<![CDATA[OCEANSIDE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

<![CDATA[OCEANSIDE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE - Blog]]>Wed, 10 Jun 2026 11:52:48 -0700EditMySite<![CDATA[SDGE: 5 SMART ENERGY SAVING TIPS FOR BUSINESSES]]>Wed, 20 May 2026 16:52:12 GMThttps://www.oceansidechamber.com/oceanside-blog/sdge-5-smart-energy-saving-tips-for-businesses

May in San Diego brings brighter days, warmer afternoons and the early signs of summer. For businesses, it’s a key month to fine-tune energy use before cooling demand ramps up. If your business already follows standard energy-saving practices, these five seasonal tips may help reduce energy use and manage costs as temperatures rise.

1. Adjust cooling schedules to match real building use
Many commercial buildings cool spaces earlier and longer than needed. Review HVAC schedules to ensure they align with actual occupancy – especially in shared offices, retail spaces or hybrid workplaces. Delaying morning cooling start times or reducing cooling during slow periods can cut unnecessary energy use without sacrificing comfort.

2. Use cooler outdoor air when weather allows.
San Diego’s mild May weather can work in your favor. During cooler mornings or evenings, let fresh outdoor air into your building and reduce air conditioning when possible. Using outside air instead of constant cooling can lower energy use while keeping employees and customers comfortable.

3. Tune up elevators, escalators and common-area equipment
For larger buildings, common-area systems can be major energy users. May is a good time to:
• Adjust elevator and escalator sleep modes
• Check lighting levels in lobbies and parking structures
• Reduce runtime for decorative or nonessential equipmentSmall efficiency tweaks across shared systems can deliver meaningful savings.

4. Optimize plug loads before summer demand peaks
Office and commercial equipment – servers, monitors, breakroom appliances – draw power all day, often unnecessarily. Use smart power strips or centralized controls to power down equipment during evenings, weekends or low-use hours. Reducing plug load now helps prevent higher peak demand costs later in the summer.

5. Schedule preventive maintenance early
Before summer heat arrives, inspect HVAC systems, motors, pumps and building controls. Catching worn belts, clogged filters or faulty sensors in May can prevent inefficiencies during peak cooling months and reduce the risk of emergency repairs when energy demand is highest.

Visit sdge.com/MyBusiness for more energy-saving tips, tools and programs designed for your business.
Actual savings obtained in each instance may vary and will depend on various factors, including geographic location, weather conditions, equipment installed, usage rates and so forth. Completing multiple energy-saving measures will not necessarily result in cumulative savings.

Learn More

]]><![CDATA[Green Oceanside Update:]]>Tue, 19 May 2026 00:01:07 GMThttps://www.oceansidechamber.com/oceanside-blog/green-oceanside-update8082495

Oceanside residents can drop off their household hazardous waste twice a month by appointment only on Saturdays at Waste Management’s HHW Facility located at 2880 Industry Street. Seniors or disabled customers can make a reservation for a free home collection of HHW. Whether you are eligible for home collection or want to drop off, make sure to call (760) 439-2824.

Visit Website

]]><![CDATA[Article: SDG&E’S ACCESSIBLE INFORMATION, RESOURCES AND SERVICES]]>Mon, 06 Apr 2026 22:11:29 GMThttps://www.oceansidechamber.com/oceanside-blog/article-sdges-accessible-information-resources-and-services

SDG&E is committed to supporting customers and making sure that everyone is offered equal access to information, resources and services. To learn more, visit sdge.com/AFN. Customers are also encouraged to share their household’s individual needs using the form found at sdge.com/AFN-survey.   

Let us know whether you or someone in your household:  

Has a disability;   
Uses an electronic medical device for health, safety or independence; 
Is blind or has low vision;   
Is deaf or hard of hearing; and/or
Requires the use of assistive technology or durable medical equipment.

