Simply Local San Diego: East County - June 2023

RANCHO BERNARDO GRAND OPENING

Our center of excellence in Rancho Bernardo positions San Diego Oasis to serve over 100,000 older adults in this region. This location will offer quality programming and exciting features such as:

Saturday, June 24 | 10:00 AM 17170 Bernardo Center Drive San Diego, CA 92128 Demonstrations Appetizers

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La Mesa

Rancho Bernardo

Mayor Todd Gloria Ken Druck, PhD

Making a Difference The San Diego Harbor Police Foundation

“Hi, Officer Marston,” a little boy shouts as he hangs on the monkey bars at Perkins K-8 School in Barrio Logan. Soon, students from all corners of the playground gather around the smiling officer wearing a crisp blue uniform. The San Diego Harbor Police Foundation (SDHPF) and officers with the Port of San Diego Harbor Police regularly visit the campus, where 90% of students and their families live below the poverty line, and nearly 40% sleep in nearby shelters or in cars. Relationships blossom with outings such as Fish with a Cop, and Shop with a Cop during the holidays. “We’ve built an ongoing, positive relationship with the kids because we want them to know that the community cares about them and their success in school,” said Jeff Wohler, President and CEO of SDHPF.

In addition to contributing to a food pantry, the foundation runs an after school program called Teachers RUL (Relationship, Unity, Love), its proactive response to student reading comprehension scores that nose-dived during the pandemic. Two afternoons a week volunteers come to campus with healthy snacks and an eagerness to help students improve their reading skills. The foundation recently hosted a recognition ceremony for 17 students who earned straight As. Family memb ers and teachers cheered as each student received a certificate and $50 with the message that hard work and good grades can lead to scholarships and opportunities for a bright future.

The foundation has also replaced broken down furniture in four classrooms for students with special needs. Research shows that wiggle chairs, therapy rockers and marker board tables promote learning.

SDHPF’s support of under-served youth is just one of three pillars that define a wide breadth of work in the community. The foundation com-

mits significant resources to combating human trafficking in San Diego, the second largest crime behind drug trafficking. The foundation cares deeply about victims of this horrific crime, and as a result created in depth training called ‘Help Stop Human Trafficking’ for San Diego’s tourism industry. Employees at hotels and motels, the airport, and restaurants and bars take the free training online to learn how to spot potential incidents of human trafficking and alert authorities. A team of experts, including a Survivor who was trafficked at age 14, facilitates the training on-site at local tourism businesses. Sycuan Casino held two sessions for its security staff and shortly after invited the team back to train additional frontline employees. “We are making efforts on our property, with the help of the San Diego Harbor Police Foundation, to play an active role in mitigating these crimes,” said Cody Martinez, Chairman of the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation.

The foundation will soon unveil a ‘soft interview room’ at San Diego International Airport. The calming decor and comfortable furniture create a soothing space where officers can assist victims who have experienced abuse or trauma. The foundation also paid for 14 officers to undergo specialized training on how to handle these sensitive cases.

The foundation’s third pillar focuses on officer wellness, at a time when police agencies are struggling to fill p ositions and build morale. The foundation steps in whenever it sees a need: Delivering thousands of masks during the pandemic, and hundreds of meals and snacks during high-intensity events and extended shifts. The foundation has revamped the officers’ lounge, called the ‘Collision Space,’ with fresh paint and new furniture, and a high- end coffee vending machine rivals Starbucks with its wide range of hot beverage selections - all free to officers and staff. Officers who workout before or after their shifts are enjoying a new weight system, and rousing competitions at the new ping pong table. “We support individual officers as well, as they deal with the stress of the job. Our men and women in uniform, and dispatchers come first,” Wohler says.

SDHPF was founded in 2019 by Wohler and former Port of San Diego Harbor Police Chief Mark Stainbrook. The foundation will hold its inaugural fundraising gala on Friday, June 16th. The Present & Proud Gala, presented by Ally Insurance and sponsored by the Gary Sinise Foundation, is a symbolic roll call in honor of officers, students, and guests. The event will be at Coasterra restaurant on the San Diego Bay waterfront, the perfect spot for guests to view a demonstration of the Harbor Police fire boats which are equipped to pump huge volumes of water from the bay and extinguish vessel fires. The evening will include silent and live auctions, dinner, and entertainment.

To learn more about the Present & Proud Gala or to buy tickets go to https://www.sdharborpolicefoundation.org/present-proud-gala

you

Victim’s association with any group

•Victim’s association with any group 2020,

CONTRACTORS

about the incident as you can remember.

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ERASE HATE SAN DIEGO

By District Attorney Summer Stephan

Gift Card Season is Here What to Know about Scams

• Seek a therapist to assist with the emotional aspects of the attack.

•Seek a therapist to assist with the emotional aspects of the attack.

By District Attorney Summer Stephan

Does the contractor have business card? Does the name of person you are dealing with the name associated with license number?

You’ve likely seen the rows and rows of colorful gift cards at the supermarket. There’s practically one for every retail er and the ability to purchase a gif t card while grocery shop ping is the epitome of conve nience.

This month San Diego County is participating in the statewide United Against Hate Week cam paign, an anti-hate awareness ef fort to call for local civic action to stop the hate and biases that pose a dangerous threat to the safety and civility of neighbor hoods, towns, and cities. Unfor tunately, hate crimes have in creased across our nation, state, and region. By learning about hate crimes and how to stand against them and report them, we can make everyone safer.

•Learn the names of the police officers and prosecutors working on the case and keep in touch with them.

working

• Learn the names of the police officers and prosecutors working on the case and keep in touch with them.

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

But as with anything is a dark side to having gift cards hanging within easy reach of fingertips and scam mers have found a way to ex ploit the convenience through c ard skimming or card swap ping.

brad@localumbrella.com

Brad Weber, Group Publisher

MEDIA CONSULTANTS

2020, I set up an online reporting form and hotline public website where can report a suspected crime they witnessed in Diego County. The tool was in response to reports hate-related incidents aimed Asian community across nation in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The onreporting tool, email and number are available for reporting of any type of suspectcrime.

C. CHRISTIE CRAIG

TOM SHESS

MUSIC EDITOR

BART MENDOZA

COMMUNITY CONNECTOR - NATIONAL

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CYNTHIA KOSCIUZYK

Check the personnel list license for additional qualemployees. Is the address of construction business local? If there is a discrepancy bethe business card, invoice, and the CSLB’s webpage, business number listed CSLB page to confirm all are known to each other. A con artist will frequently name similar to a reputable construction firm and sometimes unlicensed individual is foremployee of the reputable

Card skimming

• Get copies of police reports and check them for accuracy.

•Get copies of police reports and check them for accuracy.

For those who don’t already know, prosecuting and prevent ing hate crimes is a priority for me as District Attorney. In recent years, we’ve tripled the number of hate crimes prose cutions, sending an unwaver ing message that hate crimes will not be tolerated. Last year alone, we prosecuted 30 hate crimes cases, up from 21 in 2020.

Bef ore you buy that gradua tion or wedding gift card, keep r eading.

• Attend necessary court hearings, whether you are subpoenaed, including arraignment, bail review and sentencing.

•Attend necessary court hearings, whether you are subpoenaed, including arraignment, bail review and sentencing.

For this scam, the fraudster has already copied the unique gift card bar code number and PIN from the gift card. When an unsuspecting consumer buys and activates that gift card, the fraudster, who al ready has the barcode number and PIN , uses those funds be fore the legitimate consumer mak es a purchase or the fraud ster siphons the funds from the c ard.

We recognize the distinc tive fear and stress suffered by victims of hate crimes, includ ing the potential for reprisal, escalation of violence, and the far-reaching negative conse quences that hate crimes have on our community.

know that people often report hate crimes beof fear or shame, and we to provide a direct aveencourage victims or witto hate crimes to report. can and should continue report hate crimes to their police departments and Sheriff’s Department. This adreporting mechanism as a safety net and help reports are reviewed and by law enforcement. have been a victim of crime, here are tips on do:

Tip:

Card swapping

• If possible, make a statement in court to the judge about threats, direct or indirect, and possible fears.

Make sure the PIN number on the card you purchase has not yet been scratched off.

A hate incident is an act, which is bias-motivated, but does not rise to the level of a hate crime. For example, if someone uses a racial slur against another it probably isn’t a hate crime, rather a hate incident. It’s important to un derstand the difference between an act that is understandably upsetting, and an act motivated by hate or bias that is a crime.

There should not be a sticker on top of the original barcode.

•If possible, make a statement in court to the judge about threats, direct or indirect, and possible fears.

A hate crime is against an individual or property that is substantially motivated by bias against the victim’s:

•Race/ethnicity/nationality

Check references. In San you can also check the San Superior Court filings for civil and criminal cases. If the individual has no presence, then that is also possible red flag. Is it a new company, joint venture or new liIf so, ask how much experithe contractor has with your

Card swapping involves a scammer stealing a stack of physical cards from the retail store outlet and then replacing original barcode with a counterfeit barcode sticker. The sc ammer will then return the cards to the store and re-hang them on the rack. When a

•Religion

I set up an online reporting form and hotline public website where can report a suspected crime they witnessed in Diego County. The tool was in response to reports hate-related incidents aimed Asian community across nation in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The onreporting tool, email and number are available for reporting of any type of suspectcrime. know that people often report hate crimes befear or shame, and we to provide a direct aveencourage victims or witto hate crimes to report. can and should continue report hate crimes to their police departments and Sheriff’s Department. This adreporting mechanism as a safety net and help reports are reviewed and by law enforcement. have been a victim of crime, here are tips on do: you are seriously injured, or get to the hospital immediately.

you are seriously injured, or get to the hospital immediately.

Whether or not you are inreport the crime. help yourself, it is importdo at least some of the following:

Always get a minimum of bids for any job. If the quote good to be true, ask why. Will the contractor be working alone or have employees?

ed on the card but be unaware it was actually loaded to a counterfeit account.

document even minor physical injuries.

•Take pictures of any physical injuries or damages to property, even if police already did so.

Tip:

The public can find the DA’s online reporting form by searching for hate crimes at www.SanDiegoDA.com. The Hate Crimes email address is hatecrimes@sdcda.org and the phone number is 619-515-8805.

you can call (619) 531-3507 or email consumer@sdcda.org .

required to have a minimum $25,000 surety bond.

•If the crime is vandalism, let the police see and photograph the damage before you clean and/or repair.

When buying a gift card, opt for the ones that are kept under lock and key by the retailer.

a doctor to treat and about the incident as

As your District Attorney, I’m committed to increasing communication and accessibility between the DA’s Office and the public in or der to keep you safe. I hope these consumer and public safety tips have been helpful.

Always check that the barcode is original and does not

Clean Windows Feel Like a New Day!

• Legitimate contractors should not ask for more than a 10% deposit upfront.

Although this may seem like quite a bit of effort up front, it will save you time, money and heartache. Victims of unscrupulous contractors rarely recoup their financial losses from the criminals and always wish they had spent more time researching their contractor.

Military & Seniors

Does marijuana make you gain weight or increase your metabolism and decrease your mass?

Summer is upon us, and everyone wants to be beach body ready – or at least try to look good! In 2022, we clocked $76 billion in sales in weight loss programs, diet soda, low-calorie frozen food, gym memberships and more. Everyone wants a silver bullet, and the choice du jour is Ozempic, the diabetes drug. From the cabbage diet to fasting to the gut buster, everyone wants a trick to lose weight. But what about marijuana????

It is clear alcohol helps gain but what about cannabis? Does it affect your metabolism and your stomach/body size?

There’s some evidence that cannabis interacts with cannabinoid receptor 1 , which plays a role in metabolism and food intake. High amounts of cannabis appear to increase metabolism and reduce energy storage, resulting in a lower BMI. But like most effective weight tools, it takes time as opposed to sudden weight loss.

