Best of Oceanside Summer 2026

BEST OF

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Rising Star Program Reaches Nearly $200,000 in Scholarships Awarded

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BEST OF OCEANSIDE MAGAZINE S UMME R 2 0 2 6

Best of Oceanside Magazine is published by the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce in 4 editions: Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall.

This publication is available at the Chamber office, local businesses, Sunset Market, and in digital format on the Chamber’s website.

CONTACT US (760) 722-1534 info@oceansidechamber.com www.OceansideChamber.com Produced and published by the staff of the Oceanside Chamber Copyright Oceanside Chamber of Commerce All Rights Reserved. Copyright 2026 Design: Monica Gomez and Tiffany Smith

INSIDE THIS EDITION 6 | From Oceanside to the Ivy League 8 | Chamber Raises over $52,000 for Rising Stars 14 | Reflecting American History Through Oceanside 24 | Camp Pendleton’s Commitment to Coastal Stewardship 30 | Why Oceanside Is Piloting Fall Harbor Dredging 32 | Chamber Ambassador Spotlights 36 | Solutions for Change Drives Economic Mobility 42 | Oceanside’s Economic Development Update

By Scott Ashton, CEO, Oceanside Chamber of Commerce Throughout the school year, I have had the privilege of serving as emcee for the Chamber’s Rising Star breakfasts, where we hear powerful stories from local students who have overcome extraordinary personal challenges while remaining committed to their education and future goals. Their resilience, determination, and perseverance serve as inspiring reminders of the incredible potential that exists throughout our community.

This spring, the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce Foundation celebrated a major milestone as the Rising Star Scholarship Program awarded $52,500 in scholarships to 28 remarkable local students during its annual scholarship breakfast in April.

The event marked another record setting year for the program, which continues to grow in both community impact and regional recognition.

Now in its fifth year, the Rising Star Program has become one of Oceanside’s most meaningful community initiatives, recognizing high school seniors who have overcome extraordinary personal challenges while remaining committed to their education and future goals. Since launching in 2021, nearly $200,000 in scholarships have been awarded to 109 students across Oceanside’s five participating high schools.

Throughout the school year, students are recognized monthly as “Rising Stars” during breakfast events attended by educators, business leaders, elected officials, family members, and community supporters. Students share deeply personal stories of resilience and perseverance, often describing challenges such as homelessness, family loss, financial hardship, health struggles, or unstable home environments. Despite these obstacles, each student has continued pushing forward academically and personally.

There are very few events where you can feel an entire room continued on page 8

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Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member and SIPC. guarantee Securities future financial Investment products are notFINRA insured by the FDIC, NCUA or any federal agency, are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed © 2025 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved. by any financial institution, and involve investment risks including possible loss of principal and fluctuation in value. Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, a registered investment adviser. Securities offered by Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2026 Ameriprise Financial ,|Inc.Summer All rights reserved. www.oceansidechamber.com 2026 8702471ACMR0126 Best of Oceanside Magazine | 3

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EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

DIRECTORS

Kevin Witowich Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC Board Chair

Alison Aragon California State University San Marcos Marva Bledsoe Nonprofit Management Consulting

Ernie Prieto Oceanside Sea Center Immediate Past Chair

Robbie Calderon-Hass Hass Team Realty

Jessica Shrader Genentech Chair Elect Lori Boody Veterans Association of North County Secretary/Treasurer Bill Birnie Frontwave Credit Union Vice Chair

Kevin Shin The Nowell Family Foundation Vice Chair

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Angela Caires Hydranautics Dr. Sunny Cooke MiraCosta College Roger Cortez Tri-City Medical Center Joe Gabaldon San Diego Gas & Electric

Maddy Kilkenny Intesa Communications Group Vice Chair

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Cameron Gharabiklou The CA | Firm Lupe Gonzalez Equus Workforce Solutions Howard Jacobs GK Asset Management, LLC

Logan McEniry Oceanside Ace Hardware Ryan Purdy Sharp HealthCare Joshua Van Orden Oceanside Therapy Group Bob Waite AFLAC

STAFF Scott Ashton Chief Executive Officer Gwen Bryson Information Specialist

ADVISORS Leslee Gaul Visit Oceanside

Elizabeth Carlson Director of Events and Programs

Michelle Geller City of Oceanside

Bonnie Carreon Administrative Assistant

Captain Nick Nuñez Oceanside Police Department

Monica Gomez Marketing and Communications Coordinator

Angie Leonard Mainstreet Oceanside Jess Specht Oceanside Fire Department Dr. Julie Vitale Oceanside Unified School District

Oceanside Chamber of Commerce 3605 Ocean Ranch Boulevard, Suite 205 Oceanside, CA 92056 (760) 722-1534 • www.OceansideChamber.com

4 | Best of Oceanside Magazine

Dan Whitley Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton

Vanessa Lee Membership Development Manager Janelle Quezada Marketing and Communications Specialist

@OsideCaChamber

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Summer 2026 | www.oceansidechamber.com

FROM OCEANSIDE TO THE IVY LEAGUE:

How Dual Enrollment Is Opening Doors for Local Students

For many high school students, college can feel like something waiting far off in the future, a distant goal and next step that only begins after graduation.

Through a growing partnership between MiraCosta College and the Oceanside Unified School District (OUSD), local students are discovering that college is something they can start working toward right now.

The dual enrollment program enables students to complete college-level coursework while still in high school, helping them earn college credit, explore academic and career interests, and accelerate their educational pathways. For many, that early exposure helps make higher education feel more familiar and allows them to move faster toward a degree. For others, it can also open doors they may not have known were possible — giving them the confidence to imagine a future beyond what they once saw for themselves.

Just as important, students are not navigating that path alone.

Through the program, counselors and professors help dual enrollment students balance the demands of pursuing a high school diploma and an associate degree concurrently.

For Oceanside students like Salvador De Leon and Lanae Branch, this opportunity has already been life-changing.

De Leon, an El Camino High School student, first 6 | Best of Oceanside Magazine

learned about the program through his school’s College and Career Center. He enrolled at MiraCosta not because anyone told him to, but because he wanted to explore his interests before deciding his path.

“I wanted to find out what I liked before committing to a college,” De Leon said.

What began with Spanish and precalculus classes soon turned into a rigorous course load in advanced mathematics, including linear algebra, differential equations, and Calculus III. Along the way, De Leon said MiraCosta helped him learn a valuable lesson that doesn’t always come easily for high-achieving students: how not to feel discouraged by setbacks.

“Don’t stress out about a small failure,” he said. “Use it to improve.”

Outside the classroom, De Leon gained real-world experience as a math tutor, a construction site project engineering intern, and a team member at LEGOLAND California.

Now, as he prepares to graduate from high school, De Leon will also graduate from MiraCosta with two associate degrees: one in Mathematics and another in Liberal Arts with a focus on science and math.

He has been accepted to Harvard University, where he plans to study engineering, with long-term aspirations to pursue aerospace and innovation and to work with organizations such as NASA. Summer 2026 | www.oceansidechamber.com

Similarly, Branch began taking MiraCosta classes near the end of her freshman year at Oceanside High School for exposure.

“I wanted to understand the rigor and discipline of college classes so that when I got to a four-year university, I already knew the standard,” Branch said.

At MiraCosta, Branch found herself learning alongside veterans, parents, working professionals, and students from all walks of life, each with diverse backgrounds, an experience that broadened her worldview.

“The diversity, it really pushed me to think deeper and see things from different perspectives,” she said.

Through the program, counselors and professors help dual enrollment students balance the demands of pursuing a high school diploma and an associate degree concurrently.

Originally intent on studying business administration, Branch’s experiences in and out of the classroom helped her discover a passion for public policy, government, and social issues. After securing her first internship with the City of Oceanside, she ultimately shifted her focus to political science with plans to pursue law school.

Outside of school, Branch helped reestablish the city’s Youth Commission, founded her high school’s speech and debate team, participated in advocacy work through the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and interned on Congressman Mike Levin’s reelection campaign.

