Little Italy To Host Coach Rob Mendez “Who Says I Can’t?” Book Signing

The Little Italy Association, in partnership with Convivio, is hosting a book signing and meet-and-greet reception in celebration of local resident, Coach Rob Mendez’ new book, “Who Says I Can’t?”.

The book signing will take place during the Little Italy Mercato. Following the book signing, a meet-and-greet reception will be held at Amici House from 3PM-4PM. Attendees of the reception can enjoy light bites and sips while having the opportunity to hear more of Coach Rob’s inspiring anecdotes.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Rob Mendez (@coachrobmendez)

An incredible book about a fearless life

In “Who Says I Can’t?”, Mendez shares his story of being born with an extraordinarily rare condition called tetra-amelia syndrome, leaving him without arms or legs. Being passionate about sports since birth, Mendez has not let his condition define him.

Coach Rob Mendez has been a fixture on the Bay Area high school football coaching scene for more than a dozen years. A busy and accomplished motivational speaker, as well as a successful coach, his perseverance in landing his first coaching job became the subject of dozens of profiles in national media, as well as the ESPN documentary short feature, “Who Says I Can’t?” The film was nominated for a 2019 Emmy Award and was entered in the Tribeca Film Festival, and he has also received the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance at the ESPY Awards in 2019.

Currently serving as the offensive coordinator for Francis Parker, Mendez continues to inspire his students, as well as professional athletes from the NFL, NBA and MLB.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Rob Mendez (@coachrobmendez)

“Coach Rob is a beloved member of our community and we are inspired to be able to support him and his new book,” said Chris Gomez, District Manager of the Little Italy Association. “We invite everyone to come out and support such an incredible book, but an even more incredible individual. Coach Rob’s memoir is a story of perseverance and having the opportunity to not only meet him, but converse with him, is truly inspiring.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Rob Mendez (@coachrobmendez)

The book signing

The “Who Says I Can’t?” book signing will be taking place outside of Parakeet Café on the corner of W. Date & India Streets, facing the Little Italy sign, and is open to all. The meet-and-greet reception at Amici House, 250 W. Date St, is taking place from 3PM-4PM and is by RSVP only. To RSVP for the Who Says I Can’t Meet-and-Greet Reception please visit here.

See you there, San Diego!

Share This Event
Event Details
The Latest
Mainly Mozart All-Star Orchestra Festival
Discover the magic of the Mainly Mozart All-Star Orchestra Festival San Diego 2026 with six unique performances and a talented team.
La Valencia Hotel celebrating 100 years in La Jolla
La Valencia Hotel – La Jolla’s beloved Pink Lady – is turning 100 in 2026, and the centennial celebration is already underway. A full calendar...
Weaving Nets installation arts district liberty station
Arts District Liberty Station is bringing one of the most visually striking public art moments of the year to the North Promenade. Tejiendo Redes –...
Stella Jean's Ice Cream x Summer Fridays Collaboration
Stella Jean’s Ice Cream is teaming up with Summer Fridays for a three-day collaboration that turns the beauty brand’s new Sweet Summer Minis collection into...
Families Enjoying Shark Summer at Birch Aquarium
Shark Summer is back at Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, running from early July through early August. The month-long program dives into the...
Moonshine Flats Cassie B
Check out the exciting moonshine flats moonshine beach summer lineup featuring diverse live music and entertainment throughout the season.
Event Details
Upcoming Events
Bird's Eye View of Mission Bayfest
October 16, 2026
3:00 pm
  • Mariners Point
Mission Bayfest is heading back to the waterfront this fall, bringing three days of reggae, rock, and SoCal vibes to Mariner’s Point Park along the...
Tori Amos San Diego
August 26, 2026
7:30 pm
  • San Diego Civic Theatre
There are artists who put on a show, and then there’s Tori Amos – a force of nature who turns every performance into something genuinely...
RESET Beach Wellness Event
August 2, 2026
8:00 am
  • Mission Beach Park
SSBD and Almost Nakey are joining forces for RESET, a brand-new beachside event happening at Fit Social Club. It’s a full day of movement, recovery,...
Taste of Eastlake
July 24, 2026
6:00 pm
If you’re looking for a summer night out that means something, this one’s worth circling. The EastLake Educational Foundation is hosting its annual Taste of...
Cinbarella Il-Tabarrosite
July 19, 2026
3:00 pm
  • California Center for the Arts
If you’ve never seen an opera and a ballet tell the same story back to back – in the same afternoon – this is your...
Event Search: