Vista proclaims neighbor and first responders for bee‑swarm rescue

Vista’s mayor and City Council issued a proclamation recognizing neighbor Daniel Hopkins and members of Engine 122 and Oceanside Fire for their roles in rescuing a woman attacked by a swarm of bees on Feb. 21, 2026.

The proclamation, read by the mayor, said North County Dispatch received a 911 call at approximately 11:49 a.m. reporting a woman being attacked by a swarm of bees. Crews from Engine 122 arrived in less than six minutes and found the patient lying in her backyard beneath a blanket while the swarm remained active. The proclamation says responders and a neighbor attempted to subdue the bees with a garden hose and that the patient was transported to Tri‑City Medical Center in critical condition.

The council’s proclamation named Captain David Cortez; Engineer Jeff Gazdaika; Firefighter Paramedic Brian McDonald (the transcript also later lists “Brian O'Donnell” as the Engine 122 paramedic); ambulance crew members Jacob Goran and Ryan Novalta of Oceanside Fire; and neighbor Daniel Hopkins. The proclamation quotes Captain David Cortez’s report: "I firmly believe the actions of this neighbor helped save the lives of the patient," and commends the group for their “swift response, bravery, and exceptional commitment to saving the life of a Vista resident.”

During the presentation, the mayor addressed Hopkins directly, saying, "Mr. Hopkins, thank you for putting your safety on the line for a neighbor," and praised the community for looking out for one another. The proclamation and remarks were followed by applause from those in attendance.

The council’s action was a formal proclamation and commendation; the text read at the meeting contains the incident summary above. The transcript includes an inconsistent spelling of the Engine 122 paramedic (Brian McDonald vs. Brian O'Donnell); the council or city staff would need to confirm the correct name. The proclamation does not record a roll-call vote.