Little Italy in San Diego in San Diego County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Pietro & Cristina Busalacchi

Family of Little Italy

Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, July 5, 2025

1. Pietro & Cristina Busalacchi Marker

Inscription. Pietro and Cristina (LaRosa) Busalacchi were married in their hometown of Porticello, Sicily in May 1950.

In 1966 they immigrated to San Diego with their 7 children: Anna, Tony, Sal, Frank, Joe, Leonora and Vince to begin a new life in America settling near Little Italy. Pietro went fishing at first but then secured a job at American Airlines to be home with his family. Cristina was busy raising her large family, cooking and baking and worked for awhile at Ratners downtown.

Pietro and Cristina worked hard to instill tradition and work ethic in their children which is very evident throughout Little Italy today. Pietro could often be seen checking on each family restaurant everyday and Cristina often gave recipe advice when needed.

Being active Our Lady of the Rosary church members Pietro and Cristina celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary by renewing their vows in May, 2000.

Pictured above are Pietro and Cristina Busalacchi

Erected by Little Italy Legends.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Immigration. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1950.

Location. 32° 43.49′ N, 117° 10.118′ W. Marker is in San Diego, California, in San Diego County. It is in Little Italy. It is on India Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1917 India Street, San Diego CA 92101, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s Peninsular Ranges.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other

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markers are within walking distance of this marker: Rose & Salvatore “Sal” Cresci (within shouting distance of this marker); Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone (within shouting distance of this marker); Madeleine & Vincent DePhilippis (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); 2006 FIFA World Soccer Cup Celebration (about 500 feet away); 2006 Torino Winter Olympic Opening Celebration (about 500 feet away); Little Italy Landmark Sign (about 500 feet away); Frankie Laine (about 500 feet away); Piazza della Famiglia (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Diego.

More about this marker. Marker is located at the NW corner and in front of the Barbusa Italian Restaurant building.

Regarding Pietro & Cristina Busalacchi. Pietro Busalacchi passed away in 2003. Cristina passed away on March 1, 2025.

Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, July 5, 2025

2. Pietro & Cristina Busalacchi Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on July 13, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 10, 2025, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. This page has been viewed 135 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 10, 2025, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.