Different cannabis strains have different effects on these neurons. “THC may increase appetite, but CBD helps carbohydrate metabolism, fasting insulin, and metabolic function, mitigate and curb cravings—they work synergistically,” says Junella Chin, M.D., an integrative medical physician in New York and California specializing in medical cannabis and osteopathic neuromuscular medicine. “Having a cannabis formulation that is balanced in THC:CBD, or dominantly CBD, is helpful in minimizing the munchies.”

In 2013, the American Journal of Science released a report that noted the low prevalence of obesity in cannabis users despite an abundance of empirical and anecdotal evidence linking marijuana users to high-caloric diets. According to the study, “the most important finding is that current users of marijuana appeared to have better carbohydrate metabolism than nonusers,” Murray Mittleman, an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and the lead author of the study, told Time. “Their fasting insulin levels were lower, and they appeared to be less resistant to the insulin produced by their body to maintain a normal blood sugar level.

What about “the munchies”, the long-standing association between weed and snacking?

A study showed an increase in sales of “junk” food, largely defined as chips, cookies, and ice cream, in U.S. states where cannabis is now legal. However, you should keep in mind that correlation doesn’t mean causation. Just because there was an increase in sales of these foods where cannabis is legal doesn’t mean that the cannabis was responsible.

Body maintenance is a tough thing, and you should consult your physician before you start a

significant weight loss program. Changing your body takes time, and you should never expect large changes in a short period of time. And it

is not healthy for your system. Exercise, a sound diet, and sleep are key factors to maintain a healthy body.

North county Woman to Premiere Film in Norway

By Richelle Cicero

Poway’s Abby Boretto has added a new skill to her already full resume. Well known as a philanthropist, influential community member, Mrs. California All Star United States 2021 and founding contributor to the Silver Sisters Campaign, serendipity has called her in a new direction.

She is now a filmmaker and is busily planning a premiere in Norway for September. Her unique and fascinating story has been featured internationally, on ABC, as well as locally in the Union-Tribune.

The film tells us the story of her late father, 1st Lieutenant Henry N. “Rick” Pilger, He has long been a mystery to her, having died tragically in 1972 while serving in NATO Operation Strong Express when Abby was just 15 months old. Her family miraculously received his Naval Academy ring from Dr. Hans Krogstad who discovered it while hunting grouse on a remote island when she was 23 years old. After 21 years in a rocky crevice, the ring remained intact and nearly perfect. Even after this spiritually charged gift, she knew very little, says Boretto, who bears a striking resemblance to her father, “There was no real fanfare. I don’t believe any of us understood the magnitude of this treasure.”

She spoke of her father’s ring from time to time, but for the most part it remained in the original brown envelope in a memory box with the two letters that accompanied it on the journey home.”I brought it out on occasion,” says Boretto, “only to fantasize about the man’s finger who once wore it and that far away land in which it was discovered.” The land she refers to is Norway, more specifically, the island of Grytøya.

Early summer she received a message from her Aunt, Mary Lou Wadsworth, who still resides in Farmington, Connecticut where Abby grew up. “I believe she said ‘Oh Abby, I think someone stole your story!’” says Boretto. Things happened fast after that. The story was not stolen but an eerily similar story became known to her. Another Naval Academy ring had been on its own journey and had been told through the film, The Last Ring Home.

“I quickly reached out to the storyteller of the film, Minter Dial, and he responded right away! The connection was instant.” Not many can connect on a story like this. Boretto knew she wanted to create a film of her own, but until this chance connection, had no idea where to begin. This led to another courageous act, reaching out to that film’s director.

Joshua Shelov, coincidentally also from Connecticut, returned the message within a day, and the project suddenly took on a life of its own. “52 days later we were in Harstad, Norway, having never met in person, to film a documentary about my father’s life and tragic end,” says Boretto.

The process and the connections made during the creation of the yet unnamed film have taught Boretto more than she could have hoped. Not only did she learn about the life and promise of her 24 year old Marine pilot father and the tragedy that took his life and the souls of four other Marines on board, she found herself overwhelmed with kindness and support.

“The Marines have been extraordinary! I’ve met men along the way who knew my father and have been generous in sharing their stories about ‘those times’. I feel embraced by the Marines as a whole,” Boretto says, “I never expected them to rally around me or my father’s story after 50 years, but their motto, “No man left behind” is the real deal!”

The film and Boretto’s efforts led to the erection of a memorial on the island of Grytøya, which was dedicated in September 2022 on the 50th anniversary of the mission with US and Norwegian Military officials present. Boretto has been able to connect with the next of kin (NOK) of each of the four other Marines that

perished alongside her father, bringing comfort to these families with the knowledge that their loved ones have not been forgotten and have been memorialized forever. Boretto says, “It has been my sincere honor and privilege to bring this news to those families.”

In addition, the story and the mission are now a permanent exhibit at the museum on the island.

Boretto’s message to all “I am excited to bring this story to a worldwide audience. I hope it inspires others to ‘open their envelope’, whatever that might be. I could never have imagined this journey when I opened mine!”

The film premieres September 7, 2023 in Harstad, Norway with US premieres planned for both coasts in 2023.

AN EXCERPT FROM ABBY’S STORY... by Abby Borretto

His life was one of full circles in so many ways. He grew up a North Syracuse boy after

being born in San Diego. He flourished as a child and dominated as a teen in the late 60’s. Dashing and determined to excel, he was class president and captain of the soccer team; he sat on civic organizations alongside Richard “Dickie” Gere. His dream was to serve, first steps, the Naval Academy. He received his appointment from the Honorable Robert F Kennedy, step one, on track! He was a natural leader as a Naval Academy cadet, graduating with a mathematics degree and dreams of flying. Along the way he fell in love and moved quickly into marital bliss, a beautiful addition

Abby Boretto

to his overarching goal of a life of purpose. His dreams of flying were momentarily derailed at the Naval level due to an eye injury during a soccer game at the Academy, but true to form, that opened doors to the USMC. Flight school became a reality; he and his beautiful pregnant wife moved to Pensacola Fl. Young pilots and their wives become fast friends as it happens in this world. Family away from family in the military creates a unique family bond. Most would not understand this if they have not been part of the military culture, it is tight and intimate, with a sense of urgency; a group that can easily relate to one another given their circumstances. A baby girl is born as Rick graduates flight school and is assigned to New River joining Squadron HML-167 in Jacksonville NC. He is to fly the newly introduced Bell Twin Engine Huey! One can only imagine the emotions, this young pilot has it all! He’s a dashing new helicopter pilot with a stunning young wife and their new baby girl. His time with the new squadron is short lived when a mission is presented. It is understood that Rick was a standout pilot as such, a former USNA grad and former trainer hand picked him to deploy to Norway for NATO mission Exercise Strong Express, 200 miles above the arctic circle. Considering this time of unrest, this assignment was a cakewalk, war games in cold weather in breathtaking Norway with lots of flying time. With her husband deployed, Rick’s wife is busy taking care of the baby, their home, and building community with the other pilot wives who became fast friends. As the weeks went by, postcards were exchanged, his, an image of Andenes, a fishing village in Norway, talking about the weather and missing his girls, hers of the Hackensack River Crossing in its “grandness”, letting him know they were low on funds and that they were headed to CT to be with her family. That would be their last correspondence.

On a crisp fall day in September that dreaded knock came to the door. You don’t need to be in the military to understand the image. At 22, suddenly and unexpectedly widowed, a mother of a thriving 15 month old, now what……….

I am that 15 month old girl, who lost her father on that fateful day in 1972. It was during a time when America still had an expectation of a stiff upper lip so to speak. My mother, silently grieving, began picking up the pieces of her now new reality and carrying on. She was the daughter of a Naval Captain and I’m assuming that was all she knew how to do. Life went on as it does and looking back I lived a charmed life for all intents and purposes. I was embraced by my family, and experienced great

adventures that most would probably envy, but there was always a void. I could never put my finger on it, turns out, it was my father. My father was never really discussed except for the occasional anecdotal story or a notice of the similarities we shared. It wasn’t a negative, it was just the way it was.

When I was 23 years old we received my fathers Naval Academy ring that he wore with so much pride in the mail. It had been lost on the fateful night in Sept of 72. As I recall there was no real fanfare about this treasure we had just miraculously acquired, maybe a small discussion might have occurred. None of us truly understood the magnitude of this treasure, it sat for the next 26 years in that same brown envelope with the two letters that accompanied it all those years ago. I spoke of the ring and brought it out on occasion only to fantasize about the man’s finger who once wore it and that far away land in which it was discovered..

On the cusp of turning 50, I began to reflect on my own life. I pulled out my memory boxes and wondered, who am I? Where have I been? What have I accomplished? Where can I improve and do better moving forward? That quintessential brown envelope presented itself! I pulled it out, opened it up, reread the letters and closely inspected that beautiful class ring. Like a bolt of lightning it hit me, I must find Dr Hans Kronstadt, the man who found the ring all those years ago, and finally thank him!! My journey had begun but to no avail.

Nine months later, I received a message from

a writer in Norway asking if I was Abby Pilger and had I received a ring all those years ago. I excitedly wrote back with an enthusiastic YES to his question. I wondered, how did this writer find me and asked that very question. I had been seeking answers as well. I learned that he just heard this fantastic story from Hans himself. I was so confused. You see, unbeknownst to both Hans and I, we were looking for each other at the same time and our worlds had finally collided.

Fast forward 15 months, I travel to Norway to embark on a pilgrimage of discovery. Upon our arrival we were received with much fanfare from strangers who not only embraced me with open arms, but also my fathers story and now his legacy. As you can imagine meeting Hans was simply incredible for me. This man has positively and unequivocally enhanced my life in profound ways! We spent a week together, preparing to ascend the mountain, that fateful place that changed the trajectory of my life. Climbing the ominous and mysterious mountain of Grytoya was a daunting physical challenge, it was no “Sound of Music ‘’ as some might have envisioned, The trek started at the ocean and ascended nearly 2500 ft straight up. One and a half miles and 3 hours later I crested the mountain and had eyes on the area of my fathers last moments. I have never felt so much freedom in my life!!

We had an incredible memorial celebration! It was an EPIC moment in my life as you have

probably gathered by now. With new found senses, admiration and with a palpable understanding of the loss and sacrifice, I descended the mountain whole, this time with a new found purpose.

When the story landed in the states and started to circulate I began hearing from people from his life and the holes that I didn’t know existed started to fill; I was becoming full. My life started to make more sense, I do not have words to express this feeling!

Here’s what I know for sure, my father was on a clear path to do great things when his life was abruptly taken from not only himself but the world! He must have had a magic spark because that prestigious Naval Academy ring sat in the Norwegian elements for 22 years like a beacon waiting until Hans saw it glimmering in the gray scape. Is it me or is there a cosmic intersection on the timing of it all!! I like to think that my whole life has been guided to this moment, and upon reflection, it is the only answer I can really come to. All these years and on my 50th birthday the doors slowly began to open to give me the knowledge to map my father’s life because this was a time that I could cherish with dedication. Through artifacts, investigation, and the tremendous amount of people who have reached out to tell me beautiful stories of a man I never knew, until now……

Marine by Day, Artist by Night

By Vince Meehan

Tierrasanta resident Victor de la Flor has been a Marine for a good part of his life. But he will tell you that he has been an artist for all of his life. His love for drawing has been with him throughout his school days, and up until now, has been a hobby he does for fun.

“I’ve been doing it since I was a kid!” De la Flor said. “There’s a newspaper clipping I have that my parents saved from when I was five or six years old. I mean, it was just kid art that they submitted to the newspaper and I still have it. I guess I’ve been doing it ever since!”

But the main thing that has dominated his life until now has been the United States Marine Corps. De la Flor enlisted out of Orlando, Florida shortly after the turn of the century, and has made a solid career out of it, working his way from the enlisted to the officer ranks. “I’ve been in now for right under twenty years, it’s taken me around the world. I’ve been to places I never thought I’d go. I lived in Japan and was fortunate enough to live in Hawaii for some time before I came to San Diego. Once my family and I came out here, we stayed. I guess we called this place home because we had moved around so much.”

