Community leaders and city dignitaries gathered for the annual Pacific Beach Town Council (PBTC) installation dinner Friday, Jan. 16, at the Catamaran Resort Hotel, 3999 Mission Blvd. Both lighthearted and emotional, the event highlighted the town council’s ongoing efforts to improve the community and also singled out exceptional volunteers. “We live in one of the best places in the country,” Councilman Kevin Faulconer said. “Times are a little tough right now, but I’m optimistic about Pacific Beach and the city of San Diego.” Citing the holiday parade and other events made possible by local volunteers, Faulconer called Pacific Beach “the heart of San Diego.” He also said that “dramatic changes” are on the horizon as a result of the passage of Proposition C, which will direct millions in additional revenue to Mission Bay Park. “We’re going to see so many positive changes,” Faulconer said. Noting that crime is again down for the year, the councilman praised the efforts of local law enforcement, including Police Chief William Lansdowne, Assistant Police Chief Boyd Long and current Northern Division Captain Shelley Zimmerman who were in attendance. “I never thought we were going to fill [Long’s] shoes till Shelley came along,” Faulconer said. “You are joining one of the greatest organizations in all the beach areas,” he told incoming town council directors and officers. Before incoming leaders were installed, past volunteers were recognized. Ronald Lacey from Mayor Jerry Sanders’ office and Melanie Cohn, a representative of Assemblywoman Lori Saldaña, presented certificates to the previous year’s officers and directors: Ruby Houck, president; Rose Galliher, vice president; Georgina Smith, secretary; Mike Smith, treasurer; Gregg Barnes; Marcie Beckett; Nici Boyle; Diane Faulds; Jerry Hall; Jim Menders; Jan O’Connor; Rick Oldham; John Westwood; Joe Wilding; Don Mullen and June Sandford. Bozier Demaree and Patrick Finucane, who were not in attendance, also were recognized. “This is a wonderful evening of saying thank you and showing our appreciation to our community and its volunteers,” Houck said. PBTC member Karl Jaedtke recognized Mission Bay High School students Lee Houck, Jenny Richey, Holly Nery and Amy Ratliff for their outstanding volunteer efforts. He also singled out town council director Menders for his willingness to “jump into the fray” and Beckett for her fundraising efforts. Jaedtke closed his portion of the awards by issuing a call to service. “You don’t have to be an officer or director,” he said. “Just call the town council office and we’ll get you going on something.” Houck continued the awards by recognizing the efforts of Todd Brown in building the Hospitality Task Force. She also singled out Capt. Ron Baker for his work in creating the first annual Kids Classic Fishing Derby at Crystal Pier. Town council members Faulds and Wilding also were honored for their exceptional volunteerism. Past PBTC president and outgoing honorary mayor Don Mullen presented the Pug Sandford award to a visibly surprised Mary Cook. “I’ve had a lot of fun doing whatever I did,” the longtime Pacific Beach resident and volunteer said through tears. Emotions remained high as Ruby Houck introduced the Mike Duran Award for Community Spirit, named for the beloved community leader who died unexpectedly in 2004, just before he was to become president of the PBTC. “He was a friend to everyone, from [local community group] Save PB to the homeless guys,” she said of Duran. Discover Pacific Beach President Mike McNeill agreed. “He was a friend to everyone, from the people on the sand to the people on the hill,” he said before presenting returning town council vice president Galliher with the award for “her tireless energy and enthusiasm.” “You cannot know how much this means to me,” she said. “This is just unreal.” McNeill also announced that Discover PB will be donating $500 toward graffiti removal and cleanup. “I wish it was more, but times are tough and we’re trying.” Presenting the Silver Seahorse Award, Houck said of the recipient, “His day job is his second job. Pacific Beach is his first job,” before presenting Jaedtke with the award for his efforts on such projects as the holiday parade and BeachFest and his ongoing work with youth volunteers. Jaedtke said he hopes to create a lasting legacy of volunteer service. The Golden Seahorse Award was then presented to outgoing town council secretary and longtime volunteer Georgina Smith for her 20 years of consistent service, including serving as chairperson of Concerts on the Green, founding the Lotsa Pasta fundraiser and numerous other projects. “I can only say thank you. I do not do public speaking,” a smiling Smith said. Turning to the business of the evening, Long said, “There’s something absolutely magic about this community. There’s no other community that comes together like this group of people.” With the help of Zimmerman, he installed the 2009 PBTC officers and directors. Officers include Oldham, president; Galliher, vice president; Faulds, secretary; Mike Smith, treasurer; and Houck, past president. Incoming directors are Nina Balistrieri, Barnes, Beckett, Boyle, Hall, Menders, Jason Nienberg, Glenn Olson, Wilding and Melvin Zeddies. June Sandford will return as parliamentarian. Incoming president Oldham said, “I consider myself the bandleader. I’m going to wave the baton and you’re going to make the music.” He concluded his brief message by saying he was open to all suggestions. “It’s a wonderful community,” Oldham said. “I hope we can work together and make it as good as we can make it.” Houck was then presented with a plaque, flowers and chocolate for her service to the community. “It’s been an honor and privilege to serve the Pacific Beach Town Council,” she said. “I’m not going anywhere!” The evening closed with the announcement of the honorary mayor, elected by those who have previously held the position. Before announcing his successor, Mullen proclaimed Jan. 5 to 12 as Ruby Houck Week and also honored Capt. Ron Baker with his own designated week for his work on the fishing tournament. Mullen then announced John Logan as Pacific Beach’s 2009 honorary mayor. “A lot of you may be wondering, ‘Who the heck is this guy?’” Logan said. After serving as president of his homeowners association some years ago, Logan said he swore off being president of anything. He also swore to support those “who did step up to lead” and has since participated in the Pacific Beach Community Foundation, town council and Concerts on the Green. Logan closed by thanking the past honorary mayors, several of whom were in attendance, for “recognizing the contributions of anonymous… worker bees.”