Local families to be honored for agricultural pursuits

When the Fallbrook Historical Society and San Diego County Farm Bureau present “A Salute to Agriculture: 100 Years of Agriculture in San Diego” on Saturday, May 10 in Fallbrook, not only will unique information about the rich history of agriculture in this area be shared, but local families with multiple generations involved in the agriculture industry here will be honored.

The event, free and open to the public, will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the historical society’s museum complex, located at 1730 Hill Ave. (Rocky Crest Road at Hill Ave.). It will include a broad collection of agricultural artifacts and historical photos on display. Informative displays are also being provided by Mission Resource Conservation District and the University of Calif. Cooperative Agricultural Extension.

Local growers and farmers have donated enticing raffle items for the event which will feature two speakers. According to organizers, Eric Larson, executive director of the San Diego County Farm Bureau, will present a slide presentation entitled “Celebrating 100 Years of Agriculture in San Diego County.” Janet Silva Kister, co-owner of Sunlet Nurseries, will speak on the topic of the Fallbrook agricultural perspective.

Organizers said the program will conclude with “a tribute to all our farmers and growers for their dedication and commitment to their industry.” Part of that “salute” will include the recognition of the multi-generational, local families who make agriculture their life.

“The number of extended families – both by generation and by marriage – who remain dedicated to agriculture is particularly pronounced in Fallbrook,” said Anne Burdick of the Fallbrook Historical Society.

“As an example of fathers and sons in agriculture in Fallbrook, we have the Lucy family and the Hofshi family. Bob Lucy began working in the avocado industry right after graduation from college and almost 20 years later, in 1989, he partnered with Bob Siemer and Rueben Hofshi to buy Del Rey Avocado Company. The three partners are still thriving in business together today. And Bob has since been joined by both his sons – Patrick, in 2005, and more

recently, Donnie.”

“Rueben Hofshi, co-owner of Del Rey Avocado, has been active for the last 25 years as a grower, packer, active member of numerous avocado organizations, and heavily involved in avocado research,” added Burdick. “His two sons have also followed in his footsteps. Sons Eli and Danny now own and operate Eli’s Farm Stand on East Mission Road. Eli is the farming end of the business and Danny handles public relations and home deliveries. Cristina Machado, the primary sales force at Eli’s stand, is also connected to the Hofshi family through the Del Rey Avocado Company and through her family’s land ownership. As an amazing example of the intricate web of interconnections, Cristina’s family once owned the Hofshi’s land in De Luz through an original Spanish land grant and she got her first job at Del Rey Avocado. It is indeed a very small world!”

As a result of the research done for this special event, the historical society is now developing an entire collection of stories related to multi-generational and extended families in agriculture in Fallbrook.

“There will be a public announcement when the display is ready for public viewing,” said Burdick.

The ‘Salute to Agriculture’ will conclude with a raffle of the donated products from local farmers and growers while guests continue to tour the museum grounds and view the agricultural displays. Refreshments will also be served.

Burdick said all of the historical society’s buildings – the Pittenger House, Museum, Ford Room, Rock and Mineral Room, and the Barn – will be open for visitors, and docents will be on hand to guide visitors and answer questions.

The event is open to the general public and free of charge.