Recently, his love of art has manifested into a force, which now seems to be taking on a life of its own. De la Flor has always drawn whenever he can. In fact, he says his office at MCAS Miramar resembles an art gallery with all his work on display. “I’ve been doing legal work my entire career– I’m a Legal Administrative Officer – I manage a legal service support team of about 50 Marines attorneys and paralegals, both officers and enlisted. I make sure that they have everything they need to complete their mission, training and facilities-wise.”

But he always considered his art to be just a fun hobby; in fact, he didn’t come out publicly until last year when he met an artist at an exhibit in Mission Valley. “It was a small ComicCon-style event at the Scottish Rite Center,” De la Flor recalled. “The guy saw my work and asked me: ‘Dude, do you have an Instagram?’ It was then that I decided to go public with my work; he convinced me.”

De la Flor would do a portrait for a friend and post it on Facebook. Then, friends would see it and request one of their own, which he was happy to do. From then, it blew up. Eventually this led to displays at the Oceanside Museum of Art, Liberty Station, Fleet Week and he even earned a trip to Chicago through a veteran’s art scholarship.

“I went to Chicago and attended the ‘Surviving the Long Wars’ exhibit. It was a group of artists from across the country exhibiting their work, most of which served in the War on Terrorism, but I didn’t go to exhibit my work this time around because it was my first time attending and I didn’t know what to expect. All the other artists had been out there for several years. I got to meet a lot of good people, make connections and now I’m in talks with the Salmagundi Club gallery in Greenwich Village, New York City. I’ll fly out there in June or July when the exhibit takes place, just kind of walk through it and see my stuff on the wall.”

De la Flor’s preferred medium is watercolor and also graphite pencil. “That’s always been my go-to. I always have a pencil and a sketchbook on me anywhere I go – whether it be a small or large one.” He also has a love for sumi ink painting, a deep black ink made from pine branch soot, done with ornate brush strokes, painted with calligraphy brushes, traditionally a Japanese art form. His time in Japan helped him get a lot of inspiration, which he utilizes to this day.

“I’m a big history fan, I actually got in contact with one of the Japanese jurisdiction folks that worked in my office and she showed me

around. She introduced me to a gentleman named Koshimizu Morikazu who lived in the mountains of Ōtake. He’s a seventh generation swordsmith and knife maker. His ancestors actually made swords for the samurai clan of that prefecture. He had these swords and artwork on display around his home, it was amazing! I saw these Japanese calligraphy characters on scrolls all over his house and I thought, ‘Wow! I like the brush strokes!’ That was the start, that’s what got me into it. If I can recreate something like this, like bamboo or koi fish, that would be amazing!’ It was hundreds of years old and it was really impressive to see that.”

Much of his work is military-themed, and he’s created a unique style of drawing where the image is represented as being on a crinkled piece of paper, using light and shadows

as his guide for making the drawings feel almost lifelike. A couple of his works are currently on exhibit at Liberty Station and include not only an image of Juan Soto of the San Diego Padres, but also the iconic image of the Marines raising the flag at Iwo Jima.

He now calls San Diego his home after settling here for the sake of his wife and kids having a permanent place to call home after traveling around so much the past two decades.

“The Marines has been a wild ride for the last twenty years!” De la Flor stated. “But now I have a solid home and a new chapter in life!”

At a Glance: Victor de la Flor

Marine/Artist

Facebook: Victor de la Flor Art

Instagram: @vtdelaflor

Two of Victor de la Flor’s works on exhibit.

A unique take on the Marines at Iwo Jima

The artist at the Oceanside Museum of Art

Time spent in Japan helped Victor hone his sumi ink skills.

A military-themed watercolor

Local filmmaker wraps up second movie.

By Vince Meehan

Tierrasanta resident Steve Weinberger is currently wrapping up production of his second movie Second Chances. Once that happens, Weinberger will need to shift gears in order to “sell” the finished movie so it can be released nationally. Weinberger describes the movie as an “R-rated comedy film” which centers around the life of his lead star Ryan Ochoa, a very recognizable young star known for his recurring role of Chuck Chambers on the Nickelodeon series iCarly.

The movie also features a troupe of kid show alumni such as Jason Earles, known for his roles as Jackson Stewart in the Disney Channel sitcom Hannah Montana and Rudy Gillespie in the Disney XD series Kickin’ It. Zachary Gordon from Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and Amber Frank from Nickelodeon. And from the adult’s pool, Seth Green adds his star power to the movie as a veteran of the genre being represented by Second Chances.

Weinberger says the story revolves around Ochoa’s character Nick Stone, who hooks up with his ex-girlfriend and ends up going down the wrong path from there. That’s where the shenanigans begin and things begin to snowball. Weinberger describes the movie as a cross between Little Miss Sunshine and Dude, where’s my car?

“Basically the movie is about the lead actor Ryan Ochoa – who was in my last film The Samuel Project, also shot in San Diego – who plays kind of a down and out actor who’s trying to get back into the business,” Weinberger said. “He used to be in a kids show ¬– which he actually was in real life – so originally the project was supposed to be like a mockumentary, but we ended up making a whole film about it. Its fiction, but some of it is based on his real life because he is a Disney kid, a Nickelodeon kid, and has dealt with some of the struggles that come along with it later like getting blacklisted for roles after he faded out of that child star phase.”

Weinberger shot the movie in San Diego including Tierrasanta, Seaport Village and a small

taco shop in Bay Park called “JV’s” which played a pivotal part in casting the lead actor. JV’s is located in a small strip mall on Morena Boulevard and has a cult following not only from the residents and workers in the area, but also the heavy metal aficionados who spill out of the music venue Brick X Brick which is across the street after a show.

Ryan Ochoa and his brothers Raymond, Robert and Rick used to visit the taco joint religiously when they were younger because their dad owned a furniture store in the area. Later, when all four of the brothers made it into the acting world, they would stop in to say hi and order food. Eventually a wall shrine of photos featuring the brothers began to take shape and is still there to this day. Weinberger had a close friend that stopped in to JV’s with his daughter to pick up some burritos and Ryan Ochoa happened to be in there. His daughter recognized him from iCarly and began to chat with him. Weinberger had mentioned that he was looking for a young male for his first movie The Samuel Project and his friend thought Ochoa might be a good fit. So after contacting Ochoa’s agent, a deal was signed

for him to star in the movie. Additionally, In Second Chances, Robert plays Ryan’s brother in the movie, and their real life sister Destiny also appears in the film.

Other names in the movie include Carolyn Hennesy who starred in the TV show General Hospital as well as Dawson’s Creek. Another wellknown personality is Noel G who is a character actor who specializes in East LA gangsta roles in movies such as Training Day and Fast and the Furious. And in his directorial debut, Dave Venghaus is on board the production. Venghaus has movie credits as First Assistant Director in such movies as Spider-Man, Jungle Cruise, Haunted Mansion and Quiet Place Part 2.

Weinberger says that San Diego is a great place to shoot a movie, and has very talented people to draw from to be on the crew. “San Diego has a great film industry, we really do but what we lack is a traditional studio. We just don’t have set studios like they do in Georgia, So, that’s a big issue that there is no place to kind of camp out and shoot. But it’s such a great place to shoot because everybody’s so welcoming here.”

Writer/Producer Steve Weinberger

(left to right on the set of Second Chances) Ryan Ochoa, Zachary Gordon, Hayden Byerly

(L to R) Jason Earles, lead actress Amber Frank, lead actor Ryan Ochoa and Director Dave Venghaus in JV’s taco shop.

Steve Weinberger and Noel G. In Tierrasanta

Show and Tell: Healing From Trauma Through Art

Local Author’s debut memoir is “a clear-eyed examination of life and personal

Linda Litteral is proud to announce the release of her debut memoir, Show and Tell: Healing from Trauma Through Art, which is available through Empress Press and Amazon. It is a highly personal, richly illustrated book about Litteral’s journey as a survivor of incest, rape, and domestic violence who found a way to heal through the practice of art.

In her publisher’s notes, Jennifer Leigh-Selig, an author and publisher of Empress Publications, hails Show and Tell as “a courageous memoir.”

“Show and Tell is the story of a survivor of incest and rape who used art to heal from the destruction of the body and spirit that comes from physical and sexual abuse,” Leigh-Selig writes. “In this courageous memoir, Litteral shares the story of her abuse, spanning eight years of incest perpetrated by her grandfather, a rape she experienced in high school, and physical and verbal violence she suffered at the hands of her first husband. She offers an in-depth psychological profile of the effects of abuse, including silence, shame, invisibility, powerlessness, guilt, and difficulties with trust and identity. She also illustrates how the body remembers abuse through symptomatology like dissociation, anxiety, chronic illness, and other post-traumatic stress responses.

“Yet Litteral has done more than survive her past—she’s found a way to thrive in the present. She generously catalogs all the healing

modalities she has experienced in her decades of undoing the destruction of her past, including talk therapy, meditation, yoga, breathwork, Tai Chi, and somatic-based therapies like acupuncture, EMDR, sacral-cranial therapy, and Thought Field Therapy. But it’s when Litteral discovers the power of creating and

trama”

sharing her art that her healing journey begins in earnest. Accompanied by rich, full-color images of her art in every chapter, Litteral shares stories about the creation of her pieces, their stunning symbology, and how they aided in her healing journey. Litteral is both an artist and an activist, a fierce champion for survivors, and an unabashed advocate for the healing power of art.”

Artist and Art Produce Gallery Founder/ Owner Lynn Susholtz, who granted Litteral an artist’s residency to work on the Show and Tell memoir, describes Litteral’s book as “(a) clear-eyed examination of life and personal trauma.”

“(T)his book accompanies an artist creating a healing path that cuts directly through pain to build a fulfilling life of generosity and truth,” Susholtz said. “Using her intuition and creativity in navigating and challenging the forces that often pull one towards suffering or despair, Litteral chooses a journey that eventually leads to developing a new language and a new creative purpose. With a spirit of openness and exploration she manages to speak to and nurture the artist she has always been. There are many important lessons for all of us in Litteral’s self-revelatory journey. One of which is the power of listening to and accepting your own story and the transformative power that comes with pursuing and using your own voice.”

Photo by Daria Dameshghi

Local Author Linda Litteral

La Mesa Chamber Celebrates 15 Years at Anthony’s Fish Grotto Fun, Food and Friendship by “the Lake” on July 19th

On Wednesday, July 19 th , the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce invites you to join us at an evening mixer at Anthony’s Fish Grotto, 9530 Murray Drive in La Mesa. This mixer is special as we will include the celebration of our 15 th anniversary instead of. Anthony’s Fish Grotto is a popular location of locals for many years, so join us and sample the food that has made them famous. The fun begins at 5:30 p.m. and will end at 7:00 p.m. Enjoy great hors d’oeuvres, raffles and fun! Anthony’s Fish Grotto is a strong supporter of our community, and we encourage you to join us and enjoy this summer evening on the beautiful lake.

Be sure to make plans to join us and bring your business cards while you mix and mingle! This event is “Free” to Chamber Members, $15 for guests and $20 for all “at door” attendees. Don’t miss out on the summer fun at Anthony’s. RSVP now to: rsvp@lamesachamber.com or at www.lamesachamber.com

Union Bank of La Mesa Earns the “Regional President’s Recognition Award”

Congratulations to the team at our La Mesa branch of Union Bank, located at 4771 Spring Street for recently receiving the Regional President’s Recognition Award. This award recognizes a branch from throughout the 75 county-wide Union Bank branches for top performance in customer service, sales, and branch operations. The mission of the La Mesa branch, stated by Branch Manager, Ernesto Hernandez, Jr. is to focus on customers and listening to their individual needs. Once known, the team can make recommendations that serve their customers well. By building those relationships, the La Mesa branch funded over $10 million in loans within 6 months to members of the La Mesa community. The La Mesa branch employs 8 people who are skilled, focused on providing excellent customer service, poised and ready to serve! This award is proof that the La Mesa team do that every day. It is important to note that the La Mesa branch has only been operating for a short period of time in their newly constructed location, which makes this award even more significant. Ernesto has 19 years of service with Union Bank and was relocated from the Chula Vista branch to manage our La Mesa office. He believes in empowering his employees and allowing them to be the best that they can be, while serving each person responsibly and offering quality personalized service. Take a moment and stop by Union Bank at 4771 Spring Street, visit the team and have a cup of coffee at their refreshment area and personally observe this attractive addition to our community.

