Simply San Diego Downtown Edition - May 2023

Replacing Fear with Dignity and Hope

DA Summer Stephan Talks About What Inspired Her And How She Leads with Dignity and Hope

By LinDee Rochelle

At twelve years old or so, we all have dreams what our future selves might become. Firefighter, astronaut, actor, veterinarian. The list is endless.

We look forward with eagerness and anticipation, changing focus every few years, as we learn and grow. An enviable few, however, set their sights on a future and never give up.

As a youngster, San Diego District Attorney Summer Stephan, read voraciously. One day she picked up a National Geographic magazine, famous for their worldwide images, and came close-up with her future.

“It was an image of girls that looked about my age,” said Summer. Something was off though. They didn’t look back at her with visions of youthful dreams. “They didn’t have a smile. They had fear across their faces and hopelessness in their eyes.

“I wanted more than anything in the world, to help them. I wanted to protect them and give them hope. I wanted them to have the life I have, of being able to feel dignity and democracy.” If she could have, she would have flown over right then, to offer a helping hand, but it wasn’t something her parents thought their young daughter should do.

“I held on to that look, though,” Summer said, “and I knew that my life would involve removing that look of fear in people’s and victims’ eyes and replacing it with dignity and hope. That’s what drove me to be a prosecutor, and using the law as a sword and shield, to protect the most vulnerable. It’s been my privilege to do that now for twenty-eight years.”

Pursuing a dream

To make her childhood dream a reality, Summer adapted the strengths she saw in her parents. Her mother is an attorney, becoming one at a time when there were very few women in the profession. “She’s an amazing woman and a great role model for me,” says Summer. And she speaks glowingly of her dad’s honesty in his travel agency that shaped her approach to others throughout her life.

Summer enrolled at UC Davis where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree, followed by her Juris Doctor from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law.

The latter is where she studied psychology, which she said, “served me really well in learning to understand people—what makes them tick and how they think—especially in jury trials. I’ve also found it helpful with victims and survivors, to understand their trauma and what they’re going through; to understand their fear.”

Before assuming the top position in 2017 to succeed the outgoing D.A., Summer served as a prosecutor with due diligence, tackling a range of cases from sex crimes to murder. She purposefully shaped her career, according to those haunting eyes she never forgot.

Not stopping at simply providing the basics of her position, Summer looks for ways to improve outcomes and identify gaps in victim services. She’s held several leadership roles, including chief of the D.A.’s North County Branch and while there, Chief of the Sex Crimes and Human Trafficking Division, a unit that she pioneered. (To her amazement, it’s been compared to the real-life version of television’s Law and Order: Special Victims Unit.)

Elected in 2018 and reelected in 2022, Summer has been a popular district attorney, working beyond the county and state borders to further the rights of those caught up in the worst of the county’s crimes, including human trafficking and sexual exploitation.

Innovation born of necessity

Pioneering new methods and ideologies is a

must to create change, which is what happened with the launch of One Safe Place, the North County Family Justice Center.

North County is home to approximately one million people who account for about a third of San Diego County’s total population. Law enforcement data from recent years, Summer explained, shows that North County residents are experiencing specific types of crime at a disproportionate rate compared to the rest of San Diego County.

“I set my priority of opening a family justice center for North County victims who had a higher rate of elder abuse, human trafficking, domestic violence, and homicides,” vowed Summer. “And since it opened on July 5th (2022), we’ve helped over 1,500 victims of crime.”

She’s well aware, however, “Any time you’re doing something new and innovative that hasn’t been done before, there is a big risk of failure.” Summer tells herself and encourages others to “just walk through it, because it’s really, really important not to let that fear turn you away from something that you know will work,” to make lives better.

Not only is Summer still motivated by the haunting eyes of young girls in National Geographic, she listens intently to the voices of San Diegans in need. “It was built with survivor input,” says Summer, of One Safe Place – the North County Family Justice Center. “We didn’t decide what they needed. They told us … and we built it around their needs. We listened.”

Part of the problem Summer’s office is tackling, is the lack of a method to calculate real-time needs, like shelter, for instance, vs. lodging availability. She asked an innovative technology nonprofit (Tech Soup) to help build a system that reduces identification of victim needs, from days to minutes, which will immediately help get them out of imminent danger.

The program will also discern if the person who requests help is a mother with children? Is it a male victim? Is it somebody who is fearful of gang violence? “It has to be a secure facility,” says Summer. “What exactly is it that we need?”

As they explore all the ways to make this a truly exciting response to humane refuge, the Shelter Connect App (a working title) strives to ensure they’re not matching an elderly victim to shelter where they need to climb up to a top bunkbed, for example. “It’s a transparency method,” explains Summer. “So you actually know what you’ve got and what you don’t have.”

There are still hurdles to clear before it’s firmly in place, but this capability will be another national first.

While the needs are at every age, Summer spotted the gap in knowledge of senior abuse. “We used to focus on just physical abuse of seniors, which is horrific. And, you know, we really reinforce our elder abuse unit to fight the physical abuse. But what we saw is that the financial economic harm is so traumatic, yet there is actually no data to tell us how much [is involved].

“So we asked all of law enforcement to feed into an elder Justice Task Force that we formed with the FBI. The cases go into what’s called a fusion center, law enforcement coordination center. What we found out—and this is shocking—of just the reported cases we had in 2022, there were 1,700 victims of economic fraud to the tune of $48 million. I want the community to know this is a number one fight for us.”

Trusting in the process of change

D.A. Summer Stephan may know the risks of change, but she also understands that change is not effected by just one person. She credits her years of close alliances with local police departments for the trust that flows between them. Her office led and paid for de-escalation training for law enforcement countywide, leading to positive changes within the ranks.

“Change requires trust,” says Summer. “Being able to say, you know, we need to do this differently … like we recently changed the strangulation protocol for domestic violence victims … we’re able to move things along quickly; we need to get this done and we get it done.” She sees that the police departments want to innovate, want to serve, and want to sacrifice, for San Diego’s communities.

Everyone views change differently, especially when paired with compassion. Some thrive on it. Some abhor it. And some think “it’s a woman’s prerogative.” Summer sees her compassion as fueling the changes that need to be made. “I think compassion is a strength, not a weakness,” says Summer.

She’s never downplayed being a woman or been untrue to herself. “I’ve never tried to talk loudly [to command a conversation] or do things to assert power,” says Summer. Which also speaks to her confidence as a woman with a family. “I think we put too much on women when we ask them to be superpowers. You have to prioritize, and at different phases in your life your priorities will be different. Never neglect the things that matter. Like your family, right?”

D.A. Stephan holds leadership positions in public safety nationally and locally, including serving as a vice-president of the National District Attorneys Association, and co-chair of the National Association of Women Judges Human Trafficking committee. Summer served on the Governor’s Task Force for High-Risk Sex Offenders and Sexually-Violent Predators.

Summer’s focus is always protecting the most vulnerable of every age, from children through seniors. “I’m very proud of San Diego. I’m proud of my team, the D.A.’s office. Everything that I say happened, is because the team I have has their heart and soul in this work.”

She reflected on her youthful dream to help people without hope, peace, and dignity. “It’s been an amazing journey, you know. I know how privileged that is because a lot of people dream, but life often makes you think you can’t actually live your dream. Others tell you in different ways that your dream is impossible. And I think for me, I just always held on to the thought, it is possible and that I’m going to keep fighting for it.”

At-A-Glance https://www.sdcda.org/

https://www.sdcda.org/office/meet-da

District Attorney Summer Stephan

Union 2023 Scholarship, presented by North Island Credit Union Senior School and Community Development Officer Nancy Banuelos (left) and Therese Caballes, VP, Regional Manager. Villarreal will major in Political Science at University of California, Irvine this fall.

North Island Credit Union Awards Scholarships to Local County Students

North Island Credit Union has awarded scholarships to two North County students as part of its 2023 College Scholarship Program, recognizing exceptional students in Poway and San Marcos for their school and community activities. Through its annual program, the credit union provides 10 scholarships of $1,000 each to college-bound students in San Diego and Riverside Counties.

North County scholarship recipients include seniors Everett Richards, Poway High School, and Kelly Villarreal, Mission Hills High School.

“We are honored to recognize these inspiring students, who are truly making a difference in their academic and local communities,” said North Island Credit Union CEO Steve O’Connell. “After reviewing all the outstanding applications we received, there is no doubt we have much to learn from this new generation of leaders. We are excited to help them fulfill their college dreams and wish them the best of luck as they take this next important step in their lives.”

All 2023 North Island Credit Union scholarship recipients are:

All 2023 North Island Credit Union scholarship recipients are:

Recipient School City

Stephen Abkin Grossmont High School El Cajon

Eva Crickard Del Norte High School San Diego

Anna Liu Rancho Bernardo High School San Diego

Erik Lunde San Diego High School San Diego

Mary Ogbogu John W. North High School Riverside

Everett Richards Poway High School Poway

Usiel Soto Hoover High School San Diego

Jack Story Torrey Pines High School San Diego

Kelly Villarreal Mission Hills High School San Marcos

Mission Hills High School Senior Kelly Villarreal (center) is a recipient of the North Island Credit Union 2023 Scholarship, presented by North Island Credit Union Senior School and Community Development Officer Nancy Banuelos (left) and Therese Caballes, VP, Regional Manager. Villarreal will major in Political Science at University of California, Irvine this fall.

Sophie White Francis Parker School San Diego

The credit union’s Annual College Scholarship program was created in 2005 to recognize outstanding students within its local communities. Since the creation of the

About North Island Credit Union, a division of California Credit Union California Credit Union is a federally insured, state chartered credit union founded in 1933 that serves public or private school employees, community members and businesses across California. With more than 170,000 members and assets of over $4.5 billion, business banking, and leading-edge online and mobile

The credit union’s Annual College Scholarship program was created in 2005 to recognize outstanding students within its local communities. Since the creation of the program, the credit union has awarded more than $395,000 in scholarships to students across Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Diego counties.