]]><![CDATA[green oceanside update]]>Mon, 06 Apr 2026 22:08:08 GMThttps://www.oceansidechamber.com/oceanside-blog/green-oceanside-update8850247

Keep in mind that businesses have stopped providing single-use carryout bags to help reduce waste and protect the environment. Reusable or recyclable bags are available for at least 10 cents. For more information on the Marine Debris Reduction Ordinance:

Visit Website

]]><![CDATA[National night out]]>Mon, 06 Apr 2026 21:56:58 GMThttps://www.oceansidechamber.com/oceanside-blog/national-night-outNational Night Out is returning to Oceanside, and you're invited to participate as a vendor for the 2026 event 🎉

Event Details:
📅 Tuesday, August 4, 2026
⏰ 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
📍 Oceanside Police Department
FREE vendor registration is open for community partners 🤝 In recent years, this event has hosted approximately 2,000 to 3,000 attendees and 80 plus vendors, making it a high visibility opportunity to connect with the Oceanside community.
Attached are the fillable vendor packet and oversized vehicle supplemental 📎 If your space required is larger than a standard 10 by 10 booth, please complete the supplemental form.

Event Highlights:

450 free food vouchers available for attendees 🍔
Police station tours 🚓
K9 demonstrations 🐕
OPD drone demonstrations 🚁
SWAT BearCat display 🚔
Free kids activities and giveaways 🎈
Live music 🎶

Important Vendor Information:

Vendor space is limited and not guaranteed upon application
Priority will be given to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and community-based resources
Vendors requiring oversized vehicles or additional space must complete an additional form 🚚
Submission of this form does not guarantee placement but helps us plan accordingly
All applicants will be contacted regarding their registration status

Set Up and Access Information:

Oversized vehicle vendors must set up between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM 🚚
Standard vendor set up time is between 1:30 PM and 2:30 PM ⏱️
No vendor vehicle entry will be permitted after 3:30 PM for safety reasons 🚫
Parking access is limited and not guaranteed to any vendor ⚠️
Personal vehicles are not permitted to park within the event venue 🚗

Please note:

Power, generators, pop ups, tables, chairs, or water access will not be provided⚠️
There will be a Vendor Passport Program, encouraging attendees to visit each booth. Participation is highly encouraged 🗺️
If possible, vendors will be kindly asked to contribute an item for our raffle prizes 🎁

For promotion, please include:

A PNG version of your logo 🖼️
Links to your social media platforms 📲

COMPLETE YOUR FORM TODAY

]]><![CDATA[Green oceanside update]]>Thu, 26 Mar 2026 22:45:30 GMThttps://www.oceansidechamber.com/oceanside-blog/green-oceanside-update9784005Hey Oceanside residents! Did you know you can toss your food scraps and food soiled paper along with your green waste? Mixing food scraps and food soiled paper with green waste creates nutrient-rich compost and mulch, which is offered to Oceanside residents for free at the El Corazon Compost Facility.

Learn More

]]><![CDATA[Oceanside Chamber Strike Force Ticket Platform]]>Wed, 11 Mar 2026 05:54:29 GMThttps://www.oceansidechamber.com/oceanside-blog/oceanside-chamber-strike-force-ticket-platform

This season, join the San Diego Strike Force home games with significantly reduced tickets for our members.

Purchase San Diego Strike Force Tickets

]]><![CDATA[SDCCU Full Bowls Pet Food Drive is Collecting Food for Rancho Coastal Humane Society]]>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 17:52:31 GMThttps://www.oceansidechamber.com/oceanside-blog/sdccu-full-bowls-pet-food-drive-is-collecting-food-for-rancho-coastal-humane-societyThroughout March, donate new, unopened, and unexpired dog or cat food at SDCCU branches in San Diego County

SAN DIEGO, Calif., (March 2, 2026) — San Diego County Credit Union ? (SDCCU ?), one of Southern California’s largest locally-owned financial institutions, has partnered with Rancho Coastal Humane Society (RCHS) for the third year to host a pet food drive to help stock the shelves of the RCHS pantry and support the great work they do for animals in our community. Throughout March, SDCCU’s Full Bowls campaign will collect new, unopened, unexpired dog and cat food at all of SDCCU’s convenient San Diego County branch locations. Donations will be given to RCHS to feed animals in their care and distributed to the community through their pet food bank that aids pet parents who need a helping paw.

