It was a night of celebrating “Real Estate” professionals for their “Achievements” and “Leadership.” It was PSAR’s 2023 R.E.A.L. Awards Gala (R.E.A.L. is an acronym for Real Estate, Achievements, and Leadership). The R.E.A.L. Awards honored PSAR’s top-producing agents and brokers who achieved excellence based on units closed or volume production as compared to all other agents based out of San Diego County, according to 2022 CRMLS data.

The gala was held Friday, March 17 at Sycuan Casino and Resort’s Heritage Events Center. More than 450 PSAR members attended the event which featured cocktails, dinner, dancing, and the presentation of awards to individuals to recognize their industry leadership and success. 

2023 PSAR President Jason Lopez and 2024 PSAR President Laurie Ohnesorgen-MacDonald served as emcees. The national anthem was sung by Katriz Trinidad.

Richard D’Ascoli, PSAR CEO, outlined how this celebration event aligns with PSAR's Mission to Empower Real Estate Professionals, he also introduced elected officials in attendance and industry leaders.

Elected officials: Brian Jones, California State Senator; Jordan Marks, San Diego County Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk; Ditas Yamane, City Council Member, City of National City,

Industry Leaders: Chris Hasvold, board chair of California Regional Multiple Listing Service (CRMLS).

PSAR members serving as California Association of REALTORS® (C.A.R.) directors. They included Ditas Yamane, Max Zaker, Jason Lopez, Lupe Soto, Laurie Ohnesorgen-MacDonald, Yvonne Cromer, Nikki Coppa, Jeff Campbell, Jan Farley, and Robert Cromer.

PSAR member Anthony Andaya, serving as a director with the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR).

2023 PSAR board of directors: Max Zaker (Immediate Past President), 2023 PSAR President Jason Lopez, 2024 PSAR President Laurie Ohnesorgen-MacDonald, Sam Calvano (2023 secretary-treasurer), Anthony Andaya, Merrie Espina, Camille Bruno, Valerie Gardner, Paula Gonzalez, Dylan Graham, Amy Ruiz, Amber Tannehill, Rafael Perez, Norma Scantlin, and Martha Garcia.

Past PSAR presidents: Pat Russiano, Nikki Coppa, Peter Mendiola, Jeff Campbell, Bob Olivieri, Carey Guthrie, Jan Farley, Robert Cromer, Ditas Yamane, and Max Zaker.

Following the introductions, Senator Brian Jones delivered the invocation and presented a proclamation to 2022 PSAR President Max Zaker.

Also recognized were contributors to the REALTOR® Action Fund (RAF). RAF advances the goals of the REALTOR® Party. It promotes and advocates for the rights and values of REALTORS®. Every dollar of this fund is used to protect the interests of REALTORS® in government.

Qualifications for a R.E.A.L. Award included the following categories (number of PSAR members who achieved the particular production levels appears in parenthesis):

-- Top 1%, at least 27 sides or $31,779,040 in volume (59); View recipients

-- Top 3%, at least 17 sides or $18,483,537 in volume (83); View recipients

-- Top 5%, at least 13 sides or $13,329,500 in volume (70); View recipients

-- Top 10%, at least 8 sides or $8,075,500 in volume (235). View recipients

All top achievers attending the REAL awards were recognized.
 
Last year's recipients of Affiliate, Broker/Office Managers, and REALTOR of the Year were called to the stage.  They included Andrea Martino, Mauricio Perez-Vazquez, Bob Olivieri, Jeff Campbell, Amber Tannehill and Charmaine Orcino-Gonzales.

Also at the gala, four PSAR members were presented with Professional of the Year awards. They included: Ditas Yamane, Broker of the Year; Steven Sladek, Realtor of the Year; Michelle Hickin, Affiliate of the Year; Nikki Coppa, Distinguished Realtor Award.

The R.E.A.L. Awards Committee included Charmaine Orcino-Gonzales, committee chair, as well as 2023 PSAR President Jason Lopez, 2024 PSAR President Laurie Ohnesorgen-MacDonald, Yvonne Cromer, Zoe Khetani, Martha Garcia, Amber Tannehill, Valerie Gardner, Vicki Lisama, Richard D’Ascoli, Sally Valdez and Kevin McElroy.

The major sponsors of the night included Caliber Home Loans, The Phana Par Group, and the California Regional Multiple Listing Service.

