With his San Francisco Giants cap perpetually planted downward, Otto Baltodano’s eyes appear eternally fixed on his target: that next stack of Project Open Hand meals ready for delivery. Due to his unassuming and introverted nature, one might not ever know that Otto is both a Purple Heart-awarded Vietnam War veteran and Project Open Hand hero.
“Otto has single-handedly delivered more meals than any other driver in Project Open Hand history. We’re talking untold thousands of meals,” says POH Manager of Distribution, Scott Yowell, who personally talked Otto out of retirement and recently promoted him to Lead Driver.
A native of Nicaragua, Otto moved to San Francisco as a teenager in 1966 and has lived in the Mission District ever since. Though he was homesick at first, a love of baseball from his Little League playing days in Nicaragua coupled with rooting for Latino Giants legends like Juan Marichal and Tito Fuentes, helped him settle into San Francisco.
What do you remember about your first meal delivery?
That I lost it! They sent me on the route near the beach. I was looking for this apartment building, and I just kept circling and circling, looking and looking with no luck. I was supposed to be there no later than 6 p.m. By the time I finally got back (to Project Open Hand), it was past 9 p.m. and everybody was gone. I had to find a place to park the van outside. Otto shakes his head and adjusts his San Francisco Giants cap.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Being outside and roaming the city. I love the whole city. Well, except for Kearny Street! Oh man! The traffic is crazy there. It can take 30 minutes to go just a few blocks. Pedestrians don’t pay attention. All those people headed to Moscone Center… drivers don’t signal. Drives me crazy! But I do love helping the clients. It’s very nice to bring food to people who truly need it.
Do you listen to music while you drive?
Definitely. Pure salsa. I mostly listen to Cesar Ascarrunz’s show. I can listen to just about anything. Well, except for reggaeton. Can’t understand a thing about reggaeton. I can’t handle that. (Otto covers his ears).
Do you have a favorite song?
“Lady in Red.” That was my mom’s favorite song. She passed away in 2006. Makes me think about her and makes me cry.
Do you have a favorite delivery vehicle?
Actually, I like this Mercedes Sprinter. I call it Little Red.
Ever been in an accident?
No. Never been pulled over. No tickets… Okay, there was one accident. But they hit me. It was somewhere around Ellis or Turk. Guy ran a red light. That was years ago.
What is the meaning of life?
Oh, I dunno. Be happy. Stay away from Kearny Street. And please use your turn signal!