the ymca of san diego county
NEWSROOM
The YMCA of San Diego County is the largest YMCA association in the nation, operating 14 branch locations and three overnight camps across San Diego County.
We are a nonprofit serving nearly 400,000 San Diego County residents and employing more than 3,500 people.
THE YMCA IN THE NEWS
PRESS & MEDIA INQUIRIES
Whether you’re looking for official statements, interviews or access to subject-matter experts, our communications team is here to help.
Please direct all requests to communications@ymcasd.org.
YMCA hosts grand opening of refurbished pool, teaches elementary students swim basics
GOING TO SCHOOL IN THE POOL
The potentially live-saving program was started at the YMCA in Escondido this week by the Escondido Union School District, reports NBC 7’s Todd Strain. View the story here. — NBC 7 San Diego, 10/10/25,
Historic Shepherd YMCA Firehouse reopens in La Jolla
A historic building that once served as San Diego’s first city hall and housed critical public services is set to reopen this week after years of renovations.
The Shepherd YMCA Firehouse, located at 7877 Herschel Ave. in La Jolla, was built in 1937 as Fire Station 13. At the time, it served as more than just a fire station. View the story here. — Fox 5/KUSI, 09/02/25,
YMCA’s first-ever binational agreement hopes to change lives along U.S.-Mexico border
“Dos Países, Una Comunidad,” or “two countries, one community,” was the idea behind the YMCA’s first-ever binational agreement. Back in May, YMCA of San Diego County and YMCA Mexico established the Cali-Baja YMCA Binational Initiative, which aims to address the specific needs of the over 7 million people in the region.
It’s the first such partnership in the YMCA of the USA’s 170-year history.
— Fox 5/KUSI, 09/02/25 – View the story
Jean Sweetwood turns 100 with an inspiring workout at gym
Jean Sweetwood celebrated her 100th birthday with a workout at the McGrath Family YMCA, inspiring many with her commitment to fitness. — Zevely Zone, CBS8, 09/02/25 – View the story
San Diego County leaders host events to explain new Medi-Cal Services
Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid program which provides free or low-cost health care to people who qualify. San Diego County leaders are hosting community events to showcase new healthcare services. — NBC 7 San Diego, 09/27/25 – Watch the story
Local tech leaders honored in awards ceremony
Families across San Diego County struggle with soaring childcare costs
ICYMI ON SOCIAL MEDIA
The y in the media - 2024
Jackie Robinson Family YMCA honors longtime executive director
YMCA swim safety program
Day camp in the news
KUSI’s Allie Wagner stopped by Ryan Family YMCA just in time to catch morning circle time on July 8. Watch her conversation with Executive Director Jonathon Collopy, and check out all of the fun happening at camp! — KUSI News, 07/08/24
US Olympic Skateboarding Team has serious San Diego flavor for 2024 Paris Games
Five members of the US Olympic Skateboarding Team are from San Diego County, and Bryce Wettstein, the 20-year-old who grew up at the Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA Skate Park, is one of them! — NBC 7 San Diego, 07/01/24
Watch the story and read her Olympic athlete bio here.
