indicate it on our app and our care navigation team is instantly activated to follow up and make sure the senior is fine or follow up with emergency contact and potentially help schedule doctor’s visits, transportation, or things that they need. So these are just part of the things that come with this heavily subsidized meal. And we feed peoples pets for free thanks to Helen Woodward; we created the first AniMeal program in the world!

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The walls come down!

(L to R) Brent Wakefield, President and CEO, Meals on Wheels San Diego County and Keith Fisher, Chief Operating Officer, Meals on Wheels San Diego County.

The Ani-Meal program Wakefield referred to is a partnership with the Helen Woodward Animal Center in which meals are delivered to the pets of the seniors. This partnership was made possible by a Meals on Wheels volunteer who worked with Helen Woodward as well. She noticed a senior give half of her meal to her pet dog and asked the Center if there was something they could do to help. Now, every Thursday they deliver a weeks supply of food for dogs or cats. 10 different types of pet food are provided tailored to the pets individual needs and the Center provides this service to Meals on Wheels for no charge. It’s a win/wine for everybody.

With the holidays approaching, it is critical that Meals on Wheels gets more donations and volunteers and is encouraging everybody in San Diego to help out. Both things can be accommodated online at www.SanDiegoMealsOnWheels. org. Currently there are 3000 active volunteers with an average of 150 working any given day.

“We need volunteers all over the county, in particular right now, in the South and East County – but also everywhere, Wakefield said.

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number of seniors that we serve.”

Wakefield likes to say that his volunteers deliver a “hot meal and warm smile,” but he emphasizes that the human contact is just as important as it helps to combat cognitive decline in the seniors. Also, he noted that volunteering has now become something that is key to being accepted to colleges, new careers, looks great on your resume, and gives you credit on your tax returns.

“Its senior malnutrition and isolation that we’re combating and you know, our volunteers are the best isolation interrupters there are. Our food usually gets an 85 to 90-approval rating, but our volunteers get a 99.9% approval rating!

So, clients love them, and 70% of our volunteers are retired themselves!”

The new facility is scheduled to open in the spring of 2024 and will operate in conjunction with satellite offices in San Marcos, El Cajon, and Chula Vista.

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Back for an encore.

NOVEMBER 10 - DECEMBER 3 HOME OF THE 2024 BREEDERS’ CUP

Thoroughbred racing returns to America’s favorite seaside track with the annual running of the Bing Crosby Season. Don’t miss a special month of world-class racing and events at Del Mar, where the turf meets the surf.

DelMarRacing.com

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| VOLUME 9 WINTER 2023 A Publication of Local Umbrella Media

Thanksgiving Cooking With Cannabis

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, which means it’s time to start thinking about your Thanksgiving menu! While turkey, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce are something to savor all on their own, there’s one thing that can make these Thanksgiving staples even better: a touch of cannabis.

Cannabis-infused Thanksgiving dishes are something that can make your Thanksgiving dinner all the merrier. Of course, before you serve a cannabis-infused dish, you’ll need to check with your guests (or fellow guests, if you’re headed to a potluck) to make sure they’re all down to get high off your food. But once you’ve got the green light, you can use our simple recipes to create a Thanksgiving meal that will be one for the books!

Read on to see our ultimate guide to a cannabis-infused Thanksgiving, full of recipes for cannabis-infused Thanksgiving staples that are sure to delight.

Two Notes on Cooking With Cannabis Before we get into our cannabis-infused Thanksgiving recipe guide, we wanted to give a couple of general notes on cooking with cannabis. If you’re already an experienced cannabis chef, feel free to skip to our recipes below! But if you’re new to cooking with cannabis and are trying it for the first time to turn your Thanksgiving into Danksgiving, we recommend reading this section to ensure your cannabis-infused meal is expertly prepared.

Note #1: On Decarbing Your Cannabis First, if you’ve never cooked with cannabis before, know that decarboxylating your cannabis before you infuse it into butter or oil will help you avoid two common issues: low potency and a poor taste. Decarboxylation is a process that allows the THCA (a nonreactive cannabinoid) that naturally occurs in raw cannabis flowers to convert into THC (the cannabinoid in cannabis that causes a high). When you smoke cannabis, decarboxylation happens naturally due to heat. But if you were to eat raw cannabis without decarboxylating it first, you would mostly consume THCA rather than THC. So, failing to decarboxylate (or “decarb”) your cannabis before making an edible can lead to a weak or inactive edible.

Some recipes for cannabis-infused butter or oil include steps that decarb to create THC during the ganja infusion process. While this can be effective, we recommend decarbing your cannabis before infusing it into butter or oil, since this generally leads to a better taste.

How to Decarb Cannabis: One of the easiest ways to decarb cannabis is by heating it in your oven. To use this method of decarboxylation, first, preheat your oven to 245 degrees FahrenLOCAL NEWS | LocalUmbrellaNews.com

heit. Then, place your cannabis buds on a baking tray lined with parchment paper (note: parchment paper helps prevent sticking). Next, place your tray in your preheated oven to decarb for 30 to 40 minutes. Every 10 minutes, remove your tray and gently shake it to mix your cannabis buds and ensure even exposure to heat. After a total of 30 to 40 minutes, remove your cannabis from the oven and allow it to cool. Now, you have decarbed cannabis that’s ready to be used in a cannabis butter or oil recipe!

Note #2: On Testing Strength If you’re new to cooking with cannabis, understand that it can be hard to know how strong your cannabis-infused butter or oil is without trying it. While many infusion recipes will include how much cannabis you should use, consider this a guideline rather than a definitive amount. Even when you use the same amount of cannabis as a recipe suggests, the resulting strength of your infusion can vary depending on how strong your strain is and how your cannabis bud is exposed to heat during the cooking process. Then, additionally, how strong you want your butter or oil to be is very personal. Everyone’s tolerance level is different. You may find that you want your cannabis butter or olive oil to be either more or less potent than the suggested amount of cannabis in your recipe provides.

Because of all this, we generally recommend testing the strength of your infused ingredients before adding them to recipes (especially if you’re new to cooking with cannabis). You can prepare your cannabis-infused butter or oil a few days before you

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plan to cook your Thanksgiving meal, then try a small amount to test its potency and effects. That way, you’ll have time to adjust your recipe if you need to. You may decide you want to change the amount of cannabis you use in your recipe, decide to switch to a Sativa vs. Indica strains, go with a higher CBD or lower CBD blend, and so on. Or, you may just have confirmation that your recipe turned out perfectly the first time! Whatever your results, we recommend making your cannabis-infused butter or oil in advance so you’ll have time to make whatever changes you want before serving your recipe to your guests at the big meal.

Cannabis-Infused Thanksgiving Recipes: Your Holiday Season Cannabis Cookbook There are so many ways you can infuse classic Thanksgiving dishes with cannabis. One of our favorite ways to easily make any recipe a cannabis recipe is by incorporating a bit a cannabutter (cannabis-infused butter) into your dish. Just by adding a bit of cannabutter, you can quickly make any meal into “green cuisine.” Below, see our recipe for cannabutter and many stoner-friendly Thanksgiving recipes that incorporate it!

Cannabutter Recipe: Your Green Thanksgiving Essential Ingredients 1 Cup of Butter 1 Cup (7 to 10 grams) of Coarsely Ground Cannabis, Decarboxylated* 1 Cup of Water *Note: To learn how to decarb cannabis (and why

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Place 1 cup of water and 1 cup of butter in a saucepan or stockpot. With your burner on low heat, heat your butter and water until the butter is melted and the mixture is well combined.

Add 1 cup of coarsely ground cannabis to your butter and water mixture, keeping your burner heat on low.

Stir to combine. Allow your mixture to simmer uncovered for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure your butter does not burn. Your mixture should simmer and never come to a full boil.

Remove pot from heat and strain the cannabis buds from your cannabis-infused butter using a fine-mesh strainer. Press into the plant matter in the strainer after your initial pour to ensure you squeeze out all the butter.

Allow your cannabutter to come to room temperature, then enjoy it! Your cannabutter can be used immediately or can be stored in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to use it.

