Community Spotlight Show

Charles Parisi, Founder and CEO of Cloudcast Media, discusses his entrepreneurial roots and his tireless passion to support local nonprofit causes and organizations. Parisi chats about CauseCast, Cloudcast 180 and the Cloudcast Lift Lab.

Haney Hong, President & CEO of the San Diego County Taxpayers Association (SDCTA), talks about the Association's operation; it's work during the COVID-19 crisis; and how the community can support the 75-year-old organization.

Kerri Fox, VP of Marketing for The New Children's Museum, is joined by her colleague, Tomoko Kuta, the Museum's Deputy Director, discuss the museum's shift to reach their constituents virtually to stimulate imagination, creativity and critical thinking in children and their families through inventive and engaging experiences with contemporary art. Fox and Kuta chat about the museum's Mass Creativity, True Tuesdays and Hope campaign.

Jeanmarie Bond, Executive Director of the Coronado Schools Foundation, and Leanne Anderson, the Foundation's Director of Development, talk about the Foundation's mission and its virtual Telethon on Wednesday, May 6 from 5:00-9:00 p.m. The Telethon will raise funds for Coronado USD initiatives, such as STEM and Arts Pathways programs.

Sara Pagano, Managing Director for the San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering (SDFSE), is joined by Illumina's Tiana Austel, Corporate Citizenship Specialist, and Brian Steffy, Associate Director, to talk about Illumina's longtime support of one of the nation's top science festivals.Pagano, Austel and Steffy discuss the importance of inspiring today's students to become tomorrow's science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) innovators.

Doreen Schonbrun, President of the VAPA Foundation, and Russ Sperling, VAPA Director for the San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD), to chat about the Saturday, April 18, 2nd Annual Gala: Beyond Brilliance. Schonbrun and Sperling talk about the thousands of students, teachers, parents and SDUSD stakeholders that are the beneficiaries of the myriad arts programs and projects supporting by the Foundation and district.

Tomas Urtasun, CEO of the Regional Strategies Group (RSG), and Frank Urtasun, President of RSG and longtime venerable San Diego County community leader, capitalize on their strong community connections and digital acumen to help clients meet and exceed measurable goals.

Brett Allen, President of the San Diego Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), is joined by Joy Lyndes, Government Affairs Liaison of the California Council of ASLA, to discuss the organization's mission, vision and key initiatives.

Simona Valanciute, President & CEO of San Diego Oasis, talks about her organization’s mission to help people 50 years and older pursue healthy aging through lifelong learning, active lifestyles and community service. Valanciute describes Oasis’ annual 3,000 workshops offered to its 5,500 active members.

Rick Rungaitis, CEO of the San Marcos Chamber, discusses the chamber’s role in the City of San Marcos’ growth, along with programs, services and events offered to member businesses and organizations.

Lillian Maestas, STEM Chair for the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA), and Nelson Mozzini of the Haiku Cyber Range, chat about the importance of educating youth on cyber security issues through middle school and high school competitions such as the SoCal Cyber Cup Challenge. Maestas and Mozzini are joined by Chris Simpson, Director of National University’s Center for Cybersecurity and Flora Yuan, a SoCal Cyber Cup Challenge participant on the CyberAegis Axion team.

Laura Tancredi-Baese, the CEO of Home Start, one of the region’s leading organizations combatting child abuse, talks about the potential for an increase in abuse due to the stay-at-home directive and other family stress points caused by COVID-19. Tancredi-Baese discusses the move of the annual Blue Ribbon Extravaganza to June 27, along with Home Start’s immediate fundraising needs.

Debra Emerson, CEO of St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center, chats about the impact on the diverse programs and services of the Center that empowers individuals with developmental disabilities to realize their full potential. Emerson discusses the postponement of its long-running Morning Glory Brunch and talks about ways the public can support the Center during these turbulent times.

