2023 Heroes of Oceanside and Camp Pendleton Program

A MEAL AMONG heroes

thank you

TO OUR SPONSORS

PROGRAM the

COCKTAILS & SEATING

A FEW WORDS FROM OUR PRESENTING SPONSORS

TRI-CITY MEDICAL CENTER | DR. GENE MA GENENTECH | NAZELI DERTSAKIAN

REMARKS FROM MAYOR SANCHEZ

FIRE & LIFEGUARD AWARDS

PRESENTED BY | ASSEMBLYMEMBER LAURIE DAVIES

POLICE DEPARTMENT AWARDS

PRESENTED BY | DEPUTY MAYOR RYAN KEIM

EDUCATION AWARDS

PRESENTED BY | DR. KRISTEN HUYCK, MIRACOSTA COLLEGE

HEALTHCARE AWARDS

PRESENTED BY | CHAMBER BOARD CHAIR NAZELI DERTSAKIAN, GENENTECH

MILITARY AWARDS

PRESENTED BY | BILL BIRNIE, CEO FRONTWAVE CREDIT UNION

SMALL BUSINESS SUSTAINABILITY AWARD

PRESENTED BY | KEVIN SHIN, THE SWITCHBOARD RESTAURANT & BAR

CERTIFIED KINDNESS AWARD

PRESENTED BY | KEVIN SHIN, THE SWITCHBOARD RESTAURANT & BAR

Cox is incredibly grateful for all that you do, all that you risk, to take care of our families, friends and our community. You are true heroes and we are honored to celebrate you!

FIRE DEPARTMENT AWARDEES

TANNER DRINKWARD

In January 2023, Engine 216 and Rescue Ambulance 216 responded for a 42-year-old male complaining of chest pain. While speaking to the patient outside of his home, he stated he felt dizzy and didn’t feel well. The patient became unresponsive with body posturing, indicating a lack of oxygenated blood to the brain. The patient was assessed and found to be without a pulse and not breathing. The patient was immediately treated using basic life support measures of CPR using a mechanical heart compression device (aka “thumper”), and oxygen, followed up by advanced life support treatment using heart defibrillation (shocks) and an intraosseous access device, which is an IV that is inserted into the bone. He was also given multiple doses of advanced life support medications. The patient was transported with lights and siren to the hospital, with care turned over to hospital sta . The patient made a full recovery to walk out of the hospital and visited the fire department with his mother to give thanks to the team. What stands out about this call is that the primary ambulance paramedic was on the job for less than a year. The team was otherwise experienced and with one of the newest

JUSTIN KLOPFENSTEIN FIRE CAPTAIN

FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC

DANIEL GARCIA FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC

BRIAN MICKSCHL FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC

firefighter/paramedics taking the lead was able to save the life of a relatively young man. There are many potential outcomes of CPR calls, and many don’t have positive outcomes due to age or underlying health conditions. The patient has a new lease on life due to the training and teamwork of the fire department crew and the trust that the community and OFD leadership have placed in them. On this day they expressed our motto of “Save, Serve, Strive to be the Best.”

LIFEGUARD AWARDEES

JOHN FARNER LIFEGUARD

O -duty lifeguard John Farner rescued a family of three in distress near the Del Mar Boat Basin at Camp Pendleton. He noticed the family, including an 18-month-old infant, floating dangerously close to the surf line in an inflatable raft while he was surfing. Despite his warning, a set of waves overturned their raft, prompting John to act swiftly. He rescued the infant with his sur oard, called for assistance for the mother, and paddled the child to safety. Afterward, he and a friend provided initial care, and all three were transported to the hospital, highlighting John's courageous and timely response.

LIFEGUARD LIFEGUARD

On July 14th, o duty Lifeguard Mateo Esquivel was enjoying the surf in Oceanside and went over to Tower 3 to chat with Lifeguard Ryan Rhoads. Midway through their conversation, a bystander said there was a fight and two people were unconscious.

Rhoads and Esquivel were first on scene for what became a 6-patient overdose.

Multiple bystanders spoke of the incredible professionalism and calmness of these first responders. A family staying at the apartments overlooking the park commented that they saw the lifeguards approach what they thought were multiple unconscious people. Our guards positioned the patients so they wouldn’t aspirate and immediately started rendering care to the most critical. The family was blown away and said that the lifeguards were the stars of the show.

Two thumbs up for maintaining the standards of the department and representing Oceanside Lifeguards incredibly well when it’s time to answer the call.

A COMMUNITY THAT GROWS TOGETHER, THRIVES TOGETHER.

At Kaiser Permanente, we don’t see health as an industry. We see it as a cause. That’s why we’re excited to be a part of the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce. Our doors, hearts and minds are always open to help you thrive.

Learn more at kp.org/sandiego

POLICE DEPT. AWARDEES

CHRIS JAMES PROPERTY CRIMES DETECTIVE

In 2022, Detective James took on the growing issue of catalytic converter thefts in Southern California, leading the "Catalytic Converter Initiative." Through extensive research and collaboration with the District Attorney's O ce, he empowered prosecutors to file felony charges, setting a precedent for other counties to follow suit. Detective James is also part of the Elder Justice Taskforce, collaborating with the FBI to solve international scams, which led to over 50 search warrants and a suspect's arrest in Nebraska. Additionally, he serves as the Special Olympics Fundraising Coordinator, helping the OPD raise the most money in San Diego County for four consecutive years and earning a spot on the Southern California Special Olympics Leadership Council.

