4S Ranch Local Lifestyle NEWS - JULY 2021

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID SAN DIEGO, CA PERMIT NO. 3175

LOCAL POSTAL CUSTOMER *******ECRWSSEDDM****

4S Ranch, Crosby Estates, Del Sur, The Lakes, Santaluz July 2021 | VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 7

www.localumbrellanews.com

Sushi on the Rock is now serving the community with pick-up, delivery, catering, and special events.

BY RAY SHAY It seems like a simple question, but so many sellers get the fundamentals wrong. A few days ago we sold the above home in Talavera in 4S Ranch for $2,535.00 or about $625.00 a square foot. If that is not a local record, it is pretty darn close.

As a licensed real estate broker and owner of Shay Realtors and with over 300 million in closed transactions,

Better Call Ray Shay!

DRE 01946504

we have frequently seen sellers in our community leave a pile of cash on the table.

Whether you are going to sell your own home or use a REALTOR©, I hope this article helps you to net the most money from what is likely your biggest investment.

Continued on page 2

2

July, 2021 | VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 7

BROKERS CORNER

HOW TO SELL YOUR HOME FOR TOP DOLLAR?

RAY SHAY BROKER I OWNER DRE 01946504

Always look at your, “net proceeds”. Too often people will look at the Real Estate Commission line and say, “Ray I could save thirty thousand dollars if I listed with a discount agent. This home will sell in a weekend!” I tell them they are correct on saving commissions, but they will likely loose at the net proceeds line!

I then direct them to the final line of the seller’s estimated net sheet and show them the amount of money that will be wired into their account within 24 hours after selling their home. I explain, “Now, if you want to get to that number, let me show you how we will get there.”

Ray Shay’s 25 Tips on Selling Your Home

25 Flip your own house. Improve it yourself. I get calls daily from “flippers” but I decline their requests and explain that we help sellers, “flip their own home.” We use our own concierge service and we will often front the money to improve your home so it can sell for top dollar.

24 Clean Sells - That is everything from bathrooms to all the windows in a home and be sure to include the front and back yards.

23 Privacy Sells - Even if you’re not selling, take a walk around in your backyard in your underwear. If your neighbors can see you, then think about what trees you can plant now to increase the value of your home.

22 Don’t cheap out on photography - You have less than 3 seconds to attract local or international buyers. Instead of using your cell phone to take your own pictures, use it to call one of the best photographers in the business.

FINDING

21 Less is more - Thin your home out and de-personalize it. I like the dogs playing poker painting too, but this is about selling for top dollar. Sorry, hide the painting in a closet.

20 Hire a professional designer/stager - We love Nancy and we pay for her expertise and staging skills. Find your own, “Nancy” and put her to work.

19 Paint is cheap - My goodness. Ben Franklin may rub his eyes when you open your wallet but spend the money, (or let us spend the money). No, people cannot see through a crummy paint job or an old color of paint.

18 Look at your flooring - Carpets and luxury vinyl are not expensive. If it is nasty - change it. Let me repeat, buyers cannot see through a bad presentation regardless of how hot the market is. Be smart about what you spend money on, but do not overspend.

E?

OM H A G N I L L OR SE

9-7355 4 4 8 5 8 T TORS A L ITIES. A E R Y PPORTUN A O E H M S O T H T ARKE CONTAC OUT OFF M ND ASK AB A

LOCAL NEWS | LocalUmbrellaNews.com

/LocalUmbrellaMedia

@LocalUmbrellaMedia ADVERTISE | Press@LocalUmbrella.com

VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 7 | July, 2021

17 Your home must smell good. Think of your home like a prom date. You want your home to dance with everyone. And you want each dance partner to wish they could live in your home.

16 Let’s talk about open houses - So much to say and so little time.

Put the toilet seats down. Every single light needs to be on. The home should be, “Vegas cool” so people want to stay. You must have music on and whoever is greeting people coming into your home, please throw their cell phone in the trash can and tell them to smile and be gracious to people arriving.

