Trying to change the image of the small community of London is the mission of Robert Isquierdo and the community’s residents. Many people who live in Tulare County don’t even realize that a London, California exists, but that is all about to change. London’s Second Annual 5k Run to raise funds for the community library takes place Saturday, March 28.
Isquierdo was so inspired by the recently released movie, “McFarland USA,” that he reached out to Jim White, the coach portrayed in the movie. Coach White’s long distance running team won nine state titles from 1987 to 2001.
“I contacted Jim White’s wife, Cheryl,” Isquierdo said. “I shared my story with her and she replied asking for more information. She then replied with her home number, and Jim and I spoke for an hour about faith and the similarities between McFarland and London. After that conversation he checked his calendar and agreed to join us for our 5k event.”
The day of the race at 8:30 am the legendary McFarland coach will give a pre-race presentation. Many of the former runners who inspired the movie McFarland USA will be participating in the 5k race. They include: four-time state championship team member Rudy Cavasos, two-time individual state back-to-back champion Galvin Angel Gonzalez, and state championship team member Giovanni Perezchica.
Afterward Coach White will hand out trophies to the winners in each category. There will also be a kid’s 1k fun run and a post-race festival with food, music, kids games and raffle.
To register visit www.signmeup.com/site/online-eventregistration/106129 or visit Sole 2 Soul at 4241 S. Mooney Blvd in Visalia. For additional information go to www.libraryforlondon.com. Adults are $20, kids, $10 for the 5k, and Kids 1K fun run is also $10. This is a great opportunity to experience London firsthand and witness the positive changes happening in this community.
Work on London’s library is slowly becoming a reality and completion of the library is projected to be September of this year. On February 17th, the Library for London Project committee, attended by Tulare County Supervisor Steve Worthley, updated the community on their progress. A derelict building at the future site of the library was demolished and cleared in anticipation of the construction of the cement foundation. The site is owned by Tulare County and is being donated to London for use their library.
The building for the library is a portable classroom that was donated by Dinuba public schools. The bungalow used to be on the Jefferson elementary campus and was transported to storage. When the foundation is completed the bungalow will be transported to the property. The London Library has already been incorporated into the Tulare County Library system and will be receiving a new set of books to fill their shelves.
For more information about the 5k run or London Library Project call Rob Isquierdo Jr., Library for London Founder at 818 482-8140.