Around The County

PURCHASE HER BOOK TWO SUITCASES AND A DREAM

Cecille Maria Ahrens, LCSW, CEAP, is a seasoned psychotherapist with over 20 years of clinical experience supporting individuals, couples, and organizations through issues such as trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, workplace stress, and relationship challenges. She is a Certified EMDR Therapist and Certified Employee Assistance Professional, recognized for her commitment to high‑quality, evidence‑based mental health care.

She is the owner and president of Transform Therapy where she provides psychotherapy, coaching, and organizational consulting. Beyond her clinical work, Cecille is the creator and host of the mental‑health podcast “Get Mental,” which aims to normalize conversations around emotional well‑being. As well as the Author of "Two Suitcases and a Dream"

https://www.smbball.org/

This organization is a 501c3 non-profit corporation; our coaches and staff do not get paid, and fees are used for the gym and tournament/league fees.

"We are a competitive basketball AAU club with a European and American approach to develop players in a positive environment. Our players who join our competitive and developmental youth teams get to play AAU tournaments and league games in San Marcos. We practice 2 times per week, and we play year-round for long-term development and a family culture approach. We keep our teams small with 8-9 players per team to allow our players to get maximized playing time."

Mission and Goals

Our mission as coaches is to give back to our community and the City of San Marcos by forming teams that play in our middle and local high schools.

Our goal is to develop starter players for our middle and high school basketball teams in San Marcos/Carlsbad/Vista/Encinitas/Escondido.

We are dedicated to helping our players reach and maximize their highest potential while developing a lifelong passion for the game of basketball.

 
Philosophy

At San Marcos Basketball, we believe that the value of youth sports goes beyond the court. We’re dedicated to promoting a culture of community and strive to offer young athletes the opportunity to build lasting relationships, develop essential social skills, and become part of a supportive community that they may not find elsewhere.

Being part of our team means playing together and adopting a non-selfish approach to the game. We’re all about the European style of basketball, characterized by disciplined defense and structured offenses that emphasize ball movement and team play.

In the spirit of our basketball style, our defense employs a man-to-man strategy, pairing every defensive player with an offensive counterpart to guard. We center our practices around adaptability in the game, where players learn to react and adapt to specific game situations, thereby becoming skilled team members.

Vita Oyler, M.S., is a rehabilitation counselor, author, and chronic pain advocate who has thrived despite living with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) and other chronic conditions for over 35 years. She authored "Got Pain? Now What? Navigating Through a Journey of Pain

Do you suffer from a chronic painful condition? Are you confused about what to do? Do you want to take your life back in spite of pain? There are about 1.5 billion people worldwide living with chronic pain. Pain is not picky. There are no boundaries. Pain affects men, women, and children, and is not necessarily age-related. One can develop pain from accidents, illnesses, traumas, and other events. So how does one live with pain?

Vita Oyler has been living with a painful condition known as RSD for over thirty-five years. Besides the RSD, she has developed other painful conditions such as as fibromyalgia, osteoporosis, and other conditions.. She has learned to focus on goals, family, hobbies, laughter, animals, alternatives, and other strategies which have led her to living a happy and good quality of life. Vita wrote this book to help others that either suffer chronic pain or have family members or friends that do.

Vita intends readers to gain some understanding of how pain interacts with daily life and how to find ways to live with pain that actually work for her. She explains how she has lived her life to her fullest in spite of pain.

MORE INFO ON THE SMASH BROS TOURNAMENT

SAN MARCOS, Calif. (January 21, 2026) -- The Unified Esports League (UESL) will host a world-first Super Smash Grand Championship for individuals with special needs on February 21 from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. at The Bornemann Theatre located on the TERI Campus for Life in San Marcos.

The inaugural championship will bring together 24 finalists from UESL’s six San Diego County and Imperial County locations to compete for a team trophy, as well as individual first-, second-, and third-place individual recognition. Participants are currently preparing to earn the title of Unified Esports League Grand Champion.

UESL and TERI both serve people with disabilities through inclusive, skill-building programs. TERI currently hosts UESL’s Technology Center in San Marcos, supporting children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) through hands-on technology and gaming experiences.

“The Bornemann Theatre at TERI Campus of Life is the perfect location for this inaugural event,” says UESL Founder and CEO Matthew Iske. “Our goal is to create opportunities where players with IDD can be part of a team, building friendships and learning through positive gaming experiences.”

