Playwright and actor Luis Valdez speaks at the celebration in Balboa Park. Photo courtesy Latino Legacy Foundation

It was billed as a storytellers festival, but it was much more than that. The gathering at Balboa Park was a giant thank you card to San Diego’s Latino community members and many others who helped launch the Latino Legacy Foundation and its multimedia project. There was a full house at the Prado Grand Ballroom for last weekend’s celebration, including those who played important roles as activists and political leaders. Also attending were everyday people who helped build the San Diego of today, part of a vibrant, diverse community who wanted to mark a major achievement during Hispanic Heritage Month.