Former Governor Pete Wilson feted after statue dedication

In “America’s Finest City,” a term coined by then-Mayor of San Diego Pete Wilson, it was a dual celebration. Friends and colleagues numbering close to 500 gathered Saturday, August 25, to fete the former San Diego mayor, United States senator and governor on the occasion of his 74th birthday.

The group also assembled for a Wilson statue dedication. The bronze likeness stands in front of Horton Plaza, which he developed while serving as mayor of San Diego. The statue, which was purchased through private donations, is standing at what is now called the Horton Walk of Fame.

Barriers were placed around the statue area where speeches were given and guests to the invitation-only affair were seated. Gayle Wilson, Sheriff Bill Kolender, San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders, Congressman Darrell Issa and Congressman Duncan Hunter were among the dignitaries present.

The governor, forever smiling in bronze, was unveiled amid pops as red, white and blue streamers were shot high in the air and landed on tree limbs or floated to the heads and shoulders of well-wishers.

“View this statue, as I will, as a surrogate recipient of the tribute that’s deserved by all of you who shared the dream, who made it come true…” Wilson said as he addressed the crowd.

A group of protesters outside of the barriers failed to dampen the festive mood of the Wilson supporters who sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” and lifted their glasses in a champagne toast to the elder statesman. The man who was toasted has achieved the rare lifetime accomplishment of being a three-term mayor, two-term US senator and two-term governor.

After the dedication, the guests convened at the elegant Westgate Hotel, where Roger Hedgecock and Mark Larson shared duties as Master of Ceremonies for the “Tribute and Birthday Celebration” held for Governor Wilson on the rooftop plaza. Beyond the trickling fountains on the hotel roof stood a large inflatable candle-topped cake draped with a sign reading “Happy Birthday, Pete – America’s Finest City Thanks You.”

Guests dined on prime rib, pastas and various hot and cold dishes. Individual sugar cookies inscribed with, “Pete,” in red, white and blue frosting were laid out amid groups of cupcakes frosted with an American flag and “Happy Birthday, Pete.”

After Governor Wilson blew out his candles, the group sang a hearty rendition of “Happy Birthday.” Wilson was noticeably moved by the tribute and thanked everyone for the touching demonstration of support.