SAN DIEGO, CA – (April 1, 2025) Family Health Centers of San Diego (FHCSD) launched its first Spirit of the Barrio luncheon of the year, drawing over 300 attendees. Local elected officials and their representatives discussed the upcoming San Diego Padres season and
hosted a Padres memorabilia auction, which raised more than $3,500. These funds will directly support FHCSD’s mission of providing exceptional health care to San Diego’s underserved communities.
David Garcia, father of former professional baseball second baseman Drew Garcia and current president & CEO of Rancho Mesa, served as the event’s master of ceremonies. Ben Higgins of ABC 10 News moderated the panel, which featured the Padres’ executive vice president of business affairs, Sergio Del Prado, and Spanish language broadcaster, Eduardo Ortega. The panel not only highlighted new team members and the outlook for the 2025 season but also provided updates on stadium renovations. This year, fans can look forward to a fully renovated Western Metal Rooftop, featuring a 4,000-square-foot raised deck with enhanced sightlines and increased capacity. Jen Lebron, the director of public affairs for San Diego Community Power, also shared exciting news about Petco Park now being powered by 100% renewable, carbon-free energy.
Pauline Lucatero, vice president of community affairs at FHCSD, commented, “We are deeply thankful to the Padres for their continued support of FHCSD’s mission and vision as well as taking the time to connect with our community. Our attendees enjoyed hearing about updates from our panel while enjoying delicious tamales. This traditional lunch truly honors FHCSD’s founder, Laura Rodriguez, who used to make tamales by gathering the community and gain support for the clinic needs. Today, we are proud to continue this tradition, expanding our ability to serve more patients regardless of their ability to pay. We look forward to our ongoing partnership with the Padres and appreciate their belief in our mission.”
FHCSD is excited to continue fostering engaging conversations through these impactful events in 2025. The next Spirit of the Barrio luncheon will take place on Friday, May 16, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at 1728 Newton Avenue, San Diego, CA 92113.
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About Spirit of the Barrio
Since 1986, the Spirit of the Barrio luncheon has helped raise awareness of Family Health Centers of San Diego’s mission to deliver high-quality health care to underserved communities across the region. The event features a variety of timely topics and a diverse lineup of guest speakers, offering attendees the opportunity to be informed, educated and entertained — all while enjoying FHCSD’s signature tamales.
About Family Health Centers of San Diego
Since 1970, FHCSD’s mission has been to provide caring, affordable, high-quality health care and supportive services to everyone, with a special commitment to uninsured, low-income and medically underserved persons. FHCSD is one of the top 10 largest federally qualified health centers in the country, operating more than 90 sites across San Diego County and providing care to more than 227,000 patients each year, of whom 91% are low-income and 29% are uninsured.