"We are so grateful for the continued support of SDCCU,” said Judi Sanzo, president and CEO of Rancho Coastal Humane Society. “To date, SDCCU's Full Bowls campaign has collected over 7,700 pounds of food for the adoptable animals in our care and the companion animals in our community. We believe that no pet owner should be forced to relinquish a beloved companion because of economic stress, so we share the food we receive with pet owners in need through our Pet Food Bank, no questions asked. We look forward to working with SDCCU again this year to promote our adoptable animals and keep pets and their people happy, healthy, and together — at home where they belong.”

“We are proud to once again partner with Rancho Coastal Humane Society on our Full Bowls campaign to help feed animals in their care and support pet parents in need throughout our community,” said SDCCU President and CEO Teresa Campbell. “We encourage those who are able to stop by our San Diego County branches and donate to help support these important efforts.”

Rancho Coastal Humane Society is dedicated to saving the lives of abandoned companion animals, promoting adoption into loving homes, and offering education programs and support services that inspire and strengthen the human-animal bond. For more information, visit rchumanesociety.org.

SDCCU is one of the nation’s top credit unions and was named one of America’s Best Regional Credit Unions in 2026 by Newsweek, ranked a top credit union in California in 2025 by Forbes, and voted San Diego’s BEST Credit Union for 2025 in The San Diego’s Union-Tribune Readers Poll. SDCCU proudly serves the financial needs of customers in Southern California counties, including Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura. SDCCU has more than 412,000 customers and 30,000 surcharge-FREE ATMs. SDCCU provides breakthrough banking products that meet the demands of today’s lifestyle and delivers banking services that save customers money. SDCCU is leading the way, offering FREE Checking with eStatements, SDCCU mobile banking, mortgage loans, auto loans, Visa? credit cards and business banking services. Federally insured by NCUA. Membership required. Equal Housing Opportunity. NMLS #580585. For more information, visit www.sdccu.com.]]><![CDATA[Green oceanside update: MARINE DEBRIS REDUCTION ORDINANCE]]>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 23:30:50 GMThttps://www.oceansidechamber.com/oceanside-blog/green-oceanside-update-marine-debris-reduction-ordinanceThe City of Oceanside’s Marine Debris Reduction Ordinance is now in full effect. The distribution of polystyrene foam products and single-use carry out bags are now 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.

Oceanside businesses are leading the way by eliminating polystyrene containers and single-use plastic bags. Bring your own bags, cups, and utensils, and help keep our beaches clean for everyone to enjoy. Remember, every piece of litter left on land has the potential to reach the sea, affecting marine life and the beauty of our coastline.

To report a non-compliant business, contact Oceanside Customer Care at:
(760) 435-4500 or customercare@oceansideca.org.

Learn More

]]><![CDATA[sdge: 10 TIPS TO REDUCE HEATING COSTS THIS WINTER]]>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 23:27:41 GMThttps://www.oceansidechamber.com/oceanside-blog/sdge-10-tips-to-reduce-heating-costs-this-winterIf you’re spending more time at home this winter, you could see an increase in your energy use which may lead to a higher bill. But there are ways to reduce use and save with these tips.
1.Being on the right pricing plan can make a difference on your bill. Compare pricing plans to ensure you are on the best plan for your household at sdge.com/pricing.
2.Use appliances before 4 p.m. or after 9 p.m. when demand for power is less and costs are lower.
3.Use exhaust fans sparingly. Your bathroom fans and oven hoods are overlooked sources of heat loss in the winter because they can pull warmth from your home.
4.Get a more predictable bill by signing up for the Level Pay Plan at sdge.com/LPP. Level Pay averages your bill every three months; you don’t pay less or more.
5.Control humidity. Dry winter air pulls moisture from your skin, making you feel colder. Instead of reaching for the thermostat, use a humidifier to keep your home’s humidity between 30 – 50%. You’ll feel warmer with some humidity in the air.
6.Let the sunshine in. Take advantage of the world’s best heater – the sun! Open your curtains during the day to naturally heat your home.
7.Check your home’s insulation. It’s like a winter coat for your house. The heavier it is, the warmer your home will be.
8.Run your ceiling fan clockwise in the winter months because hot air rises. Run it at the lowest speed to help push the warmth back down to you.
9.Use less hot water. It takes energy to heat water. Take shorter showers, wash your clothes in cold water and lower your water heater a few degrees.
10.Move furniture and belongings away from heating vents so they can deliver all the heat you’re paying for.

