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Photos to Cecephoto.com.

Stephen Cushman, chair, Sharp Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees (center) and Raul Campillo, Councilmember, District 7 (right) gather with Sharp HealthCare leaders on May 26, 2022 at the groundbreaking of Sharp Memorial Hospital’s Cushman Emergency and Trauma Center expansion groundbreaking ceremony — the first phase of the largest set of transformational capital projects in the history of Sharp’s Serra Mesa medical campus.

SHARP HEALTHCARE LAUNCHES $250 MILLION FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN AT SHARP’S SERRA MESA MEDICAL CAMPUS GROUNDBREAKING

Effort Will Support $2 Billion Investment to Advance Technology, Innovation and Build New Facilities Across the Sharp System The Foundations of Sharp HealthCare recently announced a $250 million fundraising campaign to support advancements at Sharp’s corporate headquarters, regional medical centers and specialty hospitals. The campaign – called ENVISION: The Campaign for Sharp HealthCare – is part of a $2 billion comprehensive investment to advance technology, innovation, and build new facilities over the next decade to provide San Diegans with ever-greater levels of quality care. Thus far, $86 million has been raised in the first phase of the capital campaign as Sharp celebrates 75 years.

The campaign was launched earlier this month at Sharp Memorial Hospital’s Cushman Emergency and Trauma Center groundbreaking expansion ceremony; the first phase of the largest set of transformational capital projects in the history of Sharp’s medical campus in central San Diego.

“At Sharp, we believe a first-class health care system is a vital part of a community,” said Bill Littlejohn, senior vice president and chief executive officer of the Foundations of Sharp HealthCare. “This is perhaps the most sweeping group of initiatives to enhance health care delivery in San Diego’s history.”

Spearheaded by the foundations of Sharp HealthCare – Coronado Hospital Foundation, Grossmont Hospital Foundation and the Sharp HealthCare Foundation – ENVISION, is framed by four goals, knows as the Aspirations of Excellence: to provide clinical and technical innovation; enhance knowledge and learning; LOCAL NEWS | LocalUmbrellaNews.com

create an extraordinary patient experience; and deliver this world-class care to every community.

“With our philanthropic partners, we are embarking on a new generation of transformation: a journey to deliver the health care of the future,” Littlejohn says.

The ENVISION campaign includes more than a dozen initiatives, such as the new Prebys Innovation and Education Center, continued growth of Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center, enhancements to mental health services at Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital, and expanded emergency and intensive care services at Sharp Coronado Hospital.

The campaign will help fund the new Sharp Grossmont Hospital Neurosciences Center, Sharp’s fourth hospice home, expansion of the Sharp Rees-Stealy clinic network, and growth of the Terrence and Barbara Caster Institute for Nursing Excellence, which provides nursing scholarships and training.

“At Sharp, we are guided by a relentless devotion to doing what’s best for our community and our patients every time,” says Chris Howard, president and CEO of Sharp HealthCare.

“We are excited to embark on this inspiring initiative that further drives our commitment to The Sharp Experience — delivering the advanced technology, medical expertise and modern health care centers that will serve San Diego for generations to come.”

To learn more about the Foundations of Sharp HealthCare and the ENVISION campaign, visit sharp.com/envision. /LocalUmbrellaMedia

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About Sharp HealthCare Sharp HealthCare, San Diego’s most comprehensive health care delivery system, is recognized for clinical excellence in cardiac, cancer, multi-organ transplantation, orthopedics, rehabilitation, behavioral health, women’s health, home health and hospice services. Sharp HealthCare has been widely acclaimed for its commitment to transform the health care experience for patients, physicians and staff through an organization-wide performance improvement initiative called The Sharp Experience.

The Sharp HealthCare system includes four acutecare hospitals, three specialty hospitals, three affiliated medical groups, a health plan and numerous outpatient facilities and programs. To learn more about Sharp, visit Sharp Health News.

About the Foundations of Sharp HealthCare Guided by the mission to improve the health of the community, the Foundations of Sharp HealthCare support Sharp’s respected regional medical centers and specialty hospitals through philanthropic investment and collaboration. Donations support every aspect of the not-for-profit health care system, from infrastructure and research, to state-of-the-art technology and the best possible patient care. The three foundations of Sharp HealthCare include Coronado Hospital Foundation, Grossmont Hospital Foundation and Sharp HealthCare Foundation. Together, they bring innovations and improvements to the organization, allowing Sharp to touch more lives than any other health care provider in San Diego. To learn more about Sharp HealthCare philanthropy, visit the Foundations of Sharp HealthCare.

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Photos to Cecephoto.com.

Bill Littlejohn, senior vice president and CEO, Foundations of Sharp HealthCare

ENVISION HAS CLEARED THE RADY SHELL! On June 8, more than 600 philanthropists, board directors, physicians, employees and community leaders came together for Envisioning Excellence at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park to celebrate Sharp HealthCare’s launch of ENVISION with the announcement that the campaign has raised $88 million, one third of the $250 million goal. The campaign has received gifts from more than 10,000 donors, with 15 gifts of $1 million or more.

ENVISION, the largest philanthropy effort in Sharp HealthCare history, is making possible a $2 billion, decade-long investment in San Diego’s health care future. The ENVISION campaign includes more than a dozen initiatives, including the Prebys Innovation and Education Center, modernization of Sharp Memorial Hospital and Sharp’s Kearny Mesa medical campus, continued growth of Sharp Chula Photos to Cecephoto.com.

Pictured from left: Bill Littlejohn, senior vice president and CEO, Foundations of Sharp HealthCare; Gil Cabrera, Sharp HealthCare chair; Chris Howard, president and CEO, Sharp HealthCare

Photos to Cecephoto.com.

Dee Ammon and Scott Evans, senior vice president and CEO, Sharp Grossmont Hospital

Vista Medical Center, enhancements to mental health services at Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital and expanded emergency and intensive care services at Sharp Coronado Hospital.

The campaign will also support the creation of the Sharp Grossmont Hospital Neurosciences Center, the Moore MountainView Hospice Home in Poway, expansion of the Sharp Rees-Stealy clinic network and growth of the Terrence and Barbara Caster Institute for Nursing Excellence, which provides nursing scholarships and training.

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Photos to Cecephoto.com.

Judith Mansfield (left), T. Denny Sanford (center) and Perry Mansfield, MD

Sharp HealthCare family and the community and hope others will join us as we continue our mission to improve the /LocalUmbrellaMedia

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health of the community.” Bill Littlejohn, senior vice president and CEO of the Foundations of Sharp HealthCare.

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RYAN’S STORY: A HARD-CHARGING CALIFORNIA FIREFIGHTER LOSES HIS LAST BATTLE TO SUICIDE

By Julie Cart | CalMatters

In summary Strong and stoic, a Cal Fire captain fought wildland fires and helped retrieve the bodies of despondent people who had jumped off a remote bridge. When the bridge beckoned him, he couldn’t keep fighting.

He was Superman. A skilled surfer, skateboarder and hockey defenseman. A leader much admired and sometimes resented. He was hardcharging, driven by the motto of his unit: “Lead, follow, or get out of the way.”

Cal Fire Captain Ryan Mitchell was the embodiment of the heroic archetype: 6–foot-4, strong and stoic, brave in the face of danger, the last person anyone expected to take his own life.

Until he did.

On that bright November morning, Mitchell cleared up the paperwork at the end of his shift, locked the bay doors at Station 20 in El Cajon and set out to put an end to his pain.

He drove half an hour through picturesque rolling hills to a remote bridge in San Diego County and pulled off to the side of the road.

Nearby, large public-service signs urged anyone considering suicide to call a toll-free number.

Mitchell got out of his car, walked onto the Pine Valley Creek Bridge and stepped off the 440-foot-high span. He was 35 years old.

One of many It was 2017, and Mitchell was one of at least 117 firefighters across the country who took their own lives that year, according to the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance , the only national organization that tracks such figures.

Although there are ample anecdotal stories about suicides among California firefighters, there is no data detailing the scope of the problem at Cal Fire. National data also is sparse, but suicides appears to be increasing nationwide: The alliance has verified 1,750 firefighter suicides since 1880, with 95% of the deaths occurring between 2000 and 2022. Jeff Dill, a retired fire chief who founded the alliance, estimates that only about a third of firefighter suicides are identified because of the social stigma and code of silence.

knew it was something serious. His duty chief reached him while he was driving with his wife on a freeway in the San Fernando Valley.

“I don’t know how to tell you this, but Ryan Mitchell just jumped off the Pine Valley Bridge,” the chief told Mecham.

“I remember it as clear as day,” Mecham said.

“I tried to catch my breath. I pulled over, and as my wife drove, I got on the phone and started making calls.”

The 911 calls did not identify the jumper. But once it became clear that a Cal Fire captain was involved, the tenor of the emergency response changed. In terse, tight communications, the region’s first responders moved swiftly to recover the body of a brother in uniform.

A Cal Fire division chief who knew Mitchell’s parents was dispatched to locate them; another was sent to notify Mitchell’s estranged wife, who had been looking for him when he failed to pick up his 16-month-old son. A sheriff ’s deputy met Mitchell’s parents at their church.

Mecham began to manage the emotional fallout he knew was coming. It was the worst possible scenario: Mitchell’s own workmates responded to the 911 call from a citizen reporting his suicide. The crew sent to the scene had recognized Mitchell’s vehicle, a distinctive, beat-up station wagon he used when he went surfing.

Commanders took Mitchell’s fire station out of service for the day and instructed other battalion chiefs to visit every station to break the news. Local fire crews covered for Cal Fire that day.

The San Diego County Sheriff and California Highway Patrol let Cal Fire know they would handle the operation. Mecham wanted his people at the scene, but he didn’t want them to have to retrieve their co-worker’s body.

medical examiner’s office to receive him, and stood watch in shifts until the funeral.

People will tell you that time is elastic in moments of extreme distress. Information is being dispatched, the words are speeding by and you can’t keep up or remember. And the day seems like it’s on repeat, moving slowly and never-ending. In some Cal Fire stations, firefighters wept, some punched their grief into walls and some went home, not knowing what to do with themselves.

Ernie Marugg, a battalion chief in San Diego County who mentored Mitchell, had just left church when he heard the radio call. He took both of his stations in the area out of service and “self-dispatched” to the scene. He considered hiking into the canyon but instead waited on the bridge. “I didn’t want to see him like that, but I didn’t want to leave my boy out there.”

It was Marugg who pushed the gurney with Mitchell’s body into the morgue.

Colleagues began piecing together the day, struggling to construct a timeline as if the assembly of facts might help them understand why Mitchell took his life.

A fellow firefighter walked up to Ryan Mitchell and said, “Hey, buddy, everything alright?” Mitchell told him his car was overheating. “I’m all good,” he said.

A tragic detail emerged of Mitchell’s last moments: A federal battalion chief who knew Mitchell — his unit was based in the same station — was driving by that morning and saw Mitchell sitting quietly in his car by the bridge.

“I can’t tell you how many coworkers and longtime friends have killed themselves, and four times as many have attempted it in the last few years.”

Tony Martinez, Cal Fire captain in Napa County The statistics paint a grim picture: Desperate firefighters turn guns on themselves or drive into trees. One jammed a stick of dynamite in his mouth and lit the fuse. Some set themselves on fire.

Tony Martinez, a Cal Fire captain in Napa County, said many coworkers have committed suicide — or attempted to, some multiple times.

“I can’t tell you how many coworkers and longtime friends have killed themselves, and four times as many have attempted it in the last few years. Three co-workers in Cal Fire died last week. Died by suicide,” Martinez said.

Finding Ryan Cell phones began buzzing around 11 a.m. on that Sunday, when many of Mitchell’s family members and friends were at church. A phone tree began heating up with the same urgent question: “Have you heard from Ryan?”

