Tribute to Del Mar Legend Bill Arballo

Bill Arballo just sent me a copy of his book, "Del Mar Reflections-A Personal History of Del Mar." But before I talk about it, I'd like to talk about him. To many, he's a legend in California, Hawaii and other places for his superb reporting, writing and public relations talents as well as training others in these fields. The modest fellow has positively helped change his city and neighboring communities.

From 1962-63, Bill was Mayor of the once small but famous City of Del Mar, CA. "He was active in the incorporation of Del Mar and also the movement to stop the widening of Highway 101, which would have destroyed the beach communities from Leucadia to Del Mar," said his proud daughter, Teresa Arballo Barth, who's continuing the family tradition of community service by being Mayor of nearby Encinitas.

Other daughter Loreta said the whole family often discussed politics and important community issues, while growing up in the Don Diego de Alvarado House, the oldest home in Del Mar, where Bill lived from 1937-1976 at 144 10th Street. The 1885 structure was later moved to the fairgrounds. "He really got us thinking, debating and involved," she said.

Bill also set up the original PR department at the Del Mar Fair and was media supervisor for the Los Angeles County Fair as well as other fairs and special events. He reported for UPI on the Big Island and a news radio station on Hilo; founded two papers, the Del Mar News Press and Del Mar Today, was a columnist for The Coast News and some of his words appeared in Copley Newspapers.

Living and working in Del Mar brought him in contact with everyone in the community and his book lists many by name. He also ran into the likes of Bing Crosby, Jimmy Durante, President Nixon, Raquel Tejada (later Welsh), Desi Arnaz and Seabiscuit.

As a writer, he can be tenacious, fearless, observant, tell it like it is, sympathetic and funny. He still often types on an old-time Royal—quickly, succinctly, profoundly, to the point. The typewriter is linked to his brain—always has been, always will be. It's a love affair that will never end, although he does spend some time on Facebook. He has to purchase typewriter ribbons from Mexico.

He's a gentleman, gracious, accommodating, trustworthy and a professional's professional, a world class networker without parallel. Bill always has a smile on his face and a sense of humor. No wonder he has been president of both a Chamber of Commerce and a Junior Chamber. He cares about where he lives and he cares about those around him. Maybe that's why in World War II, when he was hit by shrapnel in Italy, then-Medic Bill continued to help other wounded until he fell unconscious (earning him a Silver Star, Purple Heart and other honors). I've known Bill as a humble man, who doesn't talk about his accomplishments, a hardworking guy, who gets the job done on time no matter what.

You'll learn a lot about Del Mar in his book, from its early beginnings, the creation of the Del Mar Turf Club with Bing Crosby as President and Pat O'Brien as Vice President, how Del Mar became known as "Where the Turf meets the Surf" and "Where no one is in a hurry but the horses." You'll be delighted by the stories of how Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis pretended to be waiters at a Press Party and Jerry intentionally spilled soup and dropped salad on people before the duo was introduced as aspiring comedians. There's the story of the gutsy Seabiscuit, "an undersized horse with a short tail and knees that wouldn't straighten" but went on to become one of the most famous celebrities ever.

You'll laugh reading about a woman who wanted three fishermen, who smelled like fish, to be thrown out of the Drug Store, until she found out one was Jimmy Durante, then she wanted his autograph. Mayor Arballo once made the deciding vote against a construction variance that Desi Arnaz wanted for his home on 18th Street. Arnaz approached Bill afterwards and said, "No hard feelings. I knew I was asking for something no one else had. You voted the right way." There's the hilarious story about how Bill and a friend rescued a pal trying to get out of a hospital. Dressed in a medical smock, Bill and his friend helped the guy escape in an ambulance. You'll learn about the battles over annexation, freeways, water, growth, the Del Mar Fair and much more, complete with rare photos.

Thanks for writing this book, Bill. It always will be treasured as an insider's view of Del Mar history. You can get a copy of "Del Mar Reflections" at some Del Mar businesses or at Amazon.com.

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