Hundreds of people paid their last respects Tuesday to a man who fought for decades to reduce substance abuse in San Diego. Dr. Cleo Malone passed away last week at the age of 75. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.
Cleo Malone was an ordained minister and a doctor of philosophy. He founded a social service agency in Southeast San Diego dedicated to reducing drug, alcohol, and tobacco use.
Dr. Robert Ross is San Diego County's former health director. He says Malone was a tireless advocate for people in his community.
Dr. Robert Ross : He was the most powerful warrior for social justice I've ever personally known. Anyone who was homeless, disenfranchised, addicted, he would open up his heart and his program to them. And I learned a lot, just from watching him. He's a great man.
Malone was especially proud of his work targeting stores that sold alcohol and tobacco to teenagers. He worked with law enforcement to crackdown on problem merchants.
Kenny Goldberg, KPBS News.