Website: www.unionbank.com

Casa Gabriela Comes to La Mesa!

The corner property at 8384 La Mesa Boulevard that was the Bo-beau kitchen+garden restaurant, has been transformed into an authentic Mexican eatery and cocktail bar called Casa Gabriela. Chef Gabriela Lopez has partnered with San Diego’s Cohn Restaurant Group to bring this new eatery to La Mesa. Chef Gabriela boasts Mexican dishes made with passeddown recipes from her family. Chef Gabriela, using her grandmother’s recipes from Guadalajara crossed with her cosmopolitan upbringing in Tijuana, brings a unique Mexican flavor to the table. Chef Gabby’s menu features authentic hand-crafted dishes and an imaginative take on many classic dishes. All of Baja California is represented along with influences from other regions in Mexico on the menu. Dishes to be enjoyed at Casa Gabriela’s are Ceviche Trio, Chicken Tinga, Ancho, Lime and Honey Salmon, Achiote Smoked Half Chicken, Enchiladas

Marisco Suiza, Queso Fundido, Rolled Taquitos, Traditional Tijuana Caesar Salad, Enchiladas

Marisco Suiza, Roasted Coconut Flan and more!

Chef Gabriela Lopez was born and raised in Tijuana with her family living in Mexico’s Guadalajara and Nayarit regions. She also owned a catering company, consulted on menu development for various restaurants and was a private chef for Mexican celebrities, including boxer Canelo Alvarez. We are thrilled that she has chosen to bring her unique culinary skills to La Mesa and partner with the highly successful Cohn Restaurant Group to open Casa Gabriela located at 8384 La Mesa Boulevard in La Mesa. Stop by and dine in the spacious outdoor garden, cozy loft, and private dining areas and enjoy a full bar with cocktails, margaritas, beer and wine between Tuesday – Sunday between the hours of 3:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Los Pinos Taco Shop Serves Up Mexican Food That You Crave!

Have you ever been hungry for Mexican food, and don’t want to cook? Then Los Pinos Taco Shop is the place to go. Located at 5646 Lake Murray Boulevard in La Mesa this family operated taco shop serves fresh and delicious Southern California Mexican food that is sure to please. Owner, George Alvarez prides himself on filling all orders with the freshest ingredients and offering service with a smile. This family operated taco shop has a menu that offers something for everyone – rolled tacos that are smothered in sour cream, lettuce and

cheese, quesadillas, tostadas, huge burritos that are overly stuffed with ingredients that it takes two hands to hold them while eating, enchiladas, combo plates, carne asada street tacos, chips and more! Visit Los Pinos Taco Shop at 5646 Lake Murray Boulevard to taste the best Southern California Mexican food or call them at (619) 462-5031 to place your order and have it waiting for you to pick up and eat in the privacy of your home. Either way, you’ll be glad you did!

Website: www.lospinostacos.com

Josquin des Pres / Track Star Studios

BY BART MENDOZA © MUSICSCENESD //

Born in France, producer / musician Josquin Des Pres arrived in San Diego during the mid-1970’s, subsequently performing and recording in Los Angeles and Europe, before founding respected recording studio, Track Star, in San Diego. “Whether working in Los Angeles or France, I always considered San Diego as my home base,” he said. Des Pres has been on stage or in the studio alongside a long list of notable artists, from Steve Lukather to Jason Mraz, while a songwriting partnership with legendary lyricist Bernie Taupin, which has yielded over a dozen recordings, is amongst the highlights of a stellar career.

How did he get started in music?

“I started my music career in my late teens in France’s Prog Rock scene,” des Pres recalled. “Joining the band, Edition Spéciale, and signing with United Artists marked a significant milestone as a professional musician.” That was only the start of an impressive discography. “Following that, I had a short period with the renowned French prog rock group Magma. Subsequently, I spent about a year as the bass player for French Jazz violinist Didier Lockwood, touring throughout France and Asia.” In his mid-20s, des Pres made the decision to relocate to Los Angeles and fully immerse himself in the music industry. “Initially,

I started as a session bass player and later transitioned into the role of a producer,” he said. “Being part of the L.A. studio scene opened doors for me to play with outstanding musicians like Jeff Porcaro, Billy Sheehan, John Jorgenson, and many more. Their remarkable skills greatly contributed to my growth as a producer and musician. This also helped me develop relationships that later would help me when I started participating with various great artists and songwriters, such as Bernie Taupin, Gipsy Kings and Jason Mraz, as well as several top 10 American Idol contestants.”

His focus on the bass as a main instrument came about through happenstance. “I found myself unexpectedly becoming a bass player when I lived in a small town in the south of France,” des Pres recalled. “It all began when my friends needed someone to fill the bass role, and I decided to give it a try. With a Spanish guitar in hand, I started playing its four lowest strings. As my passion for bass grew, I initially relied on borrowing or renting basses until I could finally afford to purchase my own. During that time, I was inspired by bassists like Jack Bruce and John Paul Jones. As my musical preferences shifted towards Prog-

Rock, Jazz Fusion, I began listening to Stanley Clarke and Jaco Pastorius.” The move from being only a bassist to other parts of the music scene was done for pragmatic reasons. “By the time I was in my mid-30s, I realized that solely being a bass player wouldn’t be enough to make a living in the music industry,” des Pres said. “So, I decided to leverage my skills in reading and writing music, as well as my knowledge of recording consoles, to create a new business model. I started producing artists and working on various projects. My journey as a bass player turned producer, songwriter allowed me to make a living doing what I love.”

How did he come to work with Bernie Taupin? “In the late ‘80s, a mutual friend and producer, Mark Paladino, brought us together for a project” des Pres said. “Little did I know that this collaboration would become a pivotal moment in my career as a composer. Working with Bernie Taupin was an honor reserved for only a select few. His unique style and discerning taste in collaborators made the experience even more special. Our creative partnership opened doors for me and helped me secure a songwriting contract with Warner.” So far the songs have been recorded by the likes of Lisa Sanders, Mary Dolan and The Young Dubliners.

After more than four decades of making music, on all sides of the business, des Pres is succinct on what drives his love of being a musician. “One of the things I love about being a musician is that it aligns with the old saying, “do something you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.” It’s a perfect description of the joy and fulfillment I find as a musician,” he said.

www.trackstarstudios.com

Guitar Workshop Plus!

Weeklong music camp Guitar Workshop Plus returns to San Diego from June 25–June 30 at the Sheraton Hotel in Mission Valley. Based in Canada, GWP was founded in 2002 by Brian Murray, and is now being held in five cities: Toronto, Nashville, Fort Lauderdale and Seattle, with San Diego added to the roster in 2015.

Long considered one of the top opportunities for a performer to hone their craft, each year GWP has a stellar list of instructors, with sessions available on blues, jazz, acoustic and rock guitar, bass, drums, vocals and even songwriting. The secret to GWP’s success is the caliber of the teachers involved. This year will include iconic bassist Nathan East, whose discography includes work with everyone from George Harrison to Eric Clapton to Daft Punk; and guitarist Alex Skolnick, perhaps best known for performances with a long list of well-known bands such as Testament, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and Savatage. Also on hand will be award winning guitarist Wayne Riker, recipient of the 2017 Lifetime Achievement SDMA. Additional instructors will be announced via the Guitar Workshop Plus website.

How was San Diego chosen as a location? “Having spent quite a bit of time in Southern California over the years, I fell in love with the city of San Diego,” Murray said. “If I was going to relocate and live somewhere in the U.S. it would be San Diego. I just think it’s a beautiful city with great weather, scenery, a healthy music scene, and the people there are real. They feel genuine. So, when we were thinking of opening a session in SoCal, obviously we looked at various potential places around LA and OC as well but ultimately decided on San Diego.”

How immersive is the camp? How full are the student’s days? “Basically, the student is living, eating and breathing music for five days,” Murray said. “We always get these positive comments on the evaluation forms at the end of each session saying how much they loved the complete immersion and how they learned so much, took so much away to practice with a complete understanding of HOW to practice the material, as well as huge inspiration from being surrounded by their fellow students, teachers, and guest artists.” During the day students have their main course, where they have hands on instruction covering technique, applied theory, concepts covering various rhythm and lead topics, etc. Additionally, they have a one-hour rhythm section class where they are

coached and play with the band in a real-life application of everything they are learning in class. “They also have an ensemble that they rehearse and perform with,” Murray remarked. “Then in the evenings, they can attend other clinics covering various topics such as improvisation, slide guitar, scales and modes, songwriting, vocals, etc. Each evening wraps up with a concert ranging from the faculty performances to the guest artists performances to the student performances.”

With more than two decades of experience behind him, what’s his favorite thing about Guitar Workshop

Plus? “For me personally, although it is a lot of work throughout the year to put everything together and cover all the little logistical details, it is very rewarding to see the students develop,” Murray said. “We have many, many, returning students each year. In fact, many have been attending annually for years and years and even attend multiple locations each year. Me and my staff really only get to see and hear these people annually, so it is great to see how much they improve and grow as musicians over the course of those twelve month,” Murray continued. “We’ve seen everything from beginner to professional players and everything in between who learn and develop their skills and musical knowledge and become better and better musicians,” he said. “They get into new styles of music and broaden their horizons while at the same time honing their skills on their main musical focus. They get together with other students they meet at the workshop during the year and jam or play in bands. We’ve also had quite a few who have gone on to very successful careers in music winning awards and playing alongside some of the world’s biggest musical stars,” Murray said. “So for me, that is a very rewarding feeling.”

www.guitarworkshopplus.com

Pacific Records Summer Round Up!

Point Loma based Pacific Records is ramping up for a big summer of musical activities. “We’ve never been busier,” said label CEO Brian Witkin. “I’m happy to report that many of our artists will be touring extensively through the rest of the year, while we also have upcoming releases from both music veterans, such as Manual Scan and fast rising talent, such as Shane Hall. There is a lot going on!” Other artists releasing material on Pacific Records this summer include Kela Sako, Sean Witkin, Josh Rosenblum, Solo Ultra Sonic, Tyler Traband and more.

Notably, The Moonjacks will kick off a round of touring on June 18 & 19 at Pechanga Arena, performing before the Blink 182 concerts, ultimately touring Spain and Germany through September 30. “The Moonjacks are on a roll,” Witkin pointed out. “They just got sponsored by G&L Guitars and will be releasing tons more singles, including one called “Summer,” next month, plus videos and an album. They are gaining traction.” The band was recently featured on the Fox-TV program, Welcome To Flatch. Meanwhile, The Spice Pistols

will tour North America this fall with punk legends, Agent Orange “They’ll be supporting their EP, Spice Train, which has amazing art by artist Scott Shaw, as well as their latest single, “Allies,” Witkin said. In more tour news, platinum selling pop / dance group, O-Town will be on tour in the U.S. and Mexico through November 4, including a stop at the Rady Shell on October 8.

A pair of notable upcoming festival appearances from Pacific Records artists include Seawall Prophet at the OB Street Fair on June 24 and Skyler Lutes, who appears at the Reggae Rise Up Festival in Las Vegas on October 7.

One of the hottest bands on the label is Witkin’s own Hawaiian themed group, Slack Key Ohana. In addition to touring throughout the Southland, beginning on June 12, the combo

will have a weekly Monday Residency Poolside at the Catamaran Resort at 1 p.m. “We’ll have a new album out in August, along with a tour that includes dates in Maui in September,” he said. Slack Key Ohana has also been invited back to Redondo Beach Performing Arts center to perform again at the Southern California

Slack Key Festival in January. Pacific Records artist’s took home four trophies at the 2023 San Diego Music Awards. Those artists will be amongst the labels busiest this year. “Sandollar (Best World Music Album ) has two new music videos coming out this summer,” Witkin said. “Additionally, The Tourmaliners (Best Rock Album) just released a new video, “Swanky,” featuring Eddie Angel, and will be playing a lot of shows. Also, look for Jonny Tarr (Best Pop Artist), to be out on the road in support of his new album, The Rules.”

