East County Community Connection Jan. 2024

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VOLUME 10 JANUARY 2024

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| VOLUME 10 JANUARY 2024 A Publication of Local Umbrella Media

Coach Paul Greer – he goes the distance with runners!

Staff Report

If you’re a runner in San Diego, chances are you’ve crossed paths with legendary coach Paul Greer. Recently, Coach Paul has been selected to serve as the USA National Team Coach for the Men’s U20 National Team for the 2024 World Athletics Cross Country Championships, scheduled for March 30, 2024, in Belgrade, Serbia. A founder of the San Diego Track Club, Coach Greer has worked with athletes at the high school and college level and has even trained several Olympic qualifiers. He is a professor of Health and Exercise Science at San Diego City College with a long track record of success – but most importantly he’s a beloved member of the San Diego running community.

Next month, Coach Paul will release his first nonfiction health and fitness book “Going the Distance : Strategies from the First Stride to the Finish Line” (Acorn Press). We had a chance to sit down with him and chat about his upcoming book.

You’ve been coaching for 39 years. What made you decide to write a book now?

Writing a book has been a transformative journey for me and has fulfilled a lifelong dream of mine. Twenty years ago, SignOnSanDiego invited me to contribute a running and fitness column. I discovered there was an audience that was eager to for information about: Proper breathing techniques, nutrition and hydration, race training and performance, improving performance, injury prevention and treatment.

After that, I wrote for San Diego Newsroom and enjoyed being able to continue positively impacting the lives of athletes. During the Covid pandemic, I decided to bring my years of coaching experience to a wider audience with a book that would be distributed nationwide. I also began incorporating true life personal experiences from my time as a professional runner and coach.

What are the best places to run in San Diego?

I find running on softer surfaces safest, so I recommend any of our beaches or grassy parks, especially Torrey Pines beach and trails. I love running in the Laguna Mountains and the grassy area around Mission Bay. What are some of your favorite spots around the country?

As a runner who competed at a professional level in the sport of track and field some of my favorite spots are Hayward Field at the University of Oregon where I competed in the 1-mile at the Prefontaine Classic. Competing in New Orleans at the 1992 US Olympic Trials was something that I will never forget. Competing at the Penn Relays at the University of Pennsylvania was a great thrill and another iconic running and track and field venue. Lastly, one of my favorite spots that I reflect back with great pride and joy is UCLA Drake Stadium when on June 10, 1989 at the Jackie Joyner Kersee Invitational I became the 168th American to ever break the four-minute mile (3:59.79).

What tips would you give a novice runner?

During my years coaching the San Diego Track Club, many people have approached me who are taking up the sport of running for the first time. Below are a few guidelines to follow as you begin and continue with the lifelong activity of running.

Keep in mind that everyone improves at a different rate and some people can jog for an hour after four weeks, others take four months or a year to reach that point. Don’t get discouraged. Continue to work at your aerobic level and listen to your own body. Eventually you will get there.

Your reward from running done gradually, comfortably, and pleasantly will be a new life. You will look and feel better physically and mentally.

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Think of running and exercise in terms of frequency not intensity, pleasure not pain. Use it as a reward to yourself.

In warm weather, run early in the mornings or evenings.

Exercise is cumulative so look for the longterm results.

Vary your running periodically and this will keep running a fresh experience.

Finally, think positive thoughts and you will improve.

What advice would you give an experienced runner?

There are two training mistakes I’ve seen athletes make over the years -- especially when runners are preparing for longer distances including the marathon and half marathon. Here’s my Number One Tip for seasoned runners: Don’t ignore recovery days. They should be active recovery, meaning you can participate in some type of activity like swimming or cycling.

I recommend taking one to two days off a week from running, but not from exercising. This is time your body needs for the mental and physical recovery from running. As an athlete accumulates more years of training experience, he or she needs less recovery time because the body becomes more resilient underneath the current stimuli. Research has shown that an individual needs a minimum of 48 hours of recovery before undergoing the same training of the specified muscle group. Depending on several other components, the recovery time might be even longer than 48 hours. Typically, the maximum recovery time will be about 72 hours. /LocalUmbrellaMedia

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Where can people get your book?

Going the Distance: Strategies from the First Stride to the Finish Line book will be available in limited bookstores and you can purchase Going the Distance in ebook, paperback, and hardcover, just about everywhere books are sold online.

Or attend Coach Greer’s launch event Sunday Feb 18 anytime between 1-4 PM Cabo Courtyard – Kona Kai Resort & Spa– 1551 Shelter Island Drive Complimentary cocktails and appetizers ADVERTISE | Brad@LocalUmbrella.com

A Publication of Local Umbrella Media VOLUME 10 | JANUARY 2024 |

NATIONAL BLOOD DONOR MONTH HIGHLIGHTS NEED FOR BLOOD DONATION THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

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Community is asked to donate blood after the holidays

San Diego Blood Bank, the regional blood bank serving Southern California, is celebrating National Blood Donor Month throughout the month of January by honoring blood donors who regularly roll up their sleeves and help save lives and inviting those who have never donated before to donate.

National Blood Donor Month has been observed in January since 1970 with the goal of increasing blood and platelet donations during winter – one of the most difficult times of year to collect enough blood products to meet patient needs.

Right now, there is a need for all blood types.

In celebration of National Blood Donor Month, blood donors who donate at any San Diego Blood Bank donor center or mobile blood drive will be gifted with a limited-edition Winnie-the-Pooh t-shirt (while supplies last).

Every two seconds in America, someone needs blood, and one in seven patients entering a hospital require blood transfusions. This ranges from trauma victims to patients battling sickle cell disease or Thalassemia or to ensure a successful organ or bone marrow transplant. Cancer patients use 25 percent of all blood donations and blood transfusions are needed in one out of

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every 83 newborn deliveries in America today.

One blood donation could save up to three lives.

“Blood is unique in our healthcare system,” said Doug Morton, San Diego Blood Bank CEO. “There is no substitute, and it cannot be synthetically made so volunteer blood donations are the only way to provide blood to hospital patients in need.”

More information about National Blood Donor Month can be found at SanDiegoBloodBank.org/nbdm.

To be eligible to donate blood you must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in general good health.

Appointments are encouraged and available by visiting sandiegobloodbank.org

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or by calling (619) 400-8251. Walk-ins are welcome.

About San Diego Blood Bank San Diego Blood Bank (SDBB) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization also operating as Southern California Blood Bank. The Blood Bank serves hospitals throughout Southern California with more than 150,000 units of blood each year. San Diego Blood Bank’s mission is to connect diverse communities to save and improve lives through blood and biotherapies. Dedicated to advancing health and wellness through medical innovation, SDBB has provided an essential service since 1950.

San Diego Blood Bank currently operates nine fixed-site donation locations and 10 bloodmobiles, with blood drives running daily. For more information about SDBB, visit www.SanDiegoBloodBank. org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Linkedin.

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| VOLUME 10 JANUARY 2024 A Publication of Local Umbrella Media

Your Digital Data And Who Really Owns It Is There Such A Thing As Privacy Anymore?

By Bob Morey With John Horst

On a recent episode of the Dan Bongino Show, Senator Mike Lee R (UT), spoke about the deep intrusions of Big Tech and social media into our lives and privacy and how the data they collect about us is used. I listened with rampant attention as I had just finished reading my good friend, John Horst, latest book titled ‘Liberty’s Silver Bullet (LSB), which also touches on those very topics that Senator Lee was speaking about but goes further by calling for a Digital Constitutional Amendment to protect our personal data and digital finances. LSB also delves into the critical areas we face in the ever-increasing digital world, not just data and money but also Artificial Intelligence and the Crypto Economy.

John Horst and his wife own Xanesti Technology Services, LLC. Their company supports DoD cybersecurity, and Mr. Horst serves as an expert witness and consultant on cases involving cybersecurity and related disciplines. I had a chance to sit down with Mr. Horst and talk at length about some of the critical decisions that we will have to address in the near future.

LUM: What led you to write Liberty’s Silver Bullet?

Mr. Horst: I first ran for Congress in 2016 for very local reasons. It really started with something as simple as a stop sign and crosswalk in our neighborhood after a young woman and her niece were struck by a car as they walked to school. In campaigning for that stop sign and crosswalk, I learned about a local group of volunteers who helped the city understand the things our neighbors were most concerned about. With their help, I was able to get the stop sign and crosswalk our community needed.

I joined that group of volunteers and learned about another problem. Our community was short on elementary schools. One was planned and funded, but the federal bureaucracy was getting in the way. I rallied that same group to engage with our congressman about the school.

Our congressman then was Brian Bilbray, who longtime San Diego residents might remember as mayor of Imperial Beach. He was tired of his beaches being closed due to sewage from Tijuana. He was even more tired of the impotence of government. He took to a skip loader to dam up the Tijuana River and triggered an international incident.

Brian knew how to get the attention of the people who needed to be shaken up a little. He sunk his teeth into our problem of getting that school built. He even wrote a three-page Bill which basically fired a shot across the bureaucracy’s bow: “Do your damn job, or we’ll do it for you.”

It worked. Within a month, the feds stopped moving the goalposts and granted the final permit the school district needed. Today, Jonas Salk Elementary is a leading elementary school with a high school-level science lab and curriculum.

Bilbray was our fullback. He understood that “touchdowns” were scored by local leaders. Congressional representatives, more often than not, are needed to block, not score. Bilbray got this.

He lost his seat in 2012 and we no longer had a fullback in Congress. I felt we deserved one. And I saw up close and personal what that meant.

And so, I ran for Congress. But it isn’t enough to have local reasons. As one who cares about individual liberty, and as a cybersecurity business owner, my main national reason for running was to bring the U.S. Constitution into the digital age.

I remember that. During your campaign, you cut a video titled “Bring Back the Dinner Table,” where you explain the difference between today’s Digital Age and the world before the Digital Age. How does this change the way you see civil liberties?

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We have to be able to talk about these things at the dinner table. Our children get their first sense of politics and current events from these conversations. But we must first understand the issues in order to talk about them. And the best explanations are the simplest, even if they might not be technically perfect. I understand the technology inside and out, and if I am teaching a college class on it, I’ll be precise and exact. But here – and in my book – I am not worried about precision as much as I want to equip my neighbors to have everyday conversations. They might be at the “water cooler” at work or the “dinner table” at home. But they are essential conversations if we wish to remain free people.

You write about how the Supreme Court has interpreted the Fourth Amendment in this area. What is your background here and why do you believe there is no protection in the Fourth Amendment?

I grew up in a family of lawyers, and it was always a topic of discussion. Then, later, I taught critical thinking at the undergraduate level and covered the relationship between it and the law.