Additional sponsors included: Aftermath Exterminating - Gillz Building Services, Inc. - PSAR YPN - Preferred Inspections - Mac Printing - Big Block Realty - Property ID - South Shore Appraisals - Navy Federal Credit Union - SD Realty Gals - Sam Calvano Home Loans - NixTermite - Old Republic Home Protection - Gardner Insurance Services - San Diego Estates - RanchoTed Hard Money Lending - Edward Jones - Farmers Insurance - Metro South RE Producers - Morrison Inspections - Fidelity National Home Warranty - Ooh La Lash & Beaut - Insight Photos and Elizabeth Ireland Photography.

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Call for Nominations!!!

Do you know a fantastic PSAR REALTOR^®, Broker/Office Manager, or Affiliate? Now is the time to give them the recognition they deserve. Three other awards will also be presented at the R.E.A.L. Awards Event.  PSAR Distinguished Service Award, PSAR Community Service Award, and the PSAR Friend of the Industry Award.
Please take a few minutes to nominate your candidate(s).

You can use either of these two methods to nominate.

Nominations must be received by Friday, December 16, 2022.

PSAR shall recognize a REALTOR^®, Broker, and Affiliate each year as well as the following three awards:

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PSAR's Mission is to empower Real Estate Professionals

Since 1928, the Pacific Southwest Association of REALTORS® has played a significant role in shaping the history, growth and development of the Real Estate industry in San Diego County.

President-Elect
Laurie MacDonald

Secretary / Treasurer
Sam Calvano

Directors

Merrie Espina	Valerie Gardner	Rafael Perez
Amy Ruiz	Amber Tannehill

Affiliate Director

Martha Garcia

The incumbent set of Board of Directors and Officers will remain in their posts and continue to serve PSAR until December 31st, 2022.

Board of Directors (2023)

Jason Lopez, 2023 President

Laurie MacDonald, 2023 President-Elect

Sam Calvano, 2023 Secretary-Treasurer

Max Zaker, Immediate Past President

Anthony Andaya, 2022/2023 Director

Camille Bruno, 2022/2023 Director

Merrie Espina, 2023/2024 Director

Valerie Gardner, 2023/2024 Director

Paula Gonzalez, 2022/2023 Director

Dylan Graham, 2022/2023 Director

Rafael Perez, 2023/2024 Director

Amy Ruiz, 2023/2024 Director

Norma Scantlin, 2022/2023 Director

Amber Tannehill, 2023/2024 Director

Martha Garcia, 2023/2024 Affiliate Director

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PSAR's Mission is to empower Real Estate Professionals.

Since 1928, the Pacific Southwest Association of REALTORS® has played a significant role in shaping the history, growth, and development of the Real Estate industry in San Diego County.

We remain thankful to those who were nominated to lead PSAR. We are looking forward to great things from both the elected candidates and those who will continue to serve in our committee leadership roster.

Congratulations to the PSAR REALTOR® members who are expected to be honored with a PSAR 2021 Real Estate Achievement and Leadership (R.E.A.L.) award.

Celebrate your 2021 achievements with your peers. Enjoy cocktails, dinner, and dancing at Viejas Casino. 

A Night of


 Saturday, April 30th, 2022
5:30pm - 11:00 pm
Viejas Casino
5000 Willows Rd, Alpine, CA 91901
Cocktail Attire Recommended

 RSVP and Purchase Your Tickets Now!
Individual Tickets - $100^*   or   A Table (8 Tickets) $800^*

Eventbrite charges a transaction fee.  Avoid it by using the PSAR Member's Link. Non-members may create a billing account for free.
^*Ticket costs will go up on April 1st ($125 and $1000)

Have questions? Need help?  Contact PSAR at - support@psar.org or 619-579-0333

Sponsorship Opportunities can be found here

The PSAR R.E.A.L. Awards program recognizes PSAR's top producing agents as compared to all other agents based in San Diego County.  Recipients achieved excellence through units or volume production sold in 2021. 

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PSAR's Mission is to empower real estate professionals.

Since 1928, the Pacific Southwest Association of REALTORS® has played a significant role in shaping the history, growth, and development of the Real Estate industry in San Diego County.

The PSAR family wishes to extend its condolences, thoughts, and prayers following the passing of PSAR member Jibran Hannaney. He was 75.

