COLLEGE GRADUATES
The following students graduated over the summer from their respective universities: Nicholas MacDonald of Carlsbad and Sachitt Arora, Nian Liu and Shlok Rajyaguru of San Diego from the Georgia Institute of Technology; and Lisa Dinh of San Diego from James Madison University in Virginia.
HONOR SOCIETY
Simon Graff Zivin of Del Mar was recently elected into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society, at the University of Southern California.
LIGHTHOUSE AWARDS
The Escondido Union High School District recently awarded its 2025 Lighthouse Award to the following employees who go above and beyond in their work: Lauren Dobbs, school counselor at Del Lago Academy; Joanna Sanchez, administrative assistant at the District Service Center; Gerardo Ochoa Arteaga, clerk at the Escondido Adult School; Jess McCutchen, social science teacher at Escondido High School; Jason Jacobs, principal at Escondido High School; Rita Guerra, school counselor at Orange Glen High School; Jennifer Franey, English teacher and literacy and project-based learning teach on special assignment at San Pasqual High School; Tracey Greer, college and career readiness teacher at San Pasqual High School; and Travis Ratliff, physical education teacher and ASSETS coordinator at Valley High School.
CHAMBER CEO
The Encinitas Chamber of Commerce has appointed Carol Knight as its new chief executive officer of both the Encinitas Chamber and Visit Encinitas as of Nov. 1. She succeeds Sherry Yardley, who will continue supporting the organization in an advisory role through the end of the year.
PEACE CORPS
Cortland Fry of Solana Beach was recently sworn in as an official volunteer in the Community Economic Development sector of Peace Corps Costa Rica. He graduated from Torrey Pines High School in 2016 where he played rugby, then served a two-year Spanish-speaking mission in Jacksonville, Florida with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He received his bachelor’s degree in finance from Utah Valley University in 2024, then served as a research analyst fellow in the Utah Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget until May of this year. He spent the last three months in San Jose, Costa Rica, in an intensive pre-service training program. He will serve the next two years in his new role there.
PALOMAR OBSERVATORY
Astrophysicist Mansi Kasliwal has been appointed as the new director of the Palomar Observatory. She is the first woman to lead the facility, which is located on Palomar Mountain in North County. Her priorities include supporting staff and embracing emerging technologies in the field. Celebrating its 77th anniversary this year, the observatory is open to the public and offers a museum and guided tours of its facility.
CALSAVERS CHAMPION
Escondido-based Wicker Law Group has been recognized by the California State Treasurer’s Office as a “CalSavers Champion” for taking early action to expand retirement savings access for their employees.
SCRIPPS RESEARCHER
Scripps Research Associate Professor Dr. Xin Jin has been named one of just 30 Howard Hughes Medical Institute Freeman Hrabowski Scholars, a national recognition that honors excellence in biomedical research and commitment to mentoring the next generation of scientists. Jin will receive up to $8.6 million over 10 years to advance her groundbreaking work using genomic tools to map how genetic variation shapes the brain, which could pave the way for new therapies for neurological conditions.
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
Solana Beach Community Connections, a volunteer-driven nonprofit dedicated to helping seniors age safely in their homes, is seeking new volunteers to expand its programs and strengthen community support. Programs include book clubs, monthly game days, educational workshops on topics like emergency preparedness and Medicare changes, and seasonal outreach including holiday baskets for isolated seniors. Flexible scheduling allows community members of all ages to participate, and no prior experience is required. For more information, visit www.SolanaBeachCC.org, call 858-284-6619, or email [email protected].
