LA MESA CHAMBER CELEBRATES THEIR HEROES AT SYCUAN CASINO

Printer-friendly versionPrinter-friendly version Share this

By Rebecca Jefferis Williamson

March 21, 2020 (San Diego’s East County) Before the state of California shut down all but essential businesses in an effort to contain coronavirus, the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce held a dinner celebrating their local heroes on March 12 at Sycuan Casino – Resort. The event was their 12th Annual Salute to Local Heroes.

At that time, gatherings were limited to 250 and the attendance was reportedly 167.

 “We’re celebrating the strength of our community,” said the Chamber’s President and CEO Mary England. “I have seven heroes.”

 

 

Those seven heroes selected to receive awards were:

  1. Chris Torres, paramedic with American Medical Response
  2. Keenan Wayne, paramedic with American Medical Response
  3. Captain Chip Tidball – Heartland Fire & Rescue – La Mesa
  4. Claudia Ortega, crime prevention specialist, La Mesa Police Department
  5. Colin Atwood, master officer, La Mesa Police Department
  6. Tita Boatright, La Mesa Police Department – Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol
  7. Pat Olow, La Mesa Police Department – Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol

During the cocktail reception one recipient gave his perspective on different kinds of “awards.”

“I’ve been an officer for 21 years,” said award recipient master officer with the La Mesa police department Colin Atwood. Atwood appreciated the award but also noted, “As nice as these things are, it’s the little handwritten notes from the community that brighten my day.”

Music and entertainment for the function was provided by Miles Moynier and Linda Baltodano.

Another attendee noted the importance of the chamber’s work.

“This organization does so much for the community,” said   County Supervisor candidate for district 2 -Joel Anderson.  “Fundraisers like this help fund their charities they do all year.”

Part of the fundraising efforts included auction raffle and gift donor baskets provided by  Lantern Crest Senior Living, San Diego County Credit Union-La Mesa, San Diego Seals, SeaWorld, Sycuan Casino - Resort, San Diego Zoo,  and Carl Burger Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM World to name a few.

CEO Mary England briefed the crowd with resources to refer to concerning Covid19 in her welcoming speech.

England thanked the numerous volunteers and sponsors for helping with the event. Awards were bestowed during the dinner.

Sponsors included Sycuan Casino – Resort, American Medical Response, EDCO, SDG&E, Barona Resort & Casino, Kirk Paving, Inc., and the Kitzman family.

England noted that La Mesa Mayor Mark Arapostathis, who was called away due to an emergency meeting concerning the coronavirus outbreak, was unable to assist with the installation of the board of directors.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.