I've known Joe Buscaino since we were both children. I remember photographing his childhood home every year for the Daily Breeze at Christmas time because his dad always went above and beyond with the lights and decorations. I remember celebrating with him in the yellow seats at Dodger Stadium during the 1988 World Series when Kirk Gibson hit a home run in the 9th inning of game one against the Oakland A's. I remember him standing next to my brothers casket as a pallbearer at his funeral. I remember my mom always saying Joe is a good boy.

When we were in school, the adults always told us, "you are the future," and "one day you will have great responsibilities." Back then, it was hard to comprehend what they really meant.

Seeing Joe's impact in serving his community today, and seeing his strength in uniting the community, makes me not only feel like, ok, we've definitely arrived to the future, and Joe is fulfilling his end of the bargain, but it makes me feel seriously proud of him.

I know, I might seem like I am gushing, but one of my favorite Jack Johnson songs asks, "Where'd all the good people go?" and I am just excited that the "good people," are in my community and that the "good people" are friends and that the "good people" have always been the "good people."

So to answer Jack, they didn't go anywhere, they were always there.

Whatever happens with the Honorary Mayor of San Pedro campaign, there can be no losers where the good people support the community.

Ok, enough gushing! If you havn't already, watch this crazy interview of an Italian having an event at Croatian Hall in San Pedro!