Dear San Diego

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 GuaranteeKick 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 ParentsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Diego00:06:20 – Family life, raising kids, and the role of his wife’s career00:10:30 – Culture shock of Boston vs. San Diego00:15:10 – Parenting, role models, and balancing work with family00:20:10 – Sports, boxing, and lessons from athletics00:33:10 – Developing a leadership style rooted in kindness and empowerment00:42:00 – Why businesses and talent leave San Diego00:48:00 – The cost of living and the challenge for young professionals00:50:00 – Direct flights, trade missions, and building global connectionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Don’t forget to follow and subscribe at olasmedia.com 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  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Be sure to follow and subscribe at olasmedia.com 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  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Don’t forget to follow and subscribe at olasmedia.com 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 ActivitiesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Diego00:01:06 - Catching Up on Personal Lives00:03:07 - Work and Business Development00:05:15 - Personal Health and Wellness00:08:34 - John's Values and Priorities00:12:56 - The Impact of Seasonal Play on Performance00:14:06 - The Real Deal: Over 45 Baseball00:15:01 - The Intersection of Baseball and Politics00:16:58 - Public Sentiment on San Diego's Direction00:19:18 - John's Journey to Becoming a Pollster00:26:34 - Explaining Ballot Measures vs. Candidates00:27:30 - The Importance of Research in Decision-Making00:32:05 - Unique Branding in Baseball Uniforms00:34:17 - The Power Metrics Approach00:37:14 - The Role of Newsletters in Lead Generation00:39:37 - Expectations and Leadership00:42:23 - Movie Preferences00:43:03 - Breakfast and Coffee00:44:45 - Physical Activity and Fitness00:50:12 - John's Personality and Passion00:52:05 - Unique Last Name00:53:01 - Podcast Credits  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Be sure to Follow and Subscribe at olasmedia.com 00:01:08 - Introduction and Sugar Rush00:03:27 - Overcoming Challenges00:09:33 - Family Political Legacy00:13:05 - Kennedys of the South Bay00:13:55 - Avoiding Politics00:14:44 - Civic-Minded Background00:18:21 - Decision to Run00:21:14 - Chula Vista's Growth00:23:48 - Future Development00:26:19 - Affordable Housing and Market Rate Housing00:27:05 - Biotech Development in East Chula Vista00:28:14 - Development in East Chula Vista00:30:39 - Public Safety and Homelessness00:36:28 - Tackling Homelessness and Housing Challenges00:36:00 - Addressing Homelessness in Chula Vista00:37:30 - Compassionate Approach to Homelessness00:39:28 - Running for Office and Community Engagement00:44:29 - Community Bond and Cultural Preservation00:45:59 - Family Roots and Community Involvement00:48:49 - Rapid Fire QuestionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.) Follow and Subscribe Dear San Diego on OlasMedia.com The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:01 - Vocational Compassion and Community Work00:01:01 - Wedding Planning and Busy Times00:03:36 - Cold Plunging and Morning Rituals00:05:56 - PTSD Awareness and Trauma Definitions00:11:57 - Support for Veterans and Their Families00:12:31 - The Creation of Veterans of September 1100:13:08 - Understanding Trauma00:14:32 - Importance of Timely Treatment00:19:29 - Desensitization in PTSD Treatment00:21:40 - Breaking the Silence on Trauma00:24:29 - Generational Trauma and Openness to Therapy00:25:27 - Increased Demand for Therapy Services00:26:10 - Generational Trauma and Military PTSD00:27:53 - Access to Therapy Services and Kelly's Journey00:35:25 - Rewarding Aspects of the Job00:37:01 - The San Diego work ethic00:38:11 - Mentoring and Public Speaking00:41:45 - Benefits of Fitness and Therapy00:43:43 - Making Mental Health Accessible00:44:53 - Rapid Fire Questions00:49:26 - Kelly's Compassion and Hustle00:50:00 - Importance of Mental Health00:50:52 - Evangelizing Success00:51:38 - Conclusion and Credits