YMCA of San Diego helping out during mental health awareness month
The Y’s Justin Lipford, association director of community engagement & belonging, spoke to NBC San Diego about the Y’s mental health services, available resources, and parent & caregiver connection groups. — 05/02/24, NBC San Diego
She's off to Paris
The YMCA’s commitment to providing top-notch facilities for skateboarding has helped foster talents like Bryce Wettstein, who began her journey at Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA when she was just 5. As NBC 7 San Diego reports, the “United States Olympic Skateboarding Team is stuffed with San Diegans.” — NBC , 7/02/24
Mental health awareness
The Y’s Justin Lipford, association director of community engagement & belonging, spoke to NBC San Diego about the Y’s mental health services, available resources, and parent & caregiver connection groups. — 05/02/24, NBC San Diego
PNC Bank and Wave FC partner to revitalize soccer field
KUSI News stopped by Border View Family YMCA ahead of the grand opening of PNC Bank Field at Border View Family YMCA. The revitalized field opened April 28 with a community celebration that included youth soccer drills with players from San Diego Wave FC. — KUSI News, 04/25/24
PNC Bank & Wave FC Partner on New Soccer Field at Border
Thanks to partners PNC Bank and Wave FC, soccer returns to Border View Family YMCA on April 28! Read the San Diego Magazine piece, “PNC Bank & Wave FC Partner on New Soccer Field at Border,” to learn how the project came to be and what it means for the community. — San Diego Magazine, 03/14/24
Leaders of Influence in Technology 2024
John Merritt, SVP & CIO, has spearheaded a transformative journey within the IT department, aligning technology with core business objectives to drive innovation and growth. Under his leadership, the Y achieved a landmark digital transformation by migrating to cloud-based solutions, significantly enhancing the customer experience, data security, and operational efficiency.
Merritt’s strategic focus on integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning will optimize internal processes and lead to the development of customer-centric solutions, increased satisfaction, and opening new revenue streams. His commitment to fostering a culture of continuous learning and collaboration across departments has elevated the IT team’s performance and agility. Merritt’s visionary approach and impactful leadership have been instrumental in positioning the YMCA of San Diego County at the forefront of technological advancement for nonprofits. — San Diego Business Journal, 03/25/24
Seals’ Commitment to San Diego Takes a Giant Leap Forward With New Practice Field
Thursday, February 22nd marked a monumental day in the history of the San Diego Seals, YMCA of San Diego County and Rady Children’s Hospital, as the three entities officially held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the recently completed Rady Children’s Field. — National Lacrosse League, 02/27/24
How I Embarrassed Myself In Front Of 10,000 People
FaZe Rug stopped by Mission Valley Y to play basketball with some kids and prep for his big opportunity to play with the Harlem Globetrotters.
Watch the fun on YouTube — 02/25/24
$832K raised for San Diego Flood Response Fund, $310K granted to nonprofits so far
The San Diego Foundation collected donations for the Flood Response Fund to support the nonprofits helping flood victims. They approved a $190,000 grant for the YMCA of San Diego County to provide housing vouchers to more than 400 displaced adults and children. — ABC 10News, 02/06/24
The Jan. 22 Floods Displaced More Than 1,000 San Diegans from Their Homes
Local YMCA leaders managed to raise roughly $175,000 from several charitable foundations to temporarily house flood survivors. But so far, the local Y has spent more than $220,000. — Will Huntsberry, Voice of San Diego — 02/06/24
Donation Drive for Flood Victims Ahead of Next StormDonation Drive for Flood Victims Ahead of Next Storm
NBC’s Shandel Menezes reports from Jackie Robinson Family Y, where flood victims are arriving for assistance. — NBC News.
Day of Service to Help Local Flood Victims
NBC’s Audra Stafford reports from Jackie Robinson Family YMCA on volunteer efforts to aid flood victims — NBC News, 01-31-24.
Hotel rooms for flood victims
The YMCA paid for hotel rooms for San Diegans affected by flooding in Mountain View — shared by ABC 10News — 01/31/24.
Flood Relief at the YMCA
The Y’s Justin Lipford shares news about efforts to aid flood victims in this clip from KUSI Good Morning San Diego. — KUSI News.
