OCEANSIDE NEWS - Oceanside Chamber of Commerce

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CITY OF OCEANSIDE LAUNCHES HIRE LOCAL INITIATIVE AS GATEWAY FOR IN-DEMAND JOBS

7/8/2020

Partnership with MiraCosta College helps Oceanside residents upskill and earn tuition-free certificates through December, 2020

(Oceanside, CA –July 7, 2020) The City of Oceanside announced the launch of its Hire Local initiative, designed to stimulate economic vitality for local residents and businesses through a combination of Incentives, Development, Education, and Access (IDEA).Through this initiative, the City is working to bridge the gap between in-demand jobs and resident readiness to accelerate professional and business growth and create an economic multiplier for the City.

OCEANSIDE TO TEMPORARILY CLOSE BEACH PARKING LOTS JULY 3-

7/2/2020

With Los Angeles County beaches closed, San Diego County State Beach parking lots closed, and several Orange County beaches following suit, it was deemed prudent to close Oceanside beach parking lots for the holiday weekend in order to minimize crowded conditions, limit gatherings, increase physical distancing, and slow the spread of the coronavirus.

City of Oceanside Wins WateReuse Award of Excellence

7/1/2020

The City of Oceanside received an Award of Excellence during the WateReuse virtual conference in June 2020. Oceanside received the Recycled Water Agency of the Year for small systems, which recognizes an agency that has developed recycled water, on a significant level, as an alternative water source within their service area, regionally, or statewide.

Beach parking/pier reopening

6/9/2020

Beach parking lots are permitted to reopen in Oceanside and across the County tomorrow -- Tuesday, June 9. Current beach parking permit holders are offered a rebate on their next parking permit purchase. The Oceanside Pier will also reopen tomorrow. Initially, open hours for the Pier will be 4:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

STREAM RESTORATION GRANT AWARDED FORBUENA VISTA CREEK IMPROVEMENTS

5/20/2020

The California Department of Water Resources has awarded a $275,800 grant to the City of Oceanside to design a comprehensive riparian habitat and streambank restoration project for a segment of Buena Vista Creek in southeast Oceanside. The planning work will identify a feasible restoration design, conduct community outreach, and complete preliminary environmental documentation for future restoration work. The City is partnering with the Buena Vista Audubon Society to lay groundwork for stream and habitat improvements while integrating the project with the surrounding community through trails, access and signage.

Guidance for your Building’s Water System

5/20/2020

As the state and county allow for businesses to re-open the City wanted to provide information to Oceanside businesses to ensure that their private water lines remain safe for their employees and customers. The Center for Disease Control established national guidelines for businesses to ensure that their private water systems and devices remain safe as they re-open.

SUMMER READING PROGRAM KICKS OFF

5/20/2020

Oceanside Public Library invites children, teens, and adults to participate in Summer Reading by signing up on the Library webpage. Summer Reading is sponsored by the Friends of the Oceanside Public Library and this year’s theme is “Dig Deeper, Oceanside.”

Mayor's Message to the City

5/11/2020

Oceanside Mayor Peter Weiss has a message for the city during these difficult times. For resources and up to date information on COVID-19, visit the city of Oceanside's website.

SD County Board of Supervisors pass Reopening Framework

5/6/2020

Governor issues Report Card on state’s progress in fighting COVID-19

Governor’s Report Card indicates California will be prepared to move into the early phase of Stage 2 of reopening this Friday, May 8

Stage 2 allows gradual reopening of lower-risk workplaces with adaptations including bookstores, clothing stores, florists and sporting goods stores, with modifications

Governor also announces new framework to allow counties to move more quickly through Stage 2 if they attest that they meet the state’s readiness criteria

State announces accelerated action to secure contact tracing capacity

Reopen San Diego Business Safety Framework
Safe Reopening Plan Template

COVID-19 UPDATE: NEW COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH DIRECTIVE

5/1/2020

San Diego County Public Health Officials announced several new directives at a press conference last week. Beginning Friday, May 1, everyone must wear face coverings anywhere in public that they come within 6 feet of another person. The face coverings can be as simple as a scarf, a bandana, or a homemade mask. Health experts emphasized that covering your face is not a substitute for social distancing and continued hand-washing. Instead, face coverings will provide added protection for yourself and others. Learn how to make and wear a face covering.

city of oceanside beach regulations

4/27/2020

OCEANSIDE COUNCIL APPROVES BUSINESS LOAN PROGRAM

4/23/2020

At its April 22, 2020 meeting, the Oceanside City Council approved a $1.18 million allocation for a Business Loan Program that provides gap-funding to local small businesses whose operations have been negatively impacted by COVID-19-related health orders. Funding for the program comes from the City’s General Fund interest earnings.

OCEANSIDE COVID-19 UPDATE

4/14/2020

California, Oregon and Washington agreed today to work together on a shared approach for reopening state economies – one that “identifies clear indicators for communities to restart public life and business.” Each Governor announced that the shared goals would put residents’ health first, be guided by health outcomes and science, and will be effective by working together. More.

