eCoronado.com also reached out to Vince Vasquez and here is the response we received earlier today:
Thank you for your email.
I believe the name change strikes a balanced approach that is respectful of the bridge’s identity as the “Coronado Bridge.” The bridge still remains the “Coronado Bay Bridge,” it’s only the “San Diego -” part of the name that would be modified.
History has shown that President Reagan was a strong admirer of Coronado, and often vacationed with his wife Nancy at The Del. Reagan’s special bond with Coronado spans decades. It was in fact during the planning for a trip to Coronado that a young Ronald Reagan realized Nancy Davis was the woman he wanted to be with (according to Reagan’s autobiography).
———————–
According to the website that hosts the petition:
Reagan’s ties to the San Diego region extend beyond his presidency:
– The 1957 film “Hellcats of the Navy,” which featured Ronald Reagan and his future wife Nancy Davis, was filmed in San Diego. It was the only film that starred both Ron and Nancy.
– On August 2nd, 1969, then-Governor Reagan gave the dedication speech for the San Diego-Coronado Bridge.
– Reagan was a frequent visitor to the Hotel Del Coronado during his terms as governor and president, and held events at the iconic hotel, including a meeting with the President of Mexico in 1986.
– Ronald Reagan nicknamed San Diego his “lucky city.”
– Reagan won the majority of votes in San Diego County in the 1966 and 1970 gubernatorial elections, as well as the 1980 and 1984 presidential elections.
– San Diego has played host for many of the significant events and speeches that would mark the life of Ronald Reagan, including events at the El Cortez Hotel, UC San Diego, the Embarcadero, and the San Diego Concourse.
– Ronald Reagan ended both of his presidential campaigns in San Diego. When he joined George H.W. Bush on his 1988 presidential campaign, he shared with San Diegans the reason behind his special bond with our community:
“I closed both of my campaigns for the presidency right here in San Diego. And you see, there was a reason for that. You see, when the parades have ended, the shouting is over, the speeches are done, and the final bell has sounded, a fighter wants to return to his corner and be with his family and friends while he waits for the verdict of the judges. And whenever I finish in San Diego, I feel I’m with family, and I know I’m with friends. I love San Diego.” – Ronald Reagan
What do you think? Let us know in the comment area below.