Visit sdge.com/SimpleSteps for more energy-saving ideas.

Actual savings may vary and will depend on various factors, including geographic location, weather conditions, equipment installed, usage rates and similar factors

Simple Steps

]]><![CDATA[Green Oceanside update]]>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 23:26:33 GMThttps://www.oceansidechamber.com/oceanside-blog/green-oceanside-update4986385

Ready to declutter and help the planet? Residents can schedule a free curbside pickup for up to five e-waste items, five times a year! Simply call Waste Management at (760) 439-2824 at least 24 hours before your collection day and take a step toward a cleaner, greener future.

Learn More

]]><![CDATA[SDCCU Financial Wellness Wednesdays]]>Mon, 09 Feb 2026 23:27:57 GMThttps://www.oceansidechamber.com/oceanside-blog/sdccu-financial-wellness-wednesdays

SAN DIEGO, Calif., (February 6, 2026) – San Diego County Credit Union? (SDCCU?), one of California’s largest credit unions, will host a complimentary Romance Scams webinar on Wednesday, February 11 at 12:00 p.m. by former San Diego County Deputy District Attorney Paul Greenwood. The webinar is part of SDCCU’s Financial Wellness Wednesdays offering free educational webinars on a variety of topics aimed at bettering your financial well-being.

“With the arrival of artificial intelligence and easy access to crypto currency, the need for fraud education is even more essential,” said Greenwood. “In a matter of minutes someone can lose their entire life savings. Staying current with fraud trends should be high on our list of priorities.”

The popularity of online dating has created new opportunities for connection. Unfortunately, this has also created opportunities for scammers targeting vulnerable and unsuspecting singles. Greenwood will cover current romance scams and strategies to protect yourself and your loved ones. To register, visit sdccu.com/fww.

“Romance scams can be emotionally and financially devastating, and education is one of the strongest tools for prevention,” said Teresa Campbell, SDCCU president and CEO. “We’re proud to host this webinar with Paul Greenwood, whose expertise will provide attendees with valuable insight on how to recognize warning signs and protect themselves.”

Greenwood is a renowned award-winning prosecutor who headed the Elder Abuse Prosecution Unit at the San Diego District Attorney’s Office for 23 years. He has prosecuted over 750 felony cases of both physical, sexual, emotional, and financial elder abuse. Greenwood retired from the San Diego District Attorney’s Office in 2018 and now speaks on behalf of AARP nationally, consulting on elder abuse cases, testifying as an expert witness, and providing training to law enforcement and Adult Protective Services agencies internationally. He is also a criminal justice board member on the National Adult Protective Services Association and has been featured on both CBS’s “Eye on America” and NBC’s “Nightly News.”

SDCCU is one of the nation’s top credit unions and was named one of America’s Best Regional Credit Unions in 2026 by Newsweek and ranked a top credit union in California in 2025 by Forbes. SDCCU proudly serves the financial needs of customers in Southern California counties, including Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura. SDCCU has more than 413,000 customers and 30,000 surcharge-FREE ATMs. SDCCU provides breakthrough banking products that meet the demands of today’s lifestyle and delivers banking services that save customers money. SDCCU is leading the way, offering FREE Checking with eStatements, SDCCU mobile banking, mortgage loans, auto loans, Visa? credit cards and business banking services. Federally insured by NCUA. Membership required. Equal Housing Opportunity. NMLS #580585. For more information, visit www.sdccu.com.

]]><![CDATA[Gradcomm:]]>Tue, 03 Feb 2026 23:44:55 GMThttps://www.oceansidechamber.com/oceanside-blog/gradcomm

Oceanside-Based GradComm Launches First AI Marketing Assistant Designed for Community Colleges and Offers Custom GPT Solutions for Local Businesses

Oceanside, CA — GradComm, a proud member of the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce and leading marketing agency for community colleges nationwide, has announced the official launch of AMY—the first AI-powered content assistant purpose-built for higher education communicators. Designed and trained by GradComm’s expert team, AMY is already revolutionizing how community college marketers write, brainstorm, and stay on brand with less time and effort.