Note: While we have many recipes that include cannabutter listed below, feel free to use a bit of this cannab-

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utter in any of your favorite Thanksgiving recipes! This delectable cannabutter works well with savory side dishes like casseroles or green beans, and in sweet recipes like apple pie or brownies Now that you have your cannabutter, it’s time to get cooking! Here are some of our favorite traditional Thanksgiving dishes made with a cannabis-infused twist:

Thanksgiving Plates When it comes to cooking with cannabis, the sky’s the limit. But if you’re looking to stick to some classic Thanksgiving staples, we’ve got you covered. From THC turkey to cannabutter pumpkin pie, these recipes are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.

Take your traditional turkey dinner to new heights with a THC-infused recipe. By infusing the butter used to baste the turkey, you’ll be able to enjoy all the flavors of a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with an added twist.

Stuffed Butternut Squash Balance your savory dishes with a little sweetness by preparing THC-infused stuffed butternut squash.

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Using your favorite recipe, substitute regular butter for cannabutter to make a cannabis-infused version of this Thanksgiving classic.

Stuffing Enjoy your favorite stuffing recipe with an added punch by infusing it with cannabis. Using cannabutter and hemp seeds, you can create a stuffing that’s both delicious and packed with THC.

Pumpkin Pie What’s Thanksgiving without dessert? This year, enjoy your pumpkin pie with a twist by infusing it with cannabis. Using cannabutter, you can create a delicious and potent pumpkin pie that’s sure to be a hit with all your guests.As the holidays continue to near, you can continue to test out new recipes and find the perfect dishes to share with your friends and family. No matter what you make, Thanksgiving Cooking With Cannabis – infusing your food with marijuana is sure to make it a memorable Thanksgiving!

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A Publication | VOLUME 9 | WINTER 2023 A Publication of Local Umbrella Mediaof Local Umbrella Media VOLUME 9 | WELCOME TO SUMMER 2023! |

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The Revolution of Ketamine: Luma Health & Wellness Breaking Barriers in Mental Health

By Hannah Olson

Luma Health & Wellness, which recently opened its doors in June in Solana Beach, is dedicated to providing state-of-the-art ketamine treatment for a variety of mood disorders, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and much more.

The clinic prides itself on its team of highly skilled professionals who offer compassionate care in a serene environment, prioritizing patient comfort throughout the treatment process.

Meghan Adele McCann, MSN, RN, co-founder, and CEO of the clinic said of their mission, “We hope to heal and relieve suffering in our small corner of the world.” With her heart for service and healing and her extensive experience in healthcare, McCann personally administers ketamine while providing patients with a sense of safety and guidance throughout their treatments.

Dr. Troy Kurz, MD, MS, the other co-founder and Medical Director of Luma Health & Wellness, joins McCann as a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in psychopharmacology for patients of all ages. Dr. Kurz holds certification in ketamine treatment from the Integrative Psychiatry Institute, allowing him to administer in-office ketamine treatment. Together, they lead the way in advancing mental health care in the San Diego area, offering this groundbreaking treatment option.

Dr. Troy Kurz & Meghan Adele

Comfortable and Relaxing Treatment

The Effectiveness and Safety of Ketamine Therapy While initially used primarily as an anesthetic agent, recent research has unveiled ketamine’s potential in mental health treatment for a vast array of conditions. Studies have indicated that ketamine infusions can effectively treat depression in 60-80% of individuals, with some experiencing relief for months. Unlike traditional antidepressants, ketamine works through a unique mechanism by targeting glutamate, a neurotransmitter in the brain. This mechanism stimulates the production of a growth factor that aids in the restoration of damaged neurons, leading to improved mood and potential nerve cell regeneration that offers more lasting relief from symptoms and that can ultimately improve the patient’s quality of life.

“There’s great evidence for ketamine’s ability to stop suicidal thoughts instantly,” Dr. Kurz said of the treatments, “whereas other treatments can take four to six weeks to decrease those thoughts.” In addition, “more people go into full remission from depression with ketamine treatments than other medications.” This means many individuals suffering from various mental health conditions and mood disorders are able to manage their symptoms without the use of daily medication.

Regarding concerns about addiction, ketamine has a proven safety record in humans, having been utilized as an anesthetic and in trauma management for many years. While recreational misuse of ketamine at higher doses has occurred, there is less propensity for addiction. Moreover, ketamine therapy is administered under medical supervision at subanesthetic doses, ensuring the safety of patients during treatment.

Life-Changing Healing If you or someone you know is grappling with a mood disorder, do not hesitate to contact Luma Health & Wellness. Their empathetic care and innovative treatment options can make a significant difference in enhancing your mental health and overall well-being. Treatments can be provided with a referral, in conjunction with counseling, or on their own, upon a psychiatric screening and with support from the team at the clinic.

“Not only does it save peoples’ lives, but it changes their lives,” McCann says of the difference she has seen through her work with ketamine. “The healing of the patients we see causes a beautiful cascade of healing for others in their lives too . . . If you are need of that help, we are here for you.”

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What's Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap)?

Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) is extra insurance you can buy from a private health insurance company to help pay your share of out-of-pocket costs in Original Medicare.

Get Medigap Basics

You can only buy Medigap if you have Original Medicare. That means you must sign up for both Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) & Part B (Medical Insurance) before you can buy a Medigap policy.

You get a 6 month “Medigap Open Enrollment” period, which starts the first month you have Medicare Part B and you’re 65 or older.

During this time, you can enroll in any Medigap policy and the insurance company can’t deny you coverage due to pre-existing health problems. After this period, you may not be able to buy a Medigap policy, or it may cost more. Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period is a one-time enrollment. It doesn’t repeat every year, like the Medicare Open Enrollment Period.

All Medigap policies are standardized. This means they offer the same basic benefits no matter where you live or which insurance company you buy the policy from. There are 10 different types of Medigap plans offered in most states, which are named by letters: A-D, F, G, and K-N. Price is the only difference between plans with the same letter that are sold by different insurance companies.

In some states, you may be able to buy another type of Medigap policy called Medicare SELECT. If you buy a Medicare SELECT policy, you have the right to change your mind within 12 months and switch to a standard Medigap policy.

Talk to your insurance to learn more and check www.Medicar.gov Source: https://www.medicare.gov/health-drug-plans/medigap

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The New Medical Tourism—an insider’s view

by Pamela Tames

Let’s say you want to go on a trip. Maybe Costa Rica for some eco-touring. Let’s also say that your teeth are in bad shape, having been neglected through the COVID years. You’ve heard that Costa Rica offers excellent dental care at very affordable prices and figure, why not combine them? That right there is medical tourism—a general term that might include dental, cosmetic, wellness and other healthcare services pursued abroad. In the last decade, medical tourism has evolved to become so much more, says Elizabeth Ziemba, President and Founder of Medical Tourism Training. Today, governments and healthcare businesses around the world are retooling with innovative technologies and procedures to offer more services. The ultimate goal is to capture tourists’ healthcare dollars in what has become an increasingly competitive industry. In our interview below, Ziemba describes the new trends in medical tourism and what it could mean for you if you’re thinking about venturing abroad for care.

Give me a sense of what your consulting company does. What kind of services do you provide and to whom?

Medical Tourism Training works primarily with governments, hospitals and clinics around the world, helping them develop internal systems and processes with the goal of delivering higher quality of care for international health travelers. We also help with strategic branding and marketing with the goal of differentiating services and identifying the right market segment. People aren’t going to get on a plane and cross borders unless there is a well-defined, unique, credible and compelling offering. That’s why we avoid clients who say they’re the best at everything.

That may be true for a small handful of providers but that message will not motivate medical travelers to select that provider.

When I started looking at this field, I naively thought that medical tourism was ‘rich people medicine without rich people prices.’ You could go abroad and get quality care at affordable prices and no waiting times. I also naively thought it was an American “thing.” Who are the medical tourists of today and what are they looking for?

Rich people will always go where they think they can buy the best healthcare regardless of cost. It’s been that way for centuries. It will always be that way. So there is some competition for those patients.