“I feel like a fuller human being after these last three years,” she said.

Momentum behind the program is only growing.

Recently, San Diego Foundation, with support from Gates Foundation, launched a new three-year, $3 million initiative to better connect local students to college and career pathways. The initiative is part of a greater regional effort and will not only support MiraCosta’s continued partnership with OUSD but also a partnership between Southwestern College and the Sweetwater Union High School District. San Diego is one of four California regions selected by Gates Foundation to participate.

Students like Branch and De Leon show what is possible when young people get an early start and the right support.

“I’ve seen how dedicated the professors are and how much you can grow here. If anything, it prepares you in a way that really sets you up for success,” Branch explains.

Although both students are just beginning their next academic chapters, they are now stepping into that future with college experience, hard-earned confidence, and a clear sense that they belong.

For De Leon, that success is replicable for other students.

“If I can do it,” he said, “then they can definitely do it too.”

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Now, Branch is preparing to graduate from high school with an associate degree already in hand and plans to attend Yale University.

Their stories reflect the power of dual enrollment in expanding access, reducing barriers, and helping students move through education with a stronger sense of direction.

Their efforts recently earned statewide recognition with the 2025-26 Exemplary Dual Enrollment Award, honoring MiraCosta and OUSD’s innovative partnership.

“When students realize they can complete collegelevel courses while still in high school, it transforms how they see their future,” said Dr. Sunny Cooke, superintendent/president of MiraCosta. “Programs like this expand opportunity, strengthen our regional workforce, and empower the next generation of leaders.” www.oceansidechamber.com | Summer 2026

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Best of Oceanside Magazine | 7

Rising Star Program Reaches Nearly $200,000 in Scholarships Awarded continued from page 2

collectively inspired. Rising Star breakfasts routinely leave attendees emotional, energized, and deeply appreciative of the perseverance these students demonstrate every day.

The annual scholarship breakfast serves as the culminating celebration of the program, where all recognized students are invited to apply for scholarship funding through the Foundation. This year’s scholarship distribution was the largest in program history and reflects the growing level of support from the Oceanside community and local business leaders. In the five years of the program, we have been fortunate to never have to turn away an applicant for scholarship funding.

Surfside Academy is one of the five Oceanside high schools participating in the Rising Star Program.

According to Principal Eric Frandsen, the program has had a meaningful impact on students both personally and academically.

“The Oceanside Chamber of Commerce Rising Star program is a key difference maker in the lives of students,” Frandsen said. “The students selected as Rising Stars are often quiet and reserved; however, all of them have found ways to rise above extremely challenging circumstances that are out of their control. I’ve seen time and again, tremendous

8 | Best of Oceanside Magazine

increases in the level of pride, confidence, and encouragement students gain from being recognized through the program and telling their stories in front of mature audiences.”

That impact extends far beyond scholarship dollars.

Over the past five years, the program has helped create stronger connections between local schools, businesses, civic leaders, and families. Many of these students will become the future workforce, business leaders, educators, healthcare professionals, and civic leaders who help shape Oceanside for decades to come.

The program’s continued growth would not be possible without the commitment of community partners like Genentech and Frontwave Foundation, both of which have made significant investments in the program’s long-term success. Genentech has served as the primary scholarship donor and foundational program sponsor since the initiative launched in 2021.

“The Rising Star Scholarship program represents the kind of community partnership that creates longterm impact,” said Jessica Shrader. “At Genentech Oceanside, we believe supporting students is about more than financial assistance - it’s about investing in potential, strengthening workforce pathways, and helping build a healthier, more resilient future for our region. Through our partnership with the Oceanside Chamber, we’re proud to support students who

Summer 2026 | www.oceansidechamber.com

have demonstrated perseverance, leadership, and commitment to their education despite challenges.

These are the future leaders, innovators, and changemakers of our community.”

This year also marked another important milestone for the program, as Rising Star students began participating in the Oceanside Leadership Academy for the first time. Three students are currently enrolled in the leadership development program through sponsorship support provided by Genentech.

Frontwave Credit Union and Frontwave Foundation have also emerged as major scholarship and program sponsors, helping expand both scholarship opportunities and overall program reach in recent years.

“We take great pride in supporting the Rising Star Scholarship Fund and celebrating the remarkable efforts of the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce in helping local high school seniors achieve their educational aspirations,” said Sarai Rodgers. “At the Frontwave Foundation, we are deeply committed to investing in students, knowing that empowering them today lays the groundwork for stronger families, more vibrant communities, and a brighter, more promising future. It is truly an honor to be part of a mission that opens doors and creates meaningful opportunities for the next generation.”

Rising Star serves as a reminder of what can happen when a community comes together to invest in young people. Oceanside has extraordinary students with tremendous potential, and I am incredibly encouraged by the high quality of young individuals who will soon be entering our workforce and helping shape the future of our community. It is our responsibility to continue creating opportunities that help them succeed.

For more information, scan QR code or call the Chamber at 760-722-1534. www.oceansidechamber.com | Summer 2026

Best of Oceanside Magazine | 9

A Conversation with Swami’s Cafe Director of Operations, Hulisis Contreras

By Janelle Quezada

Q: Swami’s is known for its dedicated team. From a leadership perspective, how do you foster an environment where staff feel like family and want to stay for years?

A: We are constantly asking for feedback from our team, just as we are constantly evaluating what the business needs and what our guests want. We check in regularly to see how the staff feels about our policies and procedures and how we can improve them, because they are the ones who run the show. If our staff isn’t happy, we can’t make our customers happy. We have to make sure our team has the support and tools they need first. One of the big benefits we offer is free staff meals, because we have such an extensive menu, our owner, Jaime, wants to make sure everyone is well-fed and happy. The staff never gets bored because they can always customize their meals. That positive energy translates directly to our guests. I always tell our team to pick three items they absolutely love so they can genuinely guide first-time visitors. It’s all about empowering them to be brand ambassadors for Swami’s, while ensuring they honestly enjoy where they work.

Q: How do you balance honoring the classic Swami’s menu that regulars love?

A: If an item doesn't sell quickly but has a passionate following among a small group of regulars, like our vegan fish, we will keep a limited amount in stock just for them, even if we take it off the main menu. Our menu is diverse, and because we carry a large inventory, our regulars often come in and create their own dishes. For example, we have a regular named Nat who comes in daily with his daughter. He gets a highly customized order: two scrambled eggs with two egg whites, sourdough toast, and a custom bowl. We actually programmed a "Nathaniel Bowl," button right into our register system to accommodate his modifications. We will do that for anyone. As we get to know our guests, we create dedicated computer buttons just for them. At the same time, we keep tabs on what is trending in the industry. We recently introduced homemade almond and oat milk by partnering with a company called Numilk, allowing us to offer fresh milks free of preservatives and sweeteners. Whether a regular comes in every week or once a year, we want to ensure there is always a new special for them to enjoy.

Jaime’s vision is to truly have something for everyone. A dad can get an ABC burger, his spouse can order a tropical salmon salad, the kids can get French toast with sweet potato fries, and a guest with celiac disease can enjoy gluten-free toast. Our expansive menu ensures that entire families and friend groups can gather and enjoy time together.

Q: Based on your experience here, what's the most important lesson you've learned about helping run a successful business in Oceanside?

A: The most important lesson is that you must be deeply involved with the community. We are fortunate to be located on a high-traffic corner, so we use that visibility to support local organizations and communities whenever we can. I grew up right on Ditmar Street in the early '90s, so I have seen what Oceanside was and what it has become today. I am incredibly proud to help the city continue to progress.

Q: What makes the relationship between Swami’s and the Oceanside community so special?

A: For me, it is incredibly close to my heart because of my history here. I grew up in Oceanside, went to Laurel Elementary, and I remember this exact building through all its changes. My dad bought his sporting goods gear here when it was a sports shop, and we used to get our computers repaired here back when it was a computer repair shop. Now, seeing it as part of the Swami’s family, planted and growing alongside Oceanside, is incredibly meaningful. Swami’s will always be a dedicated part of this community, and that is what makes it so special.

