Beyond The Heights

In this special episode, we honor Juneteenth by exploring its deep historical roots and ongoing cultural significance. Host Monte Jones sits down with Maliya Jones of the Cooper Family Foundation, the driving force behind one of San Diego’s largest Juneteenth celebrations at Memorial Park. Together, they discuss the legacy of emancipation, the power of community, and how traditions of joy and resistance live on today.

In this powerful episode, we’re joined by California State Senator Steve Padilla for an insightful discussion on the most pressing issues impacting our communities—both locally and across the state. From education access and economic opportunity, Senator Padilla shares how state and even federal-level decisions shape life on the ground here in San Diego. Whether you’re passionate about politics or simply want to better understand how state and federal leadership connects to your daily life, this episode brings the Capitol straight to your community.

In this episode of Beyond The Heights, we’re joined by two local high school students for an honest and eye-opening discussion about the challenges that often create distance between parents and the younger generation. From communication struggles to generational misunderstandings, we dive into what it really takes to build trust, empathy, and connection within our families and communities.Tune in as we explore how we can move beyond the divide and start building bridges — one conversation at a time.

In this powerful episode of Beyond the Heights, we sit down with a prominent San Diego civil rights activist, Dr. Harold Brown. Dr. Brown is a pioneer who faced immense adversity in his journey to uplift the Black community in San Diego.Dr. Brown has led his life with determination and a commitment to creating change, especially when it seemed most unattainable. From standing up against racial injustice to fighting for the equity and recognition of Black San Diegans, his contributions have left an indelible mark on the city, and he continues to uplift Black communities every day.Although we celebrate Black History Month in February, we continue to honor Dr. Harold Brown year-round by learning from his legacy and the path he paved for future generations of Black leaders in San Diego. Tune in as we reflect on his struggles, triumphs, and the lasting impact of his work in creating a more just and equitable society

In our third episode of Beyond the Heights, host Monte Jones and San Diego County Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe have an inspiring conversation about women leading change. Drawing from her experience at City Hall and the County, Supervisor Montgomery Steppe offers insights to women looking to lead in politics and beyond, and shares her hopes for future generations of leaders.

In our second episode of Beyond the Heights, host Monte Jones and guests Chris Lewis and Inez Robinson-Odom of TEAM LEWIS have an inspiring conversation about leadership. Discover key insights from Chris and Inez' book, "The Silent Rebellion: Becoming a Modern Leader," and explore what it takes to thrive as a leader and create positive change in today's ever-evolving world.

For our debut episode of Beyond The Heights, our host Monte Jones (President & CEO of Logan Heights CDC), Bishop Bowser (Founder & President of Shaphat Outreach) and Terrence Shiggs (Executive Director of Any Body Can Youth Foundation) discuss ways to empower at-risk youth to make better decisions and offer insights into how they overcame their own personal struggles growing up.