In this episode of Vitamin OC, hosts Joanna Weiss and Whitney Gomez welcome Jessica Murray, head coach of Girls Lacrosse at Corona Del Mar High School. They discuss Jessica's journey from being a lacrosse player to a coach, her experiences in sports, and the impact of athletics on young women. The conversation touches on themes of respect, personal growth, and the importance of sports as a formative experience beyond just a path to college athletics. Jessica shares insights on coaching philosophies, managing parent interactions, and fostering a positive team culture. The episode also addresses mental health awareness and the role of sports in community building.

Takeaways

Jessica Murray's journey from player to coach highlights the transformative power of sports.

Sports provide a platform for personal growth and community building.

Respect and non-negotiables are central to Jessica's coaching philosophy.

Managing parent interactions is crucial for maintaining a positive team environment.

Mental health awareness is an important aspect of coaching and community support.

Jessica emphasizes the importance of being part of something bigger than oneself.

The role of sports extends beyond college athletics, offering life lessons and friendships.

Jessica's experiences underscore the value of taking risks and embracing new opportunities.

The episode highlights the impact of supportive coaching on young athletes.
Jessica's story illustrates the importance of giving back to the community.

Key Words

Jessica Murray, Girls Lacrosse, Corona Del Mar High School, sports impact, coaching philosophy, mental health awareness, team culture, personal growth, athletics, community building

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In this episode of Vitamin OC, hosts Joanna Weiss and Whitney Gomez engage with Gina Clayton-Tarvin, a dedicated educator, public servant, and Trustee for the Ocean View School District. They explore her journey from a classroom teacher to a prominent figure in local politics, focusing on her advocacy for education, public safety, and free expression in Huntington Beach. Gina shares her experiences standing up against illegal surveillance, censorship, and advocating for transparency and student safety.

To find out more about Gina's work as a Trustee in the Ocean View School District:

https://www.ginaclaytontarvin.com/

https://www.ovsd.org/boardoftrustees/meet-your-board-of-trustees/about-gina-clayton-tarvin

https://www.instagram.com/ginaclaytontarvin1/?hl=en

Takeaways

Gina Clayton Tarvin's journey from teacher to political leader.

The impact of local politics on education and community.

Standing against illegal surveillance and censorship.

Advocating for transparency in public institutions.

The role of educators in civic engagement.

Challenges faced by communities in Huntington Beach.

The importance of public safety and student rights.

Gina's personal experiences in education and leadership.

The power of community activism and leadership.

Insights into the political landscape of Huntington Beach.

Keywords

Gina Clayton Tarvin, Huntington Beach, education advocacy, public safety, free expression, local politics, transparency, student safety, civic engagement, community leadership

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In this episode of Vitamin OC, Joanna Weiss and Whitney Gomez host Reverend Dr. Paul Capetz, pastor at Christ Church by the Sea in Newport Beach. The discussion delves into the rise of Christian nationalism in the United States, its implications for religious freedom, and the historical context of America's founding principles. Dr. Capetz shares insights on the separation of church and state, the Enlightenment's influence on American governance, and the challenges posed by fundamentalism. The conversation also touches on the role of education in fostering understanding and the importance of civics in preserving democracy.

Takeaways

• Christian nationalism seeks to establish evangelical Christianity as the official U.S. religion.
• Religious freedom is foundational to American democracy.
• The Enlightenment influenced the separation of church and state in the U.S.
• Fundamentalism poses challenges to modern religious and political landscapes.
• Education is crucial for understanding and preserving democratic values.
• The U.S. was founded on principles of religious liberty, not as a Christian nation.
• Historical misconceptions about America's founding are prevalent.
• Civics education is vital for informed citizenship.
• Religious and political discussions require a commitment to rationality.
• Pastor Paul Capetz advocates for a liberal approach to Christianity.

Keywords

Christian nationalism, religious freedom, church and state, Enlightenment, American governance, fundamentalism, civics education, democracy, Pastor Paul Capetz, Vitamin OC, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson

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In this episode of Vitamin OC, hosts Joanna Weiss and Whitney Gomez are joined by Aaron McCall, the Federal Advocacy Coordinator for California Environmental Voters. They discuss the importance of civic engagement, environmental advocacy, and the role of local communities in driving change. Aaron shares insights from his journey in activism, highlighting the significance of consistent grassroots efforts and the challenges faced in transitioning from local to national advocacy. The conversation also touches on California's environmental policies, the impact of federal legislation, and the need for inclusive green transitions that consider underrepresented communities.

To follow Aaron:

Bluesky: aaroncmccall@blsky

Twitter and Instagram @mrneuropolitan

Takeaways

• Slow, consistent grassroots work leads to lasting change.
• Civic engagement is a year-round team sport.
• Local communities play a crucial role in environmental advocacy.
• California serves as a model for environmental policies.
• Federal legislation impacts local environmental efforts.
• Inclusive green transitions must consider underrepresented communities.
• Public engagement and storytelling are powerful tools for change.
• Environmental issues are interconnected with social and economic factors.
• Effective advocacy requires understanding diverse community needs.
• Building coalitions amplifies the impact of advocacy efforts.

