Solana Beach business owners and a local foundation have joined forces to feed North County families in need. Jaime and Marie Brawn (the owners of Root Cellar Catering and Homestead Solana Beach) and the Burt Family Foundation have created a healthy, zero-waste meal kit that can feed a family of four for free, called +Box. It’s distributed to families in reduced lunch programs in the Carlsbad, Encinitas, and Solana Beach school districts. Since early April, more than 1,800 +Boxes have been given out. The organizations plan to eventually introduce a buy-one, give-one program, where a similar box purchased by a member of the general public would provide a +Box to a local family.
Despite uncertainties caused by the coronavirus pandemic, Friends of Balboa Park has raised $128,000 this summer. Nearly 300 donors stepped up to help the nonprofit weather the recession. Donated funds will go toward ongoing maintenance and enhancement projects, including the preservation of the park’s historic carousel. A $3 million capital campaign for the carousel is also underway, which has so far raised about $2.3 million.
“For an organization our size to raise such a significant amount in a couple of months is humbling,” said Friends of Balboa Park Executive Director John Bolthouse. “It also demonstrates the generosity of San Diegans and the power of philanthropy to still come together in such uncertain times to support Balboa Park.”
The La Jolla Institute for Immunology has received $1 million from global philanthropic organization GHR Foundation to further the work of the Coronavirus Immunotherapy Consortium, or CoVIC, headquartered there. CoVIC is working to accelerate the discovery, optimization, and delivery of lifesaving antibody-based therapeutics and has more than 50 efforts underway around the world.
“As the COVID-19 pandemic has shown clearly, infectious disease anywhere becomes infectious disease everywhere. Until a vaccine becomes available, we need a way of giving people immediate immunity, and antibody therapy is the way to do it,” says Dr. Erica Ollmann Saphire, a professor in LJI’s Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research who leads the consortium.
One Paseo has pledged $107,000 to eight San Diego County school districts to help cover costs related to COVID-19. The funds, split between districts in Cardiff, Del Mar, Encinitas, Poway, Rancho Santa Fe, San Diego, San Dieguito, and Solana Beach, will help teachers and other school staff deal with changes, mandates, and restrictions.
John Kilroy, CEO of One Paseo developer Kilroy Realty, said, “Now more than ever, as our communities continue to cope with rapid changes and many unknowns, our actions are deeply driven by how One Paseo and Kilroy can make a positive impact. We are proud to support our local schools as they safely gear up for this upcoming year.”
Volunteers distribute free +Box meal kits to North County families
Catch the final performance of San Diego Opera’s production of La Bohème. When theaters closed, San Diego Opera paved the way in the industry by creating the first drive-in opera experience. Listen to the show over your car’s FM radio and enjoy the live, socially distanced performance from Grammy Award winner Ana María Martínez as Mimì and tenor Joshua Guerrero as Rodolfo.
For the first time in its history, the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure is going virtual this year. Rather than meet and run in Balboa Park, the longtime breast cancer organization encourages runners to take to the streets of their own neighborhood to join in this virtual race. Follow along on the SGK Fundraiser app to track your steps, share photos, and explore fun social media filters.
The longstanding arts festival returns this November to celebrate its 15th anniversary. With strict social distancing guidelines in place, ArtWalk welcomes art lovers to a fine art exhibition across North Promenade and Legacy Plaza. Check out the art guitar auction raising money for ArtReach San Diego and the work of over 150 local, national, and international artists.
Join the USS Midway’s Veterans Day celebration with prime seating for the annual Fleet Week Boat Parade. Watch from the ship’s grand flight deck as the lineup makes their way across San Diego Bay. Social distancing protocols will be in place.
Head to the Del Mar Fairgrounds for this drive-in movie screening of The Princess Bride, hosted by Concerts in Your Car. The live performance and movie venue features four large screens and an in-the-round outdoor stage for prime views of the concerts and movies. Moviegoers are welcome to bring outside food and nonalcoholic sips, as they wish.