15 Chum the waters - I can’t last ten minutes on a fishing boat but we have learned how to increase interest in an open house. Talk to agents, door hangers on the 150 closest homes, postcards, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and client lists. The MLS gives us only a 21day window for “coming soon” homes. Pre-load your marketing and get people fired up to see it!

14 Drone Videos - Develop a great one. They are expensive but worth every penny. This is sales! Step up your game. There is so much marketing you can do with a 90-second drone video. I could write a page on just this alone and how you leverage it to get top dollar for your home.

13 Have a story to tell - Every home has one. What is yours? Be consistent and package the story on all marketing materials and discussions with buyers and other agents. We added a ping pong table to a recent listing. Best $700.00 we ever spent.

12 Know the doggone local market. You learn by talking to buyers, sellers, and other real estate agents. What is pending? What is the price? What were the seller’s concessions?

11 Know who is hungry for a home. We see repeat buyers and their agents. Connect with everyone and be friendly. There is an undercurrent in a local market of buyers or sellers. Tap into it.

10 Be honest. In all aspects. Over disclose. That is the best way to protect yourself and get top dollar.

9 Write counter-offers to almost everyone. It’s a lot of work writing 10 or 14 counter offers to people interested in your home. You never know which buyer will suddenly jump up in price and terms. More than once we will hear a wife put both of her feet down and tell her husband, “we are buying this home!”

3

7 Golden Offers - Yes, we always tell the buyers and agents that we will consider, “Golden Offers”. Why would you not? You need to know when an offer is golden versus bronze. Back to local expertise and really knowing the sale prices of homes.

6 Don’t only look at the sales price - So much more to consider.

Think about terms that often include, as is, no contingencies, extensive and free rent backs, longer escrow, non-refundable deposits, or pass-through of funds.

5 Are you the deal maker? - You need one person to talk to all interested agents. Who is that person? We always make multiple calls to every agent thanking them for the offer, learning about their clients and if they do not get the deal we thank them again. The relationship you or your REALTOR has with interested parties and fellow real estate agents are fundamental to putting together great deals.

4 Market locally - We invest heavily in local advertising because so many people are in love with 92127. We publish a newspaper of about 13,000 a month and we are starting a new magazine as well. Reach out to neighbors and local residents.

Market nationally - look at where most of the current buyers are coming from to buy in San Diego and reach out to their hometowns. This program has been very successful. Attach your awesome drone video to the Facebook advertisement.

3 Market Internationally - As a Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) we get your home advertised globally. Connect with realtors out of the country.

2 Communication - So much of making a deal is communication. Being responsive and professional in all your dealings will help get the best possible price and terms. Keep track of all agents that showed your home and get feedback.

1 Have multi-lingual abilities or access to translators - Despite my poor English abilities developed in Albuquerque, New Mexico we have a team of agents and support staff that speak Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Taiwanese, and Vietnamese.

San Diego is an international destination and the opportunity to have people or other agents speak in their native language is very helpful.

1 Trust but verify - That is what Ronald Reagen would say. Or this could be called, “show me the money”. Require proof of funds, talk in-depth to the buyer’s lender and make sure the deal is sound.

8 When will you review offers? - Common question. We review offers and share them with our sellers the moment they hit our email. Our expe- Some offers are too good to be true. rience has shown it is the best strategy. This strategy leads to #7.

A final suggestion is to negotiate whether you are buying or selling. In my prior life as an SDPD SWAT Commander, we negotiated frequently with life in the balance. Real estate is definitely different and much safer but the ability to negotiate and identify what each side wants is critical. Pay attention to nuances, what people say, what they do, what your options are. Follow your gut and work with a variety of information sources to bring your sale to a successful conclusion.

Best of Luck!

LOCAL NEWS | LocalUmbrellaNews.com

/LocalUmbrellaMedia

@LocalUmbrellaMedia ADVERTISE | Press@LocalUmbrella.com

4

July, 2021 | VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 7

Neighborhood Publications Reaching Over 125,000 San Diego Area Mailboxes Every Month!

Follow & Like Us Online! @LocalUmbrellaMedia Browse all editions online at www.LocalUmbrellaNews.com HYPER-LOCAL COMMUNITY PUBLICATIONS

Local Umbrella Media publishes hyperlocal, positive, upbeat, community publications, focusing on supporting local businesses, lifestyle articles, upcoming events, talents and contributions of the locals who live and work in our communities. i ADVERTISING INQUIRIES BRAD WEBER | 619-300-1732 brad@localumbrella.com i GRAPHICS & DESIGN Provided by Design2Pro www.Design2Pro.com mike@design2pro.com i EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS brad@localumbrella.com

Brad Weber, Group Publisher ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER BRETT DAVIS MEDIA CONSULTANT C. CHRISTIE CRAIG TOM SHESS MANAGING EDITOR MIA BERTELSEN MUSIC EDITOR BART MENDOZA ARTS EDITOR BARBARA MORTKOWITZ CONTRIBUTORS JEN COBURN | MANNY CRUZ JENNY WERTH | KINSEE MORLAN AMANDA PETERSON MARLISE KAST-MYERS RON DONOHO CAROL HOLLAND LIFSCHITZ J.C. GROSS | MOLLY GALLIHER LULU ACOSTA PHOTOGRAPHY DAWN SEBAUGH NICKY INCANDELA SOCIAL MEDIA FARIMA TABRIZI ©2021 COPYRIGHT BY INSPIRED MEDIA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Local Umbrella Media Newspaper Publications are printed monthly and distributed freely throughout San Diego County. Opinions expressed in articles or advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher.

Local Umbrella Media is not responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented in the newspaper. Local Umbrella Media Newspaper Publications are produces and published by Local Umbrella Media, and no part of this publication bay be reproduced or transmitted without permission of the publisher.

DISCLAIMER: Paid advertisements contained herein are not endorsed or recommended by publisher; therefore, publisher shall not be held liable for business practices of advertisers. Publisher not liable for images accepted in good faith.

PRPPRP Wines $250$250 sponsor ●● Los Bigotes hole hole sponsor Wines $250 sponsor Los Bigotes sponsor PRP Wines sponsor Los●Bigotes $250$250 hole$250 sponsor

LOCAL NEWS | LocalUmbrellaNews.com

/LocalUmbrellaMedia

@LocalUmbrellaMedia

ADVERTISE | Press@LocalUmbrella.com

VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 7 | July, 2021

GIVING HUNGER THE BLUES

5

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

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

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

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

“We produced a virtual event

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

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

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

According to Food Bank staff,

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

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

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

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

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

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

LOCAL NEWS | LocalUmbrellaNews.com

/LocalUmbrellaMedia

@LocalUmbrellaMedia

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

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

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

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

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

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

ADVERTISE | Press@LocalUmbrella.com

6

July, 2021 | VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 7

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

life.”

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

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

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

Colorado help me to start curing myself.

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

LOCAL NEWS | LocalUmbrellaNews.com

/LocalUmbrellaMedia

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

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

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

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

@LocalUmbrellaMedia

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

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

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

Vannucci is certified in food

ADVERTISE | Press@LocalUmbrella.com

VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 7 | July, 2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LOCAL NEWS | LocalUmbrellaNews.com

/LocalUmbrellaMedia

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

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

Workshops will show people how to make their own beehives.

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

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

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

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

Wolfe said the idea

@LocalUmbrellaMedia

7

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ADVERTISE | Press@LocalUmbrella.com

8

July, 2021 | VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 7

Horses Helping Heroes By: Molly Galliher

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

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

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

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

Q: What is Saddles In Service?

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

LOCAL NEWS | LocalUmbrellaNews.com

/LocalUmbrellaMedia

@LocalUmbrellaMedia

ADVERTISE | Press@LocalUmbrella.com

VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 7 | July, 2021

are both being healed.

Q: What made you start this organization?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Q: Where do you get your motivation?

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

Q: When did you develop your interest in horses?

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

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

LOCAL NEWS | LocalUmbrellaNews.com

/LocalUmbrellaMedia

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

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

Q: How has COVID impacted Saddles In Service?

