10 Questions with Point Loma resident and 35-year Realtor Rosamaria Acuña

Ten Questions is a series in the Point Loma-OB Monthly that shines a spotlight on notable locals we wish we knew more about. This month’s featured personality is local Realtor and Point Loma resident Rosamaria Acuña.

Rosamaria Acuña is a bilingual Realtor who was born in Calexico in Imperial County at the U.S.-Mexico border. She was raised in a large family, and her father instilled in her the values of hard work, trust, service to the community and homeownership.

She became a homeowner for the first time at age 20 and quickly realized her passion for real estate. She obtained her real estate license in 1988. As an agent with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, she specializes in the San Diego area and is consistently recognized as among the top 1 percent of associates in sales.

She also is a community volunteer who was nominated for the National Association of Realtors Good Neighbor Award.

Now on to the 10 Questions:

Q. What attracted you to the Point Loma-Ocean Beach area as a place to live?

A. I moved to San Diego in 1983. As a child, I’d visit Point Loma every summer and imagined one day calling that ocean-lined view my own.

After working full time and attending school in San Diego, I bought a townhouse in Chula Vista. Then, after discovering my passion for real estate and buying and selling three more properties, I bought a home with my husband here in Point Loma, which was really the fulfillment of my childhood dreams.

Q. What are your favorite places to go in Point Loma and Ocean Beach?

A. The peninsula is a very special place to visit and I am fortunate I discovered it as a child when visiting San Diego in the summertime. Everywhere you walk, drive, hike or play, you’re blessed with nature and awe-inspiring views. It’s why I call Point Loma home.

It’s also rich in history and traditions, with gems to discover like the Cabrillo National Monument, which Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo came upon in 1542. I love the La Playa Trail ... Liberty Station, Sunset Cliffs Natural Park ... and the Ocean Beach Pier.

Q. If you could snap your fingers and have it done, what might you add to improve Point Loma or Ocean Beach?

A. The peninsula is blessed to have organizations such as the Point Loma Association, Ocean Beach MainStreet Association, Sunset Cliffs Natural Park Council, Cabrillo National Monument Foundation and many more where citizens come together to make the community a better place for everyone. It takes a collaborative effort, working together as these organizations are doing, to make an impact, and it’s why I am so passionate about volunteering and advocating for special causes such as preservation, education and outreach with the Sunset Cliffs Natural Park Council.

Q. Who or what inspires you?

A. As my father instilled in me the value of hard work, community and homeownership, I educated my two millennial daughters to continue to invest in their future through homeownership. During COVID and during one of the most competitive real estate markets, they became homeowners in San Diego while working remotely.

Since then, they’ve returned to their workplace outside San Diego and have rented their property until one day when they return home. I’m proud of them, just like my parents were proud of me. My daughters inspire me with their caring and leading spirit to continue to be their role model. They’re one of the main reasons I am passionate about homeownership.

Q. If you hosted a dinner party for five guests, who (living or deceased) would you invite?

A. In my wildest and most wonderful dreams, I’d host a dinner party with Rosa Parks, Jane Goodall, Frida Kahlo, John Muir and Warren Buffett. It’s almost too fun for me to put into words what that group could talk about, but I’d hope we could discuss nature (how to track and measure preservation), human advocacy (in particular the history of women and race), art and culture and business. Could you imagine the insights that would come from that group?

Q. Tell us about what you are currently reading or watching on TV.

A. In my profession, I’m always reading and learning about local and national real estate news, paying careful attention to what’s happening now and what’s coming up based on indicators and trends in the marketplace. It’s why you’ll often find me at an industry conference, mentoring new agents or educating my clients. ... Having that mindset for continual education is such a key component of what I do!

When I’m not reading about real estate, I’m in a monthly book club and support neighborhood bookstores and events whenever possible. I’m looking forward to attending an evening with international bestselling author Nguyen Phan Que Mai [presented by] La Playa Books [in Point Loma] on March 21.

If I had to pick one of my favorite reads, it would be “Horse” by Geraldine Brooks, which is based on the incredible true story of the record-breaking thoroughbred Lexington and explores themes of art, science, love and the fight against racism.

Q. What would be your dream vacation?

A. Hiking the entire Pacific Crest Trail! For me, connecting with nature is one of the best ways to rejuvenate my mind and recharge.

Q. What are your five favorite movies of all time?

A. Definitely “The Sound of Music.” As a child, it was the first movie I ever saw. Watching it, my imagination sparked. I realized there were mountains to climb, problems to solve and a big world to chase, which was a profound epiphany coming from the small desert town I grew up in and love.

Beyond “The Sound of Music,” I don’t spend too much time today watching movies, but I do like “Rocky,” “Star Wars,” “Forrest Gump” and “Coco.” In heritage, “Coco” is special because we always celebrate Dia de los Muertos.

Q. What is your most prized possession?

A. My home! It’s why I value homeownership so much. I’ve been in the real estate business for exactly 35 years and my goal has always been to help as many individuals and families [as possible] own the American dream and build security through homeownership, just like I have.

Q. What is your motto or philosophy of life?

A. I love the phrase “We rise by lifting others.” I’m so grateful to live in such a wonderful place, and volunteering in the community is my way of expressing that gratitude. I will forever seek to live, love and give back whenever I can!

Do you know someone you’d like us to ask 10 Questions? Send an email with your suggestion to robert.vardon@lajollalight.com.