As I built my cybersecurity career, I developed /LocalUmbrellaMedia

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a side practice as an expert witness in cyber and computer-related cases. So, reading case records and judicial decisions is not new to me. The simplest explanation here is to think about when you buy a new phone. You back the old one up to a Big Tech server, and then restore that to your new phone. Now, your phone is considered a personal possession – what the Fourth Amendment calls your “effects.” SCOTUS has ruled that police need a warrant to look at the data on your phone. But that exact same data – under other SCOTUS decisions – is considered a “third-party business record.” Law enforcement can serve a warrant on your Big Tech platform and get what you think is “your data” without your knowledge or consent.

Tech CEOs like Mark Zuckerberg have been asked about this. What do you think about their answer?

It’s amazing how consistent the answers are across the board from these CEOs. They always say something like “You control your information.” The problem is the question was “Who owns the data?” Note that they were not asked about either “control” or “information.” If you ADVERTISE | Brad@LocalUmbrella.com

A Publication of Local Umbrella Media VOLUME 10 | JANUARY 2024 | are using their products, they can sell or license access to the data you originate. Understand that the essence of ownership is the ability to sell the thing. If you cannot sell or license the data you originate on their platforms, you do not “own” the data. And being able to direct them to delete it (which is what they mean by you “control” your information) does not change that. The other thing is the difference between data and information. Your data can be combined with other users and platforms to create new information sets. If a platform “deletes your data” from their platform, you cannot know where your data has gone before that and whether it is being used as part of other information sets.

We can now look back a bit on the Covid pandemic. Has it changed your view on this?

If anything, it is becoming clearer why the only real answer is an amendment to the constitution… We can look back all the way to the Black Death and see how, on the one hand, the public’s confidence in the “authorities” of the day – which was the church and its priests – collapsed. But this collapse gave rise to the Renaissance. We are at the very beginning of a similar transformation. It might look bad today – a general collapse in public confidence in public health officials and government. The story, though, will end up being about rediscovering the truth. We once thought it came to us through the priests. Now, it seems we are to believe it comes from an algorithm. Once again, we will discover that our own eyes and reason are the only way to discover the truth. The only way to deny the government the ability to propagandize us via AI is to deny AI the data it needs for its very existence.

Is LSB a “philosophical” book?

In a sense, yes. Thomas Jefferson relied on ideas about government from John Locke, who

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believed the authority to govern arises from the consent of the governed. Thomas Hobbes, on the other hand, believed the authority to govern had to be absolute – invested in a monarch or some group of bureaucracies. The book is about how this determines how one will view money.

It is also a big part of how one will look at AI. But I am very sensitive to what I call “specialty language.” Wall Street is especially good at coining ever-new terms to make simple concepts seem complex. Some believe “The Wizard of Oz” was a parody of central banking. Wall Street’s technical vocabulary is the “curtain” in the Wizard of Oz. God forbid Dorothy and her motley crew of ordinary people get behind the curtain to see these people are not who they say they are, nor do they know what they claim to know. Big Tech seems to be playing the same game.

Big Tech and Wall Street. It sounds like you’re saying they are hiding their lust for power behind their efforts to dictate to everyone else what words mean.

Exactly. My approach to writing is to “Occupy the Language.” The faculty lounge simply does not get to tell me, or you, what words mean.

When they complain about my explanations, my response is simple: I am not in their class nor writing for their grade. I couldn’t give two shits what they think about how I explain things to my neighbors. If I want to be more colorful, I’ll simply note that I have two middle fingers and ask which one they want to see first.

You come at Liberty in the Digital Age from two angles: data and money. But with Big Tech and crypto, it seems that data is money, and money is data.

It’s true. Data is now more valuable than oil.

If a company goes bankrupt, their data may well be the most valuable of their assets. And if

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the court can sell the data to pay creditors, you most certainly do not own that data – even if it is about you or your transactions. And as people gravitate toward crypto, money itself is now data.

As hard as it is to amend the Constitution, this should show why it is the only answer. Either we own data about us, and data that comes into existence because we bought something, checked out a book, drove from here to there (there is no end to this), or we don’t. There is only one way to secure this ownership. That is to state in the Constitution that all data pertaining to us as individuals, or arising from our activities, inalienably belongs to us as our “effects” – just as any other personal possession belongs to us.

Then, our transactions on a Blockchain – data – belong to us and we get to opt-in to how we allow it to be used by others. The form of money we choose on a Blockchain is data, and that data becomes money to us as we get to say who can use it and for how much.

As John said earlier, understanding all the implications of the ever-increasing digital world is very much like Toto pulling back the curtain only to discover that The Wizard is really a man, and he isn’t who he says he is, and he doesn’t know what he claims to know. We must look at our digital world, ask questions, and protect ourselves. So, we better understand it and stay on top of this ever-changing realm. Liberty’s Silver Bullet is a good start to help you understand how it is and where it’s going and to help you learn to ask the questions you need to so you can learn how to protect yourself.

LBS was just released on Amazon eBooks and will soon be released in softback and available in better bookstores.

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20, I set up antake online • Seek a therapist to assist with a license you on the 7 |10ISSUE 1 2024 A Publication of Local Umbrella Media 68 | VOLUME | VOLUME JANUARY ng form and hotline the emotional aspects of the ibility and risk as an ownpublic website where attack.

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ERASE HATE SAN DIEGO

By District Attorney Summer Stephan

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A Publication of Local Umbrella Media VOLUME 10 | JANUARY 2024 |

January Stacks Up to Pastrami Month

By Frank Sabatini Jr.

Food historians generally agree that the first pastrami sandwich to appear on America’s culinary scene dates back to the late 1800s. It was served in New York City by Lithuanian immigrant and butcher Sussman Volk, who presented the cured brisket on hearty bread to friends and customers. Word soon spread about its sumptuous, novel flavor, and by the 1920s pastrami was all the rage in New York delis—and particularly favored within the Jewish community.

National Pastrami Day is Jan. 14. But we didn’t wait to track down restaurant-industry maven Howard Solomon, who has been generating an extra dose of enthusiasm over the meat with his recent launch of The Pastrami Strand.

Solomon replied: “I never thought the business would take off like it has. In a super busy week we could sell up to 125 pounds of pastrami depending on the location. But our next step will be to try to land in a brewery tasting room to be their full-time vendor while still doing the popups because they are a great marketing tool.”

There are many other places throughout San Diego County that serve pastrami in a variety of ways. Below are several of our top picks.

Carnivore Sandwich 670 W. B St., Little Italy 619-578-2694, www.carnivoresandwich.com Owner Bas Emini refers to his popular eatery

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and bustling Jewish deli, where “over stuffed” pastrami sandwiches have ruled the day since 1995. The restaurant also serves a notable Philadelphia-style cheese steak made with chopped pastrami that gets tucked into a warm French roll. The construct takes on the additions of grilled onions, peppers and mushrooms, plus Jack and cheddar cheeses. It’s a tasty departure from the classic pastrami sandwich on rye.

DZ Akins 6930 Alvarado Road, La Mesa 619-265-0218, www.dzatkinsdeli.com

A downtown destination for pastrami sandwiches (Carnivore Sandwich)

as “a West Coast take on an East Coast classic.”

He pairs his perfectly spiced pastrami to other proteins such as fried egg and cheese on the “Big Apple sandwich” and top turkey breast and Muenster cheese on the ultra-hearty “Empire State sandwich.” The menu also offers a buildyour-own option, which allows you to garnish your pastrami (and other meats) with a host of condiments and garnishments. Although for traditionalists like us, we’re sticking to deli mustard and pickles.

Elija’s Restaurant & Delicatessen 7061 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Kearny Mesa 858-455-1461, www.elijahsrestaurant.com Howard Solomon of The Pastrami Stand (Courtesy photo)

The pop-up business appears regularly at the Poway Farmers Market on Saturdays; and the Leucadia Farmers Market and La Jolla Open Aire Market on Sundays.

In addition, his 10 x10 canopy shows up at a different brewery every Sunday in the Miramar area. Solomon says that sometime after March, he hopes to take part in the Thursday farmers markets in North Park and Scripps Ranch. (See his weekly schedule at www.thepastramistand. com.)

Solomon started the business after working as a hospitality consultant for the past 16 years. He turned to pastrami as the focal point because he loved it as a kid.

“I grew up in deli-deprived Peoria, Illinois. On rare occasions my parents took me to Chicago where I got to eat pastrami. It was a luxury. Now when I go to Chicago my favorite place for pastrami is Manny’s Delicatessen.”

Solomon sources his pastrami from a butcher in Los Angeles whose family has been in the meat business since 1958.

“Our butcher procures the meat, trims it, brines it, and smokes it—and we pick it up,” Solomon noted.

From there, the sliced goodness lands in a variety of sandwiches, such as the well-endowed “No. 18” with mustard on rye—or the “pastrami dip” served on a roll with mustard and pickles, and dipped in pastrami au jus.

“Those are our biggest sellers,” he added.

“They are the go-to items for people who have visited any sort of delicatessen in New York or Los Angeles.”

And what makes for a perfect pastrami?

“It’s got to have good marbling and a decent fat cap that isn’t overly fatty but just adds flavor to the meat. And there has to be a balance of brine to rub to smoke,” he noted.

When asked if he foresees opening a brickand-mortar pastrami business down the road, LOCAL NEWS | www.LocalUmbrellaMedia.com

Pastrami and chopped liver at DZ Akins (dzakinsdeli.com)

San Diego’s biggest and most popular Jewish deli is home to an array of traditional favorites, including house-prepared pastrami served in a variety of different sandwiches. Aside from the traditional straight-up on rye version, the restaurant’s juicy pastrami is combined in other sandwiches with meats such as chopped liver, beef tongue, and even atop a burger if you so choose.

For the No. 54 sandwich, pastrami tucked into an onion roll with bacon, lettuce and tomato.

Papa Duke’s Deli & Grill

The Empire State Building sandwich at Elijah’s (Facebook)

If hot pastrami is your thing, this humble restaurant serves it sliced thin and stacked generously within fresh rye bread. Things get even taller when opting for the “Empire State Building” found under the “Sky High” sandwich category. The creation combines stacks of both pastrami and corned beef enhanced with Swiss cheese and Russian dressing – a super Reuben of sorts.

12169 Kirkham Road, Suite A, Poway 858-679-7955, www.papadukesdeli.com When the urge for pastrami strikes between 7 and 11 a.m., we head to the family-run fast-casual Papa Duke’s, which slings a satisfying pastrami-egg-Swiss cheese sandwich on a fresh ciabatta roll. Or if you’re on the hunt for a classic or custom-made pastrami sandwich, you’re also in luck. The eatery sources its pastrami from Boar’s Head, a favorite national brand that is also available in grocery stores such as Ralph’s.