See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Subscribe or follow at olasmedia.com The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:01 - Inside Successful Families00:01:31 - Karaoke Go-Tos00:02:26 - Remote RV Trip00:04:09 - Culture Inside a Home00:09:29 - Growth and Expansion00:12:51 - Lack of outreach to independent voters00:13:48 - Non-partisan voters' preferences00:15:10 - Significant number of independent voters00:18:27 - Family culture and success00:22:58 - Personal life balance00:25:05 - The From the Nest Podcast00:25:33 - The Independent Voter Project00:26:17 - The Fisker Ocean One00:27:43 - Should People Go All Electric?00:35:14 - Chad's Lifestyle Choices00:37:26 - Importance of Confidence00:38:46 - Trusting Yourself00:40:00 - Resilience in Business00:43:16 - Building Partnerships00:45:27 - Impact of Resiliency See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 primary00:01:29 - Inception of the top two primary00:03:22 - How the top two primary works00:08:24 - Flaws in the current political system00:14:01 - Manipulation of the top two primary system00:15:26 - The Power of Campaigns Driven by Turnout00:17:27 - Political Maneuvering and Campaign Strategies00:19:23 - The Influence of Committees and Political Alliances00:22:29 - Advancing Electoral Reform: Ranked-Choice Voting00:26:29 - The Need for Continuous Electoral Reform00:31:02 - Ranked Choice Voting System00:33:21 - Nonpartisan Top Four or Top Five System00:35:17 - Reducing Campaign Costs00:41:13 - Fixing Ranked Choice Voting00:46:35 - Misjudging Willie Brown00:48:27 - Steve Peace's Personal Life00:53:30 - Motivations and Family00:55:50 - Privacy Rights and Identity01:00:17 - Childhood Influence01:03:39 - Reflection on past behavior01:05:13 - Advice for life01:05:59 - Importance of facing adversity01:07:02 - Perception of need and resilience01:08:57 - Closing remarksSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Zucchet is one of those guys who listens more than he talks, and his calm and thoughtful demeanor has served him well at the poker table and at the negotiating table. Zucchet oversees the City of San Diego’s largest labor union as General Manager of the San Diego Municipal Employees Association.  In addition to his day job, Michael is one of San Diego’s leading political minds, frequently called on for his strategic advice and recommendations. He’s also a fierce poker player, enjoying rare success in Vegas. Michael also serves as a San Diego Port Commissioner.  He’s married with two kids and he and his family reside in Ocean Beach. It’s his family life, he says, that’s the priority and it may not have been if his political career did not take an unexpected turn. Michael has seen a lot in and around City Hall over the years. He discusses local politics, poker, leadership, work-life balance, his wife and kids, and much more with Juan and Tony on the latest episode of Dear San Diego. The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Guest's First Impression00:01:20 - Podcast Overview00:05:29 - Guest's Background and Personal Life00:10:29 - Balancing Work and Family00:13:36 - Career Aspirations of the Guest's Son00:14:33 - World Series of Poker Win00:15:12 - Endurance and Emotions00:16:31 - World Series of Poker Experience00:19:42 - Poker and Life Skills00:26:50 - San Diego Municipal Employees Association00:29:59 - Discovering Local Politics00:31:08 - Partisanship in Politics00:33:22 - Changing Dynamics in Politics00:36:43 - Impact of Media and Public Perception00:41:18 - Political Endorsements and Races00:46:26 - Political Race Predictions00:47:45 - Impact of National Politics00:48:33 - Personal Lifestyle Choices00:49:36 - Daily Habits and Routines00:59:33 - Closing Remarks01:01:12 - Michael Zuchett's Leadership Style01:01:39 - Getting to Know Michael Zuchett01:02:10 - Unique Woodworking Family01:03:19 - Zuchett's Political Insights01:03:40 - Conclusion and GratitudeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The majority of San Diegans are renters, but rents are crazy expensive because supply is so low. Very few new homes are built, so those that are sold come with a steep price. The average home in San Diego sells for $900,000.  