September 2025 Newsletter

Council Update

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

• City Council voted 3-2 to select Interfaith Community Services, Inc. (ICS) to run the Oceanside Navigation Center at 3131 Oceanside Boulevard, approving an agreement with ICS for up to $2,055,762 per year for an initial 21-month term starting October 1, 2025, with options to extend for two additional years. The Council also approved ICS’s use of the City-owned property for the same period 

• Councilmember Weiss and I requested staff to provide an overview of current enforcement actions against illegal fireworks. The City Council provided further direction to staff on this issue.

• The City Council voted 4-1 (Sanchez - No) to adopt ordinances amending the Oceanside City Code to permit up to four cannabis storefront retail licenses and updating the Oceanside Zoning Ordinance to designate specific districts for these retailers

Our next City Council meeting will be on Wednesday, September 3rd at 5:00pm.

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

 Getting Out in the Community in August

I was invited to attend the San Diego Rescue Mission's Fourth Annual Mayors Symposium on Regional Homelessness, where 18 mayors and civic leaders convened for a working lunch to advance person centered strategies addressing homelessness across San Diego County. Sponsored by the Rincon Tribe, the event highlighted recent progress, including expanded outreach in Oceanside and other cities, a $1.5 million investment for North County shelter beds, and the new Shelter Ready app, while identifying service gaps and opportunities for regional collaboration.

The Oceanside Police Department hosted National Night Out 2025, bringing together law enforcement and community members to strengthen neighborhoods through a nationwide campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and enhances public safety with block parties and festivals.

I attended the Cal Cities San Diego County Division Meeting in August where elected officials and city staff from 18 San Diego County cities, including Oceanside, discussed regional issues, honored Lemon Grove Council Member Sitivi “Steve” Faiai, and received updates from the Cal Cities Board of Directors, Senator Catherine Blakespear, Assembly Member Darshana Patel, and a legislative update from Cal Cities.

I attended the grand opening celebration of South River Village Apartments, hosted by Mirka Investments and Level 3 Construction, marking the completion of a four-story, 43-unit affordable housing community featuring one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, with 15% ADA-accessible units, for families earning 50% to 70% of the area median income. The event, attended by about 50 people including housing advocates and representatives from various organizations, showcased a successful public-private partnership to address California’s housing shortage.

I attended the Oceanside Breakers Soccer Club Opening Ceremonies, celebrating over 48 years of community soccer and the participation of more than 1,600 kids in the fall season, showcasing the club’s impact and the enthusiasm of its players and families at the SoCal Sports Complex. The event highlighted the club’s ongoing commitment to fostering youth development and competitive spirit in Oceanside’s vibrant soccer community.

Last month, I attended the Libby Lake Neighborhood Meeting at the Libby Lake Community Room. It was a great opportunity to connect with community members, listen to their concerns, and discuss key issues affecting our neighborhood. I valued the chance to engage in these important conversations and contribute to advocating for positive change in Libby Lake. Join us for the next meeting on Tuesday, September 30th at 6:00 PM in the Libby Lake Community Room, everyone is welcome!

I chaired the North County Dispatch JPA (NCDJPA) Board of Directors meeting. It was a productive session where we covered several key items. The board recognized outstanding staff contributions. We received reports on communications, budget analysis, and financial demands for Q4 FY 2024-2025, and approved updates to the VHF Equipment and Services Contract and the VHF Site Lease Agreement for Red Mountain. The board also discussed the 2026 meeting calendar, facility updates, and revisions to the NCDJPA Agreement, providing direction for future actions. A closed session was held to discuss labor negotiations with the NCDJPA Dispatchers Association. I appreciated the opportunity to lead these discussions and engage with board members on critical issues impacting our operations. 

I attended the grand opening of the Robert A. and Bessie J. Weese History Center at 510 Civic Center Drive, hosted by the Oceanside Historical Society. The event featured a ribbon cutting, a tour of the new facility, and a chance to meet benefactor Tom Weese. The center’s engaging exhibits beautifully showcase our community’s past. Plan a visit to explore Oceanside’s rich heritage!

What's New in District 2?