Hosted by the Women’s Museum of California, the annual film festival provides a platform for national and international women filmmakers to share their work on the big screen. This year, the festival is operating on a completely virtual platform, showing screenings, discussion panels, and lectures to get a behind-the-scenes look into the process of filmmaking.
This annual market made some safety adjustments to keep their tradition alive, now hosted in both an outdoor, socially distanced venue and online. There are plenty of opportunities to shop for goods from over 60 of San Diego’s most talented artists and makers.
Fall into the holiday spirit with San Diego Ballet’s drive-in performance of The Nutcracker. This Balanchine classic will feature all of the enchanting dances you know and love—cue the sugarplum fairies—in a comfortable and safe pop-up theater experience. Audience members are encouraged to bring sweet treats, cozy blankets, and chairs if they wish to sit in front of their vehicle.
Seniors today face challenges that were unimaginable to previous generations, and some turn to nonprofit organizations to bridge the gap. Serving Seniors helps low-income older adults with housing assistance, social services, and more. The nonprofit provides 1.5 million meals and coordinated services to 13,265 older adults each year, the majority living on less than $1,125 per month.
Dedicated volunteers, like Fred Davis, help make this important work possible. Since roughly 2008, Davis has spent six days a week at the Serving Seniors Gary and Mary West Senior Wellness Center serves as a liaison to help clients access much-needed resources. Here, he shares what keeps him coming back day after day.
Courtesy of Serving Seniors
What made you want to get involved with Serving Seniors?
I have a community outreach ministry and my grandson and I were on the streets downtown handing out sack lunches, water, hygiene products, clothes and shoes, and things like that and I noticed that most of the people I met appeared to be seniors. So the next logical step for me was to find a senior group that I could work with. I heard about Serving Seniors, and I made a few phone calls. No one really responded to me, so I showed up. They opened the door for me and now they can’t get rid of me. I found a home. I’ve met some really good people over the years. And as it turned out, I’ve been here longer than most of them. I’ve been here at the West Center ever since the doors opened. And matter of fact, I was the one who gave Gary and Mary West an award for their generous donation that made it possible to open up this center.
What do your volunteer duties entail?
I’m in ministry, but I don’t want that to be the highlight of what I do. It’s not just a passion for serving people, it’s a calling. I like the idea of giving and serving people and trying to meet their needs. So I counsel, I oversee the serving of the lunches, and I work with the head of the volunteer group. I’m involved in different activities. Matter of fact, this coming Saturday, I’m going to take a group of seniors out sailing. I also helped start the Civic Engagement Group. It was a group of us, and there are about three members that are left from when we originally started it. Now Serving Seniors is taking it over, and my role is to work with them. I also took it a little bit further and ended up joining Aging and Independent Services and sat on that advisory board for a number of years. That led to me being elected to the California Senior Legislature. So I’ve been advocating for seniors for a very long time. They’re a vulnerable group. They worked hard and don’t always get the respect that they deserve.
Courtesy of Serving Seniors
What do you like best about volunteering at Serving Seniors?
The people—this is my target group right here. I don’t have to walk the streets like my grandson and I did anymore; they’re right here. I’m here every day at the West Center but Sunday.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced?
The biggest challenge is not being able to help someone who really needs the help. But we try to find a way. I reach out to different organizations, faith-based organizations or other nonprofits, sometimes with success and a lot of times without success. There are quite a few people that are in need who are hardworking people, dedicated people who still want to provide for themselves and their family, and they’re just caught in that void.
Courtesy of Serving Seniors
Can you describe your favorite or most memorable experience while volunteering?
I was handing out clothes; I usually have a sock drive and I gave a homeless person a pair of socks. As they peeled their filthy socks off their feet, this person cried. You don’t know how important these little things are that we take for granted. It was really touching.
Any advice for someone considering volunteering as a way to give back?
A lot of people use the term giving back, but I just say giving. When you say ‘giving back,’ that means you’re trying to repay something and you’re taking credit. But giving is a passion. It’s something that you do from your heart, not out of obligation.
