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 Each week I have the privilege of sharing the amazing things to see and do in Seaside, but Seaside has another aspect that truly makes it a wonderful place to visit, and live; the people! We have many interesting, friendly, and talented people who call Seaside home. I had the opportunity to chat with Stubby Lyons, a man who encompasses all those virtues, and more!
Stubby moved here thirty-one years ago to teach and coach at Seaside High School. He was head coach for the Seaside football team from 1980-1998 (which included a 1994 3A state championship). He semi-retired in 1999, but continued to work as a substitute. He started working full time again recently-teaching the driving portion of driver’s education courses, and returning to the sidelines for another stint as Seaside’s head football coach. He says that the driving program is a great service the school offers, and that he keeps a cool head while he rides with students (something that he also uses on the field as head coach).
In 2000 Stubby had a friend who encouraged him to run for Seaside City Council. He ran again in 2004, and 2008 (He’s currently the Council President). He likes the people he meets, and the attachments formed as they work towards the same goal: to make Seaside the best city it can be. He’s helped interview candidates for the Chief of Police, Fire Chief, and City Manager jobs, and says it’s very self-satisfying to be part of a process to pick the best people for those jobs. He enjoys working with, and seeing employees in all the different departments.
When I asked Stubby his favorite places in Seaside he said he couldn’t name specifics because he loves them all (plus he didn’t want to leave out anyone!). He says there are so many special places in Seaside, and that he has many friends throughout the businesses.
Stubby says his favorite event is the 4th of July parade. He gets fired up riding on the 1935 Mack Firetruck with the other council members and throwing the red, white, and blue taffy (donated by Phillips Candies) to the kids and adults. He told me that each council member has a ten-pound bag, and that they also pass out between 4,000-5,000 American flags. He says it’s grown into a big deal. He stressed that it’s not only the locals that give it that “beach feel” environment, but also those who come in from out of town that make it a wonderful experience.
Stubby has had (and continues to have) a direct impact on the city of Seaside over the last thirty-one years. He’s taught, and coached youth, helped make a difference over the last decade by serving on the City Council, and plays an active part in the community. As Stubby emphasized it’s the people that make Seaside a special place, and in this instance he leads by example.
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