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WHEN/WHERE: San Diego Magazine’s Latinos Making a Difference Awards took place last Thursday, October 22, 2014 at the University Club atop Symphony Towers in downtown San Diego. The evening was hosted in partnership with Univision KBNT San Diego. It is the second annual Latinos Making a Difference event. WHAT: Three hundred of San Diego’s top […]
WHEN/WHERE: San Diego Magazine’s Latinos Making a Difference Awards took place last Thursday, October 22, 2014 at the University Club atop Symphony Towers in downtown San Diego. The evening was hosted in partnership with Univision KBNT San Diego. It is the second annual Latinos Making a Difference event.
WHAT: Three hundred of San Diego’s top Latino business leaders gathered to honor the recipients of this years Latinos Making a Difference Awards. Guests enjoyed a cooking demonstration and tasting by Chef Miguel Angel Guerrero, owner of La Querencia Baja Med. The emcee for the evening was Dr. Diane Perez, host of Despierta San Diego on Univision.
WHO: Six outstanding leaders were honored during the event’s program.
The Cross-Border Leader Award was presented to Sylvia Casas, President of Casas International Brokerage, Inc. For the past 30 years, Casas has worked tirelessly to become the Hispanic woman at the forefront of international trade on the U.S. – Mexico border.
Entrepreneur of the Year was awarded to Fanny Miller, President, CEO & Editor of El Latino Newspaper, the number-one Hispanic newspaper in San Diego and the largest Hispanic-owned Spanish language newspaper in California with more than 186,000 weekly readers.
Inspirational Leader of the Year was awarded to two individuals.
The first recipient was Jose Galicot Behar, President of Tijuana Innovadora. He is the visionary, creator and driving force behind Tijuana Innovadora, a two-week event and movement with the goal of enriching the San Diego-Tijuana relationship for the prosperity of citizens on both sides of the border.
The second recipient was Pilar Montoya, President, CEO and Founder of the Caminos Foundation. Through the Caminos Foundation, Latinos can receive the tools and knowledge necessary to live healthier, more productive lives and fulfill their potential.
Volunteer of the Year was awarded to Anna Jauregui-Law, an attorney with Appellate Defenders, Inc. Determined to find a way to support the advancement of Latinas in the legal profession, Jauregui-Law cofounded Latinas in the Law in 2005, an organization dedicated to providing educational forums and culturally sensitive mentoring to young Latina lawyers, law students, and legal professionals.
At the end of the evening, the Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to David Valladolid who has been at the helm of the Parent Institute for Quality Education for the past 17 years. He continues to expand the free programming under PIQE. Since the inception of the signature program in 1987, more than 585,000 parents have graduated. Valladolid is also a sixth-generation Californian and a Vietnam combat veteran (1968-69), twice wounded and the recipient of the Purple Heart.
The evening was a true celebration of all of the award finalists and winners and their contributions to our local community. A portion of proceeds from the event was donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County.
FULL LIST OF NOMINEES AND EVENT INFO: http://www.sandiegomagazine.com/latinos
PHOTOS & MEDIA CONTACT: Jennifer Rea, Marketing Director, [email protected] or 619.744.0523
ABOUT SAN DIEGO MAGAZINE:
San Diego Magazine, the city’s leading lifestyle publication with an award-winning history, gives readers the insider information they need to experience the city to the fullest – the best in food, fashion, culture, business and people. For more information please visit sandiegomagazine.com, or follow us on social media: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.
San Diego Magazine names the 2014 Latinos Making a Difference award recipients
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2014 Latinos Making a Difference award recipients | Photo by E3 Photography Eddie Garcia III
Balboa Park, 1914
$3M – Amount needed in order to reopen the California Tower to the public in 2015
1911 – California State Legislature authorized the use of the park for an exposition, as well as ratified the decision to name it Balboa Park
25 cents – Admission paid by anyone who wanted to watch the construction
1 million – Number of plants John Morley was hired to put into the ground of the canyons (another 50,000 were on the Exposition grounds)
$1,937,445 – Amount spent erecting the buildings for the Exposition
42,486 – Spectators at the December 31, 1914 concert, opening ceremonies, and fireworks (about equivalent to the then-population of San Diego)
San Diego’s City Park was founded in 1868. But as late as 1909, only about 100 of the 1,400 acres had been landscaped. That year, the president of the San Diego Chamber of Commerce, G. Aubrey Davidson, had the idea of using the park to host a celebration for the opening of the Panama Canal, which was slated for January 1, 1915. San Diego would be the first U.S. port north of the canal, and city leaders wanted to take advantage of their geographic position to boost the economy and help develop the park.