Pink Boots stands for Equity

by Vince Meehan

Sam Olsen is the Head Brewer of Mujeres Brew House in Barrio Logan, a local craft brewery who have made a names for themselves by being staffed exclusively by women. “We’re the only woman-operated brewery in San Diego, so our whole staff is women,” noted Olsen. “All girls – from the manager all the way down to the beer tenders and delivery drivers!” The small brewery features an outdoor deck with a fantastic view of the Coronado Bridge on the other side of the 5 freeway. The beers are first rate and include typical ales and lagers alongside a few exotic beers, which feature lush tropical notes. And the Micheladas are as authentic as they come with the presentation being cocktail quality. Olsen is also an active member of Pink Boots, an organization that she credits for giving the tools needed to achieve her success.

Magie Brennan is the Secretary of Pink Boots, a non-profit that was originally created to give girls a leg up in a predominately male-dominated craft beer industry. But that was well over ten years ago, and a lot has changed since then; including Pink Boots. “Pink Boots in general is an international organization for woman and non-binary people in all craft industries – not just beer – but also wine, mead, cider and distilling… all across the board! And we’ve got chapters all across the world.” Brennan offered.

Members of Pink Boots can log onto an online membership portal and accesses planned events, a job board, and even apply for scholarships offered by the group. These scholarships range from traditional courses to a two-week trip to Belgium to study beer. All this is geared toward insuring that members get whatever they need to excel in the craft industries.

Brennan took advantage of the new expanded spectrum to branch out into the world of mead and is now the head mead-maker at Lost Cause Meadery in Bay Park. Mead is an alcoholic drink created by fermenting honey, and has seen a considerable commercial growth locally alongside cider and distilled spirits. She says the Pink Boots meetings are also a great way to network as a way to share information or job openings. “At our chapter, we do educational meetings every other month, and then we do networking happy hours in the supplemental months,” Brennan said. “That way, if people really want to come to the educational meetings, they have two months out to plan for it, or they can come to the more casual networking happy hours and get to know some of our people.”

Mujeres brewer Olsen shares the same view on the value of the meetings. “I’ve been an active member of Pink Boots for nine years, I found out about it because I was interested in working in the beer industry and other people just kind of pushed me into Pink Boots – I Googled it and showed up for a meeting one day – and have been here ever since. For me personally, it’s a lot about networking with an educational component. So, I’ve given a few speeches about the brewing process, the fermentation process, kettle souring and also just sharing information in a more basic consumer-friendly way. So no matter where you’re at – whether you’re at a beginner or advanced level – hopefully you’ll be able to take away something from it.”

And she sees the educational component of Pink Boots as a huge benefit for the members, especially when it comes to the scholarships. If a member obtains a scholarship, they are expected to bring the information learned back to the fold. “Once you have completed your scholarship, you do a presentation to kind of share your knowledge back with the group so it comes full circle and hopefully other members get to benefit from it too.”

As a non-profit, Pink Boots runs off of member dues and public and corporate donations. Dues are $49 a year for active industry members, but there is also a $29 option for those outside the industry and are looking to get in. Members also include people outside the creation of the beverages including suppliers, marketing people and event coordinators. Each local chapter contains a board of directors, which are fully volunteer positions, and overseen by one national board. A big annual

fundraiser is the Pink Boots Collaboration Brew Day where the organization creates a unique recipe for a beer, then collaborates with local breweries to brew the batch with its own name and artwork. The beer is then sold and the proceeds from those sales go directly to Pink Boots. They also get together for a “hop rub” where they break apart whole hops and sniff the aromas. Then they create a custom blend of hops, which is sold by Yakima Chief Hops to brewers across the nation with the proceeds once again going towards Pink Boots. Another collaboration was recently done with 2 Towns Ciderhouse in Oregon and Pink Lady Apples to create a Pink Boots collaboration cider as part of the expansion to include beverages other than beer.

Lia Garcia is the local Chapter Co-Leader at Pink Boots and her background is in the hospitality and management side of the industry. Garcia has keen insight of this side of the industry which she brings to the table as a member of Pink Boots.

“If there is a position, there is a woman in that position; which is incredible!” Garcia offered with enthusiasm. “Pink Boots has been super successful in the sense that people see us in those positions, and they know it’s an achievable thing. Or, they say ‘Ok,

well maybe I was afraid before to go out for brewer, but maybe I might have a brewer who can inspire me and guide me along the way.’ But also, because there are so many women that are in any alcohol industry now – and are working alongside men – they have to include us in the conversation, include us in the education and its not completely easy to step into this male-dominated industry, but its making it easier for us to be there, and making us feel more comfortable; how it should be. We should just be treated equal and just be able to fit in and learn and do and work just like anybody else!”

For more information, go to: www.PinkBootsSociety.org

Pinks Boots members Lia Garcia, Magie Brennan and Sam Olsen

Lia Garcia opted for a traditional ALE at the Pink Boots meeting held at Kilowatt Brewery in Kearny Mesa.

California poised to ban new diesel trucks

By Nadia Lopez | CalMatters

California’s trucking industry is bracing for state regulators this week to enact unprecedented rules that would ban sales of new diesel big rigs by 2036 and convert large companies’ existing trucks to zero emissions by 2042.

“The amount of chaos and dysfunction that is going to be created by this rule will be like nothing we’ve ever seen before,” said Chris Shimoda, senior vice president of the California Trucking Association, an industry trade group. “The likelihood that it is going to fail pretty spectacularly is very high. It’s very unfortunate.”

The state Air Resources Board will hold a public hearing on its proposed regulation on Thursday, then is expected to vote on Friday.

The proposal aims to clean up noxious diesel exhaust and greenhouse gases spewed by big rigs, garbage trucks, delivery trucks and other large vehicles by converting them to models powered by electricity or hydrogen.

Trucking companies and local government officials call the deadlines in the rule unachievable. They say the new technology still has major drawbacks, including the high cost of electric trucks and their low vehicle range

Read more by scanning this code

Trucking companies say the deadlines for converting big rigs, delivery trucks and other heavy vehicles are unachievable and would cause “chaos and dysfunction” of California’s economy.

Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

A fleet of Tesla trucks on display at PepsiCo Beverages North America’s Sacramento facility on April 11, 2023. The company hosted an event to celebrate the arrival of 18 electric big rigs.

Senior Gleaners help combat food insecurity

By Vince Meehan

30 years ago, a group of seniors were driving through the orchards of North County and had an epiphany. They were Laurel Gray, a retired Lutheran minister and two farmers, Dene Hatch and George Norton. They spied tons of fruit laying on the ground going unused and thought that many San Diegans could benefit from this bounty if it was collected. They decided to do just that, and on that day, the Senior Gleaners was born.

Margaret Burton is the President of Senior Gleaners, a 501c3 non-profit organization based in San Diego who gather fruit from orchards, back yards, and even stores. This fruit then is transported to food banks across the county where it is distributed to families who need it. Burton retells the story of those three original seniors who started the whole movement. “There were three gentlemen who where driving through Escondido, and saw all this fruit on the ground and they said, ‘This is terrible, we need to do something because there are hungry people out there,’ and so they started collecting this fruit!”

Senior Gleaners now has over 100 senior volunteers who gather the excess fruit on Tuesdays and Thursdays in four separate groups including North County, East County, South Bay and Clairemont. The seniors pick everything from oranges to tangerines, pomelos, grapefruit, limes, lemons, and persimmons. However, there are a couple of fruits they cannot pick due to the delicate nature of the food. “We don’t pick kumquats and loquats because they are hard to transport and they go bad fast, Burton noted. “This makes the delivery very tough so we can’t pick them.”

Senior Gleaners harvested over 215,000 lbs. of fruit last year and are on course to do just as much this year. The system is very simple: farmers or homeowners with fruit bearing trees contact Senior Gleaners and a team is sent out shortly to collect the fruit. The fruit is then sent to over 50 food banks, churches and organizations across San Diego who make sure they are given to those in need. These include: 4 Community Care, Abundant Grace Christian Church, Backyard Produce Project, Boys and Girls Club of Poway, City Heights Assemble Church, City Heights Community Fridge, Father Joe’s Village, Feeding the Flock, La Mesa Salvation Army/Kroc Center, Lakeside Christian Help Center, O’side Kitchen Collaborative, Sherman Heights Table of Justice and Hope and Shoreline Community Services. Burton says that one of the biggest helpers is the Clairemont Christian Service Agency who help feed their community. But what is a gleaner anyway, and where does that word come from?

According to Senior Gleaners, the term goes back to biblical times and refers to a worker who collected remnants from a harvest left in the field. This term has its roots based in charity as noted in the book of Leviticus.

“When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not be so thorough that you reap the field to its very edge, nor shall you GLEAN the stray ears of grain. Likewise, you shall not pick up the grapes that have fallen. These things you shall leave for the poor...”

-Leviticus 19:9-10

Senior Gleaners also benefits from individual

donations as well as grants from the Matthew 25 fund of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, annual grants from the San Diego County Employees’ Charitable Organization, and grants from Las Patronas, a San Diego philanthropic organization formed in 1946. Along with rescuing unused fruit, the gleaners provide meaningful activity and social connections for the 55 and older volunteers, as well as keeping tons of organic material out of landfills where it generates harmful methane gas. They also help businesses comply with state laws restricting disposal of organic materials, and aid senior homeowners who cannot care for the fruit trees in their yards.

Today, the Gleaners have picked and distributed as much as 400,000 pounds of food in one year. This has meant helping feed more than 5,000 families per year. Burton sees Senior Gleaners as a calling as well as a service to the community. “When I retired, I was looking for volunteer opp ortunities because I decided to give the rest of my life to volunteer organizations. So this came up as a volunteer match which is a website that hooks up volunteers with jobs. So I signed up and that was about eight years ago. I also signed up for VITAS which is an organization that makes memory bears for patients who have recently died, and we give the bears back to the caregivers.”

Seniors like Burton and the others at Senior Gleaners are making a difference in the community as well as being a part of the solution. If you would like to volunteer your time at Senior Gleaners, or would like to offer fruit from your trees, go to: www.SeniorGleanersSDco.org

Senior Gleaners volunteers round up the fruit.

Senior Gleaners volunteers keep active, make friends and give back to the community. Volunteers use a Senior Gleaners van to haul groceries from stores to distributors.