Sarah Sapeda is San Diego Magazine’s Custom Content Editor. In her 15 years in San Diego journalism, she has covered charitable events, health care, education, crime, current events, and more.
For more than five decades, SAY San Diego (Social Advocates for Youth) has been helping local kids, families, and seniors navigate challenges they can’t face alone. The nonprofit serves as a beacon for local residents by offering more than 30 programs that range from youth mentorship and crisis support to increasing access to stable housing and mental health services to substance-use prevention and workforce development.
“For 55 years, SAY’s story has been shaped by listening to the community and being willing to grow with it,” says Louie Nguyen, SAY San Diego’s president and CEO. “Our mission is to partner with youth, adults, families, and communities so they can reach their full potential. That keeps us focused on the whole person, not just one immediate need. As San Diego evolves, we listen, work alongside trusted community partners, and adjust our services so they remain accessible, relevant, and rooted in opportunity, equity, and well-being.”
SAY San Diego started as a grassroots nonprofit with one paid employee and a budget of $1,500. The organization has since evolved from humble beginnings as a youth-focused agency into a comprehensive and far-reaching social services organization.
Several milestones mark SAY San Diego’s success, including partnering with local schools and neighborhoods to expand its child and youth development programs, family resource centers, and school-based mental health services; the creation of the San Diego Military Family Collaborative, one of the largest of its kind in the nation; and the opening of its licensed early childhood center that introduced an employer-supported childcare model.
What underscores SAY San Diego’s programs and opens the doors for lasting change is a willingness to listen and grow in response to emerging needs, says Nguyen.
“Lasting change comes from consistent support, strong relationships, and services that work together,” says Nguyen. “Our school-based programs have an especially broad reach, serving more than 6,500 young people across 57 school sites each day in places families already know and trust. Our mental health programs also stand out, with 72 percent of participants reporting improved emotional well-being. But the real strength of SAY is that a family can connect with early childhood care, parenting support, youth development, mental health services, or community resources as their needs change over time.”
Much of SAY San Diego’s impact is possible thanks to partnerships with individuals and organizations across the county. Nguyen hopes to further expand that community investment through initiatives like its Play 4 SAY fundraiser, which brings together corporate partners, foundations, and other supporters. However, challenges remain in “meeting rising demand while public funding, workforce capacity, and the broader nonprofit environment remain uncertain,” he says.
As economic instability, rising housing and childcare costs, and access to mental health services continue to affect San Diegans, SAY San Diego’s role is more important than ever. The organization hopes to build on the foundation it has built over the past 55 years and continue to help kids, families, and communities thrive.
“Today, we reach more than 45,000 San Diegans each year, but our goal is not simply to grow larger, it is to create a deeper, more lasting impact,” says Nguyen. “Our next chapter is about strengthening what works, expanding access to mental health and family support, investing in our people, and bringing partners together to build a stronger San Diego.”
Sarah Sapeda is San Diego Magazine’s Custom Content Editor. In her 15 years in San Diego journalism, she has covered charitable events, health care, education, crime, current events, and more.
Renewable energy companies building hundreds of power plants. Biotech startups using artificial intelligence to create personalized medicine for children with rare diseases. Hospitality companies quietly powering thousands of local events. Consumer brands growing from beach-town startups into national businesses. These are the kinds of companies driving San Diego’s economy today, and the businesses recognized at this year’s San Diego Business Impact Awards offer a snapshot of where the region is headed.
Hosted July 23 by San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and JPMorganChase, the second annual awards event honored four local companies for innovation, growth, and economic impact. More than 100 nominations from San Diego’s middle-market businesses were reviewed by a 10-person judging committee, with winners selected across four categories: startup, early-stage innovator, rising star, and established heavyweight.
Two-time honoree Jimbo Someck, founder of Jimbo’s organic grocery stores, also joined the event for a fireside chat on buying local, supporting emerging brands, and giving back to the community.
“San Diego’s strength comes from its makers and builders—the resilient people who endure great risks and overcome obstacles to build and scale a company,” says Aaron Ryan, San Diego Region Manager and Middle Market Banking at JPMorganChase & Co. “These awards aren’t just recognition; they spotlight the talent, grit, and innovation shaping our region’s future. By celebrating those who create and build, we foster connections and fuel the growth that keeps San Diego thriving.”
