Kent Davy was the editor of the North County Times until its sale in October 2012. He was born and raised in the Midwest, graduated from both undergraduate school and law school at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. After practicing law several years, he switched careers for journalism. He worked at newspapers in Missouri, New York, Illinois and Indiana before taking over the helm of the North County Times in 1996. In 2008, he was named the Suburban Newspaper Association Editor of the Year. He is a Carlsbad resident and continues to write and edit freelance columns and material from a favorite spot in his kitchen.

Gerald W. Hampton is a California native, born in Madera, California and retired United States Marine Corps officer who enlisted in April 1974 and attended recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego.

Throughout his distinguished military career, he served in both enlisted and officer capacities, specializing in telecommunications. His exceptional leadership and performance earned him numerous awards and recognitions, including meritorious promotions to the ranks of Private First Class, Lance Corporal, Corporal, and Sergeant…all within 18 months of graduating from recruit training.

His operational deployments included service during Operation Desert Storm in Saudi Arabia and Operation Restore Hope in Somalia. After 22 years of exemplary service, he retired from the Marine Corps in 1996 with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 3.

Notable milestones in his military career include:

• Receiving the “Top Quality Marine” award in 1978 from General Samuel Jaskilka, then Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps

• Graduating as the Honor Graduate of the West Coast Staff Non-Commissioned Officer Academy, becoming the first African American to achieve this distinction at the West Coast installation.

• Selection and promotion to Warrant Officer, with his parents pinning on his Warrant Officer bars in Indianapolis, Indiana, where his military journey began.

Mr. Hampton holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Systems Management and a Master of Business Administration in Technology Management.

His longstanding commitment to volunteerism and community service has been widely recognized throughout North San Diego County. He currently serves as:

• Past Chairperson of the Board of Directors for KOCT Television

• Western Region Vice President for the National Montford Point Marine Association

• Executive Council Member of the North San Diego County NAACP

In recognition of his community engagement and accomplishments, Mr. Hampton was named the North San Diego County NAACP’s “Man of the Year” in 2007 and received the City of Oceanside’s prestigious “Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Service Award” in 2017.

Sharon Strong is a recently retired teacher at the Oceanside Unified School District where she spent 36 years focused on mentoring life-long learners in creating authentic performance, production and literacy skills through innovative instructional strategies. With 16 years at Oceanside High followed by 20 years at El Camino High, Sharon has gained a stellar reputation in motivating all students of diverse populations including at risk to special needs to make interactive dramatic activities, digital technology, critical thinking through written and performance exercises a key part in the students’ overall development. Her students have garnered hundreds of awards in theatre, speech and debate, and film and broadcast arenas. She is past recipient of the OUSD Teacher of the Year award, Director of the Year for the National Youth Theatre Awards, and an International Theatre Director to produce and perform “All Shook Up” at the Edinburgh Scotland Fringe Festival. Sharon received her Bachelor of Arts in Communications, Minor in Theatre and Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning/Curriculum Design from UC San Diego.

Dana has been a Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in Carlsbad since 2014.  As a risk manager he helps business owners and retirees make wise financial decisions.  He focuses on capital preservation and tax efficient income strategies for seniors, particularly in Oceanside and Carlsbad.

I grew up in Oceanside (El Camino C/O ’94) and currently live in the Fire Mountain area with my wife and 3 daughters. My previous career of 20 years includes various roles in the golf industry. My educational background includes Golf Management from College of the Desert (’96), Business Administration from Cal State San Marcos (’02), and MBA w/specialization in Marketing at National University in San Diego (’12). I enjoy supporting our 23 year year old daughter’s garage band while she is finishing up he bachelors at CSUSM.  Our 14-year old twins are gearing up for Oceanside High School in the fall.  I am an avid golfer and enjoy competing in amateur tournaments.  I love coordinating charity golf tournaments such as: Knights of Columbus, San Marcos Rotary Club, San Elijo Hills Foundation and Goat For Joe.   I volunteer for Junior Achievement, the North County Junior Golf Association, and Pro Kids The First Tee and many others.  My favorite family activity is hanging out at the beach with all my girls and body boarding in Carlsbad or Oceanside.

Porsche Copeland is a true California native. Her North County roots run deep as she was born on Camp Pendleton and raised in Oceanside’s neighboring city, Vista.

A Pageant girl growing up, Porsche claimed her crown as the 2004 Miss Vista Princess. She has spent the majority of her life loving North County and holds a special place in her heart for our coastal cities. Her love for the Oceanside community was even recognized by former Oceanside Mayor Jim Wood with her receipt of a Certificate of Recognition.

Porsche has always been a “people person” and thoroughly enjoys organizing events that bring people together. She has an extensive background in hosting events large and small. Her most significant work was organizing and executing events for the Fort Campbell Spouses Club, a volunteer-run, non-profit focusing on social, charitable and educational programs and dedicated to improving the quality of lives for our Military and their families.

Porsche enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She can be found relaxing on the beach or partaking in outdoor activities like hiking, skateboarding, or anything in the sunshine and fresh air.