Founder Laurel Gray

The Top 7 Myths About Medical Cannabis Debunked

John Malanca

The medical cannabis industry is booming. As more and more states legalize the drug for medical use, more people are turning to it as a natural alternative to traditional medications. However, there are still many myths about cannabis that persist despite being debunked by medical professionals and researchers alike. Let’s examine seven common myths about medical marijuana— and explain why they’re not true!

Myth: Cannabis is just a drug.

Cannabis is a plant. It’s also a medicine, and it can be used for recreational purposes as well. However, the idea that cannabis is just another drug is misleading at best and harmful at worst. Cannabis has been used for thousands of years by people worldwide for its healing properties–and because it’s natural!

Myth: Cannabis is a gateway to other drugs.

It’s true that cannabis can be a gateway drug for some people, but it’s not because of any inherent properties of the plant itself. If you’re predisposed to addiction, you may find yourself wanting to try other substances after smoking pot. However, this isn’t because cannabis is addictive or leads users to other drugs; instead, it’s because these individuals have an underlying genetic predisposition toward substance abuse disorders and were more likely than others to become addicted regardless of what substance they started with–including alcohol or cigarettes (the most used legal gateway drugs).

There’s also no evidence that anyone has ever been “hooked” on cannabis alone without having another substance involved at some point during their usage history–and there are plenty of examples where someone has quit using marijuana without any significant problems afterward (you know who you are!). The truth is: cannabis isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, so if you feel like trying something new but aren’t sure how much of an impact it’ll have on your life… then maybe stick with what works!

Myth: You can overdose on cannabis.

This is a widespread myth that has been circulating for many years. The truth is that it’s impossible to fatally overdose on marijuana alone, as a study in the American Journal of Public Health found no deaths reported due to cannabis use between 1999 and 2007. The same cannot be said for alcohol or even caffeine (a more dangerous drug), which can lead to death if consumed excessively enough over time. So why do you hear about people dying from smoking weed? Because they often combine it with other drugs like cocaine or heroin or even legal ‘prescribed’ pharmaceuticals–which are far more dangerous than cannabis!

Myth: Cannabis is a cure-all.

The truth is that cannabis alone won’t help with all of your medical issues. While it can be used to treat many different conditions and symptoms, it’s important to note that not everyone will respond positively to medical cannabis treatment. The best way to determine whether or not you’re a good candidate for medical marijuana use is by consulting with your doctor or healthcare provider and discussing how they feel about using cannabis as part of your treatment plan (or if they even recommend doing so).

Myth: One size fits all.

One of the biggest myths about medical cannabis is that it’s a one-size-fits-all medicine. This couldn’t be further from the truth, as what’s best for your condition will

depend on what symptom you’re trying to treat or how severe it is. For example, if you have chronic pain and want relief from muscle spasms and joint stiffness, an Indica strain may be best for you. However, suppose anxiety is causing sleepless nights or panic attacks when going out in public places. In that case, Sativa might help calm those nerves without making you feel drowsy or foggy-headed (the effects of Indica’s).

Noting that One size only does NOT fit all. Just because it works for your friend or a family member, it may not work for you. Another example, Age, weight, current health condition, sensitivities, and even drug-to-drug interactions should be addressed.

Myth: There’s no medical value in cannabis.

This is one of the most common myths about medical cannabis, but it’s also one of the easiest to dispel. For thousands of years, humans have used this plant to treat various conditions, such as pain and inflammation. Numerous studies are showing that marijuana can be effective at treating various ailments, including nausea caused by chemotherapy, neuropathic pain associated with multiple sclerosis (MS), epilepsy and other seizure disorders, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The US federal government even owns a patent on cannabinoids for use as a neuroprotectant! The Food & Drug Administration has approved two drugs made from synthetic forms of THC–Marinol (dronabinol)

and Cesamet (nabilone)–for treating nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy treatment in people who have not responded well enough to traditional antiemetics like prochlorperazine or metoclopramide alone; however, these medications are rarely prescribed anymore because they don’t work as well as whole plant extracts like Sativex or Epidiolex which contain both tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).

Myth: Smoking is the only way to take it!

The stigma that cannabis is only for smoking is still very prevalent, but it’s not the only way to take it. Research shows that pharmaceutical-grade, CBD-only medicines can have a place alongside conventional treatments, and they are being developed by several companies in the US and Europe now. Some patients prefer not to smoke because of their health conditions or other reasons. These people may find using an oral spray, gel capsule, or infused gummy edibles easier than smoking marijuana buds.

Conclusion

The medical cannabis industry is growing and changing every day. New products are being developed, more patients are finding relief from their symptoms, and doctors are becoming more comfortable recommending and prescribing cannabis as an alternative treatment option. As we continue to learn about this plant and its potential benefits, we hope that more people will be able to benefit from its use as well!

EVENTS CALENDAR SPONSORED BY

June Holidays

6/14 Flag Day

Looking Ahead - June 2023 Events

6/18 Father’s Day Western Days Festival

The historic and premiere annual event celebrating Valley Center’s western heritage. Events include the Guns & Hoses Chili Cook-Off, a pancake breakfast, a parade, a car show, and much more!

Location: various in Valley Center.

Info: www.westerndays.org

6/2 – 6/3 various event times

2nd Annual Julian Town Square Music Festival

Come to Julian, enjoy the ride, have some pie, experience a full day of music, and all that this historical town has to offer. There will be vendors, food, local artisans, raffles, silent auctions, many unique contribution opportunities, and 7 live bands featuring The Bree Jones Band, Gregory Page, Calamity, Nathan James & The Rhythm Scratchers, and more.

Location: Julian Town Square.

Info: www.visitjulian.com

6/3 10 am – 6 pm

Pride by the Beach 2023

Don’t miss out on the 2nd largest festival in Oceanside! This is a free, family friendly event, featuring a main stage and a community stage, as well as over 120 vendors and community resources!

Location: Civic Center Dr., Oceanside.

Info: www.pridebythebeach.org

6/3 12 – 6 pm

Cavern Club Pop Up

The 2023 edition of The Beatles Fair will celebrate the rich history of The Cavern Club in Liverpool. We will be celebrating 66 years of popular music inspired by The Beatles and closing the night with a special Beatles tribute band.

Location: Queen Bee’s Art & Cultural Center.

Info: beatlesfair.com

6/3 12 – 11:30 pm

Encinitas Rotary Wine & Food Festival

The one-day sip and sampling event features 25 wineries & breweries, as well as 24 local restaurants.

Location: Encinitas Ranch Golf Course.

Info: www.encinitaswinefestival.com

6/3 4 – 7 pm

Nitro Express - Country Rock Band

Classic Rock, Blues, Bluegrass, R&B, Country, Southern Rock, Surf Music, Motown, and even Reggae are some of the components that make up their unique sound. When they play a Classic Country song it is authentic...and when they play a Classic Rock song it is equally authentic to that style. But at the same time Nitro Express always makes sure to put their own stylistic stamp on every song they perform and make it their own.

Location: Fallbrook Mission Theatre.

Info: fallbrookmissiontheater.com

6/3 6 – 9 pm

Rock n’ Roll San Diego Marathon & Half Marathon

Athletes worldwide are coming to San Diego to participate in one of the nation’s premier marathons. Live bands and cheerleading groups entertain athletes along Sunday’s televised 26.2- or 13.1-mile course. Also available is Saturday’s 5K!

Location: Balboa Park to Downtown.

Info: www.runrocknroll.com/san-diego

6/3 – 6/4 Sat 7 am, Sun 6:15 am

San Diego County (Del Mar) Fair

Adventure awaits at the 2023 San Diego County Fair – “Get Out There!” to explore the great outdoors and get s’more of what life has to offer! Scout out Best-of-Show winners in the Fair’s competitive exhibitions. Reach new heights as you spin upside-down in the FunZone. Hike around San Diego Grown to learn all about local agriculture from food to fiber to flowers. Be prepared for an unsurpassed line-up of entertainment on the fair’s featured stages. Summer camp has never been so much fun!

Location: Del Mar Fairgrounds.

Info: www.sdfair.com

6/7 – 7/4 (closed Mondays & Tuesdays in June) Wed, Thu, Sun 11 am – 10 pm, Fri & Sat 11 am –11 pm

7/3 – 7/4 11 am – 10 pm

Night Fishing

Join us under the stars for some fishing! Bring your lanterns, not your radios.

Location: Santee Lakes.

Info: www.santeelakes.com

6/8 & 6/22 5 – 11:30 pm

San Diego Beer Weekend

Small and independent craft breweries across San Diego County are inviting you to shop–and sip–local! Each participating brewery will have a limited supply of commemorative glasses for sale. Be sure to check their social media for purchase details.

Location: various breweries across San Diego County.

Info: www.sdbeer.com/sdbeerweekend.html

6/9 – 6/11 various hours

Giro di San Diego GranFondo

The giro is known for having challenging and picturesque routes, outstanding ride support, delicious food on course and a post-ride party! Southern California meets Italy at the Giro di San Diego Gran Fondo, a celebration of cycling and food.

Location: Ryan Park, Escondido.

Info: www.girodisandiego.com

6/10 7:15 am

Taste of Julian

While apples will always be revered by the hamlet of Julian, we have more than apples to celebrate and Taste of Julian is designed to do just that…celebrate the deliciously diverse culinary delights Julian has to offer. The event is a self-guided tour of the participating restaurants and tasting rooms in the Julian area.

Location: check in at Town Hall, Julian.

Info: www.visitjulian.com

6/10 12:30 – 5 pm

San Diego Brew Festival

The 12th annual San Diego Brew Festival finally returns! The event will feature over 70 breweries, 200 beers, 10 of San Diego’s best food trucks as well as cover bands and lawn games.

Location: NTC Park.

Info: www.sandiegobeerfest.com

6/10 1 – 4 pm

East Village Blues Fest

The 2nd annual East Village Blues Festival is very proud to feature San Diego Music Award Winners Whitney Shay and The Taryn Donath Trio!! Also performing is very special guest Brother Yusef. Local favorites The Tighten Ups & the SDMA “Best Blues Artist” Winner, Anthony Cullins, top off this great day of the blues!

Location: Quartyard, 1301 Market St.