According to Witkin, all this label action is just scratching the surface. “We have so many plans for the future, and I’m very optimistic,” Witkin said. “There is just so much great music that we want to celebrate and get out there to the public!”

www.pacificrecords.com

Free Summer Concerts Are Back!

One of San Diego’s most beloved traditions, Free Summer Concerts, is returning strong for 2023. Numerous area parks are set to provide free musical entertainment through the end of August. Many events were still being confirmed at press time, so please check your local park for additional summertime happenings. Here’s just of a few of the locations around town where you can find some of the family friendly fun!

Coronado Promenade Concerts at Spreckels Park

June 18: Crown Town, June 25: Big Time Operator, July 2: The Suenamis, July 9: Al Paris & The Heartbreakers, July 16: PHT and The Honky

Tonk Nights, July 23: The Mighty Untouchables, July 30: Flashpants, August 6: Detroit Underground, August 13: The Dreamboats, August 20: The Zippers, August 27: Ron’s Garage, September 3: tba

Dinner and A Concert at the Prescott Promenade, El Cajon

June 16: Jimmy’s Buffet, June 23:

80’s All-Starz, June 30: Billy Nation:

A Tribute to Billy Joel, July 7: United States Marine Corps Band, July 14: High Tide Society, July 21: tba, July 28: Stone Soul, August 4: The Siers Brothers, August 11: Back to the Garden, August 18: The Soul

Persuaders, August 25: The Ronstadt

Revival, September 1: The Morgan

Leigh Band, September 8: The Verge, September 15: The Heart of Rock and Roll, September 22: The Journeymen, September 29: The Mighty Untouchables

La Jolla Concerts by the Sea at Scripps Park

July 16: The Heroes, July 23: Atom-

ic Groove, July 30: The Springsteen

Experience, August 6: Full Strength

Mission Valley Sundown Sunday Concerts at Civita Park

June 11: The Sully Band, July 9: Betamaxx, August 13: The Cody Carter Band, September 10: The Mighty Untouchables Point Loma Summer Concerts at Point Loma Park

July 14: Big Time Operator, July 21: Scot Bruce as ELVIS, July 28: Beatles vs Stones, August 4: Full Strength, August 11: DSB Journey

Santee Summer Concerts at Town Center Community Park East

June 15: Betamaxx, June 22: Cassie

B Project, June 29: Yacht Rock, July 13: 8 Track Highway, July 20: Billy Nation: A Tribute to Billy Joel, July 27: Back to the Garden, August 3: Branded Country, August 10: Santana Soul, August 17: Country Nation

New Releases Top 5 Concerts!

June 16th - The Benedetti’s Celebrate Paul McCartney’s Birthday / Dizzy’s, Bay Park. 7 p.m.

New and Upcoming Singles: A

Lens to the Sun - “Everything I Do”, Ashes and Urns – “Worth the Wait,” Be Mine Phantom Valentine -

Don’t Let Me Bullet,” Tamar Berk – “Drop In The Bucket,” Bloodstone the Street Preacher – “Hard on the Internet,” Alicia Champion - “Fan To Flame,” Creature Canyon – “Imperfect,” Nick Crook – “Blood & Water,” Sloat Dixon – “Rabbit Hole” (produced by Sly Beats), Jonathan Karrant & Joe Alterman - “For What It’s Worth” (Buffalo Springfield cover), Ashley E Norton – “Wine, Wine, Wine” - Adult. & Planet B – “Glass in the Trash/ Release Me,” Sorry It’s Over - “Feel Like It’s the 60s,” Swive – “Something,” Ryan Valenzuela – “The Core”

New and Upcoming Albums & EP’s: Tamar Berk – Tiny Injuries (August 18), Black Market III - Soul Survivor, The Zach Gutierrez Trio - tba, Nathan Hubbard - Translation Has Failed Splinter Moon, Liquid Blue – tba, Marujah – Holiday Kids (July 28), Safety Orange – Positive Flow, Yale Strom & Hot Pstromi – The Wolf & The Lamb / Live at The Shakh.

In honor of Sir Paul McCartney’s 81st birthday, guitarist Fred Benedetti performs a set of the former Beatles and Wings members classic songs, joined by vocalists Regina Moomjean & Julia Picone, multi-instrumentalist/ bassist Jeff Pekarek and percussionist James Morton.

June 19 & 20 – Blink 182 / Pechanga Arena.

7:30 p.m.

Local reunited rock trio made good, Blink 182, return to San Diego for two shows at Pechanga Arena. The current tour is averaging 25 songs a night with music from their beginnings up to their latest hit, “Edging”.

June 24 – 43rd Annual OB Street Fair & Chili Cookoff / Newport Avenue, Ocean Beach. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

In addition to all the great food and sights at this beachside event, there will be three stages with continuous music, featuring a wide range of area talent, including Jeff Berkley & The Banned, Seawall Prophet, Electric Waste Band, Amanda Cogan and more.

July 11 – Happy Together Tour / Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay, Shelter Island.

6:30 p.m.

An incredible musical jukebox of artists responsible for 61 Billboard Top 40 hits!

On hand will be The Turtles (“Happy Together”), Little Anthony (“Goin’ Out of My Head”), San Diego’s own 1960’s legend, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap (“Young Girl”), The Vogues (“Five O’Clock World”), The Classics IV (“Spooky”) and The Cowsills (“Hair”).

July 15 –Blue Oyster Cult / The Sound, Del Mar. 8 p.m.

Legendary rockers Blue Oyster Cult return to San Diego for a show at The Sound on July 15. The band has a new album, The Symbol Remains, but expect the set to focus on classics such as “Godzilla” and “Don’t Fear the Reaper.” Be sure to arrive early to catch the opening set from new combo, miniaturized.

San Diego Music News

The Red Barn , is the lates album by Garrison Bailey , due out this month. Guests include Wayne Riker, Sue Palmer, Laurie Burke, Jennifer Jane Sandoval Schwartz and Cathryn Beeks.

Acclaimed musician Cindy Lee Berryhill is available for acoustic / electric guitar, songwriting and ukulele lessons, on Thursdays at La Jolla Music.

Tamar Berk has just released the first single off her third solo album, Tiny Injuries, due out August 18. “I wanted to release this song first, because the album title is actually in the bridge of the song and I wanted to hint at the theme of the album,” Berk said. “The video features me and a professional ballroom dancer, Ksenia Stavrica . I worked with her for several months to choreograph a dance that I felt would be interesting, fun and slightly bizarre. I wanted her to represent my female side and I would represent my male side. The idea actually came from a dream! I woke up one morning from a dream in which I was ballroom dancing and I just thought, “well maybe that should be the first video!” Berk next performs on Saturday June 17 at the Kensington Club with the Proctor Valley Monsters and Swive. https://linktr.ee/tamarberk?mibextid=Zxz2cZ

Jeff Bloom’s song, “The Return,” is featured and in the credits of the documentary, Corky. The film is about an Orca Captured from B.C. Canada December 11th 1969, currently at Sea World. The documentary will screen at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre on June 30 at 2:30 p.m. “They have me onscreen about halfway, at the 45-minute mark, with a short interview that was recorded in San Diego. I am now 56. She is now 56,” he said.

studio, the all original, twelve-song album will thrill Two-Tone fans. The band line-up includes John Roy , currently of Smoke + Mirrors Sound System, as well Steve Kader , one of the area’s top music promoters (Adams Avenue Street Fair etc.), with a guest appearance from trombonist Stanley “Bronco” Farwell , best known for his work with the legendary ska combo, Donkey Show.

Hemisphere will be performing a special set, Acoustika at The Jazz Lounge on June 23. Hosted by Leonard Patton , “we have a very exciting set, with a 9-piece band and a few special guests,” said the band’s guitarist Rob Shinno.

This year’s International Pop Overthrow music festival takes place August 18 – 19 at the Black Cat Bar . Performers tba.

Hard rock icons Iron Butterfly’s 1968 single B-side, “Iron Butterfly Theme” is included in the forthcoming box set from Cherry Red Records, We’re An American Band: A Journey Through The USA Hard Rock Scene 1967 – 1973.

Singer Adam Lambert has a new line of nail polish available, High Drama, available from ORLY.

BLUSD.ORG is holding their Annual Blues Music Summer Camp, from August 7 – 11, at Northminster Presbyterian Church. Kids, 11 – 17 years old can take part in this wonderful Day Camp, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., learning the instrument of their choice – Drums, Bass, Guitar, Keys, Harmonica and Vocals. Music teachers are set to include Mercedes Moore, Michele Lundeen, Fuzzy Rankins, Jerry ‘Hot Rod’ Demink, Robin Henkel and Karl Dring.

Award winning band, Liquid Blue has a new EP, Electric Warrior. The five track release features songs written by Liquid Blue members Scott Stephens and Michael “Groveler” Vangerov in the late ‘70s but never recorded. “In 2023, they’ve finally been brought to life,” says Stephans

Guitarist Dave Mustaine (Megadeth) has teamed up with Epiphone Guitars for a new signature Flying V Custom and a limited-edition Flying V Prophecy.

Encinitas based Surfdog Records is releasing a collaboration between Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck. The single, a cover of the Henry Mancini / Johnny Mercer penned classic, “Moon River,” is due July 14, complete with accompanying video.

Producer Sven Erik Seaholm (pictured with guitarist Charlie Loach ) recently released a “lost” album by the late, beloved, singer-songwriter, Jeffrey Joe Morin , Songs for Ginny. “20 songs from a bygone era, lovingly recorded solo/acoustic for his mom,” said Seaholm. “In retrospect, it sounds like the Cash sessions. Intimate and honest.”

Switchfoot has rerecorded and reissued their album, The Beautiful Letdown, now adding “Our Version” to the title. The album features the band’s biggest hits, “Dare You To Move” and “Meant To Live.”

Congrats to Alison Brown! On May 20 her latest album, On Banjo, debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Bluegrass Albums Chart. It’s her fourth Top 10 album and first #1.

Congrats to guitarist Laura Chavez! On May 11, she won the Best Guitarist Award at the Blues Foundation’s National Blues Music Awards held at the Renasant Convention Center in Memphis, Tennessee.

Good things come to those who wait! After 33 years, ska favorites Gangbusters have released their debut album! Recorded in 1990 at Steve Vaus’s North County

Director Yale Strom’s new documentary on folk music icon Lou Curtiss , Recordially Yours, Lou Curtiss, will screen on June 23-25, at the Digital Gym.

Ugly Things Magazine is hosting a 40th Anniversary Weekender August 25 – 27 at The Casbah. One of the top music mags on the planet, published by Mike Stax , amongst the talent set to perform are The Loons, The Nashville Ramblers and The Wylde Gooms. Also set to take part is an all-star band celebrating legendary San Francisco group, Crime, with John Reis (Rocket From the Crypt), Rick Froeberg (Hot Snakes), Dean Reis (Sultans) and Victor Penalosa (Flamin’ Groovies).

On July 15 Black Market III will debut their new album, Soul Survivor , at a CD release show set for the Hacienda on the Hill.

Blame Betty celebrates the release of a 6 song EP, Big Betty’s Alright!, with a CD Release party on July 2 at Fast Times in Clairemont. The EP was produced, recorded and mixed by Jeff Berkley at Satellite Studio, with cover photos by Dave Preston.

MotherNature Promises Pleasant Summer Nights

By Bob Morey

Ohhhhh My Friends, strap in; it’s going to be a fast and fun ride from now through September. The State of California has finally kicked Mother Nature back her share of the Carbon Tax, you know, one that we have all been paying since the voters approved Prop. 32, so we’ll finally be back to having the nearperfect weather we have come to love once again. I have been told by reliable sources that the sun will be out in the mornings and the nights will be warm and pleasant. For San Diego, this will last through early October with predictable weather forecasts. However, the clear mornings won’t begin until around July 1st as it will take about 30 days to process the payment to Mother Nature, however, the pleasant warm evenings will already be happening by the time you read this as a gift from Ms. Nature. Now that we are officially into summer, let’s go out and play.

