I am 65 and have lived all those years in Lakeside, CA. I’ve been happily married to my lovely wife Michelle for 2 years now.
I grew up on a farm at the North end of Lakeside, we grew vegetables that were sold to markets in San Diego. I attended all Lakeside schools and graduated from El Capitan HS in 1977. After the farm life, I became a carpenter and worked on building homes all across San Diego with my older brother. Around 1995, I acquired a commercial driver’s license and hauled building materials for several companies. I missed building things with my hands, so several years ago, I decided to go back to carpentry. Now, I build custom tree houses, chicken coops, or anything that has an old Western look. I also have become a self-taught photographer through my photography; for the last 16 years, I have highlighted everything Lakeside, wildlife, landscape, people, events, and anything Lakeside is what I document. Lakeside is a place I love dearly as it has so many amazing people and rich history. Lakeside was founded in 1886 when the El Cajon Valley Land Company built a glorious Hotel next to a natural lake that was originally named Lake Lindo (later to become known as Lindo Lake) Not to be mistaken for the Lakeside Hotel (still in existence) The Lakeside hotel was considered the Coronado of East County (Hotel Del Coronado) The Lakeside Hotel was 4 stories tall with a steep roof and Victorian look. It was built to attract the rich from all over the country, and it did. The Lakeside Hotel had many owners, the most famous owner was John Gay. John Gay secured the lake as hotel property for his patrons to enjoy. Later, he built a speedway around the lake; it was several miles long and in the shape of a teardrop with a big sweeping turn near the Hotel. Barney Oldfield set a land speed record on the speedway. John Gay also renamed the hotel to Lakeside Inn. That tidbit is just the beginning of Lakeside history. Through my Lakeside East County Group on Facebook and the Lakeside Historical Society Facebook group, that I founded, I share the history of Lakeside. Sharing the history and helping Lakeside to be a close-knit community is my passion; in doing so, I have sparked many others to do the same. I look forward to many years of being of service to my community.
About Billy “Lakeside” Ortiz
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have 3 brothers and 5 sisters. All but 3 live here in SD East County
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
As mentioned above, I am a carpenter and love to build custom structures.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Live by the golden rule, it is our only hope to live in peace with all.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I will be here in Lakeside the rest of my life doing what I love best, serving my community.
Billy “Lakeside” Ortiz & Our Community
Q: What are a few of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Cafe 67 hands down is the best. It has the old country feel. The food is delicious and the portions are more than you can eat. Mary Etta’s Cafe also has great food and a great country feel.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
65 years.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Sam Walker has to be the person I am most fond of. Sam’s family were in the dairy business here in East County when Lakeside was a top agriculture community. He always has great stories and history to talk about.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Leos Pharmacy has been the most consistent business in Lakeside. The building is 100 years old this year and housed many different businesses but Leo’s has been the longest running business and still make you feel like family when you visit. .
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love that Lakeside always comes through in times of need. We also have a great sense of pride and community spirit shown by the many community events we have.
Q: If you could choose anyone alive today and not a relative, with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you meet for this lunch?
Kevin Costner. I would love to talk to him about what inspired him to make the great movies he has been in. Cafe 67 would be the place to have lunch and a talk.
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Dances With Wolves is my all-time favorite.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I have climbed the South ridge of El Cajon Mountain (aka El Cap) in the El Monte Valley close to 100 times.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
The Lakeside community
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Myself
Q: What community organizations and/or local nonprofits do you admire/support?
The Lakeside Historical Society, The Lakeside River Park Conservancy, El Capitan Stadium Association, Lakeside Optimist, Maine Avenue Revitalization Association
Q: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t worry about tomorrow and live in the moment.
Please describe your ideal San Diego weekend:
Camping in the Laguna Mountains
Q: Finally, what three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
El Monte Valley
