SAN DIEGO–What does it mean to be a hero of your community? The lifeguard, the insurance salesman, the CEO and the concert series board chair can tell you it means dedicating yourself to improving the quality of life for all that live, work and play in your backyard.
In honor of its five-year anniversary, The Wine Pub honored four community-nominated residents for growing and uniting the neighborhood, which, in turn, allows local small businesses to thrive. Each local hero received recognition in front of friends, family and pooches before receiving a bottle of champagne with a customized label reading, “Hero of Point Loma.”
Awardees include:
James Earnest teaches video production at Mira Mesa High School and lifeguards in Ocean Beach. He’s found a way to blend these passions by connecting his video students with internships at the San Diego Regional Lifeguard Academy at Miramar College and create training videos for the San Diego Fire/Rescue Department.
Martha Phillips spearheads the Point Loma Summer Concert Series. In her six years as board chair, she’s produced concerts for thousands of residents, visitors and families. During the rest of the year she develops experiential learning programs for teens, families and San Diego immigrants at Junior Achievement of San Diego.
Matt Kalla sits on the board of the Ocean Beach Mainstreet Association to help business owners learn, grow and unite. He’s been a State Farm team member for 24 years and loves helping people manage the risks of everyday life and realize their dreams.
Kristin Garrett has been with the Community Health Improvement Partnership for 16 years and is currently the CEO. She feels everyone has a role in the health of the neighborhood and is passionate about bringing people together in her hometown.
The Wine Pub owner Sandy Hanshaw concluded the evening celebration, thanking everyone for helping The Wine Pub achieve five years in Point Loma and acknowledging residents for their tireless work building a close-knit and charming community that encourages others to succeed and thrive.
“We honored these four people because their lives revolve around making Point Loma and Ocean Beach better places to live,” says Hanshaw. “I know The Wine Pub wouldn’t have made it to five years as a small, locally owned business without the dedication and support of the community. We are tremendously grateful and hope to continue recognizing the everyday heroes in our neighborhood.”