The Butchery Quality Meats 3720 Caminito Court, Suite 200, Carmel Valley 858-345-1524, www.butcherymeats.com

Milton’s 2660 Villa De La Valle, Del Mar 858-792-2225, www.miltonsdeli.com

Get your pastrami fix at this popular meat store. (By Frank Sabatini Jr.)

Del Mar’s haven for pastrami and other Jewish fare (Milton’s)

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This upscale meat market and grocer sells slow-roasted pastrami by deli-purveyor Block and Barrel, either by the pound or for hot and cold sandwiches made onsite. The sandies come with a choice of bread or roll. And by default they’re adorned with baby Swiss cheese, mustard, mayo and pickles. Best to call ahead of time if you’re on the hunt for the prized meat because the store sometimes sells out.

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Mama’s Kitchen Announces Eva Matthews as CEO Matthews succeeds Alberto Cortés after his 21 years of service

Mama’s Kitchen, the largest provider of delivered meals and only provider of medically tailored meals to individuals and families vulnerable to malnutrition in San Diego County, announces a new CEO in over two decades, welcoming Eva Matthews, MPH, the former executive director of the Laura Rodriguez Research Institute and Director of Grants Management at Family Health Centers of San Diego to lead the beloved non-profit as it enters its 34th year.

“The work of Mama’s Kitchen is as vital today as it was when its doors opened in 1990, and the demand for services has expanded exponentially,” says new CEO Eva Matthews. “Mama’s Kitchen’s visionary leadership in addressing the growing need for medically tailored meals in San Diego with innovation—as well as with heart—is what drew me to this role and excites me about our future. I am deeply grateful to the Board of Directors for this opportunity to serve as CEO. I look forward to building upon the incredible foundation of my predecessor, Alberto Cortés, and to supporting the dedicated Mama’s Kitchen team in achieving success for years to come.”

A San Diego resident, Matthews was selected following a five-month search for a new chief executive officer after Cortés announced his oncoming retirement last July. She brings 27 years of public health, non-profit, and research experience to her new role as CEO at Mama’s Kitchen, having worked in public health and medical research at both Yale University and the University of Arizona before joining Family Health Centers of San Diego nearly a decade ago.

During her tenure at Family Health Centers of San Diego, Matthews’ leadership as the director of grants management fostered the department’s unparalleled success. From 2018 to 2022 Matthews’ team nearly doubled grant funding, reaching over $74 million in 2022. She also held a leadership role in launching the Laura Rodriguez Research Institute in 2019 and has served as Executive Director since, supporting millions of dollars in grant awards to grow a robust and successful team.

“Eva’s depth of experience in community health and strategic planning have made it clear that she is going to lead the future growth of Mama’s Kitchen with the confidence and inspiring vision that we need,” says Mama’s Kitchen

Board of Directors President Caron Calabrese.

“Our Board of Directors couldn’t be more excited that our national search for the next CEO of Mama’s Kitchen has resulted in the best, most qualified person for the job.”

Matthews takes the reins as Mama’s Kitchen enters its 34th year with many exciting events and milestones in the coming months. Alongside ramping up for the annual Mama’s Day fundraising gala in May, the non-profit will soon celebrate its 12 millionth medically tailored meal delivery to a San Diegan vulnerable to malnutrition.

“The board of directors developed and implemented a thorough and thoughtful process for the selection of my successor. I am very grateful for that. Eva Matthews will be a wonderful leader for Mama’s Kitchen,” says outgoing CEO Alberto Cortés. “Eva is the perfect person to guide Mama’s Kitchen to its next level of relevance and responsiveness to the growing nutritional needs of San Diego County residents living with critical illnesses. I step down assured that Mama’s Kitchen is left in great hands.”

Retained by Mama’s Kitchen, the firm that supported the non-profit on its national search to fill this position was Pat Libby Consulting, who worked in collaboration with members of the Mama’s Kitchen Board of Directors and other community members familiar with the local non-profit landscape. Matthews will begin as CEO on Monday, Jan. 15, working alongside Cortés until his final day on Friday, Jan. 26, 2024.

Before his last day, there will be a community celebration honoring Cortés on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024 at Bahia Resort. For more information on Mama’s Kitchen, visit MamasKitchen.org.

ABOUT MAMA’S KITCHEN

(2006), individuals with heart failure and diabetes (2018), and individuals with chronic kidney disease (2020). Beyond medically tailored meals, clients also receive nutritional counseling from registered dietitians. In 2022, the organization delivered its 11 millionth meal.

For 33 years, Mama’s Kitchen has never turned away a client who qualified for its services. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization responded to an overall 50 percent increase in demand. Mama’s Kitchen continues to provide emergency response efforts, nutrition education services, and more than 816,000 home-delivered medically tailored meals to more than 2,600 individuals and families in San Diego County annually. Mama’s Kitchen is San Diego’s largest provider of delivered meals and the only provider of medically tailored nutrition. Learn more and make a donation at www. mamaskitchen.org.

Mama’s Kitchen was established in 1990 by a San Diego caregiver who enlisted volunteers to prepare and deliver free meals to neighbors who were sick with HIV/AIDS and unable to cook for themselves. The organization realized that a reliable home-delivered meal service was needed to ensure that these individuals would continue to receive nutritious, life-sustaining food. Since then, the organization has expanded its Medically Tailored Meal Service program to other at-risk populations including those battling cancer

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Trailblazing Teen Journalist Receives Hometown Honor for Accomplishments

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Nicolette Luna joined Southwestern College’s newspaper when she was just 14 She was ACP’s 2023 National College Reporter of the Year She recently earned a proclamation from the City of Chula Vista for her achievements in journalism Just a few months after earning a national award for her accomplishments in journalism, Southwestern College student Nicolette Luna has been recognized in her hometown for making a name for herself in a very short time.

The Chula Vista City Council this month presented the 17-year-old student with a proclamation in recognition of her distinguished young career which has included work with the Southwestern College’s The Sun newspaper and El Sol Magazine, and the recent National College Reporter of the Year Award from the Associated Collegiate Press.

Things happened pretty quickly for Luna, who decided in June 2020 to enroll in journalism classes at Southwestern College when she was just 14 during the pandemic while still a student at Bonita Vista High School in Chula Vista. The dual-enrollment option gave her the break of a lifetime when she signed up for Journalism 101 and started writing for the college newspaper.

Pretty soon, her stories were earning awards and she eventually took over as editor.

Luna said she was thrilled to receive the Chula

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Vista City Council’s recognition for her work, adding that the support she received from her Southwestern College journalism professor, Max Branscomb, had a lot to do with her success.

“Receiving these recognitions felt amazing,” she said. “It was the build-up of all the hard work I put in and also the work of those that supported me like my family, colleagues and Dr. Branscomb.”

Don’t let Luna’s age fool you. As editor, she skillfully directed the work of college students, some of whom were twice her age. Last year, her work was awarded three first-place spots at the Society of Professional Journalists banquet, and she was invited to write an op-ed piece in the San Diego Union Tribune. The California College Media Association, San Diego Society of Professional Journalists, and the Journalism Association of Community Colleges have each given Luna multiple awards.

“Nikki is a brilliant and hard-working young lady who is a gifted writer and leader. She led El Sol Magazine and The Sun with vision and energy to national championships before she was old enough to drive a car,” Branscomb said.

Luna said she would like to become part of a vanguard of young Latinas working to diversify the American news media and improve its representation of underrepresented journalists. After

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high school, she hopes to move to New York City, attend Columbia University, work in the field of magazine publication or law and start her own magazine.

From the looks of it, this recent award from the City of Chula Vista won’t be her last as she sets her sights on a promising journey ahead.

“Take any opportunity that comes your way, no matter how difficult it may seem,” Luna said.

“It will be worth it.”

ABOUT SOUTHWESTERN COLLEGE: Southwestern College, the only public institution of higher education in southern San Diego County, provides services to a diverse community of students by offering a wide range of high-quality academic programs and comprehensive student services — including those offered through distance education. Southwestern College also stimulates the development and growth of the region through its educational, economic and workforce opportunities, community partnerships and services. For more information, visit swccd.edu.

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| VOLUME 10 | JANUARY 2024! A Publication of Local Umbrella Media

How Olympic and World Champion Soccer Star Shannon Mac Millan Supports Women and Prioritizes Balance

Friends, snacks, and outdoor time: It seems like any child’s perfect summer day. But for Shannon Mac Millan, joining her friends for soccer led to a legendary career of Olympic medals and World Championships.

“When I was five, all of my friends played soccer and I just wanted to be around them,” says Mac Millan. “I loved the fact that there were halftime and post-game snacks — and that I could just run around and be free.”

Fast forward to 2024 and Mac Millan, now 49 and the Vice President of Community Relations for San Diego Wave FC, is widely known as a World Cup champion and Olympic medalist. Originally from Escondido, Mac Millan secured a full-ride scholarship to University of Portland to play soccer.

“At that time, I didn’t truly know the potential I had with soccer,” says Mac Millan. “I just knew it was going to be a vehicle to help me get to school.”

The Rising of a Star When Mac Millan met with coach Clive Charles at the University of Portland, she appreciated that he didn’t promise her the world. Other recruiting coaches had told her she’d have the chance to start or that they’d get her on the national team. But Clive? He said she’d be a good fit — and shrugged his shoulders when she pressed further about opportunities.

Mac Millan remembers Clive telling her, “I would never promise someone playing time or that they’re going to score a certain number of goals. All I can promise is that I’ll give you the opportunity, then it’s going to be up to you what you do with that.”

The honesty resonated with Mac Millan, who moved to Portland and soon after got called into the U-20 Women’s Youth National Team and ultimately the U.S. Women’s National Team, which she played for over the span of 12 years.

The national team took Mac Millan through two World Cups and three Olympic games. She played 176 caps (career appearances) — winning two Olympic gold medals, an Olympic silver medal, and the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 1999. She was named the U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year in 2002.

However, what Mac Millan emphasizes most isn’t medals or notoriety: It’s friendship, community, and family.

“I was really blessed and fortunate to be able to create a family of sisters through that team, because we didn’t have a professional league at that time,” says Mac Millan. “They really became family through the years.”

The Importance of Supporting Other Women It was Clive, her college coach, who Mac Millan says helped her realize that it’s okay to be a strong, confident female — and to believe in herself to to overcome adversity.

