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Until the 1970s, San Diego was the "tuna capital" of the West Coast. Italian-Americans in the area founded the tuna fishing fleet and canning industry that at its peak employed more than 1,000 people, including Portuguese fishermen, whose influence is still felt in both Little Italy and Point Loma. In addition, many Italian fishermen moved to San Diego following the San Francisco earthquake in 1906. e last of the canneries closed in the 1980s and Little Italy languished until the following decade, when Li Mandri and others founded e Little Italy Association in 1996. A native San Diegan, Li Mandri recognized early on the significance of creating property and business districts related to urban development. His efforts in combination with others put Little Italy in the perfect position to benefit from the major redevelopment of downtown that took place in the early 2000s, bringing in both new apartments and commercial space. Now home to more than 7,500 residents, 600 professional services, and brick-and-mortar businesses, including bustling restaurants, trendy cocktail bars, and upscale clothing boutiques, Little Italy has become renowned as one of the fastest growing and most vibrant Italian business districts in the nation, attracting a few restaurateurs from Italy itself. It is also home to the Mercato, San Diego's largest farmers market, which on Saturdays extends for six blocks, selling fresh produce and local crafts. "Over the past two decades, I've witnessed the profound impact our work has had on the Little Italy community, transforming and shaping the neighborhood we serve," says Gomez, who prior to becoming chief executive administrator, was a key team member of New City America, which manages the Little Italy Association. Gomez's leadership abilities became clear when the pandemic struck. Coordinating closely with Li Mandri, who is continuing in an executive advisory role, Gomez worked to keep Little Italy open, and no restaurant, café, bar, or retail business in the area closed. Recognized as one of the Top 50 Latino Leaders of Influence in San Diego, Gomez is also vice president of the Washington Elementary School Foundation, which supports Downtown San Diego's oldest elementary school right in the heart of Little Italy. "We have been able to maintain the cultural history and continue to draw Italian business owners," says Gomez, who is looking to build on the legacy started by Li Mandri and others, ensuring that whatever takes you to Little Italy, one of the best parts will always be its neighborhood feel. littleitalysd.com PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF LITTLE ITALY ASSOCIATION << Focus business ranchandcoast.com 34 MARCH 2025 RANCH & COAST MAGAZINE Christopher Gomez Marco Li Mandri