Little Black Dress event at Goodwill starts in November
East County News Service Oct. 25, 2025 (San Diego County) — Goodwill Industries of San Diego County‘s Little Black Dress event featuring a custom gown by top designer Evan Hirsch is set to begin in November. Goodwill San Diego’s Little Black Dress (LBD) event is when stores in the region will showcase a wide selection of LBDs, shoes and accessories at competitive prices. The Chula Vista Goodwill retail store will serve as the flagship location, offering the largest assortment of LBDs and accessories. A highlight of the event is a one-of-a-kind gown created by Evan Hirsch, a 25-year-old New York-based designer known for his transformative, sustainable fashion. Hirsch rose to fame when his senior project at Drexel University went viral, and his work has since been featured in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle Glamour and People magazine. Hirsch’s gown which was crafted from pre-loved garments, will be auctioned to the highest bidder on https://shopgoodwill.com/sandiego in November. In September, Evan partnered with ShopGoodwill.com for a groundbreaking runway show at New York Fashion Week. By upcycling and transforming donated garments, Hirsch crafted couture pieces that celebrate individual style and champion the values of reuse and community support. Dresses from the iconic show will be featured on ShopGoodwill.com starting Nov. 10. An media release from Goodwill leaders noted that the event will kick off at 9 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 10 at the Chula Vista store at 706 Broadway. “At Goodwill San Diego, we believe in Making Good Happen, giving purpose to fashion and creating opportunities for people with disabilities and other barriers to employment,” the release said. “The LBD Event is more than a shopping experience; it’s a chance to shop for good, make a fashion statement and support our mission. Whether you shop, donate or attend, your participation helps build a stronger local economy and empowers individuals through job training and employment.” Goodwill’s release said that prices of dresses from brands like White House Black Market, Madewell, Topshop, Tom Ford and Diane von Furstenberg will start at $9.99. Stylish men’s formal wear also available, including suits, shirts, ties and shoes. There is also a curated selection of shoes and jewelry at every location.
Seven women honored at East County Chamber WILL event
East County News Service Oct. 23, 2025 (East County) — The San Diego Regional East County Chamber of Commerce awarded a group of top females from around the county last Friday at its 23rd annual Women in Leadership event. The Women in Leadership Luncheon, with more than 450 attendees at Sycuan Casino, honored seven women who excel professionally and as community leaders — women who demonstrate exemplary character, integrity and leadership. The 2025 awardees were Dr. Julie Hayden, Dyna Jones, Gizelle Lukach, Janet Hanley, Michelle Ziemba, Noura Bishay and Susan Roberts-Egley. Ziemba took the Michele Tarbet Award, named after the woman who helped launch the WILL event more than 20 years ago. Michele Tarbet began her career as a nurse, and steadily advanced through healthcare administration to become CEO of Sharp Grossmont Hospital in 1996. She touched and inspired many people at the hospital, from physicians and staff to volunteers and patients. She brought a high level of integrity to her work, and a genuine sense of caring. Some consider her greatest achievement and community legacy the expansion of Sharp Grossmont into a premier medical center. In 2004 Tarbet received a Women-in-Leadership award. About a decade later, Tarbet died after battling brain cancer. The program was emceed by Fox 5 KUSI’s Lauren Phinney and featured keynote speaker Dr. Alexandra Kharazi. The East County Chamber reported that it received a record-breaking 87 nominations for the 2025 awards. Since starting more than two decades ago, the event has welcomed more than 6,000 attendees and celebrated nearly 150 extraordinary women leaders from every corner of San Diego County. Keynote speaker Dr. Kharazi, a a board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon in San Diego, immigrated with her family from Kyiv, Ukraine when she was six years old. Today, she operates at multiple hospitals across the region, including Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center and Sharp Grossmont Hospital. She is also the author of “The Heart of Fear” and the founder of The Heart of Motivation Consulting, focusing on resilience and mindset in high-pressure careers. A closer look at each the WILL event winners is below: Dyna Jones Dyna Jones is a respected entrepreneur, senior care advocate and community leader with more than 20 years of experience in senior care and healthcare workforce development. She is the Ffounder and CEO of First Promise Care Services, a licensed caregiving agency serving seniors throughout San Diego County; Heart to Serve Institute, a training school that equips caregivers, Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and Home Health Aides (HHAs) to enter the healthcare field; and Bliss Care Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to providing free, compassionate caregiving and essential services to underserved