Gathering Honoring John

Angela 'Romee' Romero was thinking about a way to honor John Olguin other than a formal event.

She created "San Pedro Stands Up For John Olguin" facebook page and then facilitated the creation for a gathering on January 9, 2011.

The idea Romee shared was to have folks come down to Point Fermin Park and have momement of silence while gathered around and near the plaque honoring John as the person of the 20th Century for San Pedro. Then after the silence, folks would stand in a line as an honor to John's memory as the sun set over the Pacific Ocean.

While the intent might have been to have everyone standing along Paseo Del Mar to watch the sunset, we all seem to want to head towards the edge of the park, facing the sun and the Pacific, to watch the setting sun, marvel at the ocean and some marine life, and share whatever we wished to share, including the sunset.

Along the rocks below folks was one of our nesting falcons perched overlooking resting sea lions. Not far out from the rocks a dolphin was doing what a dolphin does, I suppose on 'porpoise'.

I found the gathering to be more of a celebration of life and fond memories as friends who hadn't seen other friends for some time greeted each other almost as if they just talked to them yesterday.

The sun set. We departed knowing we would probably see everyone again on June 22 at the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium for the 'official' public memorial beginning at 1:00 PM. Fireworks at 5.