On June 4th, on The Old Globe’s outdoor stage, The Lowell Davies Festival Theatre opens for its summer season with one of William Shakespeare’s most perfect plays, The Twelfth Night. Shipwrecked and alone in foreign Illyria, young Viola masquerades as her lost twin brother and becomes the go-between for the lovesick Duke Orsino and the beautiful Countess Olivia. Soon Viola finds herself in the middle of a topsy-turvy love triangle with lunacy and laughs on every side. This one has it all -- romance, music, poetry, comedy, swordplay, and more! Directed by Three-time Tony Award winner Kathleen Marshall (Globe’s Much Ado About Nothing, Love’s Labor’s Lost), The Twelfth Night is one of The Bard’s true comic masterpieces and will be one of the perfect nights under the San Diego stars you can have.

Running indoors on the Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage through June 25th is the hit Destiny Of Desire

On a stormy night in Bellarica, Mexico, two babies are born — one into a life of incredible wealth and one into a life of poverty. When a ruthless ex–beauty queen swaps the newborns, the stage is set for two outrageous misfortunes to grow into an extraordinary destiny. Directed by Tony Award winner Ruben Santiago-Hudson (August Wilson’s Jitney) and filled with vibrant choreography and live music, Destiny of Desire explores the emotional rollercoaster and social commentary that make the telenovela the most popular form of storytelling on the planet.

Opening on June 7th, The North Coast Rep presents the West Coast Premiere of Eleanor. Written

us back to a time when hair was big, greed was good, collars were up, and a wedding singer might just be the coolest guy in the room. Based on the hit Adam Sandler movie, “The Wedding Singer’s” sparkling score does for the ‘80s what “Hairspray” did for the 60s. Just say yes to the most romantic musical in twenty years. It’s 1985, and rock star wannabe, Robbie Hart, is New Jersey’s favorite wedding singer. He’s the life of the party until his own fiancée leaves him at the altar. Shot through the heart, Robbie makes every wedding as disastrous as his own. Enter Julia, a winsome waitress who wins his affection. As luck would have it, Julia is about to be married to a Wall Street shark, and unless Robbie can pull off the performance of a decade, the girl of his dreams will be gone forever. The Wedding Singer has a short gig and closes on the 24th.

Old Town is always a great place to be this time of the year and one of the best stops you can make is the Cygnet Theatre, which brings us the suspenseful, slow-burning dark comedy Sharon, running until July 2nd. Not all is as it seems in this hilarious and Hitchcockian story that makes you question…well, everything. Sharon and Jakey are a loving mother and son, running the crumbling apartment building in Everett, WA, that’s been in the family for generations, repainting the walls as the tenants move in and out. Soon we start to realize that perhaps this family is not what they seem. Or are they…? Over the course of a very tense dinner, the story unfolds, and power switches hands. We finally get to the bottom of this comedic thriller, asking the question: What does survival look like? And who the f*ck is Sharon.

The La Jolla Playhouse has a hit on their stage with The World Premiere of Love All in The Mandell Weiss Theatre. Written By Anna Deavere Smith and Directed by Marc Bruni, Love All is the triumphant story of the rise of a sports icon and social justice pioneer Billie Jean King. The trailblazer for equality faced tough competition on the court and adversity in the world, all against a backdrop of the massive social changes of the 1960s and 70s. Love All evokes the highs and lows of Billie Jean’s extraordinary career and asks not just what it takes to be a champion but what it takes to change the course of history. “We’ve been curtsying for years. Now it’s time to stand up.” Love All leaves us on July 2nd

By Mark St. Germain

and Directed by David Ellenstein (see our interview with Mr. Ellenstein in this issue). While sitting on her favorite park bench in Washington, D.C., Eleanor Roosevelt reveals the many facets of the dynamic and iconic First Lady. Award-winning actress, Kandis Chappell takes on the portrayal as the witty, feisty, vulnerable woman who was considered the heart of FDR’s presidency. Exploring both the public and private persona of this remarkable woman, Mark St. Germain (Dancing Lessons, Becoming Dr. Ruth, Freud’s Last Session) deftly captures the essence of the woman who left an indelible mark on American history.

June is the month for weddings, The Moonlight Amphitheater in Vista has another show pulled from a fan favorite film with The Wedding Singer opening on June 7th under the stars. The Wedding Singer takes

The Rady Shell is already getting a solid workout of events (see their website for the schedule). However, The San Diego Symphony officially opens its 2023 Summer Season on June 30th with Trumpeter Pacho Flores joining Conductor Rafael Payare and The San Diego Symphony Orchestra with a night of dancing and iconic melodies. Flores will perform the West Coast Premiere of Roberto Sierra’s Salseando. Written for him in 2020, the concerto blends jazz improvisation with salsa rhythms and melodies. Starting the night off is Leonard Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from West Side Story, and closes with Sergei Rachmaninoff: Symphonic Dances, Op. 45.

So, enjoy your day at the fair, but don’t forget to check your calendars for all the great shows this month. Most of these shows will come and go if you blink a couple of times. But you can count on San Diego’s Performing Art Community to keep you entertained all summer long, and a memorable summer it’s shaping up to be, so don’t miss out.

Charmed, Fortunate, Or Lucky?

OUR INTERVIEW WITH DAVID

ELLENSTEIN, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, NORTH COAST REPERTORY THEATRE

By Bob Morey

We all know San Diego is one of the premier places in the world to not just visit but to live in. Athletes look forward to their playing away game here. Artists from all over the world often make San Diego a destination to perform in. Occasionally, a unique talent arrives here in San Deigo, believing they won’t be here for too long before the next great gig in another city calls. Then something happens. The stars come into alinement. The job they came to do turns out to be what they were groomed for since childhood. They fall in love with the city, and the roots begin to grow. Before you know it, 20 years have passed. Just as it happens in sports, it also happens in the performing arts, a player or artist comes to town, and then they stay, and they and the city become one. What Tony Gwynn became to the Padres, David Ellenstein is to The North Coast Repertory Theatre. Mr. Ellenstein is the Artistic Director of The North Coast Rep and is celebrating his 20th year in that position. With a new show, ‘Eleanor’, opening this week following on the heels of the recent announcement of a new collaboration with the Laguna Playhouse just last week, we were fortunate to get a few minutes with him, for you.

Mr. Morey: Mr. Ellenstein, I know you are running at full throttle this week, so I’m very thankful for your time.

Mr. Ellenstein: It’s my pleasure.

You were born to parents who were working in theatre and television. How old were you when you first knew theatre life was for you?

My father, Robert Ellenstein, was an actor and director in Theatre, Film, and TV his whole life. When I was 4 years old, he was starring opposite Juliet Prowse in the National tour of Irma La Douce - when I saw it, he looked like he was having so much fun up there that I decided then and there that was what I was going to do – and I never wavered. When I was 7, my Dad was the Artistic Director for The Company of Angels in L.A. They did a production of Telemachus Clay by Lewis John Carlino, which featured the voice of an unborn child from the womb, they recorded my voice for the role, and that was my acting debut.

What were some of your early jobs in the entertainment industry?

I got my SAG (Screen Actors Guild) card when I was 18 and my AEA (Actors Equity Association) card at 20, so I began working as an actor in film and theatre then. I did about 2 dozen guest TV gigs and worked extensively in regional theatres from coast to coast. I like to say I have worked in theaters from San Diego to Maine, from Miami to Anchorage, and most places in between. Like most actors, I held all kinds of jobs when I was younger to help make ends meet.

What path led you to the North Coast Rep?

I was married and living in Los Angeles, but with a career in regional theatre as both an actor and a director, I found myself on the road at least six months of the year. When it was suggested that I apply for the position at North Coast Rep, my wife, Denise, and I had just had our first child. I was skeptical about applying for a job at a small theatre that required us to move and then

professionalize a company. My wife’s response was, “You’re applying, you’re getting it, and we are moving” Before I even applied, she began packing our house. I figured I would be here for 3 to 5 years. I have now past the twenty-year mark, and this has become my artistic home.

What are some of your most memorable productions over the years?

Playing Hamlet at the Los Angeles Repertory Company and then again at The Los Angeles Theatre Center was definitely a highlight. It was very impactful on me both as an artist and as a person. Directing Long Day’s Journey Into Night, The Chosen, and A Shayna Maidel have all been standout experiences. Working at historic theatres like Coconut Grove Playhouse, Paper Mill Playhouse, Off-Broadway, and The Alabama Shakespeare Festival have also been highlights. The opportunity to have worked with amazing actors on many of the greatest plays ever written has been immensely gratifying and rewarding. I was fortunate to have gotten to work with my father many times as actors, he directed me, and I directed him. That might be the most special memories of all. There have been so many standout productions at North Coast Rep during the past 20 years - it’s hard to play favorites with your children.

After all the years of crisscrossing the country doing over a hundred shows as an actor or director, now that you’ve been at the Rep for 20 years, are some of the people you met during your travels showing up at the Rep for a show or two? Over the years, I would think that some of the people that enjoyed the pleasure of working with you would have been a few of them knocking on your door from time to time.

I have been fortunate to work with so many amazing people throughout my career. Getting them involved in a production or a special event here at North Coast Rep has been a highlight. Also, the likes of Richard Dreyfuss, Leonard Nimoy, Lucie Arnaz, Ben Vereen, and Marilu Henner, have lent their talents to our company of amazing actors who work here regularly; they have lifted our profile and enriched the experience of our loyal audience.

One of the true blessings I’ve had was to be able to work with the San Diego icon Jonathan McMurtry. Not only was he a dear friend, but we worked together on over two dozen shows over the years. Jonathan was one of the few amazingly gifted artists who lent his talent and reputation to the North Coast Rep and was instrumental in helping us to elevate our reputation to a higher level. Today, The North Coast Rep has established a Patron Program, The Jonathan McMurtry Actors Fund, as a way to honor and remember him for all that he has given us not just here at the Rep but to so many of San Diego’s theatre companies over the years.

It was just recently announced that you and Bill Kerlin have taken on the Artistic and Management duties for the Laguna Playhouse. What effect will this have on the NCR?

Bill and I will remain as the artistic and business leaders at North Coast while assuming the same roles in Laguna. Though both institutions will

remain distinct and separate in their identities, they will share some programming and other functions that will benefit both financially and organizationally. The North Coast Rep managed to navigate the pandemic and the tricky times for Arts organizations that currently prevail with great success. We will be devoting all the requisite time needed to ensure that this continues. The Laguna Playhouse, like most theatres, faced challenges during this time period. Bill and I plan and hope to bring the successful working model we have found to The Laguna Playhouse that will bring back audiences and continue its great 101-year history. It is an extremely exciting opportunity for both organizations.

There are some who would say about Mr. Ellenstein, “He’s led a charmed life; he was born into it.” Yeaaah, crisscrossing the nation back and forth with stops along the way in Alaska, going from city to city, theatre to theatre, and if you are lucky to work enough to earn a living, you might be home about four or five months a year, and not all for any long period of time. It’s called ‘paying your dues’ while you’re living those lean feast or famine years while building a career. It’s very much like walking a high wire outdoors on a windy day. Some shows are a great success, and others…well, not so much, and you never know until after all the time and effort is put in and the show opens. And when it closes, it’s off to the next show in a different town. Sure, having a Father who’s a successful actor-director can open some doors from time to time, but Mr. Ellenstein still had to deliver the performance that came from his own talent and skills.

Fortunate, yeah – I’ll accept that. Fortunate enough to have met Denise, who joined him on his adventure and became his Wife and Mother of his children. Fortunate to have been able to work so many times with his Father and create those special memories that they must be. Who did Fortunate smile on when Mr. Ellenstein applied for the job at the Rep? Perhaps both of them. Lucky? We’re the lucky ones. Lucky that Mr. Ellenstein is at the Rep, and over the years has given us so many memorable shows that we can cherish and will continue to do so for years to come. Congratulations to you Mr. Ellenstein, on your 20th Anniversary with the North Coast Rep, and Thank You for so many fond memories of our own.