The Bornemann Theatre is both a public live entertainment venue and the performing arts center for TERI program participants with autism and other developmental disabilities.

UESL is a San Diego based organization that provides its Technology Education Program to help those with special needs develop skills through their passion for technology. UESL programs operate during after-school hours, five days a week at its various locations in San Diego and Imperial Counties. UESL opened its doors in 2023 after several years of planning and developing its curriculum.

“This program not only teaches players the values of being on a team but serves as an opportunity to make friends while learning about new technologies in the video game and tech industries,” adds Iske.

At the event, there will be light refreshments hosted on the patio next to The Bornemann Theatre entrance, beginning at 2:00 p.m. for guests as they arrive. Live Super Smash characters will be present and available to have pictures taken as well. The Grand Championship competition begins at 3:00 p.m.

https://moniquegagne.com/

Monique Gagné

Monique, the author of the enlightening book "Who Took My Money?" published in 2008, has undergone a fascinating evolution from teaching fashion design to becoming an IT specialist and certified trainer. Transitioning from roles as a mortgage agent and wealth builder coach, she now shares her insights through a course called "The Power of Financial Happiness." Monique believes that managing money can be simple and enjoyable, demystifying the art of money management and making concepts like snowballing debt, budgeting, and retirement planning both accessible and fun. Over the past two decades, she has successfully assisted hundreds of couples in navigating financial challenges, helping to keep marriages and families together.

Monique's narrative is woven with sage, common-sense wisdom, reminiscent of the dialogues between the book's main characters—wise grandfather GP and his grandson Charles, a budding financial advisor. Their conversations, set in the family garage, illuminate complex financial concepts, inspire confidence, and celebrate financial milestones.

Channeling the spirit of GP, Monique advises, "The best time to take charge of your financial future is now. Invest in yourself by shifting your mindset and establishing positive habits. Well-managed money can support you for life, offering rewards beyond what you might imagine." She also cautions against perceived shortcuts, emphasizing the importance of discipline and adaptive planning, particularly in the realm of real estate investment.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Monique is deeply engaged in her community, contributing to causes like cancer support and local events. She encourages aspiring financial leaders to prioritize mentorship and continuing education, recognizing that success often stems from serving others in various capacities.

Monique's journey is a testament to resilience and continuous growth. From her early experiences as a timid child to her remarkable achievements in fashion design, IT, and finance, she has consistently pursued excellence. As she approaches retirement, Monique's ambitions extend beyond personal success; she aims to become a prominent influencer on money and happiness, leaving a legacy of love and wisdom in her wake.

Her commitment to philanthropy shines through initiatives like the World's Largest Bear Hug, which has raised significant funds for cancer research. Monique's story is not just about past achievements; it's a prologue to the future chapters of influence she is yet to write—a story of embracing the world with wisdom, love, and financial enlightenment.

https://safekidsnow.com 

You can keep your kids safe in an unsafe world.

Work with neighbors to protect families and children.

Guest Stephanie Mann

Ex. Director, Safe Kids Now National Network, Crime and Violence Prevention Consultant, and author of 5 books on family, teen, neighborhood, community, and inner-city safety.

She helped launch the National Neighborhood Watch Program in the 1970’s.

 Major Awards

• Award from Ta-Yao Chou – “Empowerment Parenting” translated into Chinese for kids at risk in Taiwan, 2023
• Woman of Distinction, National Assembly, New York, NY, 2010
• Inter-religious and International Peace Council, Crown of Peace Award, Washington, DC, 2004
• Office of Attorney General, John K Van de Kamp, State of California, 1984
• Citizen of the Year, Orinda, CA 1973,

Over 50 Interviews with Stephanie on safekidsnow.com/blog

Helen – A victim of child sex trafficking

Fred Jackson – Community Hero and activist

Armand King – Former Pimp and Sex trafficker

Rev. James – Organized his neighborhood after a murder

Butch Sosa – Drug addict, 40 years and rescued

Barbara Joy Hanson – Victim of child abuse and incest

 www.smarteronlinesafety.com 

• The Queen of Online Safety         
• Top 10 Woman in Cybersecurity
• Helping People and Companies Stay Safe, Stay Safe and Stay Ahead in the AI World