“He was the first one to teach me all the amazing life lessons that the game can offer,” says Mac Millan. “It’s really important for me to now turn around and give back to the game, help inspire the next generation, and continue to leave the game in a better spot than when I first started.”

Supporting other women has been a key part of Mac Millan’s life, both throughout her career and now in her role for San Diego Wave FC. “To see the National Women’s Soccer League thriving and growing is incredible — and you can’t put words around being part of a professional women’s team in San Diego,” she says. “It’s powerful for young girls to be able to see it so close and dream of saying, ‘I want to represent my hometown.’”

Although women’s sports have come a long way, there’s much more work to be done.

“In soccer, we’ve been fortunate that the women’s team has been successful, having won World Cups and Olympic games, and I think that helps give automatic respect,” says Mac Millan. “But we still want to be seen as a professional team here in the realms of the Padres and Major League Soccer. We should know similar standing when it comes to everything that is needed in terms of the community and support.”

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The Role of Wellness for a Soccer Legend For Mac Millan, wellness means balance. She says that when she started her soccer career, athletes didn’t talk about wellness much. They had to find a way to power through every practice and game.

Now, however, they are speaking out about needing breaks — including those for mental health.

“It’s really important, I think, that the younger girls are still finding balance and not just burning out on the sport, because it is a grind,” says Mac Millan. “In San Diego, it’s a blessing and a curse that you can play 362 days out of the year.” /LocalUmbrellaMedia

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Too often, she sees pressure put on kids to become the next soccer legend like Naomi Girma or Mia Hamm.

“They need to be able to have a life and be a kid so that when the time does come, they’re ready to commit and give their all to a sport or whatever else their passion is,” says Mac Millan.

Her own life also expresses that balance. She says her top priority is her son Brayden, who is 14 years old. She starts her day with him, her partner Michelle, and their two dogs in their Cardiff home. After she drops Brayden off at school, she heads to the Wave office and collaborates with her team on ways to continue growing their impact in the San Diego region.

“We spend all day figuring out how, where, and what we can do to engage and give back and inspire the community,” says Mac Millan.

She leaves the office in the afternoon to make sure she’s there for her son when he gets out of school. After finishing up with work at home, she makes dinner and starts preparing for the next day. On a Saturday or Sunday, she spends time with friends and family or plays golf — a beautifully balanced San Diego life.

Mac Millan has a final piece of advice for young women: “Have a dream, believe in it, and be willing to work hard and make the sacrifices.

It’s about discovering what’s uniquely yours and yours alone — not that of your parents, your best friend, or anyone who has told you differently — and then hold onto it with both hands and go after it.”

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MARCH 16 & 17

DEL MAR FAIRGROUNDS

TinyFest is back!

5th Annual Tiny Home show at the Del Mar Fairgrounds!

TinyFest is an annual exposition that celebrates tiny living in a big way. Visitors of all ages are invited to tour the large spectrum of alternative living structures from tiny homes, buses and vans to backyard cottages, ADUs, shipping container homes and more. Experts in the tiny living movement will be giving educational presentations and attendees can shop at the Simple Living Marketplace. Live music, food and tons of inspiration are all included!

Del Mar Fairgrounds, California March 16-17, 2024 The Time Is Now! Join the Tiny Living Community and Change Your Life!

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Intimate Apparel opens at North Coast Rep

North Coast Repertory Theatre is thrilled to stage INTIMATE APPAREL, a heartfelt tale of belonging, love, and survival, which launches the New Year and second half of Season 42.

Two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning dramatist Lynn Nottage has stitched together a powerful tale with an array of characters whose intertwining relationships are told with humor, heartbreak and resiliency.

Set in 1905 New York City, INTIMATE APPAREL tells the story of a lonely but talented black seamstress, Esther, living in a Manhattan boardinghouse. Despite her current circumstances, Esther dreams of a more fulfilling life.

Directed by Jasmine Bracey, the play takes us through Esther’s world where she creates exquisite lingerie for diverse clientele, from wealthy white patrons to prostitutes. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she begins correspondence with a suitor, George, working on the Panama Canal.

The cast features Madeleine Barker*, Teri Brown*, Jonathan Fisher Jr*, Donald Paul*, Nedra Snipes* and Arizsia Staton bringing together a remarkable ensemble of characters. The design team, featuring Marty Burnett (Set Design), Matthew Novotny (Light Design), Elisa Benzoni+ (Costume Design), Evan Eason (Sound Design), Cindy Rumley (Prop Design), Matt FitzGerald (Projection Design), Peter Herman (Hair & Wigs Design) creates a visually stunning backdrop that captures the essence of the early 20th century New York. Jared Halsell is the Stage Manager.

For photos, go to www.northcoastrep.org/ press.

Directed by Jasmine Bracey January 10 – February 4, 2024 Featuring: Madeleine Barker, Teri Brown, Jonathan Fisher, Donald Paul, Nedra Snipes, and Arizsia Staton

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The Green Flag Is Out, And The 2024 366 Begins!

THIS WILL BE A FAST AND FUN YEAR.

By Bob Morey

I

Welcome to 2024. Before you tell me ‘There are only 365 days in the year Bob’, it’s Leap year. But now that the green flag has dropped for the 2024 366, let’s make the most of it. While many of the performing arts companies took a short breather after a jampacked December, it’s now game on and some of the biggest shows of the year are coming through over the next month…and some that will be…well…just fun to see…so let’s get to it.

The lavish and stunning Shen Yun is passing through our county, starting in Escondido on January 16th through the 18th at the Center for the Arts and from the 19th to the 21st at the Civic Theatre. For those of you who haven’t seen the mass advertising campaign that started in November, here’s the back story. Over the past decades, the Chinese Communist Party has treated traditional culture as a threat to its rule. Through campaigns like the Cultural Revolution, it has systematically uprooted traditional beliefs and destroyed ancient treasures, bringing 5,000 years of civilization to the brink of extinction. Starting in 2006, a group of classical Chinese artists came together in New York with a mission: to revive the traditional, divinely inspired culture of China and share it with the world. They created Shen Yun. China’s ancient name, “The Land of the Divine” tells of a world where deities and mortals together walked the Earth. Music, medicine, calligraphy, clothing, language, and much more were said to have been brought down from above. Buddhism, Taoism, and other disciplines were at the heart of society.

Emperors sought to follow the Way of Heaven, and daily life was replete with rituals connecting the human and the divine. From the Yellow Emperor of antiquity to the splendor of the Tang Dynasty all the way to the exquisite elegance of the Qing, the lineage of Chinese civilization runs five millennia deep. It is a story brimming with heroes real and imagined, their legacy preserved in tales of courage and sacrifice, integrity and loyalty, compassion, and virtue.

The ruling communist regime has viewed China’s rich spiritual and artistic heritage as a threat to its ideology and, for decades, tried to erase it. Nothing like this can be seen in China today, and 5,000 years of Chinese civilization were almost lost. In fact, Shen Yun is still not allowed to perform there. But outside of China, through dance, music, costumes, and legends Shen Yun has sparked a cultural renaissance that can be seen worldwide.

Not to be outdone, The San Diego Opera is bringing one of the greatest operas ever composed to the Civic Theatre with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s epic Don Giovanni on February 2nd and 4th. Don Giovanni, which is considered by many to be the most perfect opera ever, is a dramatic opera full of seduction and revenge that tells the story of the legendary libertine and seducer of the same name. The opera explores love, morality, and the consequences of people’s actions, and revolves around Don Giovanni’s amorous escapades. Don Giovanni should not be missed, especially if this would be your first time at the opera.

The Old Globe is back with its first of 2024 with English, from January 27th through February 18th at the Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre. Written By Sanaz Toossi and Directed by Arya Shahi. English is the winner of the 2023 Pulitzer Prize, the Obie Award, and the Lucille Lortel Award. Set in a classroom near Tehran, four adult students prepare for an English proficiency exam. They each have a reason for being there: a chance at opportunity, access, or a new calling. But as they bond over this new way to express themselves, they also grapple with the lives they must leave behind. Told with hilarious wit and genuine compassion, Sanaz Toossi’s English is both a buoyant comedy of communication and a subtle but probing exploration of what it means to speak and feel understood.

Popping through for one night only is Michael Flatley’s

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Lord of the Dance on February 6th at the Civic Theatre. For a quarter of a century, Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance has been dazzling audiences across the globe with its unique combination of high-energy Irish dancing, original music, storytelling, and sensuality. Michael Flatley once said, “Everyone in the world will tell you, ‘No, it can’t be done.’ Every time I hear that, I know I’m close to success.”

For the 25th anniversary of Lord of the Dance, Flatley has taken the show to the next level with new staging, costumes, and choreography, plus cutting-edge technology, special effects, and remarkable lighting. Since its premiere 25 years ago, it has become one the most successful touring productions in entertainment history, having been seen by over 60 million people. It’s one of the shows this year that will be just sheer fun and a celebration of one of the world’s great entertainment experiences.

The Cygnet has become one of my favorite theatre companies of late, as they turn out some of the best theatre productions show after show. On the 24th, they kick 2024 off with Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill, Written By Lanie Robertson and Directed by Wren T. Brown. Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill recounts Billie Holiday’s life story through the songs that made her famous. Set in 1959, in a small, intimate bar in Philadelphia, Holiday puts on a show that unbeknownst to the audience, will leave them witnesses to one of the last performances of her lifetime.

Through her poignant voice and moving songs, one of the greatest jazz singers of all time shares her loves and her losses. Emerson’s Bar & Grill is an inspiring, soulful story featuring Karole Foreman (A Little Night Music) as Billie Holiday in what should be a Tour de Force performance.

Billie sings through February 18th.

Across the bay in Coronado and already playing at The Lamb’s Players Theatre is Outside Mullingar, Written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright John Patrick Shanley and features two of the region’s leading theatre couples, Robert Smyth & Deborah Gilmour Smyth and Brian Mackey & Rachael Van Wormer. Outside Mullingar is a marvelous Irish story about family, love, and property boundaries. Filled with humor, mystery, and heart. Outside Mullingar runs through February 18th.

Already playing at The North Coast Rep is Intimate Apparel, Written by two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning dramatist Lynn Nottage and Directed by Jasmine Bracey.

Lynn Nottage has stitched together a powerful tale with an array of characters whose intertwining relationships are told with humor, heartbreak, and resiliency. In this deeply affecting story, we are taken into the world of a lonely, talented Black seamstress, living in a Manhattan boardinghouse in 1905 but dreaming of a more fulfilling life. This enduring favorite has enthralled, entertained, and touched audiences around the country for years. Intimate Apparel runs through February 4th.

