IMPACT Magazine Fall 2019 by The Telescope

IMPACT M A G A Z I N E

2019-2020 GENERAL EXCELLENCE | JOURNALISM ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY COLLEGE 1ST PLACE | BEST MAGAZINE COLLEGE PRINT OR ONLINE | SAN DIEGO PRESS CLUB BEST OF SHOW | SAN DIEGO COUNTY FAIR 2019

EDITOR IN CHIEF VICTORIA PRICE

PHOTO EDITOR

MANAGING EDITOR

AUBREE WIEDMAIER

ADVISOR ERIN HIRO

RIPP FRIESEN

COPY EDITORS ANA ACOSTA JORDAN SPURGEON

CREATIVE DIRECTOR MAURICE THOMAS

WRITERS

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Summer Aguirre Sophia Bauder Nicholas Casadona Cheyenne Cyr Alex Garcia Haley Hardy Erik Lennox Katy Lynn Sebastian Venegas Nicole Villanueva

Adel Bautista Braulio Capi Bello Trudy Cleveland Elvin Diego Justin Enriquez Isaac Figeroa Haley Hardy Patrick Hartley Lazaro Jimenez Benjamin King Christopher Malaga-Lopez Ashley Rupp Kiana Teixeira Diana Webb Mohamed Zureik

ASSOCIATE DESIGNER Krystyna Demchenko

DESIGN ADVISOR Jay Schultz

IMPACT IS PRODUCED BY STUDENTS ENROLLED IN JOURNALISM 105-215, OFFERED AT PALOMAR COLLEGE IN SAN MARCOS, CALIFORNIA. TO LEARN MORE ABOUT IMPACT OR FUTURE ISSUES, CONTACT ERIN HIRO AT EHIRO@PALOMAR.EDU IMPACT MAGAZINE 1140 W. MISSION ROAD, SAN MARCOS, CA 92069

A city’s cultural landscape is defined by the people who live there, and each city is diverse in their own individual way. From the deserts of Anza Borrego to the beaches of La Jolla and the downtown hubs and everything in between, this city is rich with culture. If you were to take a day to explore all of San Diego county, what would you see? Maybe some skateboarders breezing through the bustling downtown streets, or surfers heading to the beach to get some waves, or even some artists painting a mural inside a local park as a group of classic cars drift by. I was no more than seven years old the first time I stood in the sands of a San Diego beach. Admittedly, I don’t remember much, but I can remember the feeling of awe I had. I spent the first eight years of my childhood living in western Arizona before my family decided to make San Diego our forever home. For this issue of IMPACT Magazine, our staff decided to focus on some of the aspects that makes San Diego so unique, from food, to art, architecture, and more. We wanted to take a closer look at the things that everyone who lives here might have a basic understanding of, and show it in a new light. We wanted to showcase local businesses, community events, and places that are making an impact in our community, both large and small. Whether you’re San Diego born and raised, or a slightly displaced local (like myself), or simply a traveler who picked up this magazine, it is our hope that you get a grasp on the diverse landscape that is our city. Don’t be afraid to lose yourself in something new, or something familiar, and have an adventure of your own.

Victoria Price IMPACT Editor-in-Chief

Contents 10 19 28 38 43 50

Beyond Baseball: Petco Park’s Influence on Our Community Written by: Krista Moore

Photography by: Lazaro Jimenez

A Road Less Travelled: Healing Through Spiritual Awakening Written by: Nicole Villanueva

Photography by: Patrick Hartley

Little Italy Written by: Sophia Bauder

Photography by: Mohamed Zureik

San Diego’s Forgotten Star Written by: Summer Aguirre

Photography by: Benjamin King

Old Town San Diego: History in Motion Written by: Erik Lennox

Photography by: Justin Enriquez

Cultural Fusion in Food and Entertainment in Balboa Park Written and photographed by: Haley Hardy

Reel Talk: San Diego’s Sportfishing Community Written by: Cheyenne Cyr

Photography by: Christopher Malaga- Lopez

Comic Con: Then vs Now Written by: Alex Garcia

Photography by: Braulio Capi Bello

Shot Solo: The Struggles of the Indepedent Flimmaker Written by: Sebastian Venegas

Photography by: Isaac Figeroa

The Kick, Push, and Coast of a SoCal Skateboarder Written by: Nicholas Casadona

Photography by: Ashley Rupp

Cali Strong: A Lifestyle Written by: Jordan Spurgeon

Photography by: Diana Webb

The Unraveling Scene of Car Meets in San Diego Written by: Katy Lynn

Photography by: Adel Bautista and Kiana Teixeira

26 36

Located at UCSD, the Geisel Library is a remarkable masterpiece featuring tons of abstract designs. Named in honor of Audrey and Theodor Seuss Geisel or better known as Dr. Seuss

Hello there, my name is Elvin Diego and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a photographer based out of Southern California. In my architectural photographs I try to deconstruct the building down to its bare bones and capture the initial design of it. I do this by shooting in high contrast daylight in order to create harsh shadows that express a buildings certain design or pattern. This way we are now focused on the core concept in which these buildings came to be. My inspiration comes from Hungarian photographer Lucien Herve and his series of architectural photographs while working with Le Corbusier, a French-Swiss architect. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s amazing that we as humans have such power creating anything doable, at such immense scale that will stand for years to come even when their creators are no longer living.

PETCO PARK’S INFLUENCE ON OUR COMMUNITY Written by: Krista Moore

Photography by: Lazaro Jimenez

Flying into the airport you can catch a glimpse of it through the Skyscrapers that make up downtown San Diego and over the last fifteen years it has become a second home to those who are native to the city.

even the mascot are the things that make the stadium more than just a giant structure. It has become “a beacon of what the modern stadium should be,” as described by fan Zach Carson. The History

Petco Park has come to represent what longtime Padres fan Tyler Gruning describes as “hope, family and happiness” to the city of San Diego, bringing together those across a variety of backgrounds including from natives and transplants to the military presence that has been apart of the city’s culture for years.

After being idealized in 1994, plans for a new ballpark in downtown San Diego were set in motion in 1998. Ater the ballpark was completed in April 2004, the Padres moved into their new home and started a new chapter in their story.

The history, fans, community, the team and

In its young fifteen year history, the park‘s Western Metal Supply Co. building has been one

a fan favorite for families attending the game. Before it was the grassy family friendly area that is known today, the area was inhabited by The Showley Brothers Candy Factory, which the architects opted to move one block to the east instead of tearing it down in an effort to preserve the city’s history. The ballpark has continued to change throughout the years with new addition of the Craft Perir, celebrating the craft beer industry in San Diego and the San Diego Beach area. “Most nights you have to stand to watch, but I love the vantage point,” Carson said. “(It) feels like you are playing rover to the outfielders in right center field.” The designers of the park have created a way to make you feel as though you’re playing in the game too.

of the more prominent features, standing tall and marking fair and foul territory in left field. “It was the original starting point of the park, we built (the park) from the corner of that building,” said Atoine Predock, the architect of the stadium. Built 95 years before the ballpark in 1909, it’s the oldest part of the stadium. The rooftop party deck has some of the best views and is a favorite spot for many fans. “That has to be one of, if not the, best spots in the park,” San Diego native Mitchell Seeley said. “I would definitely recommend it if you have a chance.” Along with the Western Metal Supply Co. the ballpark also features the “Park at the Park,” a mini baseball diamond and a large grass area behind center field is a place that has become

The Community With the community in mind the Padres have continued to add to the history with features like the San Diego Section of CIF baseball and softball that was created to highlight local high school teams and players. They also added the Breitbard Hall Of Fame, established in 1953 by Robert Breitbard. The hall honors native San Diego athletes who have excelled in their respective sports. Located on the main concerns of the Western Metal Supply Co. Building, the hall has 140 inducted members representing 20 sports, and has become one of the most prestigious accolades for local athletes throughout the county. Even with the team hardships, people still show

up to the stadium with a chance to see their names on the wall. Military Presence Aspects of the military presence in San Diego has influenced Petco for many years. The Padres were the first team to establish a Military Affairs Department in 1995 and have elaborated on their efforts ever since moving into the park. In 2000 the Padres integrated their camouflage jerseys, rotating them in on Military Opening day and have since become a regular appearance on every Sunday home game, known in the city as “Military Sunday.”