Photo Credit: Matt Furman
Building the Infrastructure Behind Clean Energy
Heavyweight honoree SOLV Energy has grown alongside the country’s rapid investment in renewable power. “It’s an exciting time for SOLV Energy as we are experiencing significant growth,” says CEO George Hershman. “The business has doubled over the last year and has almost double-digit growth since its inception.”
The Rancho Bernardo-based company designs, builds, operates, and maintains utility-scale solar and energy storage facilities. Since its founding in 2008, SOLV Energy has built more than 500 power plants.
Growth has translated directly into hiring. About 200 employees work from the company’s local headquarters, including roughly 20 interns. “Our intern program is a big part of the way that we grow our workforce,” Hershman says. “Last year, 43 percent of our interns became full-time employees. We believe San Diego is a great community to build and grow a high-tech infrastructure and technology company because of the incredible workforce—the ability to attract top talent and draw from world-class universities.”
Photo Credit: Matt Furman
Developing Medicine One Patient at a Time
Startup honoree La Jolla Labs is tackling one of medicine’s biggest challenges by developing personalized RNA therapeutics for patients with rare diseases—many of them children with neurological disorders like ALS. Using proprietary artificial intelligence and machine learning tools, the biotech company develops treatments tailored to each patient’s specific genetic mutation.
CEO Tamar Grossman says the recognition reflects how far the company has come despite limited resources. “We’re honored to be recognized for our ability to change and save patients’ lives and turn our lean startup into a clinical company with very minimal resources,” she says.
Grossman credits San Diego’s concentration of research institutions—including UC San Diego, the Salk Institute, and Scripps Research—with creating a pipeline of talent and collaboration. “San Diego is one of the world-leading centers for technology, genomics, and RNA therapeutics,” she says. “We have over 30 RNA therapeutics companies here, and we support each other and help with anything related to drug discovery.”
She says that collaborative spirit extends beyond formal partnerships. “You can walk around Torrey Pines, go into a café, and find colleagues from the industry and have an ad hoc conversation,” Grossman says. “That’s something very unique to San Diego.”
While Snake Oil Venue Company may not be a household name, chances are many San Diegans have attended one of its events. The early-stage innovator honoree has expanded from beverage catering and mixology consulting into venue management, operating Julep Venue in Mission Hills, Bramble Bay Venue in Imperial Beach, Vesper Venue, the Chapel at Liberty Station, and five outdoor venues throughout Liberty Station—more than 500,000 square feet of event space altogether.
“We do a lot of launch parties for corporations and new products,” says CEO Mike Esposito. “I really like working on the entrepreneur side of things, where new businesses are entering the San Diego market and looking to make a splash.”
Snake Oil has executed more than 16,000 events, employed more than 1,000 people, and partnered with more than 900 local vendors, including caterers, florists, photographers, entertainers, and other hospitality businesses. The company also works with many of San Diego’s nonprofits, museums, and cultural institutions. “We get to celebrate people’s most important moments,” Esposito says. “Whether that’s a wedding, celebration of life, or quinceañera, we’re fortunate to be involved in the community in so many different ways.”
Photo Credit: Matt Furman
Growing a Beach-Town Brand into a National Business
Rising star honoree ALOHA Collection is proof that a simple idea can grow into a thriving company. Founded by two roommates who wanted a better way to carry wet swimsuits after a day at the beach, the lifestyle brand has grown into a business while maintaining strong year-over-year growth.
Now headquartered in Carlsbad, ALOHA Collection employs more than 100 people and operates its California flagship store in Encinitas, which is slated for a remodel. With roots in Hawaii, the company is known for its lightweight, splash-proof travel bags that have become a familiar sight on beaches in San Diego and beyond.
