Steven Schoenherr
Founder of SBHS and Historian Emeritus
Dr. Steven Schoenherr was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in 1945 and earned his B.A. in History at Indiana University and his Ph.D. in History at the University of Delaware.He moved to San Diego in 1977 and taught in the Department of History at the University of San Diego from 1977 to 2007.
Aurora-Marie Dolopo Zhivago
President of SBHS, Website and Newsletter
Raised in South Bay San Diego since 1971, Aurora-Marie Dolopo Zhivago is a Published Children’s Book Author and Illustrator, “The Sakura”. Retired Surgical Operating Room Technologist and Visual and Performing Arts Educator and Consultant for Chula Vista Elementary School District.
Her pen-name is Dr. Zhivago, nicknamed by Surgeons and Anesthesiologists and her students in the school district.
Francia Castro
Vice President and Director of Historical Home Tours SBHS
For over a decade Francia calls Chula Vista home.
Amidst the vibrant culture and community spirit of this city, Francia has worn many hats—a nurturing single mother raising three remarkable children, a professional with two decades of dedicated customer service experience, and a passionate advocate for positive change.
Around seven years ago, I set forth on a transformative journey in the world of real estate. Guided by a mentor who believed in my potential, I ventured into this amazing field. My commitment to excellence and my determination to provide unwavering support to my clients have been the cornerstones of my real estate career.
But my contributions extend beyond property transactions. In 2022, motivated by my desire to create a lasting impact, I ran for City Council District 2. Though the election was a chapter in itself, it was not the end of my civic involvement. The year 2023 saw me embracing the role of Commissioner for the Chula Vista Veteran Advisory Commission—a privilege that allows me to serve those who have served us.
Yet, my journey doesn’t stop here. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration at Southwestern College, a commitment that reflects my belief in the power of education and growth. As I expand my horizons academically, I am also dedicated to expanding the dreams and possibilities of those I serve in real estate.
In every step I take, from guiding my children to navigating the world of real estate, from advocating for my community to pursuing higher education, I am driven by a profound dedication to making a positive difference.
Harry Orgovan
Historian SBHS
Harry Orgovan is a native Chula Vistan. He grew up loving and learning about the great South Bay outdoors enjoying swimming, fishing, hiking, and watching the different birds at the San Diego Bay.
Jack Gechter
Historian SBHS
I was born in San Diego, CA (1949). My Roots are in San Ysidro, CA. I lived in San Ysidro from 1949-1962. I attended Sunset Elementary, Beyer Elementary, Southwest Junior High School.
I lived in San Diego (North Park, East San Diego) (1962-1976).
I attended Wilson Junior High School and Hoover High School (Graduate 1967) in East San Diego (aka City Heights). I moved back to the South Bay area in 1976.
I served in the USMCR (1969 -1975) – Vietnam Era Veteran.
Southwestern College 1972-1976 (1976 – Associate Arts Degree -Physics)
Santa Ana College (2000- Associate Arts Degree – Engineering Surveying & Mapping). I worked for the City of Chula Vista (1979-2005) Engr. Tech 1, Survey Party Chief, Assistant
Surveyor II.
In September, 2005 I became a Professional Land Surveyor – PLS 8051 https://www.bpelsg.ca.gov/ 2005 -2020. After leaving the City of Chula Vista (26 years of dedicated service) I worked as a Professional Land Surveying Consultant (South Bay Land Surveying).
Mitch Beauchamp
Historian and Treasurer SBHS
Mitch Beauchamp has been around National City for 75 years. His wife for 53 years, Martha, and two daughters, Vanessa Beth, and Nolina Lynn, are all National City natives (both daughters being Phi Beta Kappas!). While working as the manager of a Mexican railroad, he also took on Mexican citizenship, all the time loathing spicy food!