Thank You to Our Sponsors & Partners

Kimberly Longoria

kmarksteiner0
Oct 16, 2025
1 min read

Updated: Nov 13, 2025

First American Bank

Commercial Loan Officer

Over the past 10 years, I have built a career in banking and finance, advancing from an entry level support role to my current position as a commercial loan officer. In this role, I partner with business clients across Carlsbad to evaluate lending needs and manage commercial loan portfolio needs that help local businesses grow and thrive. I’m a member of several organizations, but the Assistance League holds a special place for me. Through their Operation School Bell program, we provide new clothing to schoolchildren who might not otherwise be able to afford it. This mission is deeply personal: my late mother was once dressed by this very program as a child and later joined it as an adult. I also love contributing as a Chamber Ambassador, helping with local events, and as a member of the Downtown Lions Club, where we screen children’s eyes and help them get glasses. Giving back to my community is not just what I do; it’s a part of who I am.

Comments

Seven Cavemen Named to All-District Team

By Don Eskins Seven Cavemen have been selected for All-District 4/5A honors for their efforts on the baseball diamond during 2026. Heading the list of CHS hardballers named to this year’s team was sophomore hurler Wade Cozart. Cozart, named as an All District First Team pitcher and Second Team infielder, was also named as the District 4/5A Player of the Year. Also receiving All-District honors were First Team: Jayden Carter, catcher, Connor Roberson, designated hitter, and EZ

1 day ago

Kathryn Liesse Gessel

Kathryn Liesse Gessel passed peacefully at her home in Paso Robles, CA on Wednesday, May 13, 2026. She lived there for two years, but spent most of her life in Carlsbad, NM. In 1958, after graduating from college in Albuquerque, she left New Mexico to move to California where she had been recruited to teach high school. There she met John Gessel, who had also recently arrived to teach elementary school in Riverside County. They married in 1960 and moved to Santa Barbara befor

1 day ago

Yes, Pookie, Getting Old Isn’t for ...

My wife had an old saying she used a lot. Simply put, she said, “Getting old isn’t for wimps!” Like most young adults, she and I never really thought much about aging. The aches and pains associated with growing older always seemed to be so far away. Well, not so anymore! And yup, getting old isn’t for wimps. I laughed at George Burns, then in his 90’s, when he said, “You know, my knees give me a few problems now. Bending over can be a real challenge, as can getting back up.

1 day ago

Sammy Lopez, Jr. Awarded a Comprehensive Scholarship from the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation has selected Sammy Lopez Jr. of Southeast New Mexico College as one of the 60 high-achieving community college students to receive the prestigious Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. The award will enable these Scholars to complete their bachelor’s degrees at four-year institutions with a significantly reduced financial burden. During his time at Southeast New Mexico College, Sammy has distinguished himself as an exceptional student leader

1 day ago

A Ramp for Señora Olga

By Michael Bromka Carlsbad Heights Lion and foreman of building wheelchair ramps, Tom Dugger, faced a daunting task for a delightful client. Olga de los Santos lives south of Center Street (east of Walmart), with a concrete ramp so steep it’s perilous. Descending, she’s taken a tumble from it. With limited space, the conundrum was to marry a new square wooden half-deck to the prior round brick-and-mortar stoop. Tom envisioned an understructure of horizontal 2”X4” plus vertica

1 day ago