Unlike generic AI tools that often miss the mark, AMY knows your audience, understands your voice, and follows AP style. Built on GPT technology and infused with GradComm’s strategy-first approach, AMY empowers organizations to write clear, inclusive, and consistent marketing content in seconds, without losing their unique voice.

“We built AMY because we saw how much time and energy were being lost trying to adapt AI tools not made for higher ed,” said Cheryl Broom, CEO of GradComm. “Our clients told us what they needed, and we listened. AMY is faster, smarter, and trained to speak your language.”

AMY has been shaped in collaboration with real community college teams and tested across multiple departments. Features include the ability to write or revise content, flag non-inclusive language, align with branding guidelines, and spark new campaign ideas on demand.

In addition to AMY, GradComm now offers custom GPT builds for businesses beyond education, creating industry-specific AI assistants tailored to organizational goals, brand tone, and workflow. These customized tools are ideal for marketing, HR, internal communications, and customer engagement.

As a show of local pride, GradComm is offering a 25% discount to Oceanside Chamber members who are interested in building their own custom GPT assistant. The company also provides hands-on training and support to ensure successful adoption.

Whether you're a college trying to protect your brand voice or a small business looking to work smarter with AI, GradComm’s new offerings are designed to meet you where you are, and help you move faster without sacrificing quality.

To meet AMY or inquire about a custom GPT for your business, visit www.gradcomm.com/amy or contact GradComm directly.

]]><![CDATA[Green oceanside: FOOD SCRAPS AND ORGANIC WASTE IN OCEANSIDE]]>Thu, 29 Jan 2026 23:18:42 GMThttps://www.oceansidechamber.com/oceanside-blog/green-oceanside-food-scraps-and-organic-waste-in-oceansideHOW TO SORT RIGHT, WASTE LESS, AND SUPPORT A GREENER COMMUNITY
Properly sorting organic materials and reducing waste at the source are key to meeting California Senate Bill 1383 (SB 1383) requirements and reaching Oceanside’s goal of diverting 75–90% of materials from the landfill. Reducing food waste starts at home, and small changes in your daily habits can make a big difference. Begin by taking inventory of your fridge and pantry before shopping to avoid buying items you already have. Planning meals, storing food properly, and eating leftovers can significantly reduce what ends up in your Organics cart.

WHAT BELONGS IN YOUR ORGANICS CART?
Your Organics cart is designed to collect compostable materials including:

Food Scraps:
• Fruit and vegetable peels
• Bread, grains, and pasta
• Dairy products
(e.g., cheese, yogurt)
• Meat, poultry, seafood
(including bones)
• Eggshells
• Coffee grounds and filters
• Leftovers and plate scrapings

Food-Soiled Paper:
• Napkins and paper towels
• Paper takeout containers
(unlined)
• Pizza boxes
(no plastic or wax lining)
• Paper plates
(uncoated or certified
compostable)

Green Waste/Yard Trimmings:
• Yard trimmings such as
branches, grass, leaves
• Clean unpainted wood with
no metal contamination
other than nails

*All items must be under 20 inches in diameter and less than 48 inches in length
Tip: To make clean-up easy, line your kitchen food scrap container with paper bags, or newspaper. Clear or translucent plastic bags/liners and compostable plastic bags are allowed but not preferred.

WHAT DOES NOT BELONG IN THE ORGANICS CART?
Avoid contaminating the Organics stream with the following materials:
DO NOT Include:

• Palm Fronds and trunks, Bamboo, Cactus and Yucca
• Plastic wrappers
• Glass, metal, or plastic items
• Styrofoam containers
• Hazardous waste of any kind

• Pet waste, diapers, or hygiene products
• Cooking oil, grease, or liquids
• Stumps containing rocks or dirt
• Sod or dirt
• Wood with paint or stain, chemically treated wood

