SD Talks with Julie Harper

SD Talks with Maliya Jones (The Cooper Family Foundation)

Maliya Jones is the granddaughter of Sidney and Thelma Cooper – pioneers of Juneteenth celebrations here in San Diego! She speaks with us today about the history of The Cooper Family Foundation, the significance of Juneteenth, and the importance of acceptance and community healing. From humble beginnings, the Cooper Family Juneteenth Healing Community Festival is now an award-winning event, focusing on education, acceptance, respect, and understanding of community and culture here in San Diego. 2026 Event Details: Saturday, June 20, 2026 11:00 am - 6:30 pm Memorial Park, 2975 Oceanview Blvd, San Diego, CA Instagram: @thecooperfamilyfoundation Facebook: The Cooper Family Foundation

SD Talks with Jessica Stephens (Water and Kindness)

We spoke with Jessica Stephens – president of Water and Kindness. In this conversation, Jessica speaks on the importance of helping others in your local community and proposes some ways we can effectively look out for each other. She also discusses the differences between charity work and mutual aide and some ramifications of both. As the world continues to grow more connected, Jessica emphasizes the need for more local community support.

SD Talks with Michelle Metschel (5th Friday episode)

This episode, we hear from a city council member and deputy mayor of El Cajon: Michelle Metschel! Michelle speaks about how she became an elected official in El Cajon and the rewarding parts of her position. She speaks about her political stances on immigration and homelessness and gives background on her stances. Michelle talks about kindness – being kind out of the goodness of your heart, not for praise. Her message to all: it costs nothing to be kind.

SD Talks with Rebecca Bennion

Rebecca talks about helping JustServe in its beginnings and bringing it to San Diego! Talking about the history of the organization, Rebecca recounts the difficulties and successes of the volunteer platform in its early days.

SD Talks with Shamine Linton (Sharia's Closet)

Sharia is the founder/CEO of Sharia's Closet – a nonprofit organization whose mission is to help clothe the underprivileged with dignity and respect. She speaks about the beginnings of Sharia's Closet, her family, the needs of the organization and what loving others is to her. Listen as Shamine expresses her love of serving others and the symbolism of purple bags and butterflies!