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

9

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

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

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

Q: How can people donate?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Learn more at

saddlesinservice.org

ADVERTISE | Press@LocalUmbrella.com

10

July, 2021 | VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 7

TINA AFTER DARK Understory at Sky Deck

There’s a gorgeous new bar and gathering space in beautiful Carmel Valley. The Sky Deck restaurant collection, built atop the Jimbo’s organic market in the Del Mar Highlands Town Center, is modeled after the renowned El Nacional gastronomic center in the Spanish city of Barcelona.

now, Ambrogio15 and Zizikis Street Food, our group still couldn’t resist on trying out this new place. The service was great! Chance, the general manager took good care of us and checked on us several times to ensure our drinks and service were tip top. My favorite cocktails of the evening were Van Dam’s Vanga and the Bohemian Waxwing. Both were beautiful The Sky Deck’s new dining concept offers eight and delicious with unique flavors. We scanned our full-service restaurants clustered around a giant cen- phone and ordered a couple of Milano style pizzas to tral bar, Understory. go with our cocktails and they were just delicious.

Understory is the main bar inside Sky Deck. Their craft cocktails are delicious and very original. The drinks are a mixture of Gatsby era with a 2021’s twist. The atmosphere is cozy and relaxing, yet vibrant and energetic! I also love that you can order food from any of the surrounding restaurants by scanning the QR code on the table and have everything brought right to your table at the bar. Ranging from Japanese, Thai and Italian to Greek, Mexican and French—each restaurant will offer exclusive seating while socializers at the central cocktail bar can have food delivered to them from any eatery.

The Sky Deck’s restaurant roster includes Glass Box, Ambrogio15, Craft House, Kiin Extraordinary Thai, Marufuku Ramen, J, URBANA Mesican Gastronomy and Zizikis Street Food. Once all the surrounding restaurants are open, your food choices while sitting at Understory will be limitless.

On the upper level, the outdoor Brewer’s Deck offers some of the Sky Deck’s only communal seating. The three breweries are Miramar’s Rough Draft Brewing, Oceanside’s Northern Pine, and Chula Vista’s Boochcraft Hard Kombucha. You can also use the delivery via app to order dishes from the on-site restaurants while sitting on the drink deck. It’s a great place for both beer aficionados and curiosity seekers to enjoy local brews and food selections from each of the restaurants in a casual, rooftop setting.

Even though there are only two restaurants open for

Understory — Huge central cocktail and wine

Sky Deck sure will be “the spot” for years to come. I can’t wait to return to try all the different restaurants soon!

Here’s a quick look at the tenants of Sky Deck. For opening updates, visit delmarhighlandstowncenter. com/skydeck/.

Tina Wu

Realtor® CalDRE #02070656

Direct: (760) 473-8649

LOCAL NEWS | LocalUmbrellaNews.com

/LocalUmbrellaMedia

@LocalUmbrellaMedia ADVERTISE | Press@LocalUmbrella.com

VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 7 | July, 2021

bar with a live music stage and the ability to order plated food delivered from any of the eight onsite restaurants. The seating will be under a canopy of branched light structures that resemble trees. Now open Le Parfait Paris —The pastry counter will serve Le Parfait specialties including macaroons, pastries and desserts.

Zizikis Street Food — Chef/owner James Augustine’s Greek restaurant serves pita wraps, burgers and sides made from family recipes. Now open J at Sky Deck — A New American restaurant, also from James Augustine, features appetizers and entrees such as grilled Spanish octopus, lamb meatballs, pan-seared salmon and steaks.

Kiin Extraordinary Thai — Pimwara “Patty” Thongchua, owner of Plumeria vegetarian Thai restaurants in Encinitas and University Heights, will offer both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.

Marufuku Ramen — This Bay area ramen restaurant chain, specializing in Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen, opens its first San Diego County location.

Ambrogio15, the Milano Pizza Experience — A more upscale version of the popular Pacific Beach pizzeria, will have more than a dozen gourmet pies developed by Michelin-starred Milanese chef Silvio Salmoiraghi and partner Choi Cheolhyeok. It will also offer a seven-course gourmet tasting menu for 15-20 diners at a time featuring Italian dishes and global meat and seafood entrees, with a vast menu of natural Italian wines and French Champagnes. Open now.