Dr. Zia Agha, Chief Medical Officer for nationally acclaimed West Health, is joined by his colleague, Dr. Ross Colt, Medical Director for Gary and Mary West PACE, to chat about how West Health and PACE are tackling the COVID-19 crisis and its innovative, game-changing telehealth program that will support seniors in response to the pandemic.

Todd Lane, President & CEO of California Coast Credit Union, talks about Cal Coast’s support of its most important assets … its employees and members. Lane discusses the credit union’s current operations and status, along with its financial strength, stability and security during these unsettling times.

Chi Varnado, a retired dance teacher and creative writing workshop leader, discusses her third published book – The Dance Centre Presents Giselle – the first in a series of books celebrating the joy of dance.

John Bolthouse, Executive Director of the Friends of Balboa Park, talks about the organization’s collaboration with myriad partners to enhance and preserve San Diego’s “Jewel.” Bolthouse chats about the Balboa Park Carousel capital campaign and other “Friends” projects; membership benefits; and ways to support Balboa Park during these tumultuous times.

Lisa Bain, Healthy Start Director for Project Concern International (PCI), is joined by Nikki Helms, a licensed midwife, to discuss PCI’s Healthy Start Program and how Healthy Start is dealing with COVID-19; disparities in perinatal health. Bain and Helms chat about Black Maternal Health Week, slated for April 11-17.

Diana Agostini, Executive Director of the San Diego Italian Film Festival, discusses the role of the arts and artists during crises such as the current pandemic. Agostini chats about the Festival’s offerings of virtual programs such as it’s recently launched “Ristretto of the Week,” that highlights a short film each Wednesday. Beginning on Monday, March 30, SDIFF will be sharing its “Pick of the Week,” a feature-length Italian film that is shown on a streaming channel. SDIFF is encouraging “Pick of the Week” viewers to participate in a “live” discussion of the film on the following Sunday.

Billy Moore, President & CEO of the ABC Youth Foundation and son of San Diego icon and boxing legend Archie Moore, chats about his father’s vision for youth when he founded the organization more than 60 years ago. Moore is joined by Terence Shigg, Foundation COO, to chat about to the Foundation’s programs and activities that annual serve 4,000 youth.

Robert Coleman, President & CEO of Second Chance, arguably the region’s most effective organization in significantly reducing recidivism, unemployment and homelessness, chats about COVID-19’s impact on its programs and services. Coleman talks about ways the community can support Second Chance, which has empowered thousands of participants to overcome years of incarceration and poverty to become self-sufficient.

Troy Talbert, Men’s Residence Manager for the more than 100-year-old Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center, discusses the Center’s free six-month program that provides housing, food, counseling, community and rehabilitation services to those struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. Talbert, a former beneficiary of the Center, discusses how the program turned his life around.

Susan Clausen, Owner of Clausen Communications and PR maven for Scripps Ranch Theatre, is joined by Ted Leib, Artistic Director for the Oceanside Theatre Company, to talk about their theaters’ on-going collaboration to co-produce an online reading of local playwright Casey Tibbitts’ play -- Quiet Cross – on April 2. Clausen and Leib, who will both perform in Quiet Cross, discuss how COVID-19 has impacted each of their theaters.

Marianela Camarillo, COO of Miracle Babies, and Dr. Nabil Arrach, Founder and CEO of Progenesis, discuss the mission, vision and services of their respective organizations.

Patricia Geist-Martin, Professor at the San Diego State University’s School of Communication, and author of Falling in Love with the Process: A Stroke Survivor’s Story, discusses the incredible journey of Bill Torres, as he recovers from a paralyzing stroke. Geist-Martin’s book in some ways is more about cultivating resilience than overcoming a stroke.

Amie Brown, Director of Development for Meals On Wheels San Diego County, chats about the record number of requests for information about volunteering to deliver meals for seniors in need. Brown talks about the 60th Anniversary Gala slated for Saturday, June 13 at the Sheraton Harbor Island.

Michelle Pius, Chief Development Officer for Fresh Start Surgical Gifts, talks about the organization’s mission to provide free surgeries for disadvantaged infants, children and teens with physical deformities caused by birth, accidents, abuse or disease. Pius discusses the organization’s 30-plus-year history that has provided nearly 8,000 no-cost surgeries valued at more than $42 million.

