The old expression the “Apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” certainly applies to our new Encinitas Mayor Teresa Arballo Barth.
Her father Bill Arballo was Del Mar’s mayor in 1962.
Teresa and I became acquainted when she and husband Don became life members of the Friends of the Cardiff-by-the-Sea-Library.
She later became a board member, then president. Following her father’s example, who was a long time Board member of the Mexican American Educational Guidance Association, as president she established our scholarship program, which continues to benefit high school graduates.
Known for her civic participation, she joined the Cardiff Chamber of Commerce Board, volunteered as our office manager, and brought Dog Days of Summer to our community, which commands a yearly crowd of thousands. She is always in attendance serving as emcee.
Before she joined the City Council, Teresa and her father were friendly rivals. She wrote a weekly community interest column for the North County Times and her father wrote a column, called Eye on the Coast for The Coast News.
She shared a story about when her father was 14 he lived near the railroad tracks in Del Mar. When a locomotive derailed and cars tumbled down the bluff, he called in the story to the San Diego Union.
Since it was New Year’s Eve, the night editor thought it a prank. The Los Angeles Times however ran Bill’s story and paid him $25, his first check for reporting.
He continued his career as a reporter including a number of years in Hawaii as a correspondent for United Press International and co-founded the Big Island Press Club.
The Press Club was instrumental in establishing the Hawaii County open meeting laws.
Again following in her father’s footsteps, Teresa is an advocate of open government and encourages residents to participate in local government. She is happy to meet with residents and is often seen at community events.
I campaigned for Teresa both times she ran for office. I stood on the corner waving her sign to passing motorists and stuffed envelopes and the entire community was pleased when she joined the City Council as a representative of Cardiff-by-the-Sea.
Bill Arballo and Teresa Arballo Barth are people I am pleased to know and it is very comforting to have the mayor of the city of Encinitas residing in Cardiff-by-Sea, the place we so proudly call home.
A founding and life member as well as past president and current board member of the of the Friends of the Cardiff-by-the-Sea Library, Irene has lived here since 1982.
