San Diego Humane Society is gearing up for a busy baby season by hosting a virtual kitten shower. Each spring, thousands of kitties age eight weeks and younger end up at SDHS, which must care for them around the clock until they’re adopted. SDHS has set up online registries with Amazon, Target, and Walmart so people who want to help can purchase and donate items like kitten formula, bottles, heating pads, scales, and blankets.
“We are so grateful to the community for helping us be ready when thousands of kittens come through our doors this spring,” said Director of Nursery & Placement Jackie Noble. “Our nursery is unique in that we can offer each kitten the shelter, nourishment, medical care and love they need to thrive.”
To view San Diego Humane Society’s registries and donate, visitsdhumane.org.
Feeding San Diego has teamed up with private nonprofit Neighborhood Healthcare to fight food insecurity in North County. The organizations are hosting twice-monthly food distribution events in downtown Escondido. Low-income families will be provided fresh produce, dry goods, and pantry staples on the first and third Saturdays of the month at Neighborhood Healthcare’s Date Street location.
“Feeding San Diego is focused on providing services in hunger hot spots around San Diego County, and Escondido falls into that category,” said Bob Kamensky, chief strategy officer at Feeding San Diego. “This collaboration is part of our organization’s Healthcare Partnerships Program, which links healthcare and food assistance to better support San Diegans in need of resources.”
San Diego Humane Society President Delivers Aid to Ukrainian Pets
Plus, St. Paddy’s O’Beach Party Raises $30,000 and Wounded Warrior Homes unveils a new veterans’ cottage
By Sarah Sapeda
SDHS President Gary Weitzman will spend 10 days providing care to pets affected by the Russia-Ukraine war
San Diego Humane Society President Gary Weitzman, DVM, is headed to the Ukrainian border to help pets impacted by the Russia-Ukraine war. Weitzman plans to spend 10 days in Przemyśl, on the Polish side, setting up a cross-border clinic, delivering supplies, providing veterinary care, and making arrangements for additional SDHS veterinarians and animal care staff to assist. He is traveling as part of Greater Good Charities’ humanitarian response to the crisis.
“As soon as the war broke out in Ukraine, we started looking for ways to support people with pets and animals left behind by this tragedy,” Weitzman said. “When we learned that our partner, Greater Good Charities, was seeking additional veterinary support, we immediately offered to help. Our goal is to make an impact for animals and people in this tragic crisis.”
More than 5,000 St. Patrick’s Day revelers flocked to OB’s party with a purpose
The first edition of the St. Paddy’s O’Beach Party raised over $30,000 for the Ocean Beach MainStreet Association and the Peninsula Alliance, two nonprofits that support the OB community. More than 5,000 people attended the event at Ocean Beach Pier Parking Lot on March 19. The festivities included live music, green beer, Irish-themed games, and a guacamole contest, in which La Doña restaurant took top honors.
“We had such a great time celebrating with the community at our St. Paddy’s O’Beach Party,” said Heather Hudson, the event’s director of marketing and partnerships. “Everyone in San Diego truly came out to support this first-ever event and we really felt the love. We can’t wait to continue to celebrate the holiday in the most San Diego way while supporting nonprofits that work to keep OB thriving!”
Wounded Warrior Homes unveiled its newest veterans’ cottage in Vista on March 24
Wounded Warrior Homes cut the ribbon on its newest transitional cottage for North County veterans with post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury. The 400-square-foot accessory dwelling unit is the nonprofit’s fourth residence and was donated by Warrior Village Project in conjunction with San Marcos High School. Residents will have access to support and supplemental services to aid in the transition to civilian life, plus case management and up to two years of transitional housing.
“On behalf of Wounded Warrior Homes, we want to thank the community for making this possible,” said Mia Roseberry, executive director of Wounded Warrior Homes. “We are so honored to receive this house from Warrior Village Project; it will be a transitional home for veterans as they get ready to live independently. And when they leave, we’re still here to support them; all that changes when they move is their address.”
Plus, events that connect seniors with technology and South Bay parents with diapers
By Sarah Sapeda
San Diego Humane Society
Registration is underway for San Diego Humane Society’s virtual Walk for Animals. Traditionally, SDHS has held a walk at Liberty Station and a second in North County, but this year’s virtual edition will combine the two into one “pawsome” event the week beginning April 11. Registration is free and unlocks access to exclusive online content and resources to help fundraise. Participants will be asked to walk however they please (with safety and social distancing in mind). That means a stroll around the block or even on the treadmill can all help.
“Even though we won’t be together in person this year, we still join together as a community to make a difference for animals who rely on us for shelter, medical care, new homes, and more,” said Gary Weitzman, president and CEO of San Diego Humane Society. “When our community faces challenges, keeping animals safe and sound becomes even more important, and we’ll be standing together to save those lives.”
