Emergency Pet Kit Giveaway
If you’re a pet owner, having a plan for your furry friend during an emergency is crucial. That’s why I’m hosting an event with The Department of Animal Services and offering free emergency pet kits and microchipping to help keep your pets safe. Please note that there will be 100 microchips available onsite for dogs only. Vouchers will also be provided for additional microchips for cats and dogs that can be redeemed at a County of San Diego animal shelter. A limited number of kits and vouchers will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
We have some amazing people who live and work in North County. I wanted to highlight a few of them!
Teri Inc.
One of the most impactful groups in North County is TERI Inc. TERI, an organization founded to improve the quality of life for children and adults with developmental and learning disabilities. As a supporter of TERI for many years, I have witnessed firsthand how the organization has helped the lives of so many, not just in San Diego but around the world. TERI has become a model program in California for improving the lives of individuals with disabilities, and its mission is an inspiration.
Check out the video below to learn more about what they do. Also, Teri Inc. is hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, June 3 for their new fitness court, followed by a family fun day. I’ll be there and hope to see you there too!
An Incredible Fallbrook Mother
I wanted to share a truly inspiring story with you today about Kathleen Newhouse and her husband, Galen, two Fallbrook residents who founded the Just A Breath Away Foundation in 2017 to support survivors of traumatic brain injury (TBI).
In 2006, Kathleen was struck by a severe medical emergency – an abscess ruptured in her brain, and doctors gave her little hope of survival. But against all odds, Kathleen pulled through and discovered an incredible painting talent that she had never known before. As she recovered, she started to see visions of brilliant colors and decided to paint them every day, with every penny of the sale of her artwork going towards helping other TBI survivors.
Check our News 8 reporter, Jeff Zevely’s story about Kathleen’s foundation, Just A Breath Away, which has raised more than $50,000 for Sharp HealthCare Foundation’s Arts for Healing program, helping to bring therapeutic arts engagement to people hospitalized due to TBI and other catastrophic illnesses. Truly incredible!
Jumping for Joy
From a young age, Skylar Wireman demonstrated a natural affinity for horses. Her remarkable talent quickly garnered attention as she excelled in various junior competitions. After countless hours of training, tireless dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, Wireman’s abilities caught the eye of the equestrian community.
Wireman’s exceptional talent and impressive achievements reached new heights when she was awarded the prestigious title of U.S. Equestrian Junior Rider of the Year. This esteemed accolade recognized her remarkable skills, sportsmanship, and the countless hours of hard work she had invested in perfecting her craft.
Check out the wonderful story about this Bonsall resident and learn about her olympic dream!
Best Dancer
Congratulations to Cynthia Bond, a remarkable 21-year-old member of the Pauma Band of Luiseño Indians, on her triumphant return from the Miss Indian World pageant in Albuquerque, New Mexico. We applaud Cynthia for her outstanding achievement as she proudly secured the coveted title of best dancer, showcasing her incredible talent and preserving the rich traditions of her tribe.
Cynthia Bond’s remarkable accomplishments not only bring immense pride to the Pauma Band of Luiseño Indians but also serve as an inspiration to Indigenous youth everywhere. Her passion, talent, and unwavering commitment to preserving her traditions embody the spirit of resilience and cultural preservation. We celebrate Cynthia’s success and wish her continued triumphs as she continues to shine brightly on the path of cultural excellence.
VetArt
The Veterans Art Project (VETART) is an exceptional nonprofit organization based in Vista that deserves commendation for its remarkable work. VETART provides a vital service to veterans and their families by offering free art therapy classes. Through the process-heavy art disciplines of Ceramics, Glass, Woodworking, and Bronze Casting, VETART tirelessly works to connect military families and civilians, fostering an environment of sharing, creativity, and camaraderie.
VETART goes above and beyond by providing dignified displays for completed artworks, creating opportunities for the broader civilian community to engage with and appreciate the incredible talents of these veterans. The Veterans Art Project is an invaluable resource, offering healing, inspiration, and a platform for veterans to express themselves artistically, and they deserve utmost praise for their extraordinary efforts.
Natured By Nurture
Nurtured by Nature, a 501c3 nonprofit organization, was established in 2008 by Kevin and Wendy Yates, a husband-and-wife team residing in Valley Center, CA. Their motivation stemmed from the aftermath of the 2003 Southern California wildfires, which not only destroyed their own home and the surrounding area but also brought forth remarkable support from the community during the rebuilding process.
Their program provides a once in a lifetime experience to children in need through individual animal encounters at the facility. Guests get a chance to meet and interact with Fennec Foxes, Capybara, Two-toed Sloth, Lemurs, Armadillos, and Kangaroos. The highlight of the program is interacting with their Asian Small-clawed Otters. Weather permitting, visitors are able to swim & play with the otters.
Their Make-A-Wish Program is one that is truly incredible. Nurtured by Nature has been able to donate almost $86,000 in in-kind otter swim encounters to Make-A-Wish Foundation for the year so far.
Voice for Children
Voices for Children is a truly remarkable organization that has made a significant impact in the community, particularly in North County. Since its establishment in San Diego in 1980, Voices for Children has been a private, nonprofit powerhouse dedicated to improving the lives of children in foster care. Their invaluable work revolves around recruiting, training, and supporting Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers who advocate for the needs and well-being of these vulnerable children.
Their tireless efforts and unwavering dedication have undoubtedly transformed countless lives and created a brighter and more promising future for foster children in the region. Voices for Children stands as an inspiration and a testament to the incredible impact a passionate and compassionate organization can have on the community.
More Than Mustaches
Stachetober is usually celebrated in October, but with May being Mental Health Awareness Month, I had the opportunity to honor our brave firefighters for their work at our last board meeting.
I am proud to bring attention to the fantastic work that StachetoberFest, Inc. is doing to support our firefighters and public safety authorities in times of need. This nonprofit organization is making a real difference in the lives of those who put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe.
One of the critical focuses of StachetoberFest is suicide prevention programs, recognizing the high stress and trauma that first responders can experience in their work.
We owe a debt of gratitude to the brave men and women who serve as firefighters and public safety authorities. StachetoberFest is doing vital work to support them in times of need
We know there are so many people and organizations that make our community a better place. If you’d like us to feature one of them, please let us know!
San Diego County District 5 Supervisor Jim Desmond
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