Discover East County

In Episode 24 of Discover East County, we sit down with Kelsey Hurley, the young entrepreneur behind Saltwater Riders a brand that blends the surf, western, and rodeo lifestyles she grew up living right here in East County.

Raised in Alpine, Kelsey built her love for fashion, hard work, and community from an early age. At just 23 years old, she took a leap of faith and purchased Saltwater Riders, turning her passion into a business of her own. But the journey hasn’t come without challenges. After buying the company, Kelsey faced a devastating setback when her van—and nearly her entire inventory was stolen during a major event in Las Vegas. Instead of giving up, she got back to work and kept pushing forward.

Kelsey shares her story of resilience, entrepreneurship, and what it takes to keep moving forward when everything seems stacked against you.

In Episode 23 of Discover East County, we sit down with Scott Goergens, Superintendent of the Lakeside Union School District, to talk about the future of education and the importance of investing in local students and families.

Scott shares his perspective on leadership in education, the challenges schools are facing today, and the work being done to create opportunities for the next generation in East County. From student success to community involvement, this conversation highlights the impact strong schools have on the people around them.

It’s an inside look at the people helping shape the future of East County—one student at a time.

🎙️ Real conversations. Local voices. East County stories.

#DiscoverEastCounty #EastCountySD #LakesideUnionSchoolDistrict #EducationLeadership #CommunityImpact #RealTalkMedia

In Episode 22 of Discover East County, we sit down with Amy Reichert from Restore San Diego to talk about her work alongside investigative journalist Nick Shirley in uncovering fraud across California.

Amy shares what sparked this deep dive, what they’ve uncovered, and why bringing transparency to these issues matters more than ever. It’s a conversation centered around accountability, persistence, and the impact of asking the right questions.

From grassroots efforts to statewide attention, this episode pulls back the curtain on the work being done to challenge the status quo.

🎙️ Real conversations. Local voices. East County stories.

#DiscoverEastCounty #EastCountySD #AmyReichert #RestoreSanDiego #Accountability #RealTalkMedia

In Episode 21 of Discover East County, we sit down with Damien Kvanda from Fit Foundary—who’s making a real impact as a soccer coach dedicated to helping young athletes reach their full potential.

Damien shares his approach to coaching, focusing on building confidence, discipline, and strong fundamentals both on and off the field. It’s not just about developing great players—it’s about shaping driven, resilient individuals.

From youth development to creating a positive environment for growth, this episode highlights the kind of leadership that goes far beyond the game.

🎙️ Real conversations. Local voices. East County stories.

In Episode 20 of Discover East County, we sit down with Andrew Hayes an East County native who’s been deeply involved in local leadership, from serving on the Lakeside Union School District Board to working as a District Director representing the region at the state level.

Born and raised in East County, Andrew shares his journey through public service, his passion for the community, and what it really means to advocate for the people who live here.

From education and local leadership to the bigger picture of shaping the future of East County—this episode gives you a real look at the people working behind the scenes to make an impact.

🎙️ Real conversations. Local voices. East County stories.

#DiscoverEastCounty #EastCountySD #SanDiego #LocalLeaders #CommunitySpotlight #RealTalkMedia

In Episode 19 of Discover East County, we sit down with Jill Fleming and Nikki Arias to learn about the powerful mission behind the 678 Scholarship Program. Jill, the Executive Director, shares how this long-running program—home to the Miss Lakeside, Miss Ramona, and Miss Julian pageants—has been shaping confident, capable young women for decades. With Miss Lakeside now in its 65th year, Jill’s leadership spans 23 years with Miss Julian and 10 years with Miss Ramona, all rooted in community impact rather than traditional pageantry. This program goes far beyond crowns and titles. Jill explains how participants are coached in public speaking, professional presentation, résumé building, interview skills, and personal confidence, preparing them for scholarships, college, and future careers. These young women serve as true youth ambassadors for their communities, learning how to find and use their voices while becoming the best versions of themselves. As a retired San Diego police officer, Jill also emphasizes safety, structure, and mentorship throughout the program. Joining the conversation is Nikki Arias, a former Miss Julian and current Assistant Director of the program. Nikki is a living example of the program’s impact, now a UC Davis graduate working on her master’s degree. Together, Jill and Nikki talk about the upcoming Miss Lakeside Pageant on February 14–15 at the Lakeside Rodeo Grounds and share details about current applications for the Miss, Teen, and Preteen divisions. Don’t miss this inspiring episode of Discover East County as we highlight a program dedicated to empowerment, education, and community pride—where the success of each young woman truly reflects the success of the program itself.

In Episode 18 of Discover East County, we meet Ray Neder, owner of R Neder Construction! 🏗️ With decades of experience and a reputation for quality craftsmanship, Ray has built more than just homes—he’s built trust throughout East County. From custom projects to community development, his commitment to integrity and excellence shines through in every build. 🛠️

Ray shares insights into what it takes to run a successful construction company, the importance of supporting local trades, and his passion for creating spaces that stand the test of time. Don’t miss Episode 18 of Discover East County to hear Ray’s story and learn more about the legacy of R Neder Construction! 🏡

In Episode 17 of Discover East County, we meet Jaysen Brown, pastor of Victory Baptist Church. With a heart for service and community, Jaysen shares how the church is more than a place of worship—it’s a place where people can find hope, support, and connection. From outreach programs to building relationships that strengthen East County, his mission is to help others grow in faith and life. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about faith, leadership, and community.

In Episode 16 of Discover East County, we sit down with Garrett Grant, the owner of GMG RV Rentals. Garrett shares the story behind his family-owned business, how they’re helping people experience the freedom of RV travel, and the adventures their customers embark on when they hit the open road. From family vacations to weekend getaways, GMG RV Rentals is about creating lasting memories and making the RV lifestyle more accessible. Tune in as Garrett talks about entrepreneurship, community, and the joy of helping people discover new places while feeling right at home on wheels.

This week we sit down with Ashley & Anthony Carnevale, two community advocates making an impact in East County schools. 🏫

Anthony serves on the Cajon Valley Union School District board, while Ashley is a passionate parent voice for students and families. Together, they share their perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing local education from advocating for kids and teachers to navigating what it really means to serve the community through leadership. 🙌

If you care about the future of our schools, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.