On June 24, the City Council approved Oceanside's General Plan Update, along with the new Smart and Sustainable Corridors Specific Plan, and an updated Climate Action Plan. These plans will help guide how Oceanside grows, invests in infrastructure, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and prepares for future challenges over the coming decades. Learn more

Jess Specht has been selected as the City's new Fire Chief, succeeding Chief Dave Parsons, who retired June 19 following 25 years of dedicated service. Specht joined the Oceanside Fire Department in 2003 as a Firefighter/Paramedic and has served the department for 23 years, rising through the ranks as Fire Captain, Battalion Chief, Division Chief, and Deputy Fire Chief. Learn more about Chief Specht

Oceanside is exploring locally-controlled funding options to address rising costs and meet public safety and infrastructure needs. A local half-cent sales tax measure will be included on the November ballot. If approved by voters, the measure would fund priorities like expanding street repairs and rebuilding aging infrastructure like the concrete Pier Bridge. Learn more

There are no City Council meetings held in the month of July. The next regular City Council meetings will be held at 5 p.m. on August 5 and August 19, 2026, at Oceanside City Hall (300 N. Coast Highway). All are welcome! You can also view the Council meetings live on the City website and on KOCT TV. Sign up to receive the City Council agendas straight to your inbox here.

The Oceanside Parks & Recreation Department will host a fantastic fireworks and drone show on Friday, July 3, 2026, in celebration of Independence Day and Oceanside's 138th birthday, July 3. The fireworks and drone display will begin at 9 p.m. at the SoCal Soccer Complex at El Corazon; gates open at 4 p.m. Get all the details

As Oceanside Lifeguards gear up for a packed July 4th weekend, it's a good time to revisit water safety basics. Last year alone, Oceanside Lifeguards made 1,529 ocean rescues. Use caution. Know how to spot a rip current, what the "stingray shuffle" is, and always swim near an open Lifeguard Tower. Beach Safety Tips

The Army Corps of Engineers' draft Shoreline Mitigation plan calls for placing millions of cubic yards of sand along our coastline with the goal to sustain a sandy beach from the Harbor south to the Buena Vista Lagoon, with replenishment work repeated periodically. This effort will work hand-in-hand with the City's RE:BEACH program, which will help sustain the placed sand. Details

The Clean Energy Alliance (CEA) offers rebates, programs, and incentives for Oceanside residents and businesses, covering solar, battery storage, electric vehicles and more. Income-eligible households and renters have options too, not just homeowners. Browse a full list of programs to save: Details

The Oceanside Arts Commission and the Oceanside Library & Cultural Arts Department are proud to announce poet Karla Cordero as the inaugural O’Arts: Oceanside Poet Laureate. Karla was selected for this two-year appointment to produce engaging and conceptually rich original works inspired by, and in response to Oceanside as a diverse community with many untold stories.

Read about the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce's 130th anniversary, explore this month's featured retail center, Rancho Del Oro Gateway Shopping Center, and discover the latest new Oceanside businesses in the Economic Development Newsletter.

Behind the Curtain with The Old Globe

O'Arts Oceanside Arts & Culture Grant Applications

Sign up for Summer Reading Programs

Christopher T. Magician: Stories that Grow

Master Gardeners of SD: Pollinators

Native Plant Landscaping Workshop

Ice Cream Social for Teens

Summer is in full swing, and Parks & Recreation packed the season with something for everyone. We're kicking off the fun with a spectacular fireworks & drone display on July 3. The team also has many fun and free activities lined up all month in celebration of Parks & Recreation month! Explore all the details

Water-Efficient Landscape Contest Winner

Free Landscape Training Class July 25

Have Extra Fruit from Backyard Tree? Free Picks

Learn about Marine Debris Reduction Efforts

Schedule a Pickup for e-Waste with WM

Schedule a Large Item Pickup with WM

Save the Date! Coastal Cleanup Day is Sept. 19

Coyotes play an important role in our ecosystem by helping control rodent populations. While coyotes are most active between dusk and dawn, they can be seen at any time of day. Learning how to safely coexist is key. Find out what to do when you spot coyotes in your own neighborhood. Coyote Safety

Oceanside achieved another record-setting year for tourism in 2025, generating more than $622 million in visitor spending for our local economy. A report showed continued growth across key indicators, including a 2% increase in visitor volume. The industry also supported a record number of tourism-related jobs, while hospitality worker earnings rose 6%.

Behind the Curtain with The Old Globe

Street Level X Art Walk July 3

First Friday Art Walk

Ukulele Workshop at the Library

Free Summer Series at Frontwave Arena

School of Rock The Musical at Star Theatre

Art for All at Oceanside Museum of Art

Candlelight Jazz at the Star Theatre

Voices of Service by Vets at Brooks Theatre