by Cindy Tyler
In a room filled with family, friends, and a lot of loudly cheering young women, 20-year-old Raul Ricardez was crowned Mr. Vista 2019 on Saturday night. Raul, a student at Palomar College with plans to transfer to Cal State San Marcos, will begin a year of community service and public appearances in Vista and throughout the county, following in the footsteps of his predecessor, Freddy Ramirez.
City councilman Joe Green was on hand Saturday to honor Freddy with a proclamation from the mayor and city council recognizing Freddy for his work and proclaiming “Freddy Ramirez Day” in the city. Green commented, “This guy is everywhere!” and stated that the new Mr. Vista will have very large shoes to fill.
Raul will be assisted in his Mr. Vista duties by runner-up princes Adam Romero, Diego Campos-Garcia, and Jason Zul. Each of the princes also won a special award: Adam was named “Mr. Photogenic,” Jason won “Mr. Congeniality,” Diego was voted by his fellow contestants as “Contestants’ Choice” and Jason was voted “Audience Choice.” Jason also won a special talent award for his singing during the optional talent competition. Raul won the “Facebook Favorite” award, pulling ahead of Diego by two votes just before the Friday at midnight deadline.
Raul is the eighth Mr. Vista, as the winner of a contest that began in 2011. Since then, each Mr. Vista has had the opportunity to work alongside Miss Vista,Miss Teen Vista and their courts, performing service to the city, the Chamber of Commerce, and numerous charities throughout San Diego County. In his farewell, Freddy highlighted a few of his favorites: the Muscular Sclerosis Dinner Auction, Antique Gas & Steam Engine festival, Vista Historical Society Ice Cream Social, and his favorite of all, Christmas events including parades and Vista’s Winterfest.
One of Mr. Vista’s most important duties is his appearance at the Miss Vista/Miss Teen Vista pageant, which is scheduled for April 6 at Guajome Park Academy. The pageant is open to young women ages 13-26 who live, work, or go to school in the Vista area. For more information contact Laura Bednar at 760 518-4220 or email missvistapageants@gmail.com.