But for the average hospital or clinic, the sweet spot is the middle class with disposable income. That include Americans, of course, but our middle class is shrinking. That’s not the case elsewhere. World Data Lab expects 113 million people to join the global middle class in 2024, with the vast majority coming from Asia. India, for instance, has a massive population, rising income levels, and high rates of urbanization. They can afford to travel, and use the internet to find the services they cannot afford or are not available at home. They’re, also, looking for discretion and privacy about what kinds of services they’re getting. Finally, they want immediate access.

Long waiting times they can get at home. When they travel, they are seen quickly. For instance, dental tourism has been taking off because there’s a shortage of dentists and dental procedures can get very pricey especially if you’ve neglected care for years as many of us did through COVID. If you’re facing a $30,000 dental bill then, you might consider traveling to Mexico like Americans and Canadians or Hungary, which is another terrific destination where a lot of Europeans go.

Where are some of top destinations for medical tourists?

We see a lot of Canadians and Americans traveling to Mexico, maybe to Costa Rica, South America, or the Caribbean. Geographically, we would consider those fairly close together and there’s some cultural affinity or familiarity perhaps from having taken a previous trip there. Pre-COVID, an international credit card company asked us to do some research not only about how providers south of the United States are charging for their services, but also how credit companies could market to medical travelers. One LOCAL NEWS | LocalUmbrellaNews.com

finding that emerged was that people who had gone to a destination for a vacation were exponentially more likely to go back there for healthcare services.

They were also exponentially more willing to have surgery, or more complex care, in those places. Those destinations had what we would call high visitor loyalty. Other countries show different trends. For instance, Australians will go to Thailand, particularly for elective surgeries. Indonesians travel to Malaysia.

Japanese and Chinese to South Korea. Africans to South Africa. Middle Easterners to Germany or other parts of Europe. Some come to the United States.

The tourism departments of each country track who’s coming back and market additional healthcare services to them, generating more revenue per tourist.

It can be quite confusing and even alarming researching where to go for care. It seems there is no shortage of self-proclaimed experts, “accredited” by some suspect organization offering to “facilitate” your trip for what I assume to be a back-end referral fee. If you dig deeper, there’s no transparency. You can’t get to a real person. You go to Trust Pilot and the reviews are all over the place. You’ve seen medical tourism from all sides—consumer, government, business.

If you had a family member, say, who was going to consider going abroad for a procedure, how would you counsel them about how to plan their trip?

I think what most people do is follow social media.

They’ll maybe check some review sites and then, sort of take a deep breath, hold their noses and jump.

To me, that’s not necessarily the smartest way to select your health care. We all know it gets pretty nasty out there in the world of social media with fake reviews and misinformation. So let’s look at facilitators, individuals who help consumers match with hospitals or clinics. I’ve been on the board of a large international facilitator company, helping them to craft their selection process for providers who they will then include and promote to people coming to their website for healthcare services. How these businesses screen providers is essentially how I would suggest a consumer might approach their due diligence, keeping in mind the business has more resources to dig deeper. This process includes checking the licensure of the hospital or clinic; and checking the credentials of the doctors, surgeons, and even the leadership or the senior management. Every country has licensing boards and you can check to see if a hospital or clinic is licensed and how they are licensed.

If you’re going for a surgical procedure, for instance, you want to ensure they’re licensed for inpatient care and not as a day clinic. Additionally, doctors have to be licensed in every country. Some countries are better at setting standards, enforcing licensing infringements and tracking malpractice. Dig around for information before you even get engaged with the chat bot on their site. Also, spend time really digging through the website. Does the information seem credible? If something you read doesn’t ring true, there’s a warning sign right there. It really is buyer beware. It sounds like a lot of work but protecting your health is worth the time and effort. /LocalUmbrellaMedia

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There’s got to be a way to cut through the scams?

One of the best ways I recommend before deciding if you want to engage with a particular hospital is to have teleconferences. Speak with not only the doctor or surgeon who will be providing the services, but also with the nurses and hospital leadership. You may not get to the CEO, but you should be able to get to somebody in patient services—a case manager or patient care coordinator—quality assurance or Human Resources. Ask a lot of questions about what to expect with your procedure, patient privacy, and the continuum of care. After talking to 3 or 4 people, you should be able to get a good sense of what the organization is about and what kinds of services they offer. They should be willing to spend time explaining every aspect of the patient journey, starting from the first phone call all the way to the post-discharge follow up, so you know exactly what to expect.

How many providers are doing it “right,” providing a high level of customer care?

I work with really good clients who are committed to the highest standards. Usually, the bigger the client, the bigger the budget, the more services they offer, and the more due diligence they do on their healthcare providers. But even a modestly sized clinic— whether it’s a cosmetic surgery clinic, a dental clinic, or a bariatric surgery center—should have budget and personnel to address all your questions and concerns. If they don’t, then keep looking.

Kiplinger’s had a recent article suggesting you look for clinics that are accredited. That got me wondering, who’s doing the accreditation and how are the standards set?

There are different levels of accreditation, such as, national or international. Many countries have national accreditation programs but there are probably less than 20 international accreditation companies that offer their private services to hospitals and clinics to go above and beyond national requirements. Every country requires that healthcare hospitals and clinics be licensed so they have to meet some minimum standard set by that country. National licensing requirements vary widely from country to country. The countries with stronger and larger economies tend to have more infrastructure, which means they usually have better licensing requirements and better auditing for compliance. This licensure is the baseline, or the minimum. Additionally, some countries such as the U.S. have mandatory accreditation. Colombia is another country that has a national licensure and then on top of that an accreditation program that’s optional. As for standards, those are typically unique to each accreditation company and are usually tied to best practices as established by the peer-reviewed literature and evolving protocols or procedures for that country or globally. Best practices would constitute a higher benchmark than just licensure but keep in mind, they’re not always up to date.

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Dubai Healthcare City 2050 reflects a futuristic vision of a multi-functional healthcare complex. It’s anticipated to be the largest medical tourism center in the Persian Gulf.

Wellness has exploded with our growing interest in health optimization and disease prevention.

How do you think about wellness services in the context of medical tourism generally? Many medical clinics have expanded their services To cater to the wellness consumer. There’s a lot of hype and “wellness washing” now that makes me a little crazy.

Because these procedures are generally non-invasive, there’s less risk of something going wrong. You still want to do your due diligence, however, and talk to people about what you are looking for. For example, if you’re going to a yoga retreat you might want to know how many yoga instructors are on site, if they’re licensed or certified, and what exactly that means.

Having seen hospitals around the world, would you say other countries have a more integrated approach to healthcare than the US, which is sometimes faulted for having a disease care model.

Yes, I’d say integrative medicine is often on offer and there is demand for it. For instance, the London Clinic is a cancer hospital in England where Executive Head Chef, Paul O’Brien, works closely with nutrition experts to prepare meals that are specifically designed for cancer patients depending on their diagnosis.

There’s a lot of research supporting the role of nutrition in cancer care. The Chef also has a program teaching family members how to cook for the patient when they come home. I visited Chef O’Brien and got a tour followed by lunch. I’m probably one of the pickiest eaters around and the meal was fabulous.

Another big trend I’m seeing is the creation of sprawling healthcare cities that serve both local citizenry and medical tourists. I’m thinking about Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.

These countries have comprehensive strategic plans for national and medical tourism. It’s mind bending, the money being poured into these health city infrastructure projects. Mostly the countries mentioned are catering to the local population, providing Muslims with care that specifically accommodates their cultural and religious needs.

They’re not competing with major US hubs such as Cleveland Clinic, Mayo, and the Texas Medical Center in Houston. But the competition is building as these and other countries invest in developing their own healthcare infrastructure and in educating their own healthcare professionals LOCAL NEWS | LocalUmbrellaNews.com

instead of importing those skills. It’s just a matter of time. Right now, we’re seeing key partnerships between organizations, such as Cleveland Clinic and Abu Dhabi, where senior management as well as clinical staff go to Abu Dhabi and help implement Cleveland Clinic best practices at the hospital in the UAE. In exchange for this transfer of knowledge and skills, Cleveland Clinic becomes a partner and a destination for patients too complex for Abu Dhabi to handle. These are typically very high dollar value patients.

Where do you see medical tourism heading? Has it reached critical mass, ready to take off, or is it still in a “shake out” phase?

