The Los Osos/Baywood Park Chamber of Commerce 2026 Board of Directors: President Dean Sullivan, Estero Bay News; Secretary Billy Burke, Los Osos Cares; Director Gary Dove, SBCC; Director Karen Sweeny; Immediate Past President Colleen Vecchetti, Movement for Life; President-Elect Keyna Torres, Los Osos Valley Memorial Park; Director Jim Stanfill, Rotary Club of Los Osos and Treasurer Annie Wahler, Kiwanis of Bay-Osos. Photo by Shari Sullivan
The Los Osos/Baywood Park Chamber of Commerce hosted its 2026 Community Awards Dinner, bringing together Chamber members and the community to celebrate outstanding local individuals, businesses, and organizations. The evening was once again led by Master of Ceremonies Leonard Moothart, and the Chamber also introduced its 2026 Board of Directors.
The Citizens of the Year awards were presented to Elizabeth Denny, recognized for her work with multiple community causes and organizations presented by Dean Sullivan, and Margarete Schmidt, honored for her leadership in spearheading the purchase of the Cuesta Inlet, with the award presented by Pandora Nash-Karner.
Additional awards included:
• 2025 New Business of the Year: Beach Hut Deli, presented to Joanne Fritts by last year’s winner, Mason Randall of Blueplate
• 2025 Business of the Year: Brightside Pizza, awarded to owners JJ and Ashley Bright by Todd Lavelle, representing the Baywood Inn
• 2025 Nonprofit of the Year: Kiwanis of Bay-Osos, presented by a representative of FEMEF (Friends of El Moro Elfin Forest)
• 2025 Volunteer of the Year: Karen Sweeny, presented by Colleen Vecchetti and Gary J. Freiburg
All award recipients received certificates from local government dignitaries.
Guests enjoyed a delicious BBQ dinner featuring chicken and tri-tip prepared by Kiwanis of Bay-Osos, with desserts generously donated by Carlock’s Bakery. Live music was provided by Hip Transplant from the Cuesta College Music Program.
The Chamber thanks the community, sponsors, and volunteers whose continued support makes this annual celebration possible. Photos by Dean Sullivan