Info: www.eventbrite.com/e/east-village-bluesfest-tickets-467983640667

6/10 3 – 9 pm

Taste of La Mesa

Make plans to join us and “Taste, Savor and Mingle” in one ballroom, with plenty of room to stroll throughout the food and business vendor tables. Enjoy great food samplings, free prizes from business sponsors/vendors, a silent auction, and raffles during this fun-filled evening.

Location: Town & Country San Diego.

Info: lamesachamber.net/taste

6/10 5 – 8 pm

Greek Festival

We invite you to partake of our food and drink, as well as enjoy the live music, by letting your ears revel in the melodies and letting your feet move you on the dance floor. We are here to share our culture with you and hope to touch your heart with the whole experience.

Location: St. Spyridon Church, 3655 Park Blvd.

Info: www.sdgreekfestival.com

6/10 – 6/11 Sat 11 am – 10 pm, Sun 11 am – 8 pm

2023 USA Surfing Championships

USA Surfing Championships and Team Trials: adult shortboard, longboard (all ages), SUP surf, SUP race, and para surfing!

Location: Oceanside Harbor North Jetty.

Info: www.usasurfing.org

6/13 – 6/17 various hours

Switchfoot Bro-Am Beach Fest 2023

Bro-Am gives back and invests in the next generation of youth. This is a free, all ages, family-friendly community giving movement event to enjoy a whole day of surf contests, live concerts on the beach with Grammy award-winning rock band Switchfoot, special guests, brand activations, vendor booths, green initiatives, and more.

Location: Moonlight Beach, Encinitas.

Info: www.broam.org/events/2023beachfest

6/17 7 am – 5 pm

2nd Annual West Coast Hot Sauce Experience

Over 50 craft hot sauce producers from all over the world providing unlimited free samples, VIP Area with hosted food and bar, local craft beers

& cocktails, live music & entertainment, gourmet food trucks, spicy eating competitions and much more. Fun for the whole family!

Location: Broadway Pier.

Info: www.westcoasthotsauceexperience.com

6/17 – 6/18 11 am – 7 pm

San Diego Lao Food Festival

This 2-day event showcases the diverse cuisine and culture of Laos. Flavorful food stalls of traditional Lao dishes, from savory to sweet. Some unique and delicious dishes can’t even be ordered in local Lao restaurants. In addition to the food, the festival features live music, cultural performances, cooking demonstrations, and fun cooking competitions. Foodies, get your taste buds ready for an adventure!

Location: Mira Mesa Community Park.

Info: www.laofoodfestival.org

6/17 – 6/18 Sat 11 am – 7 pm, Sun 11 am – 6 pm

Father’s Day Cruise to Belmont Park

Open to all years, makes, and models! Trophies for all classes! Enjoy great music, food, fun, and more.

Location: Belmont Park.

Info: www.carshowcalifornia.com/upcoming-shows

6/18 10 am – 3 pm

Country on the Coast Music Festival San Diego

Get ready for a boot-stompin’, hat-tippin’, good time! Featuring Kelsea Ballerini, Chris Janson, Thompson Square and others. But that’s not allthere are plenty of other activities and experiences to enjoy throughout the day.

Location: Waterfront Park.

Info: countryonthecoast.com

6/18 2 – 9:30 pm

Make Music San Diego

Make Music San Diego is a live, free musical celebration on the longest day of the year, with concerts on streets, sidewalks, and parks across the city.

Location: various around the county.

Info: www.makemusicday.org

6/21 various

Summer Solstice

The Del Mar Village Association invites you to celebrate the beginning of summer as only Del Mar knows how: with delicious food and drinks, fun music, ocean views, and beachy, good vibes.

Location: Powerhouse Park, Del Mar.

Info: www.visitdelmarvillage.com/summersolstice

6/22 5 – 8 pm

Santee Firefighters Fishing Derby

Derby participants will receive a free day permit, worms, a raffle ticket, hot dog lunch, and free door prizes while they last! For ages 3 – 17 only.

Location: Santee Lakes, Lake 3 & 4 – Area L.

Info: santeefirefighters.org/events/fishing-derby

6/24 6 – 11 am

All Things Carroll Shelby Car Show

Highlighting the cars made famous by Carroll Shelby through his years as a racer/builder. This show is also open to other High-Performance Ford Cars, Trucks, and Hot Rods.

Location: Embarcadero Marina Park – North.

Info: socalsaac.org

6/24 9 am – 2 pm

43rd Annual Ocean Beach Street Fair & Chili Cook-Off

Eclectic fun in the sun for all ages! Enjoy tasty festival nosh, art, beachfront entertainment, shopping, and more! The Chili Competition features tastings from amateur entrants.

Location: 4800 – 5000 Newport Avenue.

Info: oceanbeachsandiego.com/attractions/annual-events/ob-street-fair-chili-cook

6/24 10 am – 8 pm

Summer Fun on the 101

Summer Fun on the 101 is Encinitas’ most epic music festival and is free and open to the whole community! The lineup is lovingly curated by Ruthless Hippies.

Location: Leucadia Roadside Park.

Info: leucadia101.com/meetinginfo. php?id=13&ts=1678997222

6/24 11 am – 7 pm

San Diego Scottish Highland Games & Gathering

Enjoy the fun and pageantry of the San Diego Scottish Highland Games & Gathering of the Clans. Traditional competitions, costumes, and entertainment for all.

Location: Brengle Terrace Park, Vista.

Info: sdhighlandgames.org

6/24 – 6/25 9 am

San Diego International Triathlon

This race is one of the longest-standing triathlons in the country and a Triathlete favorite. There are two distances to choose from an international course and a sprint course, whichever you choose you’re guaranteed a great race.

Location: Spanish Landing Park.

Info: www.sdinternationaltriathlon.com

6/25 6:35 am

Taste of Adams Avenue

This gastronomic trek will feature 40 restaurants, coffee houses, pubs, wine bars, breweries and unique eateries in one of San Diego’s hottest and historic neighborhoods. In addition to this adventurous tasting tour, attendees can also experience the neighborhood’s many distinctive shops on Adams Avenue. Location: Adams Avenue, from University Heights through Normal Heights to Kensington.

Info: www.adamsavenuebusiness.com/ event-info/taste-of-adams-avenue

6/25 11 am – 3 pm

MONDAY

San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival

This annual event combines the soothing sounds of smooth jazz, a variety of delicious cuisine, and an amazing atmosphere that creates an unparalleled experience. Featuring Rebecca Jade, Michael Franks, RnR, and more!

Location: The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park.

Info: www.sandiegosmoothjazzfestival.com

6/24 – 6/25 3:30 pm

Oceanside Independence Day Freedom Parade

Come see floats, bands, walking groups, cool cars, and much more. Honoring Our Hometown Heroes!

Location: Coast Hwy. – Wisconsin Ave. to Civic Center Dr.

Info: www.oceansideparade.com

6/24 10 am - 4 pm

Scoop San Diego Ice Cream Festival

A homegrown and entirely original event, Scoop San Diego is the place for the ice cream community to show up, show off and do some good. Each year, Scoop San Diego benefits a different local non-profit, with a mission to support underserved communities in San Diego—and have fun doing it. The event joins dozens of San Diego’s top ice cream and gelato vendors with thousands of sweet-toothed San Diegans for a great cause and a great time. Location: North Park Way, between 30th St. & Granada Ave.

Info: scoopsandiego.org

6/25 12 – 4 pm

SAN DIEGO COUNTY FARMERS MARKETS (as of 3/29/2023)

Escondido 3-7pm

8860 Lawrence Welk Dr.

TUESDAY

Coronado 2:30–6pm

1st St. & B Ave.

Escondido 2:30pm-Sunset

200 N. Juniper St.

La Jolla 10am-2pm (Sep-Jun)

UCSD Town Square

Mira Mesa 3–7pm (Feb-Oct), 3-6pm (Nov-Dec)

Mira Mesa High School

Otay Ranch 4-8pm (7pm during COVID)

Birch Rd. & Eastlake Blvd.

Pacific Beach 2-7pm

Bayard & Garnet

San Marcos 3-7pm

250 North City Dr.

WEDNESDAY

Carlsbad Village 2:30-7pm (MarOct), 2:30-6pm (Nov-Feb)

State St. & Carlsbad Village Dr.

Little Italy Mercato 9:30am–1:30pm

West Date St.

Ocean Beach 4-8pm

4900 Newport Ave.

Santee 3–7pm (Mar-Oct), 2:306:30pm (Nov-Feb)

Carlton Hills Blvd. & Mast

South Bay 3-7pm

4475 Bonita Rd.

THURSDAY

Linda Vista 12-6pm

6931 Linda Vista Rd.

North Park 3–7:30pm

North Park Way & 30th St.

Oceanside 9am–1pm

Pier View Wy & Hwy. 101

Scripps Ranch 3-8pm (Mar-Nov), 3-7pm (Dec-Feb)

10045 Carroll Canyon Rd.

FRIDAY

Borrego Springs 7am-Noon (OctMay)

Christmas Circle

La Mesa 3-7pm

La Mesa Blvd.

Rancho Bernardo 9am–1pm

Bernardo Winery

SATURDAY

Cardiff 10am-2pm

3333 Manchester Ave. City Heights 9am-1pm

4300 Wightman St.

Del Mar 12–4pm

1050 Camino Del Mar

Fallbrook 9am-1:30pm

100 S. Main Ave.

Little Italy Mercato 8am–2pm

West Date St.

Mission Valley 8:30am-12pm

7960 Civita Blvd.

Poway 8am–1pm

Old Poway Park

Santa Ysabel 10am–6pm

21887 Washington St.

Vista 8am–12pm

Melrose Dr., S. of Hwy 78

SUNDAY

Chula Vista 10am-2pm

300 Park Way

Hillcrest 9am–2pm

3960 Normal St.

La Jolla 9am–1pm

Girard Ave. & Genter St.

Leucadia 10am–2pm

185 Union St.

Rnch Santa Fe 9:30am–2pm

16079 San Dieguito Rd.

Santa Ysabel 10am–6pm

21887 Washington St.

Solana Beach 12-4pm 444 S. Cedros Ave.

Things are changing daily!

For more info and location

specifics for San Diego County Farmers Markets visit: sdfarmbureau.org or cdfa.ca.gov

ARE YOUR RELATIONSHIPS MORE PAINFUL THAN POSITIVE?

