Spotlight on the Community

Pamela Narbona Jerez, Executive Director of the San Diego Early Music Society (SDEMS), is joined by Khalayla Thompson, the organization's Communications Coordinator, to discuss the Society's mission to present high-quality early music (medieval, Renaissance, Baroque) in small, intimate venues. They talk about the 2026 lineup of performances and emphasize the unique sound and improvisation of early music, performed on original or replica instruments. SDEMS offers educational outreach programs and collaborates with other early music societies.  About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media  "Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 20 years.  "Spotlight" is part of Cloudcast Media's line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.   For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | the national leader in local podcasting.   About Mission Fed Credit Union  A community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations.  For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/

Dr. Christina Connett Brophy, President and CEO of the Maritime Museum of San Diego, talks about the museum's focus on San Diego's maritime heritage and its role in ocean conservation. Brophy highlights the museum's educational programs, including overnight stays for schoolchildren on historic vessels such as The Star of India.  Brophy discusses the museum's collaboration with local organizations on blue technology and renewable energy initiatives. Brophy emphasizes the museum's efforts to diversify its storytelling and community engagement, including a new community advisory group and capital project called the Gateway Project. About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media  "Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 20 years.  "Spotlight" is part of Cloudcast Media's line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.   For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | the national leader in local podcasting.   About Mission Fed Credit Union  A community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations.  For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/

Andy Strasberg, a baseball historian and author, discusses his latest book, Strasberg's Baseball Klediment Tales.  Strasberg shares stories about his favorite baseball memorabilia, that includes the bat that New York Yankees outfielder Roger Maris used to hit his 61st home run in 1961, breaking the longstanding record of 60 by Babe Ruth. He recounts his first baseball game experience at the Polo Grounds and his involvement in Billy Crystal's movie "61*" as a technical consultant. Strasberg chats about his long-standing relationship with the Maris family and his dedication to preserving baseball history. About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media  "Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 20 years.  "Spotlight" is part of Cloudcast Media's line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.   For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | the national leader in local podcasting.   About Mission Fed Credit Union  A community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations.  For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/

Eugenia Welch, President and CEO of Alzheimer's San Diego, and Ann Owens, a community advisory committee member, talk about the organization's support of families affected by Alzheimer's through education, support, and resources. Welch and Owens emphasize the importance of early detection and clinical trials. Alzheimer's San Diego offers programs such as the ALZ Companions Respite and ALZ Ally programs.  They also address language barriers by offering Spanish-language services and support groups. Fundraisers include a luncheon, a motorcycle ride, and a walk, with all funds staying local.About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media  "Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 20 years.  "Spotlight" is part of Cloudcast Media's line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.   For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | the national leader in local podcasting.   About Mission Fed Credit Union  A community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations.  For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/

Saba Danford, Partner Engagement Manager for AVID Center, discusses the unprecedented success of AVID to prepare students for college and beyond as AVID high seniors realize a 95% college and university acceptance rate.  Danford is joined by two AVID students, Emily Kimoto and Gabe Kay, who describe how their AVID experiences have prepared them to explore career goals and opportunities.  Danford, Kimoto and Kay shout out AVID's emphasis on rigor, community, and personal development, fostering a sense of belonging and academic success.About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media  "Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 20 years.  "Spotlight" is part of Cloudcast Media's line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.   For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | the national leader in local podcasting.   About Mission Fed Credit Union  A community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations.  For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/

Alex White, Co-Founder and Executive Director of ProduceGood, is joined by ProduceGood Board Member Susan Kobara to talk about the organization's mission to deliver the equivalent of 500,000 annual meals to those facing food insecurity through its more than 1,500 volunteers recovering excess produce from orchards, farms, Farmer's Markets and grocers. The volunteers distribute the excess food to more than 84 partners, that include Boys and Girls Clubs and church pantries.About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media  "Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 20 years.  "Spotlight" is part of Cloudcast Media's line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.   For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | the national leader in local podcasting.   About Mission Fed Credit Union  A community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations.  For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/

