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Feed50 People To Watch in 2008
By Julia Beeson, Tom Blair, Ron Donoho, Adam Elder and Marcia Manna
(page 1 of 3)
THIS YEAR’S LIST of folks worthy of keeping an eye on includes sportsters like Trevor Hoffman, Chuck Long and Norv Turner. We’ve included Channel 10’s former Troubleshooter Marti Emerald, who’s shot her hat into the political ring. Gerry Braun’s in the mix—for breathing some new life into The San Diego Union-Tribune. Bill McDannell walked across the country to inspire peace, and nobody seemed to care—except us (find out if he’s about to do it again). There’s much more to entice you to take a look at our list, including a hometown girl who gets to anchor on Fox6 news, the world’s fastest amputee and an Aguirre (but not Mike!).
 | Gary AguirreSome 40 years removed from his days as a young San Diego public defender, Aguirre’s returned to our city with a reputation for winning cases and making headlines. In 1978, his was one of the first successful lawsuits against PSA in the deadly crash of Flight 182. In the ’80s, he was a pioneer in construction-defect litigation. A midlife course change took him to Washington, D.C., and the Securities & Exchange Commission, where his tough investigation of a politically sensitive insider-trading case won him plaudits from congressional probers and got him fired from the SEC. His new legal specialty: securities law. (Yes, he has a brother named Mike.) |
 | Auday AraboArabo worked for one year as a prosecutor for the San Diego district attorney’s office before becoming president and CEO of the Neighborhood Market Association. He’s the Democratic candidate for the 78th Assembly District and hopes to be a bridge between the parties. “I want to cross the divide that exists in Sacramento regarding public safety issues,” he says. “We need more firefighters and officers.” |
 | Philippe BeltranNever one to stand still, restaurateur Beltran has opened seven establishments lauded by critics, foodies and diners over the past 18 years. The Left Bank–born Parisian’s secret? It’s haute cuisine without haughtiness, his concepts and flavors accessible to everybody. Following the French country of Hillcrest’s La Vache and the whirlwind world-fusion of South Park’s Vagabond, his latest creation with business partner Jacqueline Delaney (and their new company, Beltran Restaurant Concepts) is Kensington’s Bleu Bohème, a classic French bistro. But he’s not stopping—the duo has plans in Mission Hills for another ode to globetrotting and in Liberty Station for a Spanish-theme eatery. Says Beltran, simply, “I’m kind of bohemian. I’m a traveler.” |
 | Bob BernardThe fights against cancer and HIV are making promising strides, thanks in no small measure to Ichor Medical Systems and Bernard, its president and CEO. In 2007, Ichor partnered with leading medical research centers to test its TriGrid intracellular vaccine-delivery system, a vast improvement over conventional injection. And 2008 looks to be monumental. Ichor will be testing malaria and avian flu vaccines, and Bernard is optimistic for a human HIV vaccine trial in China. “We’re finally in the clinic after working on this technology since 1994,” he says, “and a lot of people around the world are excited to see what kind of results we can generate with it.” |
 | Laurie BlackThis mother of two college-student sons looks not far out of college herself. But she’s a veteran of the political arena who once served as chief of staff to Congresswoman Lynn Schenk. After years in the wings, Black stepped into her own political spotlight last summer as San Diego’s newest Port commissioner. Winning the seat was perhaps her biggest political battle. Black’s priority at the Port is to help remake the city’s waterfront. In her spare time? What spare time? She’s also the mother of four and wife of Bob Lawrence, one of the city’s more successful developers. |
 | Nancy Laturno BojanicThe executive director of Mainly Mozart has been with the organization since its beginning. Laturno Bojanic has advocated making the festival into a multidisciplinary community celebration. “In June, we will celebrate the 20th Mainly Mozart Festival at the elegantly renovated Balboa Theatre—our new summer home,” she says. “With our new, accessible downtown venue, we hope to share this cultural treasure with more San Diegans than ever before.” Educational programs will reach more than 60,000 children in San Diego and Tijuana, and a chamber music series will showcase world-class artists at venues in La Jolla, Rancho Santa Fe and Carlsbad. |
 | Gerry BraunA political reporter for The San Diego Union-Tribune from 1985 to 2000, Braun also spent seven years as the newspaper’s writing coach. In February 2007, his Only in San Diego column sprang to life. Running on Sundays and Wednesdays, the column is a unique look at major local issues of the day. “It’s not exactly mainstream—I try to round out and broaden a particular dialogue,” he says. Braun has written about such topics as his day spent looking for dead squirrels with the city attorney, and a visit with a pit bull to determine if it was frightened by neighborhood children. |
 | John ChalkerA former fighter pilot, Chalker is managing director of LM Capital Group. A San Diego Chamber of Commerce board member, he was recently reappointed to the California Transportation Commission by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Now he’s in a position to allocate billions of dollars for statewide land, air and water transportation. “An integrated system is so important to us,” he says. “It benefits us economically and environmentally, and that’s what it’s all about.” |