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Summer 2026 | www.oceansidechamber.com

Q: What is your personal go to dish and favorite smoothie on the menu?

A: My personal favorite go-to dish are the chilaquiles verdes with scrambled egg. You add a little bit of chorizo and you take out the sour cream. That's my favorite dish. My favorite smoothie is the Nirvana nectar with House made almond milk and peanut butter added, those seem to always give me energy throughout the day.

@swamiscafeofficial

202 N Coast Hwy, Oceanside, CA 92054

www.oceansidechamber.com | Summer 2026

swamiscafe.com Best of Oceanside Magazine | 11

OCEANSIDE ARTS & CULTURE GRANT PROGRAM Support for arts & culture activities

We are awarding:

$130,000 in overall awards in the amounts of $2,500 | $5,000 | $7,500

Scan the QR code and apply today! Applications due August 14, 2026 Grants are funded by the City of Oceanside Arts Commission and the Oceanside Cultural Arts District

12 | Best of Oceanside Magazine

Summer 2026 | www.oceansidechamber.com

Build your Business with the Chamber Expand your Business Network Workforce Training Opportunities Access to Pooled Employer 401(k) Plan Build Visibility & Credibility for your Business Access Valuable Business Information & Resources Contact Vanessa Lee to customize a package catered to your business VANESSA@OCEANSIDECHAMBER.COM | 760.722.1534

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Best of Oceanside Magazine | 13

Reflecting American History Through California and the City of Oceanside

By Kristi Hawthorne

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Kelsey Collecti

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Mission San Lu

4th of July parade float, circa 1908 Marguerite Brannen, Steiger collection

Oceanside’s Forth of July Float used at the Rose Parade in Oceanside’s 4th of July Parade 1988

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14 | Best of Oceanside Magazine

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Photos courtesy of Oceanside Historical Society

Summer 2026 | www.oceansidechamber.com

Long before becoming a state, or explored by the Spaniards, California was inhabited by indigenous peoples from diverse tribes. Locally, the “Ata’axam” occupied what we now call the San Luis Rey Valley, as well as the coastline, lagoons, forests and the meadows as well as springs, creeks and rivers, living off of and harvesting both land and sea.

Five decades after Christopher Columbus arrived in the Americas in 1492, Spanish explorers mounted expeditions in 1540 and California became part of “New Spain.”

The first European traveler to visit the California coast was Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, who led a Spanish fleet to California in the fall of 1542. They traveled north to the area now known as the town of Oceanside on about the 5th of October. The Spanish visitors noted only that “there were many valleys and meadows; there was a lot of smoke, and there were mountains beyond.” Other Spanish Explorers and sailors arrived in later years, but none stayed for any length of time.

On the East Coast of the “New World”, English settlers established Jamestown, Virginia in 1607. Five years previous, Spanish Explorer Sebastián Vizcaíno mapped California’s coastline and provided names for major landmarks like San Diego and Monterey.

However, colonization of the land did not occur for over a century.

Spanish missionaries began establishing missions and presidios in the 1760s. Founding of the California missions began seven years before the signing of the American Declaration of Independence in 1776.

In 1769, by order of the King of Spain expeditions departed Mexico for California. San Diego became the location where the first presidio and mission were established. The king sent military troops and Franciscan missionaries to colonize the territory.

A presidio was a military fort which served as a military base to protect the missions and the settlers.

Missions were religious settlements established by missionaries focused on religious conversion, and agricultural development. Both resulted in severe consequences for the Indigenous people and disrupted their way of life. www.oceansidechamber.com | Summer 2026

Mission San Luis Rey Blanchard photo 95, circa 1890

In a span of over 50 years, 4 presidios, and 21 missions were founded along the California coast.

Some of these sites eventually evolved into the state’s major cities, including San Diego, Santa Barbara, San Jose and San Francisco.

The roadway, known as El Camino Real, the King’s Highway, was in part composed of Indian footpaths and buffalo and wildlife trails. It began at Mexico City in 1540 and was developed over the next half century.

In California, El Camino Real extended over 600 miles from San Diego to Sonoma.

Mission San Luis Rey, near present day Oceanside, was founded in 1798. The Franciscan Priests named their new mission after King Louis IX of France. They renamed the Native people the “Luisenos.” By that year the US had added just 3 more states to the original 13 colonies for a total of 16.

Constructed by the Franciscan Order of the Roman Catholic Church and built by Indian labor, the San Luis Rey Mission was intended to be an institution for converting Natives to Christianity and for “civilizing” them to a European style of living. This was the goal of all California missions.

Mission San Luis Rey, known as “King of The Missions”, because of its size, population and crop production, was the 18th of the California missions.

The population reached 2,869 in 1825. By 1830, this mission was the largest building in California.

In comparison, the U.S. continued to change and expand. In 1820 James Monroe was reelected president and the state of Massachusetts divided in two with the admission of Maine as a state. The Best of Oceanside Magazine | 15

following year Missouri became a state and Florida became a U.S. territory

1870s Frank Whaley published a small newspaper called the San Luis Rey Star.

On the west coast of North America, change was rapid as well. After Mexico’s independence from Spain in 1821, California became a province of Mexico.

From 1822 to 1846, a period known as the “Mexican Era” resulted in secularization of the missions. The Mexican government took control of missions, land and property.

On March 18, 1865 President Abraham Lincoln signed a proclamation giving the San Luis Rey Mission (and other missions) back to the Catholic Church. However, the proclamation only returned the buildings and a fraction of the property. Vast amount of acreage once claimed by the missions were now privately owned.

Less than one month later the President would be assassinated.

Mexican California experienced political instability, with frequent changes in governors and revolts.

Mexican governors granted vast land areas to individuals, often “friends” of the governor, leading to the establishment of ranchos (large cattle ranches).

The Mexican government took the lands and livestock from the missions. Anything that the priests left behind was confiscated by the governor, his appointees or by others.

The Mission San Luis Rey was not spared. The church sacraments, statuaries and other holy items were taken, leaving the church empty. Even the building itself was pilfered; adobe clay tiles were removed and used for other structures. Without the protective tiles, the roof, walls and archways eventually collapsed due to rainfall and exposure to the elements.

America celebrated its 100th birthday in 1876 by hosting the massive Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. The World’s Fair was held in Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park. The centerpiece of the fair was the 700-ton Corliss steam engine and early versions of the typewriter, the telephone, and the arm and torch of the Statue of Liberty.

On July 4th, Susan B. Anthony read the Woman’s Declaration of Independence, protesting that the nation’s voting rights had not yet been extended to women.

Citizens of San Diego celebrated the Centennial with a parade. At the time, San Diego had a population of less than 2,500, with “915 occupied houses and 69 business buildings.”

In 1845 Florida and Texas were admitted to the Union, later followed by Iowa. The Mexican–American War began in 1846, ending in 1848 with The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, formally relinquishing Alta California to the United States. Two years later California became a U.S. state.

Later that day spectators gathered for customary speeches and then a band performed for the crowd.

Afterwards it was reported that “for the next two hours there was a carnival of noise—cannon, small arms and every description of fire cracker and Chinese bomb.”

While the Gold Rush brought thousands of people to central and northern California, pioneers from the Midwest and east coast began to arrive in Southern California. Rancho lands were divided and sold; townships which later became cities were established, many taking the names of the early ranchos.

A milestone in U.S. History was made when America’s first transcontinental railroad was built between 1863 and 1869 and connected the existing rail network Parade coming South on Cleveland Street Oceanside Lumber in the Background, circa 1890’s

The San Luis Rey Township was established in the late 1860s. Residents in the valley came to the small village area because it offered a stage stop, blacksmith shop, store, a post office and a school.

San Luis Rey was featured in its own column in the San Diego Union newspaper, providing information on weather, crops and local happenings. In the 16 | Best of Oceanside Magazine

Summer 2026 | www.oceansidechamber.com

at Council Bluffs, Iowa, with the Pacific coast at the Oakland Long Wharf on San Francisco Bay. Railroads increased the speed of transport and lowered its cost. Passengers and freight could cross the country in a matter of days instead of months.

