July 2025 Newsletter

Council Update

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

• City Council approved an ordinance officially designating the Fire Hazard Severity Zones within the City of Oceanside, as recommended by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE).

• City Council adopted the FY 2025-26 Operating and Capital Improvement Program Budgets; and authorized a lump-sum prepayment to CalPERS.

• City Council approved a resolution for a 40-lot subdivision on a 4.05-acre parcel on Kelly Street, allowing construction of 35 single-family homes, including six affordable units. Additionally, the Council authorized a city funded safety study and accepted developer commitments to install a stop sign, a speed limit radar sign, and repave Kelly Street from Soto Street to Andy Lane.

• City Council voted to direct staff to revise a proposed cannabis retail package, introducing ordinances to amend the Oceanside City Code and Zoning Ordinance to allow up to four cannabis storefront retail licenses and specify permissible districts, while adopting resolutions to establish new cannabis business fees, application procedures, and priority for the City’s two existing operators. The motion removes locational requirements by shifting it to the Conditional Use Permit process, and adds a Collective Bargaining Agreement to the scoring rubric.

Our next City Council meeting will be on Wednesday, August 6th, 2025 at 5:00pm.

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

 Getting Out in the Community in June

I attended the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce’s Emerging Issues Forum in June. This monthly event offers members a valuable opportunity to stay informed and engage with community leaders. June's meeting featured a federal legislative update from Jennings Imel, Vice President, Western Region of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Thank you Jennings for an excellent update and thank you to the Chamber for hosting another impactful Emerging Issues Forum.

The 29th Annual Oceanside Independence Parade was a vibrant celebration of community spirit and patriotism, themed "Stars & Stripes by the Sea." Spectators lined Coast Highway to enjoy a lively procession of colorful floats, spirited marching bands, diverse walking groups, and classic cars, showcasing Oceanside’s rich cultural heritage while honoring the enduring values of this great country. Thank you to all who came out and participated!

The recent League of California Cities San Diego County Division meeting delivered an insightful exploration of workforce and economic development in North County, led by Erik Bruvold, CEO of the San Diego North EDC. A dynamic panel featuring Khaleda Atta of the San Diego Workforce Partnership, Godfrey Gibbison from California State University San Marcos, Thomas Tubon of MiraCosta College, and Wendy Nelson from Palomar College shared innovative strategies to bolster regional economic growth and workforce opportunities. The meeting also included a detailed legislative update from the Cal Cities team, highlighting key 2025 policy developments, and a thoughtful discussion on forming a Veterans and Military Members/Supporters Group to strengthen community support within the Cal Cities framework.

I was delighted to join our community at the Veterans Association of North County’s 7th Annual Car Show Fundraiser, a true celebration of automotive passion! The event featured an incredible lineup of classic cars, trucks, and cutting-edge modern vehicles, drawing enthusiasts of all ages. Live music set a festive tone, complemented by delicious food and drinks, while the awards ceremony honored standout rides with well-deserved trophies. It was heartwarming to see our community unite for this vibrant event, raising funds to support our local veterans. A huge thank you to VANC for a great event!

The 24th Annual Filipino Cultural Celebration brought the Oceanside community together for a vibrant showcase of Filipino heritage. Attendees immersed themselves in a lively array of entertainment, featuring traditional performances that highlighted the rich cultural tapestry of the Philippines. Families enjoyed engaging children’s crafts, explored a diverse range of vendor products and services, and participated in exciting opportunity drawings. The event beautifully celebrated Filipino traditions, cuisine, and history, fostering a joyful and inclusive atmosphere that honored the community’s enduring contributions.

I was thrilled to attend the North San Diego County NAACP’s Annual Juneteenth Multicultural Celebration in Downtown Oceanside, and it was a truly uplifting day! Our community came together to enjoy a vibrant vendor marketplace, delicious food, and informative health awareness booths. The Youth Zone was a hit with kids, offering games, face painting, and crafts, while professional and local performers kept the energy high with fantastic entertainment. This free, inclusive event celebrated freedom and unity, and I’m grateful to the NSDC NAACP for hosting such a memorable day that strengthened our community bonds.

What's New in District 2?