Dorcy Rose, Events Manager for The San Diego Union-Tribune, is joined by Kelly Lapadula, Community Outreach Specialist for St. Paul’s Senior Services, and Ken Druck, author of Raising An Aging Parent, to talk about 3rd Annual CaregiverSD Expo, that will be held on Saturday, March 21 at the Paradise Point Resort & Spa.

Denise Mahaffey and Jessica Chandler, Co-Founders of Trinity Global Enterprises and hosts of the CANNA WORLD EXPO online symposium from April 4-11, are joined by leaders in the cannabis field and a celebrity coffee chef to chat about what is new with CBD (cannabidiol); the importance of anti-bacterial and anti-viral products in the age of coronavirus; coffee and CBD.

Chad Stewart, award-winning author of Britfield & the Lost Crown, talks about his 27-state Spring 2020 tour to 150 schools and 30,000 students to promote creativity in the classroom. Steward is joined by Union-Tribune photojournalist, Howard Lipin, to discuss creativity through the lens of a journalist.

Bobbie Smith, Executive Director of the San Diego Crew Classic, chats about the 47th Annual San Diego Crew Classic that will be held April 4-5 at Fiesta Bay-Crown Point Shores. Smith is joined by Stesha Carle, Head Coach of USD Women’s Rowing, and Joeri Bruschinski, Men’s Rowing Coach for the international recognized Amsterdam Student Rowing Club Nereus. Smith, Carle and Bruschinski discuss the Copley Cup that will feature rowing powerhouses such as Nereus, Yale, Cal and Brown.

Sean Mahoney, Regional CEO of the American Red Cross of San Diego/Imperial Counties, is joined by Priya Sheriff, Armed Forces Program Specialist, to discuss the Red Cross’ 100-Plus years history supporting the military in San Diego. Mahoney and Sheriff discuss the services provided to the military, in addition to its Disaster Preparedness Academy on Friday, March 20, and the Sound the Alarm event on Saturday, April 18 in Oceanside.

Elly Brown, Executive Director of the San Diego Food System Alliance, shouts out the mission of the Alliance and its San Diego County Food Vision 2030 … a 10-year strategic plan for moving the region toward a healthier, more sustainable and more just food system. Brown is joined by Diane Moss, Managing Director of Project New Village, to talk about Moss’s connection and support of Food Vision 2030.

Lauren Mapp, Caregiving Reporter for The San Diego Union-Tribune, is joined by Phil Lindsley, Founder of the San Diego Elder Law Center, to discuss the upcoming annual CaregiversSD Community Expo that will be held on Saturday, March 21 at the Paradise Point Resort & Spa. Mapp chats about the Union-Tribune’s CaregiverSD.com website, while Lindsley, whose company is an Expo sponsor, talks about the importance of long-term care planning.

Don Wells, Executive Director of Just in Time for Foster Youth (JIT), and Virgo Villajin, Youth Services Lead Coordinator, chat about JIT’s Saturday, March 14, “Walk the Talk” event that will be held at the Hyatt Regency La Jolla Aventine. Wells and Villajin talk about the myriad programs and services offered by JIT.

Faye Luepton, PR & Marketing Coordinator for Promises2Kids, is joined by two of the organization’s Guardian Scholars: Brooklyn Lopez and Susie Gallo, to talk about the unprecedented success of the program that has led to an 85% completion rate of foster youth in high education. Luepton, Lopez and Gallo discuss the key component of Guardian Scholars, along with the Promises2Kids’ Camp Connect program.

Karmin Noar, Executive Director of the Biocom Institute, chats about the Institute's mission, high school internship program and Military Fellowship.

Shelly McTighe-Rippengale, Senior Vice President & Chief Development Officer for the YMCA of San Diego County, is joined by Courtney Cordero, the Y's Association Director of the Annual Campaign, to talk about the organization's mission, services and programs. McTighe-Rippengale and Cordero discuss the YMCA's goal to double its impact by 2025.