New York architect Bertram Goodhue chose a Spanish Colonial Revival style for the 1915 Panama–California Exposition. Officials liked that it would distinguish SD’s event from the San Francisco Panama–Pacific Exposition, which would have a “Beaux Arts” look.
Park commissioners gave it the name “Balboa Park” after Vasco Núñez de Balboa, a European explorer who first saw the Pacific in 1513. As the Panama Canal would connect the Atlantic to the Pacific, the moniker was a good association for the park and the planned fair.
The 2015 Centennial, which kicks off this month, refers not to the 100th anniversary of the park, but rather the recognition of an entire century since the Exposition, and of enjoying the park’s architecture as we know it today.
Vintage San Diego: Building Balboa Park
San Diego Stadium, 1977
1960 – Los Angeles Chargers founded (moved to SD the next year)
1967 – First year the Chargers played at Qualcomm Stadium (then San Diego Stadium)
71,500 – Seating capacity of Qualcomm Stadium
1990 – Year the Charger Girls were formed
28 – Charger Girls in current squad
2,500 – Number of nonprofits the Chargers supported in SD County last year
Back in the Sixties, Charger cheerleaders were just local high school groups, rotating around the field at Balboa Stadium during home games. But by the time this photograph was taken, the Chargettes were a full-fledged squad performing at San Diego Stadium. The photo above shows the 4 p.m. game on November 13, 1977. The team, which included quarterback James Harris, running back Bo Matthews, and kicker—and La Jolla High School alum—Rolf Benirschke, played its best against the Denver Broncos (even though the Broncos won, 17–14).
The Chargettes’ pleated skirts were short, but compared to today’s midriff-baring uniforms, they were relatively modest. (We love the neckerchiefs!)
The year after this photo was taken, the squad would be disbanded, in part because a few of the women had posed for Playboy. But those Chargers’ girls would be back—with visions of the Super Bowl.
Share your vintage photo of San Diego! Send your pic and story to [email protected].
Vintage San Diego: Holiday Cheer
San Diego Charity News for October 27
Malin Burnham received the James F. Mulvaney Community Leadership Award from United Way of San Diego County at its annual Community Kickoff at UC San Diego on Sept. 25. Burnham was honored for his ongoing commitment to volunteerism and accomplishments as a community leader. Steven Northcote was presented the “Volunteer of the Year” Naish Award. Pastor Archie Robinson and New Birth Praise serenaded the audience with a gospel rendition of Katy Perry’s hit song “Firework.” “United Way works to promote social change, harnessing the collective impact of all San Diegans for long-term sustainable solutions,” said President and CEO Kevin Crawford. “Mr. Burnham and Mr. Northcote are model citizens for their contributions to local communities and dedication to the greater San Diego area.”
The Glenn Napierskie Family and Sharp Grossmont Hospital Medical Staff are the Presenting Sponsors of the 29th Annual Grossmont Hospital Foundation Gala. The event is set for Nov. 8 at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina. The Shea Family is the Visionary Sponsor and Champion Sponsors include Barona Band of Mission Indians and San Diego Critical Care Medical Group. Proceeds of the evening are in support of heart and vascular care at Sharp Grossmont Hospital.
United Way presents the James F. Mulvaney Community Leadership Award
HGH – Home of Guiding Hands
HGH – Home of Guiding Hands
The Home of Guiding Hands held its 32nd annual Golf Classic Pro-Am Tournament on Sept. 26 at Sycuan Resort. A total of $50,000 was raised to support the services, training and advocacy for people with developmental disabilities at HGH. Presenting Sponsor was the Bill and Norma Verbeck Foundation. Other sponsors included Kerr Family Foundation, Sycuan Casino, Torrey Pines Bank, Quick Dry Flood Services and San Diego County Credit Union.
The CarMax Foundation has granted $15,000 to Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego through The CarMax Foundation’s Regional Giving Program. The Foundation has provided over $50,000 in grants over the past four years.
Casa de Amparo is holding its 16th Annual Crystal Ball on Nov. 1 at the Del Mar Country Club. DEI Holdings, Inc. is being honored for its commitment through DEI’s Forte for Children Foundation which seeks to improve the quality of life for disadvantaged children with an emphasis on music education and therapy. Chairman and CEO Jim Minarik of DEI Holdings is Honorary Chair of the Gala. Proceeds benefit the programs and services for Casa Kids. The event is underwritten by The Jim and Diane Martin Family in memory of Jim Martin.