Craft House — Chef Caesar Huerta and his brother/partner Jose Huerta will serve New American and Mexican cuisine, including ceviches and whole grilled branzino.

Urbana, Mexican Gastronomy — The second location of Javier Cuadra’s Michoacán-inspired street foods stand at the Anaheim Packing District food hall, including tacos, ceviches, enchiladas, salads and pozole.

Glass Box — Operated by chef Ethan Yang of Zen Modern Asian Bistro in Sabre Springs, Glass Box will offer yakitori, sushi and other Asian dishes at a dining bar where guests surround the chefs on three sides in a glass-walled restaurant.

LOCAL NEWS | LocalUmbrellaNews.com

/LocalUmbrellaMedia

11

UPPER LEVEL Boochcraft, Organic Hard Kombucha — Founded in Ocean Beach and headquartered in Chula Vista, Boochcraft is serving 16 of its flavored high-alcohol fermented tea drinks. Now open.

Rough Draft Brewing Co. — This Sorrento Mesa brewer specializes in IPAs, ales, stouts and Belgian-style and bourbon barrel-aged beers. Now open.

Northern Pine Brewing — This 3-year-old Oceanside brewer serves an eclectic mix of its house-brewed beers on tap, which include Smoke Show Black IPA and its Dazed & Confused Saison, which won a gold medal at the 2020 San Diego International Beer Competition. Now open.

@LocalUmbrellaMedia ADVERTISE | Press@LocalUmbrella.com

12

July, 2021 | VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 7

YOUR 92127 COMMUNITY EXPERTS

TM

SOLD DEL SUR NEIGHBORHOODS STRATFORD SKYE AVANTE PRESTON ALCALA CASSERO STRATFORD BRIDGEWALK CASSERO AVANTE MANDOLIN MODERIA

STYLE DET ATT ATT DET DET TOWNHOUSE DET DET TOWNHOUSE TOWNHOUSE TOWNHOUSE DET

Median Sales Price – Single Family Rolling 12-Month Calculation

ADDRESS BEDS BATHS EST SF Day On SOLD PRICES CLOSE DATE 15906 Simons Ln 4 3 2,695 10 1,555,000 6/1/21 16755 Coyote Bush Dr #57 3 4 2,315 14 $1,030,000 6/4/21 16750 Coyote Bush Dr #36 3 3 1,787 19 786,000 6/9/21 16697 NicoleRidge Rd 4 3 2,817 4 1,595,000 6/9/21 8272 Katherine Claire Ct 5 3 2,593 10 1,625,000 6/10/21 15520 Paseo Del Sur 4 3 2,596 23 1,200,000 6/11/21 15895 Simons Ln 4 2 2,685 17 $1,600,000 6/15/21 15703 Voncord Ridge 3 3 1,930 8 $990,000 6/15/21 15746 Paseo Del Sur 4 3 2,624 53 1,225,000 6/16/21 16750 Coyote Bush Dr #35 3 3 1,787 5 850,000 6/16/21 8403 Christopher Ridge Ter 4 3 2,302 4 $1,102,500 6/21/21 15884 Via Montenero 4 3 2,829 4 1,620,000 6/18/212

All MLS — 92127 —

Median Sales Price – Townhouse-Condo Rolling 12-Month Calculation

All MLS — 92127 —

$700,000

$1,600,000

$1,400,000

$600,000

$1,200,000 $500,000 $1,000,000 $400,000 $800,000 $300,000

$600,000

$400,000 5-2013 3-2014 1-2015 11-2015 9-2016 7-2017 5-2018 3-2019 1-2020 11-2020

$200,000 5-2013 3-2014 1-2015 11-2015 9-2016 7-2017 5-2018 3-2019 1-2020 11-2020

Current as of April, 2021. All data from the San Diego MLS. Report © 2021 ShowingTime. Percent changes are calculated using rounded figures.

