Police And Emergency Services Appreciation Night (PAESAN) is an annual tradition in Pacific Beach going back more than 40 years. It’s a community barbecue and awards ceremony at Crown Point Park honoring all first responders.

“Ask anyone who lives in Pacific Beach and they will tell you that they love the first responders who keep them safe,” said Pacific Beach Town Council following the event. “The hardworking police officers, firefighters, lifeguards, and park rangers are a big part of what makes PB a great place to live and to visit. The PB Town Council raises money to support the first responders who serve their community, capping off their fundraising with PAESAN Each year individual police officers, lifeguards, firefighters, and park rangers are recognized, and certificates are awarded. This year we featured the work of the Mission Bay park rangers and maintenance staff.”

Typically, PBTC purchases items that are needed, but not funded, by the current City budget for whichever first-responder group is being honored that year.

A special PBTC thank you to PAESAN sustaining sponsors: 2022 PB Honorary Mayors Claudia and Bill Allen, Evans Hotel Group and the Evans Family, Ocean Park Inn, Elvin Lai and Family, O.M.B.A.C., SeaWorld, Barbara Bry, Beverly and Bill Vail, Denise Willett Friedman.

“The annual event, a cherished tradition hosted by the PBTC, serves as a platform to honor the invaluable first responders and city workers who serve Pacific Beach,” said District 1 Councilmember Joe LaCava. “I stood shoulder to shoulder with the event organizers as we jointly presented proclamations honoring the relentless efforts of our city’s park rangers and maintenance staff. Moreover, PAESAN was an occasion to pay tribute to assistant deputy director of parks and recreation, Christina Chadwick, whose exceptional service was not only acknowledged but also underscored by her receipt of the esteemed Rose Marie Starns Mission Bay Service Award.”

Added LaCava: “We were proud to honor all the first responders and City workers who attended that night for their commitment to ensuring the security, safety, and upkeep of our beloved parks and beaches throughout Pacific Beach. Their tireless efforts, often carried out behind the scenes, do not go unnoticed. Beyond recognizing our dedicated city workers, we thanked the PBTC for the pivotal role they play in building the vibrant community spirit that defines Pacific Beach.”

“Lastly, a ‘huge’ thank you to the City of San Diego for officially making Sept. 27 a City-recognized PAESAN day,” noted PBTC.

PAESAN AWARD RECIPIENTS

– Grounds maintenance supervisor Vanessa Sojo, Parks and Rec: Her impact has not only been seen in the coastal area but in other communities. She was the first to assist volunteers at a park clean-up day this summer. She used her knowledge of hand tools and plants to teach volunteers how to correctly use the tools and which plants to remove.

– Park Ranger Lino Santiago, Parks and Rec: Lino is held in high esteem and highly thought of by his team and supervisors. He is dependable and hardworking and has also managed the Fiesta Island Youth Camp. Lino has also taken on a deeper role in helping with the Beach Area Community Court by speaking at the impact meetings and managing the work parties.

– Firefighter/paramedic Christian Corella, SD Fire-Rescue: He has been with San Diego Fire-Rescue for 16 years. His current assignment is in PB at Fire Station 21 on “B” division. The way he interacts with the public is amazing. He treats everyone with respect and authentic concern.

– Lifeguard I David Brown, Lifeguard Services: He has been a Lifeguard I with the San Diego Fire Rescue Lifeguard Services since 2018. He’s worked in PB for the past 4 years. In recent years, David’s been involved in several off-duty water rescues and serious medical aids in the beach areas of San Diego. He’s seemingly always in the right place at the right time to lend a helping hand.

– Sgt. Nicholas Zastrow, SDPD: He is assigned to Northern Division’s Day Beach Team overseeing the Harbor Unit tasked with maritime enforcement and conducting boating collision investigations in Mission Bay. Zastrow is a diver and supervises the officers assigned to the joint dive team with Lifeguards. Zastrow maintains a constant state of readiness for his team by ensuring his officers’ qualifications and training are up to date.

– Rose Marie Starns Mission Bay Service Award Recipient, assistant deputy director Christina Chadwick, Parks and Recreation: Chadwick is responsible for aspects of park operations, grounds maintenance, facilities maintenance, and event permitting in Balboa Park, Presidio Park, and Mission Bay Park. She serves as the department liaison for stakeholders, leaseholders, and constituents within these highly-visited and cherished public spaces. Chadwick has served the City for more than 13 years.