Forget the spooky and scary ambiance of the Halloween season, a more frightening occurrence is the truth that underneath almost every relationship problem, there is a learning-to-love-yourself problem.

Lack of self-love (in you, your partner, or both), can lead to bickering, fighting, distance, money problems, intimacy issues, criticism, blame - you name it.

As I’ve mentioned before, there’s a lot of fluff about self-love these days. It’s one of those cliches that’s now become a tagline or t-shirt. I’m not talking about the superficial concept replete with catchphrases and quick fixes. I’m referring to an elemental understanding of your worth and contribution that is your birthright.

That’s why, whenever I work with a couple, I start with teaching them how to love themselves first.

Once that piece is taken care of, the relationship often falls right into place.

Insecurity Is About Fear

Let’s not withhold what is one of the most crucial truths about Love and life: Insecurity is about fear, and nowhere is this more common than in romantic relationship.

As soon as you start liking somebody, there is an almost instantaneous opposite feeling that emerges: fear.

What if this person doesn’t like me in return?

What if I say or do something that might give this person the wrong idea about me?

What if I miss my chance to say and do just the right thing?

And then, as you fall in love, the stakes get higher. The more you invest of yourself, the higher the fear climbs.

What if I get all wrapped up in this relationship and then it all comes crashing down?

Everybody Is At Least A Little Insecure

If a partner has ever told you you’re insecure, well guess what? He or she isn’t off the hook.

That’s because fear is a fundamental human emotion, and the desire to be loved is also fairly universal around the globe.

All of us yearn to love and be loved, so as soon as we have the inkling that we’ve met “someone” - and that a romantic relationship is possible - in creeps the icky shadow of fear.

Feeling insecure isn’t entirely a bad thing: Fear lets you know that something is out of harmony and needs to be looked at and that something can be learned when you welcome and get curious about your fear.

Problems happen when insecurity gets the better of you.

How To Tell If Insecurity Is Ruining Your Relationships

You’ll know insecurity is out of hand if you tend to become hypervigilant in relationships – especially an intimate relationship.

You’ll scan your partner for any sign that he’s not paying enough attention to you. You’ll drive yourself crazy after you catch them chatting with an attractive guest at a party.

No matter how many times your partner tells you they love you, it’s never enough.

You may get engaged, buy a house, get married, and have children, but there’s always this nagging feeling within you that your partner doesn’t really love you as much as you want to be loved.

You might even start to imagine that maybe they’re with you just out of duty, commitment, or habit.

You look for reasons why your partner isn’t happy with you - if he becomes interested in a new hobby, you think it’s because he’s just looking for an excuse to spend time away from you.

If she tells you about a new partner who just joined her firm, you’ll Google him and start to wonder if she might find him more attractive.

None of these things are probably true, but this is:

You’re Actually Creating The Very Situation You Fear

Whenever you are operating from of feelings of fear like this, you push away love.

Excessive fear (in this case appearing as insecurity), makes it practically impossible to generate the good, positive experiences that promote romance and connection.

The more you worry that your partner will leave, the more tension is created. Instead of being loved, your partner may experience watched, oppressed, and inadequate. By questioning your partner’s allegiance, you’re also sending the message that you don’t trust them to love you.

They may try to appease you and demonstrate just how much they love you, but if it’s never enough, this becomes a tiring way to live.

And before long, your worst nightmare comes trueyour partner wants to leave.

The Only Cure For Big Insecurity

When insecurity is steering your relationships, you can be sure of one thing:

YOU don’t love you.

On the surface, it may seem that insecurity is about how you relate to other people, but it’s really about how you relate to yourself.

If you don’t truly believe you are lovable exactly as you are, then you won’t give love to yourself first. You’re rejecting your core self, and because of this fundamental discrepancy, you’ll automatically fear rejection by other people. Healthy long-term relationships require vulnerability, conflict, recommitment, and reverence. Insecurity will commonly prevent the necessary depth of vulnerability (to unveil yourself enough to enjoy a profound connection) and the willingness to have conflict (because you’re too scared to possibly make waves and lose your partner).

So, until you commit to loving yourself and moving through your fear - and not abandoning yourself - you will never be fully happy in any relationship – especially an intimate relationship.

The way to put an end to this debilitating predicament is to completely take the focus off your romantic partner and put it squarely on yourself.

You must, above all else, commit to loving yourself first - no matter who sticks around.

The beautiful irony is that as soon as you do this, you discover that other people can’t get enough of you.

The Fastest Path To A Secure Relationship

After working with hundreds of singles and couples over the past several years, I’ve seen time and again that the fastest path to a secure relationship is to learn to love yourself first.

Once you learn to love yourself, life and love become much easier.

Your energy is no longer wrapped up in trying to avoid being rejected or hurt. It’s incredibly liberating.

Your relationships unfold with delightful spontaneity and fun.

Your partner’s love is like a wonderful bonus to your already fulfilling life - rather than this thing you have to grab on to for dear life.

Learning to love yourself is a powerhouse of a practice - and one that I’ve been guiding for decades - that I created the Soul Expansion: Conscious Loving and Living program.

We must learn to consciously love before we can truly consciously live.

You’ll learn how to isolate the fears, doubts, and lack of self-acceptance that have led you down the dark path of insecurity - and are therefore keeping you from being truly happy in love.

This process distills everything within Soul Expansion into the most effective path to transformation.

It cuts right to the chase and tackles insecurity headon.

You are cordially invited to the rest of your life! Take the next step towards Soul Expansion with the gift of a Complimentary Session or call (619) 832-2750.

Learn how this innovative practice bypasses common bottlenecks faster than traditional therapy to celebrate your purpose with clarity, awareness, and personal strength!

Daniel Allen is a writer, speaker, and spiritual & emotional counselor on the subject of relationships (including the one we hold with ourselves), and an advocate for Love and raising consciousness. For more information or article suggestions please visit www.SoulExpansion.com, email info@SoulExpansion.com or call (619) 832-2750.

On Saturday, 4-22-23, Celebrate-athon.com celebrated the anniversaries of Batta | Fulkerson Injury Attorneys, Henebery Spirits, Partying for a Purpose and It’s All About the Kids® [IAATK]. Celebrate-athon.com was an in-person and livestreamed fundraiser for the Feed the Kids Program held at the amazing headquarters of Batta | Fulkerson Injury Attorneys. The event video will be released soon on www.ItsAllAboutTheKids.org.

Guests attended and presented GIANT checks to IAATK to fight food insecurity in San Diego. Over $92,000 was raised with pledges of over $206,000. San Diego’s favorite MC Kristy Salazar and Rogue Bunny Mayhem podcast host Brian Olea kept the live-stream fun and energized while the checks poured in. Everyone enjoyed entertainment from J7 Entertainment, Tarciana, El Watusi, Adam Lasher, DJ Scott Roberts, DJ IDeaL and a special live stream set from world-famous DJ Donald Glaude. San Diego’s

best stylist Kotton CandiCo dazzled the guests with her styling corner, and then they struck a pose on the Booth12 photo booth and 360 Video. In the ZoomRoom, managed by Rebel Angel Media, donors and guests chatted with Rogue Bunny Mayhem podcast hosts Donna and Victoria who answered questions and told supporters about their amazing life experiences. Production experts Icon Productions and DBS Productions captured the event along with photographers Ivan S. Harris Photography and Guided by Imagination Photography. Photos are available at www. ItsAllAboutTheKids.org. In-person guests also loved the delicious food from Rubicon Deli, Meze Greek Fusion and Pacific Beach Fish Shop. Libations included Agua Fresca, Henebery Whiskey, Layback Vodka and Longball Tea, along with tastings from Cava Antigua Tequila. The on-line auction fea -

tured awesome items and there is currently, an auction after-sale with additional items just added at www.celebrate-athon.com. With over 200,000 San Diego children going to bed hungry, IAATK’s mission to feed kids is more important than ever before. Through delivery, and distributions at schools, low-income housing developments, and at Mini-Pantries, IAATK is removing the barrier of transportation to get more nutritious food to over 500 families each week. The Energy Project, within the Feed the Kids Program, sponsors Bike Clubs, teaches nutrition education, and provides each student with PrepEaze’s BEEZ SEEDZ protein bars and new bikes from Out of the Ordinary Group and Team Adventures. For more information about It’s All About the Kids® and how you can help by donating, volunteering, and sharing their mission, please visit www.ItsAllAboutTheKids. org.

BY BART MENDOZA

Floyd Armstrong / 2nd Annual Runway Chardonnay

York who told me my voice is in the 432 frequency, naturally. That means it’s in the healing frequency where its calming. I wondered why females would say “whenever I hear your voice, I feel so relaxed,” but I never really thought about it,” he said.

Armstrong has hit the ground running with the project. “We have the location in Casa de Oro, we’re raising money now for the equipment,” Armstrong said. He points out how expensive a basic studio need such as a microphone can be. “Something like that can run, $2,000 - $3,000 dollars. You put a bunch of things like that together for the studio and it adds up. We want the studio to be a class act, to make music that calms and relaxes veterans that we can give out and distribute on CD’s or downloads. We’ll even have an app for it. Basically, we’ll record the veterans who have musical talent at our studio and create a platform for them to come in and perform at no cost with our musician’s as well as producer friends that I have.”

Armstrong spent years performing in San Diego with the group, Satisfaction, before joining the Fifth Dimension. Satisfaction achieved regional success, even appearing on TV’s The Gong Show, but it doesn’t compare to what came next. How was the jump to international star? “Sur-

On May 27, Lakeside’s Trevi Hills Winery will host the 2nd Annual Runway Chardonnay, mixing wine, fashion and music, while raising funds for a good cause, the Music Therapy for Veterans Music Studio, located in Casa de Oro.

In addition to raffles and a fashion show with Dawn Sebaugh’s new spring collection from WALA, music fans will be treated to a performance from the studios founder, singer Floyd Armstrong, best known for his work with iconic, six-time Grammy winning hitmakers, The Fifth Dimension, and their long string of hits, including “Aquarius / Let The Sunshine In,” “Up, Up and Away,” and “If I Could Reach You.” Notably, he recently made his acting debut in the Robert Deniro and Christian Bale film, Amsterdam.