I think we’re in a growth phase but it’s different then what was happening pre-COVID. when it was very much consumer driven. Pre-COVID medical travel was primarily consumer driven with individuals looking for dental care, cosmetic surgery, some elective surgeries (joint replacement). A smaller subset needed very complex medical care. There was also a group I’d call “desperate consumers”—people with terminal illnesses who were looking for any potentially life-saving treatment and felt they had nothing to lose in trying something not widely accepted as medically proven. COVID changed a lot.

Today, consumers are continuing to shop for those services but but there is a shift from consumers to governments and insurance companies offering programs specifically for medical travelers.

The most change is taking place at the level of complex medical care level. Providers in the US, Middle East, the UK, Germany, France, Thailand, South Korea, Malaysia and other countries are all competing for international patients with complex medical conditions. Certain destinations and providers are carving out specialty healthcare services where they can be the national, regional, or global leader.

For example, in South Korea highly quality, complex spinal procedures set it apart on the international stage. At other destinations it might be a specific kind of transplantation or cancer care. Instead of, say, come to Cleveland Clinic for all your health care needs, it will be, come for our world-renowned cardiac surgeon and the new, advanced treatment offered At the same time, countries such as Kuwait, which used to send many patients abroad for care at top prices, will begin providing those services domestically /LocalUmbrellaMedia

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by investing in local healthcare infrastructure.

Instead of a patient going to Cleveland Clinic US, for instance, where everyone knows the prices are highest, they may send them to Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. There’s a lot of pressure on healthcare budgets around the world so cost savings are changing the way destinations and providers are selected.

Do you think we’ll ever get to a time when Medicare will cover people traveling abroad for care?

In a word, no. It’s my understanding that Medicare legislation, except under some very few instances, will not cover any healthcare services outside the United States. It’s a statutory law and I don’t think there will be political will in this country to ever change that.

Despite spending more on healthcare than any other country, we in the US have lower life expectancy, higher rates of infant mortality, and higher rates of preventable deaths as compared with other developed countries. We also rate poorly in terms of access to care and affordability.

Millions of Americans are uninsured or underinsured, and many others have trouble affording the high cost of healthcare services.

And yet many Americans I talk with would never consider going abroad for care. What would you tell them?

I would say let’s look at some facts. It’s well established that the US spends more than double on healthcare per person than any other country and we fare poorly in terms of health outcomes. With anything else, when you pay for a steak, say, you expect a steak, but we’re not getting steak, are we? If you talk to most healthcare professionals, they will tell you the system is really not serving people as well as it should. Access is a problem. Costs are out of control. Once you get into the system—and I can speak about this as a consultant and through personal experience—everything is fragmented and disjointed.

The continuum of care is mediocre. People are so afraid of surprise medical bills they avoid going to the doctor. We know that the number one reason for personal bankruptcy in the U.S. is medical bills. As populations continue to age and healthcare costs in America continue to skyrocket, we’ll be seeing more and more people traveling abroad for affordable or specialized care, and preventive or wellness services.

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| VOLUME 9 WINTER 2023 A Publication of Local Umbrella Media

Book Signing With Professor Peter Bolland

Peter Bolland, a Philosophy and Humanities Department Chair, and Professor of Philosophy and Humanities at Southwestern College, will be presenting his new book and hosting a book signing on Saturday, November 18 at the La Mesa location of San Diego Oasis, Grossmont Shopping Center, 5500 Grossmont Center Dr., Suite 269, La Mesa, CA 91942.

His journey to wisdom has been a remarkable one, influenced by a passion for philosophy, a love of music, and a deep desire to share his insights with the world. Bolland’s journey to becoming an author started fourteen years ago when he began working on his first book,“The Seven Stone Path: An Everyday Journey to Wisdom.” This book, which he will be presenting at the upcoming event, is a testament to his dedication to making philosophy accessible to everyone.

As a philosophy professor and a columnist for several magazines, Bolland recognized that the profound insights of wisdom traditions were often locked behind complex language and abstraction. He wanted to be a guide, helping people bring these insights into their everyday lives.

In“The Seven Stone Path,” Bolland takes readers on a journey to wisdom, breaking down the barriers that often prevent people from accessing this knowledge. He believes that wisdom is not just something to know but something to live. Wisdom is a way of being in the world, and Bolland’s book serves as a practical guide to help individuals incorporate wisdom into their daily lives.

Bolland’s journey to wisdom is not confined to his role as a professor and author. He lives and breathes the philosophies and wisdom traditions he teaches. Wisdom, for Bolland, is not something you can merely acquire through reading or memorization; it’s a way of life. He emphasizes that wisdom is not conceptual; it’s an embodiment of how one navigates life.

Throughout his life, Bolland has been a student and teacher of wisdom traditions, and they have had a profound impact on him. The wisdom traditions are like beautiful music that you never tire of hearing, and they have the power to transform the way you interact with the world.

Bolland’s wife, Lori, plays a significant role in his journey.

She has been a constant source of inspiration and encouragement, pushing him to pursue an advanced degree, become a professor, and take creative risks such as writing a book. Their relationship provides a strong foundation for Bolland, allowing him to reach higher and strive for his goals.

To Bolland, wisdom is not about accumulating knowledge or information; it’s the art of living well. It’s not a sudden insight but the result of years of trial, error, and reflection. Wisdom is an empty concept, ineffable, and can’t be confined to words. It’s the fuel for the soul, making life feel deeper and more meaningful.

Bolland’s musical journey parallels his academic and writing endeavors. He was born into a musical family and started playing the piano at a young age. He later transitioned to the guitar and played in various bands throughout his life. Music, like philosophy, is a way for him to explore the mysteries of existence, and his songs and performances are an extension of his philosophical quest.

Bolland’s journey to wisdom, fueled by philosophy, music, and the support of loved ones, serves as an inspiration to those seeking meaning and depth in their lives. His dedication to making philosophy accessible and practical has the power to enrich the lives of many, guiding them on their own journeys to wisdom. Whether through his books, music, or teaching, Bolland’s work is a testament to the profound and transformative impact of wisdom in our lives.

At A Glance: Peter Bolland Philosophy and Humanities Department Chair Professor of Philosophy and Humanities, Southwestern College Columnist Website http://peterbolland.com YouTube Channel - https://youtube.com/user/peterbollandtv Guided Meditations on Insight Timer - https://insighttimer.com/peterbolland Musin on BandCamp https://peterbolland.bandcamp. com/ San Diego Oasis – La Mesa Grossmont Shopping Center 5500 Grossmont Center Drive Suite 269 La Mesa, CA 91942 (619) 881-6262 LOCAL NEWS | LocalUmbrellaNews.com

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Rancho Santa Fe Foundation Strengthens Development and Grants Team with Promotion of Senior Leader and Addition of New Team Member

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Amy Myers promoted to vice president of philanthropy and impact; Anna Maria Maybury joins as grants manager to expand the Foundation’s impactful giving initiatives Leaders at Rancho Santa Fe Foundation, a leading community organization dedicated to making a positive impact in North County, announce the promotion of veteran fundraising professional Amy Myers as the Foundation’s vice president of philanthropy and impact. Anna Maria Maybury joins Rancho Santa Fe Foundation as the organization’s new grants manager, where she will spearhead the rollout of the Foundation’s new grantmaking impact pillars.

Rancho Santa Fe Foundation brings together the financial resources of individuals, families, and businesses for collaborative giving to support effective San Diego nonprofit organizations. The Foundation conducts research to understand the most pressing needs in the community, which professionally vetted nonprofit organizations are creating the most effective solutions, and which are best equipped to implement those solutions. “Both Amy and Anna Maria bring deep sector experience and enthusiasm to their respective roles to help the Foundation execute its mission,” says Karen Sprigle, interim president and CEO, Rancho Santa Fe Foundation.

Promotion of Amy Myers to Vice President of Philanthropy and Impact Myers is a veteran philanthropy professional, who is responsible for fundholder stewardship, community engagement and cultivating relationships with Rancho Santa Fe Foundation stakeholders. She joined the Foundation in 2022, bringing decades of experience working for nonprofit organizations in development capacities. Most recently, Myers previously served as senior executive director of Southern California and director of philanthropy for the American Cancer Society. She has held roles including philanthropy officer with Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute and corporate development director with Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County.