and low-income seniors. Jones’s journey from humble beginnings in the Philippines to becoming a recognized leader in the United States inspires countless individuals to pursue their purpose and create lasting community impact. Through her leadership, Jones has created a holistic ecosystem of care, supporting seniors, empowering healthcare workers and building pathways for diverse entrepreneurs. Her work reflects her deep faith, resilience and commitment to serving others with excellence and compassion. Beyond her entrepreneurial ventures, Jones is deeply engaged in community leadership. She currently serves as Vice President for the South and East San Diego Region of the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce – Greater San Diego (FACC-GSD), and as an Executive Board Member of the Coalition of Filipino American Chambers of Commerce (COFACC). She also serves as a Board Director for the El Cajon Valley Host Lions Club, where she continues to champion service and community engagement. A proud and long-time member of the San Diego Regional East County Chamber of Commerce for nearly 20 years, Jones is also active in several organizations, including the San Diego County Council on Aging (SDCCOA), Asian Business Association (ABA), and the San Diego Regional Home Care Council (SDRHCC). Gizelle Lukach Gizelle Lukach is seasoned professional in the beauty industry, with more than 35 years of experience as a licensed esthetician and professional makeup artist. Her career includes working with Univision (2015-25) and Telemundo (2020-present), where she has been able to showcase her talent in the realm of makeup artistry for both television and the big screen. She has contributed her artistic talents to various commercials for major networks, leaving a valuable mark in the world of media and entertainment. Beyond her accomplishments in the beauty and entertainment industry, Lukach is a dedicated advocate for the Latina community. As the CEO and Founder of Mujeres Aca Entre Nos (Women Here Together), she plays a pivotal role in addressing the unique needs and challenges faced by Latinas in the greater community. Her commitment to empowering women and fostering community engagement reflects her passion for making a positive impact beyond the glamour of the makeup chair. Janet Hanley Janet Hanley has been a registered nurse for more than 40 years in the field of acute and critical care nursing. For five years, she was the Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President of Patient Care for the Magnet Designated Sharp Grossmont Hospital leading the organization to Magnet Re-Designation. Hanley then took the role of the Sharp Healthcare Chief Nursing Information Officer and Vice President of Patient Technology, Innovation, and Efficiency for Sharp HealthCare. She worked with teams of clinicians and information systems staff to assess a need for, purchase, design and implement technology that affects patient care. Hanley was integral in implementing the new electronic medical record at Sharp HealthCare. She is past president of the San Diego Chapter of the Association of California Nurse Leaders chapter and the past chair of the Quality and Patient Safety Committee for the Association of California Nurse Leaders where she chaired the Annual Program Committee. In January 2026, she will assume their Board Member position representing San Diego County. Hanley’s passion is clinical care excellence and performs as a Magnet Appraiser Lead and Mentor for the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Janet is the current VP of the Orthopedic, Neurosciences and Spine Service Line for Sharp HealthCare. Dr. Julie Hayden Dr. Julie Hayden is a visionary leader dedicated
Funeral procession for fallen LMPD Officer Lauren Craven October 28
La Mesa officials say to expect major traffic delays East County News Service Oct. 25, 2025 (La Mesa) — A funeral procession is planned for fallen La Mesa Police Officer Lauren Craven starting at 7:30 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 28, according to the La Mesa Police Department. Craven, 25, was killed in the line of duty on October 20, 2025, after being struck by a drunk driver while assisting at another crash scene on Interstate 8. She was returning from the San Diego Central Jail when she came upon a collision involving several vehicles. Craven stopped to render aid to the drivers involved in the initial crash, but while assisting, a 38-year-old man, who has been arrested on suspicion of DUI, struck Craven with his car. She died at the scene, along with 19-year-old De’Veonte Morris, one of the drivers from the first crash. The procession, for law enforcement and family members only, is scheduled to depart from Snapdragon Stadium in Missioin Valley and will proceed northbound on Interstate 15, head to eastbound state Route 52, southbound state Rout 125, eastbound state Route 94 and nd eastbound Campo Road to Skyline Church at 11330 Campo Road. The procession is expected to include more than 700 vehicles. Motorists in these areas should expect road closures and major traffic delays throughout the morning. Of note, access to state Routes 94 and 125 from Spring Street in La Mesa will be closed during the procession. Using alternate routes is strongly encouraged, the LMPD release said.
