In 2012, when Sharla and Leo Ortega began making a home on 11 acres in the hills of La Cresta overlooking Murrieta, they saw a place where they could raise their blended family of six children. What they could not yet see was how that hillside would bring together their histories, their parents’ influence, and the work that would become the House of ESELO. Their story began long before the first agave was planted. Sharla and Leo went to high school together in California’s central San Joaquin Valley, where agriculture shaped the communities around them. They found each other before…
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The founders of Self Health Institute bring a personal perspective to leadership: understanding what holds you back is part of learning how to move forward. A business owner can know what needs to happen next and still struggle to do it. A proposal remains unsent. A promising idea never moves beyond the planning stage. An important decision gets postponed while the calendar fills with less consequential work. For Antonia Van Becker and Greg Lee, founders of Self Health Institute, Inc., the distance between knowing and doing is where an important conversation begins. Their work centers on helping entrepreneurs, healers, speakers…
In real estate, strong leadership is often measured by more than the ability to close a transaction. It is measured by judgment, preparation, the quality of the people surrounding a project, and the ability to protect long-term value. That is the philosophy behind Shima Naghib’s work as founder of Shima Growth Partners, where she helps investors and homeowners navigate complex real estate decisions with greater clarity, confidence, and strategic discipline. With a foundation spanning business, real estate, construction, marketing, and client advisory, Naghib has developed an approach centered on one of the most important elements in any major investment: trusted…
NEW YORK — In an American media landscape increasingly defined by speed, fragmentation and constant change, The New York Globe is drawing on one of the most historic names in New York journalism while positioning itself for a new era of national news coverage, leadership and cultural influence. The modern New York Globe newspaper is expanding its focus beyond the boundaries of New York City, developing coverage around national leadership, business, culture, innovation, entertainment and the individuals shaping conversations across the United States. Behind that modern direction is a newspaper name connected to more than two centuries of American publishing…
The two-time international bestselling author presents kindness as a practical tool for strengthening relationships, improving well-being and creating meaningful opportunities By San Diego Weekly Staff Two-time international bestselling author Renee Dutton is challenging the idea that kindness is merely a pleasant social gesture in her newly released book, The Kindness Advantage. Built around the premise that “kindness isn’t just nice—it’s a force that changes everything,” the book explores how intentional acts of compassion can strengthen relationships, improve personal well-being, increase influence and create positive ripple effects throughout families, workplaces and communities. At a time when division, stress and disconnection have…
LATIFF is building a global platform for independent cinema, cultural exchange and films designed to leave an impact beyond the screen. CULVER CITY, Calif. — Southern California has long been one of the world’s most influential centers of filmmaking. But as cinema becomes more international, the future of the industry increasingly depends on platforms capable of connecting global storytellers with new audiences. That is the mission of the Los Angeles Tribune International Film Festival. Taking place August 14 through 16, 2026, in Culver City, LATIFF will bring together filmmakers, actors, producers, industry professionals and film enthusiasts for three days of…
For decades, much of the wellness industry has been built around universal recommendations—one diet, one supplement, one routine designed to work for everyone. Krystel Fontaine believes that model is becoming increasingly outdated. As founder of Went to Church Holistic Wellness, Fontaine is building her company around a different premise: that meaningful wellness begins with understanding the individual. Her approach combines genetics-informed wellness education, advanced aesthetics, and holistic health principles to help clients better understand how factors such as genetics, nutrition, lifestyle, environment, and stress interact to influence long-term well-being. Rather than positioning wellness as an alternative to conventional medicine, Fontaine…
Some leaders transform organizations. Others transform the people leading them. Lea Llovio has built her career at the intersection of leadership, wellness, and purpose. As the founder and creator of Conscious Wellness™ for Conscious Leaders™, she has become a trusted advisor to visionary founders, physicians, innovators, and influential decision-makers seeking to enhance their healthspan, leadership performance, and long-term impact. Known by many as the “Doc Whisperer,” Llovio works with individuals navigating the unique pressures that accompany positions of influence. Her work focuses on helping leaders identify and remove the internal and external barriers that can affect clarity, energy, resilience, and…
In a world where wellness has become increasingly transactional, Nicole Mayer is championing something refreshingly timeless: the belief that genuine health begins with human connection. As the visionary behind the Dinology movement, Mayer is leading a growing conversation around the idea that food is far more than fuel. It is an expression of love, a foundation for community, and a powerful catalyst for physical, emotional, and relational well-being. Her philosophy challenges the modern culture of rushed meals and disconnected living, encouraging people to rediscover the simple act of gathering around the table with intention. For Mayer, this mission is deeply…
By San Diego Weekly Staff The award-winning children’s brand Zebonky, recognized by The Los Angeles Tribune for its creativity and innovation, has released its newest title, the Zebonky Activity Book, now available on Amazon. Designed to be much more than a traditional coloring book, the new release invites children on an interactive journey through the imaginative world of Zebonkia. Combining puzzles, games, educational activities, and colorful illustrations, the book encourages young readers to learn while exploring a vibrant fictional ecosystem. At the center of the experience is a cut-out map of Zebonkia, introducing children to what the creators describe as…