Zeca (Maria José) Rodrigues carried a long-held dream to one day write a book about the Portuguese in San Diego. Over the years she had given countless presentations to on Our Immigration, the YPs (Yard Patrol) tuna boats in World War II, the Festa do Espírito Santo, and her greatest passion The Tuna Fishing Industry of San Diego. Links are available on our website. Zeca spent countless hours in the homes of our most senior community members, listening and recording carefully their stories, so future generations might understand the fabric that makes us.
In 2023, Zeca gathered a group of seven people to explore how a book might be crafted. She was unwavering in her conviction: “If we don’t tell our story, we will be forgotten.” As the months passed and our conversations deepened, the mission became clearer. We moved from the concept of a book to a website as a gift available to all. We needed to tell the story of the generations who built this community, how they laid the path and gave shape to who we are today. We hoped this history of stories would offer strength and inspiration to generations, encouraging to continue to shape our identity to preserve us.
Our hearts were broken when Zeca passed on Thanksgiving Day 2025, after an unexpected brief relentless illness. Zeca was a familiar and highly respected member of our community. If you did not know her we regret you will not be able to meet her. We carry Zeca in our hearts as we realize her dream telling the story “Threads of Identity: the Portuguese in San Diego”.
As of January 2026 the team of now 8 were revitalized by our shared commitment to bring Zeca’s vision to completion. Our team includes dedicated individuals who are volunteering their time and talent to content research, writing, digital and creative production They represent our Portuguese community of Azorean, Madeiran and mainland roots.
At the heart of the Portuguese community is the feeling of saudades“a deep emotional sense of longing for a person, place, or time”. This sentiment has shaped our traditions for over 150 years. It is the longing for what was left behind, brought to life through the oral stories of immigrant grandparents and elders. From one generation to the next, these stories have been shared with the hope the past will remain meaningful and alive.
Threads of Identity: The Portuguese in San Diego will be presented in sections organized chronologically by years from the mid-1800s to the present day. We invite anyone interested in joining us on this journey to contribute and help enrich the tapestry of Portuguese heritage in San Diego. A FaceBook page will soon launch where photos and information can be sent to the Team. Presently, we are completing 1880 – 1930.
The information that will be shared on this website has been gathered by our team from various resources. We are not experts, and do not verify in depth the authenticity of all materials and links presented. This content is shared in the spirit of learning and enjoyment, just as we have now experienced it ourselves.
It is our hope that these readings bring you knowledge and joy. More importantly, our goal will be truly realize if the story sparks within the same personal understanding, as your ancestors, of that simple word “saudades”. We invite you to join us with the sensation of “saudades” moving you to ensure that your family stories will continue to be shared and as Zeca wanted…”never forgotten”.
If you would like more information please text or call: Linette da Rosa 619 203-9909