Miracle Babies will host its first diaper distribution event of the year this Saturday, February 13, at the National City Public Library. Donations will be accepted at the event, a drive-thru for San Diego families in need. Diapers will be loaded directly into vehicles for a safe, contactless experience. To register or donate, visit miraclebabies.org by noon Friday the 12th.
A group of San Diego seniors will be receiving tablets and training to use them this week so they can better stay connected while they continue to ride out the pandemic. The Neighborhood House Association Senior Center purchased the devices using grant funds provided through the San Diego Seniors Community Foundation’s No Senior Alone initiative. In addition to being able to communicate with loved ones, the recipients will also have access to NHA Senior Center’s virtual health and wellness programming, such as exercise classes, art, and bingo.
When the pandemic began, Dr. Mona Minton, general manager for programs and clinics at NHA Senior Center, knew there would be very little access for them to get in touch with their clients. “We knew our seniors did not have tablets, laptops, and even smartphones. From the beginning we had expressed to SDSCF we were in dire need of electronics that could get our clients in contact with us to participate in all our virtual services.”
Marcella Johnson’s Comfort Cubs Help Families Carry Grief
The San Diego nonprofit grew from Johnson’s experience losing her infant son and now provides therapeutic teddy bears to grieving families and survivors of violent crimes
Grief is a complicated emotion. A profound loss can break a heart and bring unexpected emotional and physical pain that lasts for months or even years. As Marcella Johnson says, “Grief has no expiration date.” It can devastate, but it can also inspire.
Johnson knows this from experience. In 1999, her fourth child was diagnosed in utero with osteogenesis imperfecta type 2, a life-limiting disease. George was born on April 11, 1999, and died that same day.
“I got to hold him and look into his big blue eyes and tell him that I loved him,” she recalls. “That was very special for my family.”
In the days that followed, Johnson was swept up in sorrow and a physical pain she couldn’t understand. Her heart felt as though it physically ached; the only relief came from pressing on her chest, as if tending to an open wound. Her arms hurt, too, and rubbing them or applying ointment did nothing to ease the pain. She later came to understand the heart pain as stress-induced cardiomyopathy, also known as takotsubo syndrome or broken heart syndrome, a condition that was little understood at the time. She also experienced what’s commonly called empty arm syndrome, though it isn’t an official diagnosis. “It’s when your arms are literally aching to hold your child,” she says.
A week later, Johnson found an unexpected source of relief. Someone had left a terracotta pot of flowers at George’s gravesite, and her father urged her to take it home. When she held the pot, the aching began to subside.
“It was a cold, hard terracotta pot, but the weight of it gave me comfort. I felt an immediate response, and I thought, I can’t say anything to anyone. This is so weird,” she says. “I got home and I did not want to put that terracotta pot down. I found myself walking around the house, and every time I put it down, my pain would return. So I didn’t let go of it … I was so desperate to get myself out of pain that I [would] do whatever it takes.”
Courtesy of Marcella Johnson
Johnson soon learned she wasn’t the only grieving mother to find comfort in an inanimate object. Women had found solace in a sack of flour, a pillow, even a pineapple.
Johnson set aside her own grief and thought, I have to do something for these women.
“We needed to get to them before they left the hospital, because for me, leaving the hospital empty-handed was the worst experience of my life,” she says.
She began thinking about what might help. At George’s funeral, guests had brought stuffed animals to donate. Seeing a Beanie Baby at the top of the pile sparked an idea: What if she made a teddy bear about the size of a baby?
“It’s not uncommon for a grown woman to have a stuffed animal. And the teddy bear, the Comfort Cub that we came up with, if you look at it, you have no idea that it’s a therapeutic tool,” she says.
Johnson went to a predecessor of Build-A-Bear Workshop and filled a teddy bear with split peas. After a few tries, she found a weight that felt right. At first, she made every Comfort Cub by hand and included a personalized note. Soon, the bears were being donated to mothers who had lost a child at hospitals throughout San Diego. Johnson’s effort later expanded to select hospitals across the country.
As weighted blankets became more popular, Johnson saw growing interest in the calming effects of deep pressure. Research on weighted blankets suggests they may help some people feel calmer, though the evidence remains limited. Johnson also realized Comfort Cubs might help people beyond grieving mothers. She brought them to the San Diego Police Department for use during trauma cases. “They were very well received,” she says.
Today, through her nonprofit, the Comfort Cub Program, therapeutic bears are given to families grieving the loss of an infant and to survivors of violent crimes.
Courtesy of Marcella Johnson
The organization has provided Comfort Cubs to individuals, families, first responders, and communities across the country affected by tragedy, trauma, and loss. Bears went to families of victims after the 2012 Sandy Hook shooting and the 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting, as well as to people affected by the wildfires in Maui and Los Angeles and the catastrophic flood that killed 28 people at Camp Mystic for Girls in Hunt, Texas. Johnson recently traveled to New York to donate more than 1,000 bears to surviving family members attending the VOICES 25th Anniversary NYC Symposium and Commemorative Luncheon, a 9/11 memorial event.