“‘Aloha’ is part of our name, but it’s also how we move through the world,” says CEO Lynna Barnard. “It’s how we show up for people, the way we travel, the way we give back.” Since day one, the company has maintained a 5 percent giveback to Hawaii conservation efforts, contributing millions of dollars over the years.
“I think what’s so inspiring about ALOHA Collection, and the founders in particular, is when you dream big, those dreams can come true when you work hard and trust in the universe,” Barnard says. “It’s inspiring to be a role model for other people wanting to start businesses from humble beginnings. Start small and watch it grow.”
Together, businesses like these form a cornerstone of San Diego’s economy—not only through the jobs and revenue they generate—but through the local workers they hire, vendors they support, and investments they make in the region. Their growth doesn’t happen in isolation; it ripples outward, strengthening the broader business community and the people who call San Diego home.
More than 6,000 ice cream lovers devoured tasty treats at this year’s Scoop Ice Cream Festival for a great cause. The event on June 28 launched an ongoing partnership with Feeding San Diego and raised $60,000, or enough to provide 120,000 meals to San Diegans facing hunger.
Sarah Sapeda is San Diego Magazine’s Custom Content Editor. In her 15 years in San Diego journalism, she has covered charitable events, health care, education, crime, current events, and more.
Raise money for cancer research while you work out at the Curebound Cancer Challenge. Fundraisers will cycle along the San Diego coastline, run a 10K on the UC San Diego campus, and participate in group spin, yoga, and strength classes.
August 1: Club Masterpiece: One Haute Havana Night
Patrons of the Prado will channel 1950s Havana at this year’s Masterpiece Gala. Club Masterpiece: One Haute Havana Night will raise money for Balboa Park cultural institutions and will include a special honor for philanthropists Joan and Irwin Jacobs.
August 3: CaddyHack Golf Festival
Golfers will tee off to support Boys to Men Mentoring at the CaddyHack Golf Festival. Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the charity golf tournament will include golf, music, food, and fun at Fairbanks Ranch Country Club.
August 7: Music By Eras Fundraiser for TERI Campus of Life
Acclaimed San Diego musicians will join together to support TERI’s programs and services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Music By Eras performance at TERI’s Bornemann Theatre will feature artists Whitney Shay, Jesse Ray Smith, Lauren Leigh, and Will Stucky.
August 8: 80th Annual Jewel Ball
Las Patronas will recreate the magic of Venice at its 80th annual Jewel Ball. Las Patronas has spent the entire year preparing for the event, as well as raising money to support nonprofit organizations across San Diego County.
August 14: Shelter to Soldier Be the Light Gala
Help Shelter to Soldier train rescue dogs to be psychiatric service animals for local veterans at the 14th annual Be the Light Gala aboard the USS Midway Museum. The gala will include silent and live auctions, dinner, dessert, and appearances by canine ambassadors and veteran recipients.
August 15: Haute with Heart Fashion Show
St. Madeline Sophie’s Center will celebrate its “hidden diamonds” at its 48th annual Haute with Heart Fashion Show. The lively event at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront will include a pre-luncheon reception, live music, a live auction, a stunning fashion show, and surprise entertainment to benefit the nonprofit’s programs for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
August 15: Symphony at Salk’s Concert Under the Stars
The Bacon Brothers will perform with the San Diego Symphony at this year’s Concert Under the Stars. Now in its 30th year, Symphony at Salk supports research in areas such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, wellness, and agriculture.
August 22: SummerFest Gala 2026
La Jolla Music Society supporters will enjoy an evening of exclusive performances at its SummerFest Gala 2026. The event at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego will raise money for La Jolla Music Society’s artistic, learning, and engagement programs.
August 28: 2026 Alpha Project Golf Tournament
Tee off to help San Diegans facing homelessness at Alpha Project’s 16th Annual Charity Golf Classic. The four-person scramble at the Rancho Bernardo Inn Golf Resort and Spa will support the Alpha Project’s housing, employment, recovery, and support services.
August 29: Relay for Life of San Diego
Walkers will join forces to celebrate cancer survivors and remember those who lost their fight at the annual Relay for Life of San Diego. The 24-hour relay at Liberty Station NTC Park is part of a global network of similar events that raise money for the American Cancer Society.
