Donna and I, like many San Diegans, love our home town. The weather is ideal and each area of the city has it’s own vibe. I (Geri) grew up in Lakeside, and have watched it grow and change over the years, and I’m proud so many people are doing so much to make this an even better place for everyone.

This last Saturday, we were proud to photograph the Once in a Blue Moon auction and dinner fundraiser for the Lakeside’s River Park Conservancy. It’s mission is to preserve and restore the San Diego River while integrating recreational, educational and cultural opportunities for all to enjoy.

The Conservancy’s Executive Director, Robin Rierdan, and her team have worked hard to make the local stretch of the San Diego River something everyone in Lakeside can be proud of. Lakeside’s River Park Conservancy is also supported of by many others, including Supervisor, Dianne Jacob. I’m not sure of any other supervisor who gets more involved in their district than Ms. Jacob does for our community.

Personally, I was proud to see the efforts of people whom I have been looking up to for years, continue to be driving forces in the improvements of Lakeside. People like my next door neighbors and high school teachers; and new positive people in my life like many other parents from my son’s school that supported this event. It was a blast sitting down with them and enjoying some fabulous food from a great local restaurant, Mario’s (which happens to be my son Charlie’s favorite), while supporting such a special cause for our community.

Jean Echelberger with the Observation Deck in the background that was made possible with a donation from her family trust.

Supervisor Dianne Jacob addressing the crowd, and again below with Robin Rierdan