Deacon Jim Vargas, CEO of Father Joe’s Villages, joins Dear San Diego for a powerful conversation about homelessness, housing, behavioral health, and what it really takes to move people from the streets to stability.

But this episode goes beyond policy and systems. Deacon Jim shares his journey from the Bronx to San Diego, how faith shaped his path, and why simply saying hello, volunteering, and listening changes how we see people experiencing homelessness.

Chapters:

00:00:00 – Welcome to Dear San Diego + Life Updates
00:02:20 – Introducing Justine Murray & Deacon Jim Vargas
00:04:06 – From the Bronx to San Diego: Jim’s Early Life
00:07:35 – From Banking to Ministry: A Life Pivot
00:11:11 – Leading Father Joe’s Villages
00:14:05 – The Legacy of Father Joe Carroll
00:18:26 – Innovation in Homeless Services
00:21:12 – What Father Joe’s Villages Actually Does
00:27:15 – Measuring Progress & What’s Working
00:39:13 – Behavioral Health Surge & The Human Side of Homelessness

Deacon Jim Vargas, CEO of Father Joe&rsquo;s Villages, joins Dear San Diego for a powerful conversation about homelessness, housing, behavioral health, and what it really takes to move people from the streets to stability.
But this episode goes beyond policy and systems. Deacon Jim shares his journey from the Bronx to San Diego, how faith shaped his path, and why simply saying hello, volunteering, and listening changes how we see people experiencing homelessness.
Chapters:
00:00:00 &ndash; Welcome to Dear San Diego + Life Updates 00:02:20 &ndash; Introducing Justine Murray &amp; Deacon Jim Vargas 00:04:06 &ndash; From the Bronx to San Diego: Jim&rsquo;s Early Life 00:07:35 &ndash; From Banking to Ministry: A Life Pivot 00:11:11 &ndash; Leading Father Joe&rsquo;s Villages 00:14:05 &ndash; The Legacy of Father Joe Carroll 00:18:26 &ndash; Innovation in Homeless Services 00:21:12 &ndash; What Father Joe&rsquo;s Villages Actually Does 00:27:15 &ndash; Measuring Progress &amp; What&rsquo;s Working 00:39:13 &ndash; Behavioral Health Surge &amp; The Human Side of Homelessness

Dear San Diego is a public affairs podcast with personality.

Hosted by veteran communication specialists Tony Manolatos and Juan Hernandez, Dear San Diego gives newsmakers and others a platform to discuss the big issues of the day, but that’s just the beginning. 

Tony and Juan’s guests share what’s not in their bios, who they are away from work, secrets to success, and more. Tony and Juan also discuss work, home, fatherhood, health and wellness, and youth sports – where the politics can be way more fierce than they are at city hall. 

Tony and Juan met a decade ago while working for dueling mayoral candidates in San Diego. Since then, the two friends have worked together on numerous public affairs, land-use, and issue campaigns. 

Dear San Diego is a public affairs podcast with personality.
Hosted by veteran communication specialists Tony Manolatos and Juan Hernandez, Dear San Diego gives newsmakers and others a platform to discuss the big issues of the day, but that’s just the beginning. 
Tony and Juan’s guests share what’s not in their bios, who they are away from work, secrets to success, and more. Tony and Juan also discuss work, home, fatherhood, health and wellness, and youth sports – where the politics can be way more fierce than they are at city hall. 
Tony and Juan met a decade ago while working for dueling mayoral candidates in San Diego. Since then, the two friends have worked together on numerous public affairs, land-use, and issue campaigns.

Dear San Diego

Hosted by veteran public relations specialists, Tony Manolatos and Juan Hernandez discuss the not so obvious talents, attributes, and behaviors of fellow colleagues. Learn what's not in the bios and CV's and what's be the secret to the sauce of their success.

Hosted by veteran public relations specialists, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonymanolatos">Tony Manolatos</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/juan-m-hernandez-pisano-3166a275/">Juan Hernandez</a> discuss the not so obvious talents, attributes, and behaviors of fellow colleagues. Learn what's not in the bios and CV's and what's be the secret to the sauce of their success.

Deacon Jim Vargas on Homelessness, Hope, and the Human Beings Behind the Crisis

In this new episode of Dear San Diego, Tony and Elizabeth sit down with their twins Alex and Nicky, who are 12, to talk about baseball — not just the stats and scores, but the lessons the game teaches.

As a former Division I athlete and CEO of a large nonprofit, Elizabeth knows athletes at every level perform best when they’re loose, happy, and confident.

The family opens up about the highs and lows of Little League and travel baseball: the thrill of big hits and close games, the car rides home, the friendships, the politics, and the small victories that boost confidence.

Alex shares how he’s learned to stay calm under pressure — to trust the process and the work he’s put in, and to bounce back quickly after mistakes. Nicky offers a different perspective: he stopped playing, but he has stayed involved in the game.

 Listen now: Little League & Travel Baseball: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly — available wherever you get your podcasts or at Olas Media. Don’t forget to check out our first youth baseball episode.

