April 2026 Newsletter

Council Update

We had two Council Meetings and a Workshop in March, these are some of the items we took action on:

• CIP Workshop: Direction given to staff to return with a follow-up report and a workshop in the fall.

• Staff recommended the City Council receive and file the independent economic fiscal analysis report titled The Case for Coastal Resilience Investment: Quantifying Oceanside Beach as an Economic Asset, and provide general policy direction to support Coastal Zone Management Division staff in pursuing state and federal grant opportunities and other external funding sources related to shoreline management and coastal resilience planning. Approved 5-0.

• City Council adopted a resolution authorizing the Oceanside Fire Department to enter into mutual aid agreements with other governmental agencies under which the Fire Department Hand Crew Program will be loaned out on a cost recovery basis to assist with vegetation and fuels management for the purpose of fire prevention or emergency response. Approved 5-0.

• City Council approved the AARP Age-Friendly Network 5 Year Action Plan to be implemented by all City departments. Approved 5-0.

Our next City Council meeting will be on Wednesday, April 8th at 5:00pm.

For summaries of all City Council meetings, please click here.

 Getting Out in the Community in March

In March I had the honor of attending the Oceanside Fire Explorer Program's 2026 Graduation Ceremony at the Fire Training Center. The event celebrated both new academy graduates and senior Explorers completing the full two year program. These dedicated young people have spent years developing the discipline, skills, and values of the fire service, and it was truly inspiring to witness their achievement. The Fire Explorer Program remains a vital bridge between our community's youth and careers in public safety. Congratulations to all of this year's graduates!

I joined fellow elected officials and city staff at the Cal Cities San Diego County Division meeting. The meeting covered a range of important topics, including a discussion on 2026 division dues and updates from our local Community Choice Aggregators, Clean Energy Alliance and San Diego Community Power, regarding recent rate and program decisions. We also received the latest Cal Cities legislative update. These monthly meetings are a valuable opportunity to stay connected with colleagues across the county and weigh in on issues that directly affect Oceanside and our region.

I attended the annual State of North County address delivered by San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond at Frontwave Arena in Oceanside. Supervisor Desmond highlighted progress in expanding behavioral health services, advancing North County as an education hub, and supporting first responders and law enforcement. The event also celebrated local community members recognized as unsung heroes. It was a great opportunity to connect with regional leaders and reflect on the shared priorities that unite our North County communities.

I had a great time at KOCT's 19th Annual TV Luncheon Fundraiser at Texas Roadhouse. The event featured auction items and an opportunity drawing, all in support of keeping local community television alive and accessible in North County. It was a fun afternoon with familiar faces from across the community, and a great reminder of how much our residents value having a local outlet that covers the stories and voices that matter most to Oceanside.

The Oceanside Chamber of Commerce hosted another Rising Star Student of the Month Awards. This event remains one of my favorite events to attend each month. I always leave feeling deeply inspired by the incredible stories of our students who excel academically and personally while overcoming significant adversity. A huge congratulations to March's outstanding honorees: Jackson Harper of Surfside Academy, Marcus Corbett of Oceanside High School, Josue Martinez of El Camino High School, Anna Yagubyan of Coastal Academy High School, and Perla Lopez of Pacific View Charter School!

I stopped by to celebrate the grand opening of Oceanside Ace Hardware's newest location at 4181 Oceanside Blvd, right at the corner of College Boulevard. The two-day celebration drew a great crowd and featured live product demos, giveaways, and plenty of community energy. It's always exciting to welcome a new locally owned business to Oceanside, and this one is a great addition to the Del Oro neighborhood. Congratulations to the Oceanside Ace Hardware team on this exciting new chapter!

I was glad to attend the grand reopening of the Oceanside Police Officers' Association building. The evening celebration featured food, drinks, and a chance to see the beautifully renovated space, made possible through $400,000 in community donations from generous local donors and supporters. It was a wonderful evening recognizing the hard work that went into restoring this important gathering place for the men and women who serve and protect our community every day.

What's New in District 2?