Keywords

Vitamin OC, civic engagement, environmental advocacy, grassroots efforts, California Environmental Voters, local communities, national advocacy, environmental policies, federal legislation, green transitions, Biden, EPA

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In this episode of Vitamin OC, hosts Joanna Weiss and Whitney Gomez discuss the controversial development project at Newport Beach Golf Course with guest Benny Hallock, Volunteer Chairman of Save Newport Beach Golf Course. The conversation covers the community's opposition to the proposed surf lagoon and commercial development, the impact on local traffic, and the importance of preserving the golf course as a community treasure. Benny shares insights into the grassroots efforts to oppose the project and the broader implications for the community.

To learn more:

https://keepnbgolfcourse.com/

https://www.newportbeachca.gov/government/departments/community-development/planning-division/current-projects-and-cases/snug-harbor-surf-park-project

There is a hearing on this issue by the Newport Beach City Council on Tuesday, October 28.

Takeaways

• The Newport Beach Golf Course is a beloved community treasure.
• The proposed development includes a surf lagoon and commercial space.
• Community members are concerned about increased traffic.
• Benny Hallock leads the grassroots opposition to the project.
• The project has been under discussion for over 18 months.
• The city planning commission voted 6-0 in favor of the project.
• The golf course is important for veterans and retirees.
• The development could lead to the loss of community spaces.
• Benny emphasizes the importance of civic engagement.
• The episode highlights the power of grassroots activism.

Keywords

Newport Beach, golf course, surf lagoon, community opposition, grassroots efforts, SNA, Santa Ana Airport, JWA, John Wayne Airport, Newport Beach City. Council, Surf Park, surfing, veterans, retirees, Orange County

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In this episode, Michael Sean Wright, Director of Field Medicine for the Lestonnac Free Clinic and founder of Wound Walk.org, discusses the challenges and triumphs of providing medical care to the unhoused in Orange County. He shares insights into the operations of Wound Walk, the importance of community involvement, and the innovative approaches they use to deliver healthcare on the streets.

https://woundwalk.org/

Takeaways

• Wound Walk OC provides street medicine to the unhoused in Orange County.
• Community involvement is crucial for the success of Wound Walk.
• Michael Sean Wright emphasizes dignity and connection in healthcare.
• The Lestonnac Free Clinic offers free medical services to those without insurance.
• Wound Walk operates with the support of volunteers and community donations.
• Street medicine teams address complex issues like substance use and mental health.
• Innovative solutions like mobile clinics and pop-up exam rooms are used.
• The organization aims to expand its services across the country.
• Wound Walk collaborates with local authorities to improve services.
• The episode highlights the power of community-driven healthcare initiatives.

Keywords
street medicine, Wound Walk OC, Lestonnac Free Clinic, homelessness, community health, medical care, Orange County, volunteer work, healthcare innovation, social impact, free surgery center, Santa Ana, Skid Row, UCI

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In this episode of Vitamin OC, hosts Joanna Weiss and Whitney Gomez welcome Suad Elias, a human rights attorney, to discuss the impactful work of immigration legal clinics in Orange County. They explore the challenges faced by undocumented families, the importance of legal preparedness, and the personal stories that drive Suad's passion for advocacy.

If you want to get involved:

https://www.wave4all.org/

https://ocrapidresponse.org/

https://www.chirla.org/

https://www.unidossouthoc.com/

https://www.ocjusticefund.org/

Takeaways

• Suad Elias is a human rights attorney with a background in international law.
• The immigration legal clinics provide essential documentation for undocumented families.
• Volunteers play a crucial role in the success of these clinics.
• The clinics offer Know Your Rights workshops for immigrants.
• Suad's personal experiences as an immigrant fuel her advocacy work.
• The clinics address urgent needs due to increased ICE activity.
• Undocumented immigrants contribute significantly to the economy.
• Misunderstandings about immigration often frame the conversation.
• Organizations like WAVE and CHIRLA are key players in immigration support.

Keywords

immigration, legal clinics, Orange County, undocumented families, human rights, ICE, Trump

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In this episode of Vitamin OC, hosts Joanna Weiss and Whitney Gomez discuss the importance of financial literacy for young adults with guests Natalie and Tom Giannulli. Natalie and Tom created an app, called Budget U, which is designed to help families with college students to manage budgeting and spending. They explore the challenges students face in managing finances and discuss the mission behind, features of, and future for Budget U. The conversation covers the significance of early financial education and the helpful role of technology in budgeting.

Takeaways

Financial literacy is crucial for young adults entering college.

Budget U is designed to help families manage finances together.

Early financial education can prevent future financial stress.

Technology plays a key role in modern budgeting practices.

Budgeting should empower, not restrict, young individuals.

Understanding spending habits is essential for financial success.

Budget U offers insights into spending by category and merchant.

The app encourages open family discussions about finances.

Budget U aims to shift perceptions of budgeting as negative.

The app rewards students for staying within budget.

Keywords
financial literacy, Budget U, college budgeting, family finance, financial education, affording college, managing money

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