Jibran was a frequent attendee at the PSAR East County Pitch Session regularly held on Thursday mornings at the PSAR East County Service Center in El Cajon. He also was active with the PSAR Global Real Estate Council (GREC).

His family said he had worked in real estate sales for the past 10 years and had lived in El Cajon for about 20 years.

Jibran Joseph Hannaney was born in Baghdad on Oct. 29, 1946, to a family with six children, including five daughters and Jibran. He passed on Jan. 26, 2022.

In his mid-30s, he came to the U.S. to attend graduate school as an engineering student at John Hopkins University in Baltimore. In about 1990, he opened his own engineering firm called HEMC Environmental Management Corp., based in El Cajon. He continued to operate the firm until his passing. The firm is multi-licensed in engineering, contracting, business management, and facilities management.

His family said that Mr. Hannaney loved music, life, and laughter, as well as being a father and grandfather. He also loved learning, which attracted him to the real estate profession. No matter what was happening to him in his life, he would never miss an opportunity to make someone else smile. To say that he was widely loved, admired, and cherished in the community is an understatement. Mr. Hannaney is survived by five sisters, two daughters, and two grandsons.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 10, at St. Peter’s Chaldean Catholic Church, 1627 Jamacha Way, El Cajon.

Burial will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery, 4470 Hilltop Dr., San Diego. A luncheon reception, expected to begin at approximately 1:30 p.m., will be held following the burial at St. Peter’s Chaldean Catholic Church.

His family said memorial donations can be made to any nonprofit assisting Iraqi refugees. One such organization is www.Helpiraq.org, which is operated by Chaldean Catholic Charities.

Mr. Hanney is joined by members of the PSAR Global Real Estate Council

Meet Camille Bruno, who was recently elected to a two-year term (2022-2023) on the PSAR board of directors.

Camille grew up in San Diego. She graduated from Madison High School in Clairemont (class of 1981). Prior to selling real estate, she worked for 10 years with Campbell Soup Co. as the San Diego representative serving all major grocery stores. Camille and her husband recently celebrated their 32nd-year wedding anniversary.

Camille and her family have lived in Chula Vista’s Eastlake community since 1988. “It is a wonderful area for families,” she said. “We raised our own family here. All three of our children, Bianca, Dominic, and Bella, have attended EastLake schools. I know the area very well.”

She began her real estate sales career in January 2000. “I love serving my clients and helping people with the dream of homeownership,” Camille said. “I’m now serving some of my clients’ children who have grown up.

“Real estate is a demanding job and it takes a lot of patience and understanding,” said Camille. “But, if you love what you do then it’s not a job.”

This is Camille’s second time serving on the PSAR board. She previously served from 2006 to 2009, including the roles of treasurer and secretary.

Since 2017, Camille has served on the PSAR Grievance Committee. She explained her reasons for returning to the PSAR board.

“When you’re involved with the association, then you learn more and become informed about what’s going on,” said Camille. “Our business is changing on a daily basis. And, you can better serve your clients by becoming as informed as possible. If you’re involved, then you’re better informed.

“Also, I’m serving on the board because I have more available time since our children are grown and out on their own (Bianca is a courthouse journalist, Dominic is a financial planner for a bank, Bella is a nursing student). When the kids were small, it was difficult to juggle both family and work.”

Camille believes REALTORS® can benefit from serving. “It’s good business to give back to the community and our association. Sure, you can just pay your dues and do nothing. But, it’s better to be involved. It helps with networking with other real estate professionals.

“I would encourage every PSAR member to get involved and serve with the association. There are many benefits of thinking more about other people instead of yourself and giving your life away. You will find satisfaction and significance by using your expertise, knowledge, gifts, talents, and abilities to serve other people.”

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PSAR's mission is to empower REALTORS®.

REALTOR® Paula Gonzalez was recently elected to a two-year term (2022-2023) on the PSAR board of directors.

Paula is a California native, born in Granada Hills, in Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley. She graduated from Canoga Park High School (class of 1994).

“Growing up, I always wanted to live in San Diego,” said Paula. “We would visit my mom’s side of the family who lived in Chula Vista, and I thought it was such a nice place.”

After high school, Paula got a job at a call center that processed orders for products advertised on infomercials. She was eventually promoted as supervisor of the call center. When her call center was sold to another company, resulting in layoffs of nearly every employee except Paula, she negotiated with her new boss to work from home.

