Students of environment
A team of Torrey Pines High School students have founded the Blueforest Project in an effort to restore local kelp forests. As part of a school business class, five students — Sebastian Gaxiona, Sam Boyles, Valerio Noya, Cooper Selikow and Billy Krauss — founded the company and website www.blueforestproject.org.
“We love surfing, we love spearfishing, we really love spending time in the ocean,” Noya, 16, said. They seek to either cultivate kelp spores themselves before reintroduction or partner with larger marine biology groups in the effort. Noya told The Coast News that they have raised around $250 so far, largely by asking fellow surfers for donations.
Thrift store recognized
Brother Benno’s — a nonprofit thrift shop that aids the quality of life of the homeless and working poor in San Diego County — was recognized by BusinessRate as a top five thrift store in Oceanside. BusinessRate, a market research firm, also considered Brother Benno’s the top ranked spot for the San Luis Rey community within Oceanside.
Using AI on homelessness
Resourcify — an AI-powered platform designed by four Canyon Crest Academy students to aid individuals who recently began experiencing homelessness — was named California State Champions of the 2026 Presidential AI Challenge.
Rishi Kumar, Dhruv Bantval, Chenhao Zhang, and Saevin Hong, all 11th graders, used computer vision to analyze someone’s belongings and generate personalized recommendations based on factors such as location, weather and budget. It also identifies how best to recycle materials for financial benefit.
“Resourcify is not just a strong project technically,” said Kevin Hare, computer science teacher at Canyon Crest Academy. “It reflects exactly the kind of thoughtful, human-centered problem-solving we work toward in our computer science program. What this team built together shows what is possible when young people are given the tools, the challenge, and the trust to create something that matters.”
Military nonprofit kudos
Semper Fi & America’s Fund has been selected as a 2026 California Nonprofit of the Year by the California Association of Nonprofits, State Assemblymember Laurie Davies, and the 74th Assembly District.
The Oceanside-based nonprofit was founded in 2004 by military spouses to provide support for injured service members returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Since its founding, the fund has delivered more than $500 million in grants that served over 39,000 combat-wounded, ill and injured veterans and over 100,000 military family members.
“We are honored to be recognized by Assemblywoman Laurie Davies as a nonprofit of the year in the 74th Assembly District,” said Karen Guenther, founder & CEO of Semper Fi & America’s Fund. “It is because of the support of our incredible community that we can continue to provide critical care and assistance to those in need.”
Recovery center expands
The McAlister Institute completed an expansion and renovation of its North Inland Regional Recovery Center in Escondido. The facility can now support up to 170 clients with a range of addiction recovery services.
“McAlister’s Regional Recovery Centers are on the front lines of the battle against addiction,” said Ana Davies, Program Manager at North Inland Regional Recovery Center. “Here, people can walk in, and we immediately come together as a team to support them. We want every person who walks through our doors to feel safe, comfortable, and like they belong.”
Food security boost
The Solana Beach Fund at San Diego Foundation awarded $25,000 to Backpacks for Kids to aid the development of its infrastructure behind weekly food distribution.
Backpacks distributes over 1,000 pounds of fresh food to around 200 families through a free farmers market and also partners with TIAS, Take inspired Action Siempre, to provide additional groceries and pantry staples beyond produce. With additional support, Backpacks looks to improve food recovery and storage capacity while reducing reliance on volunteers’ personal vehicles.
Health care leader honored
State Assemblymember Laurie Davies selected Betsy Heightman as 2026 Woman of the Year. Heightman is the chief development and government affairs officer at the Vista Community Clinic, where she has worked for over 30 years. She also served as chair of the Vista Chamber of Commerce, among other community roles.
“Her decades of service and commitment to our patients and community make this recognition well deserved. She has helped strengthen our organization and advance our mission in meaningful and lasting ways,” said Fernando Sañudo, CEO of VCC.
Coffee company gives back
Fire Department Coffee, a nationwide firefighter-owned company that supports first responders, is running a giveback initiative to support a local outfit.
Throughout April, $5 of every shirt and $2 of every bag of coffee will go directly toward programs that support the physical and mental health of Vista Fire Rescue firefighters. On average, Fire Department Coffee contributes over $8,000 to similar initiatives across the country.
Singer-songwriter show
The Noon Concerts at the Encinitas Library series hosted Sofia Talvik, who played to a packed house. The Swedish storyteller sang tunes that blended Nordic folk with Americana in her signature style.
“In times that feel uncertain and overwhelming, music can offer a moment of stillness,” Talvik said. She plans to visit 45 cities in nine states as part of her Songs, Strings and Stories tour.
