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September 29, 2001
Flowers and notes left by well-wishers have become impromptu shrines to the World Trade Center victims at area fire stations. Last week, an angel piggy bank was left outside a National City fire station. A child's note was attached:
"My name is AnnaLuz Montano. I am 8 years old. I am very sorry for what happened to New York City. So I'm donating my savings to help the family [sic] that went through so much tragedy. God bless America. I will be praying for all the family [sic] and to the firefighter." [sic]
Inside her bank was $53.17.
Touched by her generosity, eight members of National City's Firefighters Association visited AnnaLuz in her third-grade classroom at Lincoln Acres Elementary Thursday. They introduced themselves, gave her a commendation and proclaimed her a firefighter for the day. She gave them each a hug -- and there were tears all around.
Life goes on
As the Padres season draws to a close, opening ceremonies were augmented by a bridal ceremony in sky box 6A at Sunday's game. The bride, Kathy Richeson, was decked out in a Padres Hawaiian shirt, shorts and Padres socks. Groom Kelly Perkins wore a Padres T-shirt and a button that said, "Groom," lest any of the 50 or so guests be in doubt. And the vows were delivered by the Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk Greg Smith fittingly bedecked in Padres attire. The team friar even stopped by to deliver his blessings, and Tony Gwynn signed the wedding invitation. The honeymooners traveled by motor coach.
Other Padres news
Larry Lucchino, who stunned San Diego with the announcement he was stepping down as the Padres president and CEO at season's end, has headed off to Florida to help Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig, on a temporary basis, decide the future of the Florida Marlins. But he has set up an office in La Jolla, and he has told friends he plans to keep his home here. With Bob Vizas officially stepping in as CEO on Monday, Lucchino didn't quite make it to season's end as promised. But he has an excuse. The season was extended by a week.
The giving goes on
Nick Vitalich, whose family has owned the Chesapeake Fish Co. near Seaport Village since 1915, is well aware of how his restaurant-owning friends are suffering in the post-Sept. 11 tourism slump. So he's doing his part to pump up the local economy. He told his more than 20 purchasing and sales employees to go out to dinner on a weeknight, and he'll pick up the tab -- up to $75. He says, "We need to step up and make a commitment to our community." . . . Actress Marsha Mason flew in from the East Coast for The Globe Theatres gala last Saturday and a Temecula film festival award as scheduled. She said there was no way she would miss a tribute to her dear friend, Globe artistic director Jack O'Brien . . . Business is booming for David Duea, owner of a fire equipment supply company. A few days ago he sent off 55 yellow Nomex jackets and 40 pairs of pants to replace those quickly worn out by S.D. firefighters as they helped clear the rubble in NYC. Duea also has seen a run on firefighter's boots for 911 Fund collectors. Escrow agent Kelli Lau, the mother of a Valley Center fireman, has picked up about 120 boots for fund-raisers so firefighters don't have to lend their personal footwear. Duea, who donated the boots, jokingly says he's giving out size 15's.
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