John Honiotes Portrait

Hi, All;

This posting is about one of the nicest people that I’ve ever met, John Honiotes.  John runs a car show that is on every first and last Sunday of the month, at the Enderle Center, in Tustin, California.  John took over the show that used to be run by Larry Beck, prior to Larry’s death from pancreatic cancer (see my earlier post about attending Larry’s memorial service).

John wasn’t at his own car show when I arrived there this morning, so I called him.  When he answered, we found out that he was going to be in a parade to honor veterans on Balboa Island this morning. Not only was he going to be there, but he was going to drive a 1941 Cadillac convertible, which would hold three survivors of the attack on Pearl Harbor! This is vintage John Honiotes! He is one of the most giving people that I have ever known.

John does things like that all of the time, and usually we only find out from others that he did them!  He often tells others about something that needs to be done, then digs in, and gets it done, without fanfare or publicity.  John is one of those people that others just like to be around. You can tell that he has arrived at his car show, everyone will be milling around him,  just to say “hi.”

John is involved in organizing and running some of the biggest car events in the local area, from his participation in The Coastline Classic show, to the Huntington Beach Concours, he is there, making it happen, or making it bigger.  I’m guessing that one day I’ll find that John was responsible for synchronizing the traffic lights in the Corona Del Mar area (not really, but it wouldn’t surprise me at that).

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that John couldn’t possibly get everything done that he does, if it weren’t for his fantastic assistant, Pilar Tellez, who just happens to be beautiful! Even if John had a blue suit, with a red cape, he couldn’t be in all the places needed to look after everything that needs doing. Pilar is the one that makes sure that all of the projects actually get done, and on time, involving some pretty hairy logistics at times!  I can’t thank her enough for all of the things that she does that make it so much more fun for all of us car show visitors.

If you find yourself in the Southern California area, on the first or last Sunday of the month, come on over to the Enderle Center, in Tustin, California, you won’t be disappointed.  If you Google “John Honiotes,” you will find directions to the show, as well as contact information. I’ll look forward to seeing you there!

I’m including a portrait of John that I did some years ago. Now you can recognize him. Click on the image to enlarge it.

John Honiotes