And since we have a few shows that are just sheer fun for this month, I would be remiss if I left this one out: Ladies And Gentleman, Boys and Girls, Children of ALL ages! Circus Vargas, The Big One is Back! for another epic adventure under the big top for 2024 with 3 stops starting on January 26th through February 12th at the North County Mall.

Something amazing is in the works!! More laughs, more thrills, and more priceless memories for all and it’s always a fun night at the circus. So See Circus Vargas Now! Circus Vargas will move to National City starting on February 14th and Mission Valley on March 8th.

This year is already off to a fast and fun start, and next month has several more shows slated to open that will match what’s playing this month. 2024 is shaping up to be one of the most memorable years that San Diego will recall for many years to come. Don’t miss out.

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NAVIGATING THE WORLD OF HEALTH TOURISM LESSONS FROM 40 YEARS OF PATIENT EXPERIENCE

By Pamela Tames

If you’ve ever planned a trip abroad for healthcare, you know it can be a maze, sometimes even a minefield, trying to find suitable care. The growth industry known as medical or health tourism has many reputable operators but also, no shortage of bad players.

The latter may include, so-called, “facilitators,” who promise to find you top medical care and then refer you to the healthcare provider that pays them top commission. Christian El-Khouri, an industry consultant based in Germany, has seen it all. Growing up, he helped his family in their medical tourism business which his father had started in the late 19070s. Today, Christian consults exclusively with, governments, hospitals and other healthcare stakeholders.

Previously, though, he spent a decade helping patients and describes medical tourism as a true passion. I talked with him about what’s going on in the world of medical tourism today and got his checklist for finding good care.

El-Khouri, health tourism consultant, is based in Germany.

You have a unique perspective on medical tourism since your family is in the business.

How did the family business get started?

I always say I was born into medical tourism because my parents were the first to provide medical tourism facilitation in Germany in the late 1970’s. My father had immigrated from Syria to Germany and spoke fluent German, Arabic and English. He was able to respond to a need to help Arabic speaking patients from the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council comprises Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates) who were seeking treatment in Germany. From there, the company, which is called The MESC International Patient Service GmbH, evolved and grew.

How did you learn the business?

I’m not sure how familiar you are with the Middle East or the GCC, but typically, the day starts later and goes well into the morning due to the heat and other reasons. So it was quite normal for us to have the phone ring at 2 a.m. at our home because they couldn’t reach anybody in the office. At some point my parents realized it would be a good idea to train myself and my older brother to cover when they weren’t available. They taught us how to handle these calls, ask the right questions, and get the details – especially the entire name, because there are LOCAL NEWS | www.LocalUmbrellaMedia.com

very similar name variations in the Middle East.

It was a rather tough reign since my parents wanted to ensure we really learned the business from the ground up. All that thorough training – being diligent about every small step in the process – later translated into me being very critical of patient service outside our family company. It’s not a job you take lightly because at the end of the day, it’s a patient or a family member trusting you – a person they might not know – with their health while dealing with all the complexities of traveling to another country with a different culture, language and legal system to receive medical treatment without friends and family close by. It’s incredibly stressful and we take it very seriously.

With MESC, your family’s business, where were most of clients coming from and what kinds of services were being offered?

Initially, MESC worked with Arabic speaking patients but today the business is international with people coming from Russia, the EU, Africa, Asia and to a lesser degree, the US. We did not target the American market directly, but because the US operates an Army base in Wiesbaden, MESC does get American patients.

Essentially, mes operates as the international office of a hospital here that provides primarily diagnostic services. This hospital was modeled after the Mayo Clinic approach of providing integrated, multidisciplinary care. MESC has an exclusive agreement with them to handle both their marketing and patient services. It is a unique arrangement in mesc, being privately owned, is not constrained by the dictates of the hospital group. This gives MESC the freedom to operate in the best interests of the patient. Once a patient gets a diagnosis, MESC helps them find the best treatment in Germany and provides guidance on pricing to help ensure they’re fairly charged.

What are important criteria for assessing where to send patients for treatment?

The doctors at the diagnostic hospital will often make a recommendation regarding where to go for treatment. Another good option is a university teaching hospitals, since they are very highly regarded in Germany. MESC uses a screening process that involves meeting with the hospitals, assessing the scope and quality of expertise, and examining any available metrics, such as, complication rates of surgeries. The good thing about Germany is that the standard and quality of care is very high so there are many good hospitals. On the non-medical side, criteria include hospitals having good processes and resources in place for accommodating and supporting international patients. This might include offering great halal food for Middle Eastern patients, providing a welcoming experience that helps to reduce patient stress, and having doctors who know how to reassure patients so they feel confident about the care they are getting.

What drives patients to seek care in Germany specifically?

There is a segment of people who want the best healthcare available and can afford to go anywhere whether it be MD Anderson for cancer care in the US or University Hospital of Heidelberg in Germany. Another segment includes people who are looking for better care, not the best, but better than what is available in their home country. Germany caters to both these segments, offering best-in-class care in some areas and better care than is available in many other countries. I strongly believe that the level of healthcare service offered in the United States, Israel and Germany are more or less on par. The German healthcare /LocalUmbrellaMedia

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system is over 120 years old and has garnered a trusted reputation. We have the added benefit of strict price controls to help protect against corruption. There’s pricing transparency and although the pricing is complicated and hard to understand at least it exists, establishing a legal limit. The other difference is that Germany has a more conservative approach to treatment and some consider this to be an advantage.

Instead of jumping to surgical or pharmaceutical intervention, for example, you’d do rehab or physical therapy.

In researching medical tourism, I’ve noticed there are a lot of facilitators out there but not a lot of transparency about how they’re paid. Why is that?

Typically medical tourism facilitators are paid a commission – a percentage of the revenue generated by the patient for the healthcare provider. In some cases, the commission is up to 25%. This is common practice around the world.

Since 2011, however, charging a percentage commission for the referral of an international patient has not been allowed in Germany and constitutes a violation of the Civic Code.

How does MESC get paid for its services?

The family business’ patient service business unit does not take a commission but charges the patient for the services provided. The fee for each service being provided is itemized and patients pay us directly. This transparent approach has fostered trust over the years. MESC is now seeing the third generation of clients’ families solely on the basis of positive word of mouth.

How can people protect themselves from unfair or illegal pricing practices? What should a patient watch for?

In both Germany and the US, you see a tiered pricing structure in which the best care is often the most expensive. However, unlike in the US, Germany has the benefit of very strict price controls aimed at capping what you are allowed to charge. But as happens everywhere, bad operators – including hospitals and doctors and facilitators – find ways to workaround the system to enrich themselves with all kinds of illicit schemes. For instance, we’ve had patients come to us with requests to investigate hospital invoices that seem too high. We’ll look into it, trying to understand the pricing. Sometimes it’s justified but in some cases, the hospital would tell us they didn’t issue the invoice. Turned out, the facilitator was marking up the invoice and pocketing the difference. This is why I say, an ideal world for me is one where there is no medical tourism facilitator. Instead, the hospitals would be trained, structured and equipped to deal with international patients directly.

However, there are problems with that since hospitals don’t want the bad PR of being seen to prioritize international patients, who are usually more profitable, over domestic patients.

The Joint Commission International (JCI) and Temos are two groups that provide accreditation to hospitals that meet certain criteria. Is accreditation a good indicator of quality care?

I cannot speak to the validity of accreditation offered by either the JCI or Temos because I just don’t know. In general though, I would say that you cannot assume accreditation indicates quality care because it may be a pay-to-play scheme. What I mean by that is the hospital may be paying for accreditation in which case, there’s a conflict of interest built in. If the accreditation is actually earned, and the criteria for accreditation are meaningful then it may be useful. But then again, you have to wonder, who’s checking that the accreditation standards

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A Publication of Local Umbrella Media VOLUME 10 | JANUARY 2024 | are being maintained 6 months later and who’s enforcing standards?

One source says the medical tourism industry is booming, with annual growth estimated at 15-25% and contributing over $100 billion annually to the global economy.

Does this more or less reflect what you’re seeing?

I do think it’s a growth industry, but I question

some of the big numbers being thrown around.

For instance, how are they calculating medical tourism revenue? Is it only medical care costs?

Or does it include revenue from other retail and service providers that are peripheral to medical tourism? One thing is clear, it seems everybody wants to get into medical tourism. There are so many people jumping in calling themselves facilitators and the level of professionalism is frightening.

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Some facilitators create WhatsApp groups of 100 or more facilitators and they’ll sell referrals to patients to the highest bidder. Some of these facilitators are calling themselves medical experts and using ChatGPT to write their content. I call these bad players out where I see it. It’s so unprofessional. Patients put their trust in you and you need to protect them—not send them to somebody you’ve connected with on WhatsApp a week ago.

How to be a savvy health tourist— tips from Christian El-Khouri, industry consultant

1. When possible, choose healthcare at home: First, when it comes to seeking treatment, make sure that you actually need it.

Quite frankly, if you can find adequate treatment closer to your home, choose it. The simple fact is, in most cases, it will be less expensive. Of course, sometimes the cost of domestic treatment is so high that you have to go abroad – to Mexico or even Turkey, which is now competing on price. Otherwise, be sure you really need to leave your country because you are leaving your family, social connections, culture, language and a legal system that you are more or less familiar with so you can seek remedies if something goes wrong. There’s also the environmental cost of travel.

2. Do your research: If you really need to travel for medical care because you cannot afford or access the treatment you need at home, then do your research. Try to contact hospitals directly.

Most hospitals have foreign language websites. A hospital that is equipped to handle international patients should have an international patient service office. If they don’t, contact the general hospital administration and explain you’re an international patient exploring the possibility of treatment and have them refer you to the right person.

3. Ask a lot of questions: Ask every question you can think of and keep asking questions. Find out what other services the hospital provides in the event that complications arise. If somebody is not willing to answer your question, they’re probably hiding something. I always maintain that the patient has the right to ask.

4. Avoid facilitators: Try not to go through a facilitator, unless you have a referral from a friend or family member who can vouch for the facilitator as being trustworthy.

6. Don’t trust testimonials on websites: Sure, some testimonials may be real but most companies will not share negative feedback. Oftentimes, too, the negative feedback you see may be fake, having been planted by a competition.The best is a word of mouth endorsement from people you trust who have had first hand experience.

7. Be wary of fixed pricing: I consider it a good sign if they only give you a quote after they have seen your medical file. The reason I say this is that standard pricing or package pricing for health care is nearly impossible because every patient is different. Also, one diagnosis may have multiple treatment options. The process at mesc is to get the medical documents from the patient first. Then we solicit quotes from hospitals that are specific to the patient’s medical situation. The quote might change after the patient has been examined in person but at least you have a starting point.