Tony Mecham, Mitchell’s battalion chief in El Cajon, was driving back from a family emergency and left strict instructions not to be bothered.

When he received two calls in five minutes, he LOCAL NEWS | LocalUmbrellaNews.com

Screenshot via YouTube

Firefighters saluted as engines escorted the body of their colleague, Ryan Mitchell.

A team hiked into the rugged canyon underneath the bridge and hoisted Mitchell’s body out in a rescue litter. Everyone on the bridge — now teeming with all manner of uniformed personnel from multiple agencies — saluted as the body was placed on a stretcher and draped with an American flag.

Following Cal Fire tradition, a colleague’s body is escorted at all times during its journey to its final resting place. From the bridge, a procession of emergency vehicles accompanied Mitchell in the coroner’s van, along with a CHP vanguard. A Cal Fire honor guard was at the /LocalUmbrellaMedia

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The firefighter pulled over, walked to Mitchell and said, “Hey, buddy, everything alright?” according to Mitchell’s best friend, Battalion Chief Patrick Walker.

Mitchell told him his car was overheating and he was just waiting for it to cool. “I’m all good,” he said, Walker said. The firefighter went on his way, waving.

Sometime after that, Mitchell stepped into air.

Trying to unlock Ryan’s mind No one knows what set Ryan Mitchell — who had fought dozens of wildland fires throughout ADVERTISE | Press@LocalUmbrella.com

A Publication of Local Umbrella Media the state during his 12 years of service — on his downward spiral. The disintegration of his marriage, too much firefighting and too little sleep — the same problems documented by his colleagues. The struggle to never show weakness and the imperative to save everyone. It could have been all of it — or none of it.

Mitchell dreamed of shifting to aviation, the elite corps of firefighting. When he failed to get accepted into Cal Fire’s program, it was deeply disappointing, and angered him. One of his supervisors said the rejection “broke him.”

Mitchell told friends he’d been stressing about his marriage, too.

Denial claims no exclusivity. Mitchell’s friends and family believed his brave front. Through it all, he confided in few people, and even fewer understood the depth of the pain and blankness that he felt.

Mitchell was in Marugg’s office one day and the battalion chief suggested counseling. When Mitchell said he had seen someone and that he was fine, Marugg believed him. It was a month or two before Mitchell died.

“He didn’t offer me a whole lot,” Marugg said.

“If he saw the therapist more than two times, I would be surprised. He said everything was back on track. I thought he was getting better.”

Suicide has a stealthy manner, often hiding in plain sight. No one had a clue about Mitchell’s plan to kill himself until he did, and then they thought they saw clues scattered everywhere.

Clinicians often can’t pinpoint the moment, the nudge or push that takes a person from maintaining to can’t-take-it-anymore. There’s no diagnostic template for suicide.

Sometimes it’s a trigger that releases awful memories: The fire captain who responded to a child drowning who lost his own child to drowning. It can be a single, horrific incident: The fire boss who heard the screams of burning colleagues, unable to get to them.

Or it can be the accumulation of a career’s-worth of death, destruction and irreparable wounds. By the time a firefighter reaches that tipping point, trauma has seeped into deep places and is difficult to dredge out.

Photo by Ariana Drehsler for CalMatters

William Mitchell, shown at his home in Lakeside, California, became a fire chaplain serving Cal Fire after his son, Cal Fire Captain Ryan Mitchell, took his own life.

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Now she raises money for suicide awareness.

Saying goodbye to Ryan

Photo by Ariana Drehsler for CalMatters

A photograph of Ryan Mitchell when he was between 4 and 5 years old is displayed in the living room of his parents, William and Leslie Mitchell.

we believe our own myths.”

Walker remembers seeing some worrisome signs. He had been concerned about his young friend and colleague for some time. He spoke to Mitchell in the days before his suicide. and was taken aback by how quiet he was: The captain not only didn’t talk about his problems, he didn’t talk much at all.

Yet everything about Mitchell’s suicide showed evidence of deliberation, choosing a spot he knew, a bridge in the remote mountains east of San Diego — one of the highest in the nation — that is frequently the scene of suicides, Walker said.

“It was purposeful,” he said. “He had picked up dead bodies from Pine Valley before, and thought, ‘That’s a sure thing.’“ Then there was a photo he posted on Facebook a year before he took his life: It depicted a firefighter in full gear holding a gun to his head.

Even his father, his clone in many ways, didn’t see the desperation in a grown man’s fatigue and emptiness, only the brave boy he raised.

“Ryan wasn’t the kind of guy to have those kinds of issues. He was an unmitigated hard-ass,” Will Mitchell said. “He was a hard-charger in the department, and the department doesn’t tell hard-chargers to slow down. Ryan found his breaking point, it was too much, too hard, too fast.”

Will Mitchell visited his son not long before his death. “He did not look well at that time, he looked gaunt. He was cooked,” Mitchell said. The captain had taken a shift for another firefighter who he deemed too tired to work any longer.

Then he went to his home station and worked another three-day shift. “We never saw him again.”

Gone was the man Will Mitchell competed against on surf breaks in Mexico and El Salvador.

The agile skateboarder. The kid in the backseat on the way to ice hockey tournaments. The commanding officer who pushed “his guys” in physical training nearly as hard as he pushed himself.

Mitchell left behind a wife and son, Aiden, a little towheaded beach kid who mirrors his parents’ sun-splashed good looks. The job — or life — ate away at the marriage, and the couple was separated at the time of Mitchell’s death.

Through the family, his wife, Denelle Mitchell, declined an interview. But she told a television

Mitchell’s suicide shook the Cal Fire family. His life was celebrated at a memorial service, with 1,500 in attendance, replete with the fire service’s elaborate rituals.

An honor guard stood at attention on a stage filled with emblems of Mitchell’s life: a surfboard, two hockey jerseys, beat up fire gear and helmets bearing his badge number, 4797. Bagpipers played “Amazing Grace” and firefighters wore their Class A dress uniforms with white gloves. And, finally, the 200-year-old tradition of ringing three bells, a firefighter’s “last alarm.”

Mecham, the battallion chief, spoke at the service, acknowledging the trauma and suicide directly.

“I have witnessed the sadness and anger that Ryan’s death has created,” he told the crowd. “Why did they not catch it, why did we miss it, why Ryan?

“People are looking for understanding for something we may never understand. The harsh reality is we will probably never know why. The Ryan Mitchell you all know and love did not take his own life. Ryan Mitchell’s disease took his life.”

“I don’t know what demons got ahold of my friend on that bridge. But I don’t want them to catch me.”

Patrick Walker, Cal Fire battalion chief and mitchell’s best friend Mitchell’s family and other loved ones remain shattered. His father, a burly, no-nonsense building contractor, wears a rubber wristband memorializing Ryan’s life. Already an ordained minister, he was moved after his son’s death to become a chaplain for the fire service, but still struggles with his faith. “I’ve had a few knockdown, drag-outs with God, ” he said.

The cruelty of suicide is felt in its reverberations. Those who are left behind have forever to pose what-ifs and second-guess every small disagreement and overlooked wound — with no chance of making anything right.

“Ryan and my relationship was never perfect as a father and son,” Will Mitchell said. “We butted heads, we were at odds with each other.

We didn’t speak to each other for periods of time, we were out of communication way too often.

“I relished the idea of making sure that all that garbage was forgiven and forgotten. I haven’t had the opportunity to do that. It’s a huge regret.”

The suicide of any firefighter prompts soul-searching among colleagues, especially among those who have battled their own troubling thoughts. Mitchell’s best friend, Walker, like many, has faced his own darkness. When he drives across that tall bridge, he still shivers.

It can be a single, horrific incident.

Or it can be the accumulation of a career’s-worth of death, destruction and irreparable wounds.

The onset of post-traumatic stress disorder and depression can go unnoticed, becoming so much a part of person’s psyche that dark thoughts become the norm, said Sidra Goldman-Mellor, who studies depression and suicide at University of California, Merced.

“People don’t have the language. People don’t recognize that how they are feeling now is not how they always felt. It seems normal to them,” she said.

In California, the mythmaking around wildland firefighting has a century of unvarnished heroism behind it. But human heroes, like Mitchell, have their limits.

“It’s a form of cultural brainwashing,” Dill said. “ You put this uniform on, you act a certain way, you are brave and courageous. ‘We give help, we don’t ask for help.’ The problem with firefighters is LOCAL NEWS | LocalUmbrellaNews.com

Photo by Ariana Drehsler for CalMatters

Capt. Ryan Mitchell jumped off the Pine Valley Creek Bridge, just outside of Pine Valley, California. More than 400 feet high and remote, the bridge has drawn many people who take their own lives over the years.

station two years after Ryan’s death that she could see the toll firefighting was taking on him.

“The fire seasons were getting longer and harder,” she said. “There’s days where as a firefighter wife, they come home and they just are so exhausted — mentally, physically, and emotionally drained.” /LocalUmbrellaMedia

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“I haul ass across it,” he said. “I don’t know what demons got ahold of my friend on that bridge. But I don’t want them to catch me.”

If you are having suicidal thoughts, you can get help from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800273-8255 or https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

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OUR NATION’S BIRTHDAY

Richard Lederer

The most prominent all-American holiday is the Fourth of July. It’s the birthday of our country, and do we ever celebrate! Families gather for parades, picnics, concerts, carnivals, and fireworks.

That national outpouring of jubilation commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence. But if you have an image in your mind of a room full of patriots lined up to sign that document on the fourth, think again. That’s not how it happened. It’s almost an accident that we don’t celebrate the Second of July or the Eighth of July or even the Second of August.

The Second Continental Congress, with repre-

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sentatives from the thirteen colonies, was called to order in May 1775. The battles at Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts, had been fought on April 19. Even so, the delegates had little appetite for breaking away from England. Instead, on July 1775, they sent a petition to King George III asking him to protect them from Parliament, which, in the colonists’ eyes, taxed them often and unreasonably. The phrase “no taxation without representation” summed up their complaint.

King George ignored their petition.

On June 11, 1776, a committee was appointed to draft an affirmation of independence. The group included Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania, John Adams of Massachusetts, Roger Sherman of Connecticut, Robert Livingston of New York, and Thomas Jefferson of Virginia. Jefferson took on the task of writing the document.

Every American should know the clarion words of the preamble: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.”

That statement has been called “one of the best-known sentences in the English language” and “the most potent and consequential words in American history.”

After some revisions, the Continental Congress on July 2 voted to accept the declaration of our national sovereignty. As reported in the Pennsylvania Evening Post, “This day the Continental Congress declared the United Colonies Free and Independent States.”

On the Fourth, John Hancock of Massachusetts, president of the Congress, signed the Declaration of Independence with his prodigious signature in an almost empty chamber.

Secretary Charles Thomson was the only other person who actually signed the Declaration of

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Independence on July 4, as a witness to Hancock’s signature.

On July 8, Hancock read the text to a large and boisterous crowd in Philadelphia. Their joyful response was the first celebration of independence. On July 19, Congress ordered that the Declaration of Independence be engrossed, or written, on parchment. When that was completed, the document was sent to be signed by the members of the Congress, including John Hancock. Forty-nine signed it on August 2, almost a month after its adoption. Five members signed it later, and two never signed it.

The document marked the formal end of the effort by the American colonies to reconcile with King George. We now considered ourselves to be an independent nation and no longer subjects of the British king.

It was in the Declaration of Independence that the term The United States of America was used for the first time. Celebrating the Fourth of July didn’t become common until after the War of 1812, and Independence Day wasn’t made a federal holiday until 1870. The original parchment copy of the Declaration is housed at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. Richard Lederer is the author of 60 books about language, history, and humor, including his best-selling Anguished English series and his current titles, A Treasury of Halloween Humor, A Treasury of Christmas Humor, and A Pleasury of Word & Phrase Origins. He is a founding co-host of “A Way With Words,” broadcast on Public Radio.

