OB ARTIST AMONG THOSE FEATURED AT 2014 ArtWalk Organizers of Southern California’s largest fine-arts festival, the Mission Federal ArtWalk, have unveiled the distinguished gathering of featured artists who will be showcased at the event’s 30th anniversary in Little Italy. Among the 12 featured artists selected from more than 700 applicants to be highlighted on April 26 and 27 will be Jeff Yeomans of Ocean Beach.
Yeomans, a plein-air painter, produces work featuring urban landscapes, seascapes and landscapes. His work captures familiar San Diego scenes from sweeping seascapes to gritty urban streets.
“We were overwhelmed by the incredible quality and diversity of applicants for the featured artist slots,” said Sandi Cottrell, managing director for ArtWalk San Diego. “Each of the featured artists illustrate this year’s celebratory theme of ‘creativity connects’ through their work. They represent some of the most talented established and emerging artists in the region.”
In all, about 350 artists will be participating in this year’s ArtWalk, which brings out  more than 120,000 spectators and art buyers, dozens of musical performances, interactive elements and 17 blocks of art to enjoy in the heart of Little Italy. The two-day fine-arts festival is well-known for connecting artistic communities, while creating the opportunity for individuals to fall in love with original pieces of art. The Mission Federal ArtWalk is held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. with a packed schedule of opportunities for individuals and families to engage in, create and purchase art. The free event features thousands of pieces of artwork created by artists from California, neighboring states and Mexico. 
All must be accepted into the event to ensure visitors experience a range of fine visual and performing art including painting, sculpture, glasswork, photography, select jewelry and other artisan work.  
For more information, visit www.missionfederalartwalk.org, Twitter at @ArtWalkSD, or Facebook at ArtWalkSD. SDCCD RE-ELECTS GROSCH AS PRESIDENT
At its Dec. 12 organizational meeting, Ocean Beach resident and business owner Rich Grosch was re-elected as president of the San Diego Community College District (SDCCD) Board of Trustees. First elected to the board in 2002, Grosch has served as president since 2009. “We have come a long way since I was first elected president of the board,” he said. “We have handled the severe state budget situation effectively, with balanced budgets and no layoffs of permanent employees. We have the top bond ratings in the state, perfect audit reports and a massive construction program that is on track and under budget. Now that state finances are improving, I look forward to leading and working with our board and district to add more classes, hire more faculty and complete our bond program.”
The SDCCD is governed by a five-member, locally elected board of trustees. Three students also serve a one-year term filling a student trustee position on a rotating basis.
As the second largest of California’s 72 community college districts, the San Diego Community College District serves about 130,000 students annually through three two-year colleges and seven continuing education campuses. The three colleges, San Diego City College, San Diego Mesa College and San Diego Miramar College offer associate degrees and certificates in occupational programs that prepare students for transfer to four-year colleges and entry-level jobs.