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