San Diego Hall of Champions (Wikimedia Commons)

Comic-Con Museum in Balboa Park Subject

Of Talks with Comic-Con International

The San Diego Hall of Champions in Balboa Park and Comic-Con International today announced they have been working together with an eye to the possibility of leasing space for a Comic-Con museum.

The San Diego Hall of Champions, the nation’s largest multi-sport museum, had internally discussed the possibility of subleasing some, or all, of its museum location and when the organization learned of Comic-Con’s interest in the space, it made the decision to move forward with official discussions.

“Regardless of the outcome, the San Diego Hall of Champions will continue to celebrate and recognize outstanding local athletic achievement and provide sports programming for the community, both of which are part and parcel to the lasting legacy of the Hall’s founder, Bob Breitbard,” said Dan Shea, a San Diego Hall of Champions board member and longtime supporter. “We’re enthused to perpetuate Bob’s legacy through numerous awards programs and community sports programming initiatives to motivate and inspire San Diegans to reach their full potential.”

Comic-Con has long hoped to have a space that would allow the organization to continue furthering its mission of bringing comics and related popular art forms to a wider audience. A museum would help to achieve that goal on a year round basis.

Said David Glanzer, Comic-Con spokesperson, “Comic-Con has been working with the Hall Of Champions as part of our continuing exploration of how best to ensure Comic-Con’s legacy. At this time we are in talks and while no decision has been made we are thrilled with the direction of those discussions.”

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MOPA Acquires Local Collection

of Australian Photography

The Museum of Photographic Arts has established the Peter and Olivia Farrell Collection of Australian Photography in its permanent collection with the acquisition of 24 photographs and 100 photo books.

The acquisition is part of a larger initiative to expand MOPA’s permanent collection to include Pacific Rim artists and elevate Australian photography to a wider global audience while supporting photographers from that region.

“This is an ambitious endeavor to better share the wonders of Australian photography with the public,” MOPA Executive Director Deborah Klochko said. “We’re not looking to re-create or redefine it. We want to showcase it, while learning more about the phenomenal work being done.”

Sydney photography collector and dealer Josef Lebovic donated the photo books and supported Peter and Olivia Farrell in their decision to gift their representative collection of Australian photography to MOPA. In addition, the donation will establish an acquisition fund for the ongoing purchase of contemporary Australian photography.

“As residents of San Diego, Olivia and I are delighted to be able to provide such excellent examples of both past and contemporary Australian photography,” Peter Farrell said. “We are sure MOPA visitors will delight in this collection.”

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PERSONNEL Announcements

Jewish Community Foundation

Names Director of Philanthropy

has been named the new director of philanthropy for the Jewish Community Foundation.

Ehrlich will develop, sustain and expand upon relationships with current and new donors and community partners while helping them achieve their charitable goals and engage the younger generation.

Ehrlich has 25 years of professional experience as a nonprofit fundraiser and strategic partner to individuals and institutional donors across the country. Most recently, she was senior director of external relations at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies and senior director of development and external relations at UCSD’s Rady School of Management. She has also served as associate director of development at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center, Jacobs Family Campus and at the Old Globe Theatre.

Prior to moving back to her native San Diego in 1995, she worked in development at The Carter Center (Atlanta), Einstein Medical Center (Philadelphia) and the Museum of Modern Art (NYC).

Regional Airport Authority

Hires Nes General Counsel

Amy Gonzalez has been hired as general counsel of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority.

Gonzalez previously served as senior director of the general counsel’s office. She takes over for Bret Lobner, the Airport Authority’s first chief legal adviser, who retired last week.

Airport Authority President/CEO Thella F. Bowens said Gonzalez’ breadth and depth of experience in the aviation industry will serve the organization well as it moves forward with several critical projects, including the new Terminal Two parking plaza, which is scheduled to break ground this summer; and the Airport Development Plan, which envisions the replacement of the aging Terminal One.

Gonzalez has represented the Airport Authority since October 2003. Prior to that, she served as a deputy city attorney representing Los Angeles World Airports, the city of Los Angeles department that owns and operates Los Angeles International Airport, LA/Ontario International Airport and Van Nuys Airport.

Gonzalez serves as an adjunct professor at Cal Western School of Law.

Raymond Weamer Joins Union Bank

Raymond (Ray) Weamer has joined Union Bank as vice president, Small Business Administration (SBA) Lending in the San Diego region.

Weamer will serve as business development officer for the Business Banking group’s SBA lending team and is responsible for providing lending solutions to small business owners through SBA and other government loan programs.

Weamer has 23 years of industry experience. Previously, he served as vice president, SBA loan specialist at City National Bank in San Diego, and as vice president specialty finance at JP Morgan Chase. He also served as an SBA lending specialist at California Bank & Trust.

A graduate of San Diego State University, Weamer holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration.