RICK received awards across multiple categories at the 2026 ASCE San Diego Awards Gala, including individual honors recognizing Edgar Camerino and Ash Paranthaman, as well as project awards for the La Media Road Improvements Project, Maple Canyon Restoration Phases 1 and 2, and the Goldentop Road Water Quality Improvement Project. It was an honor to accept these awards at the gala held Friday, May 15th at the Gaylord Pacific Resort alongside so many respected members of San Diego’s engineering community.
With over 30 years at RICK, Edgar Camerino, Principal and Public Works Division Manager, received the Outstanding Civil Engineer in the Private Sector award for his leadership in transportation and public infrastructure projects throughout San Diego County. Edgar led numerous award-winning transportation and public works projects for agencies throughout the region over the course of his career, earning a reputation as a respected leader both within RICK and throughout the industry.
Edgar’s involvement in the engineering community has extended well beyond project work, including decades of mentorship and support for engineering education. He held leadership and mentorship roles across numerous engineering and professional organizations over time, including currently serving as a State Director for the ACEC San Diego Chapter and as Past President of the San Diego Transportation Development Association. Throughout his career, Edgar has remained closely involved in supporting and mentoring the next generation of engineers, particularly through longstanding involvement with San Diego State University, where he once served as President of the ASCE Student Chapter and now serves as Chair of the College of Engineering Alumni Advisory Committee. In addition, Edgar consistently contributes to workforce development and mentorship efforts through organizations, including APWA and the SDSU MESA Engineering Program. Throughout his career, Edgar has combined technical leadership with long-standing service to the engineering community, leaving a lasting impact on both the profession and the region.
Ash Paranthaman, Water Resources Project Manager at RICK, received the Outstanding Younger Civil Engineer award. Ash has been with RICK for nearly 10 years and has built a strong background in hydrology, hydraulics, stormwater infrastructure, and water quality improvement projects. In addition to his project work, Ash has been actively involved in leadership through both ASCE and APWA, including serving as VP of Community Service of the ASCE San Diego Younger Member Forum and Chair of the APWA San Diego and Imperial Counties Young Professionals Committee. Last year, he was recognized as a 2025 Emerging Leader by Stormwater Solutions Magazine.
The projects honored during the 2026 ASCE San Diego Awards Gala included the La Media Road Improvements Project, which received the Transportation Project award.
The work near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry focused on improving freight movement through the area while also addressing traffic congestion and flooding issues near the La Media and Airway Road intersection. It also included roadway and drainage work that helped support daily truck circulation and port operations near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry.
Maple Canyon Restoration Phases 1 and 2 received the Construction Project award. RICK was part of the team behind the Bankers Hill project, which included restoring the canyon along with repairing and replacing 16 aging storm drains throughout the area.
The completed project helped slow erosion and protected downstream water quality flowing into San Diego Bay while improving stormwater infrastructure throughout the canyon.
RICK was also part of the team recognized for the Goldentop Road Water Quality Improvement Project, which received the Small Project award. The underground system located in northern San Diego County was designed to treat runoff before it reaches the local waterways in the San Dieguito Watershed. The project focuses on stormwater filtration and trash capture to help improve regional water quality.
“It was an honor to be recognized by the American Society of Civil Engineers alongside so many outstanding professionals and projects in our industry. These awards reflect the dedication, collaboration, and technical expertise of our teams, as well as the strong partnerships we’ve built with our clients and project stakeholders.” — Allyson Serafico, RICK Principal Project Engineer
We are incredibly proud of Edgar, Ash, and the many RICK team members behind these award-winning projects. Congratulations to all of this year’s ASCE San Diego award recipients and project teams, and thank you to ASCE San Diego for bringing everyone together for such a memorable evening.