Keynote Speaker | Consultant | Cybersecurity Expert  | Author  | Host - Smarter Online Safety Podcast |  Trusted Advisor to Fortune 500 Leaders Worldwide

your safe place website

Address: 1122 Broadway UNIT 200, San Diego, CA 92101

Phone: (619) 533-6000

"Your Safe Place – The San Diego Family Justice Center provides comprehensive, confidential services to anyone who has experienced domestic violence, family violence, older and dependent adult abuse, strangulation, sexual assault, or sex trafficking. At Your Safe Place we provide supportive services in a judgment-free manner that empowers clients to successfully become survivors and move forward with their lives."

Kiwanis Club of Poway California

We are the Kiwanis Club of Poway, a community-oriented organization dedicated to helping local children and making a positive impact in Poway. Since 1973, we’ve been known as the helping hands of Poway, engaging in a variety of service projects and community events.

🎁 Holiday With Heroes 🎁Returns December 11

👉 Sign up to be a Hero here:
CLICK HERE TO BE A HERO

The Kiwanis Club of Poway is thrilled to announce the return of our signature event, Holiday With Heroes, happening December 11 at Poway’s Mickey Cafagna Community Center!

This heartwarming event pairs 150 under-served children with real-life Heroes—uniformed military, first responders, and medical professionals—for an unforgettable evening of giving, joy, and connection.

👮‍♀️👨‍🚒👨‍⚕️ We Need Heroes of All Kinds!
Sheriffs, firefighters, EMTs, military (active or retired), park rangers, FBI, doctors, nurses, and more—just your time and heart are needed to make a difference.

🛍️ Children shop for their families at our on-site holiday store
🎄 Enjoy dinner, games, music, and festive fun together
📸 Take photos, make memories, and spread holiday cheer
🎁 Kids receive art supplies, books, blankets, and more

Heroes arrive 15 minutes early for orientation and spend about 2 hours with their student.

👉 Sign up to be a Hero here:
CLICK HERE TO BE A HERO

Let’s make this holiday season magical—one child, one hero at a time.
#HolidayWithHeroes #PowayKiwanis #BeAHero #CommunityJoy #ServiceWithHeart

What We Do:

• Service Projects: From cooking meals for residents at Villa de Vida to providing holiday gifts for needy children and scholarships for high school seniors, our projects aim to support and uplift our community.
• Holiday with Heroes: Our signature service project, where 150 under-served local children shop for family members with the help of a military member or first responder.
• Community Partnerships: We work closely with organizations like the San Diego Blood Bank, Community Food Connection, and local school’s Homework Club to maximize our impact.
• Sponsorships: We sponsor events and programs such as the Miss Poway Scholarship Pageant, Poway Heroes Softball game, and Kiwanis Cups for high school sports.
• Pancake Breakfasts: We are famous for our delicious Pancake Breakfasts, served from our grill-on-wheels at various events, including opening day at Poway American Little League and Memorial Day at Web Park. We also provide free bicycle helmets at the Poway Safety Fair.
• Youth and Community Engagement: We teach the value of community service through our sponsorship of the Key Club at Poway High School and an Aktion Club for developmentally disabled adults. Together, we participate in events like park clean-ups and more.

Our mission is to make a lasting impact on the lives of local children and families, fostering a sense of community and service. Join us in our efforts and become a part of our vibrant, dedicated group!

click here to visit the Kary's Helping Hand website

Kary’s Helping Hand is a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that serves homeless individuals living on the streets of San Diego City and County. We are a 100% volunteer-based organization.

There mission is to ignite hope and empower individuals to take the courageous step of seeking help and leave the streets behind.

They prioritize building relationships with those they serve, encouraging them to utilize available resources and find suitable shelter. We believe that every person possesses inherent value and deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and compassion.

Every month, on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays, they proudly participate in “Power of a Shower” held at Meridian Baptist Church in El Cajon. These events provide homeless individuals with the opportunity to take a hot shower, receive clean clothes, and enjoy a nourishing home-cooked meal prepared with love and care.

Additionally, they actively conduct quarterly pop-up Community Outreach events in areas of San Diego where the homeless gather.

At Kary’s Helping Hand, they guarantee that every donation, whether in-kind or monetary, directly empowers individuals in urgent need.

