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
By the Sea Coronado
The Craving is ThereSanDiego's weekly guide to what's worth eating and drinking in San Diego right now. Every Tuesday, we surface new restaurant openings, standout happy hours, limited-time menu specials, and upcoming food events across the city - so you know what's happening before everyone else does.
Stellen San Diego Gaslamp
Get ready for Stellen San Diego Gaslamp in 2027! Enjoy its warm, modern spaces and a design that enhances the Gaslamp experience.
Annual Adams Avenue Street Fair
Celebrate music and community at the Adams Avenue Street Fair. Enjoy 10 blocks of entertainment and diverse musical acts this September.
Zuma san diego
Zuma has spent nearly 25 years taking over the world – Hong Kong, Istanbul, Rome, Miami, Madrid, and more. Now they’re open in San Diego,...
Arts District Liberty Station just dropped a whole new lineup of artists, exhibits, and public art, and this is one of the best times to...
The Lobby Bar at the LaFayette Hotel & Club
San Diego has always had a reputation as a ‘party’ town, but it also has some of the best cocktail bars on Earth for those...
Event Details
Upcoming Events
MANIA The ABBA Tribute bringing the magic of ABBA to life at The Magnolia
February 10, 2027
7:30 pm
  • The Magnolia
If you’ve ever wanted to relive the magic of ABBA live on stage, MANIA: The ABBA Tribute is as close as it gets. The world’s...
November 1, 2026
12:00 pm
  • San Diego Museum of Art
The San Diego Museum of Art is throwing a taco party in its sculpture garden, and honestly, it’s one of the most fun things on...
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...
La Mesa Oktoberfest
October 2, 2026
4:00 pm
  • La Mesa Village
Join the fun at La Mesa Oktoberfest! Enjoy live entertainment, games, and great food in San Diego's biggest German celebration.
Shark Snorkeling Birch Aquarium
September 30, 2026
8:00 am
  • Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Get ready for shark snorkels at Birch Aquarium and enjoy a memorable snorkeling adventure with docile Leopard Sharks.
Event Search: