January 2026 Newsletter

Happy New Year!

Dear Residents of District 2 and the Oceanside Community,

As we welcome 2026, I want to extend my warmest Happy New Year wishes to you and your families. May this year bring you good health, joy, prosperity, and countless moments of happiness shared with loved ones.

Reflecting on the past year, I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve as your Councilmember for District 2. Together, we've continued to make meaningful progress in our community. I'm proud of my efforts to support local businesses in District 2, such as assisting RMC Automotive with security concerns, helping Five Star Market and Marieta’s Mexican Restaurant with permitting issues, and working on irrigation improvements for ProKids First Tee. We've also advanced park enhancements, including supporting the new Futsal court and privacy doors at Libby Lake Park, planning community input improvements at Melba Bishop Park funded by the North River Farms development, addressing safety and cleanliness at Mance Buchanan Park, and pushing for better lighting, walkability, and landscape maintenance throughout the district, like along Douglas Drive and North River Road.

Additionally, I've highlighted traffic safety needs, requesting calming measures on streets like Douglas Drive and more enforcement for e-bike regulations, supported beach renourishment through the RE:Beach program, engaged with farmers on the South Morro Hills Development Plan, and continued addressing homeless encampments and quality of life issues, such as at Fireside Park where we've secured funding for a permanent restroom.

In 2026, I'm committed to building on these foundations: enhancing public safety, supporting local businesses and parks, fostering economic growth, and ensuring Oceanside remains a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family.



Thank you for your trust, engagement, and partnership. Here's to a bright and promising new year ahead!

Sincerely,

Rick Robinson

Councilmember, District 2

Council Update

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

• City Council approved a continued public hearing and adopted resolutions for a Final Mitigated Negative Declaration, General Plan Amendment, zone change, tentative map, development plan, and density bonus for a 140-unit residential project at 333 Garrison Street. Motion to approve staff recommendation. Result: Approved 5-0.

• City Council approved an amended and extended lease agreement with the Oceanside Museum of Art for properties at 704-714 Pier View Way, including expansion and renovations. Motion to approve with appropriation of $346,382 from General Fund reserves. Result: Approved 5-0.

• City Council adopted an ordinance amending the Oceanside Traffic Code to establish new speed limits on various streets. Motion to adopt. Approved 5-0.

Our next City Council meeting will be on Wednesday, January 14th at 5:00pm.

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

 Getting Out in the Community in December

As Chair of the Board of Directors for the North County Dispatch Joint Powers Authority (NCDJPA), I chaired our quarterly Board meeting on December 3, 2025. We recognized outstanding staff performance, including a special commendation for a dispatcher's CPR efforts. We handled key governance matters, such as approving consent items, including contract renewals and a side letter agreement with our Dispatchers Association, accepting the annual financial report for FY 2024-2025, authorizing temporary staffing adjustments to maintain operational excellence, and electing officers for the coming year. We also received updates on facility progress and ongoing operations supporting fire and medical dispatch across North San Diego County.

What a magical evening at Oceanside's annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 4th! I was delighted to join hundreds of families in downtown Oceanside, where the festivities kicked off alongside the Holiday Sunset Market. From live music and joyful performances to amusement rides, bounce houses, arts and crafts, and complimentary cookies and milk for the kids, the energy was infectious. The highlight, of course, was Santa's grand arrival on a vintage Oceanside fire truck, followed by the countdown with city officials that illuminated our beautiful holiday tree in a cascade of lights. Events like this capture the true spirit of our community, coming together to celebrate the season with warmth, laughter, and holiday cheer. A huge thank you to MainStreet Oceanside, our local partners, volunteers, and everyone who attended for making it unforgettable. Additionally, I had the opportunity to attend the annual Menorah Lighting hosted by Chabad of Oceanside at Regal Plaza. The giant menorah was lit, latkes and doughnuts were served, kids loved the drone gelt drop, and there was live music and fire juggling. A nice community Hanukkah celebration, it is great to see everyone come together!

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 December’s outstanding honorees: William Locken of Surfside Academy, Oliver Danielson of Oceanside High School, Michelle Maldonado Gijon of El Camino High School, Eldein Pablo-Perez of Coastal Academy High School, and Xavier Kilgore of Pacific View Charter!

I had the pleasure of attending the Veterans Association of North County (VANC) Holiday Happy Hour Party on December 10th at the VANC Resource Center here in Oceanside. This special evening brought together dedicated volunteers and supporters for a gathering filled with holiday cheer, complimentary drinks, delicious hors d'oeuvres, and plenty of camaraderie as we reflected on the incredible impact made throughout the year in serving our local veterans and military families. Events like this remind us of the profound gratitude we owe our veterans and the selfless volunteers who make VANC's vital work possible. A huge thank you to the VANC team for hosting such a joyful celebration.

I was honored to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony for Fire Station 9 in the North River Farms neighborhood, at the base of South Morro Hills. This brand new station, fully funded by the North River Farms development, became operational just days prior and will significantly improve emergency response times for residents in North Oceanside and surrounding areas. Joined by Fire Chief David Parsons, city officials, firefighters, and community members, we celebrated this vital addition to our fire protection infrastructure, which strengthens systemwide coverage and ensures faster, more effective service when seconds count. A huge thank you to the Oceanside Fire Department team, our partners at Lennar Homes, and everyone involved in bringing this project to fruition.

I was thrilled to attend the ceremonial "wall smash" event on at the historic Sunshine Brooks Theater, marking the official start of long-awaited renovations. Joined by City Officials, County Supervisor Jim Desmond, Oceanside Theatre Company leaders, staff, patrons, and community supporters, we celebrated with sledgehammers in hand, symbolically demolishing a wall in Studio 219 to launch the first phase of this transformative project. This $885,000 initial phase, made possible through generous public and private donations, including significant contributions from the county and city, will enhance accessibility, expand the lobby and concessions, add modern restrooms, and create more versatile performance space, all while allowing programming to continue uninterrupted. It's a testament to our community's passion for the arts and investment in downtown's cultural heartbeat. Huge congratulations to the Oceanside Theatre Company team.

I was proud to attend The Devvies 2025, the San Diego North Economic Development Council's annual awards luncheon, held at the beautiful Seabird Resort right here in Oceanside. Surrounded by over 350 business leaders, elected officials, and community partners, we honored the outstanding projects, businesses, innovations, and policies that drove growth and prosperity across North County this year. From transformative developments and business expansions to workforce programs and collaborative initiatives making our region more competitive. Events like The Devvies highlight the power of regional collaboration and the bright future we are building together. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees, and a big thank you to SDNEDC for hosting this uplifting gathering.

I was deeply moved to participate in the Libby Lake Resource Center's Christmas event, where families gathered for holiday joy, complete with treats and gifts. I was happy to attend bearing gifts for the children, along with hot chocolate and donuts to help spread warmth and cheer during this special celebration. The evening also coincided with the Save Our Streets (SOS) candlelight vigil honoring fallen heroes, Oceanside Police Officers Dan Bessant and Tony Zeppetella, who tragically lost their lives in the line of duty. It was an honor to join fellow community members in this solemn remembrance, paying tribute to their sacrifice and the enduring impact they have on our city. Moments like these remind us of the strength in coming together, to celebrate the season's magic with our youth and families while never forgetting those who gave everything to protect us. Thank you to Andres Mundo and the Libby Lake Resource Center team, Save Our Streets organizers, and all who attended for a night of reflection, gratitude, and hope.

What's New in District 2?