Johnson called the experience “humbling.”
“Whether a loss happened yesterday, five years ago, or 25 years ago, the need for emotional healing and support remains essential,” Johnson says. “Grief has no expiration date—and neither should comfort.”
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.
Today’s seniors are more connected than ever, with a renewed focus on retirement as a time of discovery and enriching experiences. The ultimate reward for a retirement well-earned is the wisdom to appreciate it all, and what better place to enjoy that unique perspective than Vi at La Jolla Village, in the heart of San Diego.
All-access pass to good living.
As a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), Vi provides access to a connected and fulfilling community while making it easy to plan for future care, should the need ever arise. With a care plan in place, residents enjoy greater financial predictability and long-term value, freeing them to focus on making the most out of retirement.
Resort-style amenities at the epicenter of a cultural hub like San Diego offer a retirement experience unlike any other. Paired with exceptional dining, spacious accommodations and dedicated staff, the best of maintenance-free living is all around. And with the introduction of Vista 360 Well-Being, Vi’s panoramic approach to wellness, there are more ways than ever for residents to access it all.
The harmony of mind, body and community.
Courtesy of Vi at La Jolla Village
The key to longevity is striking the right balance in maintaining an active lifestyle with an active mind in a fulfilling community. With newly renovated community spaces and restaurants, Vista brings a variety of opportunities for residents to elevate their well-being through Vi-exclusive “Signature Experiences.”
Vista Enrich takes an evidence-based approach to brain vitality, keeping residents at the forefront of cognitive health through exergaming (exercising + gaming), nutritional plans and informative workshops. It is also home to The Brain Vitality Studio, an innovative facility dedicated to cognitive fitness that has garnered national recognition.
Vista Discover invites residents into stimulating educational experiences, from chef-led cooking demos and guided wine tastings to lectures at local universities and intimate lectures following cultural outings.
While Vista Enrich focuses on brain health and Vista Discover engages residents intellectually, Vista Explore cultivates a sense of adventure through curated travel and local excursions. But broadening one’s horizons doesn’t always require a plane ticket. One recent event brought a taste of the world right to the community: an onsite “jazz cruise” featuring live music and global cuisine served at a series of themed “ports” all within the community’s own ballroom.
“Location, location, location”
Courtesy of Vi at La Jolla Village
One of the biggest perks of life at Vi at La Jolla Village is its proximity to just about everything. With easy access to transportation and local attractions just steps away, residents can explore and engage with their community at their own pace.
“There are trolley and bus stops within a 5-minute walk that will get you to the beach, UCSD Campus, medical appointments, downtown La Jolla or San Diego, et cetera. We rarely use our car,” said resident Tom Yager.
With the best of San Diego just steps away, residents don’t just live in the city, they live within reach of everything that makes it special.
The best of all worlds.
Courtesy of Vi at La Jolla Village
At Vi at La Jolla Village, retirement isn’t a chapter to slow down; it’s an invitation to discover more. Tailored community experiences created by Vista, paired with the vibrant pulse of San Diego just outside the door, mean that residents don’t have to choose between security and adventure, connection and independence. They get all of it.
This is what an all-access pass to good living looks like: the comforts of an elevated lifestyle, a community built for growth and a city made for discovery – all in one place.
To learn more about Vi at La Jolla Village or for details on available floor plans, visit ViatLaJollaVillage.com/SDM.
The USS Midway has a storied history. The longest-serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century has served as a home base for helicopters carrying fleeing refugees during the fall of Saigon, played a key role in developing naval missile warfare, and evacuated civilian personnel after the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines. The Midway was decommissioned in 1992 and today stands as a monument to military history, drawing more than 1 million visitors each year. Its team of more than 750 volunteers supports this mission, doing everything from leading tours to controlling corrosion to operating HAM radio. Among them is Paul “Chappie” Ward, who has clocked more than 12,000 volunteer hours at the museum since 2018. Here, he details how he helps “bring history to life.”
How did you first get involved with the USS Midway Museum?
My connection to the USS Midway Museum began in 2010, when my wife and I came to San Diego for a Civil Air Patrol conference. My wife Nan and I had wanted to live in San Diego since vacationing here over the years, so San Diego was always on our radar. A couple of days before the conference began, my oldest son, his father-in-law, and I toured the Midway and I was immediately inspired by the experience. I remember telling Nan on the trip home that if we ever retired to San Diego, I would love to become involved with the Midway. In the subsequent years, our two granddaughters were born. In 2017, we retired and moved from San Luis Obispo to be closer to family. Nan reminded me of what I had said years earlier and encouraged me to follow through. I joined Docent Class #57 in January 2018, earned my “yellow hat” [upon completing the training] that March, and have been proud to be part of the Midway ever since.