In addition to the jerseys, the team honors the armed forces with a “Flight Deck.” Located behind the right field seats is a wall developed by the Director of Military Affairs, Captain John C. (Jack) Ensch, USN, Ret., that pays tribute Major League, and Negro League baseball players that served in the military, as well as a replica of the USS Midway.

fanbase to root for, the residents of San Diego have never given up on the team.

The Fans

For other fans it’s as simple as spending the day there with one special person. “Any day I get to spend at the ballpark with my dad is my favorite memory,” Gruning said.

While the park was built for the team to play in and not have to share with the San Diego Chargers, it was also built for the fans. Even with a team that hasn’t given much for its

“I grew up in a time where I wore number three and grew my hair out long as to attempt to emulate and watch the slick fielding Khalil Greene,” Carson said. “So I also have fond memories of the mid-2000’s and going to Petco Park and watching him glide along the dirt.”

The park has provided memories for everyone

even if its not at a ballgame, and for Seeley it was sitting on the grass at a Paul McCartney concert and getting to see a friend play there before the big leaguers moved in. It has become a place for generations of fans to root for a common cause. “The Padres mean a lifetime of memories from my youth to now and in the future,” fan Shane Maher said. “And hopefully with my kids, like my parents did with me.” Situated on Tony Qwynn Dr. and Trevor Hoffman Way, Petco Park continues to grow in the hearts of those who inhabit the city. With a bright future for the team ahead, fans still show up to hear

Mr. Padre himself greet them at the beginning of every game just as he did that day in 2004“Welcome home, Padres fans.”

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Broken hearts make poor decisions, not broken minds. If we solved the grief that people suffer from they would feel stronger and have more life force.â&#x20AC;?

A Plumeria bud blooms in the meditation gardens at The Self-Realization Fellowship in Encinitas.

A Road Less Traveled: Healing Through Spiritual Awakening religious” has increased from 19 percent to 27 percent since 2012, according to a 2017 study done by the Pew Research Center. Many feel a connection to something beyond this world, but the constraints of traditional religions don’t resonate with them. Some people even build custom belief systems by pulling different ideas from a multitude of religions. More often, people are also integrating alternative and/or holistic methods into their healthcare routines. The use of wellness practices such as yoga and meditation in American adults has been steadily increasing over the past five years, according to a study conducted by The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. The number of people practicing yoga has increased from 9.5 to 14.3 percent from 2012 to 2017, and meditation more than tripling with an increase from 4.1 to 14.2 percent.

These days it’s hard to not be scared about where we as a people, a country, a family, are headed. A deteriorating planet, corrupt leaders and systems, a rising mental-illness epidemic are some of the battles we face. Our culture has become so immersed in a modern, digital world. Could it be time to revert back to something old, even ancient? In San Diego, there’s an entire community that recognizes a need for a deeper healing. A spiritual healing. Some call them light-workers, shamans, witches, alchemists, yogis (and some call them crazy). These people study and practice the manipulation of energy. And as Albert Einstein once said, “Everything is energy and that’s all there is to it. Match the frequency of the reality you want and you cannot help but get that reality. It can be no other way. This is not philosophy. This is physics.”

The Meditation Gardens at The Self Realization Fellowship in Encinitas, Calif. is a local oasis available to the public. People come to connect with the tranquility of nature. The serene ocean views, abundant foliage, tropical flower scapes, and the sound of tranquil water streams are enough to transport you to another world. A variety of group meditations are led on a weekly basis for those who seek to find enrichment through the art of joined meditation. Rising with the trends are the skeptics. Not everyone sees the benefit in the boom of holistic health.

Spirituality is a large umbrella term for various practices and beliefs. But at its essence, spirituality is the recognition of a soul and its relationship to the mind and body.

An article published by Berkeley Wellness titled, “Is Reiki Healing for Real?” explains why they aren’t convinced. Reiki is a spiritual healing practice with Japanese origins. It involves someone placing their hands on or above another person with the intent to heal by the transfer of energy.

Regarding spirituality and alternative practices in our modern world, there seems to be some rising trends. The number of Americans who identify as “spiritual but not

The article aimed to debunk this practice by pointing out the lack of scientific evidence and

Top: Sleep Bedder / Sommeil storefront in North Park. Left: Psychic Julia Rock burns sage and demonstrates her process for her interactive spiritual workshops.

national licensing. Many holistic treatments do have licensing, but not on a nationally recognized level. The American Cancer Society explains there can be dangers in turning to alternative practices. Dangers occur when patients replace the need for traditional treatments such as surgeries or FDA approved medicine with alternative methods. But the alternative community is thriving. So why now is society circling back to such ancient methods? Julia Rock, a San Diego-based witch has a theory. As a young child, Rock recalls having a connection and communication with spirits. She has always felt a deep pull to the supernatural and in the last decade she has been sharpening and focusing her gifts to better serve herself and her community. She believes everything happens in what she likes to call, “divine time.” Rock is the kind of person that grabs your attention. Her bubbling personality blazes through in a package of platinum hair, dark lipstick and tattoos. What Rock describes as “a moth to a flame,” people are constantly drawn to talk to her. She’ll find herself getting caught up in the grocery store with a stranger for hours.

In regards to the shift towards a more spiritual community she says “our culture has gone very superficial and surface. We are in desperate need right now for people who offer different modalities of spiritual wellness.” Rock speaks about a shift from masculine to feminine energy. Masculine energy consists of power, dominance, logical thought processes, and competitiveness. Feminine energy is fueled by intuition, nurturing, expressiveness, and compassion. Both are essential, Rock explains, but she says our culture has been overridden with masculine energy. In more digestible terms, our culture is very successdriven. There is a status to live up to. Success is painted to us by the house we live in, the cars we drive, the clothes we wear, and our ability to climb a financial and social ladder. The shift to femininity might look like taking more personal care. Measuring success by emotional status or the willingness to better serve others and the community for a greater good.

You come here and learn something and connect with people. Some of the aromatherapy oils for sale at Sleep Bedder/ Sommeil in North Park.

It’s not a place you simply enter and exit after a monetary exchange. You come here and learn something and connect with people.

Rock gives a deeper insight into how she is using alternative practices to do just that. Through her own personal experience Rock is moved to work with people who suffer from a source of trauma. Whether it be through addiction, grief, childhood wounding, post-traumatic stress disorder, etc. She has a strong belief that when dealing with people who suffer we must go beyond treating mental illness, and also treat what she calls, “spiritual illness.”

respond well to treatments that help their mental and physical health at the same time.”

“Broken hearts make poor decisions, not broken minds,” Rock said. “If we solved the grief that people suffer from they would feel stronger and have more life force. They would have more self love and self actualization to make better choices in life.”

Sleep Bedder at Sommeil has been part of the North Park community for the last five years. When discussing her inspiration for Sleep Bedder, Weksler said she wants the business to “lead by example of alternative ways to take up space on the planet while also providing a forum for the exchange of ideas.”

Rock offers the therapeutic services of lifereframing work and past-life regression sessions. She doesn’t claim these services are for every person or that they should replace traditional treatments. She believes these spiritual treatments can work well in conjunction with traditional therapies. Even widely known medical organizations such as Kaiser Permanente now suggest integrating alternative care with traditional medicine is beneficial for some. Their website states, “nontraditional therapies often focus on the connection between mind and body, many people

We are also seeing spirituality applied to the running of businesses. Sonia Weksler is a second-generation mattress store owner. She has taken her family’s original concept of selling mattresses and has developed it into a more mindful business structure.

