May 2024 Newsletter

My Thoughts

April 25, 2024, will be a memorable date for many in the City of Oceanside. In fact, it will be one of those “remember where you were when…” days. Remember where you were when the Oceanside Pier caught fire to be exact. I am certain that for all of those first responders; firefighters, lifeguards, police officers, and others who responded to the Pier Fire, will be talking about this one for some time.  

The fact that a fire began on the pier is troubling, but the way our first responders and city staff responded to stop the loss, protect the public, and begin the process of restoration was and is, remarkable. To all the “armchair quarterbacks” who like to snipe from the cheap seats, or the conspiracy theorists who have come up with some doozy reasons for the fire. Knock it off. Given that more than 90% of the pier was spared, and the city has made every effort to give access the media, provide several press conferences, put out public information within minutes of the fire start, proves transparency. Anyone who saw the efforts of our first responders, and the collaborative efforts from local, county, state, federal and private agencies, has to know that everything that could have been done, was done. There will be plenty of opportunity to review the actions taken, which creates learning opportunities, which leads to improvement of service.

Determining the cause and origin of a fire this complex takes time. Be assured that a thorough investigation is underway. The fact that it takes several days and maybe even weeks to come up with a cause, only demonstrates the seriousness and thoroughness that is being put into the effort. Fires of this magnitude require interviews with any witnesses and first responders, along with a review of all the videos and photos taken, and laboratory analysis of evidence. While we have some of the best investigative personnel on the job, we should all keep in mind that even with all the technology and best investigative techniques, sometimes the best result is one of undetermined.  

Finally, I am certain that as the city moves forward in the rebuilding efforts, there will be opportunities for input and ideas from the community. The loss of a building, railings that once had the names of loved ones carved into it, and a place of recreation for those who fish, take walks, or find a place of reflection, is sad. However, the fact that there were no reported injuries, no deaths, and losses kept to a minimum, gives all O’siders reason to unite and give thanks. In time, the pier will be open, and you may find yourself standing next to someone asking, “so where were you when the pier caught fire?” 

RR

April Recap

Council Update

We got a lot done as a City Council in April after two Council Meetings and our Budget Workshop. Here are some of the items we discussed:

• Adoption of an ordinance to amend Chapter 39 (Light Pollution Regulations) of the Oceanside City Code to establish outdoor lighting standards applicable to residential dwellings and multi-family developments with three or less units. (Introduced on April 10, 2024, 5-0)
•  Adoption of a resolution amending the implementing document of the Local Coastal Program to incorporate revisions to the Inclusionary Housing Ordinance (Chapter 14C of the Oceanside City Code) and requesting California Coastal Commission certification of said amendment.
• Introduction of an ordinance (Option 1) amending Chapter 24 of the City Code and adoption of a resolution amending the City’s Local Coastal Program to include new restrictions on the establishment and operation of short-term rental units in the City’s Coastal Zone. The request is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Article 5, Section 15061(b)(3), under the common-sense exemption that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment.
•  Adoption of the Resolution of the City Council of the City of Oceanside, California, Acting as the Legislative Body of the City of Oceanside Community Facilities District No. 2023-1 (North River Farms Public Facilities), Approving a First Amendment to the Rate and Method of Apportionment and Calling an Election Therein; Direction to the City Clerk to hold the election; Adoption of the Resolution of the City Council of the City of Oceanside, California Acting as the Legislative Body of the City of Oceanside Community Facilities District No. 2023-1 (North River Farms Public Facilities), Certifying the Results of the April 24, 2024, Special Election; and Introduction of the Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Oceanside, California, Acting as the Legislative Body of the City of Oceanside Community Facilities District No. 2023-1 (North River Farms Public Facilities) Authorizing the Levy of a Special Tax Within Such District.

During our Budget Workshop, we received reports from city staff on the following:

• FY 2024-25 General Fund Overview
• FY 2024-25 Utilities Budget Overview
• FY 2024-25 Capital Improvement Project (CIP) Budget Overview
• FY 2024-25 Harbor Budget Overview
• FY 2024-25 Measure X Budget Overview

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

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

 Getting Out in the Community

The Emerging Issues Forum is a monthly meeting hosted by the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce. It usually features a special guests centered around a specific topic. The April meeting featured San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan with an update on the Shelter Bed App and upcoming efforts to change laws to reduce homelessness, drug addiction, and organized theft. We also heard updates on legislation from our State Senator's office, Assemblymember's office, and Congressman's office.

I attended a Ribbon Cutting at Sunrise Senior Living. Sunrise Senior Living provides older adults personalized care and services in an environment celebrating longer, healthier, happier lives. Their holistic, resident-centered approach focuses on individuality while encouraging purposeful living.

I went down to San Diego for a Cal Cities San Diego County Division meeting. The San Diego County Division includes 18 cities and provides members with the opportunity to exchange ideas and information. At the April meeting, we discussed upcoming events and heard updates on state legislation which has substantial impacts on municipalities.

I joined Jackie Bickford, one of the city's Code Enforcement Officers, on a day of Title 25 inspections at Trico Mobile Estates. The inspection consists of checking the park's common areas, buildings, equipment, and utility systems for proper maintenance and code compliance. I had a great time joining Jackie for these inspections, thank you to her and the entire Code Enforcement department for the work they do.

The Oceanside Fire Department hosted a graduation celebration for recent graduates of the Oceanside Fire Academy. Congratulations to the recent grads! I wish you all great success in your careers!

Visit Oceanside held a Board of Director's Meeting and I was invited to speak. We discussed the FY 25 Business Plan, the Annual Tourism Summit, heard from various liaisons to the board, and heard from different board members on what they would like to see happen in our city related to tourism.

Green Oceanside partnered with I Love A Clean San Diego to host an Earth Day park clean up event at Libby Lake Park as part of the regional Creek-to-Bay clean up. We diverted litter from our streets, storm drains and watersheds to keep it from traveling to the ocean. The day consisted of educational booths, activities for kids, music, games, and more. It was a great experience for all who attended. I hope to see you there next year!

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