Dr. Lederer’s syndicated column, “Lederer on Language,” appears in newspapers and magazines throughout the United States. He has been named International Punster of the Year and Toastmasters International’s Golden Gavel winner.

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TO SLEEP, PERCHANCE TO DREAM SLEEP ALL NIGHT

By Lewis Lustman

When we opened Senior-High, we thought the most common ailment seniors sought to alleviate using a cannabis product would be aches and pains. You get older, things that used to work don’t work as well, if at all. You creak. While you used to be able to jump out of bed, these days it takes a bit of a slow warmup and some cautious first steps to make sure you’re going to stay vertical.

But actually, the ailment that’s common to most seniors is sleeplessness. You’d think that when you retired from working, you wouldn’t worry anymore when you got into bed. No more concerns about incompetent bosses, co-workers who should have been named Moe, Larry and Curly, and vengeful young underlings anxious to make you look bad and take your job. No concerns about things being shipped or delivered correctly.

No timecards to punch or clocks to watch.

You can’t be late to a job you no longer have. 1 But a lot of us, even after getting a head start on the log sawing concerto by conking out in our recliner, drool cascading down our chins with arms and legs spread akimbo, somehow wake up and lie there for an hour once we finally stagger off to bed.

What do I have to do tomorrow? Why did I miss that short putt? Is there gas in the car?

Where did I leave my socks? If I left the cat sleeping in the living room, what’s that large, growling lump at the bottom of the bed with the iridescent eyes?

Sleep that used to come so easily when we were younger now elude us. Meditation doesn’t always help nor does progressive relaxation. And we’re too lazy to turn on the lights and read a dull book or turn on CSPAN. Then there are the “lucky” ones who fall asleep – and then wake up at 3 AM, either for no reason or nature called. And then they can’t fall back asleep. Many just resign themselves and get out of bed, get dressed, and begin their miserable day as a cranky, error-prone zombie.

Thankfully, we at Senior-High have found numerous cures for sleeplessness. You can find them all by clicking HERE. We’ve had good luck with Sandland’s products. They offer both Fall Asleep and Stay Asleep pills. We also have tried Papa and Barkley’s tinctures with good results. Green Roads, Vena, Medterra, Joy Organics, and Kurativ all offer products we’ve found help us get a great night’s sleep. We do suggest caution

with edibles: they can take time to kick in so plan ahead. Try taking your dose an hour before you plan to hit the rack. You may also want to start off by taking a third or even a quarter of a gummy and see how it goes. If you’re comfortable, take another quarter the next time you need one.

The great thing about cannabis products for sleep is that, unlike some prescription solutions, they produce no side effects and aren’t addictive.

1 Actually, I still have dreams in which I’m going to be late to work and worry about imaginary assignments being due - and I’ve been “retired” for two years!

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Local Umbrella Media Newspaper Publications are printed monthly and distributed freely throughout San Diego County. Opinions expressed in articles or advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher.

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9

PREVENTING NEXT SCHOOL DON’T LETTHE A DUI RUIN THE SHOOTING HOLIDAY SEASON

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VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 12 | December, 2021

By District DistrictAttorney AttorneySummer SummerStephan Stephan By

Before second Over theyou last accept 20 years,that what once glass of Champagne at your next was the safest place for our children holiday gathering, make sure – school – has turned into a place of your celebration happy constant worry andremains questionable seby designating a sober driver or curity. In the face overwhelming grief simply a cab.loss San over the taking tremendous of Diego life at is struggling with its worst episode Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, of deadly DUI two at Texas, it feels likecrashes we havein arrived decades with 37 lives claimed a time where school shootings andto date.killings are the norm. With mass school public venue at the Sinceand DUI crashes aresafety 100 % pretop of our minds, I wanton to remind ventable, I am calling San DieSan Diegans of the efforts the District Attorney’s Office has undertaken to prioritize school safety and to emphasize the critical role the public plays in preventing school shootings.

In 2018, San Diego County established a School Threats Protocol, which guides how school, law enforcement and prosecutors respond to school threats. The protocol was updated in 2021 with the help of many agencies. It may be the first of its kind protocol with all 42 school

districts the county participating gans to in think twice before getting with the goal of preventing would-be behind the wheel while under the school shooters before act. In influence of drugs orthey alcohol.

Of course, the protocol is not fooladdition, we’re seeing disturbing proof, but at its heart it relies on trends with fentanyl overdosethe following: deaths, which is why I’m calling • Never ignore a threat of harm, no on parents, students and everyone matter the form. in between to have the discussion • Every threat is taken seriously, about it no longer being safe to with evidenced-based guidelines for experiment with street drugs. investigation and resolution of the The market for street drugs is so threat. deadly, that literally one pill can Taking threats seriously is supportkill.

This point was highlighted ed by statistics. expertly to participating students • 93% of school shooters make and parents at a Juvenile Opioid plans to carry out their attack and Summit that my office hosted • 80% of them tell at least one for all San Diego County middle person and high Former • 60% tellschool at least students. two people.

NBA Star, Chris Herren, spoke With these odds, it’s important forto students histhat extraordinary the public about to know you play a struggle with an opioid vital role in helping preventaddiction school and he used his storysuspected of recovery shootings by reporting as a powerful connection to anybehavior or threats. one struggling with addiction.

For anyone who thinks it’s Just as deadly DUI crashes funny to cause alarm and fearare by higher than ever across the counposting a threat online or calling ty, over past few years the one intothe a school, these incidents number of fentanyl deaths, go beyond a prank: they carryespecially among young people,such has as serious legal consequences, more than quadrupled.

Overdose jail time. Making criminal threats deaths have increased is a felony crime even iffrom there33was in 2016 to almost 700 so this no intent to carry out the far threat; year.

Victims include students as threatening words with the intent young 16-years-old young to causeasfear and whichand reasonably cause to feel with fear people aresomeone experimenting are sufficient felony charge. drugs as earlyfor as a12.

Juveniles can face jail time, or other consequences such as having their access to social media taken away by the court. It’s important to keep in mind however, that the juvenile justice system is meant to rehabilitate youthful offenders, not punish them. In instances where we can help them get on the right track with rehabilitation, mental health services and restorative justice methods, that is our first choice.

In 16 months, our Inthe thelast DUI incidents weoffice are received 43 school threats cases to seeing, data shows that average review for formal charges, of which blood-alcohol levels are higher 10 cases have been filed in juvenile than last year.

And we’re seeing court.

Our message is clear: every bethat more than half of people school threat isfor being fully under investi- the ing arrested driving gated and every suspect will be held influence have both alcohol and accountable. drugs in their system—a deadly Here are some of the factors the combination.

DA’s Office and law enforcement We always say that drivers consider, to confirm the credibility know the risks and the dangers of a threat once the suspect has been of driving under the influence of identified: alcohol.

But their an entirely different • Investigate background, indanger that is not as apparent is cluding whether the person made buying what looks like pharmaprior threats ceutical from a drug dealer.

• Look atpills open-source intelligence The pills look authentic, but such as social media posts nearly alltoof are made with • Check seethem if they have regisfentanyl, which takes only a few tered guns, have made recent amminiscule grains to kill. munition purchases or have access When to guns you’re invited to that next holiday party or as you cele• Check on whether there has been brate the year coming to an end, contact with terrorist organizations don’t becomewhether a San Diego sta• Determine they have tistic of someone gone too soon had psychiatric holds or other ormental someone who caused another health red flags person’s death.

Make a person plan onhas • Research whether the how you will get home safelyorand had a recent traumatic event keep San Diegans safe.

We grievance with a particular all school deserve it. associated with a school or person On behalf our entire team Even thoughofwe have a way to at the District Attorney’s Office, measure successful prosecution, it’s which is dedicated to successful building not as easy to measure safe and healthy communities, intervention, but preventing evenwe one one school shooting wishdeath you or a joyful and safe holiday isseason. our duty. The best prevention for a school shooting is bystander intervention. We use public tips to investigate and interrupt violence.

It’s everyone’s responsibility to report threats. You can also report anonymously at StudentsSpeakingOut.org.

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

©2021 COPYRIGHT BY INSPIRED MEDIA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Local Umbrella Media Newspaper Publications are printed monthly and distributed freely throughout San Diego County. Opinions expressed in articles or advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher.

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THE NAT’S NEWEST EXHIBITION SHINES LIGHT ON THE BAJA CALIFORNIA PENINSULA Nat at Night also Launches

BALBOA PARK — visitors can get a glimpse into the beautiful biodiversity of the Baja California Peninsula - right in Balboa Park - as The Nat debuts its newest, permanent exhibition.

Expedition Baja invites visitors to explore the Baja California Peninsula and follow researchers on their quest to conserve its wild beauty. Featuring museum specimens, immersive imagery, and stories about conservation work happening there, the exhibition brings to life one of the most incredible regions in the world.

The Baja California peninsula boasts many rare plants and animals that exist nowhere else on Earth. But, like southern California, it is also a victim of widespread habitat loss due to climate change, agriculture, development, and invasive species. The exhibition will increase awareness of how diverse the region is—from snow-capped mountains to remote desert islands—and the work we do to preserve it.

Expedition Baja is located in the new, 2,000-square-foot gallery on the top f loor of The Nat, which was converted from staff office space during the pandemic shutdown.

Nature doesn’t stop at the border The 775-mile-long Baja California Peninsula is part of The Nat’s mission area for biodiversity conservation. But it has not had a permanent presence in the Museum—until now.

The Museum has a long history of scientific expeditions into Mexico and collaboration with researchers in the region. This cooperative work has uncovered species new to science, helped with habitat preservation, and played an important role in conservation decisions on both sides of the border.

“Nature doesn’t stop at the border; in fact, humans are the only species that recognize political boundaries,” said Judy Gradwohl, The Nat’s president and CEO. “International collaboration is key to the future of this region and its remarkable biological diversity.”

Exhibition highlights While many of The Nat’s exhibitions and programs feature museum research and specimens, this is the first time that the scientists themselves take center stage in an exhibition.

From what they pack for field excursions to stories about the plants and animals they are working to conserve, Expedition Baja will bring visitors closer to the region’s wild places, but also to our team of researchers and the scientific process itself.

Highlights include: lAn immersive, life-size diorama featuring the otherworldly succulent plants of the peninsula’s central deserts. lSpecimens from the Museum’s collection that showcase some of the area’s rare, native species, including the Isla Santa Catalina rattlesnake and the extinct Guadalupe caracara. lEngaging exhibits about conservation work being carried out by researchers in Mexico and the U.S., including the recent rediscovery of the San Quintín kangaroo rat, re-establishing populations of the California red-legged frog, and a project to study rare plants along the border. lA vitrine showcasing the equipment scientists take with them on a research expedition—from plant presses to favorite snacks to field notebooks. lA 60-foot-long entrance mural created

by Tijuana-based street artist Néstor “Spel” LOCAL NEWS | LocalUmbrellaNews.com

Mondragón, showcasing plants and animals from the exhibition.

Expedition Baja is free for members and included with paid admission. Guests can pair their visit with films in the Subaru Giant Screen Experience. One of the films, Ocean Oasis, features the wildlife of the Gulf of California and the Baja California desert.

Baja-related programming will be offered throughout the year, including Nat Talks, youth programs, and resources for students and teachers.

Nat at Night also launches In addition to the public opening of Expedition Baja, May 27 was replaces is also the first day of the Museum’s popular summer program, Nat at Night, which returns after a two-year hiatus.

For Nat at Night, the Museum stays open until 10 PM every Friday through September 2. Visitors can enjoy all exhibitions, participate in trivia on select evenings (starting in July), and visit the rooftop patio, which serves up amazing views, refreshments /LocalUmbrellaMedia

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(beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks), and delicious small plates from local restaurant partner Wolf in the Woods.