Douglas Morton, CEO of the San Diego Blood Bank, discusses the importance of building a consistent, year-round blood donation program, highlighting the need for diverse donors. Morton explains the Blood Bank's 75-year mission, the Guardian Circles program for consistent donors, and the use of technology such as AI and machine learning for donor recruitment and precision blood matching.  About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media  "Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 20 years.  "Spotlight" is part of Cloudcast Media's line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.   For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | the national leader in local podcasting.   About Mission Fed Credit Union  A community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations.  For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/

Kandace Crystal, Director of Donna Orbits the Moon at Scripps Ranch Theater, and Susan Clausen, the play's sole performer, chat about the one-woman show that will run from January 25 to February 15.  The play is about a Minnesota housewife dealing with a significant life event. Cyrstal and Clausen discuss the play's themes of empathy, humor, and the challenges of portraying a Midwestern accent. They also emphasize the importance of theater for youth, highlighting the skills and empathy it fosters. About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media  "Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 20 years.  "Spotlight" is part of Cloudcast Media's line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.   For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | the national leader in local podcasting.   About Mission Fed Credit Union  A community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations.  For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/

Dr. Wes Lundburg, President of San Diego Miramar College, is joined by Rene McKee, Board President of the Miramar College Foundation, and Lisa Cole-Jones, Director of Development and Entrepreneurship for the Foundation, to talk about the college and foundation's missions, programs and services.About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media  "Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 20 years.  "Spotlight" is part of Cloudcast Media's line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.   For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | the national leader in local podcasting.   About Mission Fed Credit Union  A community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations.  For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/

Dr. Julie Hayden, CEO of the East County Transitional Learning Center (ECTLC), talks about the faith-based organization's mission to help break the cycle of homelessness, addiction and poverty.  Dr. Hayden is joined by Tyrone Moore, Intake Coordinator, and Jon Roberdes, Lead Campus Advisor, to discuss their journey with ECTLC.About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media  "Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 20 years.  "Spotlight" is part of Cloudcast Media's line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.   For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | the national leader in local podcasting.   About Mission Fed Credit Union  A community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations.  For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/

Dr. Rebecca Celes Mendiola, CEO of Collective Impact Solutions, is joined by Dr. Matt Doyle, Superintendent of the Vista Unified School District; Fred Buggs, CEO of Synergy Youth & Communities, Inc.; and NBA veterans Jud Buechler and Olden Polynice to talk about an inclusive basketball camp and conference organized by Collective Impact Solutions, Vista Unified School District, and Synergy Youth and Community Incorporated. The camp, to be held on February 6-7, features NBA veterans and aims to foster belonging and opportunities for students with special needs. The conference which will take place on February 11 at CSUSM, emphasizes parent-led efforts and inclusive education. About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media  "Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 20 years.  "Spotlight" is part of Cloudcast Media's line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.   For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | the national leader in local podcasting.   About Mission Fed Credit Union  A community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations.  For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/

Falon Leszczynski, Vice President of Operations for Home of Guiding Hands (HGH), and Jill Thomas, the organization's Marketing Manager, talk about HGH's serving of more than 5,000 clients with intellectual and developmental disabilities on an annual basi.  Leszczynski and Thomas note how HGH  collaborates with many organizations on advocacy and community support. HGH upcoming events include the 16th annual Randy Jones "Run, Walk, and Roll" on February 7 at Liberty Station. About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media  "Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 20 years.  "Spotlight" is part of Cloudcast Media's line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.   For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | the national leader in local podcasting.   About Mission Fed Credit Union  A community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations.  For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/

The Face Foundation, a 501(c)(3) animal charity founded in 2006, provides financial grants for emergency and critical care to pet owners unable to afford veterinary costs. Led by Patricia Mendez-Damron, the foundation has assisted over 16,000 struggling pet owners, including Teresa Gelegonya, whose cat Max received $1,600 in emergency care and $8,500 in surgery costs that were covered by the foundation. The foundation's "Save a Life" program collaborates with over 200 vet hospitals offering a 25% discount. The foundation also supports pet owners who are unhoused through community outreach programs. About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media  "Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 20 years.  "Spotlight" is part of Cloudcast Media's line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.   For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | the national leader in local podcasting.   About Mission Fed Credit Union  A community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations.  For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/

