I really do not have the words to describe how much I look forward to San Diego Legends: Living Well exhibit every year. This is a masterpiece in recognizing the people in our communities that would normally not be given the time of day, despite the many wonderful contributions to our local communities, and many times way beyond.
I really do not have the words to describe how much I look forward to San Diego Legends: Living Well exhibit every year. This is a masterpiece in recognizing the people in our communities that would normally not be given the time of day, despite the many wonderful contributions to our local communities, and many times way beyond.
It was nothing short of shock and dismay when I heard that Jose Aponte, the former director of the San Diego County Library retired. His life was filled with work and the many places that he volunteered with and boards that he sat on, all of which made a direct impact on our community. And his work with the San Diego County Library was nothing short of visionary. He pioneered his way through life and embraced his Latino culture in everything that he did. Even now, while retired, he is biking his way across America, and from what I hear, having a blast at it.
Here in East County we have many people that fall under the label of “living legends,” both young and old. I see it every day and even in this issue alone, see many of them that just as easily could be considered one of our own legends.
It was a thrill when I heard that East County Artist Mona Mills was in this year’s selection of the Legends Project. A self-taught artist, we see her work everywhere in East County museums and libraries, and if you travel outside of East County will see her works at monumental places like Chicano Park. And her dream has always been to be a public artist, where her work can be seen freely and hopefully give inspiration to many young artists out there. This is more than admirable and her willingness to teach the creative process, regardless of what your creative side might lean to, it is a formidable trait that cannot be denied.
There are so many people that I meet all the time that I consider our local living legends. And my pursuit in serving East County is to bring many of these people, and their stories to your home my wish is that you gain something great that will remain with you all of your life.
Many of these people that I meet do this for me every day. Just getting to know them is a privilege in life, and in all of my stories about people and their lives, I always gain more in my life than they gain by having an article written about them.
Just looking over this issue, CHP Retired Senior Patrol Volunteer Bob Weishan left indelible ink in my heart and soul. His service throughout his many years ranged from volunteering to working with the engines that powered NASA’s Gemini and Apollo missions. At the Bulls Only Rodeo, I am thrilled when I see Danny “Buffalo Chip” Alvarez perform. This man not only loves Lakeside and would do anything for his community. His love of the sport of rodeo is such a part of his life that he is the man that will never retire as long as he can stand in the arena and entertain the community and promote the sport of rodeo.
Although San Diego Legends: Living Well exhibit is geared towards our elders that have paved many a street before us, there are just as many younger legends in our community that deserve recognition. I can say that with our local ambassadors from the pageants we cover each year. I’ve never been disappointed and have always been amazed at what these young ladies do, all the while juggling work, school, family and friends on top of the hundreds of hours they put in every year, whether wearing the crown or not.
So when you meet someone, regardless of age that touches your heart due to the work that they do in their daily average lives that rarely hit the big lights of fame, take time to let them know how they inspire you. And while you are at it, let me know about them. I’ll try to tell their stories so that the impression that they leave on one person can be passed on to many.
