Five of the seven co-authors have lived experience/expertise in the foster care system and deliver a thought-provoking critique of the outdated child welfare system in the United States. The book challenges efforts to change the current system through reforms and initiatives that fail to address the underlying mental model established over a century and a half ago, which has left countless young people adrift in a system focused on placements and short-term problem solving rather than a sense of belonging and empowerment for the long-term.
Or as the book puts it “Without clarity of intention, we might be unable to course correct and change our work because we don’t see outside the system we’re steeped in or have the vision to recognize that different ways of thinking, not just new ways of working, are necessary to achieve different outcomes.”
Life Changing Choices not only questions the traditional narrative that sees broken children emerging from broken homes in need of fixing but also presents a tangible alternative based on demonstrated and measurable impact. Using firsthand accounts of how their lives were adversely affected by systemic assumptions and attitudes that too often led to displacement and disempowerment, and drawing on the remarkable 20-year legacy of the Just in Time for Foster Youth community, the authors introduce a paradigm shift through seven essential choices that promise empowerment, connection, and community.
The pivotal Choices outlined in the book include:
What’s Your Intention? (Prioritize Protection or Empowerment)
Who are You Serving? (See Damaged & Broken or Creative, Resourceful & Whole)
What will You Promise? (Build a System or a Community)
Where will You Find Answers? (Act from YOUR Agenda or Listen to Lived Experience Experts)
When will You Know You’re Succeeding? (Report What was Done or Share What had Lasting Impact)
How will You Sustain Your Efforts? (Follow the Funding or Engage with Impact)
Who can Start THIS Where You Live? (Wait for Someone Else or Be the Needed Change)
Unlike conventional guides, Life Changing Choices doesn’t simply instruct “how-to” do things differently. It also engages readers in a compelling narrative that explores the “why-do” behind critical decisions. The book navigates the complexities of reversing the alarming societal outcomes of homelessness, hopelessness, and disconnection, linking readers to powerful stories that create personal perspectives with universal application. In the process, it suggests a bridge closes the gap between resigned despair and empowered hope.
At its heart, the book is a rallying cry for individuals and communities to reevaluate their stance on foster care. It challenges prevailing norms and beckons readers to consider an actionable alternative approach to serve any marginalized community.
Rooted in tangible success stories, Life Changing Choices is an essential read for anyone invested in effecting enduring changing in the lives of foster youth and fostering a positive transformation within our communities.
Just in Time engages a caring community to help transition age foster youth achieve self-sufficiency and well-being. They envision a future in which every youth leaving the foster care system has a community of supportive adults waiting for them after 18. They believe consistent, long-term help from the heart is the foundation for the success of youth so they can thrive and enjoy productive, satisfying lives. By mobilizing the San Diego community as an extended family for youth, they provide access to an empowering ecosystem of resources in the areas of: meaningful employment, essential education, financial literacy, safe, stable housing, transportation equity, positive social environments, and mental wellness.
Studio S
JULY 1, 2026
Get Your Home Ready for (San Diego) Summer
Tips from the trusted experts at Mauzy Cooling, Heating, Plumbing, and Electrical
San Diego summers can be brutal. But since the hottest period is typically late summer into early fall, San Diegans still have time to prepare. The pros at Mauzy Cooling, Heating, Plumbing, and Electrical are standing by to help homeowners fortify their homes against the elements and ensure their air conditioning is as frosty as the penguins that serve as the company’s mascots.
Many homeowners underestimate the load their AC system faces, especially in the inland valleys where temperatures regularly top 100 degrees. San Diego regularly sees multi-day heatwaves each summer, and a system that struggles on the first day will likely fail by the third.Longer run times, unusual sounds or smells, and uneven cooling from room to room are all signs that your system may not survive the next hot spell.
Systems typically last 12 to 17 years, but there are exceptions. If a system is approaching that, or is already there, a professional evaluation is recommended before summer really heats up. A good rule of thumb: If you can’t remember when your system was last serviced, it’s due.
“As technology changes, systems become smarter and smarter,” says Sean O’Connor, an install manager at Mauzy with 42 years of experience. “There are a lot of people out there who will say a system’s only good for 10 years. I don’t buy that—these systems are built to last as long as they’re taken care of.”
There are also a few steps homeowners can take between services to extend the life of their system. Regularly changing a dirty filter—especially if you have kids or pets—and keeping an outdoor unit clean can help head off problems in the future, says O’Connor.