This Episode Is Made Possible By

Berry’s Athletic Supply

Serving San Diego athletes for more than 70 years, Berry’s Athletic Supply in Lemon Grove is the go-to spot for sporting goods, varsity jackets, and gear for baseball players at every level — as well as soccer, football, and other sports.

Over the decades, Berry’s has designed more than 30,000 varsity letter jackets.

Visit berrysathleticsupply.com 

East County Rattlers Baseball Club

The East County Rattlers are building something special in San Diego — focused on player development, sportsmanship, and community.

FEATURED EVENT: Swing Into the New Year Classic Tournament

January 2–4, 2026 | San Diego | 4-Game Guarantee
Kick off the New Year with competitive play and great energy at one of San Diego’s top travel baseball tournaments!

REGISTER & LEARN MORE ABOUT OTHER EVENTS.

Charlie Rose Baseball

Your one-stop shop for bats, gloves, and gear — and a trusted partner for San Diego’s youth baseball community. Shop in store or at sandiegobaseballsupply.com. 

 Bonus for our listeners: There’s an exclusive offer from Charlie Rose Baseball available only to Dear San Diego listeners — tune in to this episode to get the coupon code!

Resources and Recommendations for Baseball Parents

In this new episode of Dear San Diego, Tony and Elizabeth sit down with their twins Alex and Nicky, who are 12, to talk about baseball &mdash; not just the stats and scores, but the lessons the game teaches.
As a former Division I athlete and CEO of a large nonprofit, Elizabeth knows athletes at every level perform best when they&rsquo;re loose, happy, and confident.
The family opens up about the highs and lows of Little League and travel baseball: the thrill of big hits and close games, the car rides home, the friendships, the politics, and the small victories that boost confidence.
Alex shares how he&rsquo;s learned to stay calm under pressure &mdash; to trust the process and the work he&rsquo;s put in, and to bounce back quickly after mistakes. Nicky offers a different perspective: he stopped playing, but he has stayed involved in the game.
&nbsp;Listen now: Little League &amp; Travel Baseball: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly &mdash; available wherever you get your podcasts or at <a href="https://olasmedia.com/shows/dear-san-diego">Olas Media.</a> Don&rsquo;t forget to check out our <a href="https://olasmedia.com/blogs/youth-baseball-parents-stop-talking">first youth baseball episode.</a>
This Episode Is Made Possible By
Berry&rsquo;s Athletic Supply
Serving San Diego athletes for more than 70 years, Berry&rsquo;s Athletic Supply in Lemon Grove is the go-to spot for sporting goods, varsity jackets, and gear for baseball players at every level &mdash; as well as soccer, football, and other sports.
Over the decades, Berry&rsquo;s has designed more than 30,000 varsity letter jackets.
Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.berrysathleticsupply.com/">berrysathleticsupply.com</a>&nbsp;
East County Rattlers Baseball Club
The <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ec_rattlers_enright/">East County Rattlers</a> are building something special in San Diego &mdash; focused on player development, sportsmanship, and community.
FEATURED EVENT: Swing Into the New Year Classic Tournament
January 2&ndash;4, 2026 | San Diego | 4-Game Guarantee Kick off the New Year with competitive play and great energy at one of San Diego&rsquo;s top travel baseball tournaments!
<a href="https://tonymanolatos.substack.com/p/little-league-and-travel-baseball">REGISTER &amp; LEARN MORE ABOUT OTHER EVENTS.</a>
Charlie Rose Baseball
Your one-stop shop for bats, gloves, and gear &mdash; and a trusted partner for San Diego&rsquo;s youth baseball community. Shop in store or at <a href="https://sandiegobaseballsupply.com/">sandiegobaseballsupply.com</a>.&nbsp;
&nbsp;Bonus for our listeners: There&rsquo;s an exclusive offer from Charlie Rose Baseball available only to Dear San Diego listeners &mdash; tune in to this episode to get the coupon code!
<a href="https://tonymanolatos.substack.com/p/little-league-and-travel-baseball">Resources and Recommendations for Baseball Parents</a>

Little League & Travel Baseball: the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/d57f2f8a-7bab-4064-9571-ae7c0139f8ec/clips/9923fb33-36e9-4d38-a112-b3770174561a/transcript

In this episode of Dear San Diego, Tony and Juan sit down with the CEO of the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation - Mark Cafferty, to talk about family, leadership, boxing, and the challenges facing San Diego’s economy. From his Boston upbringing shaped by strong role models to raising two boys in San Diego, he shares how family keeps him grounded even while working on major projects for the region. The conversation dives into why San Diego struggles to keep young talent, the high cost of housing, and what leaders must do to protect the city’s future.