What do your duties entail?
The Midway offers an incredible range of ways to serve, and I’ve had the privilege of contributing to five teams while also serving as the museum’s volunteer chaplain. As a docent, I bring the ship’s history to life through stories and guided experiences. With Guest Services, I help visitors plan their time aboard and make the most of their visit. On the Exhibits team, I help ensure the displays tell the Midway’s story accurately and meaningfully. Along with other members of the Library/Curatorial team, I research and provide information to former Midway sailors and their family members. Through Outreach and the Speakers Bureau, I represent the museum at community events, parades, and service clubs. I also administer the Midway Sailors Program Facebook group, where former crewmembers can reconnect with one another and with the ship. As chaplain, I help plan and officiate celebrations of life and weddings, and I offer invocations and benedictions at special events aboard the Midway.
What do you like best about volunteering for the Midway?
What I value most is what we call “Midway Magic.” It’s hard to define, but you feel it the moment you step aboard—the camaraderie among staff and volunteers, the shared passion for the ship, and the commitment to giving every guest an unforgettable experience.
At the end of the day, there is deep satisfaction in knowing you helped preserve and share something important. The Midway is “America’s Living Symbol of Freedom,” and we have the privilege of honoring the more than 200,000 people who served aboard her during 47 years of service, from the end of World War II through the Persian Gulf War. Sharing their service and sacrifice with my granddaughters and with visitors from around the world is one of the greatest rewards of volunteering here.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced?
My biggest challenge was simply wondering if I could do this. I came from the civilian world as a retired pastor and former computer IT professional with a law enforcement agency. I had also served as a volunteer chaplain with the Civil Air Patrol, the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary, but I was not a veteran and had no Navy background. Stepping onto a Navy ship and learning its systems, language, and culture was a real adjustment. What made the difference was the Midway’s commitment to training and mentorship. Every department gives volunteers the knowledge, resources, and hands-on support they need to succeed. Docents, for example, complete a seven-week course combined with on-the-job training with experienced volunteers. Over time, I learned, grew, and found my place. More than 12,000 volunteer hours later, I can confidently say that I could do it, and so can others who are willing to learn.
Can you describe your favorite or most memorable moment or experience while volunteering?
One of my most memorable experiences began in April 2025, when a former Midway sailor contacted me through the Facebook group I administer. During Operation Desert Storm, his wife had sent him a birthday card. As he was preparing to leave Yokosuka in 1991, the card slipped behind a desk in his stateroom and disappeared into a narrow space. His wife passed away in 2015, and he told me how much it would mean to hold that card again and share it with their daughter. I reached out to the Safety Office, and when he returned to the Midway on April 30, our team worked a little “Midway Magic.” With access to the stateroom and help moving the desk, we found the card and placed it back in his hands. After 34 years, he was able to share it with his daughter, Cheryl. It was a powerful reminder that this ship holds not only history, but deeply personal stories that are still unfolding.
Any advice for someone considering volunteering as a way to give back?
Start by finding a cause or organization that genuinely aligns with your interests and values. Then take the time to learn its story, understand its purpose, and get involved. The more you invest, the more meaningful the experience becomes—not only for the people you serve, but for you as well. Volunteering is a powerful way to give back, build community, and discover just how much you have to offer.
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.
Giving back is always in fashion. The Country Friends, a 72-year-old nonprofit that fundraises for charitable causes, hosted its annual Art of Fashion runway show and luncheon at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe on September 10. Models showcased the latest designer looks from Balmain, Camilla, Eleventy, Eres, Ferragamo, Lanvin, Max Mara, and Monique Lhuillier, while guests shopped mini-boutiques set up by event partner South Coast Plaza, participated in a live auction, and dined on a three-course luncheon. Proceeds from the event will support dozens of local nonprofits that provide assistance to women, children, seniors, military families, and people with disabilities. To date, The Country Friends has provided more than $15 million to San Diego-based charities.
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.
NewBridge School is San Diego’s only school dedicated to the education of students with dyslexia and related learning profiles. For 30 years we have successfully served students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, receptive/expressive language disorders, ADHD, executive functioning and memory deficits. Students transition successfully into academically rigorous high schools and colleges across the country. Why NewBridge? Training, training, training (plus intensive individualization, and comprehensive program design). All teachers are trained and retrained biennially in Orton-Gillingham, the only approach proven to remediate dyslexia based on Science of Reading research, and complete a year-long training program. Every aspect of our program is designed around our students’ learning styles and needs. Every class is taught by a highly-trained expert, and our Speech/Language and Occupational Therapy teams embed throughout the day. Our multisensory, multi-tiered math program has been developed in conjunction with sister schools and experts across the country. Don’t wait—early intervention is magic!