 | John DadianA Marine Corps veteran who pulled hard duty as chief of staff to former San Diego County Supervisor Susan Golding in the late ’80s and early ’90s, Dadian has never strayed far from his military roots. After building his own political lobbying firm, he was lead consultant for No on Prop. A, the 2006 campaign to block moving San Diego’s commercial airport to MCAS Miramar. His side won by 62 percent. This year, Dadian steps up to president of the San Diego Navy League, with 2,400 members the largest Navy League council in the continental United States. |
 | Matt D’ArrigoD’Arrigo knows firsthand about the healing power of the arts. His love of music and painting helped him heal after the death of his mother from cancer. In an effort to bring that power into the lives of San Diego kids, D’Arrigo created ARTS (A Reason To Survive), a nonprofit that harnesses the power of arts to heal, inspire and empower. “We’re looking to serve 10,000 kids in the coming year,” says D’Arrigo. A new transportation program, Van-Go, will shuttle kids to the new ARTS center at NTC Liberty Station; other plans include a children’s art gallery and framing business and new community partnerships. |
  | Carl DeMaio & Todd GloriaOne’s a conservative Republican; one’s a liberal Democrat. One lives in family-oriented Rancho Bernardo; one lives in urban City Heights. One’s a blond-haired, blue-eyed Anglo; one’s a dark-haired, brown-eyed ethnic mix. One’s a campaign novice who rails against irresponsible government; one’s a political aide who teethed on local government. Common denominator: If the two favorites win their races for San Diego City Council— DeMaio in the conservative Fifth District, Gloria in the more liberal Third—for the first time, a quarter of San Diego’s council seats will be occupied by gays. |
 | Rob DunsonA former Emmy Award–winning sports photographer, deputy film commissioner Dunson mastered all aspects of film and television production while working for San Diego–based Stu Segall Productions for more than a dozen years. Though his schedule is jammed with a new prime-time NBC show he’s not allowed to talk about yet, Dunson will say he wishes to see more films produced here and more government support for the San Diego Film Commission. “The Film Commission has been underfunded for many years,” he says. “We need to bring awareness to our government of the importance of growth in our funding and growth to this lucrative industry.” |
 | Marti EmeraldThis former “Troubleshooter” reporter for Channel 10 has entered the District 7 city council race. The primary for local elections is in June, and one of the hottest issues Emerald faces is student housing at San Diego State University. “I’m looking forward to being the troubleshooter at City Hall,” she says. “Once people know their opinions are valued and there is an opportunity to brainstorm, we’ll find solutions.” |
 | Jack FellerA conservative, pro-business Republican first elected to the Oceanside City Council in 2000, Feller stunned the political establishment last April when he announced his intent to challenge Mayor Jim Wood in this year’s election. He even tapped legendary consultant Jack Orr to guide his fight, a relationship that ended abruptly and sadly with Orr’s death soon after. Pundits give Feller a good chance of winning, unless, of course, another conservative enters the race. That’s what happened four years ago, when two pro-business candidates, then-incumbent Mayor Terry Johnson and Councilman Rocky Chavez, split the conservative vote, allowing Wood to squeak to victory. |
 | Steve FrancisHe could be the poster boy of Republican politics. He could pay to have millions of them printed. Francis, an also-ran in the 2005 mayor’s race—despite investing $2 million of his own chips—has anted up again. This time, it looks to be a head-to-head race with incumbent Jerry Sanders, another Republican. Sanders has had his ups and downs but appears to be up right now. And he has the support of the party. Francis, meanwhile, has been busy making strange bedfellows—cozying up to labor, courting Democrat Councilwoman Donna Frye and even praising hyper-Democrat City Attorney Mike Aguirre. |
 | Priti GandhiBorn in India and raised in North County, Gandhi began her professional singing career in the choruses of Lyric Opera San Diego and San Diego Opera. The mezzo-soprano standout recently signed with the prestigious New York City Opera, where she’s worked as the understudy for roles in Don Giovanni and Carmen. When the artist slated to sing the role of Carmen’s Mercedes needed emergency surgery last October, Gandhi sang the role on opening night and in seven other performances. “I finally had to join the ranks of opera singers who live out of their suitcase,” says Gandhi. “That’s a great thing when you’ve been climbing the opera ladder for a few years. It means you’re working!” |
 | Grand Ole PartyRelying not on studio wizardry or slick imaging, Grand Ole Party needs only the minimalism of its grimy, blues-inspired rock. And that voice. It hits you like a wall of sound, as if Billie Holiday came back from the grave possessed, and rounds out their perfect, precise sound. Classically trained vocalist Kristin Gundred (who also plays drums) is backed by guitarist John Paul Labno and bassist Mike Krechnyak. They’ve been turning ears with their debut album, Humanimals, and are widely tipped to be the next big thing out of San Diego. 2008 could be their year. |
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Reader Comments:
You gotta be scrapin' the bottom of the barrel for your list of "50 people to watch"...C'mon...including Bill Mc? Exactly what did HE do that is worth watching?
He didn't walk across the country...what he did was was 20 miles a day and then rested in a motor home!!! There's plenty of more people that are newsworthy than someone who will pull a stunt like he did and then cry and whine like a little girl when he doesn't get publicity.