Also, be realistic about whether it’s time to replace a unit. O’Connor likens pouring money into salvaging a faulty unit with patchwork repairs and replacement parts to “tripping over a dollar to pick up a dime.” When one part fails, others are sure to follow, and newer parts may not be compatible with older units. Mauzy recommends homeowners use the 50% rule: If a repair costs more than 50% of the system’s replacement value, and the equipment is over 10 years old, replacement is usually the better long-term value. And don’t forget the ducting. An older house that was built with heat and later had air conditioning added may not have sufficient airflow, regardless of how good the system is.
Last but not least, homeowners should know who to trust when it comes to their homes. Built on three generations of professional integrity, Mauzy has grown into not just a leader for cooling, heating, plumbing, and electrical services, but a leader in the community known for supporting local nonprofits across an array of causes. To ensure complete peace of mind, Mauzy stands behind a comprehensive 12-point guarantee that outlines its commitment to outstanding service, quality equipment, expert technicians who understand how the local microclimates affect HVAC performance, and no upsells or surprises on the bill.
“We go the extra mile. That’s what sets us apart,” O’Connor says. To get a free quote today, visit mauzy.com.
Daniel A. Kaplan is a founding partner of Panakos LLP with more than three decades of civil litigation experience in both state and federal courts. Mr. Kaplan pursues and defends legal claims on behalf of companies, entrepreneurs, and business owners in high-stakes disputes. He focuses on business disputes including breach of contract, unfair competition, trade secret theft, securities disputes, fraud/misrepresentations, and employment matters.
“The best advocacy combines preparation, perspective, and a client relationship built on trust and candor.” — Daniel A. Kaplan
His clients include real estate investors, private and public corporations, and individuals seeking sophisticated legal counsel. Known for practical judgment and strategic advocacy, he works closely with an experienced and diverse legal team to protect, enforce, and defend his clients’ interests.
555 W. Beech Street, Ste. 500, San Diego, California 92101 619-8000-LAW Panakos.law
At Naumann Law Firm, PC, William Naumann and his team have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in damages litigating construction defects, insurance, and government claims. Mr. Naumann has spent his career fighting for people in their hardest moments, from winning $7 million for homeowners after landslide damage to advocating for victims of 9/11.
“We always believe in working as hard as we can to maximize the recovery for the client.” — William Naumann, Esq.
Combining a personalized approach with a results-driven strategy, he’s helped homeowners associations, property owners, and individuals win against the largest developers, builders, insurers, and municipalities. His commitment is to secure the best possible results efficiently, whether through settlement or at trial.
10890 Thornmint Road, Suite 200, San Diego, California 92127 858-792-7474 naumannlegal.com
For nearly two decades, Andrew Hall has helped clients find practical, cost-effective legal solutions to complex real estate and business matters. At Hall Legal, APC, Andrew offers the experience of a large law firm with the hands-on service of a boutique practice. Whether navigating a business or real estate dispute, he guides clients through every stage of the legal process, from pre-litigation resolution to trials and appeals.
“Combining big-firm experience with boutique attention for California business and real estate legal services.”— Andrew Hall
He has represented a broad range of clients, including residential and commercial property owners and managers, landlords, tenants, homeowners, title and escrow companies, lenders, and real estate agents and brokers, while providing personalized, pragmatic service.
At Christensen & Spath LLP, Charles Christensen (right) and his partner, Walter Spath (left), provide personalized, comprehensive and cost-effective legal counsel. The firm specializes in real estate law, helping clients with everything from litigation to transactional matters.
“From boundary disputes to every aspect of acquisitions and sales, we provide full service to clients in the real estate arena.” — Charles Christensen
Mr. Christensen takes the time to understand his clients’ specific goals so he can develop solutions that are as efficient and effective as possible. This commitment, combined with his decades of experience and deep legal knowledge, has earned him and his firms the Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent rating — the highest distinction an attorney can receive — for more than 35 years.
401 West A Street, Suite 2250, San Diego, California 92101 619-236-9343 candslaw.net
As CEO and lead trial attorney of Frantz Law Group (FLG), he leads a firm focused on catastrophic injury, environmental, wildfire and other mass tort litigation, representing clients through some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Under his leadership, FLG secured a landmark plaintiff jury verdict in a wrongful death tractor-trailer case in San Joaquin County, California.
“At the end of the day, results matter. We leave no stone unturned in every case we litigate.” — James P. Frantz
James P. Frantz is recognized throughout the legal industry for his results-driven approach to litigation and commitment to client advocacy. He has been named to Best Law Firms (2014–2026), named a Fellow and Associate of the American Board of Trial Advocates, earned an AV® Preeminent™ rating from Martindale-Hubbell® and spent more than two decades as a Master in the Enright Chapter of the American Inns of Court.
402 W Broadway #860, San Diego, California 92101 855-735-5945 frantzlawgroup.com