Reader’s Editorial: Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the antivaxxer Secretary of Health and Human Services
By Joel A. Harrison, PhD, MPH October 25, 2025 (San Diego) – Robert F. Kennedy Jr is an antivaxxer; but to the best of my knowledge has NEVER indicated he understands even the basics of the human immune system. Simply the first time we are infected with a bacteria or a virus, we have defensives cells that sometimes can stop them cold or slow them down, Neutrophils and Macrophages. We also have from birth ca. 1 million different B-cells which are capable of recognizing any invader; but it takes them a week or so to do so, then they produce antibodies that deal with the invader. During this time we can suffer, end up hospitalized, possibly die and/or suffer long term effects; e.g. disabilities. And they produce memory cells that can immediately recognize the same invader and quickly mass produce antibodies to stop it cold. All a vaccine does is produce the same memory cells. He also has given NO indication he knows the history of infectious diseases and vaccines; e.g. during the 1700s, every few years smallpox killed 30% of population, most others suffered from it and ended up with pox marked faces. When I was in elementary school one of the students was in a wheel chair from polio. I was the first generation to get the Salk vaccine in 1955. And as an adult I visited a medical facility with polio survivors, living out their lives in iron lungs. I actually was hospitalized with Hong Kong flu, temp reaching 106. Fortunately I survived; but it took me more than a month to recuperate. And I now get the flu vaccine whenever it is available. I actually was volunteer in Phase 3 of clinical trials for the Moderna COVID vaccine and later volunteer in Phase 2 of clinical trial for the Moderna bivalent COVID vaccine. Are vaccines 100% safe? Nope, nothing is; but the risk from them occurs in a very small percentage of those vaccinated and while they have some suffering, perhaps a few need short-term hospitalization; but no long term effects. Kennedy’s belief, not backed by science, is vaccines can cause autism. Autism has NOT increased over the years; but the definition has broadened from Autism to Autism Spectrum Disorders, including Aspergers. Wikipedia has a good article entitled Autism. We have NEVER before had a Secretary of Health and Human Services as an antivaxxer. Frightening. And fewer children are being vaccinated and, for instance, in Texas several died from measles and others were hospitalized. The opinions in this editorial reflect the views of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of East County Magazine. To submit an editorial for publication, contact editor@eastcountymagazine.org
From the Fire Chief’s Corner: Let’s “move it” this November
Growing Conversations, Saving Lives By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna October 24, 2025 (San Diego) – Each November, a global movement takes root, one mustache at a time. Movember isn’t just about facial hair; it’s about facing the facts. Men’s health is in crisis, and silence is no longer an option. A Movement with Muscle Founded in 2003 in Melbourne, Australia, Movember has grown into the world’s leading men’s health charity. Over the past two decades, it has funded more than 1,300 projects across mental health, suicide prevention, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer. This year, the newly released Real Face of Men’s Health report urges us to rethink how we approach men’s well-being—from clinical care to community support. Mental Health – Breaking the Silence Men are statistically less likely to seek help for mental health challenges, often due to stigma or cultural expectations. Movember tackles this head-on by promoting open conversations, peer support, and early intervention. Stories like Michael Gamble’s, a student who turned personal pain into purpose remind us that recovery is possible and that every voice matters. Physical Health – Early Detection Saves Lives Prostate and testicular cancers are among the most common health threats to men. Movember encourages regular screenings and educates men on symptoms and risk factors. The campaign’s playful “Grow a Mo” challenge isn’t just fun, it’s a catalyst for life-saving conversations. How You Can Join the Movement Grow a Mo. Let your mustache spark dialogue. Move for Movember. Run, walk, or cycle 60 miles for the 60 men lost to suicide every hour globally. Host a Mo-ment. Organize a fundraiser or awareness event. Share your story. Use hashtags like #Movember, #MensHealth, and #MentalHealthMatters to amplify your voice. *Note: The information in this article was compiled from various sources. These suggestions are not a complete list of every preventative or loss control measure. The information is not intended to replace additional safety manuals or the advice of another qualified professional(s). We make no guarantee of results from use of this information. We assume no liability in connection with the information nor the suggestions.