Hispanics given 'Hero' awards

Four given Hispanic heroes awards
By Leonel Sanchez, Union-Tribune, October 3, 2009

One is the principal at San Diego's school for homeless children. Another is a court advocate for neglected children. Two are local business leaders.

All have been recognized with Hispanic Heritage Month Local Hero Awards.

The four were honored Wednesday at the 12th annual Local Heroes Awards at the KPBS Copley Telecommunications Center at San Diego State University. KPBS and Union Bank sponsored the event. The recipients are:

•Ruben Barrales of Carmel Valley, president of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce. He's the son of Mexican immigrants.

•Sarita Fuentes, a former high school dropout, who is principal of the Monarch School for homeless and at-risk children. She lives in Chula Vista.

•Catalina Valencia of Point Loma, executive vice president and general counsel for Aero Financial, a private equity company. She is the oldest of 10 children.

•Jorge Valerdi of Chula Vista, a court-appointed volunteer special advocate for children who have suffered physical and emotional neglect.

“Once a child looks at you and says ‘Thank you,’ that is the reward,” Valerdi said in one of the video profiles of the honorees.

Union-Tribune
Leonel Sanchez: (619) 542-4568;