Walking through Sleep Bedder doesn’t feel like walking through a traditional store. There are open walls that merge together an outdoor space of lounge seating and well-loved plants to the interior that is adorned with crafted art, bedding, and home care products. There’s a kitchen where Weksler stores homemade kombucha and brews fresh herbal teas. You’ll see families spending time on the mattresses as Weksler firmly believes 15 minutes is the minimum time one must spend on a mattress before making a commitment to their sleep purchase.

In this way, she creates an ethos within the store. Everything sold here supports the wellness of the mind, body, and/or soul. From locally crafted art to organic laundry detergent, Weksler aspires to inspire people to become more conscious consumers. It’s also a space where community comes together for events such as acupuncture therapy, sound therapy, kombucha making class, or an evening of mediumship with Julia Rock. It has become a place for like-minded people to gather and co-create mindful living. Perhaps you can’t scientifically track the benefits of how one might change after past life regression therapy. Studies won’t show that there’s a strong life force being created through the collective chantings at The Meditation Gardens in Encinitas. Some may roll their eyes at the notion that an organic mattress could change your life for the better. Maybe all of these require a belief in something greater in order to truly take power. But more than ever, don’t we need to come together to hope and to believe? The world could use a little magic. And our local alternative community is creating just that.

Photog raphy by Mohamed Zureik

Imagine Little Italy without the thousands of cars that zoom by on Interstate 5, or the hundreds of restaurants that line the streets next to the modern apartments complexes. Instead, replace it with quaint little homes, mom-and-pop shops run by local families, and the immigration of Italian families that led to the tuna capital of the world. This was Little Italy in the early 1900s. Little Italy has not always been a hot spot for the locals, tourists, and business industry, but started out as a place where Italian families immigrated to start new.

Today, it is a hub of culture that grasps the attention of almost everyone who passes through. Little Italy is now consumed with more authentic Italian restaurants, known as restaurant row, hundreds of new apartment complexes and concert venues.

owner was Mario Cefalu and his family. Cefalu was very involved in the community and known by many. He even took part in the local soccer team where he got to know the community better. Cefalu passed away in 2007 and his son took over the business from then until 2011. Today, Soluntos is owned by Antonio Mostelloue and managed by Paolo Tagliani.

In the 1930s around 6,000 Italian families immigrated from coastal villages in Genoa and Sicily and settled into what is now known as Little Italy, according to articles in The San Diego Union-Tribune. With this, they created a booming fishing industry that lead Little Italy to become the first large tuna cannery.

“Little Italy is different than Old Town San Diego or Gaslamp it has a whole other vibe and adds diversity, San Diego wouldn’t be the same without it,” said SDSU student Zach Duda, who was hanging out in Little Italy’s piazza with his parents.

Under new management, the restaurant was closed down for remodeling until March 2016. Solunto Ristorante & Bakery is still rooted in Italian culture, making traditional Neapolitan pizzas, Arancini (Italian rice bowl), and the original recipe for Italian bread that was passed down by Mario Cefalus’ son.

The original families built Our Lady of the Rosary Church, where families would attend Sunday mass. Our Lady of the Rosary was built in 1925 as a way to connect and symbolize a piece of their culture. This historical monument still holds a place in the community and continues to be a place of worship.

If you venture down India Street, you will be immersed in the Italian culture that is made up of Buon Appetito, Nonna, BarBusa, Civico 1845, and Solunto Ristorante & Bakery. Some were started 60 years ago, while other restaurants began a few years ago. All are there to bring a taste of Italian cuisine to San Diego. What some people may not be aware of is that a majority of their staff are from Italy and speak fluent Italian.

“The bread we make today is the same bread that was made 65 years ago,” Paolo Tagliani said. They bake fresh bread and pastries every day except two days out of the year, Christmas and Thanksgiving.

Although, as time moved on, the tuna industry started to diminish and jobs along with it. In the 1950s the construction of Interstate 5 began and ultimately destroyed half of the area and displaced many of the families that resided here. From this point on, Little Italy as we know

started to flourish.

While these restaurants vary in age, one in particular has been in the community for over half a century. Solunto Ristorante & Bakery has been in business for over 60 years. The original

“Every month we have a customer from Orange County that orders bread from our restaurant, we even have customers from 20-30 years ago that still come in today,” said Tagliani while sitting in his restaurant on a barstool by a granite counter top in front of a large pizza oven.

Little Italy is a hub of culture that grasps the attention of almost everyone who passes through.

Besides the booming restaurant business, Little Italy has upand-coming hot spots. A new, three-floor concert venue has been added to downtown San Diego right in Little Italy called the Music Box. The venue hosts national music artists, local artists, and up-and-coming artists, so thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a little something for everyone. Not only does this venue host live music, but is available for weddings, fundraisers, holiday parties, and private and corporate events. This may not be a traditional commodity for the Italian neighborhood but shows how it has become more modern and kept up with the times. One thing you cannot miss when traveling to Little Italy is the piazza that centers the new food hall and Vici luxury rental apartments. The piazza is covered with bright red chairs that sit under twinkling string lights looking right out onto Little Italy. You can hear the buzz of conversation from table to table, and even hear whispers of Italian being spoken on the street corners. The piazza is the place to sit, relax, and soak everything in. Not only does it cater to the traditional Little Italy, it also introduces the modern aspects. The food hall that sits right in the front offers Asian, Mexican, American and Italian food options to accommodate all locals and tourists. Left: Lady of The Rosary Catholic Church. Right: Inside the Solunto Restaurant and Bakery. Bottom Left: Entry to the Lady of The Rosary Catholic Church.

The restaurant smelled of baking pastries and had a large display case that housed Italian pastries and gelato. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We strive to give good service but above all to give our customers traditional Italian comfort food with flavors from the south of Italy,â&#x20AC;? he added.

Little Italy was once a small, intricate community made up of the immigrant families of Italy. Since then, Italian culture has flourished and took its roots in San Diego and continues to be a part of the larger community. Little Italy has since been modernized but has kept its culture alive. The authentic Italian cuisine, the piazza that captures the aesthetic and feel of Italy, and the historic monument, Our Lady of the Rosary Church that still stands today are all part of the old and new Little Italy that has and will continue to be a part of San Diego.

Forgotten Star San Diego's

Written by: Summer Aguirre

Photography by: Benjamin King

uring the day at the Palomar Observatory, amazed visitors of all ages wander the grounds with volunteer docents, learning about the iconic site’s history and research. But the real action happens at night, when astronomers are hard at work studying the magnificence of the solar system in the darkness of the Cleveland National Forest. Since its establishment, the Observatory has played an enormously influential role in the progression of astronomy across the globe. Over the years it has become less prominent locally, but continues to significantly impact the San Diego community. “It’s still had a big influence in just helping all of us to understand the universe we live in and what it’s like, and I think that’s the important thing,” said Scott Kardel, an assistant astronomy professor at Palomar College and creator of the Palomar Observatory’s outreach program.

History of Palomar Observatory Owned and operated by CalTech in Pasadena, the Observatory was founded in 1928 by astronomer George Ellery Hale, who received a $6 million grant from the Rockefeller Foundation to construct the scientific facility.

According to Kardel, it was built over the course of the Great Depression and World War II, so its construction was a source of great excitement for the United States. “People all around the world heard of this,” he said. “Because this was a positive, cool science thing that was making headlines when everything else [in the country] was really bad.” The nearly 20-year span of construction saw the creation of the Hale Telescope, named after the astronomer, and iconic white dome. Palomar docent Mark Dodd said that Hale wanted the Observatory as a whole to be a statement. After an epic trek across the country and a stormy journey up the winding County Highway S-6, the 14-and-a-half-ton glass of the 200-inch Hale Telescope finally reached its home at the top of Palomar Mountain on Nov. 19, 1947.

