Nominations sought for Vista Hall of Fame

Nominations are being accepted for the 2023 Vista Hall of Fame, sponsored by the Vista Historical Society.

The Hall of Fame was created in 1989 as part of Vista Heritage Week to honor community members who have made significant contributions to Vista’s history, enriching the city’s legacy with their achievements.

Vista’s Hall of Fame features 114 community members, including well-known residents such as Kathy Brombacher, founder of the Moonlight Stage Productions summer season at the Moonlight Amphitheatre and the winter season at the Avo Playhouse, and Ralph T. Brengle, who, among other things, gave 39 acres to the city of Vista with which Brengle Terrace Park was established.

Hall of Famers also include Gloria E. McClellan, Morris Vance, Russell and Margie Thibodo, and Joe and Mary Mottino. Hall of Fame inductees go back to Vista’s early days in the late 19th century.

Hall of Fame nominees must meet several criteria: • Each nominee must have lived in Vista at least 20 years. • Each nominee must have made significant contributions to the the community of Vista. The accomplishments must be verified to the Vista Historical Society’s satisfaction.

• Married couples who both meet the criteria may be nominated together as one nominee.

• The early resident nominee must have died in 2003 or before.

At least two nominees are typically elected to the Hall of Fame each year; one from the regular division and one from the early residents division. The regular division nominee can be living or dead and must meet the first three criteria. The deadline for nominations is Feb. 22. Nominations can be made by calling the museum at (760) 630-0444, emailing vistahistorical@gmail.com or mailing a nomination to P.O. Box 1032, Vista, CA 92085-1032. Details of the nominee’s service to the community along with a photo and other supportive information must be included.

For more information, visit vistahistoricalsociety.com/ about/hall-of-fame.