For those who aren’t privy to the city’s civic calendar, Sunday, March 8, was Norbert Stein Day in Chula Vista.
Chula Vista Mayor Mary Casillas Salas presented Stein with a formal proclamation stating such at the City Council meeting immediately preceding Stein’s 102nd birthday on Sunday.
Stein, a member of America’s greatest generation, received the standard congratulatory letter from the president of the United States, in this case, Barack Obama, upon reaching his 100th birthday.
That was two years ago, and the memories — and accolades — of pushing past the century mark continue to accumulate for Stein, a Chula Vista resident since 1958.
“I’ve done and seen a lot, more than most people,” he said. “America has been very good to me.”
It was a memorable week for Stein preceding his 102nd year on this planet. After receiving the proclamation from the mayor on March 3, he attended the San Diego Sockers’ playoff game at the Valley View Casino Center that ensuing Saturday. A private birthday party with 50 close friends and relatives followed at Casa Guadalajara in Old Town San Diego the next day.
The Sockers have officially acknowledged Stein, a native of Aidhausen, Germany, as their all-time No. 1 fan. Prior to kick-off of their Major Arena Soccer League Pacific Division championship game against the Las Vegas Legends, the Sockers honored Stein on his impending 102nd birthday with an on-field presentation.
Stein, his mind still sharp, raised his walker above his head to acknowledge the cheers from the 4,279 in attendance.
“I think they had an extra thousand people just because I was there,” the former butcher quipped.
Stein gave a pre-game pep talk to the team in the locker room is custom. No one else but Stein is allowed in the locker room prior to games.
Like every game, he read a self-penned poem to the team.
“I’m going to scratch 103, I’m going to scratch 104,” Stein, the acknowledged Poet of Chula Vista, told the regular season Pacific Division champions. “If I’m still around at 105, I’ll invite all of you and more. The biggest birthday present you can give me is a winning score, a winning score, a winning score. Have a ball, God bless you all.”
The Sockers (16-5) put on a good show in recovering from an early 3-0 deficit. But Las Vegas (15-7) had the last word in the playoff match by eliminating the Sockers by a score of 7-6.
Regardless of the outcome, Stein said this newest version of the Sockers remains a winner in the camaraderie department.
“These guys all like each other,” said Stein, also known within the soccer community as “The Captain.” “I was around the old Sockers and you could never say that.”
Stein’s birthday celebration highlight was an appearance by a special representative of Congressman Juan Vargas, who presented Stein with a copy of the Congressional Record, the official daily record of the debates and proceedings of the U.S. Congress, submitted to the 114th Congress in Washington by Vargas. It reads:
“House of Representatives, in recognition of Norbert Stein’s 102nd birthday, Hon. Juan Vargas:
“Mr. Stein immigrated to the United States in 1935, fleeing Nazi rule in his native Bavaria. Upon arriving in New York City, he immediately acquired a position in a butcher shop earning $15 a week. Mr. Stein then relocated to Cuba for several years during the late 1930s, representing his employer in the meat wholesale market. During World War II, Mr. Stein served in the U.S. Military, earning a Bronze star for his heroic capture of three Japanese soldiers.
“After the war, Norbert returned to New York before finally moving to Chula Vista in 1958. In Chula Vista, Mr. Stein opened his very own business at Third Avenue and G Street, the Butcher of Seville, where he sold customers cut steaks and meat. After 10 years of building his reputation as the best butcher in town, Norbert sold his shop. He then turned his attention to the real estate market and now owns and manages over a dozen rental properties in the region.
“Norbert Stein remains a vibrant member of the Chula Vista community. His often ad-libbed verse has earned him the title of the ‘Poet of Chula Vista’ and he has been formally recognized by the San Diego Sockers as their all-time No. 1 fan. Mr. Stein’s motto is ‘help your neighbor’ and his commitment to civic-minded engagement is an inspiration to his community.
“Mr. Stein’s life stands as a testament to the veracity of the idea of America as both a nation of immigrants and a land of opportunity for all. I would like to officially congratulate Mr. Norbert Stein on his 102nd birthday and recognize his contributions to the city of Chula Vista as well as the United States of America.”
Stein was visibly moved.
Later in the evening, Stein received a standing ovation from those gathered in the restaurant after dancing to music from a live mariachi band. He even sang, belting out “Guadalajara, Guadalajara …”
“It was the best day in my life,” Stein remarked about his 102nd birthday celebration.
Stein has led a remarkable life. If anyone ever chose to write a book about his exploits, it would likely be a best-seller.
The same goes for a film.
A butcher’s apprentice at 14 in 1927 Germany, Stein landed in New York City in 1935.
The Nazis didn’t get him. He later fought for the United States in World War II against the Empire of Japan.
He single-handedly captured three Japanese soldiers during the invasion of Okinawa.
He marched the three enemy soldiers at gunpoint back to headquarters, whereupon his superior officers quickly drew pistols as a safeguard as many Japanese soldiers booby-trapped themselves.
Stein was duly cited for his heroism.
“I wasn’t scared,” he recalled. “I was just too dumb to do it.”