Together, we can create a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. They invite you to join us in this vital mission. Let’s pave the way for lasting change in our community.

Link to North County Special Needs Foundation

"Play Ball" at the sportsplex. Players are excited. Nov 7th is the 2025 POWAY HEROES SOFTBALL GAME 7pm-8pm Friday November 7th. The Poway Padres were busy winning a Gold Medal at Perris this past weekend. We have added the Poway Sheriffs team to the game this year. Captain Claudia Delgado is getting her team in shape! Brian Mitchell's guys are always ready to play in their favorite event of the year! Pregame ceremonies start about 6:30 - Back by popular demand for his 3rd announcing gig will be John Couvrette of Halcyon Services and Chamber CFO. Of course, the Mayor and City council umpires are busy studying the softball rulebook! Take a look at the great raffle ticket flyer. Thanks to Lisa Lingham- owner of Original Pancake House Poway for putting it together! Got an autographed Hank Aaron bat from a high school buddy! Please forward flyer to your friends who can't make it to game. Check out the new "Taste of Poway" basket. Thanks for your support 

More about 3XL Church Here

More about G.O.D Radio Here

Friday, October 24 @ 6:30 PM - 10:00 PM PDT3XL Benefit ConcertLove of Christ Fellowship Church 9770 Carroll Centre Road Ste F, San Diego, California, United States

3XL's 12th Anniversary Benefit Concert Hosted by Evangel Space is limited. A love offering will be taken. October 24, 2025 7pm-10pm (Doors open at 6:30p) LOCF Church

CLICK HERE FOR SANTEE JEWELRY AND LOAN WEBSITE

Santee Jewelry & Pawn Store

"We bring trust, value, and professionalism to the world of fine jewelry and collateral loans. Whether you're looking to buy exquisite jewelry pieces, sell your gold, or secure a confidential loan using luxury items as collateral, we’re here to serve you with integrity and expertise. With a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and a commitment to fair market value, we offer a carefully curated selection of gold, diamonds, watches, and other timeless treasures. Our experienced team ensures every transaction is secure, transparent, and tailored to your needs. We’re more than a pawn shop — we’re your trusted partner for financial flexibility and exceptional jewelry."

OLD FASHION RADIO HOUR WEBSITE

In 1997, and in the providence of God, a group of individuals came together who had been much affected by the original Old Fashioned Revival Hour. Each expressed a longing to see it back on the radio. Their gifts and backgrounds seemed to complement one another’s perfectly, and they sensed that the Lord was calling them to move ahead with assurance and boldness.  

Finally, in June of 2002 on a single station in Ventura, California, Dr. Dan Fuller, son of founder Dr. Charles Fuller, gave the invitation for listeners to come to Jesus on that first Old Fashioned Revival Hour rebroadcast.

Today, the Old Fashioned Revival Hour is aired on some 120 stations across the United States and is available anytime right here at OFRH.com. Besides being a great joy to those who grew up with this broadcast many years ago, young people are discovering the Old Fashioned Revival Hour for the first time. We’re encouraged because today the younger generation is showing a genuine interest in vintage cars, the music of the Big Band era as well as art deco in architecture and home décor. In other words, retro is “in.”

Convinced that the good news about Jesus is vital and “in” for every generation, we are thrilled with the privilege of making the Old Fashioned Revival Hour available to a cross-generational audience today.

Limitless Adventures Website

Limitless Adventures is a nonprofit organization that provides outdoor recreational experiences for people with disabilities in the Greater San Diego area.

A 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing inclusive outdoor recreation for individuals with a wide range of intellectual and physical disabilities. Based in the Greater San Diego Area, we create opportunities for our participants to connect with nature, enjoy movement, and build meaningful relationships.

​​Rooted in the belief that everyone deserves access to the beauty and benefits of the outdoors, all of our events are completely free of charge—for both participants and volunteers. We foster a welcoming community where fun, friendship, and belonging flourish, and where everyone is empowered to join in. Our events promote confidence, inclusion, and lasting social connection for people of all abilities. At Limitless Adventures, Everybody’s Invited! 

CLICK FOR GOLF TOURNAMENT INFO

Make a difference while creating new contacts at our joint golf tournament.

​This tournament attracts members of the community who are committed to supporting our military families at home, or when separated by deployment as they face challenges both financially and in retaining the family bond.