In her time with Rancho Santa Fe Foundation, Myers has connected donors with regional needs through visionary community leadership and personalized service. She has also led marketing efforts to engage stakeholders in the launch of the Foundation’s new impact pillars. Myers is a member of San Diego Rotary (Club 33) and an advisory board member of the Vision of Children Foundation, in addition to supporting numerous other local causes.

“We are thrilled to recognize Amy’s hard work and dedication to Rancho Santa Fe Foundation

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through this well-earned promotion to vice president of philanthropy,” says Sprigle. “As North County’s home for impactful giving, we value the trust and partnerships we share with our donors, fundholders, grantees and community members, and Amy is a true embodiment of that spirit.”

Anna Maria Maybury is Rancho Santa Fe Foundation’s New Grants Manager Rancho Santa Fe Foundation also welcomes North County resident Anna Maria Maybury as its new grants manager. Maybury comes to the Foundation from the nonprofit organization Girls on the Run San Diego, where she served as executive director. She is currently working in close collaboration with outgoing programs director Debbie Anderson, who recently retired, to learn more about the Foundation’s grant operations, procedures and other programs that make it unique.

Maybury will be a key leader in rolling out new impact pillars where the Foundation will focus its grantmaking. One of the pillars is the Advancing Education initiative, which will support nonprofits that are creating a seamless pipeline of learning opportunities, starting with early childhood education and continuing through K-12, post-secondary education and

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workforce development.

“Anna Maria’s expertise and passion for philanthropy will be instrumental in advancing our mission to support San Diego nonprofit organizations, especially with regard to our grantmaking pillars,” says Sprigle. “We look forward to her contributions as we continue our commitment to collaborative and impactful giving.”

Before joining the Rancho Santa Fe Foundation team, Maybury worked as a consultant and grant writer. Her previous related work experience includes roles with nonprofit organizations Project Left Behind and Voices for Children.

About Rancho Santa Fe Foundation Rancho Santa Fe Foundation is the bridge that connects forward-thinking philanthropists in North County San Diego with outstanding nonprofit institutions.

The Foundation serves as a convener, bringing the right people and organizations together to help donors leverage impact and nonprofits accelerate progress.

Learn more at www. rsffoundation.org.

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| VOLUME 9 WINTER 2023 A Publication of Local Umbrella Media

Santa Claus Shares the Gift of Giving with The Salvation Army Throughout San Diego County.

By Bob Morey With Jake Minger

As the holiday season approaches, Santa Claus is not only preparing his sleigh and checking his list, but he’s also taking time to spread the message of giving and the imp or tance of supp or ting organizations like The Salvation Army.

Santa has b een a longtime supp or ter of The Salvation Army in San Diego, where they have b een there for those in need since 1887. “For centuries, I’ve seen the joy that giving can bring to people,” Santa Claus said, his eyes twinkling with the warmth and magic of the holiday spirit. “ The Salvation Army has b een an invaluable par tner in spreading love and kindness during my favorite time of year.”

Santa went on to explain that The Salvation Army’s red kettle, a familiar sight outside many lo cal stores during the holiday season are an enduring symb ol of hope and supp or t for those facing hardships. He encourages ever yone to drop a donation into these kettles as a way to give back to your community. “Ever y little bit counts and it’s a way for people to join the spirit of giving, no matter how small or large their donation is.”

The funds are collected in the iconic red kettles and are used by The Salvation Army to provide vital ser vices such as fo o d, shelter, clothing, and toys for families in need during the holidays.

Santa Claus shared hear twarming stories of the impact these donations have on individuals and families who may b e struggling during this festive season. “It’s not just ab out material things; it’s ab out spreading love, joy and hope.”

Santa also sp oke ab out the p ower of volunteerism as another way to supp or t The Salvation Army. He praised the countless volunteers who generously gave their time to help distribute fo o d, wrap gif ts, and provide a warm meal to those less for tunate. “ These self less acts of kindness emb o dy the true spirit of the holidays,” Saint Nick said.

When asked ab out the imp or tance of donating during the holidays, Santa Claus’s eyes f illed with emotion. “ The holidays are a time for love, compassion, and unity. It’s a time to think of others and reach out to those in need.

The act of giving, whether through donations or volunteering, is a way to make our world a b etter place.”

Santa urges ever yone to embrace the holiday season with open hear ts and generous spirits. “Let us all come together and make this world a little brighter, a little warmer, and a little more loving during the holidays. Supp or t The Salvation Army in San Diego and make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.”

He reminded us that even a small gesture can have a profound impact, creating a ripple effect of kindness and go o dwill throughout the community. “By giving to The Salvation Army, you are making a huge difference in the lives of others and spreading the true spirit of the holidays.”

Santa also p oints out that The Salvation Army is more than just red kettles and thrif t shops. “Over the last 143 years, The Salvation Army has b een here ser ving our communities in times of national and personal disaster and resp onding to the crisis and those in need LOCAL NEWS | LocalUmbrellaNews.com

when they need some help the most.”

“You’re all invited to come out and join me and some of my friends for The Salvation Army’s Light Up The Holidays Red Kettle Kickoff star ting at 4:00 PM on Saturday, Novemb er 25 th at The Grossmont Center lo cated at 5500 Grossmont Center Dr. in La Mesa. At this family-friendly event, we’ll light up the tree while watching holiday per formers sing some of our favorite songs, the kiddies can have their photo taken with /LocalUmbrellaMedia

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me, and there will b e fo o d and so much more!”

Santa Claus’s message ser ves as a p ower ful reminder that the joy of giving is not limited to the Nor th Pole but can b e found in the hear ts of people worldwide. This holiday season, let us take his message to hear t and rememb er the imp or tance of supp or ting organizations like The Salvation Army in San Diego, making the season a little brighter for ever yone in our community.

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A Publication of Local Umbrella Media VOLUME 9 | WINTER 2023 |

Fall Has Arrived, So It Must Be Time For Christmas

By Bob Morey

N

ow that Halloween is behind us and it’s time to think about Thanksgiving, it seems that everybody is already onto Santa and Christmas. From shopping to decorations, even some tree farms are starting to pop up. Our Performing Arts are no different, and over the next few weeks, they too will be in the holiday spirit. Across the county, you will have lots to choose from; some of it will be the traditional holiday offerings we have come to love and look forward to from year to year, and some will be – well, different.

Here is a mix of what’s up on the stage for you.

The tradition continues at The Old Globe, where you will have two shows to choose from. The seasonal crowd favorite is back!

Now Playing is Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

Jack O’Brien conceived and directed the original production of one of Theodor S. Geisel (Dr. Seuss) most beloved books.

The current production is Directed by James Vásquez – an Old Globe favorite and resident artist. Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! is a wonderful, whimsical musical based upon the classic Dr. Seuss book. Back for its 26th incredible year, the family favorite features the songs “Santa for a Day,” “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” and “Welcome, Christmas (Fah Who Doraze),” the delightful carol from the popular animated version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Celebrate the holidays as the Old Globe Theatre, is once again transformed into the snowcovered Who-ville, right down to the last can of Who-hash. This show is family-friendly for children over 3 and runs through December 30th.

Next door in the round and opening on November 17th is Ebenezer Scrooge’s BIG San Diego Christmas Show!

Written By Gordon Greenberg and Steve Rosen, based on A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens and Directed by Gordon Greenberg. Yes - It’s back! San Diego has another show in its Christmas stocking with this fast, funny, and highly theatrical reimagining of one of the most beloved holiday stories ever told.

All the traditional elements of Dickens’s A Christmas Carol are intact—including the iconic ghosts of Christmases Past, Present, and Future—but with a comic local twist. Audiences of all ages will cheer Ebenezer Scrooge’s rediscovery of the Christmas spirit in this riotous Dickens mash-up filled with music and laughter— all set in “wintery” San Diego. Another family-friendly show that is for the ages of 5 and up. The Ghosts of Christmas flee on December 30th.

The tradition continues at The City Ballet of San Diego as they bring San Diego’s favorite seasonal classic ballet The Nutcracker back to The Center for the Performing Arts for 4 performances from December 21st through the 23rd.

Composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and Performed live

by The City Ballet Orchestra with John Nettles Conducting and Choreography by Elizabeth Wistrich after Rudolph Nureyev. The Nutcracker is the classic Victorian-era story of the adventures of Clara, the Nutcracker Prince, Herr Drosselmeyer, and the Sugar Plum Fairy told through a magical theatrical experience to Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s famous score. Young and old alike will be captivated by Elizabeth Wistrich’s choreography, the exquisite costumes, and grand sets. Let your childhood dreams return and inspire you to imagine a bygone time. An absolute must for all ages.

Across the bay in Coronado, The Lamb’s Players have given us so many shows that have been held over time after time, they have now brought together the cast members from two of their most popular recent shows, Respect and the Million Dollar Quartet, to bring Respectfully Christmas to their stage for a joyous celebration of the Christmas carols and songs we have loved since our childhood no matter how old you are. This is a show for all ages and runs from November 25th through December 24th.

The hottest and hardest ticket to get in town right now is at The La Jolla Playhouse with the World Premiere of Babbit.

Written by Joe DiPietro who adapted the novel by Sinclair Lewis. Directed by Christopher Ashley and Starring Matthew Broderick. George F. Babbitt is a middle-aged real estate broker

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in the Midwestern city of Zenith. By day, he has a prosperous, respectable middle-class existence. By night, he’s plagued by the thought that he has amounted to nothing. Searching for more to life than his top-of-the-line toaster and hickory golf club ‘more meaning’ Babbitt leaps with abandon into the most costing him everything. Babbitt entered the zeitgeist in 1922 as a novel by white-hot satirist Sinclair Lewis, the first American Nobel Laureate. An instant literary classic, Babbitt has been a stalwart on ‘best ever’ lists for over 100 years and is now adapted for the stage. Babbit opened on November 7th and has been extended through December 10th. Babbit is for older ages.

The Cygent Theatre in Old Town is returning its holiday smash hit for the 8th Anniversary of A Christmas Carol.

Adapted from Charles Dicken’s novel, Written, Lyrics, and Directed by Sean Murray with an Original Score by Billy Thompson. Enjoy the holiday classic adapted from Charles Dickens’s timeless tale of hope and redemption. This imaginative production features original music, creative stagecraft and puppetry, and live sound effects. Step into a Victorian Christmas card for a unique storytelling experience that will delight the entire family! A Christmas Carol is family-friendly and plays from December 1st through 30th.

With all the Christmas caroling going on around town, there is no chance that The San Diego Musical Theatre will miss out on it and will bring us Forever Plaid - Plaid Tidings, opening November 24th and singing through December 24th. With a Book by Stuart Ross and Directed by David Humphrey.

The legendary Plaids return to Earth to spread yuletide joy with the greatest holiday hits of the ages. Filled with Christmas standards that have all been “Plaid-erized,” our boys are back to do their Christmas Special. At first, Francis, Jinx, Smudge, and Sparky aren’t sure why they’ve returned to Earth for another posthumous performance, but a phone call from the heavenly Rosemary Clooney lets them know that they’re needed to put a little harmony into a discordant world. Forever Plaid is familyfriendly and for all ages.

The San Diego Symphony is back at The Shell with a pair of shows, one traditional, and one different. First up is the return of Noel Noel, from December 15th through the 17th.

The Symphony will be led by the artistic tour-de-force team consisting of celebrated Guest Conductor Christopher Dragon, joined by Guest Vocalist Devin DeSantis, featuring The San Diego Master Chorale (Dr. John K. Russell, Music Director) and The San Diego Children’s Choir (Ruthie Millgard, Artistic Director), Directed by Jonathan Gilmer from a Script by Mabelle Reynoso.

Audiences will experience the return of Noel as she and her friends search for Santa and the magic that he brings with the season. It’s a program full of Christmas classics, sing-alongs, holiday cheer, and jolly spirit. Noel Noel is family-friendly and for all ages.

Next up is Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas In Concert, with guest conductor Thiago Tiberio, featuring a screening of Disney’s timeless holiday classic with GRAMMY®winning composer Danny Elfman’s musical score performed live to the film. First released in 1993, the film follows the earnest-but-misguided adventures of Jack Skellington, Halloween Town’s beloved Pumpkin King, as he attempts to take over the Christmas holiday. Against the advice of Sally, a lonely rag doll who has feelings for him, Jack enlists three mischievous trick-ortreaters – Lock, Shock, and Barrel – to help him kidnap Santa Claus. The film is rated “PG” and parents should gauge if it is appropriate for their children.

There is enough there to keep you running through the end of the year as some of these productions play longer than usual, giving you ample opportunity to pick out a couple to hit between shopping days. As a bonus tip, to avoid the crowds, a great day to take in a show is Black Friday. So until next month, from us here at Local Umbrella Media, A Very Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.

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| VOLUME 9 WINTER 2023 A Publication of Local Umbrella Media

NOVEMBER 2023

BY BART MENDOZA © MUSICSCENESD // MUSICSCENESD.COM

20

Queen Bee’s 15th Anniversary On December 12, beloved North Park-based venue, Queen Bee’s Art and Cultural Center (3925 Ohio St.), is celebrating its 15 th Anniversary with a daylong party. Helmed

by Alma Rodriguez, Queen Bee’s was opened on December 12, 2008, quickly establishing itself as one of the premier locations for the arts in San Diego. And that’s no understatement. Oueen Bee has hosted over 3,000 events in its 15 years, supporting thriving communities for those who love dance, spoken word, comedy, and music, notably hosting the annual Beatles Fair.

A reception kicks off the 15 th Anniversary celebration at noon, with a cocktail lounge and gourmet taco bar among the amenities for party goers. Meanwhile, at 1 p.m., there will be the reading of an official proclamation from the City of San Diego, acknowledging Queen Bee’s many contributions to the city. Both Mayor Todd Gloria and Councilmember Stephen Whitburn are scheduled to attend the reading.

Entertainment for the party will include some of the area’s bestknown performers. First up will be spoken word artist/poet Rudy Francisco (1 p.m.), followed by award-winning troubadour Gregory Page (2 p.m.). Sure to be one of the day’s highlights, at 3 p.m. acclaimed jazz trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos will perform with his band. Shifting gears, at 6 p.m. there will be swing dance lessons, taught by singer Mercedes Moore, with gypsy jazz combo Zzymzzy Quartet closing the night out with a set at 7 p.m.

“I’m honored to have reached this milestone,” said Rodriguez. “It hasn’t always been easy, but I think we’ve built up something special at Queen Bee’s. I love that it’s a base for so many different art forms, and also that it’s a place where people can be inspired to create, meet and just have a good time.”

What’s her favorite event at Queen Bee’s? “I really love it all,”

she said. “Spoken word nights can be so inspiring and we’ve had some amazing musical performers, such as Chris Montez, Denny Laine (Moody Blues / Wings), and Joey Molland (Badfinger). Even a former Beatle, Pete Best, has played here. But I have to say, I love to dance, so I’m always happy to see LOCAL NEWS | LocalUmbrellaNews.com

those types of events on our calendar!”

After 15 years of Queen Bee, what is Rodriguez most proud of ?

“It has been my journey to create a unique space of expression, and Queen Bee’s has allowed me to do that and more than I ever imag-

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ined ,” she said. “I am so grateful

to know that people respect and support my vision. I am proud of the artistic community for making Queen Bees their very own creative venue.” www.queenbeessd.com

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21

Eli Holland / Zebra in Ramona!

Singer Eli Holland, formerly of the Original Starfires, is busy putting together a new group, touching on his work in the mid1970’s with electronica pioneer, Peter Baumann of Tangerine Dream. On November 3, those plans took a slight change of direction when Holland was asked to sit in with Louisiana-based platinum-selling hard rockers Zebra during their performance at the Ramona Mainstage. He sang a version of Led Zeppelin’s song, “Ramble On,” going down a storm with the crowd.