GRICEL BELTRAN-TAJ PRINCIPAL MANAGEMENT ANALYST

Gricel, the Principal Management Analyst at the Oceanside Police Department, oversees budget planning, management, and various administrative functions. In 2017, she led a team to replace the outdated paper timesheet and payroll process. Failing to find an o -the-shelf solution, they collaborated with Enterprise Technologies to develop a custom software program. Gricel managed the entire implementation, conducting extensive training for nearly 350 employees in 2022. Her dedication and ongoing adjustments to the software reduced payroll processing time from 50 to 8 hours, significantly improving e ciency. Without her commitment, the department would still rely on paper timesheets, highlighting her crucial role in modernizing their operations.

SCHOOL DISTRICT AWARDEES UNIFIED

BRIAN JOHNSON

DEL RIO DAY LEAD CUSTODIAN

Brian has served as a Del Rio Custodian for more than 30 years and has always gone above and beyond to keep the campus beautiful and running smoothly. Students say that the eating area is so clean and organized that “eating lunch feels like dining out!” Brian encourages students to practice being leaders and making positive contributions. He “collects hugs and smiles 100 times a day” and “goes home feeling good every day.”

FELICIA AYALA FOUSSAT 4TH GRADE TEACHER

Felicia has been with OUSD for 26 years. She always has a cheerful, calm attitude and is patient and kind to all sta and students. Her classroom shows a true culture of learning with students who are fully engaged in learning and supporting each other in learning. Felicia’s philosophy is that “You don’t know if it’s a race horse unless you let it run.”

DEBBIE DICKSON

REYNOLDS 3RD GRADE TEACHER

Debbie has been with Reynolds for 34 years and has always created a classroom culture of inclusivity and high expectations. She says “the crux of education today is SEL, helping students feel safe allows them to open to learning.” Debbie embraces new learning opportunities and mentors new teachers because she believes in shaping and molding the future of education.

MARTHA FREGOSO

ESS BILINGUAL OFFICE ASSISTANT

Martha has been with OUSD for 18 years and has worked as a Bilingual O ce Assistant for 10 years. She always has a positive attitude and is welcoming to everyone that walks through the door. Martha always finds or makes a solution for families that come in. She is supportive of her colleagues with a passion that shines bright. She is a beacon of hope to her co-workers, sta and students entering our o ce.

HEALTHCARE AWARDEES Tri-City Medical

HOPE CHANEY

MANAGER - ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES

Hope Chaney is Manager of the Environmental Services Department (EVS) at Tri-City Medical Center (TCMC) where she manages a department of 63 employees who disinfect every room throughout the hospital as well as o site locations. EVS delivers linen to floors, moves furniture, handles all bio hazardous waste and much more. Hope has been part of the TCMC family for 22 years. Prior to becoming a Manager, she was an EVS Aide, EVS Lead and EVS Supervisor. She became EVS Manager in 2019. She loves making sure every patient has a great and safe experience at TCMC and the wonderful people she works with.

TIMOTHY DALE VIERS

SECURITY OFFICER - SECURITY DEPT.

Timothy Dale Viers is a Security O cer in Tri-City Medical Center’s (TCMC) Security Department. Timothy has been working in the department nearly 3 years. As a Security O cer, Timothy helps keep patients, visitors, doctors, nurses and sta safe while at the hospital. His responsibilities include patrolling the property, monitoring surveillance equipment, permitting or prohibiting entry to the hospital, as well as inspecting buildings, equipment and access points throughout TCMC. Prior to coming to TCMC, Timothy worked 20 years for the San Diego County Sheri Department as a Correction O cer and for the County of San Diego Probation Department as a Deputy Probation O cer.

KIMBERLY QUINN NURSE INFORMATICIST - (IT)

Kimberly Quinn is a Senior Nurse Informaticist, Project Manager and Clinical Nurse Consultant who works in Tri-City Medical Center’s (TCMC) Information Technology (IT) Department, where she acts as a liaison between clinical and technical teams. Kimberly is an integral part of TCMC’s IT team, working closely with clinical educators and stakeholders in non-clinical disciplines to design and implement new work flows and the accompanying documentation. Her management skills include the training and education of peers, clinical nursing knowledge and data base management. Kimberly has worked at TCMC since 2015 and is an integral part of Tri-City Medical Center’s Family.

TINA FUCCI FOOD & NUTRITION

Tina Fucci is a classically-trained chef who has worked at Tri-City Medical Center for 23 years. She was born and raised in Napoli, Italy, but has lived all over the world. Her parents owned a restaurant in Italy, where she acquired her love of preparing delicious meals for others. At TCMC, Tina is responsible for nourishing our doctors, with 2 large physician lounges that serve hot meals daily, as well as providing healthy drinks and snacks to several other physician lounges throughout the hospital. Tina believes if you take good care of our primary care givers, they will in turn take good care of their patients.

