Edgy Interview: Kristin Gaspar

Google “hard worker” and Kristin Gaspar’s picture should pop up. She is the first in her family to graduate college, working two restaurant jobs to pay her way through the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism Arizona State University. Gaspar is the youngest woman ever elected to San Diego County’s Board of Supervisors, unseating an incumbent in the process! Before that, she served on the Encinitas City Council, then became that city’s first elected Mayor. Not enough? Gaspar was the CFO of very successful Gaspar Physical Therapy and now serves as Vice President, Philanthropy, for the Palomar Health Foundation, the largest healthcare district in the State of California. Just as important, Kristin’s my friend and I hope you enjoy reading her take on things in this installment of the Edgy Interview.

 

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A fisherman! I grew up fishing with my grandpa and just loved it! Some of my best memories surround summers spent in the Sierras wading in Robinson Creek and fishing for rainbow trout. I wanted to have my own fishing show – “Kristin’s Katch” – and even went to broadcast journalism school with that in mind. Maybe one day!

 

Tell us about the point in your life when you realized your calling was politics? 

I always blame hormones. I was eight months pregnant with my second child and attended a fundraiser my husband (who was far more political than I was) hosted for then-State Senator Mimi Walters. Someone introduced me to her as a “future senator” and I laughed. Mimi just glared at me and said, “why not? What’s your excuse?” And I motioned toward my pregnant belly. She told me that was no excuse, that she had run with small children, and it could be done. Not long after, there I was with my own small children in a wagon going door-to-door running for City Council.

What achievement are you proudest of during your term as a County Supervisor? Encinitas Mayor?

I was the youngest woman ever elected to the Board and I joined a Board that had been together since I was in junior high! I was proud to prioritize people. I worked to highlight mental health and set the foundation that the County uses today to partner with healthcare organizations. As the first elected Mayor of Encinitas, I am most proud of the Encinitas Community Park, Moonlight Beach renovations and the Marine Safety Tower construction.

 

What was it like meeting President Trump?

Surreal. The most powerful person in the world walks through the door and takes a seat at the head of the table where I was sitting. Later, while on a tour of the West Wing, I realized that door led to the Oval Office. While I was nervous, I was there with a clear mission – to tell the heartbreaking story of 27 year-old Alexander Mazin who was gunned down in cold blood in San Diego. His murderer fled across the border and was living in plain sight in a Tijuana motel. I held up Alexander’s photo and told his story to the President of the United States who committed to bringing justice for the Mazin family. A few months later, I got the call from District Attorney Summer Stephan that Alexander’s murderer was extradited and his feet were on U.S. soil to face trial. I’ll never forget sharing tears and hugs with Alexander’s parents. With the help of the President, justice was served to a family whose lives were shattered.

 

If you could repeal one law, which would it be and why?

I’m not sure I would repeal it in its entirety, but the California Environmental Quality Act or CEQA has been weaponized in recent years to shut down any sort of development or even redevelopment. I think the most reasonable solution is tort reform. There are lawyers (on both sides) who make a living filing or fighting CEQA lawsuits while counties and cities struggle to approve and actually build projects. In fact, my last year as Supervisor, more than 5,000 units were held hostage in court between two environmental attorneys in town!

 

What was your favorite musical genre as a teenager and what are you listening to now?

I’ve always been a fan of country music and even worked at a country music station in Phoenix – KMLE Country 108. I’ll never forget how I got this job. At the time, I was putting myself through college bartending at Red Robin. One night we were short staffed, and I was given the task of manning bar service for the entire restaurant and 19 additional tables. It just so happened that KMLE’s manager was seated in my section. When I brought him his check, he complimented me on my work ethic and on the spot offered me a job at the station. Next thing you know I was driving the station’s iconic Hummer out to remote broadcast locations all over Arizona and developing my love for country music. Now, my teenagers pick the playlist!

 

Who would you want to play you in your biopic?

My daughter, Addie. This kiddo is going to do something outrageously special one day. As for now she understands me more than in anyone else in this world. She is a careful observer, keenly aware of all of my likes, dislikes, and emotions. I can’t even do the “mom thing” and disguise when I’m sad or frustrated. Addie can see right through it and will start preparing a surprise care basket complete with all my favorites—Peanut M&M’s, Chardonnay, and a cozy blanket.

 

What was your favorite musical genre as a teenager and what are you listening to now?

I’ve always been a fan of country music and even worked at a country music station in Phoenix – KMLE Country 108. I’ll never forget how I got this job. At the time, I was putting myself through college bartending at Red Robin. One night we were short staffed, and I was given the task of manning bar service for the entire restaurant and 19 additional tables. It just so happened that KMLE’s manager was seated in my section. When I brought him his check, he complimented me on my work ethic and on the spot offered me a job at the station. Next thing you know I was driving the station’s iconic Hummer out to remote broadcast locations all over Arizona and developing my love for country music. Now, my teenagers pick the playlist!

