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Arts & Culture

My First Day Podcast: How Throwing A Dart At A Dartboard Landed One Man On The Streets Of Ocean Beach

Ron Patterson shows off his artwork in his apartment in this photo taken Aug. 7, 2019.
Andrew Bracken
Ron Patterson shows off his artwork in his apartment in this photo taken Aug. 7, 2019.
Ron Patterson finds it difficult to be around other people, leading to a life on the streets of Ocean Beach. Later, Ron makes a major change and seeks to leave homelessness behind. About the show: My First Day is a KPBS Explore series that explores these important days through people who came to San Diego from elsewhere, and now call it home. About the producer: Andrew Bracken is a documentary mediamaker working with audio, video, and interactive media. He is the creator, producer, and host of the KPBS podcast My First Day. Follow the show: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myfirstdaystories/ Contact: myfirstdaystories@gmail.com

Growing up in remote Oregon, Ron Patterson found it difficult to be around other people.

After a stint in the U.S. Navy, he became further isolated and longed for a change of scenery. A random dart throw on a map led him to the Ocean Beach neighborhood of San Diego, where he ended up homeless. Many years later, after police discovered his camp, Patterson got a chance to finally find a home.

Hear Patterson's personal story in a new episode of "My First Day," a KPBS Explore podcast that explores these important days through people who came to San Diego from elsewhere, and now call it home.