Nat at Night is open to museum guests of all ages. Admission is half-price on Fridays after 4 PM, and free for members and Explorer passholders. Films are not included in the event (the last screening of the day will be at 4 PM).

Visitors can learn more, purchase tickets, or become a member at sdnat.org.

ABOUT THE SAN DIEGO NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM The San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat) is one of California’s oldest and most respected cultural and scientific institutions.

Founded in 1874 by a small group of naturalists, the Museum works to preserve and protect this amazing place we call home. The Museum is located at 1788 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101 in Balboa Park. For more information, visit sdnat.org. To stay up to date on Museum news, follow The Nat on Instagram and Twitter and join the discussion on Facebook.

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| VOLUME 7 | ISSUE 6

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LGBTQ VISUAL ART EXHIBIT CELEBRATES FIFTH YEAR IN HILLCREST ART GALLERY Pride Month kicks off across the nation in June and for San Diego continues into July when it celebrates with its own parade and festival. For five years, The Studio Door art gallery and studios has presented an unprecedented artistic flair to festivities with its national exhibition of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) artists with the PROUD+ visual art exhibition.

Pride is nationally recognized at this time of year in commemoration of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in New York City. The riots are considered a seminal moment in LGBTQ history that was the tipping point for LGBTQ civil rights.

With PROUD+ exhibition, The Studio Door seeks to present diverse works of art that showcase the range of expression within the rainbow community. For LGBTQ folk, the exhibition is a reaffirming exploration of the values of Pride.

It also offers the general public with an entry point to better understand the community.

For the artists, the exhibition is a rare opportunity to have their artworks hang side by side with their contemporaries from across the county.

Over 60 works of art are included in the exhibition, including works by local artists: Chad Berwald, Pierre Bounaud, Maurice Cassidy, Lance Chang, Stevan Dupus, C Fodoreanu, Colette Hebert, Tali Lopez, Todd Mufatti, Teemstir, Danne Sadler, Syd Stevens, Minnie Valero, Roy de Vries and Tim Weedlun. Of note, are two local artists who have stood out for exceptional work including Yvette Deas, one of the exhibit’s juried Best in Show artists, and Stefan Talian, the featured artist for 2022.

Artists from 13 states are also included in the exhibition.

The exhibition was curated with the support of Alyssa Nitchun, Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art Executive Director. The Museum based in New York City is the only dedicated LGBTQ+ art museum in the world with a mission to exhibit and preserve LGBTQ+ art and foster the artists who create it.

Exploring LGBTQ voices, this year’s artworks included such unusual art pieces including a hand embroidered chair, a dress made of tampon wrappers, a framed collection of dolls and an threaded vinyl cord. Traditional paintings, photographs and stain glass are also on display.

The fifth year of PROUD+ visual art exhibition is currently open to the public through July 30th. The Studio Door gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday from Noon to 5 PM. The gallery is located in the heart of Hillcrest at 3867 Fourth Avenue. For more information, please visit www.TheStudioDoor.com

Left to Right: Artwork by Maurice Cassidy, Richard Poulin, Todd Muffatti, C Fodoreanu, Colette Hebert, Joan Cox, Chad Berwald and Minnie Valero.

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13

STAYCATIONS CAN BE FUNNER This summer, staycations will be the practical way to go with gas prices being so high. And Harrah’s Resort is the premiere destination for travelers who want to keep the driving to a minimum. The beauty of the resort is that once you arrive, you don’t need to go anywhere else – eating, gaming and entertainment are all contained onsite. So put away your keys, and start exploring.

Located less than an hour from Downtown San Diego, Harrah’s Resort Southern California sits at the southern tip of Pauma Valley, amid some of the most picturesque scenery in San Diego County. The valley has not been encroached on by the residential development that has engulfed a huge part of San Diego County.

The result is a time capsule of California history, and the effect is of going back in time to before World War 2 when most of California was an agricultural landscape of lemon and orange groves.

In the valley, produce stands still dot the highways with hand painted signs advertising bags of fresh picked fruit. The San Luis Rey River still flows wild through the valley dominated by majestic Mount Palomar to the Northeast, and this beauty alone is a key reason to visit the resort.

Harrah’s Resort also refers to itself in self-promotions, as “Funner, CA”, with the idea being that the resort is an actual destination for fun as opposed to a simple gambling casino This theme is repeated and showcased throughout the resort to include fun activities, food, gaming and even national musical acts performing at their events center or the pool area on special occasions.

The resort’s towers are over twenty stories high, but are expertly designed with a color and texture palette that does not disrupt the beauty of the valley. Natural tints and engineered curves, as well as a cadre of plant and water elements harmonize with the landscape in an effect that pays homage to the rich Luiseño heritage of the area. The result is a resort that is impressive without imposing on the nature of the valley.

Access to the entrance is spacious and hassle free, and valet service is offered within sight of check-in. There is also a plenty of free self-parking in a large parking structure for both guests and day visitors as well.

The check-in area is impressive with vaulted ceilings that create a canyon-like feel. The checkin process is quick and easy, and the rooms are first-class in design and comfort. The checkout process is even easier with several quick options including a text-and-go feature where your invoice gets emailed to you. This elegant design extends to the gaming area as well as the surrounding bars and eateries.

Harrah’s Resort offers all the gaming choices typically available at any resort, but they have also created a culinary experience that is sure to satisfy whatever tastes you crave. Several sit down restaurants offer formal dining experiences while other establishments provide quick bites to go. Fiore is a high-end steakhouse, which features all the choice cuts as well as exemplary seafood dishes. A stellar wine menu offers outstanding pairings with any dish, and the desserts are unparalleled – seriously!

KJ Chinese Restaurant features all the traditional as well as classic dishes one would expect such as stir-fry, dim sum and noodles. Oyster Bar offers many varieties of oysters as well as sushi, complimented with an extensive sake menu.

Oyster Bar actually sits tucked away in a corner of Fiore, so guests can order some of the decadent treats off their desert menu! For a quicker and more casual dining experience, try The Café which is a favorite for a traditional breakfast, or ‘ritas Cantina which serves up quality Mexican food.

The big buzz at Harrah’s is the opening of Hell’s Kitchen this summer, which will be the largest of Chef Gordon Ramsay’s chain to date.

Amber Lussier is the Director of Resort Marketing at Harrah’s Resort and is looking forward to the grand opening happening in August. She says that the actual details of the event are being LOCAL NEWS | LocalUmbrellaNews.com

All photos courtesy of J/PR

By Vince Meehan

Jane Lynch is now the new mayor of Funner, CA

Harrah’s Resort Southern California sits in Pauma Valley

The pool area is definitely the hot spot of the resort

The rooms at Harrah’s Resort are top notch

The décor at Harrah’s is modern and stylish

kept under wraps to enhance the surprise of the event, but she promises that the opening will be something you do not want to miss. “There will be a full ribbon cutting as well as a ceremony with our tribal council,” Lussier offered.

“Gordon Ramsay brings this element of fun and uniqueness to our resort and Hell’s Kitchen is going to be an experience that you’ll never forget and at the end of the day, that’s really what Funner, CA is all about.”

A big draw of Harrah’s Resort is its three large pools expertly designed on the south side of the resort to maximize sun exposure and avoid shadows from the two main towers. The area is vast and one pool is laid out as a basic typical hotel pool, while another features a lazy river for tubing. The third is a bar pool designed in the style of the Cancun resorts. Private cabanas are available to rent and feature dedicated servers for drinks and food options.

Harrah’s Resort also features its very own onsite craft beer brewery, which sits directly underneath the north tower. The Rincon Reservation Road Brewery is not only the home of some of San Diego’s tastiest beers, but is also the first tribally-owned brewery in Southern California.

The beer selection is awesome with a definite stand out being the creamy Hefeweizen. Live music is performed on weekends and food bites are available nightly.

Another element of live musical entertainment is the Dueling Pianos show that takes place on the weekends next to Corked, the resort’s wine bar that features premiere wines by the glass. Guests can enjoy their wine in the lounge while taking in the performers playing hits from all genres. A tip in the jar ensures that the pianists will play your request!

As part of its Funner, CA theme, Harrah’s Resort regularly appoints a mayor whose role is to promote the resort as a fun destination. This year they inaugurated iconic actor, author and comedian Jane Lynch, who is the first female mayor of Funner, CA. Past mayors include David Hasselhoff and Rob Riggle.

Lynch will now appear on commercials and /LocalUmbrellaMedia

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billboards promoting Harrah’s Resort as a fun destination for all.

“We are thrilled to have Jane Lynch as Funner’s new mayor,” said Bo Mazzetti, Chairman of the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians. “We know that Jane’s contagious spirit and legendary experience will only continue to grow the community here at Harrah’s Resort SoCal.” Lynch was graciously set up at the resort’s flagship Mayoral Suite on the top floor for her inauguration. While there, she held court by greeting journalists and influencers from around the world. “I couldn’t ask for a better position at a more beautiful resort, it’s all about fun and that’s what I’m all about.” Lynch said. Along with being Mayor of Funner, CA, Lynch is also busy with her Broadway career in New York where she is starring in the Broadway classic “Funny Girl”. “We opened in April at the August Wilson Theatre and it’s starring Beanie Feldstein who is amazing,” Lynch added. “It’s the 1964 musical that starred Barbara Streisand and skyrocketed her career. So we’re doing our version of it on Broadway, it’s the first revival ever, and it’s a blast – it’s a beautiful show!”

You can expect to see a lot of Lynch in the coming months as she promotes Funner, CA, and these TV spots are known for their light-hearted and whacky content, which has become a trademark of the brand. “Jane Lynch embodies the ideals of Funner,” said Jill Barrett, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Harrah’s Resort SoCal. “She is the prime elected official to be the next leader of Funner, CA, given her unparalleled ability to share the Funner state of mind with everyone she comes across.

Mayor Jane is already hard at work, rolling out a brand new zero-proof cocktail menu, vegan culinary offerings, two custom spa treatments and the trusty mayoral hotline. I cannot wait to see what else she has in store!”

Funner, CA even has a world-class spa where guests can be pampered with customized treatment options designed to meet any expectations.

The Spa at Harrah’s offers soothing aromatherapy massages as well as pedicures and decompressing saltwater soaks as a way to wash away the stress of the week.

This summer, do yourself a favor and budget your time and money with a trip to Funner, CA for a stress free staycation in the heart of San Diego’s most picturesque valley at Harrah’s Resort Southern California.

At a Glance: Funner, CA Website: www.HarrahsSoCal.com 777 Harrah’s Rincon Way Funner, CA 92082 Phone: (760) 751-3100 ADVERTISE | Press@LocalUmbrella.com

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| VOLUME 7 | ISSUE 6

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FAIR CELEBRATES COMMUNITY HEROES; REAL PEOPLE WHO DO EXTRAORDINARY THINGS

The 2022 San Diego County Fair is hosting a celebration of fun on a heroic scale as “Heroes, Reunite!” The Fair opened Wednesday, June 8 and continues through Monday, July 4 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. This year’s power-packed theme puts superheroes center-stage, but not everybody needs a cape to be a hero.

Beyond the superpowers of the largerthan-life characters we’ve grown up with in comic books and the silver screen, we went on a mission to find real life heroes, right here in San Diego County. Community Heroes are ordinary people who take extraordinary measures to make the world a better place. They are mentors, volunteers and do-gooders; veterans, nurses, first responders, doctors, teachers, and caregivers just to name a few.

This year’s Fair celebrates our neighbors right here in Southern California who have overcome monumental obstacles, shown great courage, and protect, nurture and bring joy to people around them.

In the Fair’s featured theme exhibit, the Hall of Heroes, guests can learn about the inspiring deeds of these Community Heroes. While you may be familiar with some of the names on our list, you’re certain to be introduced to others for the very first time.

Every evening in the Paddock at 7:45pm, an immersive Salute to Heroes video plays, honoring these inspiring individuals.

