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).

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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.

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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.

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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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Michael Inzunza is running for Chula Vista City Council. He comes from a long line of public servants and political dynamos.

Next year will be the 50th anniversary of his parents’ first major campaign victory. They ran a bilingual campaign as a couple for two local school board seats. They both won, defeating two incumbents. A picture of the couple campaigning at the San Ysidro apartment complex where the family lived is one of Michael’s earliest political memories. 

“Inzunza is part of a family of politicos who were once called ‘The Kennedys of the South Bay’ when his father, Ralph Inzunza Sr., served on the City Council of National City, his uncle, Nick Inzunza, served on the South Bay School District Board, and his older brother, Ralph Inzunza Jr., served on the San Diego City Council,” is how LaPrensa.org puts it. 

Michael has never held elected office. He has, however, built a career as a community advocate, mostly in the educational space, not unlike his parents. He's running for City Council because he believes he can make a difference in the community he loves, where just about everyone knows him and his family.

“Don't get me wrong, my name, ID and my familiarity with the South Bay really helps. But there hasn't been any member of my family in political office in 20 years. And there's never been an Inzunza elected in the city of Chula Vista. So I sort of really had to start from scratch, so to speak,” he says.

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00:01:08 - Introduction and Sugar Rush
00:03:27 - Overcoming Challenges
00:09:33 - Family Political Legacy
00:13:05 - Kennedys of the South Bay
00:13:55 - Avoiding Politics
00:14:44 - Civic-Minded Background
00:18:21 - Decision to Run
00:21:14 - Chula Vista's Growth
00:23:48 - Future Development
00:26:19 - Affordable Housing and Market Rate Housing
00:27:05 - Biotech Development in East Chula Vista
00:28:14 - Development in East Chula Vista
00:30:39 - Public Safety and Homelessness
00:36:28 - Tackling Homelessness and Housing Challenges
00:36:00 - Addressing Homelessness in Chula Vista
00:37:30 - Compassionate Approach to Homelessness
00:39:28 - Running for Office and Community Engagement
00:44:29 - Community Bond and Cultural Preservation
00:45:59 - Family Roots and Community Involvement
00:48:49 - Rapid Fire Questions

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Kelly Williams takes care of people who need care, and she’s creating an army of therapists like her to try and meet the needs of people wrestling with PTSD throughout San Diego. Williams is Clinic Director of The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Veterans Village of San Diego.

In her spare time, Kelly supervises and mentors up-and-coming therapists in San Diego. Additionally, she takes part in public speaking opportunities in the community on the importance of mental health care, particularly for the military community.  She also is a dog lover and enjoys reading, lifting weights, spending time at parks and exploring San Diego through kayaking, beach days and bay walks.

June is PTSD Awareness Month. PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, is a national mental health problem that some people develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event, like combat, a natural disaster, a car accident, or sexual assault. While approximately 50 to 60% of Americans experience at least one traumatic event during their lives, only 7 to 8% experience PTSD.

(If you or a loved one are struggling with PTSD or any other mental health issue, call 988. Active-duty military, veterans and military families should call 988 – then press 1.)

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The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:01 - Vocational Compassion and Community Work
00:01:01 - Wedding Planning and Busy Times
00:03:36 - Cold Plunging and Morning Rituals
00:05:56 - PTSD Awareness and Trauma Definitions
00:11:57 - Support for Veterans and Their Families
00:12:31 - The Creation of Veterans of September 11
00:13:08 - Understanding Trauma
00:14:32 - Importance of Timely Treatment
00:19:29 - Desensitization in PTSD Treatment
00:21:40 - Breaking the Silence on Trauma
00:24:29 - Generational Trauma and Openness to Therapy
00:25:27 - Increased Demand for Therapy Services
00:26:10 - Generational Trauma and Military PTSD
00:27:53 - Access to Therapy Services and Kelly's Journey
00:35:25 - Rewarding Aspects of the Job
00:37:01 - The San Diego work ethic
00:38:11 - Mentoring and Public Speaking
00:41:45 - Benefits of Fitness and Therapy
00:43:43 - Making Mental Health Accessible
00:44:53 - Rapid Fire Questions
00:49:26 - Kelly's Compassion and Hustle
00:50:00 - Importance of Mental Health
00:50:52 - Evangelizing Success
00:51:38 - Conclusion and Credits 

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A licensed attorney, Chad Peace never expected to lead a digital communications company that serves an impressive list of clients. With dozens of designers, project managers, and others, IVC Media, LLC’s binational team has offices in Mission Valley and Tijuana. 

