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PORT CHAIRMAN WINS LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Mar 29, 2017

SAN DIEGO, CA, USA - Port of San Diego Chairman Robert “Dukie” Valderrama has been honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from Barrio Station, a beloved social services organization for Barrio Logan.

In presenting the award at the organization’s 47th Anniversary Benefit Dinner, Barrio Station executive director Rachael Ortiz praised Chairman Valderrama for his years of support for Barrio Logan and his lifelong dedication to the economic advancement of his hometown, National City. Ortiz credited Valderrama with working to reroute commercial and industrial truck traffic from the Port’s Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal away from residential streets in Barrio Logan, and for supporting improvements at the Port’s Cesar Chavez Park, which is enjoyed by Barrio children and adults.

“Family and community are the two most important things to me. In making decisions on Port projects and programs, I always consider how those who live, work and play on and near Port tidelands will be affected. I am humbled by this honor and will continue to advocate for the best interests of the people I serve,” said Chairman Valderrama.

“Chairman Valderrama is very deserving of this honor from Barrio Station. As the most veteran member of our Board of Port Commissioners, his people-first approach has been a great benefit to Barrio Logan and National City, and is reflected in the culture of the Port as well,” said Randa Coniglio, Port of San Diego CEO.

“Chairman Valderrama is a highly respected leader who brings a valuable Latino perspective to the Board of Port Commissioners on issues related to waterfront neighborhoods and cultural appreciation,” said Ortiz. “As a member of the Portillos, National City’s largest family, Dukie’s roots along with his hard work, are important community assets.”

Chairman Valderrama, accompanied by several members of his family, accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award before an audience of local community and business leaders on March 2, 2017 at the Barrio Station Theater.

Recent Port improvements to Cesar Chavez Park and the adjacent pier include the installation of tables, chairs, benches and shade structures, along with new, high mast lighting for added security. With community input obtained through extensive public outreach, the design and color scheme of the elements were chosen to coordinate with nearby Chicano Park.

Barrio Station is a grassroots community-based nonprofit organization created in 1970 as an after school “safe haven” for the high risk youth of Logan Heights and neighboring communities in San Diego.

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