 

First concert you attended and how did it make you feel?

The first concert I attended was a giant Country Music Festival in Arizona while working for KMLE. My job was to manage the backstage meet and greets before the performances. A new band was opening for Tim McGraw: Rascal Flatts. When I finished taking all the VIP’s through, the lead singer of the band, Gary LeVox, asked me to take a picture with the band. Just as we were posing to take the picture, Gary jumped up in the air and exclaimed that I had pinched his butt. Security started swarming over and the whole group was busting up laughing. It took Gary several minutes to convince my boss that he was only joking. This opening act in 1999 went on to become a trio of musicians with a combined net worth of $180 million with 12 No. 1 Hot Country hits and millions of records sold.

 

What three things are must-haves in your fridge at all times?

Chardonnay, Diet Coke, and Chardonnay

 

If you were a competitive eater, which food would be your specialty?

Gum. I’ve swallowed many pieces per day since I was a kid and — so far — I’m alive to tell about. Folklore suggests that swallowed gum sits in your stomach for seven years. It’s either a myth or politics has just made me extra resilient.

 

What is your favorite sports moment?

Coaching my two girls in Pop Warner Cheer and winning back-to-back National Championships our final years together and watching my son score the winning touchdown in his Pop Warner championship game!

 

Which reality TV show would you most like to compete on and why?

Funny you should ask. I love reality TV and often feel like I am actually on a daily reality show – like The Truman Show. I am a big fan of 90 day Fiancé, but don’t think my husband would approve of me going on that one.

 

Politically, what’s next for Kristin Gaspar?

I’ve been thinking about becoming San Diego’s Premier Pollster. [Ed. Hah, hah.]

 

What would you change about yourself?

Nothing and it reminds me of story. When I was Mayor, I had a particularly nasty hit piece done against me. It was a photo of me with all of these evil comments about my physical appearance. I decided to turn this around and use it for positive. One of the best parts of being in elected office is the opportunity to speak to school groups. I took the ugliness in this piece and used it to talk about bullying and body image with young children. Social media is here to stay. While you can’t control what people have to say about you, it is possible to control your reaction to it.

 

What advice do you have for young people starting out?

Trust the journey and no matter what you are doing at the present moment, be the best at it. My first job was as a chicken carver at Boston Market. Glamorous right?! No, it wasn’t exactly what I closed my eyes and pictured doing for the rest of my life or even in that moment. I made the decision that, if I was going to be a chicken carver, I was going to be the best chicken carver! Not long after, I was noticed by a customer who happened to be the general manager at Red Robin. He offered me a job as a hostess and the rest is history. Red Robin became the job that opened the opportunity for me to afford college, the steppingstone to a job in radio, and acceptance into the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, where I proudly became the first college graduate in my family. I just knew there would come a day when lifting those greasy and not to mention heavy chicken spits would pay off! Have faith… trust the journey.

 

Edgy Interview: Mark Kersey

Mark Kersey gets things done. We had a problem with the bridge near our house. It wasn’t falling apart, it was loud: when trucks or really anything with more weight than a moped traveled over the bridge, it was like the Blue Angels were flying over the neighborhood. The neighbors complained, but not until Councilman Kersey intervened was the bridge fixed and we could enjoy an evening in the side yard. As you’ll read, that’s not the only thing Mark accomplished during his two Council terms. He’s also a successful entrepreneur, baseball player, and Dad. Get to know him in this installment’s Edgy Interview. 

 

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a firefighter. The closest I got to that dream was interacting with many firefighters while on the City Council and appropriating their budget every year. Not exactly what little kids envision for when they grow up. In fact, the first City Council meeting I ever went to was with my Cub Scout pack. I remember thinking how boring it was and why would anybody ever want that job?!

 

What advice do you have for young people starting out? 

I really dislike the old adage “find something you love to do, and you’ll never have to work a day in your life” because it’s just not true. Every job or profession has its long days, unnecessary meetings, or dealing with people you’d rather not — all of which definitely qualify as “work.” So young people starting out need to find their passion, be prepared to work really hard, and exceed their higher-ups’ expectations. I think they’ll find there’s always going to be a path to success for people who follow that playbook.

 

What’s the best professional advice you’ve received and who gave it to you?

An old mentor told me that there are two kinds of people who enter public life: those who want to do something and those who want to be somebody. He advised me to choose the former. Sadly, today’s political climate seems to disproportionately reward the latter.

 

What achievement are you proudest of during your term on the San Diego City Council?

