About the Sons and Daughters of Guam Club
Mission Statement
The Sons and Daughters of Guam club preserves and promotes Chamorro cultural heritage and traditions while serving as a welcoming community center that fosters education, traditional language and arts, where Chamorro families and the broader community can gather, learn, and celebrate for future generations.
Original building purchased in 1973.
The clubhouse is sitting on 2.4 acres of property. Photo contributed by Pacing Cruz Reyes.
Founded:
The Sons & Daughters of Guam Club, Inc. (SDGC, Inc.) was founded in 1953. The founders and original officers were President Jose Flores (Cabesa), also known as Joe Flores, and the Vice-President was Guillermo Taitano (Calextro) also known as Gil Taitano. Secretary Maria Mendiola, Treasurer Juan Duenas, Hospitality Chairperson Carmen Garrido, and Master at Arms Jesus Garrido.
Initially the club provided its founding members, with a place for weekend celebrations of any occasion and news exchanges. As time passed the membership grew, and more activities took place.
The Guam Liberation became the major attraction, and Chamorros from all over the western states traveled the distance to San Diego to take part of the festivities. Due to the growth, the liberation celebration had to even-tually be moved to major halls and hotels for accommodation.
SDGC was incorporated on May 24, 1971, through President Pete Limtiaco. In 1973, through President Jose Untalan, a 2.4 acre lot with a residential building was purchased at 334 Ozark Avenue, San Diego, 92102
Dubbed “Home Away from Home”, the expansion of the building can now accommodate 125 guests, and in July of 1996 the Galaide Pavilion was completed and can seat up to 1000 guests with a full kitchen. The pa-vilion is the size of two tennis courts, and was led by former President John Holwitz. Both the building and the pavilion is rented for private parties, and is also used by the fiesta groups. The pavilion is also used for liberation celebrations. Since than, Ozark Avenue has changed to Willie James Jones Avenue. (continued)
SDGCI Chamorro Community Outreach:
The Sons & Daughters of Guam Club currently has 400 members throughout the mainland, Guam and the Commonwealth of Northern Marianas (CNMI). Here in San Diego County, there are 300 members. SDGCI provides reduce rental prices for members only, full prices for non-members.
In 2014, through now former President Jesus “Bataik” Cruz, The Sons and Daughters of Guam Club Inc. transformed into a 501 (c) (3) Non-Profit Charitable Organization. SDGCI accepts tax-deductible charitable donations from the public, and SDGCI promotes charity through other forms.
The Guam club provides medical financial assistance, and a food drive for Chamorro families who are less fortunate. Wednesdays is reserved for full lunches, also known as the Boka Program for all ages, and mem-bers receive a reduce price. In addition, the club promotes cultural and language projects.
Former Presidents
1953 – 1954 | Jose Flores
1954 – 1955 | Pete Franquez
1955 – 1956 | Adrian Sanchez
1957 – 1958 | Greg C. Perez
1962 – 1963 | Fred Peterson
1963 – 1964 | Jose Mendiola
1964 – 1965 | Juan Salas
1965 – 1966 | Rick Concepcion
1966 – 1967 | Frank Pittington
1967 – 1968 | Thomas Garrido
1968 – 1969 | Tencia Baza
1969 – 1970 | Vicente Sablan
1970 – 1971 | Pedro Limtiaco
1971 – 1973 | Tito Baza
1973 – 1977 | Jose Untalan
1977 – 1982 | Lynn Ramsey
1982 – 1984 | Pete Pereira
1985 – 1986 | Maria Alcantara
1986 – 1988 | Pete Pereira
1988 – 1990 | Ben Quintanilla
1990 – 1991 | Vicente Munoz
1991 – 1992 | Anthony Treltas
1992 – 1993 | Dale Nesbitt
1993 – 1994 | Kelly Santos
1995 – 1996 | Jesus A. Cruz
1997 – 1998 | John Holwitz
1999 – 2000 | Manuel G. Sablan
2001 – 2002 | Juan S. Cruz
2003 – 2004 | Juan A. Salas
2005 – 2006 | Ramon L.G. Sablan
2007 – 2010 | Jesus Y. Quitugua
2011 – 2018 | Jesus A. Cruz
2019 – 2020 | Joshua Borja
2021 – Present | Antolin Taijeron
History:
This resolution affirms the lasting legacy and staying power of the Sons and Daughters of Guam Club, recognizing an organization whose roots stretch back to 1953 and whose mission has remained deeply connected to community, culture, and service. From its earliest days, the Club was created as a gathering place for Chamorro families in San Diego to support one another, preserve traditional practices, and maintain a strong connection to Guam while living away from home. Its first Liberation Day celebration in 1953, and its continued hosting of Liberation events, cultural programs, senior luncheons, fundraisers, language lessons, and fiestas, show that the Club has long served as a “home away from home” and a living bridge to Chamorro heritage. The resolution honors not only decades of cultural preservation, but also the Club’s enduring role in keeping Guam’s history, community spirit, and Liberation traditions alive for generations.
Honoring the Sons and Daughters of Guam Club’s Cultural Legacy
The proclamation video highlights the City of San Diego’s recognition of the Sons and Daughters of Guam Club for its decades-long commitment to preserving and uplifting CHamoru culture, heritage, and community in San Diego. Presented in September 2018, the proclamation honors the Club’s role as a cultural home for generations of CHamoru families and acknowledges its continued impact as a gathering place rooted in tradition, service, and pride. During the recognition, Club Vice President Josh Borja reflected on the organization’s importance as “the original cultural center of San Diego.”
Recognition & Community Impact
Featured Recognition Highlights
The Sons and Daughters of Guam Club, Inc. has been recognized in government, academic, and historic preservation sources for its long-standing role in preserving CHamoru culture and serving as a gathering place for the CHamoru community in Southern California. These key sources help show the Guam Club’s credibility, history, and community importance.