United Way presents the James F. Mulvaney Community Leadership Award
Doyles, Vaughns, Chief – San Diego Police Foundation
Doyles, Vaughns, Chief – San Diego Police Foundation
The San Diego Police Foundation presented the 2014 Gold Shield Gala on Oct. 4 at the Del Mar Country Club. The event chaired by Kathryn & Don Vaughn and Honorary Co-Chairs Lynne & Steve Doyle, raised $133,000 to support the Foundation’s efforts to provide better training and to purchase equipment that is not included in the SDPD budget. Police Chief Shelley Zimmerman addressed the attendees outlining the future goals for the Department. Sponsors included Wells Fargo, Alethea, Bank of America, SDG&E, Anderson Plumbing and Heating and California Bank & Trust.
United Way presents the James F. Mulvaney Community Leadership Award
AT&T Ignacio De La Torre, Nico Marcolongo, Phyllis King
AT&T Pioneers De Anza Chapter held its annual fashion show on Oct. 11 at Barona Resort and Casino. The event raised $6,000 to benefit Challenged Athletes Foundation’s Operation Rebound, a sports and fitness program for American military personnel, veterans and first responders with permanent physical disabilities. Volunteers from the Operation Rebound program participated as models in the fashion show.
Quantum Design, a San Diego-based technology company is providing in-kind and cash gifts totaling $279,000 to update and modernize lab courses and instructional materials in the department of physics at the University of California, San Diego. “Thanks to the generosity of Quantum Design, a long-term partner of the UC San Diego physics department, we have been able to bring 21st century instruments for materials discovery into a teaching lab designed for our undergraduate students,” said Dimitri Basov, chair of the department of physics.
United Way presents the James F. Mulvaney Community Leadership Award
SD Police – Las Patronas
SD Police – Las Patronas
Joyce Glazer
Joyce Glazer
Las Patronas was honored by the San Diego Police Foundation for providing a grant to purchase two high-grade golf carts for use by the Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol. Sempra/SDG&E was also recognized for its support of the RSVP program. In anticipation of increased number of visitors to Balboa Park during the Centennial, this equipment is important to public safety. The patrol carts for Balboa Park will allow the RSVP Volunteer Patrol to keep watch over the park’s 1,200 acres, ensuring the safety of visitors and security of historic buildings and structures of the Park.
Please send news items to Joyce Glazer at [email protected].
United Way presents the James F. Mulvaney Community Leadership Award
United Way Kick-off
Yes, Chef! winner Emily Brubaker leads the robust culinary program at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa
For Executive Chef Emily Brubaker, Omni La Costa Resort & Spa feels like home. She grew up just a mile-and-a-half away from the 400-acre property and fondly recalls walking the golf course perimeter as a kid. Though her ambitions led her away from San Diego for nearly two decades in which she honed her craft in some of the highest of high-profile Las Vegas restaurants—including triple Michelin-starred Joël Robuchon at MGM Grand—they ultimately brought her back to North County.

Today, the classically French-trained chef, who’s fresh off a victory on NBC’s Yes, Chef!, judged by Martha Stewart and José Andrés, oversees Omni La Costa Resort & Spa’s seven distinct dining concepts. Her goal is to elevate the resort’s culinary program with her creative, hyperlocal ingredient-driven approach while maintaining the Spanish- inspired flavors and fresh California coastal cuisine that are the bedrock of its culinary identity.
“The San Diego food scene is really growing, and in North County alone, it’s really exploded in the last five years,” Brubaker says. “There are Michelin stars, beautiful tasting menus, craft bakers, and all this food—when I was growing up in La Costa, it was fish tacos. Now there are really cool things popping up, and I’m so happy to be here to see where it’s going to go.”
Brubaker gives chefs de cuisine at each individual restaurant autonomy, however, her influence is evident across the resort.
For example, lobby restaurant Bar Traza serves as Omni La Costa’s culinary centerpiece and features bold Spanish flavors in a lively, social atmosphere. Brubaker overhauled the menu to be more consistent and centered on casual bites with that signature vibe. Think smoky paprika, vibrant citrus, and Spanish meats and cheeses.