As a result, railroads transformed the country, particularly the West.

Oceanside’s First Train Depot, West of track between 2nd and 3rd Streets, circa 1884

building, a new church, a small school and a host of businesses including a newspaper, the Oceanside Star.

Oceanside incorporated as a city July 3, 1888, just the third city in San Diego County to do so.

In 1901 Oceanside celebrated the USA’s 125th anniversary (its quasquicentennial) with a large parade followed by games at the beach, including tennis matches, along with bicycle and foot races. The evening ended with a ball at Oceanside’s Opera House.

The day, of course, included fireworks, and the local newspaper reported that “Sam Wing, the local laundry man, who is onto always American, delighted the crowd with an exhibition of how they do it in his native land. A string of firecrackers about 12 feet long suspended from a pole was lighted and for nearly 20 minutes things resembled the Boer War.”

It was the railroad that inspired Oceanside’s founder, Andrew Jackson Myers. Myers was living near Anaheim when he and his son Joseph traveled south to San Diego County in the late 1870s taking the inland stage route.

Traveling west from the Mission San Luis Rey, he made his way to the coast, noting that railroad tracks had just been laid, bringing trains from Riverside to San Diego. Myers saw a golden opportunity as he cast his eyes upon the miles of wide sandy beaches. He went to Los Angeles to stake a claim. Myers’ land patent containing 160 acres was issued to him on June 20, 1883.

The new town of Oceanside had one essential thing: The railroad -- bringing people, supplies and a Great White Fleet, 1908 means to ship crops. The town would grow and develop around the depot and Cleveland Street and Mission Avenue were the center of town.

In just a few years Oceanside grew rapidly. By 1887 it had a 4-story resort hotel, a two-story brick bank www.oceansidechamber.com | Summer 2026

On December 16, 1907 United States Navy battleships began a journey around the world.

It consisted of 16 battleships divided into two squadrons. The fleet made “friendly courtesy visits” to numerous countries while displaying the U.S. naval power to the world. Ordered by President Theodore Roosevelt, the armada earned its nickname “The Great White Fleet” from the white paint applied to its hulls to project a “peaceful yet formidable image of American sea power.”

The “Great White Fleet” passed Oceanside in April of 1908, half-way through its historic voyage which was completed February 22, 1909. Crowds lined the bluff along Pacific Street, and the Oceanside Pier to see the spectacle.

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Liberty bell in Oceanside McCallum photo

On another occasion, an American icon visited Oceanside. In 1915 the Liberty Bell embarked on a 10,000-mile roundtrip journey to the Panama-Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco. The train made stops in dozens of cities nationwide, allowing an estimated 20 million people to view the Bell. It passed through Oceanside in November of 1915.

In 1926 the Nation’s 150th anniversary was celebrated in Oceanside with even more activities than years previous. The bandshell and pier were center stage as thousands of people, many from other smaller towns, came to enjoy the beach and the amenities only Oceanside could offer.

4, 1915 Nathaniel Wilder, July Hotel near El San Luis Rey

Oceanside Pier and bandshell, circa 1923

One event in U.S. history that would forever change Oceanside was the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941. Four months later it was announced that the Department of the Navy would acquire Rancho Santa Margarita y Las Flores just of Oceanside for a Marine training facility. new military base would train 20,000 Marines to then be shipped to fight overseas.

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Summer 2026 | www.oceansidechamber.com

the north This

Main Gate Camp Pendleton, circa 1949

The Marine Corps base was named Camp Joseph H. Pendleton and transformation began immediately with hundreds, if not thousands of people employed in the building of the base, laying roads, erecting buildings, installing water, sewer, along with electric and telephone lines. As a result, the town of Oceanside nearly tripled in population in ten years and was one of the most populous cities in San Diego County.

The postwar years brought continued growth and development for the City of Oceanside. The 50’s were a decade of prosperity and celebration. In 1956 the City of Oceanside sought to celebrate its Jubilee Year

www.oceansidechamber.com | Summer 2026

(75th anniversary). However, so anxious to usher in its Jubilee, the City used 1883 (the year it was established) rather than the year it incorporated, 1888!

As the United States began planning the country’s Bicentennial it encouraged towns and cities of every size to participate. States formed regional commissions that offered local governments small grants, and officials encouraged towns to incorporate civic themes and colonial-era aesthetics into their local celebrations. In response, the City of Oceanside established Heritage Park. The old city jail, Libby School House and the original Blade building were moved to the park site, which formally opened in 1976.

Oceanside celebrated its Centennial in July 1988 (using its incorporation year) with a large parade, gala, and a raffle for “Centennial house.” Twenty-five years later Oceanside celebrated its 125th anniversary (its quasquicentennial) in 2013. The Oceanside Chamber took the lead on the celebration installing street banners, producing a written history of the city, a cake cutting ceremony, and other activities, including the installation of a time capsule.

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City council on Centennial float in parade 1988

Bill of Rights float,

Hob Nob Cafe

City council on Centennial float in parade 1988

This year the U.S. celebrates 250 years since we first declared our Independence. The journey toward this historic milestone is an opportunity to pause and reflect on our nation’s past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look ahead toward the future we want to create for the next generation and beyond.

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Summer 2026 | www.oceansidechamber.com

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Breakfast & Lunch Served All Day www.oceansidechamber.com | Summer 2026

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Best of Oceanside Magazine | 21

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PROTEC TING WHAT WE SHARE: Camp Pendleton’s Commitment to Coastal Stewardship

By Sherri Sullivan Coastal and Riparian Management Section Head Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton As summer approaches and more residents and visitors head to the coast, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton plays a unique role in protecting the natural landscapes and coastal ecosystems shared across North San Diego County.

Spanning more than 125,000 acres and over 17 miles of coastline, Camp Pendleton serves as an important ecological buffer between heavily urbanized areas.

The installation manages diverse coastal ecosystems, including estuaries, dunes, and nearshore marine environments that support both wildlife and the surrounding community.

These habitats are home to hundreds of migratory bird species traveling along the Pacific Flyway.

In recognition of this, Camp Pendleton has been designated a Global Important Bird Area by the Audubon Society. Among the most sensitive species on the installation’s southern beaches are the California least tern, the western snowy plover, and Ridgway’s rail. Because their nests are difficult to detect and highly vulnerable to disturbance, these species require active, ongoing protection.

Camp Pendleton’s Environmental Program works year-round to monitor and manage these species through habitat restoration, predator management, and seasonal protections. Dedicated specialists, including a beach biologist and fish biologist, support conservation efforts while also responding to marine mammal and sea turtle strandings. These efforts are further supported by conservation law enforcement personnel who help ensure compliance with

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environmental regulations across the installation.

Partnerships are essential to this mission. Camp Pendleton has worked alongside the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance since the early 1980s to support long-term monitoring and research on coastal bird species. This collaboration helps inform management decisions and provides valuable insight into how changing environmental conditions impact nesting success and food availability.

Balancing environmental stewardship with military readiness requires close coordination. Camp Pendleton works directly with training units to ensure that Marines can continue to train effectively while minimizing impacts to sensitive habitats. Through planning and communication, training activities are adapted to protect nesting areas while maintaining mission readiness. Marines have also directly supported conservation efforts, including recent work to restore coastal dunes impacted by shifting river patterns. Camp Pendleton’s role extends beyond the installation’s boundaries through continued collaboration with regional partners, including the City of Oceanside. Efforts such as supporting dune restoration projects and contributing to regional conservation initiatives help strengthen the resilience of Southern California’s coastline. As coastal activity increases during the summer months, Camp Pendleton remains committed to protecting the natural resources that connect us with our neighboring communities. Through stewardship, partnership, and shared responsibility, the installation continues to preserve the coastal environments that make this region unique.