I can give you the names of 100 people right now who also walked across the country in 2007...only they actually walked the entire way, carrying their tent and backpack with them and working their way across.
Get real...
Jerry Nelson
Someone who DID walk across the country!
Dear Mr. Nelson,
Please accept my apologies. When the idea came to me to walk from San Diego to Washington, D.C. I did not realize there were rules I had to follow in order for my walk to "count". I was under the apparently misquided impression that walking consisted of putting one foot in front of the other in order to cover the distance between point A and point B, so that is what I did - for 3,185 miles.
This, for me, was not some macho contest or effort to somehow prove myself. In fact, it was not about me at all. It was about the nation I love and our Constitution. My measure of success was not how much publicity I could attract, how swiftly I could accomplish it or how much hardship I endured - my only measure was completing the journey. I did that. Yes, it would have been nice if, through the effort, more people had had the oportunity to consider what I had to say, but I don't recall ever whining or crying about a lack of publicity. In fact, local media covered my walk clear across the country, thousands of people signed my petition, and upon arrival in D.C. I had the oportunity to meet for personal discussions with the offices of nine of our senators and representatives. My voice was heard. And in the process I received one additional unanticipated benefit - I now have a string of very dear friends stretching clear across the country.
By the way, I should also mention that I did not present myself to the good people at San Diego Magazine - they contacted me; and I am both honored and humbled to have been included in their annual feature.
Congratulations on your own walk. I hope that you won, well, whatever it is you win when you follow the rules.
Peace,
Bill McDannell
You're right...there are no 'rules' to travelling across the country...just ethics. And said to say, you've demonstrated you're lacking in that department. How so?
Well, first off...you admit in your journal that you left home with $30,000.00 and your website asks for donations! MMmm...
Next, a pic on your website plainly shows you carrying what appears to be a bedroll, yet you slept like a baby in a camper each night?
Then your comment about not wanting publicity? C'mon man...if you didn't want publicity, then why did you do it? Also, you mention with a sad tone in your writing that no one is "beating down your doors" to talk to you...and how about the day you met Cindy Sheehan in D.C.? YOu state that it became obvious that you weren't going to have a part in the events...
WOW! You contacted NINE of our senators and representatives? MMm, let's see...with 435 representatives and 50 senators, that means you contacted, let's see...HALF OF ONE PERCENT of our representatives? Yah...that would qualify for reasons for the media to contact you...or to put it another way...$30,000 when you left home....nine contacts...that means it cost almost $3400 dollars for each contact...yah, that's good use of the dollars.
Dear Mr. Nelson,
I'm not sure why I'm bothering, but point by point:
Yes, we left home with $30,000 - everything we had. We hoped that at the end of the walk we'd have something left to restart our lives, thus the desire for donations. And as you point out, none of this was a secret. Those who donated knew, just as you did, what our situation was.
From Lakeside to Yuma, and from Tucson to Van Horn, Texas, I was in fact completely on my own, carrying a backpack and sometimes sleeping under the stars. With everything else you gleaned from my journal it seems you should have been aware of this.
I did not say I didn't want publicity - I said I did not measure my success by the amount of publicity I attracted. Sure, I hoped many more people would find out about what I was trying to do and what I had to say - because I believe I have been offering a unique and rational perspective on the current actions of our leadership in Washington. But my only measure of success was completing the entire walk - and I did that.
I had personal, one-on-one meetings with the offices of nine of our senators and representatives while I was in Washington. I was very well received by every one of them during discussions that ranged from thirty minutes to an hour. Until you've actually tried to arrange a meeting like this I don't think you should belittle the accomplishment of having nine in a 30 day period of time. For someone with no connections whatsoever - and no money - I think I did pretty darn good.
If you want to try to belittle me further may I suggest that you contact me directly? You've been to the website, so you know how to get in touch with me. I doubt that other visitors here are terribly interested in all of this, so while I would be perfectly willing to engage in a private dialogue, this is the last time I'll respond to your public barbs.
Peace,
Bill McDannell
Heather Myers on your cover? What a joke. Not a role model for anyone to follow. This is a self-centered and self-serving young woman. What has Heather done for others, except report the news, a job for which she gets paid. Someone who backstabs her colleagues to get where she thinks she needs to go is no role model of mine. I am sorry but I will be watching something else in 2008. Someone who neglects her own family should not be on the cover of anything. I hope she soon comes down from her cloud and realizes what is really important in life.
Now Gary Aguirre deserved the cover. Someone who is remarkably honest, despite the reputation of his profession. I have friends who have worked with him and speak highly of him -- not your usual comment about attorneys these days.
Kudos, Gary! Hopefully the next cover is yours!
How did you pick Heather Myers for the cover anyway? This is like, the least interesting person of all 50 of them.
Wow SDSun, why are you so bitter toward Heather Myers? Did you ask her out and get rejected by her or something?
Heather's on the cover because she's HOT.
They just attempt to pick someone that is visually pleasing for the cover. Sometimes the most interesting person in San Diego isn't going to be the right person for the cover.