Why is Santa Maria’s being an “All American City” such a big deal?
All was revealed to a crowd of more than 40 on Saturday, Dec. 10, at the library’s Shepard Hall.
Among attendees at the Historical Society’s monthly “The Valley Speaks” program were quite a few of those who went to Mobile, Ala., in 1998, to compete for one of 10 “All American City” awards granted by the American Civic League.
Former City Councilman Bob Orach emceed. Wearing an All America City polo shirt, Orach introduced speakers who explained how our “All America City” status came about and what it means.
Here’s the skinny: Abel Maldonado, mayor at the time, got the bug to apply for the award after visiting Pulaski, Tenn., and learning that they had won. He talked to Pulaski’s mayor about how they qualified and why it was important. Pulaski had a big image problem, and Maldonado knew that our city was in a similar plight.
When he was back in town, Maldonado rounded up those who might be interested in throwing the city’s hat in the ring, and the rest, as they say—pardon the cliché—is history.
After a ton of work, which involved raising $60,000 to finance the trip (no city funds were used), 52 locals flew to Mobile, Ala., for the competition. T.V. reporter Kelly Cobiella and a cameraman went along. Orach reminded everyone that Cobiella has gone on to national prominence in broadcasting.
Former Mayor Abel Maldonado, Mary Jacka, Teresa Reyburn, Karen Cordary, Maggie White, Phyllis Rodenberger, and Ike Simas each gave their perspective on the project.
This meeting had the same feeling as a post-Super Bowl game interview where team members express their feeling about winning the big one. All America City project participants are still emotional about the experience.
Orach told us that top sirloin, oak wood, strawberries, salsa, and barbecue equipment were trucked cross country in a refrigerated vehicle supplied by Maldonado. Our team dazzled visitors and competitors with giveaways of Santa Maria-style barbecue and strawberry shortcake. (What, no broccoli?)
And, he added, several students from Santa Maria High School’s Folklorico Dance Group, in costume, enchanted watchers.
I am always happy to meet up with Sister Janet Corcoran. She came to this meeting with her Batmobile, which is what she calls her walker. Because of her sponsorship of Peace Week, Sister Janet was invited to be part of the All America City process.
Successfully dealing with and solving thorny community issues is one of the criteria for being designated an All America City, so Sister Janet was a shoo-in for participation.
Orach mentioned that other cities had giveaways like small boxes of cereal, pens, and key chains. Santa Maria went the extra mile (and then some) in trying to present a feeling for the character of our town.
The excitement didn’t end in Alabama.
After Santa Maria was given “All America City” status, four locals went to the White House to receive the award from then Vice-President Al Gore.
The four who went to Washington were then-Mayor Maldonado, Bob Hatch of the Chamber of Commerce, Rodenberger, and Reyburn.
The trip is over, but the memory lives on.
If you want to hobnob with Helen, you may contact her at helenthom232@yahoo.com.
This article appears in Dec 22-29, 2016.