Summer 2026 | www.oceansidechamber.com

SIGNATURE SIGNATUREEVENTS EVENTS OCEANSIDE OCEANSIDECHAMBER CHAMBEROF OFCOMMERCE COMMERCE

UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS

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Prefer the content to The Oceanside Chamber is excited to host a variety of upcoming in-person forums, workshops, fit inside the pink box and networking events. Please check the Chamber calendar for all event updates.

OCEANSIDE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SECOND TUESDAY COFFEE

We invite you to join us on the second Tuesday of every month from 8 AM – 9 AM. Second Tuesday Coffee is a great opportunity for Oceanside Chamber members to connect with other local businesses. Attendees will have a chance to introduce their business and connect with others during and after the event. Be sure to bring your business cards! This event is free to Oceanside Chamber members and $40 for prospective members.

Coffee and light refreshments will be provided.

JUNE JUNE27, 27,2026 2026 JUNE 27, 2026

july 13, 2026 2026 july 13, 2026

JANUARY 13TH, FEBRUARY 10TH, MARCH 10TH

The Oceanside Chamber hosts monthly Business Mixers every third Thursday at varying locations.

From 5 PM - 7 PM, join us for an opportunity to mix and mingle with other business owners and employees in and around Oceanside.

Complimentary appetizers will be served with a cash bar. The cost is $10 for Chamber Members and $40 for Prospective Members.

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EMERGING ISSUES FORUM

The Oceanside Chamber of Commerce Emerging Issues Forum allows Oceanside Chamber members to learn about critical community issues, interact with legislative representatives and receive updates on legislative items impacting business.

This meeting is open to all Oceanside Chamber members and is held the 1st Thursday of every month from 8 AM to 9:30 AM

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OCEANSIDE CHAMBER BUSINESS MIXERS

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The Oceanside Chamber of Commerce’s Military Affairs Forum provides an avenue for Oceanside Chamber members to learn about key issues relating to Oceanside’s relationship with Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton and the servicemembers serving on the base.

This meeting is open to all Oceanside Chamber members and invited guests only and will be held the second Thursday of the month, from 8 AM to 9 AM.

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SENIOR SHOWCASE www.oceansidechamber.com | Summer 2026

ARMED DAYMagazine 2027 Best ofFORCES Oceanside | 25 ARMED FORCES DAY 2027

In the U.S. each year, an estimated 561 billion disposable food service items are used—adding up to about 4.9 million tons of waste (upstreamsolutions.org). The numbers may be huge, but the steps you can take to make a positive impact are surprisingly simple. By choosing small, sustainable habits during your summer outings and throughout the year, you help keep Oceanside’s beaches clean, healthy, and beautiful for future generations.

Use the tips below to enjoy a more sustainable summer and don’t forget to #SkipTheStuff!

BRING YOUR OWN BAG Choose reusables whenever possible. Bring a sturdy reusable bag for grocery trips, farmers markets, or beach days. This supports the City’s Marine Debris Reduction Ordinance, which prohibits businesses from distributing single use carryout bags.

SIP SUSTAINABLY Opt for a refillable water bottle instead of single use plastic bottles. It’s better for the environment and perfect for your entire trip (and beyond).

SNACK SMARTER Replace single use plastics with reusable containers and bags. They’re convenient, stylish, and significantly cut down on everyday waste.

REDUCE WHAT YOU BRING Pack thoughtfully. Bring only what you’ll actually need for a great day out, no need to haul “everything including the kitchen sink.”

LEAVE NO TRACE Whether you’re at the beach, in a park, or exploring local neighborhoods, take everything you brought with you when you leave. Bringing home trash and any used or broken items helps keep Oceanside clean and free of debris.

Wherever you go, help keep Oceanside clean!

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Summer 2026 | www.oceansidechamber.com

MARINE DEBRIS REDUCTION ORDINANCE: WHY IT’S IMPORTANT The use of disposable food service ware and single-use plastic bags contributes to a range of environmental issues, like greenhouse gas emissions, and excessive litter/marine pollution. These items are frequently found as marine debris, polluting Oceanside’s beaches and waterways. The 2020 Zero Waste Plan identified the reduction of litter and marine debris as a community priority. This ordinance supports thosegoals by promoting sustainability, protecting natural resources, and encouraging long-term environmental stewardship.

A CLEANER FUTURE FOR OCEANSIDE The City of Oceanside’s Marine Debris Reduction Ordinance is in full effect. The distribution of polystyrene foam products and single-use carry out bags are prohibited throughout the City of Oceanside. This ordinance applies to all retail establishments and food service providers in Oceanside, requiring them to transition to sustainable alternatives. Businesses must also charge a minimum of 10 cents for any reusable or recyclable carryout bag provided to customers. The City offers downloadable outreach materials on its Marine Debris Reduction Ordinance’s webpage.

To report a non-compliant business, contact Oceanside Customer Care at (760) 435-4500 or customercare@oceanisdeca.org. www.oceansidechamber.com | Summer 2026

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OCEANSIDE HEATS UP:

New Businesses, Coastal Energy and a Thriving Summer Economy

By Michelle Geller Economic Development Manager, City of Oceanside Winter in Oceanside barely felt like winter at all this year. With warm, sun-filled days, busy restaurant patios in January and visitors continuing to come well beyond the traditional tourism season, there was hardly time for us to hibernate. That momentum is carrying straight into summer, fueled not only by Oceanside’s enviable coastal lifestyle, but by the strength of a local economy that continues to attract new investment, innovative businesses and exciting culinary concepts.

Across Oceanside, entrepreneurs and established brands alike are choosing to invest in the city’s growing energy and vibrant business climate. One of the most anticipated openings this summer is An’s Gate D5, a creative new concept from San Diego favorite An’s Gelato located inside the historic Top Gun House at the Mission Pacific Hotel. The immersive, airline-themed experience blends hospitality, entertainment and destination dining in a way that reflects Oceanside’s evolution as a premier SoCal destination.

South O continues to emerge as one of North County’s most dynamic small business corridors.

The Freeman Collective recently welcomed cultfavorite PopUp Bagels, bringing national buzz and another sought-after culinary destination to the neighborhood. A couple miles up Coast Highway, the team behind the highly successful Blade 1936 has expanded with Blade Shanghai, further contributing to the city’s increasingly diverse and elevated dining scene.

Meanwhile, Soda Pop’N, a rapidly growing Utahbased beverage concept known for its customizable “dirty sodas,” is bringing its playful, family-friendly brand to Oceanside. These new arrivals join a growing ecosystem of restaurants, retailers, hospitality businesses and experiential concepts helping drive economic activity throughout the city.

The continued investment speaks to Oceanside’s strong fundamentals: a growing Downtown population, thriving tourism industry, strategic location, talented workforce and a business-friendly 28 | Best of Oceanside Magazine

environment that supports both entrepreneurs and larger-scale development. From downtown revitalization efforts to ongoing investment in mobility, infrastructure and placemaking, Oceanside continues to position itself as one of Southern California’s most exciting coastal economies.

And while the business climate is thriving, Oceanside never loses sight of what makes the city special.

Residents and visitors can spend the day at the beach, paddle through the harbor, explore local shops and restaurants or catch sunset at the iconic pier. The g’Oside EV shuttle has quickly become one of the most enjoyable ways to experience it all, connecting downtown, South O, the harbor and beach with an easy, sustainable transportation option.

In Oceanside, economic momentum and quality of life go hand in hand. This summer, both are shining brighter than ever.

Summer 2026 | www.oceansidechamber.com

Keeping you connected to what matters most.

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SAVE OCEANSIDE SAND: WHY OCEANSIDE IS PILOTING FALL HARBOR DREDGING A Smarter Approach to Coastal Zone Management and Beach Resilience For decades, dredging at the Oceanside Harbor has typically taken place in the spring. The federal dredging program serves two important purposes: maintaining safe navigation at the harbor entrance (primary) and placing sand on Oceanside’s beaches (secondary).

Now, the City of Oceanside and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are piloting a potentially more effective approach: shifting dredging and sand placement from spring to fall beginning this fall.

Why does timing matter?

Because waves and sand movement change throughout the year.

