50 People Who Create Happiness In Newport and Costa Mesa 2020

The daily Pilot used to publish something called " 103 Most Influential People" every year. Everyone was pretty cool about it even though there were some strange people on the list. Sometimes I felt that it was a little like Time Magazine's Person of the Year when occasionally you just wanted to shout "What?" Like the time when I heard that they (Time Magazine, not the Daily Pilot) chose Hitler in 1938, Stalin in 1939, and 1942, and oddly Newt Gingrich in 1995.

The DP was definitely on to something though. We all learned so much about our community through all those wonderful people. Everyone looked forward to it.

The Daily Pilot's Most Influential has now morphed into "Unsung Heroes". Although great, I still miss "Most Influential".

I have always felt that there are literally hundreds of people who may not be the "most influential" but make our lives better just by being here. Most of the time we don't even notice, and maybe don't even know their names, but they really need to be recognized.

Here is the "People Who Create Happiness 2020" list.

• Rob Powell….The happiest independent chauffeur in Newport Mesa
• Roberta Keenen…Works for church and charities and devastating smile for everyone
• Roger Sison…Always keeping in touch with everyone he’s ever met
• Kirsten Martin…One of the funniest and big hearted people on the planet
• Nancy Cummings… The person you would want as your best friend
• Barbara @ Costco…Everyone loves her
• Pam at CVS in Westcliff…always friendly
• Amber @ Growers Direct…Interested, happy, makes shopping fun
• Brad Smith…Funny, loves fishing, nature, trekking and people
• Mari May…Never met a stranger
• Darmell Wyrek…So talented
• Barbara Venezia…Cannot see her without smiling
• Freddie Merz…Just plain sweet
• Yolanda Newton…Smart, funny, helpful, engaged
• Tommy Reminiskey…So nice
• Susan Meyer… Does so much for NMUSD
• Steve Virgen… Still great although moved away
• Seymore Schlosser…Sweet, sweet man
• Jan Fisher… Ms. Newport Mesa Unified School District and make people happy with “Lily Stories”
• Jennifer Friend… Went from homeless kid to savior of homeless kids
• ALL NEWPORT AND COSTA MESA POLICE
• Jeniffer Garner…The funniest Instagrams ever
• Nowell Kay…Caring, sweet guy coach
• Liz McNabb…The activist with the best smile
• Sara Klintworth Lunsford…Giving all the time, and beautiful voice
• Erica Roberts…Hardest worker, funny, smart, great cook, thoughtful, speaker of the year
• Robyn Herrara…Makes Soul Cycle more fun
• Crossing Guards at Newport Elementary
• Jenny Evans…Was the nicest kid…now nicest adult
• Steve Trujillo…Mr. Newport on a bike
• Mike Coleman…Lovely coach
• ALL HOAG NURSES AND NURSES EVERYWHERE
• Oscar Ramirez…The guy you want to talk to at Kona cleaners
• Karen Vaughter…Ralph’s best helper
• Thresia Oakley…Super helpful at Vons
• Sheri Farley…Sweet sweet smile
• Michelle Murphy…Always working toward best for people with a great laugh
• Marge Newman…Everyone’s favorite 1st grade teacher
• Cara Boyd….Kindergarten favorite…working for kids
• Dave Beauchamp…You cannot see this guy without a smile
• Tessa Haynes…Alta Queen…
• Carrie Rush…Great coach, teacher, and VB favorite
• Tony….Happiest Costa Mesa Policeman
• Arlis Reynolds…Another award winning smile and good in the world.
• ALL NMUSD TEACHERS
• The really nice former guard at NMUSD Board meetings
• Flomama Martin … Bike loving Costa Mesa activist
• Barbara at Costco… Everyone loves her
• Jennifer Henry Brooks…Big help with everything and super talented kids
• Sarah Halverson-Cano….Amazing minister/preacher/giver

In Memorium (no particular year)

Mr. Balboa….Wayne Moses…Most fun barber

Joan Dugan…Amazing children’s librarian Balboa Library

Donna Kelson…All-time best music teacher in Newport-Mesa Unified School District