The San Diego City Council today honored the 100th anniversary of the birth of Ronald Reagan by making Feb. 6 "Ronald Reagan Day" in the city.
The county of San Diego and city of Oceanside approved similar measures before Sunday's nationwide celebration of the centennial of the former president's birth.
The city proclamation notes Reagan's rise from humble beginnings to a career as a movie star, leader of the Screen Actors Guild and governor of California before he became president.
It also lists his achievements while serving two terms in the White House.
"The legacy of Ronald Reagan is one of hope; his diligence, faith, and vision of a better America led him to become one of our most beloved presidents -- the embodiment of the American dream," the proclamation reads.
The nation's 40th president "changed the course of history" and redefined how to be a great leader, said Councilman Carl DeMaio.
Reagan was a frequent visitor to San Diego, helped dedicate the San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge and ended his presidential campaigns here.
"All my research has shown Reagan really had an affinity for San Diego," said Vince Vasquez, who is organizing an effort to rename the bridge in his honor.
Reagan died June 5, 2004, at age 93.
