Father’s Day Getaway Contest

In honor of this weekend’s holiday we held a Father’s Day Getaway Contest where participants provided a photo and short essay telling us about their amazing dads for the chance to win a night’s stay at La Valencia. From seasoned fathers to brand new fathers, we received touching tributes to great men on behalf of their children. Thank you all for sharing your stories with us.

As you read the entries below you can imagine that it was very difficult to select just one to win. So it is with great pleasure to announce that four entrants will be able to gift their fathers with the grand prize. Congratulations to Paul James, Scott Hauser, Jay La Suer and Bill Allen! We look forward to welcoming you to La Valencia and treating you to a much deserved getaway.

Wishing a wonderful weekend to everyone celebrating their fathers.

-The La Valencia Staff

Paul James

-submitted by Grayson James-

My name is Grayson James and I’m 12 weeks old today! My dad deserves a night away because he hasn’t had a decent nights sleep since I was born. Yes, its true – I like to keep he and mom up all night just to make me happy. Selfish, I know, so I’d like to give them a well deserved break! Mom and dad got married at your facility on July 8, 2010 and I would love nothing more than for my two most favorite people to enjoy a romantic evening alone at a hotel that holds a special place in their heart. I hope you consider my dad for this sweepstakes!

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Scott Hauser

-Submitted by Alayne Hauser -

My dad, Scott Hauser, deserves a getaway because he lives each day thinking only of others and he greatly deserves a day of indulgence for himself. My father is a retired North County San Diego teacher of 30 years.  From his time in the Peace Corp in Liberia (which we will never hear the end of… : ) to his hospitable volunteer work bringing religion to San Diego’s Donovan Correctional Facility, he is always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need.

Growing up, La Jolla has always been a place of great joy and relaxation for my dad and family.  I will never forget the first time my dad took me snorkeling in the cove.  I remember the clear water, swarms of Garibaldi fish, and, most importantly, spending special quality time with my dad. This would be a great surprise and gift to my dad…and maybe he’ll let his kids and grand kids come visit him at La Valencia if he gets the room!

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Jay La Suer

-Submitted by Lori La Suer Briggs -

As my husband and I walked through beautiful downtown La Jolla a couple of days ago, we came upon the La Valencia and all her splendor.  We wandered our many special memories we had shared there.  My best friend was married at the La Valencia, another friends engagement party, romantic cocktails with that incredible view…we both smiled while we remembered.  Both our families have has been in San Diego since the 1940’s and watched the scenery change over the years; sometimes for the better, sometimes not. La Valencia has remained through the years, absolutely fabulous.  Absolutely fabulous, just like my Dad, Jay La Suer.

He grew up in San Diego’s east county, raised a steer in FFA at El Cajon High School, served on the San Diego Sheriff’s Department, La Mesa City Councilman and retired (termed out) from the California State Assembly in 2006.  He is as devoted to his community almost as much as he is to his family.  He has worked in leadership in the La Mesa Bobby Sox Association as President when my sister played softball, drove in the carpool while I competed in gymnastics with my friends, built carnival booths for our back yard carnivals we held as kids to raise money for the Jerry Lewis Labor Day Muscular Dystrophy Telethon.

He helped fill water balloons for our neighborhood water balloon fights, taught me how to fish; ride a bike and a skate board.  He was my biggest supporter as I grew up.  He taught me how to “long jump” so when I competed in our elementary school’s track meet, I did great!  My Dad was always the coolest Dad on the block.  He could fix anything, put together and installed the coolest swing set on the block, trained all our dogs who doubled as his patrol dogs, to love everyone in the neighborhood but be a fierce protector whenever a stranger was lurking around us kids as we played outside.  My Dad bandaged all our dogs that got into fights with the coyotes that roamed our neighborhood on occasion.  He performed all the “burial at sea” ceremonies whenever the goldfish I won at the local fair would die.

My Dad has been married to my beautiful Mom for 49 ½ years.  They are each other’s best friends.  My Dad taught me what it truly meant to be a husband and a father. Because of his example, I married a man 22 years ago who is an incredible husband and most excellent father to our two sons.  My Dad taught me what is important in life and what is not.  He is a great friend and mentor to my two sons and spends every moment possible with them working on their cars, helping them to both become Eagle Scouts, working on their cars with them or by simply hanging out at Costco having lunch together.

My Dad so much deserves a stay at the La Valencia.  He is an excellent man, wonderful husband, fantastic father and awesome grandpa, who has given so much of himself and could really use some time at La Jolla’s Jewel, the La Valencia!

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Bill Allen

- Submitted by Stia Allen Coffman -

On September 24, 1983, my parents, Bill and Jean Allen, had their wedding reception in the Verandah Room at La Valencia.  Nearly 30 years later, on April 21, 2012, my husband and I were married at the Garden Terrace and had our reception in the Verandah Room!  Being from San Diego, my parents did not have to travel far for their reception, but I was born and raised in Texas. Still I knew all along that La Valencia was the place I wanted to have my ceremony. I was determined to make the La Valencia wedding a family tradition after hearing my parents’ great stories, seeing their beautiful wedding pictures, and hearing the memories associated with the hotel on that special day.

My dad has loved, supported and guided me my entire life. He is the best Dad a girl could ask for. He made my dream wedding at La Valencia come true. It really was a fairytale wedding! He deserves a getaway to relax and celebrate Father’s Day at La Valencia – it holds such a special place in his heart. This picture is of me and my Dad right before we walked down the aisle at my wedding.