SUMMER GRADUATES
The following students graduated from The Georgia Institute of Technology over the summer: Eric Itokazu and Alex Leonhart of Carlsbad, Kayla Lankford of San Marcos and Viswanatha Karlapati of San Diego.
CLASSROOM HERO
Paige Berroteran, a Sage Creek High School science teacher known as “Mrs. B” by her students, was recently recognized as a San Diego County Credit Union Classroom Hero by CBS 8. The award honors outstanding local educators who go above and beyond to inspire, mentor and empower students.
SPORTS HISTORY
Chase Dersarkissian of San Marcos, a linebacker for Linfield University’s football team, helped the school make history again by securing its 70th consecutive winning season after its most recent 41-0 victory over Pacific Lutheran University on Oct. 24. Dersarkissian is a senior studying sports management.
LEADER IN EDUCATION
Vista resident Kathleen Hermsmeyer, who serves as superintendent of Springs Charter Schools, is the 2027 Hart Vision Equity and Innovation Leader of the Year. She received the honor from the California Charter Schools Conference because she “champions personalized learning that responds to individual students’ needs by sharing resources, insights, and lessons learned.” Springs Charter Schools serves over 14,000 students across 28 programs in 25 student centers, including its Vista Student Center, while its administrative offices are in Temecula.
BIKE THE COAST
More than 1,300 bicycle riders helped raise over $10,000 for Bike the National MS Society. Cyclists of all ages and experience levels took over the coastline in 25-, 50- and 100-mile routes through Oceanside, Encinitas, Del Mar and Solana Beach on Oct. 24 for the event, wrapping up with a festival to celebrate their completion at the Oceanside Pier.
NEW PRACTICE
Dr. Linden Burzell, a board-certified family medicine physician with more than 18 years of experiencing serving North County, opened his new MDVIP-affiliated practice at 501 N. El Camino Real, Ste. 100 in Encinitas. MDVIP is a national network of independent, membership-based physicians that helps to connect patients with doctors who limit their patient panels so they can provide more personalized attention and focus on preventative medicine. Burzell will provide each member with a comprehensive annual wellness program.
YOUTH FUNDING
Sen. Catherine Blakespear (D-Encinitas) and Assemblymember Tasha Boerner (D-Encinitas) together secured $300,000 from the state budget to fund programming at Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County. Children who participate in the program are 50% less likely to leave high school before graduation, 42% of youth were less likely to contemplate suicide, and there was a 35% drop in violence-related behaviors in mentored youth.
BIG WIN
Carlsbad Jewelry owner Robert “Jewels” Peltekci took second place in a $250 No Limit Hold’em tournament at The Venetian in Las Vegas on Oct. 27, earning $11,336 after a four-way chop.
NEW OWNERS
Cartel Roasting Co. recently acquired Moto Deli, a sandwich shop in Encinitas. The business will continue to operate as Moto Deli, but new changes include the addition of a coffee program, menu updates and expanded hours from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day. Cartel Coffee Co. currently has 15 locations around Arizona and California.
SOLAR PANELS
The Boys and Girls Clubs of Northwest San Diego recently celebrated its newly installed solar power and battery storage system that is expected to save approximately $894,000 in utility costs over the system’s 25-year expected lifetime. The investment allows the nonprofit to invest more of its resources toward its programs serving local youth, adults with disabilities and families experiencing food insecurity.