The team-up was a long time coming. “The late 70s, early 80s was the peak of the NY tri-state area rock club scene, especially in Long Island,” explained Holland. “I was the lead singer for a band called Steeplechase, and we played the circuit doing originals and a lot of Led Zeppelin. Zebra came into NY from Louisiana and became hugely popular, also doing originals and a lot of Zeppelin. We were booked on a gig together and instantly hit it off personally and out of mutual musical respect.” After that, Steeplechase opened for Zebra regularly. “We would get together before the gig and decide who would do what Zepplin songs so we wouldn’t overlap. After I split with Steeplechase, I took a detour into synthpop when I co-wrote and performed the vocals on an album with Peter Baumann. I kept in touch with Randy, Felix, and Guy over the years and went to see them occasionally.”

dy that The Ramona Main Stage would be a good place to play. To my surprise, I saw that they were actually playing there on November 3 and got excited. I told Randy that I live in Ramona and would be there and he put me and my wife Michele on the guest list.”

Holland’s request for an old favorite yielded unexpected results. “I made a request by asking him if they play “Ramble On,’ as it was a favorite of mine from the Steeplechase days.

He said no, he does it on solo gigs, but the band doesn’t play it. So, we went to see them, and after the opening act, Headphone (which was very good), we went backstage to say hello before they went on. We did our hugs and reminiscing and then Randy said, “Oh, by the way, we learned “Ramble On” and you’re singing it.” I was totally f lattered that they did that and went out to watch the show. When Randy called me up on stage, I totally transported back in time and my muscle memory kicked in. The crowd was so into it and I had a blast. I could barely get back to my seat with all the high fives and accolades. It was an experience I will treasure.”

What’s next for Holland? “I was putting together an 80s SynthPop tribute band, but it’s been hard to find competent musicians to commit, especially the keyboardist,” he said good-naturedly. “After singing with Zebra, I might have the itch to do a Zeppelin tribute.” www.facebook.com/eli.holland1

The last time Holland saw Zebra was in Laguna circa 2018. “At the time, I told Ran-

The 2023 San Diego Holiday Gift Guide The 2023 San Diego Holiday Gift Guide

The holiday season is upon us! Looking for a hip gift for the discerning music lover in your life? One of the best ways to support local music is to purchase directly from the artist when possible. Here are ten fun options that’ll brighten anyone’s day!

Book / Scott Shaw!s Comix & Stories Just what it says in the title, this is a collection of legendary artist Scott Shaw’s comics and stories. Best known for his work on The Flintstones, The Simpsons, and other cartoon classics, Shaw has also provided artwork for numerous music-related projects including Rhino Records, The Ramones, San Diego music comp, Staring at the Sun Volume XIII, and The Spice Pistols. www.shaw-cartoons.com Magazine / Ugly Things Hands down the most in-depth music magazine going! Mike Stax’s publication recently celebrated its 40th anniversary and it’s still going strong, diving deep into music history, with each issue practically a book

unto itself. Pick up individual issues where you can, but a subscription is recommended so you don’t miss out! https://ugly-things.com Guitar / Tom Delonge Stratocaster Crafted to Delonge’s specifications, this is the ultimate Blink 182 collectible. The guitar might not

help you write hit songs like Delonge, but you’ll be able to sound like him. www.fender.com/en-US/electric-guitars/stratocaster/tom-delonge-stratocaster/0148020357.html Smoking Accessories / Jason Mraz Rolling Papers Themed to Mraz’s album, Lalalalovesongs, this is the perfect stocking stuffer for the dedicated smoker in your life. Insert Big Bambu reference here. https://jasonmraz.shop.musictoday. com/product/JZAM0104/lalala-lovesong-rolling-papers Art / Tamar Berk Painting Following stints in several noted indie bands, Berk has made a major impact with her solo music, most recently, the album, Tiny Injuries. Now she has also made inroads into the art world, with abstract paintings as well as pieces depicting animals.

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https://artempsychedelic. etsy.com Vinyl / Satanic Puppeteer Orchestra albums

When it comes to extras, nothing beats the Satanic Puppeteer Orchestra’s releases. Their latest album, Have An Existential Crisis, is a hand-numbered limited edition of 250 records across three colors, which includes a two-sided puzzle, red decoder glasses, and splintered reality maze and fea-

tures parallel grooves with either Robot or Human vocalists, including guests such as Pall Jenkins (Black Heart Procession) and Pat Beers (The Schizophonics). Collectible! www.satanicpuppeteer.com Clothing / Switchfoot Ugly Sweater Truth in advertising, but it’s still perfect for pending cold weather.

Plus ugly sweaters never go out of fashion. https://switchfoot.com/collections/ apparel/products/ugly-sweater Musical Instrument / The Farmers Kazoo I can’t do better than the band’s own description of said item/

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stocking stuffer: “New. No slobber!

Specially tuned for “Happy Boy” accompaniment in the key of

“wheeee.” https://thefarmersmusic.com/farmers-market Historic Artifact / Rory Gallagher Live in San Diego 1974 Officially released complete seven-song set from the late acclaimed guitarist, recorded in concert at the San Diego Sports Arena on February 8, 1974. Double disc vinyl! www.amazon.com/Rory-Gallagher-Live-Diego-2022/dp/B09PPM7W6M Gift Certificate / Your Favorite Record Store Can’t decide on just the right item?

Vinyl Junkies, Folk Arts, Lou’s Records, M-Theory, and your favorite neighborhood record store can help.

No music fan is ever going to be upset about receiving a gift certificate to a record shop.

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| VOLUME 9 WINTER 2023 A Publication of Local Umbrella Media

Top 5 Concerts Top 5 Concerts

November 26 – Chest Fever / The Belly Up Tavern, Solana Beach

Featuring members of acclaimed combo, Mrs. Henry, Chest Fever celebrates the 45th Anniversary of The Band’s legendary album, The Last Waltz. It’s a multimedia show, mixing film and music, making for a wonderfully immersive night of classic rock.

December 1 – Roddy Radiation and the Skabilly Rebels / Corazon del Barrio, Barrio Logan Ska fans won’t want to miss this appearance from former Specials guitarist, Roddy Radiation!

Add in sets from Smoke and Mirrors Sound System (featuring John Roy) as well as The Amalgamated and it’s an instant dance party!

December 2 – Tim Pyles Rock ‘n’ Roll X-mas Toy Drive / Winston’s, Ocean Beach Tim Pyles kicks off the holiday season with a toy drive, featuring performances from The Diz,

Substitute Gym Teacher and Authentic Sellout, plus Vitto and the Trees. Admission is just $10, or free with an unwrapped toy. Great cause, great music!

December 8 – Christmas with the Blindfold Monks / The Pour House, Oceanside Irish folk / rock band The Blindfold Monks, featuring members of Brogue Wave, The Drowning Men and Flogging Molly, is hosting a Christmas party, with drinking songs alongside more sentimental fare. Their annual holiday shindig is usually a sellout, so get there early!

December 10 – The Tighten Ups / The Casbah, Little Italy Celebrating 15 years of great rock ‘n’ roll, The Tighten Ups (featuring Joey Harris) are throwing a party at The Casbah, and you’re invited!

Opening up the proceedings will be incredible guitarist Laura Chavez, as well as Harpco.

New San Diego Music Releases New San Diego Music Releases

New and Upcoming Singles: Cassie B – “Checkmate,” Crucial Blend – “By My Side” (produced by EN Young), Huero Gee, Nasty Loko, Wonderlox – “We Them Geez,” Manganista – “Human Being,” Mitchy Slick - “Take This L,” MohaviSoul – “Hurry Up and Wait,” Johnny Rock Band – “Single Mom,” Seawall Prophet - “Golden Hue” & “Green Dress,” We Are Jack Strong – “The Mess I’ve made,” Wookie Garcia – “HOA Man” & “Where the Trees Reach the Sky,” The Zeros - “Don’t Push Me Around” (reissue), “Wild Weekend” (reissue), “They Say That (Everything’s Alright)” (reissue) New and Upcoming Albums & EP’s: Ascended LOCAL NEWS | LocalUmbrellaNews.com

Dead - Evenfall of the Apocalypse, Ira B Liss Big Band Jazz Machine – Unexpected Guests (tbd 2024), Manic - Centuries Of Spilled Blood, MohaviSoul – s/t (2024), Mitchy Slick - Everybody Hates Mitch, Wookie Garcia - 4 Days in the Valley, Various Artists – A Metal Tribute to Van Halen (with Stephen Pearcy & Jake E Lee) New and Upcoming Videos: Ira B Liss Big Band Jazz Machine featuring Vince Gill “I’m Counting on You,” Door 13 – “Notre Dame,” Liquid Blue – “Society,” Mitchy Slick - “Take This L,” Sue Palmer & Her Motel Swing Orchestra - “Looking For A Parking Place” /LocalUmbrellaMedia

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23

San Diego Music News 1960’s hitmakers Gary Puckett & The Union Gap will take part in the Flower Power Cruise taking place on March 21 – 28, 2024, sailing from Miami to St. Croix. They’ll be joined by the current lineups of The Lovin Spoonful, The Yardbirds, The Rascals and more!

