HH80 Corporation Recognizes Oldest Living Medal of Honor at his 100th Birthday
Written by Cliff Steimle, HH80 President

With all of the troubles and negativity we've all been going through in this country lately, it's very easy to loose faith in our system, our country and it's people. I feel that true Americanism is not found in Washington D.C. or in Sacramento, but it definitely was found one recent Saturday at a wide spot in the road on Old Highway 80 called La Posta. Well over 1,000 people attended a 100th birthday celebration for a true American Hero, John Finn. Mr. Finn is the oldest Medal of Honor recipient honored in recognition of heroism and distinguished service during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941. Cars and motorcycles were parked a mile down the road in each direction. At various times during the ceremony, even with all the grizzled vets and bikers, I don't think there was a dry eye in the crowd.

Organized by Bud Wharton, owner of the La Posta Diner, in attendance were Supervisor Dianne Jacob (wearing a Historic Highway 80 shirt!), a representative from Congressman Duncan Hunter's office and various other military and veterans groups. Also honored was John Baca, Medal of Honor recipient from the Vietnam War. This was an emotional, patriotic day which I am sure glad I attended, and which I will remember for a very long time. Oh, and John seem genuinely excited to receive the special Highway 80 sign that we presented to him.

Note - We hear many favorite Old Highway 80 memories from people as we're out in the community creating awareness of the route so we'd like to invite all of you to share your favorite stories with our readers. Please send us your favorite story for inclusion in a future e-Newsletter issue. Stories should be no longer than three to five paragraphs and please include a picture if you can.

Video Documentary on the History of El Cajon Boulevard

Video Production by Crawford Multimedia and Visual Arts, San Diego Unified
Students: Theara T., Gamaliel P., Tony V.






Did You Know?
The post office of El Cajon considered the name of its town to be one word (Elcajon), until 1905 when a resident named Zoeth S. Eldredge believed that the two words should be separated. HH80 passes through the City of El Cajon via El Cajon Boulevard and Main Street.


HH80 Membership
We invite you to join our organization. Your financial assistance will help to preserve, enhance and resurrect an irreplaceable community resource that almost literally lies under our feet - Historic Highway 80 ~ The first dedicated intercontinental highway in the year 1926. Please call 619.445.0180 for membership information. Ask for Bob.


Art Along HH80
The La Mesa ARTS Alliance (LMAA) partnered with the City of La Mesa to create a Walking Art Trail through the downtown Village in and around Historic Highway 80. Inside of their brochure is a walking map showing the locations of the utility boxes. The artists who painted the individual boxes are noted in the artist key. The Alliance chose more than two dozen utility boxes in the city to be the canvas for local artists to transform neglected and weathered boxes into works of art for the community to enjoy. Several of the boxes were designed and painted by local elementary school students, which is part of the Alliance's continuing mission to include the youth of the community in the arts.

Additional public art and local attractions are highlighted on the walking map located inside the brochure. The Walking Art Trail is approximately a 2 mile walking route. The La Mesa Walking Art Trail supports the City of La Mesa's goal to be the healthiest and most livable city in the region.