You could make a pretty good argument that Merv Griffin, whose death at the age of 82 was announced today, was the most well-known and successful individual born and raised in the city of San Mateo. He came from middle-class roots on South Humboldt Street and, by the time he turned 19, he was already hosting his own radio show on KFRC in San Francisco during World War II. He got his start performing at places like St. Matthew’s Catholic School and Church and at San Mateo High School. One of his classmates at both institutions was musician Cal Tjader. Griffin went on to achieve a great deal of fame and considerable fortune, in both the world of entertainment and in finance, especially in Southern California real estate. And it all started in San Mateo.