More from Green Oceanside

]]><![CDATA[THE ENERGY BEHIND YOUR BILL: “INVESTING IN A SMARTER, MORE RELIABLE GRID”]]>Thu, 29 Jan 2026 23:13:47 GMThttps://www.oceansidechamber.com/oceanside-blog/the-energy-behind-your-bill-investing-in-a-smarter-more-reliable-gridYour energy bill is more than a number. It’s a story of progress. SDG&E is building a smarter, stronger grid for today and tomorrow through the development and integration of technology, energy storage and microgrids. And that means greater reliability for you, helping keep your home and business running, even during extreme weather.
From automated switching systems to undergrounding power lines, we’re making the grid more resilient for the future. Learn how your energy bill supports a more resilient future at sdgetoday.com/Smarter-Grid.
Social post: THE ENERGY BEHIND YOUR BILL: “INVESTING IN A SMARTER, MORE RELIABLE GRID”

Understanding your energy bill shouldn’t be a mystery – it should be a tool to empower you. SDG&E’s The Energy Behind Your Bill series sheds light on how your energy dollars strengthen the grid, support your community and help build a more resilient region. Learn more at sdgetoday.com/Smarter-Grid.

]]><![CDATA[Green oceanside update:]]>Fri, 23 Jan 2026 18:52:02 GMThttps://www.oceansidechamber.com/oceanside-blog/green-oceanside-update

Businesses are no longer distributing single-use carryout bags to help reduce waste and protect the environment. You can purchase a reusable bag or a recyclable bag for as little as 10 cents or bring your own reusable bag from home. To report a non-compliant business, contact Oceanside Customer Care at (760) 435-4500 or customercare@oceansideca.org.

]]><![CDATA[SDGE: STAY COZY WHILE KEEPING HEATING COSTS DOWN]]>Fri, 23 Jan 2026 18:49:49 GMThttps://www.oceansidechamber.com/oceanside-blog/stay-cozy-while-keeping-heating-costs-downColder weather is here, but that doesn’t mean your heating costs have to rise. Try these simple ways to save while staying comfortable and in control of your bill this winter.
1.Choose the right pricing plan. Being on the right plan can make a difference on your bill. Compare your options by logging into MyEnergyCenter.com to ensure you are on the best plan for your household.
2.Shift appliance use. Use major appliances before 4 p.m. or after 9 p.m. when demand and costs are lower.
3.Get more predictable bills. Sign up for the Level Pay Plan at sdge.com/LPP. Level Pay averages your bill every three months; you don’t pay less or more.
4.Let the sunshine in. Take advantage of the world’s best heater – the sun! Open your curtains during the day to naturally warm your home.
5.Reverse your ceiling fan. Since hot air rises, set your ceiling fan clockwise, at the lowest speed. This helps push heat back down into the room.
6.Use less hot water. It takes energy to heat water. Wash your clothes in cold water and install low-flow faucets and shower heads.
7.Clear heating vents. Move furniture and belongings away from heating vents so warm air can circulate freely.
8.Explore assistance programs. If you’re having trouble paying your energy bill, SDG&E® offers a variety of programs to help, including payment arrangements, discounts and financial assistance. Learn more at sdge.com/assistance.
Visit sdge.com/SimpleSteps for more energy-saving tips and tools.

Actual savings may vary and will depend on various factors, including geographic location, weather conditions, equipment installed, usage rates and similar factors. Completing multiple energy-saving measures will not necessarily result in cumulative savings

]]><![CDATA[Green oceanside: SERVICES FOR OCEANSIDE RESIDENTS]]>Fri, 23 Jan 2026 18:42:36 GMThttps://www.oceansidechamber.com/oceanside-blog/green-oceanside-services-for-oceanside-residentsHOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE
Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) includes household chemicals and cleaners,
batteries and other toxic materials. It is illegal to place HHW into any waste or recycling
cart and cannot be picked up as a part of donation or landfill weeks. To properly
dispose of HHW, call WM at (760) 439-2824 to schedule a drop-o on Saturdays
only by appointment.
FREE HHW home collection for Oceanside seniors and disabled persons.
Appointments limited. Call (800) 449-7857 or visit www.wmatyourdoor.com
HARVEST OCEANSIDE
Do you have surplus backyard produce? We’ll take it! Contact ProduceGood to schedule
a FREE pick of your backyard fruit trees for donation to local feeding organizations and
keep it out of the landfill.
Email info@producegood.org for more information.
ANNUAL CART EXCHANGES AND DIFFERENT CARTS
Carts may be exchanged at no charge annually for any reason. This includes if the cart
is damaged, not labeled properly, missing a label or not clean.