According to the City staff report, studies conducted by the City, its consultants, and the U.S. Army Corps of

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Engineers have concluded that fall dredging may allow sand to move more naturally to the south, helping nourish some of Oceanside’s most erosion-impacted beaches.

The report also explains that during winter, higherenergy northwest swells move sand offshore into submerged sandbars. Those sandbars act like temporary storage areas that help dissipate wave energy during storms. Then, during lower-energy summer conditions, sand gradually migrates back onto the beach, naturally widening the shoreline.

That seasonal cycle is important.

With the traditional spring dredging schedule, newly placed sand can more easily move northward back toward the harbor entrance channel, contributing

Summer 2026 | www.oceansidechamber.com

to shoaling that may require additional dredging. In contrast, fall placement may work more in harmony with natural coastal processes by encouraging southward sediment transport and supporting beach recovery through the following summer season.

The proposed timing shift may also improve how dredged sand is placed on the beach.

Under the spring schedule, contractors often spent days building up beach areas north of the pier just to accommodate dredge pipeline operations. The City reports that fall conditions could allow sand to be delivered more directly into the primary placement area near the pier and further south, maximizing the public benefit of the project.

Tentatively Selected Plan for the San Diego County Shoreline (Oceanside) Mitigation Study. SANDAG’s Regional Beach Sand Project III is also advancing.

For the first time in decades, Oceanside is developing a long-term comprehensive plan to restore and retain sand on our beaches.

This is good news for Oceanside’s future.

It’s your beach – Let’s save it!

Join Save Oceanside Sand.

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Some residents understandably worry that moving dredging to the fall could reduce available beach area during summer tourism season. Others point to the possibility of a large hurricane swell in the fall removing newly placed sand.

Read the City of Oceanside Staff Report here:

But no dredging schedule is risk-free.

A major fall swell can move sand. So can a strong late spring swell immediately after spring dredging. The real question is which timing provides the greatest long-term benefit for both harbor maintenance and maintaining usable beach width throughout Oceanside.

That is why this effort should be viewed exactly as the City describes it: a pilot program. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has made clear that if fall dredging does not perform as expected or proves incompatible with operational needs, the program can return to spring dredging.

This is smart adaptive coastal management.

Most importantly, this discussion reflects a broader shift in how Oceanside is thinking about Coastal Zone Management. Dredging is no longer viewed simply as harbor maintenance. It is also an opportunity to maximize shoreline resilience, protect infrastructure, support recreation and tourism, and strategically place sand where it can provide the greatest longterm benefit to the community.

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And more progress is on the horizon.

The annual dredging cycle, while providing some relief to a small portion of our shoreline, will not alone restore our beaches. The City’s RE:BEACH Pilot Project continues moving forward. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is preparing to release the www.oceansidechamber.com | Summer 2026

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A MBASSADOR SPOTLIGHT L AURA BASSETT

Laura brings a strong background in accounting and has been a licensed real estate professional since 2003. She is also a licensed professional fiduciary, dedicated to helping families preserve their assets and successfully pass on their estates. Laura is also deeply passionate about public service and is currently a candidate for the California State Senate for this fall.

As a Chamber Ambassador, Laura values the opportunity to connect with members and help them maximize their experience. She especially enjoys attending events, welcoming new members, and staying actively engaged in supporting the local business community.

A lifelong Oceanside resident, Laura has been involved with the Chamber of Commerce for over 30 years. Her commitment to the community extends to numerous civic organizations, as well as significant contributions to the local theater scene alongside her husband of 33 years and six children.

CHRISTINE RYDZIK Christine has over 20 years of Project Management & Operations experience. Inspired by her mother, who made history as the first woman President of the Bayonne, NJ Board of Merchants, Christine developed a deep-rooted passion for supporting local businesses and building strong community connections; that legacy stuck. It still drives how she shows up today: relationship driven, community focused, and always uplifting others.

Christine, a natural connector, thrives on building relationships, opening doors, and bringing the right people together. As an Ambassador for the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce, she shows up with intention, championing local businesses, welcoming new members, and helping create a community where people feel supported, seen, and welcomed!

DESIGN. PRODUCE. INSPIRE.

DANA ALBERT Dana is a Senior Vice President and Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He is an Oceanside Native with wife and three daughters. He can be found on the golf course at Goat Hill or El Camino regularly.

As an ambassador, I represent the values of the Chamber. I believe in the mission and advocate for the resources and activities provided to its members. Authentic relationships, whether business or social, are built on trust. The chamber has my best interests in mind to flourish in the local business community. My experience interacting with the leadership, staff, and members shows authenticity in walking the walk, not just talking the talk. The business environment in Oceanside remains unpretentious and inclusive. I believe these attributes describe the community perfectly. Therefore, I feel like I belong. We are all on the same home team. We ambassadors are called the A-Team!! Come join us.

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A Community Investment in Student Success As we reflect on the end of another school year and prepare for a new one, the Oceanside Unified School District is proud to celebrate the momentum of extraordinary achievement.

From academic growth and student success to innovative programs that prepare learners for college, careers, and life, our schools continue to demonstrate what is possible when a community invests in its future.

families, and civic leaders. Together, we are creating meaningful opportunities for students while building the skilled, adaptable workforce that will strengthen our local economy for years to come.

On behalf of Oceanside Unified, thank you to the Oceanside business community for your continued support, collaboration, and commitment to our students. We look forward to another year of working together to ensure every student graduates prepared to thrive and contribute to the vibrant future of Oceanside.

These accomplishments are not achieved by our schools alone. They are the result of a strong and enduring partnership between Oceanside Unified, local businesses, community organizations,

Julie A. Vitale, Ph.D., is the Superintendent of the Oceanside Unified School District.

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Summer 2026 | www.oceansidechamber.com

544 reviews

We couldn’t be more impressed with the Oceanside Chamber’s execution of the Health and Wellness Fair. As we’ve attended the last few years, we can attest to the consistently well-organized nature of this event. The Chamber’s commitment to ensuring a seamless experience, from vendor setup to attendee flow, was evident throughout.

Their professionalism and positive approach made this year’s fair a huge success. Thank you, Oceanside Chamber, for maintaining such a high standard!

The Senior Showcase was a wonderful and well-organized event. Thank you to the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce and the entire team for creating such an enjoyable and engaging experience. We truly appreciated the effort that went into making the event both fun and informative. Looking forward to attending future events hosted by the Chamber!

The Oceanside Chamber of Commerce has been an amazing resource for our business. Great team, very active in the community, and an excellent place for networking and building meaningful connections. Their events and support truly help local businesses grow and succeed. Highly recommend being part of this outstanding organization!

www.oceansidechamber.com | Summer 2026

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NON-PROFIT

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT SOLUTIONS FOR CHANGE EXPANDS SOLUTIONS ENTERPRISE TO DRIVE ECONOMIC MOBILITY When Aaron Byzak stepped into the role of CEO at Solutions for Change, the focus was not on reinvention, but on building forward. The goal is to strengthen a model that has consistently produced results and expand its impact into the next phase of the work.

For more than two decades, Solutions for Change has helped families exit homelessness through a structured, accountability-driven approach.

Participants complete Solutions Academy, a rigorous 700-day program focused on stability, sobriety, employment readiness, and family reunification. The outcomes are measurable and sustained.

But long-term success depends on more than stability.

“We’ve proven people can do the hard work to change their lives,” Byzak said. “What’s missing is a system that consistently connects that effort to real opportunity.”

Byzak has spent much of his career working across healthcare, nonprofits, public policy, and workforce development. He has helped design career pathway programs and has taught career development curriculum to more than 5,000 participants, many from at-risk backgrounds. He is also a co-creator of SOCALWorkforce.org, developed in partnership with the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce, the San Diego North Economic Development Council, and other regional partners.

For the students and graduates of Solutions for Change, employment is a critical step, but it does

36 | Best of Oceanside Magazine

not always translate into upward mobility. Many entry-level jobs provide income without a clear path to advancement. At the same time, hiring systems have become increasingly automated, with applicant tracking systems and AI-driven tools filtering resumes based on keywords, employment history, and other proxies before a candidate reaches a hiring manager.

