Dear San Diego

Aimee Faucett has spent her career in the room where decisions get made.

From City Hall to the Chamber of Commerce—and now as CEO of the San Diego County Building Industry Association—she’s built a reputation as someone who doesn’t just understand how things work in San Diego, but how to actually move them forward.

In this episode of Dear San Diego, Tony Manolatos and guest co-host Elizabeth Wilberg sit down with Aimee to talk about what it really takes to lead under pressure—and why some of the region’s biggest challenges remain so difficult to solve.

Chapters:

00:00:00 – Welcome to Dear San Diego & ECS Community Impact
00:04:17 – Introducing Aimee Faucett: From City Hall to Housing Leadership
00:09:03 – Early Life, SDSU, and a Career in Public Affairs
00:13:00 – Inside the Mayor’s Office: Pressure, Crisis, and Leadership
00:17:20 – COVID Response and Managing Citywide Challenges
00:19:39 – Leadership Styles: Jerry Sanders vs. Kevin Faulconer
00:28:10 – San Diego’s Housing Crisis: Policy, Politics, and Reality
00:35:21 – Leading the Building Industry: Solutions Over Complaints
00:38:20 – Women in Leadership: Challenges, Mentorship, and Growth
00:43:53 – Is San Diego on the Right Track? Final Thoughts & Predictions

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Deacon Jim Vargas, CEO of Father Joe’s Villages, joins Dear San Diego for a powerful conversation about homelessness, housing, behavioral health, and what it really takes to move people from the streets to stability.

But this episode goes beyond policy and systems. Deacon Jim shares his journey from the Bronx to San Diego, how faith shaped his path, and why simply saying hello, volunteering, and listening changes how we see people experiencing homelessness.

Chapters:

00:00:00 – Welcome to Dear San Diego + Life Updates
00:02:20 – Introducing Justine Murray & Deacon Jim Vargas
00:04:06 – From the Bronx to San Diego: Jim’s Early Life
00:07:35 – From Banking to Ministry: A Life Pivot
00:11:11 – Leading Father Joe’s Villages
00:14:05 – The Legacy of Father Joe Carroll
00:18:26 – Innovation in Homeless Services
00:21:12 – What Father Joe’s Villages Actually Does
00:27:15 – Measuring Progress & What’s Working
00:39:13 – Behavioral Health Surge & The Human Side of Homelessness

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In this new episode of Dear San Diego, Tony and Elizabeth sit down with their twins Alex and Nicky, who are 12, to talk about baseball — not just the stats and scores, but the lessons the game teaches.

As a former Division I athlete and CEO of a large nonprofit, Elizabeth knows athletes at every level perform best when they’re loose, happy, and confident.

The family opens up about the highs and lows of Little League and travel baseball: the thrill of big hits and close games, the car rides home, the friendships, the politics, and the small victories that boost confidence.

Alex shares how he’s learned to stay calm under pressure — to trust the process and the work he’s put in, and to bounce back quickly after mistakes. Nicky offers a different perspective: he stopped playing, but he has stayed involved in the game.

 Listen now: Little League & Travel Baseball: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly — available wherever you get your podcasts or at Olas Media. Don’t forget to check out our first youth baseball episode.

This Episode Is Made Possible By

Berry’s Athletic Supply

Serving San Diego athletes for more than 70 years, Berry’s Athletic Supply in Lemon Grove is the go-to spot for sporting goods, varsity jackets, and gear for baseball players at every level — as well as soccer, football, and other sports.

Over the decades, Berry’s has designed more than 30,000 varsity letter jackets.

Visit berrysathleticsupply.com 

East County Rattlers Baseball Club

The East County Rattlers are building something special in San Diego — focused on player development, sportsmanship, and community.

FEATURED EVENT: Swing Into the New Year Classic Tournament

January 2–4, 2026 | San Diego | 4-Game Guarantee
Kick off the New Year with competitive play and great energy at one of San Diego’s top travel baseball tournaments!

REGISTER & LEARN MORE ABOUT OTHER EVENTS.

Charlie Rose Baseball

Your one-stop shop for bats, gloves, and gear — and a trusted partner for San Diego’s youth baseball community. Shop in store or at sandiegobaseballsupply.com. 

 Bonus for our listeners: There’s an exclusive offer from Charlie Rose Baseball available only to Dear San Diego listeners — tune in to this episode to get the coupon code!

Resources and Recommendations for Baseball Parents

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In this episode of Dear San Diego, Tony and Juan sit down with the CEO of the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation - Mark Cafferty, to talk about family, leadership, boxing, and the challenges facing San Diego’s economy. From his Boston upbringing shaped by strong role models to raising two boys in San Diego, he shares how family keeps him grounded even while working on major projects for the region. The conversation dives into why San Diego struggles to keep young talent, the high cost of housing, and what leaders must do to protect the city’s future.