Listen to more episodes at olasmedia.com

Here are some key moments of the conversation:

00:03:20 – Growing up in Boston and moving to San Diego
00:06:20 – Family life, raising kids, and the role of his wife’s career
00:10:30 – Culture shock of Boston vs. San Diego
00:15:10 – Parenting, role models, and balancing work with family
00:20:10 – Sports, boxing, and lessons from athletics
00:33:10 – Developing a leadership style rooted in kindness and empowerment
00:42:00 – Why businesses and talent leave San Diego
00:48:00 – The cost of living and the challenge for young professionals
00:50:00 – Direct flights, trade missions, and building global connections

In this episode of Dear San Diego, Tony and Juan sit down with the CEO of the San Diego <a href="https://www.sandiegobusiness.org">Regional Economic Development Corporation</a> - <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-cafferty-61b3765/">Mark Cafferty</a>, to talk about family, leadership, boxing, and the challenges facing San Diego&rsquo;s economy. From his Boston upbringing shaped by strong role models to raising two boys in San Diego, he shares how family keeps him grounded even while working on major projects for the region. The conversation dives into why San Diego struggles to keep young talent, the high cost of housing, and what leaders must do to protect the city&rsquo;s future.
Listen to more episodes at <a href="http://olasmedia.com">olasmedia.com</a>
Here are some key moments of the conversation:
00:03:20 &ndash; Growing up in Boston and moving to San Diego 00:06:20 &ndash; Family life, raising kids, and the role of his wife&rsquo;s career 00:10:30 &ndash; Culture shock of Boston vs. San Diego 00:15:10 &ndash; Parenting, role models, and balancing work with family 00:20:10 &ndash; Sports, boxing, and lessons from athletics 00:33:10 &ndash; Developing a leadership style rooted in kindness and empowerment 00:42:00 &ndash; Why businesses and talent leave San Diego 00:48:00 &ndash; The cost of living and the challenge for young professionals 00:50:00 &ndash; Direct flights, trade missions, and building global connections

Family, Leadership, and San Diego’s Talent Challenge -  Mark Cafferty 

A revered and longtime North County neighbor, the Community Resource Center (CRC) provides meals and other services to senior citizens, low-income families, and others who need a helping hand. But its downtown Encinitas location has attracted critics recently because of expansion plans on the coveted real estate it occupies along 2nd Street between Hwy. 101 and the Pacific coastline. Tony and Juan sit down with CRC CEO John Van Cleef to unpack all of it. They also dig into who John is away from the office, what motivates him, and why he has devoted his life to helping others. Tune in now to check out this timely and  informative episode of Dear San Diego.

Don’t forget to follow and subscribe at olasmedia.com

Here are some notable moments from this episode:

00:00:00 – Catching Up: Weddings, Babies, and Family Milestones

00:08:45 – Meet John Van Cleef: CEO of the Community Resource Center

00:11:22 – CRC’s Mission & Evolution

00:15:30 – Who CRC Serves: Seniors, Families, and the Working Poor

00:21:45 – Homelessness Prevention vs. Intervention

00:25:10 – Local Criticism, Misinformation & Real Estate Pressures

00:32:30 – Homelessness Data: Facts vs. Fear

00:37:00 – Effective Encampment Resolution Work

00:40:10 – The Personal Side of Leadership

00:47:50 – A Swift Graduation Gift

00:51:00 – Rapid Fire: Chilaquiles, Walks, and Wisdom

00:56:00 – Final Thoughts: Vocation and Hope

 

A revered and longtime North County neighbor, the <a href="https://crcncc.org/">Community Resource Center</a> (CRC) provides meals and other services to senior citizens, low-income families, and others who need a helping hand. But its downtown Encinitas location has <a href="https://voiceofsandiego.org/2025/04/21/social-media-targets-provider-as-homelessness-surges-in-encinitas/">attracted critics recently</a> because of expansion plans on the coveted real estate it occupies along 2nd Street between Hwy. 101 and the Pacific coastline. Tony and Juan sit down with CRC CEO John Van Cleef to unpack all of it. They also dig into who John is away from the office, what motivates him, and why he has devoted his life to helping others. Tune in now to check out this timely and&nbsp; informative episode of Dear San Diego.
Don&rsquo;t forget to follow and subscribe at <a href="https://olasmedia.com/shows/dear-san-diego">olasmedia.com</a>
Here are some notable moments from this episode:
00:00:00 &ndash; Catching Up: Weddings, Babies, and Family Milestones
00:08:45 &ndash; Meet John Van Cleef: CEO of the Community Resource Center
00:11:22 &ndash; CRC&rsquo;s Mission &amp; Evolution
00:15:30 &ndash; Who CRC Serves: Seniors, Families, and the Working Poor
00:21:45 &ndash; Homelessness Prevention vs. Intervention
00:25:10 &ndash; Local Criticism, Misinformation &amp; Real Estate Pressures
00:32:30 &ndash; Homelessness Data: Facts vs. Fear
00:37:00 &ndash; Effective Encampment Resolution Work
00:40:10 &ndash; The Personal Side of Leadership
00:47:50 &ndash; A Swift Graduation Gift
00:51:00 &ndash; Rapid Fire: Chilaquiles, Walks, and Wisdom
00:56:00 &ndash; Final Thoughts: Vocation and Hope
&nbsp;

Deacon Jim Vargas on Homelessness, Hope, and the Human Beings Behind the Crisis

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