Descendants of Early San Diego Honor Leather Jacket Soldiers at 44th Annual Luncheon
This past month, the Descendants of Early San Diego (DESD) held its 44th Annual Luncheon on June 27, 2026, at Howard Ballard Parent Hall in Old Town San Diego. The event honored the Leather Jacket Soldiers (Soldados de Cuera) who established the Presidio of San Diego in 1769 and contributed to American independence during the Revolutionary War era under King Carlos III of Spain.
Chaired by Connie Rascon Gunther, the gathering brought together descendants of founding families—including Cota, De León, Savin, Machado, Jacobs, Ortega, Osuna, Carrillo, Perez, Lugo, Peters, and many interconnected lines—along with historians, tribal representatives, archaeologists, and community partners.
Keynote speaker Dr. Richard L. Carrico, award-winning archaeologist and historian, presented “El Presidio de San Diego,” providing rich historical context to the event, sharing important facts about The Presidio and its role in San Diego’s history. The program featured remembrances of military members and family, special community recognitions, and open sharing among descendants and friends.
The Leather Jacket Soldiers played a foundational role in California’s history and provided critical support to the American cause for independence. Their courage, faith, and resilience continue through the living legacy of today’s diverse descendant community, reinforcing San Diego’s identity as a place of multicultural strength and historic significance.
DESD is actively involved in tackling key issues facing Old Town’s historic sites—cleanliness, site maintenance, respectful restoration, cultural visibility, and community engagement—through practical, collaborative projects.
During the event, various attendees whose families resided in Old Town San Diego shared with each other their similar family names and connections. Poster boards offered images of family members throughout their lifetime in Old Town and what followed. Well detailed books documented the histories of those who lived in Old Town and their various journeys thereafter.
Some of the guests included Susie Chubb-Machado-Smith who was born and raised in Old Town. She was baptized at Immaculate Conception Church and recalled hearing about an uncle who saved quarters and eventually bought a considerable amount of land in Mission Valley for $300.
Susan Peters, also a descendent of Old Town, grew up on Juan Street and said she “loved attending Freemont School” and was grateful to be back in the auditorium to enjoy speaking with others who also attended the school.
It was apparent for anyone who attended that this felt more like a family gathering because of the connections of attendees with many who shared similar life experiences. It was an honor to learn of the roles of their deceased relatives and their valuable histories in establishing Old Town San Diego, the birthplace of California.
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