How did we get here? What caused our region’s housing crisis? How do we fix it? What do we need to do to build more homes San Diegans can afford?  Tony and Juan get answers to these questions from two of the region’s leading housing advocates, Lori Pfeiler and Hannah Gbeh, on this episode of Dear San Diego. In addition to housing policy and politics, Lori and Hannah talk about what it’s like working in an arena mostly dominated by men at the top of the food chain. Lori is CEO of San Diego County Building Industry, and Hannah is the organization’s Vice President of Government Affairs. The key moments in this episode are: The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Podcast Overview00:05:21 - Housing Crisis in San Diego00:07:05 - Impact of Regulatory Environment on Housing00:13:37 - Infrastructure and Funding Challenges00:14:09 - Challenges of Bureaucracy and Budgets00:15:03 - Unprecedented Leadership00:19:33 - Gender and Leadership00:22:00 - Housing Crisis and Regulations00:26:16 - Environmental Impact and Building00:28:13 - Government Regulations and Impact on Housing00:35:55 - The Cost of Building in California00:37:45 - Influence of Local Policy and Education00:40:32 - Life as a Single Mom and Former Farmer00:41:37 - Diverse Farming Experiences00:41:48 - Lucrative Non-Edibles00:42:20 - Missing Being Mayor00:43:12 - Coffee vs. Tea00:47:14 - Policy vs. Politics00:49:25 - AI and Housing Crisis  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

San Diego Councilmember Monica Montgomery Steppe is expected to win the county supervisor special election on November 7, 2023 to replace Nathan Fletcher. If so, she would leave her job as a councilmember representing District 4, which includes the communities of Chollas View, Emerald Hills, Encanto, Lincoln Park, Mountain View, Paradise Hills, and others. Her constituents need a strong voice at the table. Otherwise, she said, they will be overlooked. While the challenges Councilmember Montgomery faces as a black woman representing Southeastern San Diego are long, she draws on her hope and her faith while pursuing her goal of ensuring opportunities are available to everyone who wants them. Tony and Juan discuss all that and more on this episode of Dear San Diego with Councilmember Montgomery. They also talk about Tony’s dad, Bobby George Manolatos, who passed away October 5. This episode is dedicated to him. The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Background of the Guest00:09:21 - Reflections on personal loss00:11:03 - Campaign and Election00:14:27 - Readiness for New Position00:14:32 - Conclusion00:14:39 - Making Tough Decisions00:15:19 - Advocacy for Racial Equity00:18:29 - Monica's Advocacy and Vision00:25:35 - Unraveling Institutional Racism00:30:35 - Staying True to Your Values in Politics00:34:14 - Standing Up for What's Right00:37:23 - A Day in the Life of Monica00:39:56 - Monica's Humanity and Hope for the FutureSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

During his 8 years as a San Diego City Councilmember, Chris Cate was known as the smartest guy on the 10th floor, but he became more than a policy wonk. He worked with council members on both sides of the aisle to create positive change for San Diegans, and he became a force for his District 6 constituents, which includes the neighborhoods of Clairemont Mesa, Kearny Mesa, Mira Mesa, Miramar, Park Village, and Sorrento Valley. Chris was only the third Asian American in San Diego’s history elected to the City Council. On this episode with Tony and Juan, Chris talks about what he’s most proud of; his luck landing a huge press event with Mark Hamill aka Luke Skywalker, who grew up in Clairemont; the Chargers running ads attacking Chris – which made national news; and more. He said the key to succeeding at City Hall is not to take things personally. Another key, he said, is finding balance, something he was very intentional about to ensure he was being a good father to his three kids and his wife, Maria. As the founder of 3MC Strategies, Chris now spends his days as a consultant, assisting clients with government relations and advocacy, coalition building, community outreach, and fiscal and policy analysis. The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:01 - Introduction