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| Sue Dusharme, left, and Carole Barton, both of the Downtown Business Association, line up the People's Choice Awards, which are covered, in preparation for the Downtown Business Association of Escondido's People's Choice Awards banquet at Escondido City Hall on Sunday.
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Nine people, organizations honored with 'People's Choice' Awards
ESCONDIDO -- Nine individuals, businesses and organizations were honored Sunday night for significantly contributing to the downtown area at the city's first People's Choice Awards ceremony.
Dressed in evening gowns and tuxedos, people arrived -- many by limousine -- to walk the red carpet that led to the event, hosted by the Downtown Business Association under the dome at City Hall.
The evening included an awards presentation, silent and live auctions, and dinner.
Debra Rosen, the association's chief executive officer, said the organization has held awards dinners in the past but that it decided to create an annual celebration starting this year.
Along with the glitz and glamour, Rosen said the event honors individuals, businesses and organizations nominated by the public for making Escondido's downtown a better place.
With the awards ceremony, "we're able to recognize those who have a big impact in the city," she said.
The winners were:
- Barratt American, which first developed plans for large-scale downtown housing.
- Cindy Waasdorp, a volunteer and financial supporter of downtown.
- Jack Anderson, who worked closely with the business association for the Alley Lighting Project.
- The Escondido Police Department for its services and programs, including the Downtown Diplomat training program.
- Angelo Damante, a supporter of downtown events such as A Grand Holiday Downtown.
- Wendy Barker, who chaired the Cruisin' Grand event for its five years and volunteer at events, including the Jingle Bell Cruise.
- Melissa Walker, who has contributed to the downtown arts and music scene, including by leading efforts to create the Arts Gallery Guide.
- Escondido Public Library, which offers numerous activities, programs and services for the community.
- 150 Grand Cafe, for offering quality service to downtown diners.
Mayor Lori Holt Pfeiler said she thought Sunday's event was a great way to recognize great achievements downtown.
"This is a great celebration, and it shows that Escondido can have an event that puts us on the map," she said.
Margaret Moir, who presented an award with her husband, Dr. Douglas Moir, described the event as a great way to celebrate improvements to the downtown area.
"Look at all the people," she said of the well-attended affair.