San Diego, CA
Lecture series returns to Birch Aquarium with an eco-positive spin
For more than two decades, Birch Aquarium in La Jolla has hosted a lecture series aiming to shed light on worldwide research conducted by scientists at its home, UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography. But this year’s version of the Jeffrey B. Graham Perspectives on Ocean Science Lecture Series is unique for two reasons.
First, it will align with a theme of eco-optimism. And it will be the first series held at the aquarium’s new exhibition “Living Seas.”
The Perspectives on Ocean Science Lecture Series enables scientists to share their research with the public in distinct presentations.
Octavio Aburto, a marine ecologist and Scripps Oceanography professor, will kick off the series Monday, Sept. 8.
Then on Monday, Oct. 6, Scripps professor Brad Moore and his graduate student Natalie Grayson will discuss the institution’s Center for Marine Biotechnology and Biomedicine and its connections to society.
On Monday, Nov. 10, Scripps assistant professor of biological oceanography Colleen Petrik will talk about her research on computer-simulated ocean ecosystems, as well as sustainable commercial fisheries and ecosystems.
Aburto arrived at Scripps in 2003 and got a faculty position a decade later. The Mexico-born researcher has long conducted studies in the Gulf of California and will be appearing in the series for the third time.
In lectures more than a decade ago, he discussed sea mounts in the gulf and the formation of Cabo Pulmo National Park, a marine protected area.
This year, he will deliver a recap of 25 years of gulf research, discuss why long-term monitoring programs matter and explore how they can shift conversations about marine conservation.
Central to his lecture is the rebranding of marine protected areas — parts of the ocean dedicated to conservation purposes — to “marine prosperity areas,” combining conservation, economic growth, environmental responsibility and social policy.
“We are showing that not only in the Gulf of California but in many coastal areas, we need to start promoting prosperity, because not only do we need to restore ecosystems, we need to restore human well-being and start funding blue economies if we really want to change the planet.”
That notion ties into the larger theme of eco-optimism.
Series organizer Cheryl Peach said the aquarium recently constructed broad themes for the lecture series. This year’s talks — two of which are currently unannounced — range “from the development of new, economically grounded strategies for sustaining critical ecosystems and fisheries to innovative research at the intersection of oceanography and human health,” she said.
“Birch Aquarium is the public outreach center for the Scripps Institution of Oceanography,” Peach said. “Whenever possible, we endeavor to tie our ever-evolving exhibits at the aquarium to our speakers’ presentations.”
The reimagined “Living Seas” space marked the aquarium’s biggest capital improvement project since its current facility opened in 1992 at Scripps Oceanography. This year, it will serve as the site of the lecture series.
“The new gallery showcases the wide variety of marine ecosystems studied by Scripps scientists, including those featured in Octavio’s research, and illuminates humankind’s many connections to our living ocean,” Peach said.
Aburto said he’s excited to share his research with aquarium guests of varying ages and backgrounds.
“Every time Birch Aquarium presents a new exhibition, I think it’s part of our goal and our responsibility as an academic institution to inspire not only the community in San Diego but all the visitors that come from many places,” Aburto said.
Each lecture in the series is free for Birch Aquarium members and $12 for non-members. Registration is required. For more information, visit aquarium.ucsd.edu/events/lectures. ♦
OCEANSIDE — The Frontwave Arena scoreboard showed 23 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. Up 16, Francis Parker’s win over Westview High School for the CIF San Diego Section Open Division girls basketball championship was secure.
“No, no, no!” Parker head coach Courtney Clements screamed to freshman guard Jordan Brown, telling her there was no need to score.
So Brown walked the ball up the floor, from the backcourt, across midcourt, a 1,000-watt smile etched across her face.
With no Wolverines defending her, Brown dribbled from side to side across the logo. Then, a fraction of a moment before the final buzzer sounded, Brown flung the basketball high toward the rafters, then was engulfed by teammates.
The job was complete. Parker’s first Open Division title in program history was secure, the final reading 66-50 on Saturday night.
Of those final seconds, said Brown, who scored 23 points. “It was a surreal moment, knowing we worked for this all year long. It’s amazing.”
