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Community Corner

VIDEO: Union City Resident Turns 106

Don't be fooled by his age — Antonio Zendejas can still tend to his garden, crack jokes and celebrate life with his six children, 21 grandchildren, 43 great grandchildren and 14 great great grandchildren.

Antonio Zendejas has been alive for more than a century. His secrets? Hard work, family and eating lots of chili.

Zendejas, a Union City resident for the last 66 years, turned 106 years old on June 13, 2011. It's safe to say he is one of the oldest current residents in the city.

On Sunday, June 12, Zendejas celebrated his birthday at with family and friends from across California, Texas and Washington. Union City Mayor Mark Green was also in attendance.

Zendejas has six children, 21 grandchildren, 43 great grandchildren and 14 great great grandchildren.

His family says he is never alone and is always surrounded by loved ones.

Aside from keeping his family close, Zendejas says gardening keeps him mentally and physically fit. He grows different kinds of fruits, vegetables and nuts in his backyard, including almonds, nectarines, apples, cactus, corn, grapes and more.

His eldest daughter, Consuelo Zendejas, 85, prepares his meals and makes sure he's well taken care of. But she says she doesn't really have to worry too much because he eats almost anything and is still capable of making his own bed and dressing himself. He even refuses to use his wheelchair.

Zendejas came to the U.S. from Mexico when he was 19 years old. He brought along his 17-year-old wife, their first-born child and an immigration visa.

Since then, Zendejas bounced around and pursued a variety of jobs to support his family, ultimately settling in Union City in 1945. Though family members have branched out, Zendejas has stayed put in the same house here in Union City.

Reporter Richgail Enriquez was at Zendejas' 106th birthday celebration and has more from the man himself.

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