Spotlight on the Community

Jeff Martin, CEO of Yulex, talks about his company's mission to produce environmentally friendly products with the use of renewable, natural rubber. Martin highlights the importance of moving away from oil-based materials. Martin also discusses the practical applications Yulex rubber has in the surf and footwear industries.

Rob Woodbyrne, CEO of Regrow, Inc, chats about the trials and tribulations cannabis growers must overcome in the emerging industry. Regrow, a newly developed Supply Chain Management software company, aims to ease the headache of navigating compliance regulations in California.

Cheryl Morrow, Publisher of the San Diego Monitor News and daughter of San Diego icon and entrepreneur, Willie Morrow, discusses her vision for the expansion of black media in San Diego. Morrow chats about the cultural significance of Willie's Barbershop and recounts her proudest moments, which include providing opportunities for budding black journalists.

Paul Brencick, an experienced Government Public Information Officer, speaks about the importance of accurate information and transparent communication from government officials. Brencick recounts his experiences working through various crises, including the initial months of the COVID-19 outbreak. Brencick discusses how to combat accusations of fake news and disinformation.

Dr. Suresh Menon, Founder and President of Menon BioSensors, articulates the applications of his Molecular Mirror technology to rapidly and accurately detect COVID-19. Dr. Menon gives a history of the Molecular Mirror's use within the US Government, as well as the timeline for when this technology will be ready for nationwide use. Dr. Menon chats about his team being a finalist in the $6 million X-Prize Rapid COVID Testing Competition.

Ed Wallace, Retired Community Affairs Executive for Sony, talks about best practices he learned from his 25-year career at the iconic electronics company. Wallace defines the behaviors and practices of a good corporate citizen, while discussing the community roles corporations play in the COVID-19-era. Wallace also details practices corporations should avoid when working with nonprofits.

John Bolthouse, Executive Director of Friends of Balboa Park, is joined by David Marshall, Board Chair. Bolthouse chats about park funding challenges, new safety and security measures as well the prestigious Stewardship Award to organization received from the Save Our Heritage Organization. Marshall discusses the history of Balboa Park's Botanical Building, a few of the restoration projects currently underway, and plans to update fixtures in the park with improved versions of 100-year-old designs.

Scott McGaugh, recently retired Founding Marketing Director for the USS Midway Museum and a New York Times Best-Selling Author, chats about his experiences aboard the world's #1 ship museum. McGaugh depicts the odyssey which led the iconic aircraft carrier to San Diego. McGaugh, who is working on his 11th book, discusses his journey as a highly sought-after historical writer.

Jack Webb, Founder and Director of Border Voices, is joined by Seretta Martin, Assistant Director and Managing Director of the San Diego Poetry Annual, and Katherine Kavouklis, a poet and Language Arts Teacher at Bonita Vista Middle School. Webb talks about the project's origins and how students learn empathy, practice self-expression and enhance their literary skills, all thanks to poetry. Martin details her many roles at Border Voices. Kavouklis describes the value of teaching poetry in the classroom. The trio also share poems they either wrote themselves or are featured in the Border Voices Anthology book.

Katie Croskrey, Executive Director of the Alzheimer's Association San Diego Chapter, discusses the Association's mission to accelerate global research, drive risk reduction and early detection, and maximize quality care and support. Croskrey is joined by Susan Bos, Support Group Leader and Podcast Host, and Joice Curry, an Alzheimer's caregiver and volunteer, to talk about their personal experiences in caring for those afflicted with the debilitating disease.