Armstrong is a native San Diegan who truly believes in the healing powers of music, with his initial interest piqued by a visit to a VA hospital by The Fifth Dimension. “It began after an autograph session at one of the hospitals for veterans,” he recalled. “I won’t say which one, but I went to a hospital where they were servicing veterans and it just didn’t feel right, it didn’t smell right. I just didn’t like it, and I thought, what can I do to lift the spirits in the hospital when veterans are there? And I thought about music therapy.”

Personal experiences also played a role. “As a kid growing up, my stepfather had PTSD and there were some difficult challenges dealing with him,” Armstrong said. “I don’t know what the problem was, but he was very angry and the only thing that calmed him down other than drinking, was music. One of the few times when he and I could communicate calmly was when I was either singing music or involved with music while he was listening.” Fast forward a few years and Armstrong found himself attending his first music therapy conference at the Town and Country Hotel. “I was inspired by the program and what they did with music.

They worked with veterans who had PTSD, as well as with autism among kids and seniors, but I was more focused on the veteran’s portion because I was looking for somewhere to give from my heart, that wouldn’t seem like work. So, I developed a curriculum where I would raise the money, create free music therapy sessions and then give out the sessions to veterans who applied.” Interestingly, Armstrong’s voice will also play a role in the music studios work. “I was contacted by some doctors from New

real,” Armstrong laughed. “Going from clubs with four or five hundred people, to venues with 5 or 10,000, was insane. And then working with choreographers, who worked with Janet Jackson and Diana Ross, and learning major minor chords in a harmony, and then watching the audience reaction to those harmonies. You’ve really got to wrap your mind around it all. Joining the Fifth Dimension was just a surreal experience,” he said good naturedly. Upcoming projects for Armstrong include more touring with the Fifth Dimension, as well as a solo album, Finally Floyd. He will also continue a Wednesday night, 6 – 8 p.m., residency at the Jamul Casino. In the meantime, Armstrong will continue his hard work on the Music Therapy for Veterans Music Studio. For him the ultimate reward from project is “just watching the veterans faces light up,” he said. “When they come in depressed and by the time they leave after a session, they feel lighter, they feel happy. One of my favorite quotes is that music is the one thing that captures your entire brain at one time. That’s what drives me because I know it works.”

www.eventbrite.com/e/619185629887

Jimmy’s Buffet / Parrotheads Unite!

With more than 20 million albums sold, no other rock and roll musician represents summertime parties and fun on the water quite like Jimmy Buffet. With a devoted fanbase, aka Parrotheads, that rivals the Grateful Dead, it’s only natural that a tribute act would take shape. Such is the case with new combo, Jimmy’s Buffet, who perform at Fiesta del Sol on May 21.

Based in Carlsbad, the seven-piece band includes Chris Maddox (lead vocals) and Peter Hix (lead guitar), GD Dog Walker (bass), George Logemann (keyboards), Vasili Panos (drums), Ivan Rios (congas) and Jackie Powers.

Maddox is perhaps best known as the frontman for another tribute project, Graceland, in which he takes the part of Elvis Presley. What inspired Maddox to form a tribute band playing Jimmy Buffet music? “Great Story: I’ve been a Buffett fan since I was in college,” Maddox said. “He was a mainstay at literally every party we went to or hosted. We went to countless concerts, once three in four days. Lots of drinking & carousing. So, I’m in my bed, late at night, current day, thinking of what I can do next. I’m 50 and doing Elvis in the jumpsuit and wig is literally killing me, it’s very physical.” He also considered that he had “done it a while and it wasn’t easy to book a 12-piece Elvis band. So, I’m listening to Jimmy on my headphones, while I was thinking of ideas: an 80s hip hop tribute called Word... an Buble type show called An Evening With... and as I’m thinking of them, I keep hitting ‘next’ on the stereo. Then Fins comes on. And I start doing the ‘fins to the left’ move in bed... and it strikes me. I gotta do Buffett! I love Buffett, I can sing it well, people will love it, Parrot Heads are great fans to appeal to as I am one.”

While Buffet’s big hits are all in the band’s repertoire, Jimmy’s Buffet does dig into his catalog as well. “Most of us live on Radio Margaritaville on Sirius,” Maddox noted. “We have a wide breadth of knowledge and go as deep as we reasonably can. A standard ninety-minute show has twenty songs, and we make sure they all play a role. Our job is to keep everyone entertained and dancing so we are very aware of that, ie: Jimmy can sing three to four slow songs at a concert, we will sing about one. We will add in some fun that Jimmy does not do as well. We serve the gods of being tight and fun, that’s our motto.”

Besides “Margaritaville,” what’s the biggest crowd pleaser in the band’s set? “Ha, you said it. Nothing tops the national anthem,” Maddox mused. “I think for sheer musicality its “Southern Cross.” It’s got it all: Rockin’ Beats, four-part harmonies, and a great sailing story. For sheer fun it’s gotta be “Fins.” We do both of them with a lot of flair and effects in concert, but I won’t spoil it, you gotta see us live.”

What’s Maddox’s favorite thing about playing with Jimmy’s Buffet? “’ We have a seven-piece band with a focus on making great rhythms, that are insanely in pocket, to drive a great Caribbean sound,” he said. “The show I put on is full of fun and showmanship, but this is the bedrock it is built on: quality musicians playing together.”

Even with some of his other band projects successes, Maddox consider Jimmy’s Buffet to be special. “I’m 50 years old and I’ve never had this much fun,” he said. “When you put

a band together you take a lot of chances: who’s going to be in it? what are their needs? personalities? all that. I’ve been through it a lot and at some point the magic either happens, or it doesn’t. You have to let it go and see what comes back. In this case it all came back aces.” Maddox is thrilled with the band’s line up. “We knew and stumbled into great musicians, who are mature, been through it, and love Buffett,” he said. “My favorite part of playing with the band is that I’ve made six new friends that I would not otherwise know.” Maddox is looking forward to more gigs, more good times with Jimmy’s Buffet. “I’ve started a few bands, but I’ve never had this kind of reaction,” he remarked. “It speaks to the timeless quality of Jimmy, his music, and what he represents. A better life, a lot of chill, and being on the beach.”

www.thejimmysbuffet.com

2 Guns Drawn / A Tale of Two Guns

Hip-hop duo 2 Guns Drawn recently released their debut album, A Tale of Two Guns, kicking off a new round of musical projects. Comprised of rappers Madd Joker and Majesty, aka J Knoll and Olivia Fentress, while the duo is just releasing new music, the two have long been a part of the local hiphop scene. “We have known and respected each other’s talents for decades,” Fentress said. “We dated as kids and years later reconnected and began dating again. I told him, we need to start a group and I named us 2 Guns Drawn.”

2 Guns Drawn has been together roughly three years. While A Tale of 2 Guns is their first release as a duo, “I would be amiss if I didn’t mention Madd Joker’s iconic catalog, which features “Death in the Arena,“ for which he won a SDMA, “Shootout in the Capital” and “

Represent the Struggle” to name a few. His skills drew me in, to him as a musical and romantic partner, he’s fire to me. I respect his expe-

rience and what he brings to the table. He followed my early career as well, with my 2000 underground release, Princess Presents: Depths of the Underground. Our mutual love and respect, plus combined decades of musical experiences bring the razor-sharp skills, lyricism and chemistry we display as 2 Guns Drawn.”

According to Fentress the pair

“are inspired by the necessity for real voices to be heard in our genre. We are inspired by our history, culture and human experience. We grew up on artist like KRS 1, Run DMC, MC Lytle, King Yellowman, Michael Palmer etc. These artists represent the struggle and reality of life in their communities, and we strive to do the same. The change that music can bring and the unity that it can create inspires as well.”

Look for 2 Guns Drawn to play live shows throughout the summer, with new singles, “Count us out” featuring Louie Lecture, and “ Robots Attack,” due soon. What does Fentress enjoy most about being an musician? “Our favorite aspect about us being artists is that we both are a part of a movement in which we can serve a purpose for the planet, people’s enjoyment and enlightenment. It is a beautiful feeling that can’t be matched. To rock the mic while contributing to the betterment of humankind is what we both really live to do.”

Top 5 Concerts / Beatles + Edition

May 20 & 21 – The 42nd Annual Fiesta Del Sol / Fletcher Cove, Solana Beach. 9 a.m. – 10 p.m. (Sat) / 8 p.m. (Sun)

Two days of free, all ages, fun in the sun with 80’s hitmakers, ska favorites, The English Beat, plus The B-Side Players, The Sully Band, Jimmy’s Buffet and more.

May 28 & 31 - Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band / Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay, Shelter Island.

8 p.m.

Music icon Ringo Starr returns to San Diego for two shows at this waterfront venue. For this year’s edition he’s joined by Steve Lukather (Toto), Edgar Winter, Colin Hay (Men at Work) and Hamish Stuart (The Average White Band)

June 3 – Beatles Fair XIX /

Queen Bee’s, North Park. Noon to Midnight.

This year’s event celebrates Liverpool’s legendary Cavern Club, complete with not only tributes to The Beatles (Rubber Soul), but also Oasis (Oasiz), The Smiths (Head-

master Ritual) and more. Guests include author John Borack, with plenty of Fab Four Family Fun on two stages.

June 3 - The 2nd Annual Julian Town Square Music Festival / Julian Town Square, Julian. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

This free all-day event boasts a great bill of rock, folk and Americana. Performers are set to include The Farmers, Gregory Page, The Fremonts, Calamity, The Sea

Monks and more.

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

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

New Releases Wayne Riker / Guitar Workshop Plus!

New and Upcoming Singles: 2 Guns Drawn - “Count is out” featuring Louie Lecture & “ Robots Attack,” A Lens to the Sun – tbd, Cassie B – “Honey,” Cattle Decapitation - “We Eat Our Young,” Clance + Imes - “Free Virtual Tarot Readings,” Kahlee - “Raw” featuring Tone Spliff, Manual Scan – “David May,” Jason Mraz – “You Might Like It,” Gregory Page – “The Future,” Sara Petite - “Bringin’ Down the Neighborhood,” Rotten Cabal – “SINS,” Sons of Edison - “Carry Me,” Sorry it’s Over - “ Feel Like It’s The 60’s,” Jonny Tarr – “Let’s Take A Starship Ride,” Lindsay White -”Disappearing,” ft. Anna Ballew.