Impact on the World The Observatory has undoubtedly had a huge

impact on the world since its establishment, having pushed the boundaries of astronomy and uncovering truths that wouldn’t have been possible without the technology. Several notable discoveries made at the facility include the life cycle of stars, how black holes function, and the realization that Earth is twice the size than previously believed. Kardel said that quasars, celestial objects containing black holes, were also discovered at the Observatory, along with the establishment of Pluto not qualifying as a planet. Currently the fourth largest telescope in the world, the Hale Telescope is a spectacle that many dream of someday seeing with their own eyes. “When I worked there, I often met people that said to me, ‘I’ve waited my whole life to come see this. For years, I wanted to be there, to see what it was like,’” Kardel said. People come from all over the globe to visit the Observatory, evident by a thick guestbook at the entrance of the visitor’s center allowing those passing through to record their attendance. Leafing through the pages, there have been visitors from places as close as Valley Center, to destinations as far away as New York, Switzerland, Brazil, and Russia. Every day another name is added. Celebrities have also visited the Observatory as the dome’s splendor drew attention from the film industry. Ideal for sci-fi movies, it served as the set for films like 1953’s “Invaders from Mars” and 1977’s “Crater Lake Monster.”

Impact on San Diego The Observatory helped solidify the San Diego area as an “important place of science,” according to Kardel. With its close proximity, the city boosted its presence in a number of ways. Some of the

lasting effects of the Observatory’s days of peak prominence are evident in the community, such as implemented outdoor lighting laws to reduce light pollution. Palomar College was even influenced by the scientific site as it was named after it. The Telescope Newspaper, Comets mascot, and surrounding road, Comet Circle, were also inspired by the Observatory. However, while still recognized around the world today, the site isn’t as famous locally as it once was. Kardel said that San Diegans, who have the scientific site in their backyard, don’t seem to know the structure sits up in the mountains. “It has had a big impact in a lot of ways, but

it’s gotten to the point while even though it’s still used, it’s kind of forgotten in some ways, too,” he said,, noting this is likely due to the fact that the dome isn’t visible from anywhere in San Diego. Similarly, Observatory docent Deborah Baker said people don’t realize the telescope is still utilized on an everyday basis, or even that anything of such significance is happening in California. In reality, the Observatory is just as industrious as it was during the height of its fame. “The key message we try to put out is we’re still doing research,” said Steve Flanders, the Palomar Observatory’s current outreach and event coordinator.

Impact on San Diego Schools To reach the local community and educate residents about astronomy and its importance, the Observatory places an emphasis on outreach. Flanders said that CalTech wants to encourage students to explore science and engineering, offering classes and public tours of the scientific site to visitors. The benefit of housing the Observatory right in San Diego’s backyard is that people have the opportunity to witness astronomy up close and personal through the outreach program. Shawn Roner, Executive Director of Escondido Charter High School and Heritage K-8 Charter

School, expressed that the site has been a “wonderful resource for students.” During the 2018-2019 school year, the entire 5th grade class of Heritage K-8 students participated in a field trip to the facility. Roner stated because the students were studying astronomy and Earth science, visiting the Observatory gave them the opportunity to see what they were studying in person and learn more about the work of astronomers. “I took some time to talk with them about their experience,” he said, “The students shared how inspired they were to learn more about astronomy.” John Bloom, a physics professor at Biola University who regularly teaches astronomy, had similar words. He said his field trips to observatories are valuable to students as they can see the instruments astronomers utilize and get a sense of the history of modern astronomy. “My father remembers when as a boy, the Palomar telescope mirror came through Burlington, Iowa by train in 1936, on its way from Corning, N.Y., where it was cast, to CalTech in Pasadena, where it was ground,” said Bloom.He explained that because his classes visit the Observatory on field trips, on one occasion he was able to bring his elderly father along so he could see the completed telescope. Kardel mentioned that he even knew of local astronomy professors who studied astronomy and received their degrees using the Hale Telescope, allowing them to pass valuable knowledge onto their students. “The observatory is important because everybody gets a chance to open their eyes and be aware,” Baker said, adding that it encourages people to observe. Over the decades, this San Diego treasure has provided astronomers with an endless wealth of priceless knowledge about the mysterious opulence of the universe, that they can share with the local community and the rest of the world for years to come. “I’m proud to know that it’s a part of San Diego,” Mark Dodd said. “I’m proud to say it’s ours.”

Photos curated by Aubree Wiedmaier and Nick Ng

Town an iego OLD by Erik Lennox

SHistoryDin Motion Photographer: Justin Enriquez

The history of California’s earliest days lies within Old Town San Diego State Historic Park with it being considered as the “birthplace” of California. In 1769, Father Junipero Serra established the first mission in a chain of 21 missions that would be considered the foundation of California’s colonization. This mission was built on the hillside that is now the location of San Diego’s Old Town. Old Town indulges visitors into a historical setting of California with its vibrant experience. Walking through it you enter another time period. So much Mexican-American history and culture has been preserved here. As you enter the heart of the park, the “Plaza de Las Arnas,” you are surrounded by a multitude of different stores, restaurants, and historic houses. At the center of it is a grass area with kids playing and families taking a rest. You may walk past Casa De Maria Restaurant and hear some live classical Mexican music. Additionally, you can catch a whiff of the tantalizing aroma of Mexican cuisine. You’re welcomed into these restaurants by men and women dressed in traditional Mexican attire. Old Town’s restaurants and some store employees dress in traditional wear to give visitors an even more spirited visit. Most widely known in Old Town is the Robinson-Rose House. This house was built by James W. Robinson to serve as residence and Law office. As stated by the California Department of Parks and Recreation, “Over time, the building served as law and medi-

cal offices, jail cell, schoolroom, newspaper office, store, residential apartments, and the County Clerk’s office.” James W. Robinson was a respected man who was involved in almost every aspect of developing the town. A fun fact about the Robinson-Rose House is the first floor is made out of adobe and the second floor was made out of wood. The integrated Mexican-American culture is truly felt as you walk through Old Town. According to an article in the Southern California Quarterly, “The park gives insight into California life during the Mexican and early American periods from about 1821 to 1872 and portrays the evolution that took in San Diego after the Spanish occupation in 1769.” This precisely depicts the time period Old Town San Diego is sharing with visitors of the park. This history-jammed location is shared between tourists exploring one of San Diego’s best location and locals who are cherishing their city. “People who live in San Diego and are from the area should be proud. It is a great tourist trap for sure but it is quaint and a great place to come,” sais tourist Lizzie Dunn Pelayo from Kerrville, Texas. Old Town is very important to Mexican history in California. The museums within Old Town holds information about San Diego’s time as a Mexican pueblo after the Mexican War of Independence ended the Spanish rule in 1821.

30 while the park’s grounds show the Mexican heritage through architecture and native plants that were there when San Diego was still a pueblo. The Mexican historical buildings include the “Santa Fe” style architecture while the flora of the park includes agave, cacti, and more. Tourist Pelayo, who says she is Hispanic, feels impacted by her visit to Old Town because of her heritage. “It reminds me of grandmother and grandfather’s hacienda. All the cactus, just the whole place itself reminds me of ancestors’ old towns.” “It is very nostalgic to me like I told you, when I was a young child and I would visit my grandmother’s and grandfather’s place in Jalisco,” she added. “It is just very interesting. It makes me feel great.” Old Town impacts the people who visit it in a variety of ways, but how does it impact the city of San Diego? Old Town Historic Park is a part of the many tourist attractions here, which brings in a large sum of money. The San Diego Tourism Authority said that “San Diego hosts nearly 35.8 million visitors each year, and

is a top U.S. travel destination. The industry generates $940 million annually in state and local transient occupancy, sales, and property taxes.” Old Town Historic park provides a large number of jobs for local workers and generates an estimated revenue of “20.5 million annually.” Not only does it impact the people in San Diego, but it greatly impacts San Diego’s economy. Old Town San Diego Historic Park is the place to be if you’re looking for a mixture of relaxing/learning experience as it offers a variety of museums and classical scenery for visitors to gander. Learn about San Diego’s time as pueblo after the Mexican War of Independence which Spanish rule in 1821 or about the earliest American settlement in California within the museums of Old Town. Take a stroll through the park you’ll find many areas to take a seat and relax as you observe the park’s scenery. San Diego’s usual year-round sunny weather is a bonus as it provides for the perfect experience at Old Town.

