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Good Neighbors
-Friendly
-Helpful
-International
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How good is your neighborhood?
By Chi Padua
2006 JUL, Chula Vista - If you have experienced living in the Philippines surely you knew who your neighbors were.
In a small town like San Antonio, it is possible to know the people living even more than
ten blocks down the street. When neighbors pass your house, it is more likely that you wave
and smile at each other or even spend just a few minutes to have a chat and be updated with the
local news or even humdrum topics like the humid weather. In this big country the US of A,
it may be a different story, depending on where one lives.
When we lived in Vallejo (about 30 miles north of romantic San Francisco) in the mid-1990s we
found our neighborhood was just like most neighborhoods in America. We waved and chatted with
our neighbors who were all retired by then and who’ve owned their homes for more than 50 years.
But we never socialized except perhaps when they hold garage sales and a warm chat may have saved
me a few bucks at one time or another.
When we moved to San Diego County in 1999, we were lucky to have found a place with warm and
kindly neighbors. Because we basically all moved into our new homes at the same time is what
probably gave us instant rapport. We’ve been celebrating our Pueblo Anniversary (14 families
live on Pueblo Place, our little cul-de-sac) for the past five years whenever November comes
around. Most of the time we would have potluck right in the middle of the street (block party).
Once, we all had dinner at a nearby restaurant. But to accommodate us all in one big table was
one gigantic challenge, so we never tried it again. Besides it’s always more fun to be milling
around or sitting on a lounge chair in the middle of the street up until the middle of the night.
Every 4th of July, Memorial Weekend, Labor Day Weekend, and also Christmas, are some of
the holidays we celebrate with family. The Pueblo Pals – the name we call ourselves here at
Pueblo Place, also celebrate friendship during these holidays and during our summer block
parties. Progressive dinners (appetizers, main dinner, coffee and dessert are served in three
different homes) are fun during Christmas season with the "exchange gifts" capping the night.
Of course in the summertime, we also have our "garage exchange gifts" when we incorporate gag
gifts among others…all for fun.
The Pueblo Pals also love to play poker. I was surprised when my Caucasian neighbor knew "tong-its."
Last July 4th was hot in Chula Vista, but that didn't deter us from enjoying our block party
from 10 AM to 10 PM. And so the poker began right after lunch. Also, our Homeowners' Association
sends us $250 – cash given to the first 10 or so neighborhoods requesting permit for a block
party -this we use to buy the burgers, hotdogs and chips for lunch. Now, dinner is a different
story. Recently we’ve been hiring a caterer to prepare Mexican dinner for us because in our
experience, every one is too tired to do the cooking by late afternoon.
With the children of Pueblo it’s a different entertainment altogether. One year, a band by one of the
Pal's son did the entertaining. Another year, there was a DJ and either a water slide or an Air
Jump for the kids. This year's July 4th we had our own fireworks, courtesy of the Pals who
bought a whole box of different kinds of fireworks from Bakersfield.
What's the best thing about my neighborhood? It’s not just the potlucks and block parties. We also look
out for one another. My neighbor calls me to borrow a big skillet and she returns it with
avocados from her yard or some veggies from a trip out-of-town. We lost our key to the Pool
Areas and my daughter had to borrow our neighbor’s not only once. Sometimes we had to be out of
town when it's trash day; nevertheless, it's painless to request for our neighbor to take care
of the trash bins for us. We also need not ask anyone to place our delivered newspapers in a
secure place if we have to be gone several days. That simple thing is what they do in their own
neighborly way. When a neighbor delivered triplets, some of the Moms took turns to cook dinner
to bring to the young family.
The moment a neighbor heard that I was sending some used clothes to the Philippines for some destitute
families, she eagerly gave me some of her used clothing. My neighbor Cindy Clark helped a lot
with SASDCI’s Book for San Antonio project. She e-mailed the teachers at her son’s school and
that's how we got abundant used school supplies. She loves the bread I bake for her; the same
bread I gave away to the generous teachers as a sign of gratitude.
My neighborhood is probably like others in California: an international delight. We are a good mix of
Caucasians, Mexicans, Filipinos, El Salvadorans, Korean, Italian, and Japanese. That is why our
potlucks include an array of barbeques, paella, taquitos, salads, pasta, sushi, Korean noodles,
and lumpia, among others. But as I always say: it's not the food, it's the company.
We know our good neighbors and we have established a sort of a neighborhood watch. We will not hesitate
to call for their help and we will not have qualms to extend ours if needed. How good is your
neighborhood?
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Block Party
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Fun and Games
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Sonny Gonzales celebrates 80th Birthday
by Chi Padua
Born on July 31, 1926, the youthful Sonny Gonzales hosted a lunch buffet for family and friends
on the occasion of his 80th birthday. Assisted by his lovely wife Mercedita and joined by their
three children: Dan and family flew in from Sacramento; Laarni and family flew in from Chicago;
and youngest David came all the way from Virginia Beach. The party was completed by the attendance
of close family members and friends.
the Celebrant!
Sonny G. with Alice Peregrino (Standing); Seated are: Manny Flaviano, Perla Callo, Mina and Ben Maggay; and Jun and Lorna Gonzales.
Mercy Gonzales with Apolonio and Melita Arlantico; Fe Concepcion-Evangelista and son; Alice Peregrino;
Pacquing Concepcion; Panching Lonzanida Banaga; and Chi Padua.
Standing L-R:Joven and Merina Olegario, Laarni Gonzales with Dad the Celebrant Sonny and Mom Mercedita
Seated L-R:Gail Gonzales, son Brook and daughter Kristen Gonzales with Dad Dan Gonzales; David Gonzales
The very warm Hostess Mercedita Gonzales posing with some of the guests:(L-R) Pacquing Concepcion,
Sergio Bueno, Apolonio and Melita Arlantico, Chi Padua and Nena Caceres.
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