8. Look for official endorsements: One of the biggest pieces of advice I give is to look for a medical tourism service provider that has an official affiliation – for example, to a healthcare travel council or department of tourism. The point here is that you want to see that there’s some official player involved. Having said that, it’s not always straightforward. For instance, Turkey has something like 8 different associations for medical travel and it’s hard to know which one to trust. What I always tell patients in these situations is feel free to ask me.

9. Get a tele-consult before you leave: Always try to talk to a doctor at the hospital before you leave home. Most hospitals are willing to do a teleconsultation as a free service. Test them by asking a lot of questions. If you feel somebody is hesitant without good reason or they become rude, nervous, stressed, or annoyed because you’re asking too many questions – avoid them. Use your common sense. You are going to be facing all the stress of traveling to a new country and undergoing a medical procedure, so they need to step up and win the privilege to care for you.

5. Keep your doctor in the loop: If you have a healthcare 10. Ask me: There are many patients I still consult for free because I provider at home, stay in contact with them and seek their advice know many good doctors and can connect them with just an email. If as needed. Involve them in the process, if they’re willing. Ask them you’re unsure about a situation, feel free to contact me on LinkedIn or if the treatment plan being recommended makes sense to them. find me on Twitter (X) @cfelkhouri.

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| VOLUME 10 JANUARY 2024 A Publication of Local Umbrella Media

Scoping Out Retirement Prospects in Idaho

Words by Marlise Kast-Myers Photos by Benjamin Myers

My husband, Benjamin and I always travel with one eye open, winking at destinations that tease retirement dreams. Currently in our 40s, we still have time. Yet we’re planners by nature, aligned in our vision that the grass is, in fact, greener on the other side.

In the last two years, we’ve explored Tennessee, Wyoming, and Colorado, turning travels into research trips with benefits. When I told Benjamin I wanted to “investigate” Idaho in winter, he gave me his blessing and said, “Invite me again when the fish are biting.”

And so, this past winter, when Mammoth broke snowfall records, I bypassed the 7-hour drive, and instead, flew from San Diego to Spokane, Washington. Back in the 80s, I myself was a Spokanite. Ironically, not a whole lot had changed as I drove through the city enroute to Schweitzer. Just 1.5-hours from the Spokane Airport, the ski town is based in the rugged Selkirk Mountains of the northern Idaho panhandle.

Rumor had it tree skiing was on point, prices were low, and crowds were thin. Throw in steep hills, open bowls, lake views, and I was sold—at least for a 3-day getaway.

Arriving after dark, I drove 11-miles up hairpin turns. As a SoCal beach girl, it wasn’t the road to Schweitzer that got me as much as the isolation. Pulling into the parking lot, I walked into Humbird Hotel and exhaled a sigh of relief. Other than the lobby light, it seemed the town had put itself to bed.

It was 10 o’clock.

The mountain resort had its own village, with most services available in Sandpoint 20 minutes away. Within the village were a handful of restaurants, shops, a ski center, and two hotels, including Humbird.

As Schweitzer’s newest property, Humbird was built with sustainability, design, and practicality in mind. In addition to ski-in-skiout access, rooms had boot dryers, gear hooks, humidifiers, and equipment storage. Architecture paid tribute to the area’s logging history utilizing heavy timber construction.

Until recently, condo-rentals were nearly the only lodging option in town. The McCaw family changed all that in 2006 with improvements that lifted the resort out of bankruptcy. Giving them grooming freedom was the fact that Schweitzer’s 7,000 acres are not on National Forest Service Land.

Their independence set them apart from the ski-resort pack, that is until August when they sold Schweitzer to Alterra Mountain Company—now the 17th notch in Alterra’s ski-destination belt. Ikon Pass holders can officially add Schweitzer to the list of 50 mountains where they can hit the slopes with one card.

Regardless of backing by the big boys, Schweitzer still has plenty of bragging rights. As the largest ski resort in Idaho and Washington, it has 10 lifts, 300’’ of snowfall, and nearly 3,000 acres of skiable terrain.

But stats are one thing. Experience is another.

And so, it began. Strapping in, I looked around, reliving my solitary 10 PM arrival the night before.

There were no lines and so few people that I had trouble finding someone to follow. The south bowl was socked in thick, triggering vertigo that left me touching the ground for direction. Having snowboarded for decades, never had I experienced such loss of perception. From the lift, a skier hollered, “Head to the North Bowl. It’s clear.”

He was right. For two days, the sun smiled on me, begging me to lose myself in the thick of powder chutes, mellow cruisers, and gladed stashes.

Point-and-drop options were endless.

At the basin, I boarded Stella, Idaho’s only six-passenger lift that kept me on rinse and repeat until my thighs burned and my shins bruised. Void of mountain ego and lift lines, it was easy to lose track of runs and time, stopping only for summit lunch at Sky House.

That evening, I ventured into Sandpoint, the LOCAL NEWS | www.LocalUmbrellaMedia.com

nearest town with breweries, shops, 40+ restaurants, and over 9,000 residents. I sampled local beers at Laughing Dog Brewing and Mick Duff’s on Lake Pend Oreille—Idaho’s largest with 111 miles of shoreline.

Back at Humbird, I headed to Crow’s Bench, the hotel’s restaurant serving Alpine-inspired venison tartare, elk loin, and wiener schnitzel. Two beers deep, I ordered a charcuterie board and phoned my husband, Benjamin.

“So, I think I’m in love with Idaho. You promise we can come back when the fish are biting?!”

Fast forward to summer and we were on our way to Boise. This time, we would expand our “research trip” to five days and three destinations: Boise, Tamarack, and McCall. A flight delay had us landing in Boise with just enough time to grab dinner at our hotel, The Avery.

Perhaps “grab” is an understatement. During our time in Idaho, our meal at The Avery’s Brasserie was the best of our trip. Grilled ceviche, sole meunière, dry-aged cote de boeuf, and pistachio soufflé all had something to do with that, along with Chef Cal Elliott.

A Boise native, Cal worked his way from an Alaskan fisherman to a Michelin-Star chef at his New York restaurant, Rye. At the rollout of the pandemic, Cal and his wife, Ashley, went “all in” by returning to their Boise roots to restore The Avery.

Dating back to 1910, the elegant hotel once served as a cigar lounge, department store, movie theater, boxing ring, and entertainment venue. Vacant since the 1960s, The Avery has new life as Boise’s only historic boutique hotel.

In less than 24-hours, we were hooked on Boise—not just because of The Avery, but because of the city’s commitment to its rich past and cultural future. We tasted it over paella and bocadillos in the Basque Block, where /LocalUmbrellaMedia

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an entire community of descendants cling to tradition. We felt it on our walk along the Boise River Greenbelt and Freak Alley’s street art.

We saw it in the face of locals supporting smalltown businesses like barbershops, bookstores, and The Record Exchange.

In a city of 237,446 people, there was an air about Boise where fast-food, mass-transport, potatoes, and big government were out; while farmers markets, bikes, community, and beards were in. It was like pre-boom Seattle and Austin, only with a lower cost of living and a greater potential for success.

That low-hanging fruit wasn’t limited to Boise. It was spreading throughout the state to Tamarack, the second stop on our itinerary.

Located in Southern Idaho, we pinned this under-the-radar counterpoint for its lake location where we heard the fish were biting. Beyond Horseshoe Bend, we passed gun shops, coin laundry, corner cafés, beauty salons, and steepled churches named after Grace and Hope.

The closer we got to Lake Cascade, the closer we got to nature. Meadows, streams, and rivers framed our route, giving way to tackle shops, wet dogs, and banked kayaks. Scattered in open spaces were red barns, cattle ranches, and humble homes where barefoot children spun on tire swings alongside American flags. Hand painted signs announced yard sales, fresh eggs, and the Huckleberry Festival.

Perhaps mundane for many, these small-town visions were my summer salutation, a tip of the hat from Tamarack welcoming us to the good ADVERTISE | Brad@LocalUmbrella.com

A Publication of Local Umbrella Media VOLUME 10 | JANUARY 2024 | life. Located 90 miles from Boise, this independent, all-season destination sits on 3,500 acres with plenty of room for growth.

In 2021, Gabriel Navarro purchased the flailing resort under his real estate development company, MMG Equity Partners. Along with his brother and brother-in-law, the privately-owned investment firm expanded the resort, opened Osprey Meadows Golf Course, and is adding a marina. Their biggest win, some might say, was recruiting top tiers in hospitality, starting with Executive Chef Eric Aldis.

Over dinner at The Reserve, the self-proclaimed “Good ole Texas boy” rolled out scallops with pork belly, trout almondine, wagyu filet mignon, bison tenderloin, and truffle-topped fingerling potatoes. The huckleberry ice cream made us feel local, as did his firm handshake—something he did at every table.

Overseeing Tamarack’s culinary scene, Chef Eric says, he’s living out his “purpose” to inspire a team to dream big. This mindset went beyond the kitchen, extending to The Spa where Director Julie Stauts forages huckleberry leaves, wild yarrow, oxeye daisy, and herbs for spa treatments.

She too was drawn to Tamarack, for its energy

as much as its potential. Beyond Lake Cascade, there’s a shift she says, credited to nearby mineral springs, Crystal Mountain, and sacred land from Native American tribes.

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Whatever it was, there was certainly a peace about Tamarack—a calmness I felt mountain biking through the forest, paddleboarding on still waters, and hiking the slopes below Tamarack Express. During guided fishing, Benjamin felt it /LocalUmbrellaMedia

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casting his line on Lake Cascade and reeling in over 20 perch, trout, and bass.

In winter, the mountain transforms into a powdery playground with access to corduroy groomers, open bowls, and gate-accessed backcountry on 2,000 acres. For now, we would inhale what was left of summer.

From our balcony, we watched as couples danced and children ran free to live music by Jeff Crosby. He sang about Idaho and the “endless mountains and reservoir, the red tail foxes and liquor stores.”

And there they were, the fortunate who discovered where the grass was greener and the air smelled of wildflowers, raindrops, and waffle cones; a place where Instagram reels weren’t topics of conversation, but rather those quicksilver moments in nature.

“It’s wholesome, isn’t it?” Benjamin said.

Indeed it was, and only more so in nearby McCall. As the final stop on our Idaho adventure, McCall welcomed us with small-town vibes and lake-front shops selling milkshakes, books, hardware, and leather goods. Passing cars were strapped with kayaks, and everyone seemed to stroll as if their destinations were unknown.