EARTH MONTH IN OCEANSIDE GOES DIGITAL

4/13/2020

Oceanside’s Online Earth Month Celebration to Highlight Virtual Eco-tours, Art and Video Contests, At-home Activities, and More

Oceanside, CA– The City of Oceanside’s Earth Month celebration has moved online this year, offering participants the opportunity to practice sustainability efforts while at home. The month-long celebration will include environmentally focused activities for all ages, art and video contests, and a virtual Earth Festival featuring local, environmentally-conscious businesses.

OCEANSIDE COVID-19 UPDATe

4/8/2020

LATEST COVID-19 CONFIRMED CASES
The San Diego County Department of Health posts late afternoon updates on confirmed cases in the County. As of this writing, there are 1454 confirmed cases in the County and 31 confirmed cases in Oceanside. The number of County COVID-19 deaths is now 31. Cases by City in the County are found here. To date, more than 20,000 tests have been administered to San Diegans, including 1,846 tests reported yesterday. The public is urged to contact your medical health provider if you are experiencing symptoms. Those without a doctor can call 211 for screening and resources.

APRIL CRITICAL TIME
The measures you are all taking are helping make an impact in stopping the spread of COVID-19 in our community. Please continue to remain at home, except for essential needs. We will be over this crisis soon we and look forward to seeing Oceanside reenergized!

FACE COVERINGS
County and State officials are encouraging residents to start wearing facial coverings when leaving home for essential activities, such as grocery shopping, in addition to continuing to practice social distancing and hand washing. The face coverings can simply be a bandana, a scarf, or a turtleneck pulled up over your mouth and nose. These items can be washed and reused.

EMOTIONAL SUPPORT HELPLINE
We recognize that this is a difficult time for many. If you or someone you know is feeling depressed, anxious, or isolated, please call the County’s Access and Crisis Line at 1-888-724-
7240 to speak with an experienced counselor, who can also provide you with a referral to meet your needs and help determine eligibility. This is free and available 24 hours a day.

CITY CLOSURES
City beaches, parking lots west of the railroad tracks, in the Harbor, and at City parks are closed. Skateparks, playgrounds and picnic areas are closed. These closures are being enforced with education first, then citation if absolutely necessary. Please continue to heed all closures to help flatten the curve. Closure map. People are asked to exercise in their neighborhoods.

HOMELESS RESOURCES
San Diego County has secured 2,026 hotel rooms throughout the County to isolate people who have potential COVID-19 symptoms and people who are vulnerable and have no place to live. Of the 1,585 rooms for County Public Health Services use, 160 are occupied. Of the 441 rooms assigned to the Regional Task Force on the Homeless, 190 are being occupied by 314 people who are at higher risk of developing complications from COVID-19, as of April 7, 2020. The Oceanside Homeless Outreach Team (HOT) travels alongside a Social Worker, and the County has supplied a Public Health Nurse to screen people for any symptoms and provide sheltering options for vulnerable people who may be impacted.

FOOD RESOURCES / ASSISTANCE WITH RENT/BILLS
Each day, new resources are coming together to help those in need in the community. Please check frequently on the City’s COVID-19 resource page or call 211 for assistance.

ESSENTIAL CITY SERVICES CONTINUE
There are many ways to continue to do business with the City online or via phone. Street sweeping is continuing without enforcement through the month of April. Sweepers will proceed through your neighborhood on off days, so people will not be alarmed and try to run out to move their car. If you can move it, that helps us keep the streets clean, but if not, it’s understandable during the “stay at home” orders. We’re still out here—clearing storm drains, performing online Library story times, answering service calls, and providing clean water. Call Oceanside Customer Care if we can help at 760-435-4500 or get the City app.

CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS CONTINUE
City Council meetings are closed to the public due to the Health Order, but citizens may watch and participate online. The next meeting is Wednesday April 8 at 5:00 p.m. You may sign up to receive emailed agendas and minutes here or review the meeting agenda here.

SUPPORT OCEANSIDE BUSINESSES
Please continue to support our local businesses in any way you can. The Oceanside GIS team created a map of local restaurants that remain open. Businesses needing loans and workers’ needing assistance can find resources here.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When seeking Oceanside-specific answers related to COVID-19 regulations, please see the ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ list.

DONATE
We are all in this together. If you are a business or individual with some resources to offer, we created this page to link those resources to non-profit agencies that need them in our community. Local COVID-19 donation needs.

STAY CONNECTED
As we navigate the ever-changing orders during this public health emergency, it’s important to stay connected. Sign up for City news here. New information is published concurrently on Facebook and Twitter. Thank you for doing your part to help diminish Coronavirus in our region.

COVID19 – THE WEEK’S RECA

4/7/2020

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When seeking Oceanside-specific answers related to COVID-19 regulations, please see the ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ list.

