January 2025 Newsletter

Dear Friends and Constituents,

As the year comes to an end, I offer a few thoughts. Much like this past year, 2025 will bring many opportunities, challenges, and great potential. The future will bring new developments that will address our critical housing needs. New businesses will be excited to take part in the economic opportunities that Oceanside provides. New recreational activities and entertainment events will enhance the leisure opportunities and relaxed lifestyle that have become trademarks of Oceanside.

Unfortunately, given the promise of the future, there will be challenges. Thanks to the overwhelming passage of Measure X, the city will receive funds to help offset some of the needs a growing city demands.

2025 marks the halfway point in my term as your councilmember. As the representative for District 2, I want to thank you all for your support, advice, and even for those who voiced grievances. Taking time to communicate with your representatives is key to ensuring resources are directed in the right way and at the right time. Rest assured, my office will continue to be responsive to your communication efforts. You would do me a great kindness by sharing this newsletter and my contact information with your neighbors, friends, family, and colleagues so they, too, can stay informed and have the opportunity to have their voices heard.

In closing, I wish you and your families a healthy, happy, and prosperous New Year. Together, we can continue to make Oceanside a great place to live, work, and play.

Yours in Service,

Rick

Council Update

We had two Council Meetings in December, these are some of the items we took action on:

• City Council adopt an ordinance amending Section 19.2 (d) of the Oceanside City Code, to establish consistent fire ring usage hours on all portions of the Oceanside Beach. (Introduced on December 4, 2024.) Result: Approved 5-0.

• City Council adopted a resolution increasing the solid waste user rate ceilings to include Waste Management’s request for Multi-Index Rate Adjustment. Result: Approved 5-0.

• City Council approved a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) with Dreams for Change, in the amount of $229,368, to operate the Oceanside Safe Parking Program at 1919 Apple Street as the designated site location for the Program for a 1-year term. Result: Approved 5-0.

• City Council approved Amendment 2 to the Professional Services Agreement (PSA) with MainStreet Oceanside (MSO), in the amount of $1,366,108, to continue management of enhanced safety and security in Downtown Oceanside for a period of one year. Result: Approved 5-0.

• City Council adopted a resolution declaring the results of the City’s General Municipal Election held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024; and the newly elected officials were sworn in. Staff also requested an appropriation of $54,000 to cover the cost of services provided by the San Diego County Registrar of Voters. Result: Approved 5-0.

Our next City Council meeting will be on Wednesday, Jan. 8th, 2024 at 5:00pm.

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

 Getting Out in the Community in December

I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the 2024 Veteran and Service Member Awards hosted by Assemblymember Laurie Davies. The ceremony recognized the outstanding contributions of local veterans and service members who serve in the community. Congratulations to the recipients of these awards:

• Youth Leader Achievement Award: Cadet Breaunna Hayes, ROTC
• Excellence in the Arts: Steve Dilley, Executive Director of VETART
• Excellence in Entrepreneurship: Colonel Dr. Christensen Sicat Hsu, United States Army
• Excellence in Advocacy: Captain Armen Kurdian – United States Navy
• Excellence in Mentorship: Infantry Operation Chief Juan Laguna, United States Marine Corps
• Excellence in Service: Lieutenant Colonel Jamey M. Federico, United States Marine Corps
• San Diego County Veteran Volunteer of the Year: James (Jim) Pruitt, United States Marine Corps
• Orange County Veteran Volunteer of the Year: First Sergeant Nelson A. Coburn, United States Marine Corps

In December, I attended our annual Downtown Tree Lighting Ceremony. It always brings me joy to see our community come together to celebrate the holidays! This event had beautiful decorations, live music, games, amusement rides, zip lines, bounce houses and more! If you missed it this year, be sure to attend in 2025!

The San Diego North Economic Development Council hosted the Economic Development Awards in December. This event, nicknamed "The Devvies," recognized North County companies, developments and projects that have made significant impacts on the region. Congratulations to all the recipients and thank you to SDNEDC for a fantastic event!

After 33 years of devoted service to the City of Oceanside, Lifeguard Captain Bill Curtis has retired. The City recently hosted a special celebration to honor Bill for his outstanding dedication in safeguarding our beaches for over three decades. His legacy of commitment and service will continue to inspire both his colleagues and the community for years to come. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Bill for his unwavering dedication and wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.

What's New in District 2?