MILITARY AWARDEES Camp Pendleton

LSSA ZABDIELIGNATIUS D. RUIZ

UNITED STATES NAVY

LSSA Ruiz joined the U.S. Navy in March 2022, completing Recruit Training at RTC Great Lakes, IL, and later becoming a Logistic Specialist (LS). He served in the Medical Logistics Company, initially as a Material Distribution Center rep, supporting Joint Task Force exercises. Ruiz then became a DRMO Clerk, e ciently redistributing salvageable material for reutilization. Presently, as the top Receiving Clerk, he ensures the proper acceptance and fulfillment of requisitions, tracking $3.85 million worth of material for the Philippines. His accomplishments include being named Medical Logistics Group Blue Jacket of the Quarter for completing 200 Assemblage Item Transfers, repurposing $260K of material, and overseeing Inventory Adjustment Gains and Losses for items worth $17K.

HM2(FMF/SW)

KASEY A. HALES

UNITED STATES NAVY

Hospital Corpsman Second Class Hales, joined the Navy in August 2017. After completing boot camp, she graduated from Hospital Corpsman "A" school in March 2018. Her assignments included working in the Gastroenterology clinic’s Combined Endoscopy Center and later in the Emergency Department at Naval Medical Center San Diego. She was promoted to Petty O cer Third Class in August 2019 and earned the L03A NEC during her time at Field Medical Training Battalion-West at Camp Pendleton. HM2 Hales deployed with Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 1st Marines on the USS Portland and achieved both Fleet Marine Force and Surface Enlisted Warfare Specialist pins. In February 2023, she was honored as the I Marine Expeditionary Force Junior Sailor of the Year, and her personal decorations include the Navy Achievement Medal (2nd award) and the Good Conduct Medal.

LCPL ALEJANDRO MARTINEZ

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

Lance Corporal Martinez, enlisted in the Marine Corps in January 2021. After meritorious promotion to Private First Class following recruit training, he attended Infantry Training Battalion at Camp Pendleton. He joined the 60mm Weapons Platoon, Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines as an 0341 Mortarman. During his deployment in May 2022, he assumed the role of an improvised Rifleman Squad Leader, usually held by a Sergeant, e ectively training and leading Marines in various exercises. Promoted to Lance Corporal in October 2021, he attended the Advanced Mortarman Course in 2023 and now serves as an 81mm Mortar Squad Leader, a position typically held by Sergeants. His achievements include winning the Marine of the Quarter Board for his battalion, regiment, and division, as well as providing technical and tactical expertise to the Philippine Marine Corps during a deployment for training in July 2023.

SGT JASON A. VELASQUEZ

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

Sergeant Velasquez enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in January 2020 as an Administrative Specialist. After recruit training and Marine Combat Training, he completed Personnel Administration School. His initial assignment was with Headquarters and Support Battalion, Alpha Company, where he served as an Administrative Clerk. He earned a meritorious promotion to Lance Corporal in December 2020 and was nominated as the Marine Corps Installations West Non-Commissioned O cer of the Quarter in the 3rd quarter of fiscal year 2023. Currently, as the NCOIC for the Retirements and Resignations section, he ensures e cient and successful processing of documents for retiring and resigning o cers and enlisted members. Sergeant Velasquez is projected to join the 2nd Marine Raider Battalion as an E-5 billet at the S-1. He resides in Oceanside, California, with his spouse, Anya Velasquez, and their child, Luka Velasquez.

SMALL BUSINESS SUSTAINABILITY AWARD

Jessica and Davin Waite own several restaurants in Oceanside and have been pioneers with their zero waste kitchens. According to a Coast New article about the Waites “A non-waste mentality went hand in hand with composting, gardening, and recycling done on-site as a grassroots e ort. The Plot was awarded the 2022 Outstanding Waste Retention Award from the California Resource Recovery Association and Best New Restaurant by San Diego Magazine.”

CERTIFIED KINDNESS COMPANY AWARD

The Kindness Certification is a partnership with the Non-Profit Kids for Peace, and recognizes businesses that are good to their people, community, planet and world. We are pleased to recognize Frontwave Credit Union with this year’s award. A few of their most notable recent acts of kindness includes pumping $2000 of free gas for servicemembers on Camp Pendleton, arranging for free surf lessons for a group of 10–12-year-old girls, and actively supporting numerous non-profit organizations within our community including the Chamber’s Rising Star Student of the month program.

Caring for you and your family

Tri-City Medical Center has served our community for more than 60 years and is one of the largest employers in North San Diego County As a full-service acute care public hospital with more than 500 physicians practicing in more than 60 specialties, TCMC is vital to the well-being of our community and serves as a healthcare safety net for many of our neighbors.

Tri-City Medical Center’s affiliated primary care practices in the community serve hundreds of thousands of patients in our coastal region The hospital received a Gold Seal of Approval® from the Joint Commission showcasing a commitment to safe and effective patient care for the residents of the community

For more information on primary care services in the Tri-City Healthcare District region please contact (760) 940-7499.

The Tri-City family of clinics includes