Call Today For your FREE Home Market Valuation

Ray Shay REALTOR®

BROKER ASSOCIATE CALDRE#01354548 Ray@ShayRealtors.com Ray.ShayRealtors.com

DIRECT 858.449.4970

LOCAL NEWS | LocalUmbrellaNews.com

OFFICE 858.449.7355

/LocalUmbrellaMedia

@LocalUmbrellaMedia

ADVERTISE | Press@LocalUmbrella.com

VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 7 | July, 2021

YOUR 92127 COMMUNITY EXPERTS

TM

SOLD 4S RANCH NEIGHBORHOODS SUMMERWOOD/TANGLEWOOD GARDEN WALK GARDEN GATE ROSEMARY LANE ANDALUSIA HOMESTEAD ROSEMARY LANE ANDALUSIA CANYON RIDGE PALOMINO MISSION RANCH PATINA HERITAGE BLUFFS AVERY LANE TALAVERA HERITAGE BLUFFS PALOMINO REUNION PATINA

STYLE DET DET DET DET DET DET DET DET DET DET DET DET DET DET DET DET DET DET DET

ADDRESS BEDS BATHS EST SF Day On SOLD PRICES CLOSE DATE 10067 Feldthorn St 3 3 1410 11 $920,000 6/23/21 10463 Paseo De Linda 4 3 2112 9 $1,105,000 6/24/21 16358 Calloway Dr 3 3 1862 5 $1,185,000 6/11/21 17145 Silver Pine Rd 4 4 3169 8 $1,575,000 6/17/21 17526 Black Granite Dr 6 3 3303 9 $1,700,000 6/2/21 16428 Fox Valley Dr 4 3 3055 4 $1,610,000 6/2/21 10341 Silver Pine Way 4 3 2455 10 $1,400,000 6/9/21 17467 Ralphs Ranch Rd 5 4 3262 9 $1,750,000 6/21/21 15104 Cross Stone Dr 4 5 3795 7 $1,740,000 6/18/21 16206 Palomino Mesa Way 4 3 3031 13 $1,685,000 6/18/21 17778 Ralphs Ranch Rd 6 7 5449 28 $2,795,000 6/15/21 10985 La Alberca Ave 6 3 3550 17 $2,000,000 6/22/21 15902 Pomerol Ln 4 3 3026 4 $1,940,000 6/16/21 16237 Cayenne Ridge Rd 5 5 4034 15 $1,920,000 6/3/21 16290 Deer Ridge Rd 6 5 3780 7 $1,975,000 6/2/21 15886 Pomerol Ln 4 3 3030 4 $1,795,000 6/4/21 15241 Winesprings Ct 7 5 4570 4 $2,520,000 6/4/21 10220 Paseo De Linda 6 5 3574 5 $1,900,000 6/2/21 10944 La Alnerca Ave 5 5 3837 3 $1,850,000 6/16/21

SOLD GATED COMMUNITIES NEIGHBORHOODS SANTALUZ THE LAKES THE LAKES SANTALUZ SANTALUZ CROSBY CROSBY THE LAKES CROSBY SANTALUZ CROSBY CROSBY SANTALUZ CROSBY DEL SUR ESTATES SANTALUZ

STYLE DET DET DET DET DET DET DET DET DET DET DET DET DET DET DET DET

ADDRESS BEDS BATHS EST SF Day On SOLD PRICES CLOSE DATE 7806 Sendero Angelina 5 6 5751 34 $3,071,000 6/7/21 8630 Tiliage Ln 4 5 3668 3 $2,300,000 6/15/21 17010 Crescent Creek Dr 5 6 4625 25 $2,850,000 6/10/21 7775 Sendero Angelica 7 7 6349 7 $4,215,000 6/9/21 8204 Caminito Santaluz W 7 6 5400 5 $3,540,000 6/11/21 16929 Simple Melody Ln 3 3 3034 2 $1,575,000 6/1/21 7923 High Time Ridge 5 6 4489 7 $2,650,000 6/21/21 8746 Tillage Ln 5 5 4048 3 $2,400,000 6/4/21 7953 Kathryn Crosby Ct 8 6 5357 8 $2,800,000 6/21/21 7836 Vista Lazanya 4 4 3878 8 $2,100,000 6/24/21 16890 Stagecoach Psge 3 5 4376 8 $2,200,000 6/18/21 16933 Simple Melody Ln 4 4 3102 4 $1,575,000 6/23/21 8238 Run Of The Knolis 5 6 5534 57 $3,325,000 6/16/21 16565 Down Memory Ln 4 3 4232 4 $3,800,000 6/1/21 7850 Cerro Del Sur 5 6 4467 4 $2,855,000 6/9/21 7789 Doug Hill Ct 4 4 3706 5 $2,270,000 6/23/21

Sold properties taken from Sandicor from 6/26/21 and may represent listings from other brokerages. Information accurate but not guaranteed.

