2025 Luncheon Speakers
Descendants of Early San Diego, we are proud to showcase a distinguished group of authors whose work captures the rich and diverse history of our region. Join us in celebrating the literary contributions of Raquel Perez, Ron Crosthwaite,Fred Grand, and Alfred Cota—each of whom has penned insightful books that offer unique perspectives on San Diego’s founding families, cultural evolution, and enduring legacy.
These authors have dedicated their talents to preserving and sharing the fascinating stories that shaped our community. Through their research, storytelling, and passion for historical accuracy, they provide invaluable windows into the past, connecting us to the roots of our shared heritage.
Raquel Perez
Author and Descendant
Is an award nominated Freelance Author, Historian, and Descendant of the founding families of early San Diego. She is an American of Mexican descent. A true Californio with Spanish and Native roots that has identified with Hispanic literature since childhood. She is a member and secretary of the Descendant’s of Early San Diego, a member of the San Diego History Center, and The Writer’s Center. Perez has published two books in her Legends of the Californios series. Her passion for telling local history of the days when her ancestors walked the streets and Plaza. Of the stories hidden by time and conquest. She has combined her love of Hispanic Literature with her love of history in her book series. She currently lives in San Diego, California with her husband and daughter. She has two grown sons and, two granddaughters. She enjoys cooking traditional Californio cuisine along with writing about the days of glittering haciendas and golden adobes. The day’s of the mighty Don’s, and native braves. The beautiful senorita’s (hija’s de pais) of old California that charmed American Sea Captains. Because she herself is an hija de pais (a daughter of the land), and true Californio by blood.
Ron Crosthwaite
Author and Descendant
Crosthwaite is a 7th generation Californian. He is a graduate from Art Center College of Design and has a life time teaching credential in the arts. His book of short stories, "KNOCK KNOCK: Snapshorts of Perfect Strangers," is acclaimed for its insightful observation of human behavior.
Fred Grand
Author and Descendant
For more than two decades, Fred Grand has served as President of the Old Town Chamber of Commerce in San Diego’s Historic Old Town District. He also acts as Director of Community Engagement for Descendants of Early San Diego. Fred is a direct descendant of Corporal Juan Ismerio Osuna, the “Leather Jacket” soldier who accompanied Junípero Serra to San Diego in 1769 to establish Mission San Diego de Alcalá—the first of 21 Alta California missions—at the Presidio. His ancestor’s son, Juan María Osuna, became San Diego’s first Alcalde (mayor) and received the Spanish land grant for Rancho San Dieguito (present-day Rancho Santa Fe).
Fred is likewise descended from Valera Alto of San Pasqual, a Kumeyaay who married into the Osuna family. As a result, he is a proud member of the Kumeyaay Nation. Fred’s unique ancestry spans the region’s history from prehistoric times through the present day.
Alfred Edward Cota-Moch
Author & Descendant
Alfred Edward Cota-Moch is an independent historian and genealogical researcher whose lifelong passion for the past led him to unexpected discoveries in both archival and forensic DNA studies. After pursuing a Master’s degree in History, Alfred’s own family research—sparked by a basic DNA test in 2013—revealed his surprising connection to Belgian royal surrogacy beneath Article 85 of the Belgian Constitution. He represented his grandfather, Maj. Gen. Norman D. Cota Sr., at the 75th Anniversary Battle of the Bulge ceremonies in Belgium-Luxembourg, and has since contributed to high-profile DNA-forensic projects, including the Smithsonian’s Jamestowne remains and the King Richard III identification. Alfred’s forthcoming book, Where Do I Begin, weaves these personal revelations into a larger narrative of history found rather than sought.