At VUE, the focus is on seasonal offerings, California coastal cuisine, and Baja-inspired dishes. She and Chef de Cuisine Cameron Dixon change the menu biannually, which heading into summer, will highlight farm-fresh produce and hyperlocal ingredients—the resort even has its own herb garden and honeybee hives.

Poolside dining options are leaning into the country’s 250th this summer with a selection of classic American dishes with an Omni La Costa twist. And Bob’s Steak & Chop House (Brubaker is a trained butcher) offers a classic steakhouse experience with elevated service.
The chef and company also plan menus for special events at the resort where her creativity can really shine. For an upcoming National Ski Association dinner, the banquet hall will be transformed into an Alpine-themed winter wonderland complete with a snow machine, savory sausages, and melty, decadent raclette. A recent dinner was built around the Carlsbad Flower Fields and each course was matched to a color of ranunculus (Did you know pink dragonfruit are grown in North County? You do now.).
“It’s my zen to be in the kitchen playing with food,” Brubaker says.
Omni La Costa’s culinary program is a key part of the resort experience. And with Brubaker’s leadership, it’s becoming a draw for visitors and locals alike.
“These aren’t just hotel restaurants, these are restaurants that you should go to. They’re destinations, and I’m really hoping for the future that’s where we’re going,” Brubaker says.

Brubaker is also channeling her experience on Yes, Chef! into the culture at Omni La Costa—more emphasis on teamwork and collaboration, empowering her staff to share constructive critiques, and embracing different perspectives. Alongside her leadership role, Brubaker has become an advocate for mental health in the hospitality industry, serving as chief ambassador for the Burnt Chef Project and serves on the Board of Advisors for the Apex Culinary Program, where she mentors and develops future talent.
For more on Omni La Costa Resort & Spa and its dining program, please visit omnihotels.com/hotels/san-diego-la-costa.
Vintage San Diego: San Diego Takes Flight Share your vintage photo of San Diego! Send your pic and story to [email protected]. Share your vintage photo of San Diego! Send your pic and story to [email protected] . By the Numbers $500 – Initial cost of an aviation course at the Curtiss School of Aviation. 1917 – […]
Vintage San Diego: San Diego Takes Flight
Share your vintage photo of San Diego! Send your pic and story to [email protected].
Share your vintage photo of San Diego! Send your pic and story to
.
$500 – Initial cost of an aviation course at the Curtiss School of Aviation.
1917 – North Island commissioned as a Naval Air Station.
16 aviation world records broken in 1923 by Lts. Lowell H. Smith and John P. Richter, thanks to the new refueling system.
1963 – North Island Station granted recognition as the “Birthplace of Naval Aviation” by the House Armed Services Committee.
23 aviation squadrons currently located at North Island.
317K jobs in San Diego as a result of defense spending
San Diego, the “Birthplace of Naval Aviation,” has much to celebrate during National Aviation History Month this November. When flight enthusiast Glenn Curtiss came to California from New York for a flying exhibition in 1910, he discovered the long, flat, sandy beaches of North Island were ideal for landing planes. Curtiss opened the Curtiss School of Aviation in 1911. Among the first to enlist was Lt. Theodore Ellyson.
Just three years later, the government bought the land to create Naval Air Station. In Curtiss’ spirit, the North Island base continued to advance flight research. In the picture above, Lts. Lowell H. Smith and John P. Richter achieve the first successful midair refueling while flying over North Island on June 27, 1923. Other impressive aviation feats launched from North Island include the first seaplane flight and the first nonstop transcontinental flight.
Today Naval Air Station North Island is homeport to aircraft carriers and squadrons, advancing aircraft practice and providing thousands of jobs. (The two carriers alone will pump $1 billion into the economy this year. Cha-ching!)
San Diego Charity News for October 6
End of the Year Thank You
La Jolla Art & Wine Festival
La Jolla Art & Wine Festival
The Sixth Annual La Jolla Art & Wine Festival is scheduled for Oct. 11-12 with new additions, including a nightlife brew fest element and larger festival grounds. Located along Girard Ave, this juried art show and fundraiser has raised $340,000 to date for local area public schools to support underfunded programs at elementary and middle schools. New this year is Saturday night’s BraveCort Brew Fest benefiting local pediatric cancer research. The Festival is presented by Wells Fargo, U-T San Diego, Commission for Arts and Culture City of San Diego and La Jolla Village.