David Ellenstein and Amy Beidel

“Brilliant and emotionally resonant.”

While sitting on her favorite park bench in Washington, D.C., Eleanor Roosevelt reveals the many facets of the dynamic and iconic First Lady. Award-winning actor Kandis Chappell takes on the portrayal as the witty, feisty, vulnerable woman who was considered the heart of FDR’s presidency. Exploring both the public and private persona of this remarkable woman, Mark St. Germain (Dancing Lessons, Becoming Dr. Ruth, Freud’s Last Session) deftly captures the essence of the woman who left an indelible mark on American history.

WEST COAST PREMIERE NOW –JULY 9

NorthCoastRep.org

858-481-1055

Group Sales

858-481-2155, x202

— WALL ST. JOURNAL

Runway Chardonnay event raises funds for local nonprofit Music Therapy for Veterans

The Second Annual Runway Chardonnay event featuring wine, fashion, music, and stunning views at beautiful Trevi Hills Winery in Lakeside was celebrated on May 27.

The fundraising event benefited Music Therapy for Veterans. Founder Floyd A. Smith (Bass Baritone (Basso Profundo) vocalist for the six-time Grammy Award winning group The Fifth Dimension) entertained attendees with his smooth voice, singing favorites while guests sipped Trevi Hills selections and feasted their eyes on local designer Dawn Sebaugh’s new spring collection from WALA (Wear Art Live Art). The fashions were a beautiful compilation of one-of-a-kind dresses inspired from Sebaugh’s original art.

Donate to Music Therapy for Veterans

Music Therapy For Veterans

www.musictherapyforveterans.org

WALA www.WearArtLiveArt.com

Photos by Ernie Tyler

Floyd Armstrong / The Healing Power of Music

Bass/baritone singer Floyd Armstrong believes music has the power to heal. As a member of iconic six time Grammy winning vocal pop group, The Fifth Dimension, he has traveled the world and seen the effect music can have on people firsthand. Armstrong does not take his ability to make a difference lightly, having helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years for numerous causes, all while performing with the group and maintaining a solo career. Now he is working on his next big project, the Wounded Ill and Injured Music Therapy for Veterans Music Studio, located in Casa de Oro. It’s all part of a journey that’s seen him perform in front of sold-out audiences and at major venues, such as Montreal, Canada’s Bell Center, where he headlined the 2022 Lions Club International Convention, alongside Smokey Robinson. Armstrong has even appeared in several notable films, most recently last year’s Christian Bale / Margot Robbie film, Amsterdam.

Music Therapy

Armstrong is currently raising funds for his Wounded Ill and Injured Music Therapy for Veterans project. “Basically, we’ll record veterans, at no cost to them, in our studio,” he said. “We’ll create a platform for them to make music that calms and relaxes, for meditation, that we can give out and distribute on CD’s or downloads,” he said. Plans include a new app “to make it easy for anyone who needs it to access the music,” he said. “We have the location in Casa de Oro, but now we need to get the things that go with it,” Armstrong said. “We need funds for everything from computers to microphones and as you can imagine, that doesn’t come cheap. One microphone alone can run into the thousands of dollars.”

His initial interest in veteran care, came during a tour stop by The Fifth Dimension to a VA hospital. “It began after an autograph session at one of the hospitals for veterans,” he recalled. “I went to a hospital where they were servicing veterans and it just didn’t feel right. I thought, what can I do to lift the spirits in the hospital when veterans are there? And I thought about music therapy.”

While Armstrong’s focus is on helping veterans, he plans to expand and help seniors as well. “I believe that music is such a powerful thing, because music consumes the entire brain at one time,” he said. “It’s the only thing that invokes memory, thought and emotion, all at one time. With music, it’s all about frequencies that can actually unblock passages in your body. Frequencies can do that, beats can do that. You have to understand that music was the first form of medicine. I always say that music is the soundtrack of our lives. Music can take you on a journey. And bring you back things you have forgotten about. Let’s say, if I ask you, way back in high school, what song was playing at the prom and who were you with? With music you can take that moment and go right there. People with Alzheimer’s or dementia sometimes can’t remember the name of people right in front of them, but if you play a song from their high school or youth days, they can sing that song word for word. Music is so powerful it changes lives.”

Interestingly, Armstrong’s voice itself has healing qualities. “I was contacted by some doctors from New York who told me my voice is in the 432 frequency, naturally. If you look it up, you’ll find that frequency is healing and therapeutic. It relaxes you, it nourishes you, it puts you to sleep. And my voice is naturally there. The doctors kept telling me to make sure I take care of my voice and the third time they said it, it really struck a chord with me. I made the connection. And that’s the reason why I opened up a recording studio, because I wanted to do be able to put out therapeutic music therapy for our veterans.”

Early Days

A native San Diegan, Armstrong found his calling as a teen, via family. “When I was fifteen years old my aunt drug me to church and had me sing in the choir,” he recalled. “And to everybody’s amazement, I sang bass below the men, at 15. So, she got me in to the church choir, and after that I got into choir at Lincoln High School (where he was ASB President) and then singing groups.” He soon started his own combo, Satisfaction, in 1977, performing throughout Southern California. Their vocal work soon drew notice. “We did the Gong show twice, where we got the “Best Act of the Year” award,” Armstrong continued. “We also appeared in The Gong Show Movie (1980), with Chuck Barris. The manager of the Jacksons heard us and tried to sign us and give us the Jacksons band (for backing), he loved us so much. Unfortunately, we didn’t want to move to LA, so that was that.”

While Satisfaction only achieved regional success, the group did set the wheels in motion for what would ultimately be Armstrong’s big break in music. “Leonard Tucker, the band’s other lead singer in Satisfaction, joined the Fifth Dimension first. He’s the one who introduced me to them and that’s how I got that gig. And then I returned the favor when I got the part in the movie, Amsterdam, where we sing the song, “Lady of Spain.” Armstrong appears in the film as Fred Hinson, sharing

screentime with Christian Bale, while the song was also included on the official soundtrack album. “We did three weeks (on set). Robert Deniro, Chris Rock, Taylor Swift, Christian Bale, all amazing people, just down to earth people, it was great,” he said. The Fifth Dimension

Fifty years since they first started hitting the charts, The Fifth Dimension continues to be a popular concert attraction, averaging a few dozen international shows a year. Indeed, at press time the group had gigs on the books through March of 2024. Now a veteran of the touring scene with decades behind him, Armstrong is still incredulous at the shift in his musical fortunes when he joined up with his Fifth Dimension bandmates. “It was something you almost couldn’t wrap your mind around,” he said amiably. “It was really something to go from performing for a few hundred seats to places that hold thousands,” he said. “And then learning choreography on another level.” The group has fun with the set list, mixing the expected hits with a few choice covers and a touch of humor. Which is the biggest crowd pleaser in their shows? “Of course, it’s “Aquarius,” Armstrong said good naturedly. “It’s the last song we do and it always gets people up on their feet. But my favorite actual song to perform with the Fifth Dimension is “MacArthur Park,” because we get to do intricate harmonies and choreography. But the favorite song for the fans, for sure, is “Aquarius,” and then “Up, Up and Away.”

It’s clear he’s enjoying the experience. “I always engage everyone with music and joy,” he said. “I love seeing people smile. I love when the Fifth Dimension comes out onstage and the very first song everyone just goes wild. And then we do a love song and they slide into each others arms. You’re looking at me, but I can also see everything out there. It’s a whole transformation, through music. It’s powerful,” Armstrong said.

Jamul Casino and Beyond

Beyond his touring with the Fifth Dimension, Armstrong is also concentrating on his solo career. Plans are in the works for a new album, Finally Floyd, with Grammy Award winning producer Herb Middleton (Usher, Al Green, John Legend) at the board. “He heard my voice and we’ve been working on some songs,” Armstrong said. “I’ve been commuting back and forth to Delaware, which is where he lives. He’s going to be doing a ‘voice of legends’ show, where I’m going to be Lou Rawls, and it’s going to be touring quite extensively.”

In the meantime, fans can find him weekly at the Jamul Casino where he has a Wednesday night residency in their restaurant, Prime Cut, from 6- 8 p.m. Armstrong has been a musical mainstay of the venue for two years, with a musical focus on standards, along the lines of Lou Rawls or Nat King Cole. It’s his favorite venue. “I went there to sing a song for one of the VIP’s and I think I sang “One In A Million.” The general manager

heard me and said “that’s the voice we need in the VIP lounge,” Armstrong said. “And I’ve been there ever since.” He considers it the perfect place to hone his craft. “I’ve actually grown quite a bit as an artist there,” he said. “It’s been an amazing opportunity.”

Armstrong’s set is full of classics that fully highlight his rich baritone voice, such as “Autumn Leaves,” “What A Wonderful World,” “You’ll Never Find Another Love Like Mine” or “Unforgettable.” “It’s a really great place to sing these love songs,” Armstrong said. “I just love the food and the people that work there are so kind and just down to earth. It’s a joy to even just spend time with everyone there.” Look for Armstrong to open for R&B legends, The Spinners at Jamul Casino later this summer. The Road Ahead

In addition to recording, upcoming plans include a new touring show, All About That Bass, which takes full advantage of Armstrong’s vocal skills. “It’s a tribute to the great baritone bass singers,“ he said. “There will be three or four songs from different stars, like Barry White, Isaac Hayes or Johnny Hartman, and a Temptations melody as well, of songs where the baritone singer came out to the front.”

Meanwhile, on June 23 you’ll also be able to find Armstrong performing at The 2023 Business Star Awards being held at the Maderas Golf Club by the Poway Chamber of Commerce.

After more than forty years of making music, it’s clear that Armstrong truly loves what he does. “I don’t read music, so everything I’ve ever done is because I felt it,” he said. “Music is from one heart to another heart, it’s a feeling. It’s a frequency. When you send an emotion out from one heart, it receives it back from the other. Music has always been a part of my life, whether I’ve been a promoter, whether I’m a singer or working with music therapy for veterans.,” Armstrong said. “Wherever music is involved, I’m there.”

CONTACT:

Floyd Armstrong

The Fifth Dimension

Floyd Armstrong Founder: Music Therapy for Veterans

Amsterdam - Movie Poster Starring Christian Bale / Margot Robbie

EVENTS CALENDAR SPONSORED BY

15 Thursday

June-July 2023 Events

MLB: San Diego Padres VS Cleveland Guardians. 5:40pm. Petco Park. www.mlb. com/padres.

Santee Summer Concerts | BETAMAXX. 6:30pm. Town Center Community Park, 550 Park Center Dr, Santee. Every TH June 15Aug 17 (Except July 6). Free. Food Trucks on site. cityofsanteeca.gov/ our-city/santee- summer-concerts.

16 Friday

MLB: San Diego Padres VS Tampa Bay Rays. 6:40pm. Petco Park. www.mlb.com/ padres.

17 Saturday

Annual Switchfoot BRO-AM Beach Fest. 7am-5pm. Moonlight Beach, 252 5th St, Encinitas. Surf contests, free concert, numerous vendor booths. All to celebrate community and to raise awareness and funds for local youth organizations. San Diego Wooden Boat Festival. 9am- 5pm, SA; 9am-4pm, SU. Koehler Kraft Boat Yard, 2302 Shelter Island Dr. Live music, food, a variety of booths, activities for children, and a raffle. Many vessels will be open to the public for on board viewing. $10/ ages 16+, $5/ ages 6-16. sdwoodenboatfestival. com.

MLB: San Diego Padres VS Tampa Bay Rays. 4:15pm. Petco Park. www.mlb.com/ padres.

CCA San Diego Apps & Taps Beer Festival. 4-8pm. San Diego Portuguese Hall, 2818 Avenida De Portugal. Price of admission includes food, beer, and a 1-year membership to CCA. https://ccacalifornia. org.