Listen to more episodes at olasmedia.com

Here are some key moments of the conversation:

00:03:20 – Growing up in Boston and moving to San Diego
00:06:20 – Family life, raising kids, and the role of his wife’s career
00:10:30 – Culture shock of Boston vs. San Diego
00:15:10 – Parenting, role models, and balancing work with family
00:20:10 – Sports, boxing, and lessons from athletics
00:33:10 – Developing a leadership style rooted in kindness and empowerment
00:42:00 – Why businesses and talent leave San Diego
00:48:00 – The cost of living and the challenge for young professionals
00:50:00 – Direct flights, trade missions, and building global connections

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A revered and longtime North County neighbor, the Community Resource Center (CRC) provides meals and other services to senior citizens, low-income families, and others who need a helping hand. But its downtown Encinitas location has attracted critics recently because of expansion plans on the coveted real estate it occupies along 2nd Street between Hwy. 101 and the Pacific coastline. Tony and Juan sit down with CRC CEO John Van Cleef to unpack all of it. They also dig into who John is away from the office, what motivates him, and why he has devoted his life to helping others. Tune in now to check out this timely and  informative episode of Dear San Diego.

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Here are some notable moments from this episode:

00:00:00 – Catching Up: Weddings, Babies, and Family Milestones

00:08:45 – Meet John Van Cleef: CEO of the Community Resource Center

00:11:22 – CRC’s Mission & Evolution

00:15:30 – Who CRC Serves: Seniors, Families, and the Working Poor

00:21:45 – Homelessness Prevention vs. Intervention

00:25:10 – Local Criticism, Misinformation & Real Estate Pressures

00:32:30 – Homelessness Data: Facts vs. Fear

00:37:00 – Effective Encampment Resolution Work

00:40:10 – The Personal Side of Leadership

00:47:50 – A Swift Graduation Gift

00:51:00 – Rapid Fire: Chilaquiles, Walks, and Wisdom

00:56:00 – Final Thoughts: Vocation and Hope

 

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San Diego Unified School Trustee Shana Hazan sits down with Tony and a very special guest co-host, Tony’s wife Elizabeth Fitzsimons, to discuss what’s happening locally with the state’s second largest school district, and why it’s getting into the housing business and what that is expected to look like. 

Shana also discussed the importance of wellness in the classrooms, the Trump effect on education, her ambivalence for the White Lotus, working from home with a spouse who does the same, and more. When Shana is not caring for her two children or the tens of thousands who attend San Diego Unified schools, she works as a consultant for the company she owns and operates, Hazan Strategies, assisting non-profits, businesses and government agencies with development, strategy, planning, and more.

Tune in now to check out this fun and informative episode of Dear San Diego.

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Several key moments of the show are:

00:00:35 - Guest Host: Elizabeth Fitzsimons Joins the Show

00:04:00 - What is Head Start and Why It Matters

00:05:44 - Meet Shana Hazan: Trustee, Consultant, and Mom

00:07:23 - Shana’s San Diego Roots and Social Justice Background

00:11:26 - Diversity and Inclusion in San Diego Unified

00:14:32 - Why We Need a U.S. Department of Education

00:20:53 - San Diego Unified’s Bold Move Into Housing

00:25:25 - Why Shana Ran for School Board

00:30:13 - Expanding Arts, Athletics, and Equity in Schools

00:44:34 - Shana’s Parenting Philosophy

 

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As little league seasons kick off across San Diego we take a deep dive into youth baseball with three guests who are as committed as anyone to the sport: Jeff Rosa, Joe Lewis  and Chad Starkey. Our guests shared essential advice for parents, coaches, and players, on handling  nerves, failure, car rides home, “daddy ball", arm care, and much more. They also highlighted some of the ways baseball, and the love of the game, teaches kids life skills that serve them long after they’ve finished playing the game. Tune in to hear that,  and learn what Tony and his guests enjoy doing with their Little League and travel ball teams when they’re not on the field.

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Key moments in this episode include:

00:00:07 - What is Dear San Diego?

00:00:32 - Little League Opening Day Reflections

00:03:19 - Guest Introductions

00:05:46 - Why Do We Invest in Youth Baseball?

00:11:27 - The Real Value of Youth Baseball

00:18:55 - Travel Ball vs. Little League

00:30:07 - Arm Care and Multi-Sport Athletes

00:46:26 - Coaching Your Own Kid & Avoiding “Daddy Ball”

00:52:01 - Keeping Players Engaged After Failure

00:55:27 - Handling Nerves & Failure in Baseball

01:04:51 - Favorite Local Eats & Family Activities

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Unable to catch her breath because of PTSD – brought on by years of abuse and trauma she suffered at the hands of her husband – Mariah Dawn sat down and tried something new. She opened a Word document and started writing. She noticed right away that she felt better. The writing was a release. It was cathartic. So, she kept at it, eventually telling a friend at church she thought she had written a book. Would he take a look? 

That 164-page Word document is now “Dragon In You, A Memoir” written by Mariah Dawn. Her book was published in October, which is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and the 3-year mark of her husband’s death.

Mariah says she wrote the book to help herself, to help others, and to use the dragon in her (she says there’s a dragon in all of us) for good. 

You can buy Mariah’s new book on her website and use the code DearSD at checkout to receive a 10 percent discount. Her book also is available on Amazon minus the discount.

Tune in to this episode of Dear San Diego to learn more about Mariah and her new book.

