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Kaseem Osgood’s Go-Deep Free Football CamP

By Darrel Wheeler

Contributing Writer Former SDSU Aztec and San Diego Charger football player, Kaseem Osgood, held his first free football camp and lunch for kids on San Diego State’s practice field on Saturday, July 2. On the first Saturday of July, youngsters from second to 7th grade were able to learn football skill-drills and valuable life advice from Kaseem and friends.

Former NFL Players David Dunn, Akili Smith, Stephen Cooper, and a host of other volunteers were there to assist Kaseem and also share their football knowledge with the young campers. Kaseem knows a thing or three about the game of football, considering his three Pro Bowl appointments during his 11 year NFL career. “With me, it’s about giving back to the community,” Kaseem shared. “We wanted to share with them what we know about football and life, and for them to be kids, have some fun, and introduce them to our KEYS Foundation Knowledge Education Youth Sports.” He continued, “Due to the pandemic, a lot of stuff was shut down and kids are excited about getting out again and we are doing our part by accommodating them.”

It’s safe to say that the inspiring football players were in the right place, at the right time, if they wanted to enhance their ball-skills.

“I liked the camp a lot. It was a fun experience! I did learn some new things about football because we had good instructors,” 13 year old Josh Johnson of the Los Toros Bulls said.

Additionally, San Diego Bolts six-year-old Blueflag superstar, Major Sanchez, was voted most swagger at the first annual camp Go-Deep.

SDGE_SeasonalPrep_VoiceViewpoint.pdf 1 5/25/22 10:45 AM Photos: Darrel Wheeler

GET TO KNOW YOUR POWER

Some simple steps can help control your bills

URGENT COMMUNITY ALERT

Law enforcement o cials from across the county are warning the public about a sharp increase in overdose deaths connected to the highly potent and often deadly drug, fentanyl.

More than 700 people died last year in San Diego County. FROM THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE

Fentanyl Powder can be found in any pill you buy on the street... or in cocaine... and can KILL you almost instantly.

Fake Oxy/Perc pills contain Fentanyl and are DEADLY.

ONE PILL CAN KILL.

Pills aren’t made in pharmacies. There’s NO quality control; you stop breathing. Then you die.

The new mural was officially opened during a ribbon cutting on June 24. From left to right: San Diego Urban Warriors Founder & CEO Dajahn Blevins, Mural artist Maxx Moses, SDG&E’s director of community relations Kazeem Omidiji, and City Council President Pro Tem Montgomery Steppe. Photo: Courtesy of SDG&E.

Community Beautification: Supporting our Community through Public Art

Voice & Viewpoint Newswire

A former SDG&E electrical substation in San Diego’s Southcrest neighborhood just got a monthlong makeover by a world-renowned local artist. Located along South 43rd Street between Boston and Keeler Avenues, the facility has become the artistic canvas for a community beatification in San Diego’s Fourth Council District. The colorful mixed media mural, spanning nearly 50 feet by 6 feet tall, blends the strength of metal (brass, aluminum) with the warmth of reclaimed urban wood from Lumbercycle, a nonprofit that aims to create “zero waste utilization of trees.” The commissioned piece aims to provide relevant art, cultural enrichment, and community pride -- creating a tactile experience that brings the community together visually and spiritually. A ribbon cutting for the project was held on Friday, June 24, with San Diego City Council President Pro Tem Montgomery Steppe who represents the 4th district where the art installation is located. The initiative was the result of a community-based collaboration between SDG&E and San Diego Urban Warriors – a nonprofit that promotes and celebrates Black American arts and culture.

The ribbon cutting took place at a time when the City of San Diego is planning to petition the state to designate a Black Art and Culture District in the 4th Council District, represented by Council President Pro Tem Montgomery Steppe who is a leading champion for the designation. “Art celebrates the history, diversity, and culture of our neighborhoods while creating a sense of unity that helps express pride in our community,” said Council President Pro Tem Montgomery Steppe. Black artist Maxx Moses, who has a studio in Encanto, created the artwork. Renowned for his graffitistyle murals that span the globe, Moses creates artistic experiences that blend community engagement with art to create works that infuse the spirit of the surrounding community into the piece itself. For this specific project, Moses hopes to inspire and empower passersby who may feel underserved. According to Moses, “It promotes an environment of longevity, growth, wholeness, and spiritual well-being for all to enjoy.”

It Takes A Village: Karly Van Holten Graduates

By Karly T. Van Holten

M.A.

Being admitted to UCLA four years ago as a Lincoln High School graduate, I never would have ever imagined I would be graduating in 2022 with my Masters in Higher Education Organizational Change (at the ripe age of 21), when I was only projected to be graduating this Spring with my Bachelors. Nine months of never ending research, countless hours in LA traffic on the 405, lots of 3 hour seminars, an embarrassing amount of coffee, a few gym visits (I tried), Zeta Regional Executive Board Meetings, hosting my first Regional Undergraduate Retreat, and not to mention my excessive desire to travel has all come to an end. LA — thank you for the past 4 years but every good thing comes to an end. I am grateful for the endless opportunities that were available to me, the credentials I earned while at UCLA, and the experience of living in LA itself that matured me into the woman I am today. I am more than blessed and grateful to God that I have been offered and will be starting my DREAM Job at the University of Nevada - Las Vegas on July 1st. To my entire “Village”, Mom, Dad, Nana, Bethel AME Church Family; and to my first, Number 1 Supporter, my loudest cheerleader, my Gdaddy Bishop & Mrs Ikenna Anyanwu Kokayi (who insist my accomplishments be recognized), THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!

God’s Favorite, KARLY T. VAN HOLTEN, M.A.

Photos: Courtesy of Karly Van Holten

The Sloans Celebrate 50 Years of Marriage

By Darrel Wheeler Contributing Writer

On the 17th of June, at the Marriott Hotel in Mission Valley, James and Brenda Sloan celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on the same day they were married 50 years ago, June 17th, 1972. Family and friends were able to boogie on the dance floor to some live music with King James and his dancing Queen Brenda. “You can see the love they have for each other is so amazing and they have this glow that is untouchable,” shared daughter Felicia Sloan-Hackett. “My Dad always wanted a big wedding, so my mother said if we make it to 50 years, we will have us a big wedding.” “When two people get married you become one. You have to listen to your wife and not to others,” shared Mr. James. Mrs. Brenda also shared some words of wisdom, saying “Over the years our love for each has become stronger, even though we have definitely had our share of ups and downs. But we pray together, keep God first. and have lots of patience.” Family and friends came from all over the country to celebrate and bless this wonderful anniversary. “Mr. and Mrs. Sloan have three children, one grandson, and a whole bunch of extended family and friends. They are genuine good people and it is obvious that they are meant for each other. Big congrats to them,” shared nephew Dr. Rev George Sloan.