Human Dignity Award
At the Y’s 39th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Human Dignity Award Breakfast, held on January 12, 2024, Dr. Cecil Steppe was one of two community members honored for reflecting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s principles and ideals in both philosophy and action. — CBS 8 San Diego, 01/15/24
39th annual breakfast honoring life, legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.39th annual breakfast honoring life, legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Two long-time, nonagenerian supporters of Jackie Robinson Family YMCA presented with this year’ Human Dignity award
In a powerful display of unity, over 1,200 residents of San Diego came together to pay homage to the enduring impact of Martin Luther King, Jr. at the 39th annual Human Dignity Award breakfast hosted by the Jackie Robinson Family YMCA. The Friday morning event celebrated the contributions of Kathleen Harmon and Cecil H. Steppe, who were recognized with the Human Dignity Award for their unwavering dedication to continuing King’s legacy through their volunteer service for the Jackie Robinson Family YMCA and the broader community.— San Diego Union-Tribune, Lauren J. Mapp, 01/12/24
YMCA's 39th annual MLK Jr. Human Dignity Awards | 2024 honoree shares impact on community
"YMCA's 39th annual MLK Jr. Human Dignity Awards | 2024 honoree shares impact on community"
Dr. Cecil Steppe was one of two community members honored this year for embodying Dr. King’s spirit, ideals and dream. — CBS 8 San Diego
Driven to Thrive
The y in the media - 2023
How far would you travel to end youth homelessness?
Watch this great story on our third annual Solidarity Journey on The Zevely Zone. — CBS 8 San Diego, 11/29/23
NEWS: Solidarity Journey 2023
In November, the third annual Solidarity Journey in support of National Runaway and Homeless Youth Prevention Month kicked off at the Border View Family YMCA. Justin Lipford, the Y’s director of community engagement, spoke to Fox 5 at the start of the 550-mile trek. — Fox 5 San Diego News, 11/01/23
EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR
Todd Tibbits, president and CEO of the YMCA of San Diego County, was named the Nonprofit Executive of the Year by the San Diego Business Journal. In just two years, has has been instrumental in leading the largest YMCA in the country toward a new vision, reinvigorating the Y’s mission, establishing team values and launching a new strategic plan. View the winners — 10/26/23
YMCA's Day at the Y for Seniors
More than 150 active older adults gathered for Y’s 20th Annual Day at the Bay event to enjoyed kayaking, paddle boarding, games, exercise classes and friendship. ABC News 10 asked Dianne B. why she makes it a point to stay active. “The older you get, the more you need to move around,” Dianne said. “Just keep moving, even a little bit each day — and smile!” Watch video — 10/4/23, ABC News 10
Closure of Escondido Preschool Program Leaves More Gaps in Child Care
Kim McDougal, executive director at the YMCA Childcare Resource Service, said there are still many uncertainties for families when it comes to TK including age requirements, waitlists, accessing the additional after-school program and the question of whether parents want their child in that type of program.”It’s moving into the kind of formal school system where oftentimes it feels and looks more like kindergarten than it does like a play-based preschool that’s more focused on social emotional development,” McDougal said. “It’s maybe not the best developmentally appropriate choice for all children. And so, parents lose that choice because it comes down to what they can afford financially.” — Voice of San Diego, 09/12/23
Camp Surf transforms kids’ lives, one wave at a time
Since 1969, this YMCA overnight camp has been making dreams come true for children all over the world. This year alone nearly 900 children will get the Camp Surf experience. — KPBS, 07/27/23
Community supporting YMCA after two fires in one week
On July 14th, part of the turf went up in flames in the middle of the night. — ABC 10 News, 07/19/23
Kids beat heat at summer camps as high temperatures plague San Diego
It’s all about fun in the sun at the YMCA’S summer camps. — ABC 10 News, 07/13/23
Goodwill, YMCA among San Diego-area ‘Nonprofits of the Year’ picked by local legislators
YMCA San Diego, which supports community members of all ages through health, wellness and learning programs among other services to “nurture a healthy spirit, mind, and body.” Honored by District 78 Assemblymember Christopher Ward. — San Diego Union-Tribune, 07/03/23
Be Well Podcast
Y Be Well is a podcast dedicated to nurturing our well-being and connection, hosted by Jonathon Collopy, Ph.D., executive director at Ryan Family YMCA. Tune in as we explore mindful living, relationships and healthy communities. Our guests are invited to share their wisdom, insights and valuable resources, and to challenge us to learn and join the movement toward an intentional, vibrant and fulfilling life. New episodes are released every other Wednesday. View the Be Well podcast page.
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