On the Fair’s opening day, Wednesday, June 8, several of the honorees and their families took to the Fair for a special reLOCAL NEWS | LocalUmbrellaNews.com

ception and debut of the Community Heroes exhibit and Salute to Heroes video.

These Community Heroes go out of their way to improve the lives of the people they encounter, and we will be honoring them and sharing their stories throughout the Fair.

2022 San Diego County Fair Community Heroes: Alan Scheuler, San Diego Civic Dance Arts Alex Montoya, motivational speaker Amanda Schoppmeyer, couponing philanthropist Bonnie Baranoff, La Mesa community leader Bree Rowand, Kylie Rowand Foundation Cadence Mitchell, heart disease survivor and volunteer Charles “Chaka” Webb, Stoke For Life Foundation Christina (Tina) Calabrese, school principal Derrick Miller, firefighter and pastor Dylan Rodrigues, lemonade stand entrepreneur Ernest Rady, health-care philanthropist Jessica Meir, astronaut Jim Watkins, community leader Jonathan Wiese, San Diego Police Officer Kathy Kinane, motivator through running Kelly and Andy Smíšek, Frosted Faces Foundation Lesia Stockall Cartelli, founder of Angel Faces Leslie Reynolds, restorer of Chollas Creek Michelle Parada co-founder, All Tribes American Indian Charter School Michael “Big Mike” Phillips, Rob Benzon Foundation Mike McElhiney, volunteer woodworker /LocalUmbrellaMedia

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Mim Michelove, farm-to-school food program Pat Anderson, knitter of breast cancer prostheses Patricia Justice, longtime police volunteer Rhina Paredes-Gleeson, founder, Eric Paredes Save A Life Foundation Ricochet, surf therapy dog Roderick Sewell Jackson, Ironman challenged athlete Steph Johnson, Founder, Voices Of Our City Choir Ryan Yanni, super school volunteer Susie Murphy, bike park activist Tom Lightner, Turn Around For Vets Tommy Sablan, media mentor Yana & Vlad Khorenko, I Care Ministry

THE 2022 SAN DIEGO COUNTY FAIR Heroes Re-Unite! The 2022 San Diego County Fair is back after a two-year hiatus with a celebration of epic proportions. Pow! Wham! Shazam! Superheroes are the stars of this year’s Fair, so embrace your inner hero and show off your superpowers Wednesday, June 8 through Monday, July 4 (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays in June) at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. You’ll soar through the air on adrenaline-pumping carnival rides, strike a power pose with your favorite superheroes, taste your way through the Fair’s superfoods, discover entertainment surprises around every corner, learn the science and history of being a superhero and meet real-life community heroes who put Clark Kent to shame. The San Diego County Fair admission and parking tickets are now limited and are only available for purchase online in advance. For more information, visit sdfair.com.

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15

“THE SOUTH SEAS” 76TH ANNUAL JEWEL BALL DECOR UNVEILED AT LAS PATRONAS PRESS PREVIEW La Jolla, CA, May 24, 2022 – Members of Las Patronas revealed the decor for this year’s 76th Annual Jewel Ball, The South Seas, at their annual Press Preview this evening held at the La Jolla Community Center. Las Patronas members have been hard at work designing and creating a lush tropical evening that will whisk guests away to the islands of the South Seas. Mark your calendars for August 20, 2022!

“This year will truly be an exotic escape from the everyday! I was inspired to bring The South Seas to life as a Jewel Ball while held captive at home during the early months of Covid,” said Megan Cox, 76th Annual Jewel Ball Chair. “As my family adjusted to Zoom and the 24-hour pajama life, I dreamed of an escape to the enchanted, storied islands that dot the South Pacific.”

Cox, along with her Jewel Ball Co-Chairs Mio Hood and Joleen Guckian, and Design Chairs Ingrid de Alba de Salazar, Michelle Parker, Irene McCann and Jill Peters, gave an overview of the decor planned for the evening.

Guests will be greeted with “La Orana,” the melodic Tahitian words of welcome, as they drift into the island landscape of lush tropical foliage punctuated with the perfume of colorful flowers and whimsical pops of midcentury Polynesian design. Guests are encouraged to arrive dressed in the rich hues and florals inspired by the islands. They will be delighted by mouthwatering flavors of Pacific Island cuisine and tropical cocktails as they stroll through the islands and the deep blues reflecting from the sea.

The South Seas Tables Chair Ingrid de Alba de Salazar presented the table settings planned for the celebration. Tahitian flowers and tropical plants will center each table like tropical islands themselves.

Ocean-colored fabric napkins, raffia napkin rings and monstera leaves will set each place. Sea breezes and flickering lantern lights will add movement and magic to the night.

“Every year we look forward to sharing our Jewel Ball vision at the Press Preview event. This year it is more important than ever to raise funds for our very worthy beneficiaries,” said Las Patronas President Tina Boynton. “During the past few challenging years, the nonprofits of San Diego County have continued to serve their clients, and we at Las Patronas have continued to fundraise to help them fulfill their missions. For 76 years (and counting), Las Patronas has enjoyed a wonderful partnership with the San Diego community, and as always, we thank our sponsors, advertisers, donors and vendors for their unwavering support.”

Seven Major Benef iciaries will b e funded from the proceeds of the 76th Annual Jewel Ball, The South Seas.

Each will receive a grant of more than $20,000 to fund a critically needed capital item.

Jewel Ball Co-Chair Mio Hood, Chair Megan Cox, President Tina Boynton, Co-Chair Joleen Guckian

Jewel Ball Design Team, Ingrid de Alba de Salazar, Irene McCann, Jill Peters, Michelle Parker

The 2022 Major Beneficiaries and the items Las Patronas will be funding are: Alpha Project for the Homeless Stake-bed truck to expand employment opportunities for homeless individuals American Red Cross Community emergency vehicle to ensure rapid support services in times of crisis

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Jewel Ball Table Design

Burn Institute Vehicle to support expansion of community programs and events Feeding San Diego Box truck to expand distribution of food throughout the county Forever Balboa Park Vehicle to support maintenance and preservation of Balboa Park’s historic gardens @LocalUmbrellaMedia

Old Globe Theatre Two vehicles to assist production staff with procurement and delivery San Diego Humane Society Humane law enforcement vehicle to protect animals and people This year’s Jewel Ball will be held on Saturday, August 20, 2022, at the beautiful La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club and will be a celebration of Las Patronas beneficiaries and supporters. For more information, visit www.laspatronas.org.

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| VOLUME 7 | ISSUE 6

A Publication of Local Umbrella Media

YOUR TRAVEL ADVENTURE BEGINS NOW! Pack Your Bags and Travel with a 5-Star US Chamber Organization North San Diego Business Chamber invites you, your family, friends, and colleagues to join us for exciting international travel adventures. These international trips are open to anyone 18 and over and all you have to do is pack. We take care of all details. The groups are small and each trip is limited to 30 guests.

"We are offering the opportunity for the community to travel with the Chamber at competitive and inclusive rates," said Debra Rosen, President and CEO of North San Diego Business Chamber. "The Chamber has traveled to China, Spain, Italy, Ireland, South Africa, Croatia, Portugal, Vietnam and the Rhine River." One does not need to be a member of the Chamber to join the trips.

Chamber traveler, Melissa DeLaCalzada and her friends have

been on several of the Chamber trips and she shares, "Chamber trips are ideal for those traveling alone or with friends, and a great deal featuring allinclusive travel destinations. I've visited countries, I've always dreamed of visiting, and felt completely comfortable and safe doing so with the Chamber."

On May 23 the Chamber will host a free informational meeting on the upcoming trip to Paris from 5:30-7 pm.

Space is limited and registration is required at SDBusinessChamber.com.

n o B

! e g a y o V

All Trips Include: Roundtrip International Airfare & Tax from LAX Free transportation from San Diego to and from LAX 4-5-Star Hotel Accommodations Daily Breakfast & Lunch (Vietnam includes daily dinner) Deluxe Bus Tours Fluent English-Speaking Tour Guides Entrance Fees to Attractions If you have any questions, e-mail us at travel@sdbusinesschamber.com or call 858-922-1766.

Paris

Vietnam

Greece

8-Days | $3,299

10-Days | $2,399

9-Days | $3,399

October 7-15, 2022

Paris Nice St. Tropez Cannes

Cote D'Azur Monaco Antibes

February 18-27, 2023

April 15-23, 2023

Hanoi Halong Bay Hoi An HCM City

Athens Mykonos Santorini Peloponnese

Full Trip Itineraries & Details www.sdbusinesschamber.com/travel LOCAL NEWS | LocalUmbrellaNews.com

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July Holidays

VOLUME 7 | ISSUE 6 |

17

SAN DIEGO – JULY 2022

7/4 Independence Day 7/9 Eid al-Adha

San Diego County (Del Mar) Fair This year, the world-class County Fair’s theme is “Heroes Reunite!” Location: Del Mar Fairgrounds.

Info: www.sdfair.com 6/8 – 7/4 (closed Mondays & Tuesdays in June) Wed & Thu 11 am – 10 pm, Fri & Sat 11 am – 11 pm, Sun 11 am – 10 pm

49th Annual Crown City Classic Kick off your 4th of July weekend by running 7.4 miles to celebrate 7/4! Location: Tidelands Park, Coronado. Info: www.crowncityrun.com 7/2 7 am

4th of July Run & Ride Run or ride any time between July 3rd to 5th. Wear your Freedom Run & Ride bib to encourage others to honk and wave! Location: various in Scripps Ranch.

Info: www.runride.org 7/3 – 7/5 various times

4th of July UC Celebration From the 5K run, bike and pet parade, local vendors, and concerts, they all remind us that University City is “more than a neighborhood!” Location: Standley Recreation Center. Info: www.uccelebration.com 7/4 8 am – 7 pm

The Spirit of the Fourth Rancho Bernardo The theme for 2022 will be “Grateful to Celebrate Together Again!” Parade will step off smartly at 3:30 pm. Festivities take place though-out the day at various venues. Location: various. Info: www.spiritofthefourth.org 7/4 9 am - 9:30 pm

Coronado’s Independence Day Parade Wake up and get your spot for this popular 4th of July event! But if you can’t make it, live stream the parade on Coronado TV! Location: along Orange Avenue. Info: coronadotimes.com/4th 7/4 10 am

Julian 4th of July Parade This year’s theme is “Back in Bloom”! Julian honor’s our nation’s birthday with a salute to the men and women who made our country great, both domestically and militarily. Location: Main St. from Julian HS to Frank Lane Park. Info: www.julianparade.com 7/4 10 am (pre-parade), Noon (parade begins after National Anthem)

Poway Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebrate our country’s independence “turn-of-the20th-century-style”. This event will feature patriotic entertainment, gun fighting re-enactments, antique train displays, free crafts, and old-fashioned games.

Location: Old Poway Park. Info: www.poway.org/904/ Old-Fashioned-Fourth-of-July 7/4 10 am – 4 pm

Lake Murray Music Fest & Fireworks The beloved Music Fest is back! It’s a great opportunity for all of us to celebrate our independence together. Location: Lake Murray Playground. Info: www.lakemurrayfireworks.org 7/4 11 am – 9 pm LOCAL NEWS | LocalUmbrellaNews.com

Santee Salutes

Taste of San Diego - East

Rock out with live music, a patriotic ceremony, kid’s fun zone and a spectacular fireworks display at Santee Salutes! Location: Town Center Community Park East. Info: www.cityofsanteeca.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/4678/8?curm=7&cury=2022 7/4 2 - 10 pm

It’s the 13th anniversary of the popular community food extravaganza. Eat your “heart out” while you stroll from table to table and sample great food from many local restaurants. A night of fun, food, and more! Location: Town and Country San Diego. Info: www.lamesachamber.net 7/18 5 – 8 pm

Vista - Independence Day Celebration Celebrate the 4th of July in Vista at the Moonlight Amphitheatre with live music, an honorary ceremony, family fun and fireworks! Location: Moonlight Amphitheatre, 1200 Vale Terrace Dr. Info: www.cityofvista.com/departments/recreation-comm-services/independence-day-celebration 7/4 5 - 10 pm

Port of San Diego Big Bay Boom Southern California’s largest fireworks show! Four barges in different locations on San Diego Bay launch fireworks at 9 pm. There are plenty of options for where you can see the fireworks. Location: various.

