San Bruno, my hometown, has the town slogan, "A City With A Heart." Yes, San Bruno has a heart (literally, there's a neighborhood whose streets form a heart), but this is among many other things. As strange as San Bruno can be, I feel extremely grateful to have grown up in a town with so many recognizable characteristics and traditions. While we may not be as big or well known as our neighboring Bay Area cities, what we lack in popularity we make for in character and individuality. Here are some things that I, and probably many other San Bruno natives, understand:

1. San Mateo Ave.

2. The struggle of finding something to do that doesn't involve leaving San Bruno.

3. Knowing it’s early release at Parkside because of the massive packs of green and khaki herding down El Camino.

4. Trying to shop at Tanforan.

5. “Capuchino High School? Your high school was named after coffee?"

6. Being able to constitute an entire wardrobe without red or blue for six years of education.

7. Never really knowing how old DJ Hightop was.

8. Beckner Park.

9. Not being able to relate to anyone in college about high school classes because Cap was an IB school.

10. The death of two of the best businesses in San Bruno.

Rest in peace, Shaws and Bayhill Taco Bell.

11. The ridiculous amount of fireworks that go off at any random day at any random time.

12. Every single 8th grader and/or soccer mom at the St. Roberts Festival.

13. Hiking the Crystal Springs trail to go to the “Big Slides."

14. No matter how sunny it is, it will always be foggy by Portola/the jail.

15. This being your number one spot every summer.

16. When your mom asks if you want to get Toto’s for dinner.

17. The rivalry between Mills and Cap.

18. Finding out in elementary school that you were walking in the Posey Parade.

19.Being #blessed with Bart and Caltrain stations.

20. No matter how much you make fun of it, Trenchtown will always hold a special place in your heart.