and Setting the Scene00:04:39 - Smuggling Activities and Trips00:05:54 - Introduction to Guest - Chris Cate00:10:01 - The Paradox of Politics00:12:22 - Achievements and Policy Impact00:14:02 - Redevelopment and Community Vision00:15:45 - Community Impact and Micro Issues00:20:18 - Cultural Center Development00:23:40 - Post-Council Life and Business Work00:27:17 - Controversy and Impact00:28:14 - Chargers' Move to LA00:29:25 - Stadium Subsidy and Public Backlash00:31:00 - Fallout and Re-election00:32:39 - Remembering Father Joe00:41:35 - Morning Routine and Productivity00:44:19 - Remote vs. Physical Work00:46:12 - Board Service and Community Involvement00:48:08 - Family and Work-life Balance00:52:30 - Conclusion and Future Episodes (Originally aired 19Oct23)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James Canning was the PR pro for one the region’s most popular politicians. Everything was going exceptionally well for his boss and for James. And then one morning that all changed.  Nathan Fletcher abruptly ended his State Senate campaign and days later, after being accused of sexual harassment, he announced he was stepping down from elected office, giving up his job as a San Diego County Supervisor.  For the first time publicly, James discusses what that was like for him and his colleagues, and how he dealt with the backlash from Nathan’s critics and some members of the media. James also was on the frontlines when former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick resigned under mounting pressure and allegations.  James discusses that, his love for the Detroit Lions, cooking, painting, his Flack Talk podcast, and more with Tony and Juan. The key moments in this episode are:00:00:00 - Introduction and Background00:04:31 - Nathan Fletcher's Resignation00:08:12 - Flack Talk and Journalism00:10:27 - Career Path and Motivation00:12:45 - Networking and Mentors00:13:19 - Finding Common Ground00:16:36 - Shocking News00:21:36 - Dealing with Crisis00:24:52 - Public Scrutiny00:25:40 - The Impact of Crisis Communication00:30:54 - Moving Forward from Past Leadership00:31:44 - Continuing Service Amidst Challenges00:33:48 - Creative Outlets and Artistic Endeavors00:37:49 - Brand Building and Leadership00:38:31 - Setting the Creative Standard00:39:59 - Functional Art and Creativity00:41:46 - Michigan Values and Connection to San Diego00:47:56 - Impactful Interview and Personal Insights See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Drew Lieberman counts San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, Hawaii Governor Josh Green, and the U.S. Navy among his clients. Drew has worked with Tony and Juan on several land-use campaigns.  A savvy and seasoned pollster, Drew is Executive Vice President at Strategies 360. He also is a dedicated father of two, a loving husband, and a travel baseball dad. With a wealth of political strategy expertise, Drew has lent his skills to numerous notable campaigns, earning a reputation as a top-notch pollster.  Tony and Juan talk to this Encinitas native about polling, politics, baseball, beer and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jessica Grounds does not shy away from a challenge and that’s a good thing considering she spends her days developing young leaders and striving for change in board rooms, on committees, and in corner offices.  Backed by years of experience and painstaking research, Jessica is CEO Corporate Directors Forum and co-owner of Mine The Gap, an international consulting business that helps organizations harness the power of diverse leadership and inclusive work environments. Jessica is a force in the diversity, equity and inclusion arena. She’s also a mom to two little ones and a wife to a husband she met when she was working on political campaigns in her 20s in Washington – helping women get elected. Jessica’s husband is a Republican; she’s a Democrat.  Jessica discusses that, political divisiveness, advice for emerging leaders, her journey back to San Diego (where her daughter attends the same elementary school she attended), and more in a wide-ranging discussion with Tony. Juan was on vacation when this podcast was recorded.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.