LATEST COVID-19 CONFIRMED CASES
The San Diego County Department of Health posts daily late afternoon updates on confirmed cases in the County. Through Saturday, April 4, 2020, there were 1209 confirmed cases in the County and 29 confirmed cases in Oceanside. These reports are also listed on the City of Oceanside COVD-19 webpages, along with a specific-to-Oceanside graph.

CITY OF OCEANSIDE ISSUES FULL BEACH CLOSURE NOTICE

4/7/2020

BEACH CLOSURE
The City of Oceanside has determined that a full beach closure is necessary to enforce the San Diego County Health Order dated April 2, 2020. Oceanside Beaches are ordered closed to the public for all activities, including water activities such as surfing, effective midnight tonight, April 3, 2020, until further notice. The Strand will also be closed for walking/driving, except to residents living there in order to access their property. Oceanside beach parking lots are already closed.

NEW COUNTY HEALTH ORDERS: APRIL CRITICAL TO FLATTEN THE CURVE

4/3/2020

April is Critical Time to “Flatten the Curve”

The City of Oceanside wants to emphasize how critical it is that we collectively follow the stay at home order, except for essential needs, throughout the month of April. If you do need to go out for groceries/supplies, here are some tips for protecting yourself and others while picking up what you need. Taking breaks outside for air and exercise is fine, but that means avoiding any unnecessary travel to do so. Take a walk or run in your own neighborhood, while maintaining physical distance from others. There are no group activities. Many activities at home are listed by age at living well at home.

MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

3/30/2020

We are all deeply concerned about the spread of the coronavirus and its impact on our community, our families, and our loved ones. Please know that the Oceanside City Council, along with our entire City organization, are working with our colleagues in neighboring cities, the county, the state and congressional elected officials, non-profits, and our private sector partners to identify needs, resources, and services for our community. Oceanside’s Emergency Operations Center is activated and responding each day. We are working full speed to respond to the many concerns and needs we are hearing. I appreciate the way our community is coming together to address this situation.

OCEANSIDE CLOSES BEACH LOTS / PIER / PICNIC AREAS

3/26/2020

The City of Oceanside instated a hard closure of parking lots west of the train tracks, and a soft closure of beaches. The closure of parking lots has minimized occupancy and increased distancing at the beach. The soft closure of Oceanside beaches means that gatherings are not permitted. Active recreation such as walking, jogging, or surfing is acceptable, but people need to maintain their distance from others and not linger. Beach picnic areas are closed. City playgrounds are closed. Lifeguards are monitoring the beach and making reminders via speaker. Over 75 social distancing signs are placed.

OCEANSIDE CITY COUNCIL VOTES TO TEMPORARILY PROHIBIT EVICTIONSOF COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL TENANTS

3/26/2020

The City of Oceanside held a Special Meeting today to consider and approve an urgency ordinance which provides for a temporary moratorium on residential and commercial evictions arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. Mayor Peter Weiss called for the Special Meeting following the Governor’s executive order that authorizes local governments to pause evictions for renters through May 31, 2020. The Council recognized that many Californians are experiencing substantial losses of income related to COVID-19 and acted to take measures to preserve and increase housing security to protect public health. Full text.

THE CITY OF OCEANSIDE COVID-19 UTILITY SERVICE RELIEF PROGRAM

3/25/2020

City of Oceanside to provide temporary relief of water, sewer and solid waste utility services for businesses during COVID-19 pandemic.

Oceanside, CA, March 24, 2020 – The City of Oceanside has created a utility service relief program for businesses that must remain closed to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal of the program is to support Oceanside’s local business community and provide relief for water, sewer and solid waste utility services by temporarily stopping all utility services and charges.

OCEANSIDE TO HOLD SPECIAL MEETING TO PROHIBIT EVICTIONS

3/25/2020

The City of Oceanside will hold a Special Meeting on Thursday, March 26, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. to consider a ban on residential and commercial evictions during these trying times. Mayor Peter Weiss called for the Special Meeting following the Governor’s executive order that authorizes local governments to pause evictions for renters through May 31, 2020. “We need to protect our residents and business owners during the COVID-19 crisis,” said Mayor Weiss. “We need these protections now to reduce the stress our residents and businesses are already under, and to keep residents from potentially becoming homeless.”

OCEANSIDE COVID-19 RESOURCES / SPECIAL MEETING CALLED

3/25/2020

The COVID-19 emergency is causing financial hardships for many Oceanside residents and businesses. The City is working on measures which may help alleviate financial worries.

CITY OF OCEANSIDE COVID-19 UPDATES – PLAYGROUNDS / BEACH LOTS CLOSED

3/23/2020

In order to limit occupancy due to social distancing regulations and minimize the spread of COVID-19, City of Oceanside playgrounds and beach parking lots will close during the COVID-19 emergency declaration.