Charles Parisi, Co-Founder of Songs for Shelter with his daughter Ava, talks about the organization's re-launch with a concert on March 11 at the Lafayette Hotel. The concert's goal is to raise awareness and financial resources to help reduce teen homelessness in the county.

Joshua Swider, CEO and Co-Founder of InfiniteCAL, chats about his company's mission to provide the cannabis industry with accurate and timely analytical services in the burgeoning cannabis arena. Swider discusses InfitniteCAL's partnership with Platinum Vape and Mankind Dispensary to conduct a buy-back program that replaces dangerous illicit vape cartridges with quality third-party tested products.

Wes Burke, President of Emerald Scientific, discusses the organization’s 6th Annual Emerald Conference, that will be held at the Loews Coronado Bay Resort on February 27-29. The conference features the nation’s leading cannabis science researchers.

Stacy Weaver, Executive Director of the American Heart Association, San Diego Division, and Dr. Tarane Sondoozi, GM of VEBA Resource Center Programming, chat about events surrounding American Heart Month in February – such as the “Go Red for Women Luncheon” on February 28 -- and in subsequent months. Sondoozi talks about the connection between mental health and heart diseases.

Jessica York, Vice President of the San Diego Museum Council Board of Directors and Deputy Director and Chief Advancement Officer of the Mingei International Museum, is joined by her Board member colleagues Laurie Egan-Hedley of the Barona Cultural Center and Museum, and Cris Scorza, of the Museum of Contemporary Art, San Diego, to talk about the 31s Annual San Diego Museum Month. York, Egan-Hedley and Scorza discuss happenings at their respective museums.

Dr. Emily Young, Executive Director of the University of San Diego Nonprofit Institute, discusses her organization’s mission to provide education, training and research to build leaders and strengthen the capacity of nonprofits in our region.

Dr. Al La Spada, one of the nation’s leading neurodegenerative disease researchers and a Professor and Vice Chair of the Department of Neurology at Duke University’s School of Medicine, talks about the growing epidemic of age-related neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Dr. La Spada discusses work that is being conducted to develop therapies and treatments for these types of diseases.

Kim Bauman, Founder of One Love Movement, discusses her organization’s mission to bring people and organizations together to advance social justice.Bauman is joined by Mimi Lee of San Diego Refugee Tutoring and Stephen Moore, Chief Program Officer of Voices for Children, to discuss services offered by each of their nonprofits.

Deacon Jim Vargas, President & CEO of Father Joe’s Villages (FJV), chats about its Turning the Key initiative to build 2,000 units of affordable housing dedicated to people overcoming homelessness. In January, FJV broke ground on Benson Place and Saint Teresa of Calcutta Village, that will contain 82 and 407 units of housing respectively.

Michelle Malin, Vice President of Development for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego, and Ashley Schumacher, the organization’s Marketing & Communications Manager, talk about the successful $10 million comprehensive campaign to purchase 11 buses and 2 passenger vans to support the Boys & Girls Clubs’ transportation program. Malin and Schumacher discuss February’s “Little Jumps Month” that raises funds to support the organization’s year-round Healthy Lifestyle program.

Gary Weitzman, President and CEO of the San Diego Humane Society, talks about the Society’s explosive growth in recent years and the opening of a new, state-of-the-art Behavior Center at its San Diego Campus.

Yonatan Farber, Executive Director and Chief Instructor of Caliber 3 USA, chats about the elite self-defense and security training his company provides to local law enforcement agencies, companies, houses of worship and individual. Caliber 3 was established in Israel and recently opened a training center in San Marcos.

Danielle Valenciano, Director of Community Scholarships for The San Diego Foundation, is joined by her colleague, Michelle Jaramillo, the Foundation’s Director of Educational Initiatives, to discuss the nearly $3 million of scholarships that will be awarded to high school, college and adult re-entry students to attend colleges and universities through the Foundation’s Community Scholarship Program.