Dr. Gary Weitzman, President and CEO of the San Diego Humane Society (SDHS), discusses the organization's adoption trial program, which allows potential adopters to test-drive animals for up to two weeks. The society is currently operating at 135% capacity for dogs, with over 700 dogs in care. Weitzman talks about SDHS's wildlife care and education programs. He also emphasizes the need for spaying and neutering to control pet populations.About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media  "Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 20 years.  "Spotlight" is part of Cloudcast Media's line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.   For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | the national leader in local podcasting.   About Mission Fed Credit Union  A community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations.  For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/

Kevin Leap, publisher of the San Diego Business Journal, talks about the Journal's mission to cover local business news and its focus on small businesses, which make up a huge percentage of the local economy. Leap highlights the importance of shining a light on entrepreneurs and the challenges they face, such as revenue generation and media communication. Leap also discusses the critical role of nonprofits in supporting the local economy.About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media  "Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 20 years.  "Spotlight" is part of Cloudcast Media's line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.   For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | the national leader in local podcasting.   About Mission Fed Credit Union  A community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations.  For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/

Sidd Vivek, President & CEO of Junior Achievement (JA) San Diego, discusses the organization's mission to empower young people for economic success. JA programs like BizTown and Mission Fed Finance Park provide experiential learning, teaching financial literacy and career skills. Vivek emphasizes the importance of competency-based education, focusing on critical thinking, communication, and cooperation. He highlights JA's partnerships with companies such as Mission Fed Credit Union, which supports workforce development and personal finance education. About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media  "Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 20 years.  "Spotlight" is part of Cloudcast Media's line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.   For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | the national leader in local podcasting.   About Mission Fed Credit Union  A community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations.  For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/

Shandon Harbour, President and CEO of the Associated Builders and Contractors of San Diego (ABC), and Earl Wederbrook, a board member of the San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC), chat about the interconnection between the construction industry and the military.  Harbour discusses her 11-year tenure with ABC, emphasizing the organization's role in training and educating contractors through its apprenticeship program. Wederbrook highlights SDMAC's mission to advance the partnership and communication between the military, elected officials, the business community, colleges and universities, and community based organizations. He notes the military's $62 billion economic impact on our region. Harbour and Wederbrook underscore the importance of transitioning military personnel into the construction industry, leveraging their skills and discipline. The conversation also touches on the personal impact of supporting individuals with autism.About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media  "Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 20 years.  "Spotlight" is part of Cloudcast Media's line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.   For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | the national leader in local podcasting.   About Mission Fed Credit Union  A community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations.  For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/

Patrick Stewart, CEO of the Library Foundation San Diego, discusses the foundation's mission to support the San Diego Public Library through philanthropy, advocacy, and outreach. Stewart highlights the library's 37 branches and the challenges of underfunding and book bans. Stewart emphasizes the importance of literacy and the role of libraries in supporting diverse communities. He introduces the "Books Unbanned" initiative, a collaboration with several public libraries to provide access to challenged books through e-libraries. The program has seen over a million signups, underscoring the need for continued advocacy against book bans.About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media  "Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 20 years.  "Spotlight" is part of Cloudcast Media's line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.   For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | the national leader in local podcasting.   About Mission Fed Credit Union  A community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations.  For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/

Deacon Jim Vargas, President and CEO of Father Joe's Villages, talks about the organization's mission to prevent or end homelessness in San Diego County. Father Joe's Villages provides comprehensive services, including a new 44-bed detox center, 248 recovery beds, and $90 million in funding for two new buildings, adding 287 units of affordable housing. Deacon Vargas highlighted the need for more behavioral health clinicians and the impact of economic factors on the homelessness. About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media  "Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 20 years.  "Spotlight" is part of Cloudcast Media's line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.   For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | the national leader in local podcasting.   About Mission Fed Credit Union  A community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations.  For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/

Anne Marbarger, CEO of Curebound, a nonprofit dedicated to accelerating cancer research in San Diego County, discusses Curebound's recent investment of $8.5 million to 23 innovative cancer research teams, including a $1 million award for pancreatic cancer research. The organization has funded over 140 collaborative research teams studying 25 different types of cancers. Marbarger emphasizes the importance of funding and collaboration in cancer research, highlighting Curebound's role in supporting early-phase research. About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media  "Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 20 years.  "Spotlight" is part of Cloudcast Media's line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.   For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | the national leader in local podcasting.   About Mission Fed Credit Union  A community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations.  For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/