Nestled in the Salmon River Mountains, the town was founded in the late 19th century by the McCall family who traded horses for a cabin on 160 acres of land. They established a school, saloon, post office, hotel, and with further growth, came the historic Shore Lodge in 1948.

With an old-money aesthetic, our hotel of choice beckoned with whisky in the lounge overlooking Payette Lake. Beyond valet and cocktails were amenities like shuttle service, a golf course, private marina, movie theater, cruiser bikes, pool, and spa. We took advantage of the latter three—in that order—pedaling our way through Ponderosa State Park to Narrows Overlook. We counted more deer than people, feeling far from home but close to perfection.

Some 3,500 residents obviously shared our mindset, waking up to lake views and capitalizing on three nearby ski resorts. In McCall, it was easy to live in the present, content in the moment whether we were gazing at the lake or dining at sunset.

We did both that evening at The Narrows steakhouse, boasting over 500 wines and waiters who doubled as knife concierges. Before the journey home, we swam in the pool and grabbed sandwiches at The Cutwater with tables so close to the water, you could feed the fish.

We spoke of Idaho—starting with my winter escapade in Schweitzer, and our summer splash across Boise, Tamarack, and McCall. What started out as retirement research, turned into a “very possible” pin on our “someday” map.

One where progress is moving in the right direction; where kids run free with wet-tailed dogs; where bearded strangers sing about their homeland; where the fish are biting; where deer look you in the eye and eat your grass . . .which ironically, happens to be greener.

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| VOLUME 10 JANUARY 2024 A Publication of Local Umbrella Media

Sandi King / Frozen Heart

JANUARY 2024

BY BART MENDOZA © MUSICSCENESD // MUSICSCENESD.COM

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Singer Sandi King is seemingly everywhere these days, one of the area’s busiest musicians, providing backing vocals in numerous musical combos.

Now, after more than a decade as a key part of the area’s music community, King has released her first solo single, “Frozen Heart.”

Currently based in El Cajon, King has been a San Diegan since the age of three. “My mom grew up here,” she recalled. “Originally my parents moved us back to San Diego in ’85 when I was 3 years old, and I grew up in Santee. After high school I moved around to Las Vegas, Orange County, San Francisco, and LA. I decided to move back to San Diego in 2012 and try to make a go at music full time. I haven’t looked back since.”

It’s a rare week that doesn’t see King on at least a couple of stages and doing studio work. “My musical projects are many,” she said in a bit of understatement. For starters, there’s the King Taylor Project with her husband, Joshua Taylor. “I am also in his solo project, Joshua Taylor and the Unscene, as well as a side project we do with our friend and drummer Tony Econom called Side Street, where we have a monthly residency at Humphreys Backstage Live aimed at backing and featuring other great musicians.” In addition to those, King regularly performs with several other original acts, including Jeff Berkley and the Banned, Jonny Tarr, and Astra Kelly. She has also done quite a bit of session work. Most recently, King can be heard on Josh Weinstein’s new album, Mind the Gap, and she is a guest vocalist on Wayne Riker’s latest release, Alphabetical Blues Bash: Vol. 2.

Though she had an idea for a solo project, it was band leader Jonny Tarr that prompted her first solo recording.

“Frozen Heart” was a birthday gift “ticket” for one fully recorded and produced song to release under my own name so I could begin to establish a presence as Sandi King the solo artist,” said King. The track features LOCAL NEWS | www.LocalUmbrellaMedia.com

Miles Clowminzer (drums), Tristan Faulk-Webster (theremin), and Keli Ross-Ma’u (steel pan). “Everything else is fully Jonny Tarr, including the backing vocals to my lead vocal,” King said. “Jonny fully produced his last album, The Rules, and wanted to start producing for other people. He and I had a few quick brainstorming sessions about the concept and lyrics for the song and he ran with it!”

Was it different working with Tarr as a producer rather than band mate?

“Working with Jonny Tarr is a dream,” King said. “He is, first and foremost, one of my best friends. Secondly, I am just a fan of his music. Working in his band is always a good time surrounded by great musicians, and working with him as a producer is an extension of that. He works quickly, so you gotta keep up, and he just has ideas nonstop, so you have to be able to flow with him. His instincts and musical sensibilities jive really well with mine so that made the whole process really smooth.”

With her single, “Frozen Heart,” now out, King plans to follow through with a special tribute album.

“My initial idea for a solo release was to record a tribute album to my dad, Ron King, who passed in early 2021.

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He was a wicked trumpet player and the main reason I have music in my life, professionally and in my heart. I grew up with jazz around the house and when I was ten years old started singing with the big band he was playing in.” King plans to release a tribute album of jazz standards “but reimagined by myself and the incredible musicians I will have on this record,” King said. “I plan to record at Satellite Studio with Jeff Berkley sometime in the next few months and the core band will include Joshua Taylor, Josh Weinstein, Tony Econom, Harley Magsino, and Jonny Tarr.”

With a decade of music making in San Diego behind her, what’s King’s favorite thing about being a musician? “Community and Expression,” she said. “I am constantly blown away by the community of musicians around me, and I delight in the career I have built for myself being a part of so many amazing artists’ projects. I truly do get the biggest thrill from a support roll, be it backing vocals or behind the scenes, which I do a whole lot of for other artists. Which is why it is a big deal for me to step out and take the spotlight for a bit. I enjoy that part as well, but this community really is what keeps me going so strong. And for the expression of oneself, music is unmatched. The ability to share with people something so personal, yet so globally understood as straight up expression is something special that I don’t take for granted for a moment in this life.”

Upcoming plans for King include more live shows and more recordings.

“I am focusing on getting the tribute album to my pops rolling behind the scenes with the band,” she said. “And, there are rumblings of making more tunes with Jonny so don’t be surprised to see more of this as well!”

Side Street’s next residency show is at Humphreys Backstage Live on January 24, with guests Stacy Antonel, Ken Dow & Josh Weinstein. www.kingtaylorproject.com

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Escape Hatch Records / Ska & Reggae Vinyl Treasure San Diego based Escape Hatch Records was only founded in 2022, but has already had a global impact, both for its spotlight on ska and reggae sounds, as well as it’s distinctive packaging. The label is run by John Roy and Michael Buchmiller, perhaps best known for their respective musical projects, Smoke and Mirrors Sound System, and Satanic Puppeteer Orchestra. “The two of us have been friends since the mid-1990s when I met him in his band Unsteady,” recalled Buchmiller. “A few years back, I asked John if he’d be interested in putting out a split 7” with my band, Satanic Puppeteer Orchestra. That marked the first time we released a record together.” During the pandemic, Roy started an all-star band called Smoke and Mirrors Sound System.

“They released a lot of material on a slew of different labels, but even still, he had a backlog of tracks he wanted to release and didn’t want to operate on someone else’s timeline. He approached me with the idea of starting a record label in 2022.

And that’s how it started.” Buchmiller is in charge of the website and artwork.

“Some bands already have it covered and I just shepherd it along, and other times I’m the one designing it. John is responsible for A&R including all of the bands we have thus far, and overseeing the music’s recording, mixing, and mastering.”

What is the label’s philosophy? “Our focus is on short run, color vinyl releases in the genres ska, reggae, rocksteady, and dub,” Buchmiller said. “The bands handle thier digital releases and we only manage the vinyl.”

While the label is based in San Diego, it has a worlwide reach. “The labels roster started with our bands; Unsteady, Satanic Puppeteer Orchestra, Smoke and Mirrors, Gangbusters... and then branched out from there,” Buchmiller said. “It’s not just San Diego artists. Rebelation is from the UK, The Bandulus are from Austin, now

Portland, OR, and a bunch of the artists are from Los Angeles. The Dynamos, Black Market Dub, Wise Owl, Manganista, Los Tropics. We try to find releases that we believe in, would want to own ourselves, and are usually made by people we are friends with.”

Escape Hatch Records focus is on new music, but they are open to issuing vintage works, such as their recent Gangbusters release. “Gangbusters is one of John’s old bands. It was recorded in 1990, but the band broke up before it was released, and the songs were just sitting on a shelf. It’s a great time capsule, and one that people from the scene were super excited to finally get to hear after all these years. I had fun going through the band’s archive of old show flyers and notes to try and imagine what it might have looked like had it been released in 1990.

Unsteady’s album “Tightrope” is another one that never got a proper vinyl release when it came out in the mid 1990s, so it’s

awesome for that to finally exist. We have one more vintage release... the 2010 debut from the Bandulus that is coming out in February, but I think everything else we have on the schedule is brand new.”

One thing that sets Escape Hatch Records apart from other labels is the care that goes into the packaging of the releases. “I’ve spent the last 25 years doing graphic design for the music industry, so packaging is very important to me,” Buchmiller said. “There are a lot of ways to consume music these days, so if someone chooses to buy a record from us, I want that experience to be exceptional. I try to find a way to visually represent how an album sounds so when you pick it up for the first time, you already have some idea of what to expect. I love all the little details... the liner notes, the logos, even the subtle textures.” As for format, he notes that vinyl is a great medium for a visual artist “because the album jacket is a really big canvas to work with, and the listener usually handles it as they are playing the album. You have a chance to enhance that experience.” To that end, the Smoke and Mirrors records have origami inserts.

The SPO split 7” has a secret parallel groove. The Black Market Dub Christmas record comes on candy cane striped red and white vinyl, and so on. It’s all

visually stunning and highly collectable.

Buchmiller is happy to see vinyl return to favor. “For record collectors, vinyl never went away. But it is definitely having a resurgence. So much so that when we first started pressing records it took the better part of a year to get the finished product back. Luckily the last few releases have been pressed more quickly. We’re always working to innovate too. A singles box set, gatefolds, coffee table book with a flexi single insert. We’re even exploring scratch ‘n’ sniff stickers.”

It’s exactly that sense of innovation that particularly appeals to Buchmiller when it comes to Escape Hatch Records. “My favorite thing is helping people realize their creative visions and bring it to life,” he said. “There’s nothing quite like having an abstract idea, and a few months later holding a physical representation of it in your hand and being able to share it with someone. Sharing music with people we may never meet, and connecting with them musically, like the albums we loved growing up did with us. Hopefully they’ll enjoy, replay, and keep these releases for decades.” https://escapehatchrecords.com

SoundCheck Flix / Talking Movies at The Casbah The Casbah has been the home of great music for decades, and now it’s also the base for a new podcast, SoundCheck Flix, “where movies meet music backstage.” Hosted by two long time Casbah employees, Tim Pyles and Graham Stevens, each episode finds the pair discussing a favorite film. It’s a really fun listen.

Where did the idea for SCF come from?