A clear sunny day walking through the park enjoying views of the historical California setting and smelling the fragrance of the flowers then discovering all the museums and exploring the various shops within the park is the perfect experience. If museums and restaurants are not enough for you, the area has more to offer. Since 2008, the Cygnet Theatre has been performing five different shows that are shown year-round, but plan according as they are seasonally based. Visit around the holidays and be able to watch the holiday classic “A Christmas Carol” or in the sum-

mertime when you’re trying to stay out of the heat watch “Two Trains Running.” Old Town is a scene for those young and old with a massive amount of variety, a destination for families, couples, and those who are simply curious about what Old Town has to offer.

Story and Photography by: Haley Hardy Music mixed with the many cultures of San Diego and filled Balboa Park as an exciting dance performance started. There were people smiling, children laughing, and couples dancing in the sweet summer sun. Bright tutus and big smiles were the most noticeable parts of the performers’ attire as a group danced to upbeat fusion music. Even in summer heat and in their matching black wigs they didn’t slow down as they motioned for audience members to come join them in the fun.

This program is in its fourth year and is planning a Holiday Food Truck Festival in late December. Along with the engaging entertainment was an enticing aroma wafting through the air. The aroma of the foods mixed together in wonderful harmony could make any stomach growl. The variety was overwhelming and choosing which food to eat seemed to come down to which line was the shortest since every trucks food had tempting menus. Hard core food truck attendees were willing to wait for as long as needed for the specific food they came to enjoy but fortunately even the trucks with long lines seemed to serve their food quickly and efficiently. The ideal thing is to arrive early, be hungry and bring friends or family so you can order different things and share.

People of all walks of life enjoyed and participated in this celebration of culture. The dance performance group known as Flavor Co. was a perfect example of the celebration at Balboa Park for the Food Truck Fridays event. Balboa Park Conservancy has partnered with the City of San Diego and Recreation Department to offer en- From Beachin’ Boba to Currywurst Frankfurt, there are tertainment and a line up of food trucks with diverse enough tempting morsels to tempt the most picky eaters. menus for every Friday of the summer and early fall.

Not only will meat lovers be enticed but vegan menus are also offered at several of the food trucks and customers can check out the vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options available online before they arrive. The food truck menus can be found on the Balboa Park website, so you can easily find which truck fits your dietary needs. Food choices included kimchi quesadillas, squash and black bean burritos, short rib cheeseburger, pig fries, veggie brats, frankfurters, boba and rasta slushies. Zynada Aurelio, a park regular, has come each year to the event for the variety of foods and vegan options. The food truck, Eat Your Heart Out, which boasts a Good (vegetarian) and Evil

(non vegetarian) menu had several devoted attendees.

people who came to enjoy themselves in the family-friendly atmosphere.

One bite of the sweet potato rolled taco with sauteed onion, vegan cheese, vegan chipotle aioli and topped with vegan kimchi shows why it seemed to be a crowd favorite. Who would have thought that kimchi and sweet potato could be so tasty?

Just as the food trucks brought together different flavors, performers Flavor Co. advertise themselves as a Cultural Dance Fusion Company.

First timers Anthony and Katherine Bonet are from Washington, D.C. They said enthusiastically that they “stumbled upon the food truck event” and “would come back next year to enjoy the event again.” They felt they were lucky to find the event and were trying as many foods as they could. The food trucks were a reflection of the fusion of cultures as seen in the food choices and by the

The performers also encouraged the crowd to join them as they danced. They enjoy interacting with the crowd and spent time talking to the audience and learning where they came from. “We get a lot of visitors from around the world. We’ve had people from Brazil, Japan, India and China,” said dancer Stacy Neatherly.

The food trucks were a reflection of the fusion of cultures as seen in the food choices and by the people who came to enjoy themselves in the family-friendly atmosphere.

“We performed regularly for Food Truck Fridays last year and we performed most weeks this year. We performed in the beginning of the summer and now we’re back today. We’re regulars,” said dancer Todd Martin. When Watching Flavor Co. you can feel the message they are trying to convey with their dance performance. You will be inclined to try and dance along, even if you have two left feet. “We are a cultural fusion dance company and we perform all different kinds of dances and we really want people to come up and dance with us because what we’re trying to pass on is that dancing is for everyone, doesn’t matter their age or size or walk of life,” said dancer Belle Martin.

Other fun, family-friendly activities offered were balloons, bubbles, and a program by House of Mexico. Individual games such as a ring toss were also set up for those who wanted to play by themselves. The members of The House of Mexico shared their heritage through performances and the sale of traditional handmade products. The House of Mexico Performance music could be heard from the food trucks all the way to the parking lot and added to the excitement in the air. With all the good food and entertainment, one

could not leave the food truck night without a full belly and plans to make a return trip soon.

A day spent at Hotel Del Coronado will be a day well spent. The Hotel Del Coronado is affectionately called â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Dellâ&#x20AC;? by locals and has been described as the crown jewel of San Diego landmarks. The hotel wasbuilt in 1888 and is an example of Victorian architecture. Spending the day at the Dell should include time on a white sandbeach, eating ice cream and taking selfies with your phone todocument the excursion. An afternoon hanging at the Del is the quintessential way to experience the San Diego lifestyle. By Trudy Clevelad

REEL TALK SAN DIEGOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SPORTFISHING COMMUNITY

P H OTO G R A P H Y B Y: C H R I S TO P H E R M A L A G A - LO P E Z WRITTEN BY: CHEYENNE CYR

The salty air, the scent of the freshly-caught fish, and the sound of the ocean waves set the stage for an exciting day. When the Sea Trek arrived, there were two fishermen just itching to brag about their loot. Ken Corwin, owner of Ken’s Custom Reel, and Gilbert “JJ” Fin, a local fisherman enthusiastically greet people on the dock. Nearby, a huge neon sign bore the name of the shop. It looked like a bar, but with fishing gear instead of drinks. One of the biggest reasons people fish is because it actually contributes to helping the planet. “You fish and catch a bunch every day, it’s overall impact on the ecosystem is nothing. Using the rods and reels and all that is also totally resource – friendly, because they last forever,” Corwin said. Corwin says they normally fish tuna and yellow tail for the thrill of it. San Diego County is home to one of the biggest sport fishing communities in the world, Fin says. But why is it so huge here, of all places, and what contributes to it?

