I was born on November 1, which makes me a Scorpio, and a Dragon in The Chinese Calendar. My family is mixed but are strongest bloodline is that of the Lipan Apache, who are the Wind and Lightning people. I was born a blue baby, and I was giving several nicknames, but my grandfather called me his Eagle. With so much adversity I have learned to. love my life! My grandfather told me happiness starts with you! I had a humble childhood which has carried me all these years. I wasn’t popular in high school but I did get my black belt by the age of 18 and Okinawan Kempo. I joined the military In the United States Navy on February 1988. After two major surgeries at Balboa Naval Hospital I took him medical Hon. discharge, and went back to college in San Diego. For years I suffered from debilitating migraines from a TBI whiplash incident in the Navy 1995, little did I know that it would lead to something life-changing. On April 24, 2012 I survived a six-hour brain aneurysm surgery at Scripps green hospitals La Jolla, After a long time and I see you I was moved to a room with a beautiful view all I remember is seen the beautiful colors of the paraglider’s on the Ocean coastline. I remember the first time the physical therapist walked me around the hospital floor, when I return to my room right outside the door was a plaque dedicated Two Mother Teresa, I later learned that was the room she stayed in during her recovery 1991, which was the year I was off the coast of Kuwait n the Persian Gulf during the Gulf War. So many adversities, enough to write a book, but the best part about it is They have all changed my life forever. During the brain aneurysm surgery I was in the most beautiful white eagle taking me into the brightest light in the most beautiful music. But then he brought me back to the most beautiful grassy filled meadow, And looked at me with his turquoise colored eyes, and then said it’s not my time.
About RUBEN CHATO HINOJOSA
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am a father, I have my son Nathaniel R. Redhawk and a grandfather of three boys Isaiah and Levi. We all miss my grandson Bentley, his heavenly journey was in 2018. Both my parents are Lipan Apache Tribal members, and there parents were also Apache. But there’s also other southern regions and Texas Cultural roots in our family lineage.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I currently live a create artist life! I wasn’t raised with too many material things or wealth, but my family had a lot of love and understandings of each other. My father was a Coast Guard license Capt., so I was raised respecting the ocean and how to work with it. I loved sailing and racing boats with my friends ! My future is that of creativity and inspiration for others. My life gives me a platform to advocate for those with physical or mental disabilities, especially for those of us who served our country in the United States Military. I have traveled to over 18 countries and made friends from all cultures of life.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Happiness starts with you, so don’t allow anyone to take it away from you. Live your life by your lead not someone else’s!
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Providing a future for my grandkids, Married, creating more Fine Art, a published Author, and giving back to our universe.
RUBEN CHATO HINOJOSA & Our Community
Q: What are a few of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Oh my so many! The Grant Grill at the US Grant Hotel, Urban Plates La Jolla, The Brigantine, Old town restaurants, Hell’s Kitchen at Harrah’s, Baron Long at Viejas, Loft 94 at Jamul, Viewpoint kitchen Sycuan, and Sage at Barona.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
In 1997 in return from my Navy duty station in Panama South America. I was in Coronado Island, then was Honorably Discharged a few years later medically. I then attended art classes at Mesa Community College. I’ve been here since, who wouldn’t want to live in San Diego CA
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
My neighbor for 9 years. Ret. Vice Admiral David Richardson a WWII pilot. I went to his military funeral, he was 100 years old. He gave me some very good advice, which is to Live Positive Minded!
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Exclusive Collections Gallery Downtown San Diego, The San Diego international film Festival, Guide Dogs of America My service dog Simba is from this organization.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
So many opportunities to make your life never a dull moment, but most of all the Sunshine!
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?
I would love to have lunch with whoever is the current President of our country, I’m not political so it could be anyone. But I would love to have lunch with Actor Adrien Brody, so that we could finish our conversation from a couple years ago. He loves art and I enjoyed my conversation with him, because he is so down to earth. I would probably choose Urban Plates in La Jolla by my house since my service dog Simba loves the food there, big smile..
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Last of the Mohicans movie! But I love Sci-Fi shows and films as well! TV so many like Hell’s kitchen, Reacher, The terminal list, Yellowstone, land man, 1923 and many more!
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I am an inventor, I have United States utility patent. I love the Dodgers and Raiders! My Father loved Tommy Lasorda and John Madden.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Spending time with someone you love, Life is so short and precious!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
The great I am, our Heavenly Father! Who has inspired me for my quote, ” be a peaceful warrior in the path of life, but be a fierce warrior in the path of fight’.
Q: What community organizations and/or local nonprofits do you admire/support?
Guide Dogs of America! The Combatant Craft Crewmen Association! San Diego International Film Festival!
Q: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
The last words my grandfather told me when I left for the military. Remember you’re are living proof that I existed. Be proud of your family!
Q: What Neighborhood do you live in?
North Clairemont/UTC
What I love about my Neighborhood:
It’s central to everything! 5 -805 – and 52 Freeways
Please describe your ideal San Diego weekend:
Oh this once tough, because there so much to do in San Diego you never know what’s going on from weekend to weekend. Currently in my life I have my service dog Simba so he goes everywhere with me. My suggestion is have the mindset of never a dull moment and have fun!
Q: Finally, what three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Mom’s homemade tamales!
Website:https://Chato.com
