Omar Passons

Richard Louv

Mary Lydon

Francesca Redetzke

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For many years the May program has focused on summing up the year in San Diego development projects and issues, and on discussing what might happen the year ahead. This year the purpose is the same, but the past year has been very different. And we are discussing this virtually — no coffee and pastries in the NewSchool of Architecture and Design’s auditorium.

The pandemic has changed our lives — not only because of Covid-19 but also because of all the things that have happened this past year. And what we have found is that the pandemic has not necessarily uncovered any new problems, but rather has brought a sense of urgency to the problems we have not yet resolved: social justice, economic diversity, healthy communities, and climate change. All of these are connected, and the built environment is part of the solution. Plus, as we know, design matters!

Moderators: Roger Showley and Mike Stepner

Panelists:

Omar Passons is the director of the Division of Integrative Services in the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency. He leads a team that focuses on homelessness, economic inclusion, health, and justice. Omar is a former construction and land-use attorney who has worked on inclusive workforce and economic development issues. Having grown up in the county’s foster-care system, he brings a unique perspective to the needs of young people and their families.

Richard Louv is a journalist and the author of ten books, the latest being Our Wild Calling: How Connecting with Animals Can Transform Our Lives — and Save Theirs He is a cofounder and chairman emeritus of the Children & Nature Network, a frequent guest on national radio and television programs and a speaker internationally on the importance of access to nature and the health of the Earth.

Mary Lydon is a consultant on land use, communications and business development. With 20 years’ experience in the field, she finds creative solutions where everybody wins, by working on both sides of the political aisle with respect, dignity, and grace. She is a former City of San Diego planning commissioner and has had key roles in the Urban Land Institute and Downtown San Diego Partnership.

Francesca Redetzke (Assoc. AIA, LEED GA) is a designer at obrArchitecture and a lecturer at SDSU in the Interior Architecture department. She holds a master’s degree in Architecture from NewSchool of Architecture and Design and a BA in Philosophy from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She is interested in sustainable design in the urban context. Her thesis, “Symbiotic City”, explored the dynamic between wildlife and urban design, and the architectural implications and materiality of biophilic design. She currently serves on the board of Citizens Coordinate for Century 3 (C-3), as the ‘Mesas, Valleys and Canyons’ Chair. Her previous work includes a placemaking project on the Lemon Grove Promenade, a proposal to activate the Palisades in Balboa Park, and design collaboration with Public Architecture for the Binational Friendship Park.

9:30 a.m., Saturday, May 15, on Zoom (link)
Meeting ID: 820 9012 7484

Lecture will be recorded and put online

Zoom Instructions

Join By Computer

  • Close any program on your computer that uses your camera, for instance Skype
  • Have a headset available if possible to minimize feedback – your cellphone earbuds will work well
  • Click this Zoom link and Zoom should automatically and quickly download to your computer
  • Open the program that was downloaded. If it does not open automatically, open the Downloads folder on your computer, click Zoom_launcher.exe. Zoom should direct you to this with a large orange flag
  • If prompted, enter the Meeting ID and Passcode from above
  • Once Zoom has launched, a screen should pop up asking for your name. This will identify you during the meeting
  • You should now be part of the meeting. Click the green button that says “Join Audio By Computer” (you will automatically be muted at the beginning of the meeting)
  • At 9:30 you will be admitted into the meeting

Join By Tablet or Smartphone

  • If you choose to use your tablet or smartphone, be sure to download the Zoom app ahead of time from the app store on your device
  • Once you have downloaded the Zoom app, follow the “Join by computer” instructions above.

We want to start on time – please allow extra time to get online!

In consideration of the speakers, please arrive 15 minutes early in order to get successfully connected. We don’t want you to miss any of this great lecture!

Questions?

Contact: Joshua Larson, President, Friends of San Diego Architecture, joshualrsn@gmail.com