Info: www.bigbayboom.com 7/4 9 pm launch

SheFest She Fest is a woman-centered event that celebrates and supports the talents and contributions of women while fostering meaningful connections within and between the LGBT and larger San Diego Communities. Location: Hillcrest Pride Flag. Info: sdpride.org/ shefest 7/9 12 – 6 pm

Night Fishing Bring your lanterns for a night of fishing! Location: Santee Lakes 1-4. Info: santeelakes.com 7/7 & 7/21 5 – 11:30 pm

World Championship Over-the-Line Tournament The Old Mission Beach Athletic Club (OMBAC) is calling all players, beach-goers, and sports enthusiasts to the biggest summer event in San Diego. Location: Fiesta Island, Mission Bay Park. Info: www.ombac.org 7/9 – 7/10, 7/16 -7/17 7:30 am until dark

Sun & Sea Festival Summertime and sandcastles are an Imperial Beach tradition! Location: Pier Plaza, 10 Evergreen Ave. Info: www.sunandseafestival.com 7/16 8 am

All-American Car Show The All-American Car Show is the signature event put on by The Mopar Club San Diego! Location: Embarcadero Marina Park North (Seaport Village). Info: www.moparclubsandiego.net 7/16 9 am – 3 pm

San Diego PRIDE weekend San Diego LGBT Pride’s famous PRIDE weekend includes multiple stages of entertainment, more than 100 entertainers, dozens of vendor booths, exhibits, a run, a party, great food and of course the PARADE! Location: Various Locations around Hillcrest and Balboa Park.

Info: www.sdpride.org 7/16 – 17 Festival Sat. 11 am – 10 pm, Sun. 11 am – 9 pm 7/16 5K 8 am 7/16 Parade 10 am – 3 pm /LocalUmbrellaMedia

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Opening Day at The Del Mar Racetrack There’s race day… and then there’s Opening Day. Don your fascinators, grab your best suit and join us for Opening Day! This day is not only about big bets and fast horses, but celebrating the season in style. Location: Del Mar Racetrack. Info: www. dmtc.com/calendar/detail/opening 7/22 11:30 am

Comic-Con International: San Diego The largest pop culture event in the US! Thousands of artists, celebrities and fans of comic books, movie and gaming studios, and all things related to pop culture! Location: SD Convention Center, and downtown SD. Info: www.comic-con.org 7/21 – 7/24 Thu – Sat 11 am – 4 pm, Sun 11 – 2

Solana Beach Triathlon, Duathon, & Aquabike This is a spring triathlon/duathlon/aquabike that will be remembered! It’s made even more special by its idyllic location. Iconic Southern California at its best. Location: Fletcher Cove. Info: ldt.is/ C81sUm 7/24 6:50 am

The La Jolla International Fashion Film Festival The Cannes of the fashion film world! The world’s largest gathering of fashion filmmakers!

Location: THE LOT La Jolla. Info: www.ljfff.com 7/29 – 7/30 3 – 11:30 pm

The 2022 Donate Life Transplant Games This event celebrates the lives of those who have received a second chance at life, recognizes those still waiting for a life-saving transplant, and all the donor families who have lost a loved one. Location: various. Info: www.transplantgamesofamerica.org 7/29 – 8/3 various times 4th OF JULY FIREWORKS IN SD COUNTY Annual Big Bay Boom – multiple locations along SD Bay. 9 pm Carlsbad/Legoland - Legoland. 8:30 pm Chula Vista – Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center. 9 pm Coronado – over Glorietta Bay. 9 pm.

Del Mar - Fairgrounds. 9 pm El Cajon - Kennedy Park. 9 pm Escondido – central Escondido, including Grape Day Park. 9 pm Imperial Beach – Imperial Beach Pier. 9 pm Lake Murray – Lake Murray Playground. 9 pm Mission Bay/Sea World - 8:50 pm Ocean Beach - Ocean Beach Pier. 9 pm Oceanside – SoCal Soccer Complex at El Corazon. July 3 at 9 pm Poway - Poway High School. 9 pm Rancho Bernardo - Bernardo Heights Middle School. 9 pm Santee - Town Center Community Park East. 9 pm.

Vista – Moonlight Amphitheatre. 9 pm ADVERTISE | Press@LocalUmbrella.com

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| VOLUME 7 | ISSUE 6

A Publication of Local Umbrella Media

THE CHOICE IS YOURS AS WE CELEBRATE SUMMER WITH BARBECUE AND BURGERS

By Frank Sabatini Jr.

It is the time of year when appetites across the nation grow hungry for anything off a commercial or backyard grill. While San Diego is perpetually famous for Mexican cuisine, it hardly falls short on exceptional barbecue and burgers of many styles.

So even if you are reading this on some gray winter day, we’ve got you covered for scoring the best of both that San Diego County has to offer year round.

and Kentucky lamb are sold in sandwiches or by the pound. Among our favorite picks: The juicy, kicky Texas hot links.

Smokey and the Brisket 5465 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa 619-439-6544, smokeyandthebrisketsd.com Brisket is naturally a big deal here. You can

ing their operation more than three decades ago.

Sometime later is when they named it after their daughter Abbey. The couple covers all bases with the addition of pork ribs, chicken, burnt ends, hot links and kielbasa.

Phil’s BBQ 3750 Sports Arena Blvd., Loma Portal 17051 West Bernardo Drive, Rancho Bernardo 9816 Mission Gorge Road, Santee 619-226-6333, philsbbq.net

BARBECUE Cali BBQ 8910 Troy St., Spring Valley 2707 Boston Ave., Barrio Logan 6334 El Cajon Blvd.

619-567-0262, calibbq.media

A “crew meal” at Smokey and the Brisket (Alternative Strategies)

A nationally recognized place for ribs in San Diego (Brown Marketing Strategies)

request it fatty, lean or in-between. An onsite “pit boss” and pit masters work around the clock for overseeing the careful cooking of these Angus prime beef briskets. The menu extends to pork and beef ribs, chicken, salmon, and meatloaf as well. Signature rubs are applied to the proteins, which can be ordered al a carte, in sandwiches, or as “crew” meals for large groups.

Owner and philanthropist Phil Pace has come a long way since 1998, when he opened his namesake barbecue joint in a tiny Mission Hills operation before moving to a much grander space on Sports Arena Boulevard. Today he has three locations, plus an outlet at the airport. To the delight of consumers who prefer both smoke and fire, his ribs (beef or pork) are singed dark-black in places by mesquite flames for a carcinogenic flavor blast that teams well with Phil’s barbecue sauce – a tightly guarded recipe that is both sweet and tangy. The menu also includes chicken, burgers and sausage links—and we love the option of “rib ticklers,” which allow you to order just one beef bone or three baby back bones, should you possess the willpower to eat light when coming here.

Park 101 3040 Carlsbad Blvd., Carlsbad 760-434-2217, park101carlsbad.com

BURGERS A pit master at Cali BBQ shows off the ribs (calibbq.media)

Cali “O” Burgers 1290 University Ave., Hillcrest 619-692-9999

Depsite the Covid pandemic, Cali BBQ beat the odds of fading into oblivion. The business actually upped its game by creating a digital-media presence that features an app for delivery and pickup as well as an informative weekly podcast hosted by owner Shawn Walchef. Lauded for their slow-smoked tri-tip, brisket, pork ribs and chicken, the meats are available in Spring Valley, Barrio Logan’s recently launched Food Hub, and the Aztec Food Hub. In addition, another outlet is due to open this fall in Snapdragon Stadium in Mission Valley.

IBBQ 1201 Camino Del Mar, Suite 100, Del Mar 800-937-4227, socialgrilling.com The Del Mar-based company known as iBBQ, which sells crafty built-in table grills (and claims Angelina Jolie as one of its customers), will soon be converting its showroom into an American-continental style restaurant called Social Grilling. Due to open July 22 (the first day of the Del Mar races), owner Karim Pirani promises a unique, interactive dining experience where guests grill their own meats, seafood, and veggies in an all-outdoor environment. Every table will feature the built-in grills of various sizes.

Grand Ole BBQ y Asado 3303 32nd St., North Park 15505 Olde Highway 80, El Cajon/Flinn Springs 619-213-3765, grandolebbq.com After a three-year hiatus, the original North Park location of Grand Ole BBQ y Asado has reignited its smokers and fire grills amid a fresh remodel.

Customers are again lining up for Texas-style barbecue (Wednesdays through Saturdays) and for meals stamped with flaming Argentinian flair on Sundays.

Meats such as smoked turkey, tri-tip, pulled pork LOCAL NEWS | LocalUmbrellaNews.com

The “Elk Grove” burger at Cali O (By Frank Sabatini Jr.) Ribs and fries at Park 101 (Courtesy photo)

An 8,000-square-foot complex replete with a rooftop lounge and in close proximity to the beach sets the stage for things like smoked chicken wings, smoked burgers, neatly trimmed St. Louis ribs, and succulent pulled pork sandwiches. Looking for a twist on a BLT? The menu offers one in which the bacon is swapped for brisket. At ground level is where you’ll find Park Smoked Meats, where the smokey delights are prepared by Park’s pit master.

Abbey’s Real Texas BBQ 6904 Miramar Road, Suite 211 858-566-2333, abbeystexasbbq.com Cast iron smokers fed with green oak and mesquite give Abbey’s brisket and pork shoulder their supreme flavor and seal of approval by aficionados of authentic Texas barbecue. Owners Matt Shlemon and his wife, Athena, immersed themselves in barbecue throughout the Lone Star State before open/LocalUmbrellaMedia

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Organic and grass-fed meats rule the day at Cali “O” (the O in its name representing organic). Your choice of patties are beef, elk or bison—all cooked to medium unless otherwise specified. All of the signature burgers are named after California cities.

Our favorites include The San Jose adorned with applewood bacon and roasted Serranos and jalapenos; The La Jolla crowned with sauteed mushrooms, grilled onions, bacon and Swiss cheese; and The Napa Valley boasting fresh sprouts, red onions, blue cheese and Napa cabbage. For something a little different, try the “Elk Grove” burger crowned with a fried egg and spicy remoulade.

Crazee Burger 3993 30th St., North Park 619-282-6044, crazeeburger.com Burgers here are in abundance, extending well beyond the norm to those made with ostrich, alligator, camel and elk. The sauces garnishing them are ADVERTISE | Press@LocalUmbrella.com

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Novo Brazil Brewery 2015 Birch Road, Suite 1017, Chula Vista 858-294-3175, novobrew.com

Burgers of every stripe can be found here (Facebook)

equally exotic when you consider, for example, Moroccan curry hollandaise for the camel meat or currant-Port wine reduction for the elk. Traditionalists will find numerous versions of beef and turkey patties, dressed in plain ole lettuce and tomato or swooped up with sauteed mushrooms, bacon or fried eggs. There are also daily specials that include fries.

The Friendly 4592 30th St., North Park 619-892-7840 If you can’t accept the exact way The Friendly’s “dirty flat top” is made, then you have two choices—either order a couple slices of their pizza instead or go elsewhere. Modification requests are not accepted. And why should they be when the only type of burger available here is sinfully delicious? What you get is a double patty covered with two slices of melty American cheese, butter-braised onions, and a smear of aioli—all lopped onto a grilled, buttered bun.