“That’s when I saw my chance to move to San Diego, and I took it,” said Paula.

Paula purchased a condo in Otay Ranch and had a pleasurable experience with her real estate agent.

“I could see myself being successful in real estate as a career. So, I studied and passed the test the first time,” said Paula, who began selling on a part-time basis. “After only a few deals, I was hooked. I loved everything about the transaction process and decided to devote full time to real estate.”

Paula has been a full-time REALTOR® since mid-2006.

“The market began crashing during my early days in real estate, but I didn’t know any better because nearly every month saw more income than the previous one,” Paula said. “I learned the REO market and stayed busy with short sales and cash-for-keys deals.

“Over the years, I’ve adjusted well to changing market conditions, thanks to the educational classes offered by PSAR. PSAR has always been there in good times and bad with training opportunities so we can take advantage of the current market conditions.”

Paula survived a diagnosis of uterine cancer in 2014. “As a result, my philosophy of life is to live life to the fullest. Life is short and I believe you should do what you can to enjoy it and be happy. To find joy, give your life away. Ongoing happiness only comes when you give your life away in service. The truth is, the most helpful people are the happiest people. It feels good to use your gifts to help others. Happiness comes from serving. You never know what will happen in life, so don’t waste a moment being unhappy,” recalls Paula.

“I love to meet people, which is one of the reasons I wanted to serve on the board of directors,” said Paula, who has been a member of the PSAR Grievance Committee for about six years. “PSAR has helped me so much in my career. Serving on the board is my way of making a contribution and giving back.”

“I would encourage every PSAR member to serve and give back to the profession in some way through PSAR. There are no insignificant ways to serve. Some are visible, while others are behind the scenes, but all are valuable. When it comes to serving at PSAR, there is no correlation between size and significance. That’s because every act of service matters because we are all dependent on each other to have a successful association.”

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PSAR's mission is to empower REALTORS®.

Meet Dylan Graham, who was recently elected to a two-year term (2022-2023) on the PSAR board of directors.

Dylan, a San Diego native, graduated from St. Augustine High School (2006) and San Diego State University (2011) with a Bachelor’s degree in International Economics and Spanish. He grew up in East County and played in youth baseball leagues with real estate veteran Steve Wilson as his baseball manager. Later, Dylan played on his high school team, and then he played for the SDSU Aztecs under head coach Tony Gwynn.

Dylan, 34, said, “When I started my real estate career in 2017, Steve was my mentor. I’m very grateful for his time and continued guidance as I grow my business.”

Prior to real estate, Dylan returned to his high school to serve for a couple of years as a baseball coach. At a private batting practice session with one of his high school players, Dylan’s life was threatened in an incident that he will remember forever.

It was a couple of days before Christmas in 2015, when Dylan was pitching to Jack, a high school sophomore, at Hickman Field in Clairemont. A stranger approached and asked for a cigarette. Dylan replied that he didn’t smoke. Then, the stranger pulled out a .357-caliber Magnum handgun.

The man forced Dylan and the 16-year-old student into Dylan’s car. The gunman ordered Dylan to drive while the weapon was pointed at Dylan’s head. The ride from Highway 52 to Highway 67 toward Ramona stretched more than 30 miles over 40 minutes.

“I had a lot of time to think about my girlfriend Kristina, my life, and Jack’s life,” Dylan said. “I was thinking, ‘Am I going to crash the car here, are we just gonna jump out?’ But the whole way, he had the gun pointed to my head, so I couldn’t do much. I offered him money, my phone, and the car, all of which were ignored. As we started to get to the middle of nowhere, it was apparent it wasn’t going to end well.”

The kidnapper said his plan was to meet up with friends in the woods. With a gun still pointed at Dylan from behind and the student next to him in the front seat, Dylan made a decision and made his move at a construction zone near Dye Road and Wildcat Canyon Road.

“When he wasn’t paying attention,” Dylan said, “I let go of the wheel, jumped in the back seat, got my hands around his wrist, and just started fighting for the gun. I was in survival mode. I was enraged and screaming, trying to get the gun. I was fighting for my life.”

The student jumped out of the moving car. Dylan and the kidnapper struggled over the weapon. The kidnapper got off three shots, with one of those bullets going through the seat where the student had sat moments earlier.