One reason it was amazing was because the top-seeded Lancers (21-7) were a decided favorite, but were stressed by the sixth-seeded Wolverines (20-9). Led by UC Santa Barbara-bound senior guard Sarah Heyn (18 points in the first half), Westview led 35-28 early in the third quarter.
“I just knew I had to do whatever it took to win,” said Brown. “Whether that was defense or offense. I just wanted to win, period.”
Sparked by its defense, Parker closed the quarter on a 14-0 run. Westview’s final 11 possessions of the quarter ended with five missed shots and six turnovers.
Still, the game wasn’t over. Heyn cut the deficit to 48-44 with just over six minutes to play on a bucket. But with 5:47 to play, Heyn was whistled for her fifth foul on a reach-in.
“Knowing their best player fouled out, we sealed the win,” said Brown.
As for Heyn, who finished with 23 points, she sat on the bench and pulled her jersey over her eyes, hiding tears.
Clements’ thoughts when Heyn fouled out? “I hope we can put this game away now.”
That the Lancers did, outscoring Westview 18-6 down the stretch.
The Lancers’ players and coach were effusive in their praise for Heyn, a four-year starter.
“She’s a great player,” said Brown.
“She played phenomenally,” said Clements. “She played the way you would think a senior would play in a championship game. She played desperately. She played every possession like it was the last 20 seconds of the game. She was extremely impressive. (Heyn buried five 3s, missing only once from deep.) She should be proud of herself.”
Clements was proud of her team for another reason. After blowing out two-time reigning Open Division champion Mission Hills by 26 in the semis, some thought Parker might cruise in the title game.
“I figured it was going to be a fight, and it was,” said Clements. “It was good that our girls had to come together, had to stick together. That’s what this is all about, developing character via the sport of basketball. When the kids face adversity, they have to make a decision. Who do they want to be? They showed the best version of themselves. That’s what I want to remember from a game like this.”
Francis Parker’s primary color is brown, which is fitting for the girls basketball team. They are led not only by the freshman Jordan Brown, but also junior Brieana Brown, a strong, aggressive and athletic 5-foot-11 wing.
Brieana Brown scored 25 points and yanked down a team-best eight rebounds.
About the team in brown being led by the Browns (who are not related), Jordan Brown said: “It’s super cool. I love Bri and our story. So many people think we’re related, that we’re siblings. In reality, we’re not, but we play like it.”
Francis Parker and Westview both will advance to the Southern California Regionals.
Earlier in the season, Clements — who was dressed in all black for the championship game — confessed she wasn’t crazy about Parker’s primary color. Her mood shifted Saturday night.
“Brown’s doing well for me now,” she said.
Asked if Lancers’ Brown squared tandem represents the best one-two girls basketball punch in the San Diego Section, Clements gave the questioner a “What do you think?” smirk.
“That,” said the coach of the Open Division champions, “is a no-brainer.”
Joan Endres
OBITUARY
Born January 1939 in Cincinnati Ohio. Died February 14, 2026, in San Diego, California, with her sons at her side. Her beloved husband Dean passed away in 2010.
Joan was the only child of Thomas and Edna Palmer. In 1943, the family moved to San Diego, where Joan graduated from Helix High School in 1956.
In 1957 Joan married Dean Endres of San Diego, where they raised two sons. Joan followed her two great passions outside the home, the Arts, and Gardening. Both activities being a way to bring beauty to others and to the community.
Joan received a degree in Environmental Design from San Diego State University, and afterwords worked at UCSD, for the Campus Architect.
As an artist, Joan worked in various media, especially ceramics. She was active in many cultural and arts organizations, eventually becoming President of the Combined Organization for the Visual Arts (COVA). Later she turned to gardening, with the Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca Community College and the Master Gardener Association of San Diego County.
Joan is survived by her son Jeff and wife Katrin, grandson Jackson, and son Todd Endres, all of La Mesa, and sisters Alice Buck of Phoenix, Elaine Kennedy of San Diego, Nancy and husband Don Jones of Vista, Eva Budzinski of Cloudcroft, New Mexico, and their children and grandchildren.
There will be a Celebration of Life for Joan in the near future. Those who wish to attend should contact celebratejoanuvart@gmail.com to receive details when they are confirmed. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests a donation to the Water Conservation Garden or the Diego Visual Arts Network (SDVAN).
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