In Episode 28 of Discover East County, we sit down with Jonny Van Ommering, a third-generation member of the family behind Oma's Family Farm, one of East County's most cherished family destinations.

Jonny shares the incredible story of how his grandparents immigrated from the Netherlands and built a dairy farm in Lakeside that would eventually become Oma's Family Farm. Today, the farm has become a tradition for generations of San Diego families, welcoming thousands of visitors each year for seasonal events, educational experiences, and unforgettable memories.

We talk about carrying on a family legacy, the challenges of preserving a local institution, and what it means to continue building on the vision that started more than 60 years ago.

🎙️ Real conversations. Local voices. East County stories.

#DiscoverEastCounty #EastCountySD #OmasFamilyFarm #JonnyVanOmmering #LakesideCA #FamilyLegacy #RealTalkMedia

In Episode 27 of Discover East County, we sit down with the new owners of The Grinder, the iconic El Cajon sandwich shop that has been serving the community for decades.

Taking over a beloved local institution comes with big shoes to fill, and we talk about what inspired them to take on the challenge, how they're honoring The Grinder's legacy, and what customers can expect as they lead the next chapter of this East County favorite.

From preserving longtime traditions to bringing fresh energy and ideas to the business, this conversation is all about entrepreneurship, community, and the responsibility that comes with carrying on a local landmark.

Whether you've been grabbing sandwiches at The Grinder for years or you're planning your first visit, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the people shaping its future.

🎙️ Real conversations. Local voices. East County stories.

#DiscoverEastCounty #EastCountySD #TheGrinder #ElCajon #SmallBusiness #LocalBusiness #CommunitySpotlight #RealTalkMedia

In Episode 26 of Discover East County, we sit down with Angela May, founder of Stoney Oaks Ranch in Alpine a place where horses, leadership, and community come together to make a lasting impact.

What started as a passion for horsemanship has grown into a thriving ranch that serves hundreds of local youth and families through riding lessons, camps, leadership programs, and hands-on experiences that teach responsibility, confidence, and character. Angie believes that young people need more than just activities they need connection, purpose, and opportunities to grow.

With more than 20 years of experience in equine education and youth development, Angie has dedicated her life to creating a space where kids can unplug, get outdoors, and learn life lessons that extend far beyond the saddle.

From building Stoney Oaks Ranch from the ground up to investing in the next generation of East County leaders, Angie shares the story behind her mission and the impact she's seeing in the community every day.

🎙️ Real conversations. Local voices. East County stories.

#DiscoverEastCounty #EastCountySD #StoneyOaksRanch #AngelaMay #AlpineCA #YouthLeadership #Horsemanship #RealTalkMedia

In Episode 25 of Discover East County, we sit down with Brandi Terra, Nurse Practitioner and founder of Oak & Stone Wellness & Med Spa in El Cajon.

Brandi has built her practice around a simple philosophy: helping people feel their best from the inside out. Through a blend of wellness-focused care, hormone optimization, and advanced aesthetic treatments, she takes a personalized approach to helping patients regain confidence, balance, and overall well-being.

In this conversation, Brandi shares her journey into healthcare, what inspired her to launch Oak & Stone Wellness, and why she believes true wellness goes beyond treating symptoms—it starts with understanding the whole person.

From women's health and hormone therapy to confidence, self-care, and entrepreneurship, this episode is packed with insight from someone passionate about helping others thrive.

🎙️ Real conversations. Local voices. East County stories.

#DiscoverEastCounty #EastCountySD #BrandiTerra #OakAndStoneWellness #WomensHealth #WellnessJourney #RealTalkMedia

In Episode 24 of Discover East County, we sit down with Kelsey Hurley, the young entrepreneur behind Saltwater Riders a brand that blends the surf, western, and rodeo lifestyles she grew up living right here in East County.

Raised in Alpine, Kelsey built her love for fashion, hard work, and community from an early age. At just 23 years old, she took a leap of faith and purchased Saltwater Riders, turning her passion into a business of her own. But the journey hasn’t come without challenges. After buying the company, Kelsey faced a devastating setback when her van—and nearly her entire inventory was stolen during a major event in Las Vegas. Instead of giving up, she got back to work and kept pushing forward.

Kelsey shares her story of resilience, entrepreneurship, and what it takes to keep moving forward when everything seems stacked against you.

In Episode 23 of Discover East County, we sit down with Scott Goergens, Superintendent of the Lakeside Union School District, to talk about the future of education and the importance of investing in local students and families.

Scott shares his perspective on leadership in education, the challenges schools are facing today, and the work being done to create opportunities for the next generation in East County. From student success to community involvement, this conversation highlights the impact strong schools have on the people around them.

It’s an inside look at the people helping shape the future of East County—one student at a time.

🎙️ Real conversations. Local voices. East County stories.

#DiscoverEastCounty #EastCountySD #LakesideUnionSchoolDistrict #EducationLeadership #CommunityImpact #RealTalkMedia

In Episode 22 of Discover East County, we sit down with Amy Reichert from Restore San Diego to talk about her work alongside investigative journalist Nick Shirley in uncovering fraud across California.

Amy shares what sparked this deep dive, what they’ve uncovered, and why bringing transparency to these issues matters more than ever. It’s a conversation centered around accountability, persistence, and the impact of asking the right questions.

From grassroots efforts to statewide attention, this episode pulls back the curtain on the work being done to challenge the status quo.

🎙️ Real conversations. Local voices. East County stories.

#DiscoverEastCounty #EastCountySD #AmyReichert #RestoreSanDiego #Accountability #RealTalkMedia

In Episode 21 of Discover East County, we sit down with Damien Kvanda from Fit Foundary—who’s making a real impact as a soccer coach dedicated to helping young athletes reach their full potential.

Damien shares his approach to coaching, focusing on building confidence, discipline, and strong fundamentals both on and off the field. It’s not just about developing great players—it’s about shaping driven, resilient individuals.

From youth development to creating a positive environment for growth, this episode highlights the kind of leadership that goes far beyond the game.

🎙️ Real conversations. Local voices. East County stories.