EPIIFANIO S. TAPIA & VIRGINIA R. TAPIA
REGULAR DIVISION 2022
Epi and Virginia Tapia are long time Vista residents. Virginia's family settled in Vista in 1935. She has lived in Vista her entire life. Epi's family moved to Vista from Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1953.
They are both Vista High School alumni. They will be celebrating 55 years of marriage on September 3, 2022. They own and work at their boutique salon, The Epi Centre Hair Studio, located at 702 Mercantile Street in Vista for the past 25 years. Prior to that they have owned salons in Vista, San Marcos and Oceanside.
They have been Downtown Vista merchants for 45 years. They both were active as board members in the San Diego County Cosmetology Association. Epi was a platform artist and educator for Aveeda and Redken corporations and a recipient of several hair styling competition awards. He also was the manager of the May Company Styling Salon opening of El Camino Shopping Center in Carlsbad,California.
Virginia is the operation’s business partner and Epi is the Artistic Director of the salon. The Tapias were heavily involved in community volunteer organizations and over the years they have received many recognitions for their contributions to their beloved City of Vista. They are members of the Vista Historical Society, Friends of Vista Library, supporters of the
Avo Playhouse and Moonlight Amphitheater.
Virginia served as Executive of the Vista Chamber of Commerce for 10 years [1989-1999]. She served on the Vista Economic Development Association, North County Tourism Coalition, North County Transportation Coalition,and the North County Chamber of Commerce Association. During her tenures she received Proclamations from city, federal, state, and county Officials. She was
named Vista Woman of the Year by the local press and Woman of Accomplishment by Soroptimist International of San Diego. She is a past member of Children’s Home Society, Kiwanis International of Vista, and served on the board of The Vista Community Clinic. She also served as member of the Rancho Buena Vista Adobe, chairperson of the Vista Heritage Ball Committee, a member
of the Vistans for Vista committee in 1986, and the Save Our City Rally Chair [redevelopment action]. She is a graduate of Vista Leadership 2000 and a graduate of Institutes for Origination Management from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Chamber Management from the University of Stanford.
Epi served on the City’s Specific Plan 26 committee and was a board member of the Vista Town Center Association, chairperson of the City of Vista Fireworks, City of Vista Cinco de Mayo Celebration, and the Vista Chili Cook Off. He served on the advisory committee for the purchase of the Rancho Buena Vista Adobe, as well as serving on the board of the Boys Club of Vista. He
is a graduate of Vista Leadership 2000.
The Tapias were both nominated for Grand Marshals of the Vista Christmas Parade. They have always enthusiastically supported each other’s commitments during these years of community service.
Epi and Virginia are humbled by this honor. They continue to love this city and will always support that which contributes to the quality of life of their fellow citizens.
“WE wish to thank everyone who has supported us through the years. Without you we would never have accomplished our endeavors”. VIVA VISTA!