]]><![CDATA[ENERGY BILL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS: HELP IS AVAILABLE]]>Tue, 25 Nov 2025 19:57:24 GMThttps://www.oceansidechamber.com/oceanside-blog/energy-bill-assistance-programs-help-is-available

Managing energy bills can be challenging. But did you know that SDG&E offers several assistance programs to help customers reduce their energy costs and improve energy efficiency?
1.       California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) Program
The CARE program provides a 30% or more discount on monthly energy bills for eligible households. Eligibility is based on household size and income, or participation in certain public-assistance programs. Applying is quick and easy, with no documentation required. Find out if you qualify at sdge.com/CARE.
2.       Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
FERA offers an 18% discount on electric bills for households that exceed CARE income limits but still meet FERA guidelines. Now, the eligibility criteria have changed from previously requiring a minimum of three people in the household to now requiring just one! Learn more at sdge.com/FERA.
Energy Savings Assistance (ESA) Program
The ESA program provides no-cost, energy-efficient home improvements to income-qualified customers. Services and products may include attic insulation, energy-efficient refrigerators, weatherstripping and more. The program aims to reduce energy use and help lower bills. Find details at sdge.com/ESA.
1.       Medical Baseline Allowance
Customers with certain medical conditions may qualify for additional energy at the lowest rates through the Medical Baseline Allowance program. This helps offset the cost of operating medical equipment or maintaining necessary heating and cooling. Learn more at sdge.com/Medical.
2.       Payment Arrangements
If you’re having trouble paying your energy bill, you can request an extension to help avoid interruptions to your service. Flexible payment arrangements are also available to help you pay down past-due balances. Learn more at sdge.com/PaymentArrangements.

Learn about these programs and more at sdge.com/assistance. Eligibility requirements apply; see the program conditions for details.

]]><![CDATA[green oceanside]]>Tue, 25 Nov 2025 19:55:11 GMThttps://www.oceansidechamber.com/oceanside-blog/green-oceanside4236229

Let’s keep our organics bin clean and contamination free! Only compostable materials belong in the organics bin. Examples of compostable materials would be: food scraps like fruit, vegetables, dairy, bread, meat, bones, and food-soiled paper boxes and paper napkins. Avoid any of the following items in he organics bin: black plastic bags, glass, ceramics, plastic wrappers, food packaging, rubber, and other non-compostable materials. If you ever question what can or cannot go in the organics cart, visit the Waste Wizard under the Single-Family Residents tab at Greenoceanside.org. Together, we can make a big impact by disposing of our waste the right way!

]]><![CDATA[Green oceanside]]>Thu, 20 Nov 2025 19:49:29 GMThttps://www.oceansidechamber.com/oceanside-blog/green-oceanside

Oceanside residents can drop of their household hazardous waste twice a month by appointment only on Saturdays at Waste Managements HHW Facility located at 2880 Industry Street by calling the Customer Service Line at (760) 439-2824. Seniors or disabled customers can make a reservation for free home collection of HHW.

]]><![CDATA[AUTUMN EFFICIENCY STARTS HERE: CUT COSTS, STAY COZY]]>Thu, 20 Nov 2025 19:45:54 GMThttps://www.oceansidechamber.com/oceanside-blog/autumn-efficiency-starts-here-cut-costs-stay-cozy

As the fall season rolls in with cooler temperatures and shorter days, it’s the perfect time for businesses to embrace energy-saving strategies that reduce costs and enhance comfort. From simple adjustments to smart upgrades, these ten tips can help your business stay efficient and productive all season long.
1.Rearrange for natural light and warmth. Shift desks and workstations to take advantage of sunlight and airflow. This reduces the need for artificial lighting and heating – especially during shorter fall days.
2.Switch to energy-efficient devices. Laptops use far less energy than desktops. If your team can work on laptops, you’ll see a noticeable drop in electricity use.
3.Use built-in power-saving features. Enable sleep and hibernate modes on all computers, monitors and printers. These settings help cut energy use during idle times.
4.Seal out drafts. Install door sweeps and weather stripping on exterior doors and windows to keep warm air in and cold air out.
5.Go cloud-based. Hosting servers on-site consumes a lot of energy. Switching to cloud services can reduce your energy footprint and improve scalability.
6.Upgrade your lighting. Swap out older bulbs for LEDs. They use up to 75% less energy and last much longer. Bonus: they work great with motion sensors and timers.
7.Schedule smart. Run energy-intensive tasks, like printing or using large equipment, during off-peak hours to take advantage of lower utility rates.
8.Encourage green commuting. Support biking, carpooling or public transit – better yet, working from home.
9.Unplug overnight. Coffee makers, microwaves and mini-fridges in break rooms can quietly drain energy. Unplug them when the office is closed.
10.Add seasonal insulation. Cozy rugs on tile or hardwood floors help retain heat and add a warm, inviting touch to your space.
By thinking creatively and implementing these practical strategies, your business can stay comfortable, save money and support a more sustainable future. For more tips, visit sdge.com/MyBusiness.
Note: Actual savings may vary and will depend on various factors, including geographic location, weather conditions, equipment installed, usage rates and similar factors. Completing multiple energy-saving measures will not necessarily result in cumulative savings.

]]><![CDATA[Green oceanside: got e-waste?]]>Tue, 28 Oct 2025 19:54:43 GMThttps://www.oceansidechamber.com/oceanside-blog/green-oceanside-got-e-waste

]]><![CDATA[PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR FALL: 10 ENERGY-EFFICIENCY TIPS]]>Tue, 28 Oct 2025 19:52:41 GMThttps://www.oceansidechamber.com/oceanside-blog/preparing-your-home-for-fall-10-energy-efficiency-tips

As the leaves change color and the air gets crisp, it’s the perfect time to cozy up – and cut down on energy use. Simple adjustments can make an impact on your energy savings this season. Here are a few creative ideas to stay warm and efficient this season:
1.    Use a humidifier: Moist air feels warmer than dry air, so you can stay comfortable at lower thermostat settings.
2.    Cook in batches: Make soups, stews or casseroles in bulk. You’ll use less energy reheating food than cooking from scratch daily.
3.    Maintain your heating system. Make sure your heating system is running efficiently by scheduling a maintenance check. Replace filters regularly to ensure your system is working at its best. Schedule your free gas appliances check at sdge.com/GasCheck.
4.    Clean light fixtures and bulbs. Dust can reduce brightness. Clean bulbs shine more efficiently, reducing the need for extra lighting.
5.    Use ceiling fans wisely. Set your ceiling fans to rotate clockwise at a low speed. This will push warm air down from the ceiling, helping to keep your rooms warmer.
6.    Close the fireplace damper. When your fireplace is not in use, make sure the damper is closed. An open damper allows warm air to escape up the chimney.
7.    Use rugs on bare floors. Rugs add insulation and help rooms retain heat, especially in homes with tile or hardwood flooring.
8.    Take shorter showers. Heating water with natural gas can be a big energy expense. Try to take shorter showers and consider installing a low-flow showerhead to reduce water usage.
9.    Close off unused rooms. Shut doors and vents in rooms you don’t use often to direct the heat where it’s most needed.
10. Use natural light. Open curtains during sunny days to warm rooms naturally and close them at night to retain heat. Also, thermal curtains help trap heat and reduce drafts.
By following these tips, you can enjoy a warm and cozy home this fall while keeping your energy bills lower. Find more energy-saving tips at sdge.com/SimpleSteps.

]]><![CDATA[GREEN OCEANSIDE: Marine debris reduction ordinance]]>Thu, 23 Oct 2025 23:46:44 GMThttps://www.oceansidechamber.com/oceanside-blog/green-oceanside-marine-debris-reduction-ordinance

Keep in mind that businesses are prohibited from distributing single-use carryout bags to help reduce waste and protect the environment. You can purchase a reusable or recyclable bag for as little as 10 cents or bring your own reusable bag from home! To report a non-compliant business, contact Oceanside Customer Care at (760) 435-4500 or customercare@oceansideca.org.

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