Call Today For your FREE Home Market Valuation Ray Shay REALTOR®

BROKER ASSOCIATE CALDRE#01354548 Ray@ShayRealtors.com Ray.ShayRealtors.com

DIRECT 858.449.4970

LOCAL NEWS | LocalUmbrellaNews.com

OFFICE 858.449.7355

/LocalUmbrellaMedia

@LocalUmbrellaMedia

ADVERTISE | Press@LocalUmbrella.com

13

14

July, 2021 | VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 7

TRAVELING WITH TROY STORY TIME

I recently heard someone say the greatest things are seen up close.

I thought there’s no better way than taking a road trip rather than flying down the coast from Eugene, Oregon to San Diego. I will admit it Troy Shay wasn’t your typical road Realtor® CalDRE #02081818 Direct: (858) 449-0335 trip to Mammoth but it was one of the most spectacular things I’ve got to do. First off let me start off by saying what a pleasure it was getting to see all parts the rocky Oregon coast. Starting from Florence, there were waterfalls right next to the beach and rivers that flowed right into the ocean with crystal clear water. It may feel like an ice bath but it sure was refreshing coming from the Eugene heat of 110°F. There’s also an old kept lighthouse keepto be immensely dog friendly and that includes many ing careful watch in the cliffs above, definitely picture hotels and motels. One thing you should know though worthy. is that many of your accommodations are with motels, bed-and-breakfast, Airbnb and camping. Since this was As you make your way down you come across many a very spontaneous trip Airbnb and camping was not small towns with quaint coffee shops and local bakan option as those are all sold out. eries. There are plenty of lookout points and places of interest to stop by briefly.

Even motels were really hard to come by since both of them said no vacancy but we managed to figure it out.

I forgot to mention that something very exciting that Where we stayed, and I highly recommend as well, happened during this trip was I was able to bring my was Bandon, Oregon. This is where the famous “Haydog Snoopy along for all the fun adventures. I mean stacks” lie off the coast, which are beautiful mounds of since he is family why wouldn’t he be able to enjoy all rocks unlike you’ve ever seen. If there is a golfer in your the great things this life has to offer. group there is a world renowned golf course named “Bandon Dunes”.

With that being said, the terrain and landscape of the Oregon coast and even the mountains we’re perfect for The only place available was the Sunset Lodge which dogs to join along as there is ample amount of space for worked great for the night and gave us plenty of time them to run and hardly any people to run into. The wato explore the stunning, windy shores. I know Snoopy ter is very cold as I stated before so Snoopy especially loved it as we came across many dogs that were off enjoyed the cold water on his paws and practically his leash with their families walking up the coast as well. whole body.

What’s even cooler, no pun intended, is Oregon seem LOCAL NEWS | LocalUmbrellaNews.com

/LocalUmbrellaMedia

Going in and out of caves and watching sea lions come

@LocalUmbrellaMedia ADVERTISE | Press@LocalUmbrella.com

VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 7 | July, 2021

15

out of the water was just another contribution to our amazing trip.

We hit the road and headed down south taking multiple stops for small hikes along dunes and the beach.

Some places to highlight where Gold Beach and Brookings alone the Oregon stretch of the 101.

Next, we made our way down to the Redwood Forest to a specific place called Tolowa Dunes State park.

There we ventured through massive tree trunks taking in the satisfying aromas that make you feel so disconnected from our urban world.

We stayed at the Benbow Historic Inn which is a great stop and even better place to experience. An old fashioned inn that specializes in vintage luxury along a gorgeous river surrounded by dense forests.