The car crashed. The kidnapper ran from the crash, then carjacked a 79-year-old woman in Ramona. Later, he later robbed a Lemon Grove gas station. More crimes followed in Orange County. The one-man crime spree that included kidnapping and multiple robberies ended with the man’s arrest in a Riverside SWAT standoff. Later, the kidnapper was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Dylan said recently, “It was a pretty crazy incident, one of those weird things. It happened a while ago, but it still sticks with you. I’m still close to Jack’s family. You never know ahead of time what will happen. It makes you appreciate life.”

Dylan and Kristina were married in March of 2018. They live in the Rolando Village community, near SDSU. In 2019, Dylan was selected for a Citizens of Courage award from the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office. The DA’s Office said, “This high school coach acted with bravery and quick thinking to disarm a kidnapper and allow both to escape safely.”

With PSAR, Dylan has served the past couple of years on the Government Affairs Committee.

“I decided to serve on the board because homeownership and fighting for property rights is a passion of mine,” said Dylan. “We need to help the younger generation share in the American dream of homeownership. We need to support and empower REALTORS® who will be there to help future generations.”

Dylan believes all PSAR members should become involved with the association. “I think it’s important to get involved because REALTORS® are professionals who will help our communities. When you get involved, then you’re helping to shape the future and make a stronger, more effective association. In the end, PSAR provides an opportunity to help everyone in the community and our businesses.”

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PSAR's mission is to empower REALTORS®.

The PSAR family wishes to extend its condolences, thoughts and prayers with the sad announcement of the passing of Tracy Clark, a great man of faith, honesty and integrity.

A longtime PSAR member, Mr. Clark served as a commercial real estate broker for 34 years in the San Diego community. He served as senior vice president with Voit Real Estate Services, specializing in office, retail and investment properties. He served with Voit for 31 years. His family recalled one of his favorite sayings: “It’s a great day to be in commercial real estate.”

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:30 a.m., Friday, Jan. 14 at Awaken Church, 7620 Balboa Ave., San Diego. Burial will be held later the same day at 3 p.m. at Glenn Abbey Memorial Park, 3838 Bonita Road, Bonita. All PSAR members are invited to attend.

Tracy Charles Clark was born on March 11, 1955, in Albany, Wisconsin. He attended high school in Wisconsin and graduated from a college in Illinois. He married Silvia Clark on March 26, 1983. Silvia is a PSAR member and REALTOR® in San Diego.

Mr. Clark is survived by his wife Silvia, daughters Kimberly Clark Underwood, Lindsey Clark and Ashley Clark and 1 granddaughter Clark Mercy Underwood.

His family reports that Mr. Clark stayed strong in his faith in God through his illness. Until his last breath, he never wavered in believing in God’s goodness and faithfulness to his family. His legacy will include as a man of honor and integrity who loved God and his family.

Congratulations to the recipients of the 2021 REALTOR®, Broker/Office Manager & Affiliate of The Year Awards! They will be honored at the R.E.A.L. Awards event early next year.

Honoring PSAR members who empower all REALTORS^® through selfless contributions to our industry

2021 REALTOR^® of the Year Award recipients:

Denisse Roland Newell Central San Diego

Amber Tannehill East San Diego

Charmaine Orcino-Gonzales South San Diego

2021 Broker/Office Manager of the Year Award recipients:

Mauricio Perez-Vazquez Central San Diego

Jeff Campbell East San Diego

Bob Olivieri South San Diego

2021 Affiliate of the Year Award recipients:

Karen Buelterman Central San Diego

Debra Yatsko East San Diego

Andrea Martino South San Diego

More Criteria Information and Past Recipients

These award recipients were announced at the past week's Installation Dinner to honor the board of directors and chairs that served PSAR last year and incoming 2021 directors.

The primary mission of the Pacific Southwest Association of REALTORS^® (PSAR) is to empower REALTORS^® to achieve their business goals. The R.E.A.L. awards are a tangible recognition of the highest level of REALTORS^® business achievement by agents, brokers and teams over the prior year.

“A hearty congratulations to everyone who received a special annual award,” said Ditas Yamane, 2021 PSAR President. “PSAR's mission is to empower REALTORS^® to flourish while being accountable to each other, our clients, and our community. All these award winners embody our mission. I am so very proud of everyone.”

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Since 1928, the Pacific Southwest Association of REALTORS® has played a significant role in shaping the history, growth and development of the Real Estate industry in San Diego County.