Toyota Summer Concert Series | Lynard Skynyrd. 7:30pm. Corona Grandstand Stage at San Diego County Fair. Tickets include sameday admission to the Fair. www.sdfair. com/p/what-to-do/grandstand.

18 Sunday | Father’s Day

San Diego Wooden Boat Festival. 9am- 4pm, SU. Koehler Kraft Boat Yard, 2302 Shelter Island Dr. sdwoodenboatfestival.com.

MLB: San Diego Padres VS Tampa Bay Rays. 1:10pm. Petco Park. www.mlb.com/ padres.

Country on the Coast. 2:30pm. Waterfront Park, 1600 Pacific Hwy. Ages 21+. Expect to see some of the hottest names in country music taking the stage. From classic favorites to up-and-coming artists. Also includes: line dancing (and lessons), complimentary ferris wheel rides, and wine country. countryonthecoast.com.

Toyota Summer Concert Series | Grupo Bronco. 7:30pm. Corona Grandstand Stage at San Diego County Fair. Tickets include sameday admission to the Fair. www.sdfair. com/p/what-to-do/grandstand.

20 Tuesday

Taste of Little Italy. 4-8pm, June 20 & 21. Piazza della Famiglia, 523 W Date St. Make your way through 48-square-blocks sampling some of the best bites and sips our beautiful neighborhood has to offer. Each evening will showcase different restaurants, each just as delicious as the last. www.littleitalysd.com/ events/taste-of-little-italy.

Balboa Park Twilight Concerts. 6:30- 7:30pm. Spreckels Organ Pavilion, 1949 El Prado, San Diego. TU, W, TH, June 20-Aug 31. Detailed program TBA. https://balboapark. org.

World Lacrosse Men’s World Cup | USA VS Canada. 7pm. June 21-July 1. worldlax2023. com.

21 Wednesday

Taste of Little Italy. 4-8pm, June 20 & 21. Piazza della Famiglia, 523 W Date St. www. littleitalysd.com/events/taste-of-little-italy.

Salsa and Bachata Dancing. 7-11pm. Belmont Park Mission Beach. Salsa dance lesson, DJ Mo Lyon. $15 cover.

22 Thursday

Santee Summer Concerts | Cassie B Project. 6:30pm. Town Center Community Park, 550 Park Center Dr, Santee. Every TH June 15- Aug 17 (Except July 6). cityofsanteeca.gov/ our-city/santee-summer-concerts.

Toyota Summer Concert Series | Boyz II Men. 7:30pm. Corona Grandstand Stage at San Diego County Fair. Tickets include same-

day admission to the Fair. www.sdfair. com/p/what-to-do/grandstand.

23 Friday

MLB: San Diego Padres VS Washington Nationals. 6:40pm. Petco Park. www.mlb. com/padres.

24 Saturday

Ocean Beach Street Fair & Chili Cook-Off Festival. 10am-8pm. Free admission. Food, art, beachfront entertainment, shopping, and more. https://oceanbeachsandiego.com/

MLB: San Diego Padres VS Washington Nationals. 5:40pm. Petco Park. www.mlb. com/padres.

Oceanside Independence Day Parade | Hometown Heroes. 10am. Starts in front of the 101 Cafe (Coast Highway at Wisconsin Avenue) and works its way north. www. mainstreetoceanside.com/ independence- parade.

Toyota Summer Concert Series | Stephen Marley with Hirie. 7:30pm. Corona Grandstand Stage at San Diego County Fair. Tickets include same-day admission to the Fair. www.sdfair.com/p/what-todo/ grandstand.

25 Sunday

MLB: San Diego Padres VS Washington Nationals. 1:10pm. Petco Park. www.mlb. com/padres.

Scoop San Diego Ice Cream Festival. 12- 4pm. 30th Street & North Park Way. Tastings from 20+ ice cream and gelato vendors. Proceeds benefit the San Diego Food Bank. Tickets: https:// scoopsandiego.org.

Toyota Summer Concert Series | Los Tigres del Norte. 7:30pm. Corona Grandstand Stage at San Diego County Fair. Tickets include same-day admission to the Fair. www.sdfair. com/p/what-to-do/ grandstand.

27 Tuesday

Live Music | Jonathan McReynolds. 8pm. House of Blues San Diego, 1055 5th Ave. Tickets: $25-$75. Under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent/adult age 25+.

28 Wednesday

Salsa Under the Stars with Manny Cepeda Orchestra. 6-9pm. 1st/3rd W. Carnitas Snack Shack, 1004 N Harbor Dr. Sit back and unwind to music from the Manny Cepeda Orchestra as he brings his best repertoire of Classic Salsa, Merengue, Cumbia, Bachata and Cuban Music.

29 Thursday

Santee Summer Concerts | Band Overboard. 6:30pm. Town Center Community Park, 550 Park Center Dr, Santee. Every TH June 15-Aug 17 (Except July 6). cityofsanteeca.gov/our-city/santeesummer-concerts.

Toyota Summer Concert Series | Randy Houser. 7:30pm. Corona Grandstand Stage at San Diego County Fair. Tickets include sameday admission to the Fair. www.sdfair. com/p/what-to-do/grandstand.

30 Friday

Live Music | Gimme Gimme Disco. 10pm. House of Blues San Diego, 1055 5th Ave. Tickets: $16.50-$31.50. Ages 18+.

1 Saturday

Toyota Summer Concert Series | Alabama. 7:30pm. Corona Grandstand Stage at San Diego County Fair. Tickets include sameday admission to the Fair. www.sdfair.com/p/ what-to-do/grandstand.

2 Sunday Aretha: A Tribute. 7:30pm. The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. Presented by San Diego Symphony. Broadway diva Capathia Jenkins and three-time Grammy® nominee Ryan Shaw light up The Rady Shell with all your favorite Aretha Franklin hits. theshell.org.

MLB: San Diego Padres VS Los Angeles Angels. 6:40pm. Petco Park. hwww.mlb. com/padres. Toyota Summer Concert Series | Switchfoot. 7:30pm. Corona Grandstand Stage at San Diego County Fair. Tickets include same-

day admission to the Fair. www.sdfair.com/p/what-to-do/grandstand.

4 Tuesday | Independence Day

That’s a Wrap! San Diego County Fair. Del Mar Fairgrounds. All Fair Admission & Parking tickets must be purchased online in advance. www.sdfair.com/p/tickets.

MLB: San Diego Padres VS Los Angeles Angels. 3:40pm. Petco Park. www.mlb.com/ padres.

Port of San Diego Big Bay Boom | SoCal’s biggest fireworks show. 9pm. Where to watch: Shelter Island, Harbor Island, North Embarcadero, Marina District, Coronado Ferry Landing, Boating/On the Water. Displayed from Four barges on San Diego Bay

Toyota Summer Concert Series | Fireworks Spectacular. 9pm. Corona Grandstands at San Diego County Fair. Avoid the crowds and secure your seat for the grand finale for the San Diego County Fair and the celebration of the U.S.A.! www.sdfair.com/p/what-to-do/ grandstand.

5 Wednesday

MLB: San Diego Padres VS Los Angeles Angels. 5:40pm. Petco Park. www.mlb.com/ padres.

Salsa Under the Stars with Manny Cepeda Orchestra. 6-9pm. 1st/3rd W. Carnitas Snack Shack, 1004 N Harbor Dr. Sit back and unwind to music from the Manny Cepeda Orchestra as he brings his best repertoire of Classic Salsa, Merengue, Cumbia, Bachata and Cuban Music.

6 Thursday Walk in ART. 5-10pm. Mural Alley, 400 block of University Ave. Lively entertainment, art, food, and music.

7 Friday

MLB: San Diego Padres VS New York Mets. 6:40pm. Petco Park. www.mlb.com/padres.

Live Music | Fleetwood MAX with Faux Fighters. 8pm. The Holding Company, 5046 Newport Ave. Get ready to dance the night away!

8 Saturday

San Diego Cars and Coffee. 9-11am. Elite Finish, 8820 Kenamar Dr. Coffee, donuts, live DJ. Open to all respectful Auto & Moto enthusiasts. All makes & models welcome. Family & dog friendly. Ocean Beach Makers Market Series. 11am. 5083 Santa Monica Ave. Free admission.

Shop 20 artists and makers, have some great food and experience amazing ocean views!

MLB: San Diego Padres VS New York Mets.

7:10pm. Petco Park. www.mlb.com/padres.

How to Train Your Dragon in Concert. 7:30pm. The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. Presented by San Diego Symphony. How To Train Your Dragon in Concert features this acclaimed film presented in HD, with composer John Powell’s Academy Award®- nominated score performed live to picture by a full symphony orchestra in a thrilling experience for all ages. www.theshell.org.

Be Our Guest: A Disney DJ Night. 9:30pm. House of Blues San Diego, 1055 5th Ave. Tickets: $20-$35. Ages 21+.

9 Sunday

MLB: San Diego Padres VS New York Mets.

1:10pm. Petco Park. www.mlb.com/padres.

13 Thursday

Santee Summer Concerts | 8 Track Highway. 6:30pm. Town Center Community Park, 550 Park Center Dr, Santee. Every TH June 15-Aug 17 (Except July 6). cityofsanteeca.gov/our-city/santeesummer-concerts.

15 Saturday

San Diego Pride Parade. 10am. Begins at the Hillcrest Pride Flag at University Ave & Normal St, ends at Laurel St (entrance to the Pride Festival). Largest single-day civic event in the region. https://sdpride. org/parade.

Calling All “Foodies” Get Your Tickets Now! “Taste of San Diego – East” Happens on June

26th

Bring your appetite and leave your diet at home!

The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce invites you to join businesses and food providers at the 14th Annual “Taste of San Diego East” on Monday, June 26th at the Town and Country Hotel, 500 Hotel Circle North, in the Pacific Ballroom. Join us and “taste, savor, and mingle” as you meet business vendors and enjoy the great food samplings prepared by food and catering participants. Sample from the following: Bella Bello by Shamrock Foods, Brew Coffee Spot, Claim Jumper Steakhouse & Bar, Dream Dinners, Duke’s Old Fashioned Onion Burgers, Edible Arrangements, Gordito Tamalito, Hooleys Public House, Lantern Crest Senior Living, Little Roma, Los Pinos Taco Shop, Marie Callender’s, Mendocino Farms, Pick Up Stix, Pioneer BBQ, Shamrock Foods, Steele 94 Restaurant Bar, and The Maharani’s Mithai.

The Chamber is thrilled to announce the Presenting Sponsor is EDCO. To date they are joined by: Supporting Sponsor: American Medical Response, SDG&E, Crème De La Crème Sponsors: Carl Burger Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM World, Focuscom Inc., Lily’s Manufactured Homes, Local Umbrella Media, Gourmet Sponsor: Cabrillo Credit Union, Bon Appétit Sponsors: Amanda Hammett Insurance & Financial Services –State Farm, California Coast Credit Union –La Mesa, Decor Depot, Fully Promoted EmbroidMe La Mesa, La Mesa Courier, Mattia Law, APLC, McGee Mechanical, Nightwalker Caverns Escape Room Adventures, North Island Credit Union, San Diego Living Real Estate, Spa Piel and U.S. Bank. Parking Sponsor: Kirk Paving, Inc. is joined by

Media Partner: Focuscom Inc., Technology Partner: i-NETT, Event Artistic Designer: La Mesa Floral Design Shoppe, Lighting Sponsor: Fady Events of San Diego, Vendor Water Sponsor: Sycuan Casino Resort, and Logistical Sponsor: the Town and Country Hotel. All printing is sponsored by AAA Imaging with graphics designed by Kostedt Design & Marketing. The evening will be captured by Bob Walker Photography and Eviezphotography.com

Ticket pricing which includes complimentary parking and unlimited visits to all food vendors are: VIP tasting, $60 for 3 hours of tasting from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. and General Admission $40 for 2 hours of tasting from 6:00p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Tickets may be purchased via the website: www.lamesachamber.com.