I would have been a clever boy had I not had my heart broken Monday night.
Poised to write: “You can have Jessica Sanchez, Joe Coronoa is my American idol.” on Twitter (because where else should one be clever these days but on Twitter?). I was minutes away from sharing that gem with the Interworld.
Corona, as a lot of people probably don’t know, is a professional futbol player. He honed his craft while playing at Sweetwater High School then San Diego State University. He went on to become a member of the U.S. Olympic Soccer team. And in the closing minutes of this week’s match against El Salvador, Corona scored and salvaged Team USA’s chances of moving on to Olympic qualifying.
But El Salvador tied the game. Team USA’s dream of going to London this summer faded and my Twitter post died.
The message wouldn’t have been a slam against Jessica. The 16-year-old “American Idol” contestant has a set of pipes that shames some of today’s pop stars. But I am moved to greater emotional highs and depths when I see excellence in international futbol competition rather than a singing contest.
But aside from the talents of Jessica and Corona, what would have made that Twitter post all the more remarkable is that — for a moment anyway — two products of Chula Vista were on a national stage and excelling. Factor in Raquel Pomplun, the Bonita Vista High grad who graces the cover of the iconic Playboy magazine, and there are three Chula Vistans front and center.
I haven’t seen much of Pomplun. But one interview I caught revealed a charming young woman. Nice.
And while Mayor Cheryl Cox heralded Jessica Sanchez’s accomplishments in her State of the City address and not those of Pomplun, I’m sure it’s because Cox and I don’t read the same articles.
Not long ago some hens in this city had their feathers ruffled when Chula Vista was referred to as a “sputtering neon error” and one of this country’s most boring cities. They squawked about the unfair portrayal.
Well, now here’s the city’s chance to change its image
Maybe they can partner with the Chamber of Commerce’s Tourism and Marketing District and develop an ad campaign featuring Jessica Sanchez, Joe Corona and Raquel Pomplun. In those three we have youth, athleticism, talent and beauty. And nice. What better tourism slogan than this?
“Come to Chula Vista and leave a winner.”