Mac-and-cheese on a burger (The Hills Pub)

The Novo burger (Alternative Strategies)

We’ve encountered lots of outstanding burgers at numerous breweries throughout San Diego County, although the Novo burger at this 12,000-square-foot brew house and restaurant has grabbed our attention because of the intriguing interplay of flavors stemming from its jalapeno sauce, bacon, pickles and sauteed onions. We’re betting on the ultimate palate-experience if paired with the brewery’s Corvo Negro Peanut Butter Stout.

The Hills Local Pub 8758 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa 619-741-7166, thehillspub.com From a choice of six signature burgers offered at this popular neighborhood watering hole,

the “Pepperjack Mac” is a devil’s advocate to those watching their calorie intake. Many folks give in to this plump beef burger smothered in elbow macaroni, spicy house queso, jack cheese and bacon. The decadence is captured lovingly on a puffy brioche bun. Other burger options include The Bouffant with bacon, egg, avocado and chipotle sauce; and the Garlic-Parm accented with candied jalapeno bacon.

Lefty’s Chicago Pizzeria 4030 Goldfinch St., Mission Hills 3448 30 th St., North Park 619-299-4030, leftyspizza.com Surprise. What has long been a destination for deep-dish pizza, Italian beef sandwiches, and Chicago-style hot dogs is also a place slinging excellent half-pound char burgers. Get it with or without cheese, or go up a level with the “hefty lefty,” which demands that you open wide for two patties flaunting double cheese. Now we’re talking.

Cruise ships lined up at the Port of San Diego’s two cruise ship terminals in San Diego Bay.

PORT OF SAN DIEGO NAMED BEST CRUISE PORT IN THE WORLD The Port of San Diego has been named Best Cruise Port in the World in the 10thAnnual Global Traveler Leisure Lifestyle Awards. The award is part of the publication’s annual readers survey that honors the best in the world of leisure and lifestyle travel and recognizes goods and services, destinations, hotels, airlines, and cruises.

Ten cruise ports made the list this year.

They are in order: Port of San Diego Port Miami, Florida LOCAL NEWS | LocalUmbrellaNews.com

Port Canaveral, Florida Port Everglades, Florida Cozumel, Mexico Southampton, England Port of Los Angeles Philipsburg, St. Maarten New York, New York Venice, Italy The Port of San Diego’s two cruise ship terminals on B Street and Broadway Piers are located downtown, offering a seamless transition from the cruise ship to city attractions. /LocalUmbrellaMedia

@LocalUmbrellaMedia

The cruise business in San Diego is seasonal, usually beginning in September and running through May. The Port welcomed approximately 100 cruises this season and anticipates over 130 for next season.

Primary lines that call on the Port of San Diego are Holland America Line, Disney Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line. Other cruise lines on the schedule include Regent Seven Seas, Viking Cruises, and Windstar Cruises.

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| VOLUME 7 | ISSUE 6

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A Pacific Records Summer! / New Releases & More

JUNE 2022

BY BART MENDOZA © MUSICSCENESD // MUSICSCENESD.COM

20

San Diego has a number of noted record labels, but few have made an impact as significant as Pacific Records.

Since its founding in 2003, the label has released music by national artists such as O-Town and Chris Declercq featuring Lemmy Kilmister of Motorhead, as well as a slew of San Diego based performers ranging from Sprung Monkey to Rebecca Jade. The label has hit the ground running in 2022 with numerous releases due before year’s end. Most recently Pacific Records artists Slack Key Ohana, featuring label CEO and entertainment attorney Brian Witkin, took home the award for “Best World Music Album” for their self-titled debut, while Skyler Lutes also received a “Best Local Recording” trophy for his album, Rewind.

“We’ve never been busier,” said Witkin. He notes audiences have been enthusiastically returning concerts.

“I feel really good about the future of music. There’s been so much pent-up demand, for live music in particular, that shows and attendance have both really bounced back because both the performers and audience are so happy to be there.”

Having just released the latest by The Josh Rosenblum Band (Just Right) and Kubata (The Zen EP), Pacific Records has a full slate of new music ahead, including albums from Sandollar (Under the Water), The Skyler Lutes Band, The Moonjacks, Falling Doves (Skylark 69) and Jonny Tarr, as well as several music videos, including clips from Ryan Hiller. Expectations are also high for the upcoming album from The Spice Pistols, Spice Train, with their first single, a cover of the Spice Girls classic “Wannabe,” out now. A pair of notable forthcoming releases include a solo project from the president of Pacific Records, Patricio Pickslay, and a new album, Coming Home, from title tba , with their latest single, “Ulupalakua,” just released. Also sure to generate interest is a single from the Music’s Future Band, an all-star project put together by Sppike Mike Muellenberg (The Spice Pistols).

How important is a physical vs digital release? “I think both are important,” Witkin said. “Of course, it depends on the individual artist, their audience, and what they’re going for. In general, the starting point is a digital because that’s how most music is heard these days and there’s an easy point of entry (i.e., it costs close to nothing to distribute an album or single digitally). On the other hand, the cost required to manufacture physical products is prohibitive; Vinyl has regained much of its popularity, but vinyl is very expensive and takes a long time to manufacture. The relatively cheaper option, CDs, are on their way out.” He notes the importance of physical releases. “As a creator and music lover myself, I like to hold an album cover in my hands and view an album as a work of art both musically and artistically.

Physical releases provide recording artists an avenue to reach listeners in a way digital releases can’t because there’s just

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no way to replicate a physical product digitally. Artists can make more money with physical products too because the payout structures to artists for digital distribution via DSPs (like Spotify etc.) are minimal in comparison to the margins artists can make with physical products.

So, sometimes it’s a matter of scope and scale, but I’m of the opinion physical releases are of great importance for any artist in the long run. And of course, an artist can’t autograph a download,” he said good naturedly.

What does Pacific Records look for in a band signing? “We work with both emerging and established artists, so our criteria can vary quite a bit depending on where the artist is in their career. However, as a starting point, the artists must be extremely talented and have a great live show. At Pacific, we do something most labels don’t do any-

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more, which is artist development from within our studio with emerging artists.

So, we tend to look past the number of Instagram followers, monthly Spotify listeners, etc. so long as the underlying talent is there. But those analytics still help too.”

For his part Witkin is happy with the successes of Pacific Records to date but considers the best to be ahead. “I’m certainly proud of what we’ve accomplished but we have a long way to go,” he mused.

“Most of all, I’m thankful I get to spend most of my time with creators and creating myself. So long as that continues, I’ll be happy.” https://pacificrecords.com

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Sandollar / Under the Water Ocean Beach has traditionally been considered a great area to live for musicians so perhaps it’s no surprise that members of one of Southern California’s rising stars on the national stage, Sandollar, reside in the area. Together just over a decade, Sandollar has gone from club favorite to headlining this year’s Ocean Beach Street Fair on June 25.

This month the band releases their latest album, Under the Water, via Pacific Records, with new videos and much touring ahead for Baron Lunbeck (lead vocals/piano), Marco Rodrigues (guitar), David Bashem (guitar), Henry Ortiz (drums), Max Damkoehlor (bass), John Herb (trumpet), Maria Connors (trumpet) and Edwardo (percussion).

Their sound has won over not just concert fans, but also television producers, with their music showing up on the likes of Netflix’s Outer Banks and CBSTV’s Magnum P.I. “We describe our music as beach rock,” Lunbeck said. “It’s a blend of reggae, rock, and jam band. We were heavily influenced by classic rock bands such as Zeppelin, Hendrix and the Dead, along with legends like Marley and Dylan.”

As for the band’s name? “It was inspired by an early morning surf session at Blacks Beach,” Lunbeck said. “I came in and saw hundreds of sand dollars scattered across the shore and I thought to myself, it’s a sign,” he joked.

As for Under the Water, Lunbeck considers it to be a slight departure from previous works. “The new album and single are very different from our last. I worked with producer Lew Richards in an attempt to make more radio friendly songs, with an emphasis on lyrics rather than long jam songs.

It’s very different then what you would hear at a Sandollar show but I wanted to try something new, and I believe I accomplished that.”

Who pens the bands tunes? “Although the finishing touches of each arrangement are a collaborative effort, I usually write the first draft of most songs,” Lunbeck said. “Although many things influence my songwriting (many of which I don’t even understand), I mainly just write to my emotions, experiences, and through dreams.” He often wakes with a melody already in his head. “Sometimes it’s a crazy night out, other times it’s love or heart break. I can go almost a year without writing a single song, or other times I may write multiple songs in one day.

I’ve learned not to force it and write most of my music in my head, purposely not quite finishing sings so they still have room for interpretation.”

For his part, performing live is the best thing about Sandollar. “A live band will always be superior to a DJ just for the fact that it is multiple people’s energy’s spilling out all at once,” Lunbeck said. The bigger the crowd gets, the more intense the emotions and the vibe becomes overwhelming. I’ve always considered myself a somewhat adrenaline junky. Whether it’s surfing, skateboarding or rock

climbing I just love that natural high! It’s something that I’m kinda always chasing or thinking about. To the point where sometimes normal life just leaves me a bit sleepy and people often think I’m bored or depressed even tho I’m not. Performing music is the ultimate high.”

With a summer of gigs ahead and a new album to promote, Lunbeck considers the future of Sandollar to be “very bright at the moment.

We’ve gone back to our jam band grass roots and are making a lot of new exciting music that will be well suited for various festivals,” he remarked. “Our live show has and always will be our best selves and lately I feel us getting better than ever. By blending our favorite genres I think were close to making something new, fresh, and innovative.” It’s clear that music is something special to Lunbeck.

“I must say music truly is just a vessel for emotion,” he said. “And I’m still learning how to wear my heart on my sleeve.” https://sandollartheband.com

Artist Spotlight / Oasiz Fans of 90’s era Brit-Pop, especially hitmakers Oasis, will want to hear new tribute band Oasiz The group features Kelvin Matthews (aka “Liam” / lead vocals), Scott Samuels (aka “Noel” / guitar, vocals), Chris Iandolo, (bass, vocals), Scott Southwood (drums) and Derek Gaertner (guitar).

“The driving force behind our Oasis tribute band is our singer, Kelvin Matthews, a native of Wales, who lived in Manchester for many years, and is an expert on all things Oasis,” said Samuels, a veteran of area combos who can also be heard performing as Neil Diamond in tribute band, Solitary Diamonds, as well as playing

with cover band Vinyl Pirates.

Here bears an uncanny vocal resemblance to Liam Gallagher, not to mention look and style.

Just a few weeks after he arrived here, he connected with Scott Southwood, the drummer who I worked with in Roxy Monoxide, and who was most recently with the Black Crowes Revival.

Scott approached me to join the project and I thought it would be fun.”

Samuels notes a more personal reason for his love of this project.

“My former bandmate from the 90s, the late Kit Johnson, was a huge Oasis fan, and a friend of Liam in Oasis’s early days of tour-

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ing the US,” he said. “We used to play “Acquiesce” back in the day.

So, I kind of feel like I’m honoring her memory, and I wish she was here to see/hear this band.”

Samuels is also a huge Slade fan, so he also takes that into consideration. “As Noel Gallagher once famously said “without Slade there would be no Oasis”, so it’s also the closest I’ll ever get to a tribute to my favorite band of all time.”

Oasiz performs all of the Gallagher brothers’ big hits such as “Wonderwall,” “Champagne Supernova” and “Live Forever,” with a few deep catalog tunes for the diehards. “I think “Acquiesce” is @LocalUmbrellaMedia

the sentimental favorite for me,” Samuels said of his own favorite Oasis song. “And, I love their cover of Slade’s “Cum On Feel The Noize.”

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Rock and Roll San Diego / Expands!