“Boring soundchecks!” said Stevens good naturedly. “One thing I’ve learned in 15 years of working at the Casbah is that load ins can be incredibly dull. LOTS of down time.

Inevitably, the patio discussions would turn to a film someone had recently seen and BANG, we’re off and runnin.’ Then I started touring with bands and witnessed firsthand how much they consume movies on the bus, back at the hotel and in the green room.

They’re experts! That’s when the idea hit me.

The same old, tired music pod would not do for the Casbah. Better to choose a fun, different angle and let their personality shine thru a film.”

The show is staffed by a small crew. In addition to Stevens, “many people already know Tim Pyles from his many years on local San Diego radio. He is our main host.

The rest of us are rookies. I’m the co-host and producer. Eric Lucero is our awesome sound engineer and co-producer. Orion Ferguson is our video guy. We also have

Emilie Schumacher as our talented social media guru.”

How are guests chosen for the film? “For our first 6 months, we’ve just been relying on artists we know from the local scene,” Stevens said. “Being new to this pod game, we wanted to get a proper feel for what we are doing before we start hitting up touring acts as guests. Our attitude is like Pokémon“Gotta catch ‘em all!” We have 50+ episodes a year to pack in our favorite artists.” While most films are selected by the musicians themselves, there have been a few suggested episodes. “Our “House Party” and “Sleepaway Camp” episodes were based on actual conversations that took place before production. We did a special “Barbie” episode because it was a phenomenon that we HAD

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to address.” Shows are generally recorded about 2-3 weeks ahead of airing. “Lining up guests takes a little bit longer. It can be like herding cats at times,” Stevens joked.

He takes his role as producer seriously, putting in significant prep work for each episode. “I spend the week before each recording rewatching each film at least 3 times,” he said. “The director’s commentaries and DVD extras are gold. Interviews from old magazine archives also come in handy.” Has he discovered any films through the show?

“Only one” he said. “Santa Claus vs the Devil, I’d seen every other film brought to us so far, but that one. Of course, it was suggested by the brilliant Robert Lopez (El Vez). I ended up watching that one six times. So far, I guess the biggest surprise was doing Halloween III: Season of the Witch for our 1st horror film.

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knew we would get Alejandro Jodorowsky’s Holy Mountain. I just didn’t expect it so quick at episode #4 and that it would be Justin Pearson (The Locust). Kinda felt like a film for Earthless (lol).”

Stevens cites SoundCheck Flix’s first episode as his favorite to date. “It was “Rock n’ Roll High School” with Lety Beers (Schizophonics). It was the film that we thought most represented the Casbah cinematically,” he said. “Our Billy Jack episode was a lot of fun ‘cause Dave Warshaw (Creepy Creeps) was just bringin’ the heat! His love for the film REALLY shined thru. I also really loved our House Party and Barbie episodes. Terrific guests with great stories on both of those.”

What does Stevens enjoy most about SoundCheck Flix? “Doing a positive project with a team of co-workers that I dearly love and appreciate,” he said. “It’s been a rough couple years for the Casbah family.

We’ve lost some people we truly loved and have had some in house cancer battles. We wanted to do a project that would make our fellow coworkers proud. When they pat us on the back and say “Great job,” that gives us all the passion & energy we need to run out there and get the next guest on record. I get excited when I see them light up at the mention of their favorite film. THAT’S the juice!” https://soundcheckflix.podbean.com

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Top 5 Concerts

recent albums, The Elephants of Mars (Satriani), The Book of Making / Yesterday Meets Today (Johnson), and Vai/Gash (Vai), but whatever they play will be sure to enthrall their legion of fans.

February 9 – A Night of Neil Diamond / Sunshine Brooks Theater, Oceanside Fans of legendary troubadour Neil Diamond won’t want to miss this appearance by acclaimed, Scott Samuels led tribute group, Solitary Diamonds. Diamond was one of the greatest tunesmiths of the 1960’s and 1970’s, making this show a veritable sing-along to classic songs, including, “Cherry, Cherry,” “Cracklin’ Rosie,” and “Sweet Caroline.”

February 15 – Baby Bushka / The Music Box, Little Italy As much a theatrical production as concert, this show will be an amazing recreation of British singer-songwriter Kate Bush’s music, taking in both look and sound. The live band is amazing, with superb vocals, but it’s the costume changes and musical vignettes that put Baby Bushka over the top. Just about everything a Kate Bush fan could want in a performance.

January 30 – Herb Alpert & Lani Hall / The Sound, Del Mar Iconic trumpeter Herb Alpert and his wife, singer Lani Hall, will perform a career spanning set covering both artists six decade plus careers in music. Audience members will be treated to medley’s of 1960’s hits from both The Tijuana Brass (Alpert) and Brasil ’66 (Hall), as well as solo hits and more recent recordings. Recent shows have included Alpert’s great version of Jason Mraz’s song, “I’m Yours.”

February 3 – An Evening of Exotica with the Nathan Hubbard 4tet / Dizzy’s, Bay Park Essentially a tribute to Hawaiian jazz vibraphonist Arthur Lyman, with percussionist Nathan Hubbard, keyboardist Thomas Meyer, bassist Mackenzie Leighton, and drummer Julien Cantelm playing his classic 1959 album, Hawaiian Sunset.

February 7 - G3 Reunion Tour / The Magnolia, El Cajon Three of the greatest guitarists of the modern age; Joe Satriani, Eric Johnson and Steve Vai, will take the stage at the Magnolia. They all have

New San Diego Music Releases

New and Upcoming Singles: Bloodstone the Street Preacher – “Elevate,” Allen Camp – “Better Days,” Dan Gindling – “Gotta Love All Day,” Sara Jade – “Sink or Swim,” Dave Preston – “Hurricane Rose,” Steve Rosenbaum – “Blurs LOCAL NEWS | www.LocalUmbrellaMedia.com

Somewhere,” The Jim Ryan Project - “Even in the Morning,” Safety Orange and Vokab Kompany - “Still Be Me,” Joseph Stevens – “Tribute to My Past,” Josh Weinstein – “Shimmer” New and Upcoming Albums & EP’s: Grandpa Drew – Greatest Hits, Marc Hansen – True Believer, Nonexistent Night – “In the Middle of a Boiling Sea,” Stephen Pearcy – Legacy /LocalUmbrellaMedia

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(tbd), Peter Sprague & Randy Phillips - One Fell Swoop (February 23), Earl Thomas – Live at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, Josh Weinstein – Mind The Gap, New and Upcoming Videos: Tamar Berk – “Permanent Vacation,” Allison Adams Tucker – “The Wind,” “Tropicalia” ADVERTISE | Brad@LocalUmbrella.com

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San Diego Music News The 33rd annual San Diego Music Awards will take place on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at Humphreys Concerts by the Bay. Meanwhile, this year’s nominee announcement will livestream on Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at 7 p.m. Tickets for the event go on sale on Friday, February 23, 2024 at Noon.

Details on voting and performers coming soon.

Festival News Part 1: The Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival is returning to San Diego, on May 10 – 12! Taking place along the downtown San Diego waterfront, the event line up will be announced soon.

Festival News Part 2: Multi day music and arts festival KABOO is scheduled to return to the Del Mar Fairgrounds in September.

Detail tba.

Plenty of San Diego talent will be showcasing at this year’s NAMM convention in Anaheim, taking place on January 24 – 28.

Look for the Zach Gutierrez Trio (1/24), Supremes tribute group with Stellita, Supreme Legacy (1/25), Tori Roze & The Hot Mess (1/27) and many more!

On January 27, there will be a Celebration of Life at the Atheaeum Arts Center, for beloved jazz music critic Robert Bush who LOCAL NEWS | www.LocalUmbrellaMedia.com

passed away on October 19. Music and tributes begin at 3:30 p.m. RSVP to jazzinsandiego@gmail.com

North County singer-songwriter Steve Rosenbaum’s latest single is “Blurs Somewhere,” a cover of a song originally by 1990’s powerpop combo, The Shambles.

Cumbia-billy combo, The Sleepwalkers, celebrate their new 7” vinyl single, “Lokochon” b/w “Amor Lejano,” with a release show at The Salty Frog on February 10.

Allen Camp (Fuzz Huzzi) has signed with Clarksville, Tennessee based label, Granny Sue Records, with plans to record there and tour the South with area musicians. His first single is out now, “Better Days.” “I’m excited about playing in the Southern part of the United States,” said Camp. “I will be doing solo stuff with the musicians on the label, which makes it even more fun. Playing with new people it’s always exciting.”

The signing came through an internet ad.

“How I met (label CEO) Herman Outar is I reached out. I developed a relationship with him he called me up asking for some advice and I called him up and ask him for some advice. We got to talking and I was telling him that I wanted to start touring again, but wanted to do a solo thing so I could play with different bands, different musicians and not have to travel heavy.

Because of expenses and my age, it’s hard to find a band to travel.” More recordings are ahead. “We are just connecting the dots and planning on releasing a full length on the label there this year.”

Trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos will be touring Japan this spring with legendary saxophonist Tom Scott.

From March 21 – 28, 1960’s era hitmaker Gary Puckett & the Union Gap will be part of the line up on the Flower Power Cruise, sailing from Miami, Florida. He’ll join the likes of The Rascals, Tommy James and the Shondells, and Randy Bachman. /LocalUmbrellaMedia

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The album release show for Peter Sprague and Randy Phillips’s new album, One Fell Swoop, will be at Dizzy’s on February 23.

Sprague (guitar) and Phillips (vocals), will be joined by an impressive all-star lineup that includes Tripp Sprague (sax & f lute), Danny Green (piano), Mackenzie Leighton (bass) and Duncan Moore (drums), with vocals from Rebecca Jade, Leonard Patton, Allison Adams Tucker and Pam Pendrell.

Surf rock combo, The Tourmaliners, have their song, “Coyote,” included in the new film Murders & Cocktails, due out on January 23 via Apple+, Prime and other streaming services. “Last April, I had the privilege of meeting San Diego jazz legend, Archie Thompson, after a SDMA songwriter’s event,” said the band’s guitarist Deven Berryhill. “In conversation, Archie mentioned that our producer, Miles Clowminzer, had played him some cuts off our new Surfidia album, and that there might be room for one of our tunes in a new movie soundtrack he was working on.” A couple of months later, the band was contacted by Murder & Cocktails producer Ron Jackson about licensing the song for a scene. Have The Tourmaliners seen the movie yet? “A few months ago we were sent a link to watch a rough cut of the movie. What a fun f lick. It’s a modern whodunnit shot completely in San Diego.

We are stoked to be a part this cool and vibey tale.”

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