“It’s a passion, but it’s also a massive industry. With all the landings, the personal boats, how many people around here like to fish, plus San Diego being the only place you can go on trips with live bait,” Corwin said. San Diego has such a warm climate that more fish are likely to be found, regardless of the season. The Pacific Ocean has lots of biodiversity in how many different fish it contains. With the stable waters and steady tidal schedule, it’s a great place to take your boat out and relax in the middle of nowhere, the men say. The region is also popular for the sport because there are plenty of piers in the area, meaning less places to worry about licenses. You do have to be over 16 to get a fishing license, but out on a pier you don’t need any of that. It’s just wholesome hobbyist fun. Some people go fishing to catch themselves their next dinner. Fish are low in fat and cholesterol and high in protein. Not to mention the sense of satisfaction and accomplishment you’ll get upon catching it yourself as opposed to just walking into a store to find it. “It’s not very often that I go out to fish and not eat anything,” Fin said. Most importantly, people fish because it’s entertaining and fun. It’s a hobby for fishers more than anything else to go out and practice the sport of kings. One of the most popular fish in all of San Diego to try and catch is the Bluefin tuna, because they’re such a big and strong animal

that definitely won’t give up without a fight. Their massive size and power makes them a highly sought-after species, so fishers can brag about catching a fish that was almost as big as they are tall. Of course, another reason Bluefins are so valuable is because they are edible. They actually have a high nutrition value and savory flavor, that the same fish is also sought-after for sushi as much as for bragging rights. The world record for the largest ever caught was a whopping 1,496 pounds. Fishing as a hobby has quickly evolved into a sport, but the terms can be interchangeable. Some people refer to sport fishing as a hobby rather than a competitive event, and some take fishing seriously as if it were a major sport. Another reason people fish is because it’s good for your health. The adrenaline from reeling in a catch can increase your heart rate, as well as decrease your stress levels overall, according to fishing experts. Just walking to and from your ideal spot is good exercise for your body and brain, and the actual catch can work wonders for your balance. Across the United States, a total of 11.6 million youths went fishing in 2017. On a timeline graph from 2006 to 2017, the average numbers were around 10-11 million people. So now what? There are great reasons to go fishing, and cool fish to catch, but where does one go to do it? One of the more popular spots to fish is the Oceanside Pier. Since it’s a pier, fishing doesn’t require any licenses. This makes them good hangout spots for entry-levels and pros alike to practice their craft and have a good time. One of the more well-known spots is the H&M Landing Dock, just a few minutes away from the San Diego International Airport. The dock has 28 boats ranging from 45 to 105 feet in size. Another popular landing is Seaforth Landing, just a little ways away from Sea World. Seaforth has 17 boats, with a size range of 38 to 85 feet. Point Loma Sportfishing, Fisherman’s Landing, and Helgren’s Sportfishing are also all popular spots to fish, all with their own multi-day trip plans.

COMIC CON THEN WRITTEN WRITTENBY: BY: ALEX ALEXGARCIA GARCIA PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHYBY: BY: BRAULIO BRAULIOCAPI CAPIBELLO BELLO

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cost you eight dollars and throw a $10 hot dog on top of that and you’re paying just about $20 for two simple things. That’s why my son and I decided to stop going. Everything is just becoming too expensive,” said long time attendee Blas Garcia.

with lots of activities not only at the event but around the town. Famous Comic book authors and celebrities of all kinds fill up the convention center to have a meet and greet with all their fans.

Comic-Con has also changed the city of San Diego. On that weekend downtown San Diego over packed with people, hotels are all sold out and people fill up the streets. Back in the day the city of San Diego didnt have this problem since there weren’t that many people who went.

When Comic-Con first started there weren’t as many celebrities that participated in the event, and now you have celebrities from all over the world that come to participate.

Now, you have over 150,000 people attending a four-day event and not to count the events leading up to Comic-Con. From Wednesday to Sunday the town is now filled with over 150,000 people attending the four-day event. With that amount of people comes major profits not only for the event, but for the town of San Diego. When this annual event presents itself, San Diego is prepared to accommodate the fans

Comic-Con is an event that has it upsides and downsides, but it definitely is an event that one should attend if they love comic books, science fiction movies and dressing up as their favorite characters. So the next time you hear about Comic-Con tickets going on sale make sure and buy your ticket early and get all the supplies you need to complete your masterpiece of an outfit so that you can win a competition or two.

STRUGGLES OF THE INDEPENDENT FILMMAKER

W R I T T E N B Y: SEBASTION VENEGAS

P H OTO G R A P H Y B Y: ISAAC FIGEROA

Many people don’t realize that in the iconic film “Citizen Kane,” we get a glimpse of Balboa Park playing the elegant role of Charles Kane’s mansion. When thinking of film, people often think of Los Angeles but don’t realize that film and movie theaters are a huge part of San Diego and Southern California culture. Southern California is rich with interesting theaters and people passionate about film and filmmaking. A young student filmmaker by the name of Alex Tostada said that film is special to him because as an immigrant from Mexico, he grew up watching movies in English when he first moved to the United States. “When I was young we used to rent movies from Blockbuster, and because film is a visual medium, it got the gears going. Putting together what I was watching gave me an understanding of what I was hearing. As I got older, I learned English from it.” Tostada has and plans on taking many film classes in college. “Screenwriting class was my first experience in the movie format. It felt like a free space where everyone could come up with ideas and share our scripts out loud,” Tostada said. For many students, filmmaking can prove quite difficult due to the lack of budget and location, but many filmmakers find creative ways around those barriers. “If you are shooting on a budget instead of doing

something super high-tech, it forces you to focus on the characters and the story you are trying to tell,” Tostada said, adding that he has encountered issues such as lighting or actors not showing up but that it doesn’t limit what he tries to make. Local filmmakers often have to resort to guerilla filmmaking tactics where they film at locations without proper permitting. Some say it is necessary to get that perfect shot or to shoot on location because they can’t afford sets. It’s the nature of independent filmmaking. IIn the 2013 article “Shooting Guerilla style (at your own risk),” writer Noam Kroll said “the biggest issue here is that you can get shut down. Getting shut down in a worst case scenario, literally means having the police ask to see your permit, realizing you have no permission to be shooting, writing you a very large fine, confiscating your equipment and sending you on your way.” Dylan Baumgartner, another filmmaker, had to secretly film part of his 2017 short film “Dynamica” while aboard a moving train in Carlsbad. “The train ride went from Carlsbad to Downtown San Diego, we only had an 1 hour and 45 minutes to film, it was nerve racking,” he recalled. Filmmakers often have to compromise and work around circumstances like this. “In order to avoid continuity errors we had to switch sides on the way back to continue filming the scenes,” Baumgartner said of the train ride. ”The audio from the scenes on the train was unusable so we had to go back and dub over the audio,” he said, adding that the end result was worth the trouble. When the time came to show it on the big screen at a local theater, Baumgartner

described it as “a very terrifying but rewarding and personal experience.” Local film isn’t just about storytelling; thanks to the internet and social media, many have gotten into creating business out of video marketing. Jordan Bryant got into filming and editing for fun at the age of 14 and now at 28 has started his own video marketing company where he has set formulas and structures to suit his clients needs. “I quit college and invested all my money in getting into video gear, drones, lenses and taught myself on YouTube,” Bryant said. His first job was to make a video on a real estate development and his video generated over $1 million on Facebook for his client. “That was the moment that I realized these formulas worked, that was my first taste of success,” he said. Bryant said he has started offering courses to teach others his methods of incorporating filmmaking with marketing, and research shows that Bryant’s method works. A 2019 article entitled “6 secrets of a successful social media strategy” by Shane Barker states that “identifying your target audience is a crucial step. Unless you target the right audience, your strategy may not generate the desired results. The prime reason for this is that your content needs to be tailored to the likes and interests of your target audience.” Bryant does just that. He says that his best work always comes when him and his clients understand their audience and deliver a product they are both proud of.

THE KICK,

EBOARDER Written by: Nicholas Casadona

Photography by: Ashley Rupp

AND COAST

SOCAL SKATE SOCAL SKATE SOCAL SKATE

OF A SOCAL SKATE Eighty years since skateboardingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s origin, skaters of all ages are still hitting the streets of downtown San Diego or visiting empty pools and parks in Oceanside.

rom the bottom of East Los Angeles, through San Diego, and down to the border of Mexico, the revolution of skateboarding shines bright in sunny Southern California. Clear blue skies and painted red sunsets at their finest, skateboarders in SoCal are living the good life. A piece of cut wood with four wheels, this is the secret to their serenity. Live life and get big air, that is the movement.

