San Diego Rotarian named "Mr. San Diego"

Tom Hom, a second generation Chinese-American, was born in San Diego in 1927. Throughout his life, he helped transform San Diego into the vibrant city it is today. In 1963 he made San Diego history by becoming the first minority ever elected to the San Diego City Council. In 1968 he won a seat to the California State Assembly, serving along side then Governor Ronald Reagan. 

                  As a successful civic, business, and community leader, Tom has become a legacy in San Diego. Among his accomplishments, he was instrumental in the transformation of what was San Diego’s skid row into today’s vibrant historic Gaslamp Quarter District – now a major destination. He also played a key role in the establishment of the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum. This pioneer has received numerous accolades for his efforts and contributions to improve his community and beyond. 

            In 2014, the San Diego Rotary Club named Tom as “Mr. San Diego,” an honor selecting one leading San Diegan since 1952 for his/her outstanding contribution to community betterment in the San Diego region.