WATSONVILLE—The Pajaro Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees on Wednesday voted unanimously to name Aptos High School’s lower athletic field after Bobby Salazar, who spent four decades as school custodian and who was so involved in the community he was known as the unofficial mayor of Aptos.
Salazar died in March 2019 after a battle with cancer.
“He truly is a Mariner, and we love him, and this is one thing we can do is put his name on the field close to the street, so we can remember how he greeted us,” said Principal Peggy Pughe.
A member of California School Employees Local 132, Salazar served as president for several years and became known as an engaged and effective leader.
He volunteered and helped organizations such as the CHP, Aptos/La Selva Fire, Cabrillo College and many athletic groups, including the Aptos Sports Foundation. He also frequently gave money or food to homeless people, and helped with fundraisers such as Relay 4 Life.
The request by the school’s advisory committee—also unanimous—came after two community meetings, and included input from alumni organizations, teachers’ organizations, student body and parent groups.
Board President Kim De Serpa remembered Salazar for the way he welcomed students to school every day.
“He made everyone feel good,” she said. “He greeted everyone every morning with a big smile. He made everybody feel like he cared.”
