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Oceanside proclaims July Parks and Recreation Month; celebrates Fire Chief David Parsons’ retirement
Summary
Mayor Sanchez proclaimed July 2026 Parks and Recreation Month and presented a retirement proclamation to Fire Chief David Parsons, who reflected on teamwork and handed leadership to incoming Chief Jessamyn Specht at the June 17 Oceanside City Council meeting.
Mayor Teresa Sanchez on June 17 read a proclamation declaring July 2026 as Parks and Recreation Month for Oceanside, highlighting the department’s recent activity — including 12,802 recreation enrollments, 11 special events with roughly 19,700 attendees, swim lessons for 2,899 participants and 1,073 summer-camp seats — and encouraging residents to use city parks and programs.
Parks and Recreation Director Manny Gonzalez thanked staff and described free summer offerings and new programs, and Council welcomed members of the Parks and Recreation Commission including division manager Elizabeth Kovar and commission chair Kelly Murphy.
Later in the meeting the council presented a separate proclamation honoring Fire Chief David Parsons on his retirement this Friday after 25 years with the Oceanside Fire Department. The proclamation cited Parsons’s promotion timeline, completion of a standard-of-cover study and leadership during the April 25, 2024 pier fire in which "no injuries" were reported and much of the pier was saved.
Chief Parsons said he was proud of the department and emphasized servant leadership, telling the council, "I was nothing without a team around me," and praising staff across city departments for their work. Councilmember Rick Robinson, a former fire chief, called Parsons’ record "remarkable" and introduced Jessamyn Specht as the city’s newly appointed fire chief, who said she was "humbled" to step into the role.
City Manager Jonathan Borrego thanked Parsons for building a strong bench and said the department is well positioned for the future. The council took no formal action related to the personnel announcements — the presentation and proclamations were ceremonial — and staff and council members joined department personnel for photos following the recognition.
The council reconvened other business after the presentations.