New and Upcoming Albums & EP’s: The Album Leaf - Future Falling, Blame Betty - Big Betty’s Alright!, Cattle Decapitation – Terrasite, Gangbusters – s/t, Veronica May - Between The Seems, Jason Mraz - Mystical Magical Rhythmical Radical Ride (June 23), Sara Petite - The Empress, Story and Tune – Light From the Break New and Upcoming Videos: O. Musisko “Country Song Cliche”

Acclaimed guitarist Wayne Riker has returned to teaching, giving weekly lessons at Rock and Roll San Diego. Now heading into his sixth decade in music, Riker has toured extensively, penned numerous guitar instructional books, written for national publications Acoustic Musician and Guitar Player and received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2017 SDMA’s. Prospective students can contact him at whyriker@gmail.com.

What inspired Riker to start teaching again? “I’ve had numerous former students inquiring about lessons so I thought it would be a good time to jump back in, in addition to missing the personal interaction with helping others to learn one on one,” he said. “I’m accepting students of all levels and most styles including Blues, Rock, Jazz, Country, slide guitar, theory, improv and I can help singer/ songwriters expand their use of chordal possibilities throughout the neck.”

In addition to teaching at RnRSD, Riker will helm the Blues Seminar for Guitar Workshop Plus taking place from June 25-30th at the Sheraton Harbor Mission Valley, with featured guest artists, guitarist Alex Skolnick and bassist Nathan East. Riker is also keeping busy in the studio. “I’ll be recording my 16th CD,

Alphabetical Blues Bash (Vol. 2) this summer with guest vocalists Lauren Leigh, Shelle Blue, Debora Galan, Josh Taylor, Rebecca Jade, Deanna Haala, Stacy Antonel, Heather Nation and Nathan Raney.

What’s Riker’s favorite thing about being a musician? “To use a classic cliche: “find something you love and figure out a way to get paid for it,” he said. “It’s worked for me for the past 54 years on the musical merry-go-round!”

http://www.waynerikerguitar.com

San Diego Music News April 2023

Reggae Rise Up takes place in Las Vegas October 6 – 8, with Slightly Stoopid topping the bill on opening night and Skyler Lutes opening the festival the following day.

The first annual California Music Hall of Fame induction ceremony takes place on September 23 at the Golden Bear Theatre, in Temecula. The event will feature a long list of luminaries, includ-

going out and just getting what you are worth, that whole side of her writing has always spoken to me. Her voice is also just so amazing, I used her songs early on as vocal warmups to stretch my range in a healthy way.”

Chris Leyva’s rock combo, Falling Doves, kicks off the second leg of their Technicolor Dreams, 2023 World Tour on July 6 at the Cavern Club

Guitarist Mike Ruggirello is keeping busy. His group, Rotten Cabal, has a new single coming out in June called “SINS,” which was recorded at Singing Serpent by Ben Moore. Additionally, his online program Theory Thursday is back with weekly episodes broadcast live on YouTube.

The Spice Pistols have rush released a new single, “Allies.” “The song is all about the mean-

ing two former San Diegan’s, 1960’s era hitmaker, Gary Puckett and bassist Jason Scheff, formerly of Chicago.

The Wild Honey Foundation’s latest benefit concert for the Autism Healthcare Collaborative will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the compilation album, Nuggets: Original Artyfacts From the First Psychedelic Era, 1965-1968. Taking place on May 19 at the Alex Theatre in Glendale, on hand will be an amazing line up including original LP curator Lenny Kaye as well as members of legendary 1960’s era groups The Chocolate Watchband, Love, The Seeds, The Leaves and The Electric Prunes and more recent combos such as The Plimsouls, R.E.M. and The Cars. San Diego will be represented by performances from Mike Stax (The Loons) and Cindy Lee Berryhill.

On May 28 Hello Betty’s in Oceanside will host a special benefit concert for one of their employees, Thomas Brown. “I’m working on a fundraiser for one of our staff that is battling prostate cancer,” said event organizer Meeche Dozier of Hello Betty. “Thomas is the most amazing of souls, always smiling and makes everyone around him smile and feel good. Sadly, he has been forced to stop working and spend all his energy and money fighting this. I want to have music from open to close.” Bands set to take part include All Strung Out, Harrison Michael, Blame Betty and closing out the day, Jehlad. www.hellobettyoceanside. com

On July 3, from 3- 6 p.m., Blame Betty will be hosting a release show for their new EP, Big Betty’s Alright!, at Fast Times.

On May 25, vocalist Sandi King will pay tribute to Nikka Costa in a special show at Humphrey’s Backstage Live, with a backing band that also includes Ken Dow, Joshua Taylor, Miles Clowminzer and Josh Weinstein. “I’ve seen her perform live over fifteen times and it’s always an amazing and inspirational thing for me,” King said. “Her style of writing about being positive,

in Liverpool, wrapping up August 25 in Cannes, France.

“Rogues of Chaos are currently in Singing Serpent recording studio working on our first album release as a band,” says Jerry Julian Flack (Cardiac Kidz). “Special Guest drummer Matt Starr from Ace Frehley’s band is performing on a couple of our tracks.”

ing behind the song title,” said the band’s Hairy Scary Spice (Sppike Mike Muellenberg)

“There’s way too much separation in this world. And not enough people looking for the likeness amongst us all. We all woke up this morning human before anything else. It seems too many people today have forgotten this simple truth.” The Spice Pistols next head into the studio this July to record a follow up to their SDMA nominated EP, Spice Train.

May Is For More Than Just A BBQ

By Bob Morey

May is a special month in the Performing Arts scene. For some, the current season is closing. For others, new seasons are announced or opening, some companies are shifting locations, and a handful of seasonal theatres are opening for us to enjoy a night under the stars for the next handful of months.

The San Diego Symphony, for years, would play at Symphony Hall through May, then take a month off before returning for their summer season by the bay. The Rady Shell has changed all that, and because San Diego has such fabulous weather and the days are longer now, they are already there! This is a big week down on the bay; I’ve said in the past that the Symphony strives very hard to have something for everyone throughout the year. On May 10th, The Violent Femmes join our Symphony for some serious jamming. Next up, just a couple of days later, it’s family night. On May 13th and 14th, pack up the kids for a night under the stars with Star Wars: A New Hope. This might be the perfect night to get your kids to sit still at the performing arts without asking them to, and they might learn to appreciate the Symphony and all they have to offer. This is the one that started the saga that still emerges today. There is no need to recount the story here, but I would be remiss if I didn’t point out that Conductor Conner Gray Covington and our Symphony will bring John Williams’s galactic score of this timeless story to life.

The San Diego Musical Theatre is rolling along with Xanadu up the hill in Kearney Mesa. Xanadu is the story of an ambitious artist, who’s stuck in a dead-end job, then throws off his limitations to follow his dreams with some encouragement from a muse, and of course, there are roller skates. Adapted for the stage from the 1980 film favorite starring Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly. Xanadu spins its magic at The San Diego Musical Theatre through June 4th.

In Balboa Park, The Old Globe has a full month starting with Destiny Of Desire, opening on May 19th. On a stormy night in Bellarica, Mexico, two babies are born — one into a life of incredible wealth and one into a life of poverty. When a ruthless ex–beauty queen swaps the newborns, the stage is set for two outrageous misfortunes to grow into an extraordinary destiny. Directed by Tony Award winner Ruben Santiago-Hudson (August Wilson’s Jitney) and filled with vibrant choreography and live music, Destiny of Desire explores the emotional rollercoaster and social commentary that make the telenovela the most popular form of storytelling on the planet.

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

Across the bay, The Lamb’s Players has their own unique formula for showcasing talent in productions that are so popular that the only thing they can do is hold it over and over and over (It seemed like Mixtape ran forever

at the Horton Grand Theatre). This time, The Lamb’s Players have conjured up pure magic with Respect - The Amazing Women Of The 60’S. Respect features some of the region’s best singers in celebrating the music of Aretha Franklin, Joni Mitchell, Dionne Warwick, Janis Joplin, the Supremes & many, many more! Respect is a delightful evening filled with songs of love and laughter that audiences can’t get enough of and has been held over five times and will close on June 4th

Before our next edition arrives in your mailbox, here are a couple of shows to keep on your radar.

Old Town is always a great place to be this time of the year and one of the best stops you can make is the Cygnet Theatre, which brings us the suspenseful, slow-burning dark comedy Sharon, opening on June 10th Not all is as it seems in this hilarious and Hitchcockian story that makes you question…well, everything. Sharon and Jakey are a loving mother and son, running the crumbling apartment building in Everett, WA, that’s been in the family for generations, repainting the walls as the tenants move in and out. Soon we start to realize that perhaps this family is not what they seem. Or are they…? Over the course of a very tense dinner, the story unfolds, and power switches hands. We finally get to the bottom of this comedic thriller, asking the question: What does survival look like? And who the f*ck is Sharon.

And the other show you will want to keep your eye open for is at The La Jolla Playhouse, which is launching its 2023-2024 season with The World Premiere of Love All on June 3rd in The Mandell Weiss Theatre. Written By Anna

Deavere

Smith and Directed by Marc

Bruni, Love

All is the triumphant story of the rise of a sports icon and social justice pioneer Billie Jean King. The trailblazer for equality faced tough competition on the court and adversity in the world, all against a backdrop of the massive social changes of the 1960s and 70s. Love All evokes the highs and lows of Billie Jean’s extraordinary career and asks not just what it takes to be a champion but what it takes to change the course of history. “We’ve been curtsying for years. Now it’s time to stand up.” Billie Jean in Love All.

June is the month for weddings, The Moonlight Amphitheater in Vista has another show pulled from a fan favorite film with The Wedding Singer opening on June 7th under the stars. The Wedding Singer takes us back to a time when hair was big, greed was good, collars were up, and a wedding singer might just be the coolest guy in the room. Based on the hit Adam Sandler movie, “The Wedding Singer’s” sparkling score does for the ‘80s what “Hairspray” did for the 60s. Just say yes to the most romantic musical in twenty years. It’s 1985, and rock star wannabe, Robbie Hart, is New Jersey’s favorite wedding singer. He’s the life of the party until his own fiancée leaves him at the altar. Shot through the heart, Robbie makes every wedding as disastrous as his own. Enter Julia, a winsome waitress who wins his affection. As luck would have it, Julia is about to be married to a Wall Street shark, and unless Robbie can pull off the performance of a decade, the girl of his dreams will be gone forever.