​Make a difference while playing golf and enjoying different perks.

​Perks Include:

• Green Fee, Cart, Driving Range Access, & Range Balls

• Dinner Reception

• Goodie Bag

• Putting Contest

• Boxed Lunch

• Complimentary Beverages

• Fun Prizes, Auction Items, and More!

Mulligan packages available

https://www.rolltosuccess.org/

Roll to Success is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that is determined to empower the disabled community through adaptive athletics. We challenge our athletes to recognize the attributes found within themselves such as dignity, respect, leadership and confidence through connectivity with others. 

Talking all things Comic Book art related with local artist Jodie Royak check out his website at: https://www.royakstudio.com/

https://www.rolltosuccess.org/

Roll to Success is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that is determined to empower the disabled community through adaptive athletics. We challenge our athletes to recognize the attributes found within themselves such as dignity, respect, leadership and confidence through connectivity with others. 

https://www.unifiedesl.com/

Unified Esports League (UESL) Make friends. Play on a team.Explore + develop passion in the fast-growing esports + technology industries.

What began as a spontaneous coffee meeting between two strangers in 2021 has evolved into an expanding esports education program now serving dozens of families across San Diego County.

Unified Esports League (UESL), developed by Matthew Iske and Tony Rubino, offers inclusive programming where individuals with disabilities engage in technology, art and gaming while building critical life and social skills. After 18 months of planning and development, UESL officially launched in 2023 as a vendor through the San Diego Regional Center (SDRC).

“Our primary focus is on social and emotional skills and helping people to get out of their room and engage with their peers and pursue goals through their passion for gaming and technology,” said Iske, UESL’s founder and CEO.

Iske, a teacher and non-profit leader, met Rubino in 2021. Rubino, a longtime advocate and coach for individuals with disabilities, approached Iske with a simple proposition:

“You don’t know me, and I don’t know you, but we’re going to have coffee.” That meeting led to the early ideas that would form UESL.

Over the next year and a half, the two traveled, collaborated, and designed a curriculum that blends esports with wellness and community engagement.

Rubino, who has worked with the special needs community in Poway for 27 years, believes that sports and teamwork play a vital role in growth.

“I have learned to understand the challenges that they face as they go into adulthood,” Rubino said. “I found that sports was a great way to bring a community together and teach them what being on a team is all about, how to win, how to lose and pursue something that they enjoy — and that has translated into a lot of great things.”

Today, UESL supports roughly 40 families per site through rotating sessions of 12 to 18 participants. Clients range in age from 8 to 40, and each location blends individuals of different ages to foster support and mentorship.

“Isolation really is a challenge, so the more things we can do to create a network and have these young people get together — if we can create a safe environment, which we do — then it’s a total win,” Rubino said.

UESL participants engage in gaming, creative technology, physical wellness breaks and debriefing sessions designed to promote healthy tech habits and peer connection. Some even use driving simulators to prepare for their driver’s license. Others use tools like Procreate to pursue digital art. One student designed the team’s jersey logo in just 20 minutes.

“They all have so much potential in so many ways,” Iske said. “Being able to be there and help them make progress has made a huge impact on me personally.”

The goal, Iske explained, is not just to play games but to use gaming as a tool for  growth.

“When people think of video games, they think of hot Cheetos and somebody slumped over in a chair,” he said. “It’s one thing to be playing eight hours on end alone in your room, and it’s another thing to be playing in a room where you have an education plan and you’re engaging with your peers and your coach.”

Iske and Rubino shared the story of one of their participants, Thomas, who said he found a sense of belonging, confidence and happiness through the program.

“He told us that he’s the happiest he’s ever been in his life due to an environment where he can do something he enjoys and engage with his peers,” Iske said.

Rubino echoed that impact.

“That’s something you don’t forget,” he said.

Some families even choose to make UESL their child’s only source of screen time, allowing them to engage with technology in a structured, social way while remaining focused on other areas throughout the day.

As the program continues to grow, Iske and Rubino say the mission remains the same: to build inclusive spaces where passion for gaming and technology drives connection, confidence and personal development.

“When you put people in a peer group where everybody enjoys the same thing and experience that passion together, good things are going to happen,” Iske said.
For information about the Unified Esports League visit www.unifiedesl.com.