A revolution of sorts, dates back to the late 1940s when surfers needed an extra activity when the waves were flat. All along the coast of California, people started attaching roller blade wheels to wooden boxes, coining the term “sidewalk surfing.” Many would even attach a handle bar like a scooter on the front of their boards. From there, they started constructing pressedlayered wooden planks with curved edges and even made clay wheels. People since have been shifting their boards and bodies, in all different ways. There was a boom of sorts in the skateboard community in the mid-1960s when skateboard competitions began. In this time, there were freestyle skaters and downhill racers. Freestyle refers to a way of skating on flat ground, where the skater balances themselves in different ways on the board, creating a free-flowing trick routine. Skateboard icons like Tony Hawk, Danny Way, and Willy Santos have all been shredding up SoCal for decades and have made careers out of skateboarding. Eighty years since skateboarding’s origin, skaters of all ages are still hitting the streets of Downtown San Diego or visiting empty pools and parks in Oceanside, all looking for new places that may offer an escape from daily life. “Skateboarding can make me feel many things. It makes me feel like I’m part of a community,

it makes me feel free. I forget my problems. As long as I can confide in the skateboard then I have the ability to do whatever I please,” said local skater, Kyler Jakubowski. “Skateboarding can show love as much as anger. It’s easy to get upset with things you’re passionate about.” More often than not, skateboarders start at a young age and continue skating for as long as their body can physically handle it. Jakubowski later said: “I began to love skateboarding right after I played the Tony Hawk Pro Skater game. I used to skate every single day. As the body grows older, it makes the effort much harder on the body. Rest and proper stretching are required.” Another skater who has skated Southern California their whole life is actor Jason Lee, who is widely known from his role as Earl in “My Name is Earl, I was born in Orange, California and I grew up in Huntington Beach. I started skateboarding when I was 5 and have continued to do so off and on over the years.” Lee said in an interview with IGN.com. Student skaters are also in the mix at local skate parks. Palomar Student Richard Murphy said in a recent interview, “SoCal is sick to skate. There are spots everywhere if you’re creative enough. The DIY spots are rad.” Murphy, who learned of skateboarding from the movie, “Lords of Dogtown,” added: “I skate at least three to four days a week, and about three hours a time. For some, skateboarding is therapy.” Let us not forget Willy Manalato Santos, a skateboarding legend widely known for his founding of Birdhouse Skateboard company with Tony Hawk in 1992. Santos, who still resides in San Diego to this day, has been supporting San Diego skaters since 2000 with his skate shop and brand Willy’s Workshop. Now at the age of 44, Santos is focusing more on working online and loving his family, but still skates daily. Another well-known professional skateboarder is entrepreneur Rob Dyrdek. He described the infinite possibilities of a skateboard. “A slam dunk or a breakdance move is limited by what the physical body can do,” he told the Huffington Post. “Now, a skateboard is limitless by design, by not only the dynamic of the board

and the way it goes but also what you build to skate on.” When it comes to areas to skate, there are parks, pools and DIY street spots all over Southern California. Oceanside, Encinitas and Carlsbad house some of the best skating locations known to man. Usually grouping up with several people per group, the skatepark is the ideal watering hole for thirsty skateboarders. Oceanside, for example, is very much known for their surf scene, but nowadays, the skate scene is a close second place. Alex Road Skate Park in Oceanside, also known as “Prince” to the skaters, is a 22,000 square-foot skate park right off Highway 76. On a typical day, Prince will see hundreds of skaters going in and out. Another Oceanside commodity is the Asylum Skate Shop, which has been around for about 11 years. Here, skaters can buy boards, set them up, and even buy some new kicks to quickly ruin at Prince. The city of Carlsbad is another hot spot in the skateboard world. Alga Norte Community Park is a newer 32-acre park where skaters can roam. Many skateboard videos have been filmed on these grounds, such as Transworld’s “Hard Luck.” Chula Vista is home to six skateparks. Harborside Park and Len Moore Park are two of the bigger ones in Chula Vista, with both covering almost two acres of ground each. Others head to Encinitas, Downtown San Diego or north to the Inland Empire to where skateboarding is thriving. “It’s been a great ride traveling the world skateboarding,” Santos said. “I’m just happy to be rolling. That makes me smile!”

A SKATEBOARD IS LIMITLESS BY DESIGN

W R I T T E N B Y: JORDAN SPURGEON P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y: DIANA WEBB

CALI STRONG: A LIFESTYLE

Cali Strong was the first sports apparel company to be consumer direct, which means taking the middleman out of sales and production.

ome say that clothing showcases who we are. Others say clothing is more than what we wear on our backs. And to many, clothing represents a lifestyle. Jim Stroesser and Jennifer Echeverria founded Cali Strong in 2013 on a United States Naval base with the belief that they could create a positive culture around their brand. The idea came to them one night at an apparel trade show. “We got a cocktail napkin and wrote down our goals and process,” Echeverria said. “We made a five-year plan.” They accomplished their initial goal within four years. They were able to launch their own clothing company in the Navy’s largest store in the country. The original name was Edge SST, and they launched a collection called Cali Strong. They ended up not winning the trademark for Edge SST, so they applied for the Cali Strong trademark. They won, despite challenges from Nike and other big companies.

Most companies only focus on one area of merchandise, but Cali Strong sells everything they can from clothes, hats, skateboards, shoes and more. “It made us look bigger than we really were,” Stroesser said, “It was definitely a grind launching with all those different types of merchandise, but it was worth it.” Fast forward to 2019 and it has grown by word of mouth since then. Cali Strong has increased its reach, including a main store located at the headquarters in Seaport Village, which is open seven days a week. Stroesser recalls one story that puts things into perspective for him. One day, a man from France came into Cali Strong with his family. He told Stroesser that he had been looking forward to finally checking out the store when he came to San Diego. Stroesser asked him why, and he responded by saying he had seen many American Naval pilots wearing Cali Strong clothing at the French training bases. He always thought the apparel looked cool and knew that he wanted his own when he went to San Diego.

company like ours is able to be noticed by people from all over the world,” Stroesser said. “Having badass Navy pilots wear our clothing is really special.” When you see their stores, you’ll instantly realize that their designs are different than most clothing companies. Echeverria is in charge of coming up with designs and working with their designer to bring them to life. The first design they launched was putting the design on the grip of their skateboards, not just on the bottom like every other skateboard company. That helps draw people into the store because they’ve never seen anything quite like it. They also hide the words “Cali Strong” in the design of many of their clothes and skateboards. The business model is unusual. Stroesser and Echeverria networked with the right people to find the best possible pricing on their products. With the pricing they received on socks, they were able to include a free pair of $15 socks with every item a customer purchases, even if you buy 30 items. “That’s never been done before by any other company. It sounds crazy, but it works when you look at our finances,” Stroesser said. They also give away a free pair of shoes and socks with the purchase of any skateboard. Inside the store, they have a basketball hoop, a ring to throw a football though and cornhole. When a customer buys products, they get the chance to play these games and try to win a free longboard. “The games are really fun, people might come in having a down day, but by the time they leave, their day will feel a whole lot better,” Stroesser said. Cali Strong puts a lot of effort into charity work, with 25 percent of their top line sales, not net sales, going to the charities they partner with. Most companies say a certain percentage of their sales go to different organizations, but that number decreases after overhead charges and net profit margins. One impact that Cali Strong is proud to have is their work with children. “Kids are bombarded through the news, school and internet with constant negativity,” Echeverria said. “We need