Rock and Roll San Diego has expanded, literally. The facilities largest rehearsal room, Hendrix Hall, which has been used by the likes of The B-52’s, Ace Frehley, Billy Gibbons, Nancy Wilson (Heart), Steve Tyler and George Thorogood, now has a new, higher ceiling, the better to accommodate larger lighting rigs and staging. It’s all part of a wave of new undertakings at the Sports Arena based location.

RnRSD continues to provide music lessons, guitar repairs and rehearsal rooms, with several more of the latter added recently.

The biggest addition to RnRSD thus far is the acquisition of Spectrum Audio, making them one of the top locations in San Diego for sound gear and back lines for productions, big and small. Additionally, the facility now stocks a full range of music essentials including guitar strings, sticks, head, cables, tuners and capos. With its late hours and central location, this fact alone can make RnRSD feel at times like a welcome oasis to a musician in need.

While lessons and rehearsals make up a big part of RnRSD’s schedule, video production work there has flourished with upgrades across the board. “As live music continues to make its comeback from the “Covid Pause Button” that plagued it, the artists’ need for professional video production, especially promo videos, has increased exponentially,” said RnRSD’s manager, Shannon Woods. “With this, video production has become an organically growing branch of Rock and Roll San Diego. Whatever the bands’ objective, the video format has become the “new radio” in terms of advertising and in an absolute sea of DIY artist/band streaming, they need something of quality that sets them apart. We have been able to accommodate these artists at a growing pace.

Even for the DIY budgets, we’ve been able to help their product look levels up by providing pro lights, venue sound and atmosphere.”

Videos have been shot at RnRSD in recent months for the likes of boy band hitmakers O-Town and acclaimed show band Liquid

Hendrix hall

Steven Tyler and Mark Langford

Blue, as well as The Humane Society and La Jolla Playhouse amongst many others. “The improvements to Hendrix Hall have not only added improved audio, atmosphere, audience capacity, and lighting, but have also taken videos to another level with much higher blacked out ceilings and walls,” Woods said.

With so many rehearsal rooms and adjacent facilities, Woods can often work with dozens of groups a day. Despite the long hours and

Shannon Woods and members of DeadRise

hard work shepherding what must at times feel like several herds of cats, Woods considers RnRSD as more than just a job. “Community. Community. Community,” she said good naturedly. “The sense of both family and networking are real within both our customers and staff; we support and encourage each other. It’s just a great place to be.” www.rockandrollsandiego.com

Top 5 / Five Recommended Shows!

1) June 25 – Sprung Monkey / Queen Bee, North Park: 5 p.m.

Funds raised go to help fight the fentanyl epidemic with a night of rock / punk that also includes Project Sellout, Change Today, The Spice Pistols, Revolt Chix and Systemic Abuse 2) June 25 – Stacy Antonel / Soda Bar, North Park: 9 p.m.

Country singer Stacy Antonel celebrates the release of her excellent new album, Always the Outsider, which was recorded at Singing Serpent with Ben Moore. Nick Crook and Sara Petite open.

3) July 1 – Ira B Liss Jazz Big Band / The Ritz Theatre, Escondido: 7:30 p.m.

An amazing collection of players under the direction of Ira B Liss. Solid originals mix with choice standards, with spectacular arrangements and some of the tightest musicianship you’ll ever hear 4) July 8 – El Vez / The Casbah, Little Italy: 9 p.m.

It’s Christmas in July! El Vez brings his annual holiday extravaganza a little ahead of schedule this year. Consider it an early gift from Santa 5) July 16 – California Guitar Trio / The Ritz Theatre, Escondido: 8 p.m.

This acclaimed group of virtuosos now includes stick player Tom Greisgraber.

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The group will be touring the West Coast in support of a new live album recorded /LocalUmbrellaMedia

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during their recent tour with King Crimson.

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San Diego Music News / Cleopatra Records and Much More!

A strong San Diego contingent will take part in this year’s Outlaw Country Cruise, taking place November 5 - 8, sailing from Los Angeles to Ensenada. The Beat Farmers, Mojo Nixon and former local, Rosie Flores, will join a terrific lineup including Social Distortion, Los Lobos, The Long Ryders and X. The lineup for this year’s Wonderfront Festival, happening in Downtown San Diego, November 18 – 20, has been posted, with The Zac Brown Band, Kings of Leon, Cage the Elephant and Gwen Stefani amongst this year’s performers. More than 50 artists have been named, including locally based Daring Greatly and Hirie, with more performers still to be announced Buck O Nine have a new album out, 572 Days Later – Live at Earthling, on red vinyl, via Cleopatra Records. The album was recorded live in studio at Mike Kamoo’s Earthling Studios.

Chambers is the name of a new duo featuring two of Cult Muzic Media’s all-stars, Jason Nichols and Katie LaDubz. Just out is a new EP, Chasing Candlelight. “This all kinda started with a song we did a few months ago called “Not Ok,” said Nichols. “I was messing around on the acoustic with no intention of recording. But that night, I somehow ended up with a full-blown rock song. I pitched it to Katie as a one-off track just to change it up a little. After it dropped, we were going, “hey that was kinda cool, let’s do an EP.” And here we are.”

Cleopatra Records is releasing a two-disc rarities collection from legendary singer-songwriter Jim Croce, Lost Time in A Bottle. Pressed on coke bottle green vinyl, the album includes a mix of live tracks and demos of such classics as “Time in A Bottle,” “Operator,” “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” and “I Got A Name.”

Crocodile Brandon Welchez can be heard on Kate Clovers new single / video cover of X’s classic tune, “Your Phone’s Off the Hook, But You’re Not.” He also co-produced alongside Gregg Foreman (Cat Power, The Gossip, Delta 72). Additionally, Welchez worked on Clover’s latest album, Bleed Your Heart Out, with fellow Crocodiles bandmate Charles Rowell contributing guitar On July 24 rapper Riston Diggs will join pianist/composer Thomas Meyer and his ensemble for, “Songs from the Sea,” a special performance at Dizzy’s. Diggs will be joined by Samantha Hafey on vocals with the band comprised of Rob Thorsen (bass), Julien Cantelm (drums) and Nick Caldwell (tenor saxophone) Stick virtuoso Tom Griesgraber has become a member of the California Guitar Trio. Following a brief U.S. tour, as well as visits to British Columbia and Portugal, the band will play select West Coast dates, including July 16 at the Ritz in Escondido. The California Guitar Trio also just released a new live album recorded on the last show of last year’s tour with King Crimson.

Sports icon Tony Hawk is teaming up with Punk Rock Karaoke to release a 7” single, covering The Jam’s 1977 mod classic, “In The City.”

Available on pink or blue vinyl from Cleopatra Records Pop music festival, International Pop Overthrow, returns on July 8 to the Black Cat Bar. The event has a five-band lineup, topped by Hector Penalosa and Tamar Berk.

Legendary 1960’s rockers Iron Butterfly LOCAL NEWS | LocalUmbrellaNews.com

release a pair of vintage concerts this month: Live in Copenhagen 1971, a two-disc set in silver vinyl and Live in Sweden 1971, in purple vinyl.

Out via Cleopatra Records the albums join a previous concert release on the label, Live at the Galaxy 1967 Mod combo Manual Scan is in the studio working on an EP for release later this year. The disc, their first release featuring new music since 1991, will feature three new originals, including a co-write with the late Kim Fowley, “My Couch Is On Fire,” and a co-write with Lori Wilson of The Original Starfires, “Shooting Star,” with a bonus remake and cover tune.

Jason Mraz’s album, Mr. A-Z is being reissued as a two-disc blue vinyl set, with the original dozen songs now appended by four instrumental mixes. Out July 22.

Congrats to Nights Like Thieves, winners of the “Open for Lit” contest. The show took place at the House of Blues in Anaheim on June 17, the occasion being an album release show for Lit’s latest, Tastes Like Gold MohaviSoul is a featured band at the 42nd Annual Prescott Bluegrass Festival in Prescott, AZ Saturday and Sunday June 25-26. Their latest album is, Stories & Memories, while their latest single is “Breakin’ Down.” The song is a tribute to bluegrass icons Bill Monroe’s tour bus, called The Bluegrass Breakdown.

Ratt frontman Stephen Pearcy has a new solo compilation just out via Cleopatra Records, Overdrive. Available on red marble vinyl, the album mixes solo tracks with songs from his post Ratt combo, Arcade.

Bassist Hector Penalosa (The Zeros / Flying Color) will be playing bass for 80’s era punk band The Avengers on a West Coast tour running September 21 through October 1 There’s prolific and then there’s David Robles.

He’s just released his 14th album in two years, 13, meanwhile he’s also about to release his third collaboration with guitarist Diana Death, a single called “Disease.” “Like many others, the pandemic inspired the outpouring of music.

Lots of time on my hands, plus super inspired,” said Robles.

Rocket From the Crypt will be performing at Chicago’s Riot Fest on September 16. Taking place at Douglass Park, the band will play their 2001 album, Group Sounds, in its entirety Guitarist Scott Samuels (Vinyl Pirates, Solitary Diamonds) has formed a new tribute group, Oasiz, performing the best of the British Brit-pop combo’s 90’s era hits The Spice Pistols forthcoming release, Spice Train, will feature exclusive artwork by legendary artist Scott Shaw!. Shaw is best known for /LocalUmbrellaMedia

@LocalUmbrellaMedia

his work on The Flintstones and The Simpsons amongst a legion of other notables works, including the most recent cover for the San Diego music compilation series, Staring at the Sun XIII On July 5, The Brad Steinwehe Sonic Colossus Jazz Orchestra hosts an album release show for their latest opus, On A Clear Day, at Dizzy’s Congrats to iconic surf combo The Surfari’s whose classic 1963 hit, “Wipe Out” is included on the soundtrack, Stranger Things: Soundtrack from the Netflix Series, Season 4, Volume I, alongside the likes of The Talking Heads, Kate Bush and The Cramps. The current lineup of the band includes founding member Bob Berryhill as well as his son, guitarist Deven, also of The Tourmaliners.

Switchfoot has issued a new tune, “Interrobang (B-Side),” just in time for their upcoming 40-date tour with Collective Soul, July 15 (Gary, Indiana) through September 25 (Dallas, TX), with a stop at Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre on August 24th. The previously unreleased song is the title track to their most recent album The Rob Thorsen Trio has a residency as part of the Westgate Hotel’s Jazz Brunch, every Sunday from 10:30 AM to 1:30 p.m. He also performs with the Holly Hofmann / Mike Wofford Quartet every Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. at the Westgate’s Plaza Bar. Speaking of The Tourmaliners, their upcoming release, Surfidia, release date tba, features fourteen new surf inspired instrumentals as well as guest appearances from Bob Spalding of the Ventures, Eddie Angel of Los Straightjackets and Ron Blair of Tom Petty’s Heartbreakers On July 29, Unwritten Law release The Hum, their first studio album of original material in over 10 years.

Available in purple and white vinyl from Cleopatra Records New Albums include: Garrison Bailey – Secret Superwoman… GTF – Watch Your Step (tbd)… Hemisphere – Unity … Middlebrook (featuring John Miller) – Unwind … The Redheaded Strangers – Reverend … The Schizophonics – Hoof It (September 2)… Thea the Band – American Honey New Singles Include: Avenue Army – “Ordinary Names” … Audrey Callahan - ABCDEFU (Healed Remix)… Dave Gilbert – “Living In The Country”… GTF – Spanish Steps… Jackslacks – The Unity Song” …

Miniaturized – “Life Underground” … Dave Preston - “Standing on a Wire” with Steve Peavey on Concertina and Doug Pettibone on Electric and Pedal Steel Guitar ... Safety Orange – “Simple Sound” … Slack Key Ohana - “Ulapalakua” “it’s a traditional hula song / cover written by John P. Watkins,” says the band’s Brian Witkin... The Spice Pistols – “Wannabe” … Patrick Yandall – “Stratophunk” ADVERTISE | Press@LocalUmbrella.com

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