More than 1 in 3 women (36%) and 1 in 4 men (29%) in the U.S. have experienced rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime, according to the National Domestic Violence Hotline. If you or someone you know needs help, please visit www.thehotline.org from a safe computer or call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).

Don’t forget to follow and subscribe at OlasMedia.com

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:00 - Overcoming Adversity 
00:03:20 - Kendall's Animal Adventures
00:04:32 - Introducing Mariah Dawn
00:07:28 - Writing as Therapy
00:11:25 - Leaving the Mormon Faith
00:13:41 - Exploring Faith and Relationships
00:15:01 - Transitioning Away from Mormonism
00:16:39 - Finding Compassion and Grace
00:20:24 - Understanding Trauma and Violence
00:26:03 - Leaving and Finding Courage
00:29:03 - Finding the Courage to Write a Book
00:30:38 - Overcoming Domestic Violence
00:31:55 - Advice for Women in Similar Situations
00:34:11 - Breaking the Cycle of Abuse
00:39:54 - The Message of the Book
00:44:47 - The First Responder Mentality
00:46:11 - Regaining Confidence and Professional Growth
00:46:25 - Memorable Concert Experiences
00:47:49 - Rapid Fire Questions 

 

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POLITICO’s Chris Cadelago joined Tony and Juan for a special 2024 Election Episode of Dear San Diego. Chris provided really smart takes on local, state, and national races, and shared some behind-the-scenes info, too. Chris covered the Trump White House and the Biden White House. He is currently working on building a statewide bureau for POLITICO in California, and covering Kamala Harris and her presidential campaign. 

Don’t forget to vote by mail or in person on Election Day, Tuesday Nov. 5! You can register to vote online through Oct. 21 or in person at your polling place on Election Day. Use this polling place lookup tool to find your polling location.

Don't forget to follow and subscribe at OlasMedia.com

The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:01 - Introduction to Dear San Diego podcast
00:04:27 - Chris Cadelago's Career
00:11:33 - Covering the Trump and Biden White Houses
00:12:43 - Insights into the Trump White House
00:14:31 - Shocking Remarks from Former President Trump
00:17:19 - Presidential Endorsements and Primary Process
00:19:41 - Harris's Flawless Campaign Strategy
00:24:28 - The Importance of Economic Plans
00:26:18 - Trump's Base and Swing States
00:27:38 - California Politics
00:29:32 - House and Senate Races
00:30:56 - Mayoral Races and Ballot Measures
00:35:54 - News Sources and Digital Media
00:39:30 - Exploring the San Diego and Texas Political Landscape
00:40:15 - Insight into the 2020 Presidential Election
00:41:41 - Predictions for the 2024 Presidential Election
00:44:37 - Political Dynamics in San Francisco

Insta: @ccadelago

Twitter: @ccadelago

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ccadelago/

Web main: https://www.politico.com/ 

Web bio: https://www.politico.com/staff/christopher-cadelago

 

 

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The Padres sensed they had a problem. So they called John Nienstedt, who helped them figure out they should switch to brown jerseys. John brought in models who wore different jerseys to a series of focus groups. Each participant in the room was armed with a dial that they cranked one way for approval and another way for disapproval. John used the dial tests to block debate and strong personalities from influencing the room, he said. The Padres, of course, used John’s research and data to switch from blue to brown uniforms a few years ago.

John has been surveying voters, consumers, fans, and others for decades as head of the company he co-founded in graduate school at SDSU, Competitive Edge Research & Communication or CERC. The information he provides his clients helps them make informed decisions about strategy, marketing, messaging, and more.

John counts some of the biggest names and brands in San Diego as clients, including Mayor Kevin Faulconer, COX and Sempra. Nationally, John and his research firm have worked for Costco, Airbnb, and other leading organizations.

On this episode of Dear San Diego, John discusses his love of family, baseball, and polling. At the end of the show, he shares a funny story with Tony and Juan about Tony’s last name. Stick around for that and more.

Don't forget to Follow and Subscribe at OlasMedia.com

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:01 - Introduction to Dear San Diego
00:01:06 - Catching Up on Personal Lives
00:03:07 - Work and Business Development
00:05:15 - Personal Health and Wellness
00:08:34 - John's Values and Priorities
00:12:56 - The Impact of Seasonal Play on Performance
00:14:06 - The Real Deal: Over 45 Baseball
00:15:01 - The Intersection of Baseball and Politics
00:16:58 - Public Sentiment on San Diego's Direction
00:19:18 - John's Journey to Becoming a Pollster
00:26:34 - Explaining Ballot Measures vs. Candidates
00:27:30 - The Importance of Research in Decision-Making
00:32:05 - Unique Branding in Baseball Uniforms
00:34:17 - The Power Metrics Approach
00:37:14 - The Role of Newsletters in Lead Generation
00:39:37 - Expectations and Leadership
00:42:23 - Movie Preferences
00:43:03 - Breakfast and Coffee
00:44:45 - Physical Activity and Fitness
00:50:12 - John's Personality and Passion
00:52:05 - Unique Last Name
00:53:01 - Podcast Credits

 

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