Paul's Story

Born July 19th, 1984, at St. Mary Medical Center, Long Beach, CA
Began Elementary School at Garfield Elementary School, then Burroughs Elementary School, Long Beach, CA, September 1989
Began Middle School at Hudson Middle School, Long Beach, CA, September 1995
Began High School at Long Beach Polytechnic High School, Long Beach, CA, September 1998

In September of 2001, Paul began his Senior year at Long Beach Polytechnic High School. He greeted this final year of High School with much enthusiasm, as every teenager does.

Paul did well in his Senior year, taking more credits through his High School career than were necessary to graduate. He enjoyed his time at Long Beach Polytechnic High School, but also looked forward to moving on to the post-high school world that awaited him. He attended all of the Senior events - Senior Picnic, Prom and Grad Nite. He was a people person . . . he genuinely enjoyed being around his friends and classmates.

On June 12, 2002, Paul graduated from Long Beach Polytechnic High School. By looking at some of the pictures available on this site, you can easily tell that it was one of the happiest days of Paul's life. It was also one of his proudest days . . . and we were all so proud of him. You see, there was a lot of difficulty in Paul's life. Yet it was a mountain he climbed, without missing a step.

Growing up in Long Beach, the pressure of gangs, drugs and so many other malevolent forces creeps its way into nearly everyone's life. Paul was no exception. Yet Paul resisted each and every one of them. He knew these lifestyles were hollow . . . and not for him.

Before graduating, Paul had landed a job at a local tuxedo-rental shop. He worked there until shortly after graduating. In late June, just after graduation, Paul got a job at a local retailer. Like his previous job, Paul worked hard and was always available when needed. He knew the value of hard work. His work ethic was enviable. However, these were jobs that Paul really felt were not right for him in the long term. He always felt that he couldn't spend the rest of his working life at these jobs.

Near the end of June, Paul had applied at a local payroll company. During his first interview with them, the interviewer cut short the interview - she was so overwhelmingly impressed with Paul, that she felt the entire interview was unnecessary. The interviewer then immediately set Paul up for a second interview.

Paul's second interview went much the same. He again wowed the interviewer, which led to less of an interview, and more of a tour of the facility - the department where he had applied to work. He then waited to hear from the company for further processing.

On the night of July 6th, 2002, Paul went to look at a car he wanted to buy - his first car. After deciding to come back the next day to look at it in the daylight, he stayed a little while longer talking to the seller of the car. At approximately 11:35 P.M. that night, Paul's life was brought to an untimely, tragic and senseless end.

The eulogies given at his services speak to the life and character of this remarkable young man. A story printed in the Long Beach Press-Telegram on July 8th, 2002, speaks to the death of our beloved Paul, Jr. Click here to view the article.