August 29: A Night United: Illuminating the Way
United Way of San Diego County will host its A Night United: Illuminating the Way gala at Eve, an event destination on San Diego Bay. The elegant evening will benefit UWSD’s mission to improve lives and strengthen communities across the region.
Sarah Sapeda is San Diego Magazine’s Custom Content Editor. In her 15 years in San Diego journalism, she has covered charitable events, health care, education, crime, current events, and more.
9 Destinations on the California Coast You Should Visit This Summer
sometimes, even us sun-soaked San Diegans need a getaway of our own. Fortunately, unforgettable experiences are just a short trip away.
It’s hard to think of two words that go together better than summer and vacation. Every summer, visitors flock to San Diego to explore our breathtaking beaches and awesome attractions—and who could blame them?
But sometimes, even us sun-soaked San Diegans need a getaway of our own. Fortunately, unforgettable experiences abound, around the world and in our own backyard.
This guide will help you pick the perfect summer escape. Want even more ideas? Check out the Central Coast’s tourism guide here.
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VENTURA HARBOR VILLAGE
Relax and unwind at Ventura’s seaside Ventura Harbor Village for waterfront treats, fresh seafood, patio dining, coastal shops, artisans, pampering, dive trips, live music, and fun rentals on the water! Walk from Ventura Harbor hotels to scenic beaches, Ventura Harbor Village, and Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center. SEA you SEAside! venturaharborvillage.com
Solvang
SOLVANG
Solvang’s walkable village is brimming with wine tasting rooms and bars, museums, galleries, independently owned shops, and restaurants helmed by Michelin-level chefs. Architecture reminiscent of Northern Europe frames Danish-pastry-filled itineraries. Spot the Little Mermaid, chase windmills, brush up on Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales— then live one of your own. What’s your Solvang story? Solvangusa.com
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STAY COOL IN GILROY
The super-splashy Water Oasis in Gilroy Gardens is the coolest place to play in Gilroy—but there’s lots more to see and do in the Garlic Capital of the World. Enjoy wine tasting, outlet shopping, golfing, hiking, and more. Visitgilroy.com
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VENTURA
Ventura is your portal to life-changing adventure. The closest of the five islands of Channel Islands National Park are just a 70-minute boat ride from Ventura Harbor, and they offer the wild glory you’d expect from one of America’s least visited national parks. “The Galapagos of North America”? Better. visitventura.com
Paso Robles
PASO ROBLES
Escape to the majestic vineyards, oak-dotted hills, and small-town charm of Paso Robles. It’s where world-class food and wine meet small-town cowboy charm, and it boasts endless lodging options, from historic inns and luxury resorts to rustic vineyard escapes. Recently named a “must-visit region” by the New York Times. travelpaso.com
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PISMO BEACH
It’s all here waiting for you—a gentle climate, where sand, sun, sea, and sky converge to create the ideal getaway. California’s golden past is alive and well in Pismo Beach. Visit experiencepismobeach.com to book your stay. experiencepismobeach.com
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MONTEREY COUNTY
Escape to an inspiring place with striking coastline, secluded redwood forests, and a culinary scene as diverse as the landscape. Now is the moment to embrace the unexpected adventures and natural beauty of Monterey County. Why wait? Plan your trip and join us here. Seemonterey.com
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SANTA BARBARA
Discover a gentle crescent of California coast where the sea and mountains meet, the sun feels more golden, and the valleys overflow with a bounty of color. Santa Barbara offers exhilarating outdoor adventure, fascinating arts and culture, an incredible variety of local food and wine, and more. santabarbaraca.com
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BUELLTON
#SkipTheBigCities and head to Buellton, nestled in the Sta. Rita Hills wine region, where you’ll also enjoy feeding an ostrich, horseback riding, taking a stroll through the botanic garden, or enjoying the collection at Mendenhall’s Museum of Gasoline Pumps and Petroliana. You’ll find accommodations for all budgets, including “glamping.” discoverbuellton.com
