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Thursday, October 14, 2021 • The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint
www.sdvoice.info
City of Lemon Grove Celebrations Photos: Mike Norris
By Voice & Viewpoint Staff The City of Lemon Grove and the Lemon Grove Historical Society held a two day celebration of the newly
named Treganza Heritage Park, formerly known as Civic Center Park. The Lemon Grove City Council adopted the name change in February of 2020, but the celebration had been delayed by the pandemic. Speaking at the dedication event, Mayor Raquel Vasquez stated that it's important to honor the legacy of the Treganza Family who has played such a great role in shaping the city as it exists today. “They were an instrumental, leading pioneer family that contributed significantly in many areas to the growth of the town, including advancing the arts & culture, science, medicine, education, business,
international relations, and local and national service organizations from the 19th century and into the 21st,” Mayor Vasquez said. In 1928, Alberto Treganza designed “The Big Lemon” which is still a treasured icon in Lemon Grove to this day. His wife, Antwonet Kaufman, was the first ever female Postmaster and Chamber of Commerce president. Dr. Amorita Treganza had groundbreaking achievements as a pediatric optometrist; and was the first woman to head a national medication association's College of Optometrists in Vision Development. The San Diego Center for Vision Care, which she founded, is still operating today on Broadway Avenue in Lemon Grove in honor of her legacy. The two day celebration started on Friday, October 8th at 7pm in the courtyard behind the H. Lee House. There was also a free “History Alive” lecture series with Cynthia Hughes-Doyle on the Albert Treganza architecture and landscape. Helen Ofield, past president of the Lemon Grove Historical
Society, presented the story of the Treganza family as the city’s most famous local residents. On Saturday, October 9th, the lead off activity was the dedication of the Treganza Heritage Park with an outdoor program that included community members, organizations like the Lemon Grove Library and the Sheriff ’s Department, County Supervisor Joel Anderson, the Mayor of Lemon Grove and members of the Lemon Grove City Council. While a large number of Treganza descendants and family members were present, five were selected to receive the numerous proclamations of recognition, which appear in several photographs here. The Girl Scouts presented the colors, the world renowned Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Choir presented two inspirational songs, and Rev. Dr. John E. Warren, gave the invocation. Following remarks from the Mayor, a presentation of mementos by Helen Ofield, and the ribbon cut-
Essay winner
County Sup. Joel Anderson is pictured here on the far left along with other attendees and Pastor Warren
A dinner was held Friday, October 8th preceding the ribbon cutting
In the foreground, members of the Treganza family are pictured here
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Choir performed
Dancers at Friday’s dinner
The Friday, October 8, 2021 entertainment included flamenco dancers and a Spanish guitarist.
