Why I wrote “We Made San Diego”
Even as a third grader I would look for books that had someone that was Latino. In college I would write on index cards with facts about either historical facts or something I had learned about Mexicans or Mexican Americans. Sadly, our contributions to the United States have been minimized. In College I wrote a historical paper on the Neighborhood House that was located at 1809 National Ave. Later, I would take those interviews, add several more, and wrote a book about that settlement house that had meant so much to the Mexican/Mexican American
Community. After that book was written I realized that we had a need to record our history for future generations. My book: “WE MADE SAN DIEGO” was written to tell the stories about our contributions to the city of San Diego. The first section of the book tells about those men and women that were or are activists between 1960 and 1980. They choose a variety of careers and faced man hurdles in order to achieve the successes they have experienced. The section on Vietnam teaches us that the war affected our community and our solders in many different ways. One veteran changed his life in a positive manner after his Vietnam experience.
Latinos are also involved in a variety of businesses. Three young men started the “Xetca Beer Company,” and two young women started “Hola,” a swim suit store for women of all sizes. Two other women started a dance studio. These are only a few of the business Latinos are involved in. The biggest surprise could be the section on “firsts”. The first Latino Police Chief was not hired anywhere in San Diego County until 1999. This happened after having spent twenty years in the police department. Mary Salas, born and raised in Chula Vista, became the first Latina mayor in San Diego County. My book shares our history, our contributions and we explain how WE MADE SAN DIEGO.
Hello! Excellent information. I’m sure there are many Latino accomplishments that people should know about. Thank you for telling these important stories.
David thank you for your very nice comment.
The information in this book is very important for all. Latinos can be proud of the many accomplishments and contributions to this region. Thank you Maria for putting this wonderful book together so that children and adults realize we are hard working, creative and caring people.
This is a wonderful book if you want to learn the history of the Chicanos/Mexicanos/ Latinos, etc. who helped shape San Diego County. Maria Garcia, the author did a really good job of identifying key people who have been instrumental in adding to the rich history in San Diego county from North County, to the coast cities, to the city of San Diego, and to the South Bay. Thank you Maria for sharing this history with us.
Dalia thank you so much for your beautiful comments I really appreciate it
Bea you are not only a wonderful comadre but so supportive of this book.I appreciate your comments.
Maria has done an excellent job of documenting the accomplishments of our leaders who made great strides in moving our Hispanic community forward. It is important that the history is documented and recorder for future generation to see the struggles and accomplishments that have been made by our Hispanic community thru the years.
Dukie, thank you for this wonderful comment. I especially want to Thank you for all your work on the port. You have made such a different in the lives of San Diego National city and Chula Vista.
This book expertly captures the personal stories that shaped and influenced the Latino experience in San Diego. The author looks at these stories and takes the time to weave in situational context for the reader, helping set the stage for the struggles and successes. It’s through those stories and personal experiences that future generations will continue to expand and shape San Diego for years to come. A recommended read for anyone wanting to experience San Diego through a unique lens.
I know how busy you are so thank you for doing this. I really appreciate it and i’m so glad you liked the book
Watching my aunt put together a book from start to finish has been such a rewarding experience. One of the amazing things about this is that she has had support from not only the families she’s interviewed but support from her own family as well. The ways in which family has contributed has been beautiful. I personally have helped her with one of her first book signings. I’ve contributed to her documentary by making sure that those that we’re excited to be apart of it were checked in and comfortable during there experience. I’ve also shared her book on social media and spread the word about it. I think my favorite way of supporting Maria E. Garcia with this project is by showing my immense amount of proudness of the work that she has done. To be able to brag about the wonderful thing that she’s created and show it off to others is beyond rewarding. To do something like Maria E. Garcia has done is beautiful and amazing and she’s not only just written a book but she’s recorded history of families and given them a voice and space to share their stories. Their stories that will be passed down for generations and generations.
Thank you mija for such wonderful comments I love you.i could not have done it without family.
Thank you, Maria, for being our guest speaker at the ACSAR (Association of California School Administrators – Retired) Luncheon. Your extensive research and authentic interviews of the history of Latinos in San Diego County is well documented in your book, We Made San Diego, and you brought it to life in your presentation. It was exciting for me to hear about many of the great people I know and have worked with. Your book is a treasure for all Latinos.
Wow….Meeting you and learning about your book, We Made San Diego, at the Association of California School Administrators – Retired Luncheon, was a stimulating experience for me….and I presume for the rest of the former school administrators as well. It is so intriguing to learn first-hand about the settling in, the successes, and choices of our early San Diegans.
We Made San Diego captures the incredible stories of folks who have been left out of San Diego’s history, stories that must be told. The contributions of Latinos across the county are well-documented in this magnificent work. Thank you, Maria, for telling the stories of the unsung heroes who broke the glass ceilings, overcame obstacles, and made this region a better place!