For individuals rebuilding their lives, that process can screen out capable, motivated candidates whose experience does not fit a traditional profile.

The result is a gap between preparation and access.

Solutions Enterprise is now being expanded to address that gap.

“We’re focused on moving people from subsistencelevel jobs to thriving careers,” Byzak said. “That requires structure, visibility into what comes next, and real access to opportunity.”

The initiative is designed to move participants beyond initial employment and into structured career pathways, connecting them to industries, training programs, and roles that offer progression over time.

A central component is direct employer engagement, creating defined entry points into the workforce through hiring pathways, on-the-job training, and collaboration with human resources teams.

In parallel, the organization is building career pathway frameworks paired with access to certifications, education, and skill development aligned with employer needs, helping participants understand how to build a career, not just secure a job.

The organization is also creating an entrepreneurial track for justice-impacted individuals who may face additional barriers in conventional hiring

Summer 2026 | www.oceansidechamber.com

environments. Participants will have the opportunity to establish sole proprietorship businesses, generate income, build work history, and develop practical business skills.

To support this effort, Solutions for Change is forming an advisory board of experienced business leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors who will provide mentorship, guidance, and early-stage financial support to help launch and sustain micro-enterprise ventures.

Importantly, these expanded opportunities will extend to graduates of Solutions Academy, as well as to their children, creating a longer runway for advancement and helping change outcomes across generations.

Solutions Enterprise provides access to individuals who have completed a structured program emphasizing consistency, responsibility, and long-term goal setting, while offering employers a more direct role in shaping talent pipelines.

“This is where partnership matters,” Byzak said. “We need employers who are willing to open doors, and we need philanthropic partners who understand that building real pathways takes investment. When those come together, you don’t just create jobs—you create momentum.”

Business leaders, entrepreneurs, and philanthropic partners interested in supporting or participating in Solutions Enterprise are encouraged to contact the organization at info@solutionsforchange.org.

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Best of Oceanside Magazine | 37

M AYO R ’S S P O T L I G H T At the February Mayor’s Business Spotlight, West Coast IT Group was recognized for its strong commitment to the local business community and the exceptional service it provides to businesses throughout the region.

Family owned and locally operated, West Coast IT Group is making a meaningful impact in the communities they serve. Technology is not just what they do. It is who they are. The company provides comprehensive IT services that help protect businesses from cyber threats while ensuring secure and reliable systems so companies can operate with confidence.

From remote to onsite support, the WCITG team goes where the problem is and fixes it. Whether setting up new systems, upgrading outdated technology, troubleshooting hardware, installing software, or migrating data, their team helps businesses stay productive so owners can focus on what they do best.

Beyond their technical expertise, West Coast IT Group has been an active supporter of the Oceanside business community through Chamber

event sponsorships, raffle donations, and regular participation in networking events. Their continued support has brought value to Chamber members and strengthened connections throughout the community.

Connected, responsive, and ready for any challenge, West Coast IT Group delivers big results with personal attention.

At the April Mayor’s Business Spotlight, Dominic’s Italian Restaurant was recognized in celebration of 25 years serving in the Oceanside Harbor. The recognition honored not only the restaurant’s longevity, but also the Trupiano family’s lasting impact on Oceanside through their hospitality, tradition, and community presence.

For the Trupiano family, pizza was never just food. It was tradition, sacrifice, and love served around the family table. Damiano Trupiano’s journey began in Sicily, Italy, where family, faith, and hard work shaped the values that would guide him throughout his life. With dreams of a better future, he and his wife immigrated to the United States and opened their first pizza shop in Chicago, building a reputation for authentic Italian food made with heart.

Over the years, the family expanded into Michigan before eventually making their way to Southern California in 1986. After opening restaurants throughout Orange County, the Trupianos settled in Oceanside in 1990, where their restaurants became gathering places for celebrations, memories, and community connection.

When Dominic’s opened in the harbor 25 years ago, it quickly became a favorite destination for locals, visitors, military families, fishermen, and boaters alike.

Today, the Trupiano family reflects with gratitude on the journey that brought them from Sicily to Oceanside Harbor and thanks the community for decades of unwavering support.

38 | Best of Oceanside Magazine

Summer 2026 | www.oceansidechamber.com

EMERALD ISLE GOLF COURSE EST 1966 | OPEN TO THE PUBLIC | PAR 55

Our mission at Emerald Isle Golf Course is to provide a relaxed, fun, affordable environment for every guest. We pride ourselves on excellent course conditions and attention to detail.

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www.oceansidechamber.com | Summer 2026

Best of Oceanside Magazine | 39

g n i t t u C n b bo Ri

s

DOMINIC’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT In May, the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce proudly celebrated the 25th anniversary of Dominic’s Italian Restaurant with a special ribbon cutting ceremony in the Oceanside Harbor.

Community members, Chamber representatives, family, and friends gathered to recognize the Trupiano family’s longtime contributions to Oceanside and their dedication to creating a welcoming dining experience for generations of residents and visitors alike.

For 25 years, Dominic’s has been a beloved part of the harbor, known for its authentic Italian cuisine, waterfront views, and warm hospitality. The celebration honored not only a business milestone, but also the lasting relationships and memories built around the family table at Dominic’s over the past quarter century.

ACE HARDWARE In March, the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce joined Oceanside Ace Hardware for a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the grand opening of its second Oceanside location. Community members, business partners, and team members gathered to mark the occasion and welcome the new store to the neighborhood.

Located at the corner of Oceanside Boulevard and College Boulevard, the new location expands Oceanside Ace Hardware’s ability to serve local residents, contractors, military families, and businesses with quality products, expert advice, and personalized customer service. The store offers a wide selection of tools, paint, hardware, outdoor power equipment, and home essentials, all backed by knowledgeable staff and the neighborly service that locally owned Ace stores are known for. The expansion reflects the company’s continued investment in Oceanside and its commitment to being a trusted resource for the community.

40 | Best of Oceanside Magazine

Summer 2026 | www.oceansidechamber.com

Oceanside Celebrates Milestone Anniversaries for Chamber and Genentech At its June 3rd meeting, the Oceanside City Council recognized two organizations that have played significant roles in shaping the community’s past, present, and future: the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce, celebrating its 130th anniversary, and Genentech, commemorating its 50th anniversary and receiving recognition as a pioneer of the biotechnology industry.

Founded in 1896, the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce has spent more than a century supporting local businesses, advancing economic opportunity, and serving as a trusted convener of community leaders. In its proclamation, the City recognized the Chamber’s longstanding commitment to workforce development, leadership programs, military appreciation efforts, education partnerships, small business support, and community engagement.

The proclamation also highlighted several Chamber initiatives that continue to make a lasting impact, including the Rising Star Scholarship Program, Oceanside Leadership Academy, Operation Appreciation, health and wellness programs, and workforce development partnerships. The City noted the Chamber’s ongoing mission to provide advocacy and resources that help businesses and the community thrive while building a stronger future for Oceanside.

The Council also celebrated Genentech’s 50th anniversary and officially recognized April 7 as Genentech Day in Oceanside. Founded in 1976, Genentech helped create the modern biotechnology industry and has developed more than 40 YO U R C O M M U N I T Y T H E AT R E life-changing medicines Performances: for patients 7/10, 7/11, *7/17 & 7/18 facing serious @ 7:30 PM diseases.

7/12, 7/18 & 7/19

The Oceanside campus serves as a critical manufacturing facility within Genentech’s global network and employs more than 500 employees and contractors. The City recognized the company’s contributions to scientific innovation, healthcare advancement, workforce development, and economic growth throughout the region.

Beyond its role as a global biotechnology leader, Genentech has become one of Oceanside’s most valued community partners. As the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce’s leading corporate partner, Genentech has invested heavily in programs that strengthen the local workforce, support education, and improve quality of life throughout the community.