Two former members of (Mickey) Ratt, singer Stephen Pearcy and early guitarist Jake E. Lee have reunited to record a version of hard rock classic “Running with The Devil” for an upcoming compilation album, A Metal Tribute To Van Halen, from Cleopatra Records.

Point Loma based Pacific Records is celebrating its 20th Anniversary with a special all-ages multi-media event at the Music Box on January 7. In addition to video segments and MC’s, performers will include Shane Hall, izzy delan, Sean Witkin, Manual Scan (with guest Laurie Beebe Lewis), The Moonjacks, Kela Sako, Sandollar, Seawall Prophet, Slack Key Ohana, The Spice Pistols, Jonny Tarr, and The Tourmaliners. The show has an early run time of 4 – 9 p.m.

Vince Gill, is taken from the bands forthcoming album, Unexpected Guests. “The album will be completed most likely by end of 2024,” said Liss.

“Since the album title is “Unexpected Guests,” each track basically will feature a guest artist that one might not commonly associate with a 16-piece jazz big band, either by who they are or what instrument they play.” As for how multi-platinum selling artist Vince Gill came aboard for the project, “basically we asked, and it was kind of a being in the right place at the right time kinda deal.”

Rock ‘n’ roll favorites The Dragons are reuniting for a pair of shows, including a stop at the Casbah on January 13. The band will include frontman Mario Escovedo, guitarist Ken Horne, drummer Jarrod Lucas and bassist Hector Penalosa, the latter filling in for the late Steve Rodriguez. Also reuniting for the Casbah show are Uncle Joe’s Big Ol’ Driver, with Dave Fleminger

Blink 182 kicks off their next world tour on February 8, 2024, in Perth, Australia. Over the following seven months the band will hit over a dozen countries, with a U.S. leg of the tour set to include fellow San Diego combo, Pierce the Veil. The tour includes a stop at Petco Park on June 30.

Cattle Decapitation have a month-long European tour opening on March 1, 2024 in Nijmegen, Netherlands. The band will be making stops in England, Ireland, Switzerland, France, Austria, Hungary, Czech Republic, Norway and Sweden, before wrapping up on March 31 in Essen, Germany.

led surf trio, Alvino & the Dwells opening!

Congrats to Switchfoot! Their 2003 album, Beautiful Letdown, was certified 3 X Platinum by the RIAA on October 6. Meanwhile, the band recently announced the date for their annual Bro-Am Beach Fest, taking place on June 15, 2024. Additionally, the bands annual Switchfoot Getaway will happen from June 17 – June 20, 2024, followed by a U.S. tour set to open July 17, 2024, in Green Bay, WI. Taz Taylor will be opening for LA Guns at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano on December 28.

Singer Allison Adams Tucker hosts a release show for her latest album, RETRO Trilogy, on January 7 at Humphrey’s Backstage Live.

Wookie Garcia’s album, 4 Days in the Valley, will be released November 24. It was produced by keyboardist Rami Jaffee of the Foo Fighters and recorded at the Foo Fighter’s Studio 606.

The first single and video for “HOA Man” is currently streaming. The second single, “Where the Trees Reach the Sky,” dropped earlier this month.

Spain’s Munster Records has reissued The Zeros first three classic punk 7” singles, “Don’t Push Me Around” (1978), “Wild Weekend” (1978) and “They Say That (Everything’s Alright)” (1980).

A new box set from Cherry Red Records, Pushin’ Too Hard: American Garage Punk 1964 – 1967, includes The Lyrics 1965 garage punk classic, “So What.”

Jason Mraz’s next major tour kicks off on July 5, 2024, in Bridgeport, CT, wrapping up August 11 with a performance at the Rady Shell, where he will be accompanied by the San Diego Symphony.

Ira B Liss Big Band Jazz Machine’s new single “I’m Counting on You,” featuring singer LOCAL NEWS | LocalUmbrellaNews.com

Ace pianist Sue Palmer & Her Motel Swing Orchestra celebrate the release of their 7” red vinyl single, “Looking For A Parking Place,” with a special show at Tio Leo’s on December 5

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Homeowners Insurance Help FAQ Due to wildfire risks in California and an increase in construction costs, insurance companies are forgoing the issuance of new policies, increasing premiums, and making finding and maintaining coverage in many areas of the state more difficult than ever.

Q: What is the CA FAIR Plan and what options does it offer?

A: The CA Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) Plan provides basic fire insurance coverage for properties in high-risk areas as a “last resort” option when traditional insurance coverage is not available. A FAIR Plan policy offers protection from risk of fire and will satisfy a mortgage company’s requirement that your home be insured, but it doesn’t cover theft, flood, earthquake, hail, vandalism, or personal liability.

Q: Should homeowners expect to pay higher premiums if fewer insurance companies are willing to write new policies?

A: Several factors have led to today’s challenging insurance market, which has, particularly in some areas of the state, contributed to higher premiums. The best way to avoid paying higher rates is to seek out a proactive, consumer-oriented agent or broker to help educate you on your options.

Q: Is it necessary to use an insurance agent or broker when shopping for home insurance? If so, how do I choose a good one?

A: If you’re insuring a home, business, or anything that’s unique, it’s generally advisable to find a good agent or broker to help you choose the right coverage. In assessing your options, make sure to seek out personal recommendations, Online reviews, & obtain background information about licensed professionals via the CA Department of Insurance website, which keeps track of registered insurance companies, agents, and brokers doing business in the state.

For more help finding a broker, visit the United Policyholder’s Online guidance, try the Department of Insurance’s Home Insurance Finder, or use the FAIR Plan’s Find a Broker tool.

Q: What questions should I ask when shopping for home insurance?

A: Asking good questions, trusting your instincts, and checking license statuses will help you avoid being scammed or overpaying for insurance. Some suggestions to ask when working with a broker or agent: • How long have you been in business?

San Diegans Stand up for Ukraine in Unique Ways • Are you a “captive” agent, meaning that you exclusively represent one company? If not, how many Local Ties Ukraine Making companies do youto represent?

• IfaI cancel the policy mid-term, will there be an “earned minimum” premium?

Lasting Difference • If I have a loss and need to file a claim, how will you assist me?

• Is there a broker fee plus a commission, and if so, how much will the commission and fee be?

Q: What resources are available for homeowners in the event their insurance provider non-renews them?

A: If you are one of the many Californians whose insurance company has notified them, they will not be renewing a policy on their home, don’t panic. First, your insurer must give you at least 75 days’ notice before your policy expires to issue a non renewal. You can also contact your provider to see if there are any actions you can take to qualify for a renewal.

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You can contact their Insurance Customer Hotline (800-927-HELP) for assistance. ***The FAQs provided herein are for informational purposes only and not a substitute for legal advice. Your decision to select and contact an insurance provider should be based on your independent evaluation and in your sole discretion. Please visit the Department of Insurance and United Policyholders for further guidance. Source: www.smartzonecar.org/homeownersinsurance

Farima Tabri�i

1PXFSFE CZ )PNF4NBSU 3FBMUZ 8FTU

�roker Associate, �RI, DR� �roker � �������5 Seniors Home Specialist� Certified (SR�S�) Trust & Probate Certified Certified� �ilitary Relocation Professional (�RP)

8�8-�82-8�98, fgtabrizi�yahoo.com www.farimarealty.com

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