The New Children’s Museum was awarded a $145,000 grant from The Institute of Museum and Library Services to be used for a groundbreaking two-year project that will engage the community in the creation of a permanent art installation entitled LAByrinth. The Museum will partner with artists and community organizations for a multi-phased collaborative effort, ending with a public unveiling of LABrinth in June of 2016.”This unique collaboration with artists and the community will enable us to discover new practices and approaches that we intend to document, institutionalize, and share,” said Julianne Markow, CEO and Executive Director of The New Children’s Museum.
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, MUFG Union Bank has partnered with KPBS to honor two exceptional Latinos as local heroes. The 2014 Hispanic Heritage Month honorees are: Myra Curiel, foster youth advocate, and Carmen Kcomt, legal advocacy program manager at La Maestra Foundation. They were recognized in September at a private dinner celebration with their families and executives from KPBS and Union Bank. Union Bank Managing Director Pierre P. Habis, head Consumer and Business Banking said, “We’re honored to partner with KPBS as we celebrate all of the local heroes for their positive impact on our communities and world.”
La Jolla Art & Wine Festival and BraveCort Brew Fest
Sulpizio Boys and Girls
Sulpizio Boys and Girls
Kids at Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego kicked off the new school year with a meal delivery from Olive Garden. Baker in Escondido, Roberts Family in Linda Vista and Sulpizio Family in Poway branches were those receiving the lunch from Olive Garden. The BGCGSD joined 700 Clubs nationwide who were partnered with local Olive Garden restaurants to receive the afterschool pasta meal delivery on Sept. 22. The special delivery is part of a national partnership between Olive Garden and Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), to kick off Olive Garden’s annual Never Ending Pasta Bowl promotion. In addition to the special meal, Olive Garden is inviting guests to round up their checks to the nearest dollar and make a donation to support Boys & Girls Clubs throughout the seven-week Never Ending Pasta Bowl promotion.
La Jolla Art & Wine Festival and BraveCort Brew Fest
Bubble Up! Gala
Bubble Up! Gala
The annual Bubble Up! Gala was held on Sept. 6 at Omni La Costa Resort and Spa. The $319,000 raised will support Ocean Discovery’s tuition-free science education and conservation programs which is being expanded to reach students in the underserved community of City Heights. Sponsors included aTyr Pharma; Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves, & Savitch; Cox Communications; Hughes Marino; San Diego Gas & Electric; Bumble Bee Foods; Recon, Boeing; Union Bank; NRG Energy; Bank of America; La Jolla Laser Clinic; Fou Films; Frequentz; and Waitt Foundation.
La Jolla Art & Wine Festival and BraveCort Brew Fest
Tom Ham
The San Diego Rotary Club honored Tom Ham as the 2014 Mr. San Diego at its luncheon on Sept. 25.
Hom was the minority elected to the City Council in 1963. He has been the catalyst for the development of decent and affordable workforce housing, creating the Gaslamp District and the incorporation of the Western Metal Building as part of Petco Park. The Mr./Mrs. San Diego award has been in existence since 1952. The San Diego Rotary Club has selected an individual that has contributed outstanding community betterment to the region in various ways.
La Jolla Art & Wine Festival and BraveCort Brew Fest
Rolf Benirschke
Rolf Benirschke, former San Diego Chargers placekicker, is being honored with the 2014 Guthrie Award at the San Diego Chapter of Huntington’s Disease Society of America’s 14th annual Celebration of Hope Gala. Rolf is being honored for his consistent and generous support of the HD community. The event is being held on Oct. 17 at the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego. Presented by Qualcomm and the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians, the goal is raise awareness about the devastating nature of HD while honoring those living with HD as well as those making a difference in the mission to find a cure.
NOTE: I will be away for a week and will not be posting Good News again until October 20, 2014.
Joyce Glazer
Joyce Glazer
Please send news items to Joyce Glazer at [email protected].
Scripps study shows that some patients may be able to taper their dose and maintain results
While glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agents have been used to treat Type 2 diabetes for more than 20 years, their recent emergence as weight-loss wonder drugs marked a new frontier in medicine. But their effectiveness has left some patients wondering what to do once they’ve reached their goal. Stopping the medication could mean regaining some, if not all, of the weight. A Scripps Clinic internal medicine physician recently conducted a small study of whether GLP-1 patients who had reached their goal weight could maintain that weight by taking their regularly prescribed injection every other week instead of weekly. Spoiler alert: 30 of 34 patients did. Read more about the study here and what that may mean as pharmaceutical companies roll out oral GLP-1s.
For more nutrition, wellness, and healthy living tips, sign up for the San Diego Health newsletter here.