The daily Pilot used to publish something called " 103 Most Influential People" every year. Everyone was pretty cool about it even though there were some strange people on the list. Sometimes I felt that it was a little like Time Magazine's Person of the Year when occasionally you just wanted to shout "What?" Like the time when I heard that they (Time Magazine, not the Daily Pilot) chose Hitler in 1938, Stalin in 1939, and 1942, and oddly Newt Gingrich in 1995.

The DP was definitely on to something though. We all learned so much about our community through all those wonderful people. Everyone looked forward to it. The Daily Pilot's Most Influential has now morphed into "Unsung Heroes". Although great, I still miss "Most Influential".

I have always felt that there are literally hundreds of people who may not be the "most influential" but make our lives better just by being here. Most of the time we don't even notice, and maybe don't even know their names, but they really need to be recognized. Here is the "People Who Create Happiness 2020" list.

Rob Powell….The happiest independent chauffeur in Newport Mesa

Roberta Keenen…Works for church and charities and devastating smile for everyone

Roger Sison…Always keeping in touch with everyone he's ever met

Kirsten Martin…One of the funniest and big hearted people on the planet

Nancy Cummings… The person you would want as your best friend

Barbara @ Costco…Everyone loves her

Pam at CVS in Westcliff…always friendly

Amber @ Growers Direct…Interested, happy, makes shopping fun

Brad Smith…Funny, loves fishing, nature, trekking and people

Mari May…Never met a stranger

Darmell Wyrek…So talented

Barbara Venezia…Cannot see her without smiling

Freddie Merz…Just plain sweet

Yolanda Newton…Smart, funny, helpful, engaged

Tommy Reminiskey…So nice

Susan Meyer… Does so much for NMUSD

Steve Virgen… Still great although moved away

Seymore Schlosser…Sweet, sweet man

Jan Fisher… Ms. Newport Mesa Unified School District and make people happy with "Lily Stories"

Jennifer Friend… Went from homeless kid to savior of homeless kids

ALL NEWPORT AND COSTA MESA POLICE

Jeniffer Garner…The funniest Instagrams ever

Nowell Kay…Caring, sweet guy coach

Liz McNabb…The activist with the best smile

Sara Klintworth Lunsford…Giving all the time, and beautiful voice

Erica Roberts…Hardest worker, funny, smart, great cook, thoughtful, speaker of the year

Robyn Herrara…Makes Soul Cycle more fun

Crossing Guards at Newport Elementary

Jenny Evans…Was the nicest kid…now nicest adult

Steve Trujillo…Mr. Newport on a bike

Mike Coleman…Lovely coach

ALL HOAG NURSES AND NURSES EVERYWHERE

Oscar Ramirez…The guy you want to talk to at Kona cleaners

Karen Vaughter…Ralph's best helper

Thresia Oakley…Super helpful at Vons

Sheri Farley…Sweet sweet smile

Michelle Murphy…Always working toward best for people with a great laugh

Marge Newman…Everyone's favorite 1st grade teacher

Cara Boyd….Kindergarten favorite…working for kids

Dave Beauchamp…You cannot see this guy without a smile

Tessa Haynes…Alta Queen…

Carrie Rush…Great coach, teacher, and VB favorite

Tony….Happiest Costa Mesa Policeman

Arlis Reynolds…Another award winning smile and good in the world.

ALL NMUSD TEACHERS

The really nice former guard at NMUSD Board meetings

Flomama Martin … Bike loving Costa Mesa activist

Barbara at Costco… Everyone loves her

Jennifer Henry Brooks…Big help with everything and super talented kids

Sarah Halverson-Cano….Amazing minister/preacher/giver In Memorium (no particular year) Mr. Balboa….Wayne Moses…Most fun barber

Joan Dugan…Amazing children's librarian Balboa Library