The Early Years
Matt Hall is a third generation San Diego North County resident. Born and raised in Vista, California, Matt loves to talk about his “great family” and having grown up on a ranch his father purchased, and a home his family built from scratch.
"My dad purchased ten acres, and planted avocado trees," Matt said, “But every year, my father would take my mom and my three siblings out on family vacations.” Once the family ranch house was completed, Matt’s grandparents became part of the household too.
While attending Vista High School, Matt worked full-time at a Shell gasoline station near his house. “I learned a lot about running a small business in the automotive service industry,” he said. In addition to a small regularly salary, Matt also earned tips. “I could out-sell and out-pump anyone else working there,” Matt will tell you proudly.
Matt was a born mechanic, and while in high school, built his own sand-buggy. He also learned to water ski on Agua Hedionda. At age 14, he was largely on his own, but by 16 was living independently when his parents moved to San Diego.
Matt stayed in Vista to work and finish high school.
After High School
Matt graduated high school, got married, and then went to Palomar College. Part way through college in 1967, Matt received a draft notice. In January of 1968, Matt was inducted into the U.S. Army at age 18.
The Army Years
Matt went to boot camp at Fort Ord and was then sent to Fort Riley. “It was a fun experience,” he recalls. He went to school, took courses and got promoted. After a mere 11 months, Matt was classified E5. This was an unusual accomplishment for someone with less than a year of service.
During his time in the Army, Matt was always on the road. His job involved working on heavy equipment fuel and electrical systems. Eventually, he returned to Ft. Riley, and was put on base waivers. With 6 months and 13 days to go in the Army, Matt was sent to Vietnam.
While in Vietnam, a fellow soldier got caught in a piece of heavy equipment. Matt tried to save him but was unable to. The soldier perished.
It was in a similar scenario, 45 days after arriving in Vietnam, that Matt got hung up on a conveyor system, and was seriously hurt, having sustained major injuries to his back and torso. He was hospitalized for several months, first in the Philippines, and then Japan, before going home to the States.
Matt received a Purple Heart and was recognized for injuries sustained while performing hazardous work in support of the war. According to Matt, "I have never recovered from the injury. It took four months before I could walk, was in a wheelchair for a while. It was a slow process, and I still feel it."
After the Army and Vietnam
In January of 1970, Matt turned 21, and his tour of duty came to an end. At that time, Matt was "running scenarios” of what he wanted to do.
"I always wanted to be in business for myself, and that was my drive," said Matt. As it happened, a business came up for sale in Carlsbad in 1970. The business was a tow company that had contracts with the city and state. The business also handled the majority of private calls in the area.
"I invested every cent I had, and went all in," said Matt. "I took all the money I earned from the service and put it into that business." Upon buying the business in 1970, Matt moved to Carlsbad.
"I rented a one-bedroom apartment on Ocean Street and lived there for six months," said Matt. "From then on, I knew that Carlsbad was going to be my home."
After six months, Matt bought the property next to his business, built a home, and lived in the Barrio for the better part of a year. According to Matt, "It was a panhandle piece of land that I bought from Mr. Sanchez.”
While still in his 20’s, Matt continued to invest in the Barrio. “I bought the property and flower business across the street, and then the property where El Torito market is located.” According to Matt, “Almost all the people who helped build my home and run my business lived in the Barrio.”
The Community Involvement Years
"In 1976, a member of the city council member came up to me and told me I needed to get involved," said Matt. At the time, Matt and his wife were raising two daughters. Nevertheless, it was clear to him that participating in the city's future was fast becoming a calling.
"Thelma Hayes and I were put on the city's Redevelopment Committee, and I remember becoming good friends with then Mayor Mary Casler," said Matt.
"While on the Redevelopment Committee, the City Council appointed me to the Planning Commission, and I later became Chairman." During this time, Matt also became a Lightning Soccer Coach.
In 1991, I went to lunch with a few locals, and they posed a challenge. “We want you to run for council,” they said. Shortly thereafter, Matt took his first shot at running for City Council but lost. The loss, however, did not dissuade him from running again. His drive and his energy level kepthim focused, and in 1996 was elected to the Council.
In 2010, Matt ran for Mayor and won. In 2014, he won a second term.