Together, these milestone anniversaries celebrate more than longevity. They reflect decades of leadership, innovation, and partnership that have helped make Oceanside a stronger, more vibrant community. www.oceansidechamber.com | Summer 2026

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*ASL Interpreted Performance

Join us on July 28 & 29 for auditions for our fall STYC show, ANASTASIA! Open to youth performers aged 7-18, ANASTASIA is an epic adventure of hope, love and family.

Tickets go on sale August 5!

Begins July 28 & 29 2 Classes Ages 18+ All Levels Welcome

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Star Glee Begins Sept. 22 Club Tuesdays 4-6 PM Ages 12-18 All Levels Welcome

star theatre For Tickets, Memberships, Classes & More Info Visit: www.startheatreco.com or call the Star Office at (760) 721-9983

Best of Oceanside Magazine | 41

E C O N O M I C D E V E L O PM E N T PERCEPTION VS. REALITY: OCEANSIDE’S BUSINESS L ANDSCAPE While the closure of longstanding businesses may suggest a trend of companies leaving Oceanside, the city is actually experiencing steady growth, with new businesses regularly opening, existing ones expanding, and ongoing investment across diverse sectors. Recent additions to Oceanside’s vibrant marketplace include restaurants such as Tierra Mia Coffee, Oceanside Fish Shop, Kahlo Cafe, Guahan Grill, The Brew Inn Tavern, and Little Fawn Bistro & Bar, as well as retail and service concepts including Bodega Market, OG Juice, and Rastar Oceanside.

The city’s business mix is further diversified by fitness and wellness centers like Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and

CrossFit Counterculture, creative spaces including Oceanside Art Collective, Bradley Collective, and TailoredSpace Oceanside, and new entertainment venues such as Slick City Action Park and a second Oceanside Ace Hardware. With even more businesses set to open soon—including Copper Kings Burgers, Forbidden Fiction Books, Key & Clever, Fisherman’s Society, Blade Shanghai, Kettle on Coast, and a new concept from An’s Gelato in the Top Gun house—Oceanside’s dynamic and growing local economy continues to reflect strong momentum and confidence.

MODERA NEPTUNE PROJECT Work has begun on the Modera Neptune project, with demolition crews clearing the 1.72-acre site.

The project will replace the former Motel 6 and Miramar Restaurant on North Coast Highway at SR-76. Clearing these buildings is the first step toward developing a new mixed-use project, marking a major change for the downtown gateway and the beginning of a multi-year transformation for this key area.

Once complete, Modera Neptune will be eight stories with 360 apartments, including 36 apartments are set aside for low-income residents, and a 62-room hotel. The Oceanside City Council gave the project unanimous approval after a recommendation from the Downtown Advisory Committee. The development will provide new housing options and amenities, including an underground parking garage and open spaces for residents and guests.

Discover Oceanside’s diverse retail centers in a monthly spotlight series that showcases what each one has to offer.

TOWN CENTER NORTH Town Center North is a well-known retail center located near Highway 76 and College Boulevard. Its high visibility and easy freeway access attract both locals and shoppers from elsewhere in the region. The center covers about 247,000 square feet and features major tenants like Vons and Walmart, which offer a wide range of merchandise and essentials. These anchor stores make Town Center North a popular spot for everyday errands and shopping, making it a key retail hub in east Oceanside.

42 | Best of Oceanside Magazine

Summer 2026 | www.oceansidechamber.com

In addition to its anchor stores, Town Center North offers a variety of other businesses that meet many needs, including personal services, fitness, dining, and specialty retail. Some of the national and local brands here include Petco, Starbucks, GNC, Sally Beauty, and Postal Annex+. There are also tax services, real estate offices, casual restaurants, and other convenient shops. This mix lets visitors take care of grocery shopping, big-box purchases, and other errands all in one place, making Town Center North a regular part of daily life in Oceanside.

NEW BUSINESSES Tierra Mia Coffee at 1420 Mission Ave., serving Latininspired espresso drinks, coffee, and made-fresh in-house pastries and light bites. This location marks the first in San Diego County.

Techne Art Center at 1609 Ord Way is an artistrun gallery featuring contemporary works in a wide variety of medias.

Popeyes at 3503 Cannon Rd. in the Palm Tree Plaza serves fast-casual Louisiana-style fried chicken.

Second Nature Trading at 206 N. Coast Hwy., in Artist Alley, is a curated secondhand shop.

YOUR DREAM, OUR MISSION!

CrossFit Counterculture at 1838-1840 S. Coast Hwy. in South Oceanside offers CrossFit classes and functional training programs.

Ace Hardware at 4181 Oceanside Blvd. is a locally owned and operated store with a wide selection of tools, home improvement supplies, paints, and lawn/ garden items. This new store is Ace Hardware’s second location in Oceanside.

Side Street Bowls and Smoothies at 631 S. Cleveland St. serves fresh acai bowls, smoothies, and light snacks.

Biergarden Oceanside at 201 N Cleveland St. is their second location, serving craft beer and SoCal-inspired fare.

The Pearl Head Spa at 1745 S. Coast Hwy. is a head spa that analyzes your scalp to deliver personalized treatments that cleanse, restore balance, and promote healthier hair.

Cal State San Marcos is a national leader in social mobility, ranking in the top 1% on the Social Mobility Index by CollegeNET. From community-based learning opportunities to internships, undergraduate research and more, CSUSM sets you up for an impressive future trajectory.

Learn more about CSUSM at our annual open house for newly admitted students and families on Saturday, April 6, 2024.

Register today at csusm.edu/cougarblueday

www.oceansidechamber.com | Summer 2026

Best of Oceanside Magazine | 43

ISIS YOUR BUSINESS YOUR BUSINESS IS YOUR BUSINESS KINDNESS KINDNESSCERTIFIED? CERTIFIED? KINDNESS CERTIFIED? Kindness Certified Companies (KCC) are Kindness Certified Companies (KCC) are Kindness Certified Companies (KCC) are good to their people, community, planet good to their people, community, planet good to their people, community, planet and world. and world. and world.

KidsKids for for Peace, home to to The Great Kindness Peace, home The Great Kindness Kids for Peace, home to The Great Kindness Challenge — in with the Challenge —partnership in partnership with the Challenge — in partnership with the Oceanside Chamber Commerce Oceanside Chamber of of Commerce Oceanside Chamber of Commerce organizations — are joining together organizations — are joining together toto organizations — are joining together to recognize upstanding companies and recognize upstanding recognize upstandingcompanies companiesand and provide meaningful opportunities to elevate provide meaningful opportunities provide meaningful opportunitiesto toelevate elevate their commitment to kindness. their commitment to kindness. their commitment to kindness.

We are excited to be one of the official WeWe are excited totobe are excited beone oneof ofthe theofficial official partners of the Kindness Certified Company partners ofof the Kindness partners the KindnessCertified CertifiedCompany Company program and look forward to honoring our program and look program and lookforward forwardto tohonoring honoring our our Chamber Members for their kind leadership.

Chamber Membersfor fortheir theirkind kindleadership. leadership.

Chamber Members We hope you will join us as we inspire one hope you willjoin joinus usas aswe weinspire inspire one one WeWe hope you will another and create businesses that benefit another and createbusinesses businessesthat thatbenefit benefit another and create people, communities and the planet! people, communities and the planet! people, communities and the planet!

SCANTHE THEQR QRCODE CODETO TOCERTIFY CERTIFY SCAN YOUR BUSINESS TODAY! SCANYOUR THE QR CODE TO CERTIFY BUSINESS TODAY!

YOUR BUSINESS TODAY!

Thank You Thank You You TOThank OUR KINDNESS

TO OUR KINDNESS TO OUR COMPANIES KINDNESS CERTIFIED COMPANIES CERTIFIED

CERTIFIED COMPANIES

Technical Assistance — We’re Here to Help WM’s WM’s Technical Technical Assistance Assistance Team Team helps helps businesses businesses and and multi-family multi-family communities in Oceanside improve their recycling, organics communities in Oceanside improve their recycling, organics and and waste waste programs with personalized guidance and cost saving support. programs with personalized guidance and cost saving support.

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