The GPS gave us directions to San Francisco and taking the 101 across the Bay Bridge with distance views of the Golden Gate. Heading into the city was not our goal but it is a great destination to stop for a night or two. Maybe stop in Napa before you even get to San Francisco as you can never go wrong with

LOCAL NEWS | LocalUmbrellaNews.com

/LocalUmbrellaMedia

a relaxing pool day and adding a splash or two of wine.

From there we found the quickest route home and stopped at a few more places.

It’s a haul I know but it is something you don’t do very often in a lifetime and I always believe there is nothing like the present.

@LocalUmbrellaMedia ADVERTISE | Press@LocalUmbrella.com

16

July, 2021 | VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 7

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

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

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

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

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

LOCAL NEWS | LocalUmbrellaNews.com

/LocalUmbrellaMedia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ADVERTISE | Press@LocalUmbrella.com

VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 7 | July, 2021

MARK YOUR

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

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

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

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

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

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

HOMETOWN

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

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

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

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

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

@LocalUmbrellaMedia

17

ADVERTISE | Press@LocalUmbrella.com

July, 2021 | VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 7

JULY 2021

Mike Ruggirello & Bart Mendoza

BY BART MENDOZA © MUSICSCENESD // MUSICSCENESD.COM

18

SDTV SDTV

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

The program is the brainchild of

with The Tourmaliners

by Sandra Castillo

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

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

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

Casey Hensley

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

How do they choose programming?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mike Ruggirello, Wayne Riker, Emily Bartell

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

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

/LocalUmbrellaMedia

@LocalUmbrellaMedia

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

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

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

ADVERTISE | Press@LocalUmbrella.com

VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 7 | July, 2021

19

Tamar Berk / Shadow Clues

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SAN DIEGO MUSIC AWARDS

Showcases Showcases

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

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

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

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

/LocalUmbrellaMedia

@LocalUmbrellaMedia

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

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

20

July, 2021 | VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 7

VICTORIA ROBERTSON

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

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

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

“We have created background pieces that are easily move-

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

Let’s hope it’s not too hot!

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

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

NEW SOUNDS!

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

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

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

LOCAL NEWS | LocalUmbrellaNews.com

/LocalUmbrellaMedia

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

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

ADVERTISE | Press@LocalUmbrella.com

21

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

/LocalUmbrellaMedia

@LocalUmbrellaMedia

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

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

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

ADVERTISE | Press@LocalUmbrella.com

22

July, 2021 | VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 7

“Open Window Alert” Tu Nguyen

Summer is in full swing and nowhere beats our weather in Sun Diego; the days are comfortably hot and the nights are cool. If you’re anything like our family, we like to turn the AC on during the day and enjoy the cool fresh air at night by Tu Nguyen Realtor® CalDRE #01358370 leaving our windows open, Direct: (619) 889-5777 especially when we run the attic fan. While it sounds so simple and untroublesome, danger associated with keeping windows open is always lurking.

If you have young children and you have a two-story level home, or live in a second-level home, remember not to leave anything under the windows so our little kiddos can climb onto them and potentially fall out of the window. The window-screen will not protect them from falling through. It may sound elementary, but many young children (toddlers) fall out of second-story windows every summer.

Aside from the danger associated with children falling through open windows, make sure to close them when you leave for work in the morning. Unlike the popular belief, the majority of burglaries occur during daytime hours. Opportunist criminals know most people are at work during the day. However, due to COVID, a lot of people are now working remotely from home. The last thing you want is to have some type of physical confrontation with a total stranger inside your own home.

Tu Nguyen, Realtor (619) 889-5777

LOCAL NEWS | LocalUmbrellaNews.com

/LocalUmbrellaMedia

@LocalUmbrellaMedia ADVERTISE | Press@LocalUmbrella.com

PAPAR A ZZI --------------

LOCAL LOCAL NEWS NEWS || LocalUmbrellaNews.com LocalUmbrellaNews.com

/LocalUmbrellaMedia /LocalUmbrellaMedia

VOLUME VOLUME 66 || ISSUE ISSUE 77 || July, July, 2021 2021

@LocalUmbrellaMedia @LocalUmbrellaMedia ADVERTISE ADVERTISE || Press@LocalUmbrella.com Press@LocalUmbrella.com

23 23