We made substantial progress on rebuilding the City’s infrastructure during my eight years. In prior years there were times when the City’s street repair budget, for example, was close to zero. Radically changing that approach and driving an agenda that prioritized fixing streets and sidewalks, replacing 100-year-old water mains, and expanding City parks was a big part of not repeating the mistakes of the past. San Diego had never had a multi-year infrastructure strategy, so we got one done. We streamlined the approval process for projects, substantially reducing the time for those projects to go from concept to completion. We evaluated certain City assets like sidewalks for the first time so we’d know how much it would cost to fix them. This all culminated in the passage of Prop H in 2016, which committed millions more taxpayer dollars to infrastructure without raising taxes.

There’s always more work to do, of course, because decidedly unglamorous work like infrastructure maintenance never stops.

 

With Cask & Coast Whiskey you’ve embarked on a totally different path. Tell us about that.

A decade in politics prepared me well for my next career in the whiskey business. My business partner Richard and I started Cask & Coast Spirits Co. last year and we’re getting ready to bottle our first release of California bourbon. Our bourbon is a proprietary blend that’s distilled and aged in the Midwest (where they’ve been doing it for 200+ years) then we finish it for a year in California Cabernet wine casks from my partner’s vineyard. In my admittedly biased opinion, it’s excellent bourbon and we’re really looking forward to being able to actively distribute it this fall.

 

What three things are must-haves in your fridge at all times? 

I always have craft beer, vermouth (sweet & dry), and blueberries in the fridge (for separate consumption of course). I got a mixology certificate many years ago, so I enjoy experimenting with interesting cocktails. I’m hoping the superfood elements of the blueberries offset any health downsides of the other two.

 

Favorite cuisine and where do you get it?

I’m a sucker for good Italian food and as such enjoy several local establishments — most frequently my neighborhood spot Rosina’s, both because it’s within walking distance and it has great food. The arancini, chicken Bolognese gnocchi, and burrata alla panna are fantastic.

 

Who would you want to have play you in your biopic?

You mean the lowest-rated biopic of all time? Let’s go with Keanu Reeves…maybe Neo could drive some views. Whoa!

 

Who is your favorite artist – any medium – and why?

I’m a big fan of the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi dating back to my study abroad days in Spain. His buildings are so unique and unmistakably his. La Sagrada Familia cathedral in Barcelona is a sight to behold, and despite being under construction for more than a century, is finally nearing completion.

 

What was your favorite musical genre as a teenager and what are you listening to now?

As a 90s teenager I was a pretty big fan of grunge, especially Nirvana. Not surprisingly I became a big Foo Fighters fan — now the last great rock band. A few years ago they played at Kaboo at the Del Mar Fairgrounds and Dave Grohl mentioned that the last time he played that venue was in the early 90s with an upstart band (that he didn’t specifically name), and the crowd went wild. It was a cool moment. I still listen to plenty of both bands.

 

What is your favorite sports moment?

 Back in college, my roommate and I went to a Mariners-Blue Jays baseball game in Toronto and saw Ken Griffey Jr. hit three home runs. In his other two at bats he hit long fly outs to the warning track, so he came within 10 feet or so of hitting five HRs in one game, something no one’s ever done. Best all-around player of his generation.

 

If you could go back in time, which former President would you like to chat with and what’s the topic?  

Dwight Eisenhower. I’d love to talk to him about D-Day: the preparation that went into it, the operation itself, his contingency plans if it didn’t succeed. Countless D-Day books have been written and TV shows have been made, but to talk directly to Ike himself about it would be amazing. My grandpa was at D-Day as a young sailor onboard the USS Laffey destroyer, so I’ve long had an interest in the invasion, and was fortunate to be at Normandy for the 75th anniversary festivities in 2019.

 

If you could repeal one law, which would it be and why?

Boy, it’s tough to pick just one but Prop 47 has been a disaster. Looking at just one of its provisions, it seems clear that downgrading shoplifting and grand theft up to $950 per incident to a misdemeanor has been one of the main causes — and likely the primary cause of — the dramatic increase in theft seen around the state over the last several years. A big frustration is that 47’s opponents (me included) predicted these kinds of negative consequences, to no avail.

 

You’re a traveler. If you could return to a place you’ve traveled, where would you go and why? 

I’ve spent some time in Ireland the last couple of years as part of another whiskey venture, and I can’t wait to return. It’s a beautiful island with incredibly friendly people, and it’s not very big so you can see quite a bit of it in one trip. Part of my family came over from Ireland a couple centuries ago, so it’s been a great experience to go back.

 

Take us through “Mark Kersey’s perfect day” in San Diego.

A perfect day includes spending time with family, including my English bulldogs Winston and Duke, sampling some whiskey, and taking in a Padres game at the best ballpark in America. Hmmm come to think of it that’s what I’m doing today!