If this appears to be a busy month for our Arts, take a deep breath and let me hold your beer because, in June, just about every company in town will have something running; so much will be out there for you, it might take three pages of this preview page to get it all in. And while you’re out hitting our theatres this month, don’t forget to take a few minutes to remember all the Veteran s who made the ultimate sacrifice, so we can live in and enjoy the greatest nation the world has ever known. To those Veterans — Salute.

The Old Globe Appoints Adena Varner as Director of Arts Engagement

A Theatre Arts Leader, Creator, Innovator, and Advocate of Equity and Diversity for Two Decades

The Old Globe is pleased to announce that Adena Varner has been appointed as its new Director of Arts Engagement. A theatre arts leader, creator, innovator, and advocate of diversity and equity in a career that has spanned 20 years, Varner will assume her position at the Globe beginning August 1, 2023. She will lead a department of more than 30 employees and teaching artists that engages tens of thousands of people in neighborhoods around San Diego in theatre and theatre-related programming.

Varner comes to The Old Globe from St. Louis, where she most recently was the Director of Learning and Community Engagement at The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis. Native to Baltimore, Maryland, she was also the Director of Learning and Social Accountability at Baltimore Center Stage before joining The Rep in 2020. She is a playwright, producer, director, performer, and educator committed to advocating for equity and diversity in the arts and increasing access to art for all children. She is a member of Theatre for Young Audiences and the Educational Theatre Association. Varner received her B.F.A. in Theatre from University of Maryland, College Park and her M.A. in Theatre Education from The Catholic University of America. Her directing credits at The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis include Tomás and the Library Lady, The Glowy Snowy Day, The Last Fresh Start, and The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. She acted in Center of Creative Arts’s production of The Wolves.

“The Old Globe’s arts engagement programming is central to the life of this great company,” said Erna Finci Viterbi Artistic Director Barry Edelstein . “Our work bringing theatre and theatre-related activities to communities throughout San Diego is an expression of our commitment to the idea that this art form matters, and that it impacts our city and its people in positive and beautiful ways. That AdenaVarner will be joining us to lead our efforts in this area is a great joy. Adenais one of our country’s most thoughtful and talented practitioners of community-oriented theatre. In her previous posts she demonstrated remarkable innovation and creativity as she built meaningful and lasting programs. She will bring to San Diego her considerable strategic acumen, leadership ability, charisma, and, most of all, abundant warmth. Adenais a passionate believer in the theatre’s power to make a difference in individual lives and to foster greater understanding between people. She will take the Globe’s nationally renowned work to a new level of achievement. I am thrilled to welcome her to our team and our city.”

“I am humbled and beyond thrilled to join the great legacy of The Old Globe. What a privileged opportunity I have, to lock arms with new colleagues and partners, as we serve the beautiful and culturally rich community of San Diego and its surrounding regions,” said The Old Globe’s newly appointed Director of Arts Engagement Adena Varner

The Tony Award–winning The Old Globe is one of the country’s leading professional not-for-profit regional theatres. Now in its 88th year, the Globe is San Diego’s flagship performing arts institution, and it serves a vibrant community with theatre as a public good. Under the leadership of Erna Finci Viterbi Artistic Director Barry Edelstein and the Audrey S. Geisel Managing Director Timothy J. Shields, The Old Globe produces a year-round season of 16 productions of classic, contemporary, and new works on its three Balboa Park stages, including its internationally renowned Shakespeare Festival. More than 250,000 people annually attend Globe productions and participate in the theatre’s artistic and arts engagement programs. Its nationally prominent Arts Engagement Department provides an array of participatory programs that make theatre matter to more people in neighborhoods throughout the region. Humanities programs at the Globe and around the city broaden the community’s understanding of theatre art in all its forms. The Globe also boasts a range of new play development programs with professional and community-based writers, as well as the renowned The Old Globe and University of San Diego Shiley Graduate Theatre Program. Numerous world premieres—such as 2014 Tony Award winner for Best Musical A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Bright Star, The Full Monty, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, and Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! —have been developed at The Old Globe and have gone on to highly successful runs on Broadway and at regional theatres across the country.

“Well Well Well” at BFree studio in La Jolla through June 10 About the Exhibition: (excerpt from a narrative by Art Historian and Educator, Sally Yard, PhD)

There are threads that weave through the work of April Banks, June Edmonds and Glen Wilson. Edmonds paints lush, meditative abstractions, Banks has created architectonic works in public spaces; photographs veiled in encaustic; fused glass and metal images. Wilson melds street photography and found objects and materials ranging from salvaged chain link gates embellished with metal arabesques to cymbals and broken records. In some of their works, each of the three takes as a touchstone one neighborhood or another. In works ranging from geometric abstractions to convergences of objects found in alleys to artifacts, all have in one way or another served as chroniclers, archivists or narrators of indomitable, complex lives that are full of intention and success—daunted by obstacles and triumphant nonetheless. Their works variously become a meditation, an invocation, recasting absence as presence, erasure as memory, the past as the platform from which futures will be formed. It is a project of alternative mappings. The exhibition at Bfree entails a return to place, Edmonds completed her undergraduate degree at San Diego State University and Wilson his MFA at the University of California San Diego. The works of Edmonds, Banks and Wilson are generous. Clear-eyed and exacting in uncovering what has been hidden, they propose grace and beauty and reflectiveness.

Well, Well, Well can be viewed at BFREE Studio through June 10, Tues-Sun 11am-5pm and anytime by appointment. Additionally - there are three special events

Saturday, May 13th

7pm - 9pm - Artist Q & A

Join us for an artist talk! June Edmonds, April Banks, and Glen Wilson will speak about their works, their artistic process, and their latest exhibition. This is a fantastic opportunity to engage with the artists, and their works

First Friday Artwalk La JollaFriday, May 5th and Friday, June

2nd 4pm - 7pm

Bfree is a part of La Jolla’s First Friday Art Walk where over 16 local galleries open their doors for extended evening hours to art lovers.

About The Artists

Glen Wilson

Glen Wilson is a multidisciplinary artist based in Los Angeles, California. With roots stretching back to documentary and street photography, his body of work includes sculpture, assemblage, installation, and filmmaking. Recent works layer imagery with found and constructed materials that encourage the viewer to engage the work’s physical and conceptual qualities. He locates his practice at intersections of personal and communal identities, sites of collective memory, and offers alternative mappings of place.

The series entitled “GateKeeping” presents original photography woven into the grid of chainlink gates salvaged from his Los Angeles neighborhood of Venice Beach and similar communities across the country. His work foregrounds voice,

visibility, and resilience in places where daily tensions around currency and equity test the fabric of long-standing neighborhoods.

Concurrent with his art practice, Wilson has worked as a photographer on more than forty feature films, and has directed short form films and music videos. “Revolution By Design: Spike Lee x Emory Douglas”, presents a kitchen table dialogue between the artist and filmmaker, within the historical context of the struggle to protect black lives. “Betye Saar / Present Tense” and “RE: Henry Taylor” offer lyrical glimpses of each artist at work in their studios.

April Banks

April Banks is an LA based artist and creative strategist with deep ancestral roots in Virginia.

Her hybrid practice sits intentionally between image, space, and experience. Recent works from encaustic to public art time travel through archives and memories using the language of pattern, text and glyphs to examine place.

Her work has been exhibited in Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area, Chicago,Minneapolis, Cleveland, Daytona Beach, New Hampshire, Maryland, New York, Switzerland,Colombia, Brazil, United Arab Emirates, Senegal and Ethiopia. Her work is in the collection of the Getty Museum, the City of Santa Monica and private collections. April was selected for a 2022 Fellowship for Visual Artist Award from the California Communi-

ty Foundation. Her recent public art includes commissions in Santa Monica, CA, Sun Village, CA and San Bernardino County, CA and Washington, DC.

April is also the producer of Tea Afar, a nomadic storytelling experience, launched in 2016. Tea Afar was conceived as a salve—bringing us together across borders. She has produced events in Los Angeles, Montreal, Sri Lanka and San Francisco that center first person stories and hospitality traditions from around the world.

June Edmonds

June Edmonds uses abstract painting to explore how color, repetition, movement, and balance can serve as conduits to spiritual contemplation and interpersonal connection to her African-American roots. Exploring the psychological construct of skin color or tone through pattern and abstract painting has proven to be a revealing gesture and these ideas are explored in her two ongoing series: the Energy Wheel Paintings inspired by her meditation practice and her Flag Paintings, which explore the alignment of multiple identities such as race, nationality, gender, or political leanings.

June Edmonds was born in Los Angeles, where she lives and works. Edmonds received her MFA from Tyler School of Art, Philadelphia, and a bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University. She also attended Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture and is the recipient of the 2022 Guggenheim Fellowship, the California Community Foundation Fellowship for Visual Artists, inaugural

2020 AWARE Prize, presented by the French non-profit Archive of Women Artists Research and Exhibitions; a 2018 City of Los Angeles Individual Artist Grant (COLA) and Exhibition at the Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery; a California Arts Council Individual Artist Grant. Edmonds has done residencies in Vermont at the Vermont Studio Center in 2022 and Paducah Artist Residency in Kentucky in 2017. In 2023 she will be going to Ucross in Wyoming and MacDowell in New Hampshire.

About BFREE Studio

Where Creativity, Culture and Community Meet

Where Creativity, Culture and Community Meet

BFree Studio is an Art Gallery in La Jolla, CA. We are located in a prime spot at 7857 Girard Avenue in La Jolla. We are open Tuesday-Sunday, 11am5pm, and open anytime by appointment. We aim to foster an environment for emerging and mid-career artists to have a space to showcase their artwork and engage with the community. Artisans of all kinds are welcome. We absolutely love interesting, fun, and unusual pieces. We look to provide an opportunity for all artists to share their work and interact with collectors in a prime location. Expect variety in the artists featured and a breadth of exhibitions rotating every two weeks. www.bfreestudio.net