Politically, Chad has sort of cornered the market when it comes to talking to independent or NPP (No Party Preference) voters for a variety of campaigns, but he and his team do much more for a wide variety of businesses, nonprofits, government agencies and others.

Tony and Juan unpack all that with Chad, CEO of IVC Media. Chad also explains what full stack digital means; that he has never seen the movie Love Actually, even though the love story he shares with his wife, Arieli, is similar to the best love story in Love Actually; and why he drives an electric car no one can repair.

Tune in to this entertaining episode of Dear San Diego to hear what Chad has to say about digital communications, marketing, family life, and his “high potential teenager,” aka his Fisker Ocean One.

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The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:01 - Inside Successful Families
00:01:31 - Karaoke Go-Tos
00:02:26 - Remote RV Trip
00:04:09 - Culture Inside a Home
00:09:29 - Growth and Expansion
00:12:51 - Lack of outreach to independent voters
00:13:48 - Non-partisan voters' preferences
00:15:10 - Significant number of independent voters
00:18:27 - Family culture and success
00:22:58 - Personal life balance
00:25:05 - The From the Nest Podcast
00:25:33 - The Independent Voter Project
00:26:17 - The Fisker Ocean One
00:27:43 - Should People Go All Electric?
00:35:14 - Chad's Lifestyle Choices
00:37:26 - Importance of Confidence
00:38:46 - Trusting Yourself
00:40:00 - Resilience in Business
00:43:16 - Building Partnerships
00:45:27 - Impact of Resiliency

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Lenny Leszczynski is a car guy, dating back to his days as a young man who drove a Daytona Blue 1964 Chevy Impala, but his wife was not expecting him to land this job.

After all, Lenny had never been a CEO before. He did take advantage of all the free time the pandemic gave us by going back to school to earn an advanced degree. He was in Disneyland with his wife and kids hours after his job interview when he received the call. He got the job. He was the new CEO of the San Diego Automotive Museum located in Balboa Park.  

That was four years ago. Since then, Lenny and his team have taken several steps to breathe new life into the automotive museum, and they have some ambitious plans for one of the city’s coolest spaces. And Lenny knows a thing or two about cool. Just ask him about that Impala he purchased when he was 17.

He discusses all that and more with Tony and Juan in this episode of Dear San Diego.

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The author of California’s Top Two Candidates Open Primary, which took effect in 2012, wants to reform his reform.

Steve Peace, a founder of the Independent Voter Project, wants California to move to a system that would ask voters to rank 4 or 5 candidates instead of voting for just one. Alaska and Maine have adopted a similar Rank Choice Voting system.

Peace looks through the national political lens and the local one too to discuss voter reform on this episode of Dear San Diego. Listeners also get to hear about his family life (he says he’s an Uber driver for his grandkids) and the advice he gives young people.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:00 - Introduction to California's top two primary
00:01:29 - Inception of the top two primary
00:03:22 - How the top two primary works
00:08:24 - Flaws in the current political system
00:14:01 - Manipulation of the top two primary system
00:15:26 - The Power of Campaigns Driven by Turnout
00:17:27 - Political Maneuvering and Campaign Strategies
00:19:23 - The Influence of Committees and Political Alliances
00:22:29 - Advancing Electoral Reform: Ranked-Choice Voting
00:26:29 - The Need for Continuous Electoral Reform
00:31:02 - Ranked Choice Voting System
00:33:21 - Nonpartisan Top Four or Top Five System
00:35:17 - Reducing Campaign Costs
00:41:13 - Fixing Ranked Choice Voting
00:46:35 - Misjudging Willie Brown
00:48:27 - Steve Peace's Personal Life
00:53:30 - Motivations and Family
00:55:50 - Privacy Rights and Identity
01:00:17 - Childhood Influence
01:03:39 - Reflection on past behavior
01:05:13 - Advice for life
01:05:59 - Importance of facing adversity
01:07:02 - Perception of need and resilience
01:08:57 - Closing remarks

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