to do something to counteract that and stand for something good.” They also reach out to children’s organizations such as: Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Boys and Girls Club, Boy Scouts of America, St. Judes Childrens Hospital, and the YMCA. They have an average of eight to 10 employees in their stores, so Stroesser and Echeverria spend much of their time interacting with customers. Lance Lynn is a professional skater who loves Cali Strong. He works with them in their store and spreads the Cali Strong mission to people in the skating community. “The difference between me and a sponsorship, is I like the product, I’ve worn the product before I worked with them,” Lyn said. “I’m here because I genuinely want to be with the company.” The words “Cali Strong” aren’t taken lightly by many celebrities, including Hall of Fame Basketball player Bill Walton, NFL Hall of Famer Andre Reed and actor Jason Weaver. Every year Cali Strong throws a small celebrity party, called the Cali Strong Games. Celebrities and athletes come out to play games in the store to raise money for charity. They also get to meet other high level people in one place, in a family-like setting. Events like that are hard to find, and normally they come with celebrities being treated like celebrities, rather than just normal people. “No one was drooling over each other,” Echeverria said, “Everyone hung out and at one point we passed a microphone around so everyone could introduce themselves and begin seeing each other as regular people with lives just like ours.” The celebrity games included three teams. The captains of those teams were Bill Walton, Andre Reed and Ryan Ochoa. They competed in cornhole, basketball and football toss. Walton met Stroesser 10 years ago, right after he just had spinal surgery. He was looking for something more to do in life. He liked what Stroesser was about and began supporting him and Cali Strong in any way that he could. As chairman of the San Diego Sports Innovators,

Walton has helped many San Diego sports companies grow their business. Walton enjoys seeing the growth of Cali Strong because he knows that Stroesser and Echeverria are amazing people with an impactful mission. At the celebrity party event in May 2019, Walton said, “Cali Strong is the official brand of Bill Walton.” Stroesser and Echeverria said they don’t pay any of these athletes and celebrities to be their sponsors. Every one that supports Cali Strong is doing so because they genuinely like what the company stands for. NFL Hall of Famer Andre Reed has his own charity organization called Andre Reed Foundation. His purpose is to help kids learn how to read at young ages and help underprivileged kids reach their full potential. Stroesser met Reed at one of his charity events a few years back and wanted to help out. He started giving away free merchandise to the kids at the event. At the celebrity party event, Reed said, “Cali Strong was very instrumental to giving socks and shirts and hats to kids at our event.” Now they are partners wanting to help kids in the local community. Disney star Ryan Ochoa also reps Cali Strong, wearing their clothes everywhere he goes. “This is a lifestyle to me,” Ochoa said, “When they say Cali Strong, I live by that.” The hashtag that Cali Strong has come up with to help spread their message is #IamCaliStrong. “Cali Strong is about empowerment, regardless of who you are… when we say I am Cali Strong, it’s a strength thing,” Stroesser said. “To be Cali Strong means to find your inner champion within,” said Echeverria. “I am Cali Strong is really about being the best you that you can be and bringing out the best of the people around you,” said Lynn. Stroesser has been in the sports apparel business for over 30 years. He was the Senior Vice President and Owner partner of Converse from 2001 to 2004. Under his control, the company’s sales grew from $110 million to

$285 million in 2003. He was able to help sell Converse to Nike for $305 million in September 2003. It was the largest company merger at the time. Every company that Stroesser worked at after that also saw increases in net profit. Despite his success, working for big corporations that already had their own histories and background wasn’t fulfilling to Stroesser. Owning and running a smaller company has its perks. It allows Stroesser to spend a lot of his time with the day-to-day operations, which includes managing the store and creating an atmosphere that makes every customer feel welcome. “I’d rather be a big fish in a smaller pond and our small pond is obviously still very big,” he

said. They could get bigger. Los Angeles is appealing to Stroesser and Echeverria, but they are mostly focused on owning San Diego. One day they hope the company can become more national, because they believe their mission is worth sharing with as many people as possible.

Photos taken by Lazaro Jimenez

THE UNRAVELING SCENE OF CAR MEETS IN SAN DIEGO

Written by: Katy Lynn Photography by: Adel Bautista Kiana Teixeira

I have met my closest friends either at street car meets, or off-road truck meets in the desert The car scene in San Diego has made a great impact on the culture of local residents.Every Friday night, hundreds of car owners line up to “park and chill” in a large parking lot, patiently waiting to gather and drive out to empty spaces. They show off their new modifications and compare their prized possessions, meeting new companions along the way. Car exhaust and tire dust clogs the air and occasionally interrupts the audience’s breathing, but to most, it’s worth the experience. Auto shows in San Diego have taken place for over 50 years, and some devote their lives to these events, because owning and driving a vehicle is a main interest for them. Over the past year, these car meets have been increasingly rising in popularity, due to the fact that many are creating groups on social media, causing them to spread faster and gain attention throughout the county. Dan Kendall, a San Diego resident who has been attending car meets since he first got his license, explained how positively impacted he has been by these events. “Attending car meets has been a big part in my life. Meeting people that enjoy the same hobby as I do is what I look forward to every week. It also helps me broaden my horizons when it comes to different cars and certain modifications that can be done to them,” Kendall said. “I have met my closest friends either at street car meets, or off-road truck meets in the desert. Without car meets, there are not too many more outlets that I can express myself in a healthy way,” he continued. Sleepy Boyz is a car group that had gotten their start of fame on social media. Founded in January 2019, this group has obtained 21 official members and more than 70 people represent them around the city. Not only have they increased the amount of close members and supporters, but this group has had more than 200 cars attend their meets, mostly due to the fact that their supporters helped gain followers on Instagram simply by word of mouth. “My goal when I created the group was to just have fun. My circle of friends was originally composed of people local

focused on one specific type or brand of car, Sleepy Boyz encourages anyone who owns a car and likes to drive to attend their meets. In addition, you will find all age ranges of people, from teenagers to elders to parents and their toddlers, attending their meets. Seth Montero has been attending Sleepy Boyz meets and filming for them in January. “I think it’s a good place for people with similar interests to meet up and have a good time. I think my favorite part is seeing my friends, meeting new people and just watching and listening to the cars,” Montero said. The impact that these types of car clubs have had continues to increase as hundreds more attend every single week, devoting their lifestyle to them and the vehicles they own. They are the perfect type of event for any residents, new and old, to connect and enjoy company with those they have common hobbies with. “It’s given me an opportunity to explore San Diego a little bit and also helped me learn a lot about cars. Also, it’s definitely been a good way to find new friends,” said Mac Zittle, a member of Sleepy Boyz. San Diego Subies is another car group in the city that has claimed most of their supporters through social media as well. They have 55 official members, and 2,700 followers on their Instagram account. Additionally, they are sponsored by six companies throughout the county, including Throtl, a video creating company and Subaru of El Cajon. “Car meets impacted my life by introducing me to new people and a new culture where having a Subaru is a safe middle ground for knowledge, fun and happiness,” Subies member Darrel Deguzman said.

to the Spring Valley area. We were all a bunch of teens with nothing but time on our hands, and we just happened to all have a passion for cars. We all love putting our cars to the limit. Whether it’s doing donuts, or street racing, we all have quite an appetite for adrenaline. I never expected to blow up like this,” founder Fabian Sanchez said. Sanchez spoke about why his group and others have made an imprint on San Diego in their own way. “I feel like the car scene has positively impacted San Diego. Whenever a car meet is held, it is usually next to businesses, which brings them revenue. Also, with the rise in popularity, people are turning to car meets instead of doing other illegal activities. For many people, it’s an escape route that they use to kick back and relax. We mean no harm to anyone or anything. We’re all just trying to have fun and put on a good show every time we throw a meet,” he said. A big factor to how fast Sleepy Boyz has gained supporters is that they have continued to welcome any type of car since they had started. Unlike other groups

It is likely that these events will become more and more mainstream over time for our city. Most citizens wish to have a place where they can fit in with no effort. Sleepy Boyz and San Diego Subies are a couple of many car groups helping our residets create new interests, connections and relationships. Next time you find yourself in the city on a weekend, find a car meet and prepare for an entertaining night.

Photos taken by Benjamin King