 Blood drives will be held at seven SDCCU locations
SAN DIEGO (December 19, 2025) — San Diego County Credit Union® (SDCCU®), one of Southern California’s largest locally-owned financial institutions, is hosting a blood drive on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at seven locations: six in San Diego County and one in Riverside County. Historically, there is an extremely low inventory of blood after the busy holiday season and hospital shelves have a constant need, potentially affecting thousands of patients. The community is encouraged to help. Every pint of blood has the potential to save up to three lives. Register today as the San Diego Blood Bank will be at the following SDCCU locations on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.: San Diego County:
Riverside County: “Giving blood is one of the most impactful ways we can support our community,” said SDCCU President and CEO Teresa Campbell. “We are proud to host this blood drive and encourage everyone who can to donate. Every donation truly makes a difference and helps save lives across San Diego.” SDCCU has supported the San Diego Blood Bank for more than 20 years. Blood donations are especially critical at this time of year after a busy holiday season, and this year continues to be especially challenging. For more information, visit sandiegobloodbank.org. SDCCU is one of the nation’s top credit unions and was 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. By District Attorney Summer Stephan
Acts of generosity are a hallmark of our community. During the holidays, after natural disasters, and throughout the year, San Diegans step up to support causes that help neighbors in need, whether that’s disaster relief after wildfires or hurricanes, assistance for veterans, or support for local families facing hardship. Unfortunately, scammers know this too. Every year, our office sees cases where criminals exploit goodwill by impersonating legitimate charities. These scams increasingly show up through convincing emails, text messages, social media posts, phone calls, fake websites, QR codes, and even door-to-door solicitations. No one sets out to be scammed, but fraudsters are skilled at manipulating emotions and creating urgency. You don’t have to stop giving to protect yourself. You just need to give smart. Here are steps you can take to ensure your donations go where you intend: Ask questions before you donate. Legitimate charities welcome transparency. If someone pressures you to give immediately, that is a red flag. Verify registration in California. All charities operating in California—and the telemarketers who solicit on their behalf—must be registered with the California Attorney General’s Registry of Charitable Trusts. If they are not registered, do not donate. Confirm IRS tax-exempt status. If you are donating to a national charity based outside California, ask whether it is a registered 501(c)(3) organization with the IRS and request its Employer Identification Number (EIN). You can verify this information using the IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Search tool. Donate to charities you know and trust. Be cautious of organizations with names that closely resemble well-known charities. Scammers often rely on look-alike names and websites to confuse donors. Do your research. Take time to look up the organization online, understand how donations are used, and confirm legitimacy through trusted resources such as Charity Navigator or the Better Business Bureau’s Give.org. Be especially cautious of links sent by text or social media and go directly to the charity’s official website instead. Don’t be pressured. Urgency, emotional manipulation, or threats are common scam tactics. Legitimate charities will allow you time to verify information and make an informed decision. Be cautious with door-to-door solicitations. If someone appears at your door asking for donations, do not feel obligated to give on the spot. Ask for written information and verify it independently before donating. Protect your personal and financial information. Never share your Social Security number or other sensitive personal information. Avoid donating by cash, which is untraceable, or check, which can expose your bank account information. Credit card donations are generally the safest option, as they provide documentation and the ability to dispute fraudulent charges if necessary. Giving is a powerful way to strengthen our community, but only when your generosity reaches legitimate causes. By staying informed and taking a few extra steps, you can protect yourself while continuing to make a real difference. If you believe you’ve encountered a charity scam, report it to local law enforcement or the California Attorney General’s Office. Together, we can keep compassion strong and scammers out of our community. If you suspect you were scammed out of a donation: • Report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission. • File a consumer complaint with the California Attorney General. I hope these tips help you avoid the grinches this holiday season. On behalf of our entire team at the District Attorney’s Office, which is dedicated to building safe and healthy communities, we wish you a joyful and safe holiday season.  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.  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!
 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.
 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.
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 towards a cleaner, greener future.
 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.
 Your SDG&E® bill will now show electric delivery charges in a new way. This is not an extra charge, rather it is a change in how your bill is structured.
Why is this happening? California Assembly Bill 205 requires electric utilities across the state to change how residential customers are billed to help make bills more transparent, while making it more affordable to use electric technologies, such as cars and appliances. What’s changing? We’re updating how some existing costs appear on your bill. Starting soon, you’ll see a new line item called the Base Services Charge. Most customers will pay approximately $24 a month1. Customers enrolled in FERA and CARE will automatically receive a discounted Base Services Charge of approximately $12 and $6, respectively. The Base Services Charge covers some of the fixed costs that were previously included in the electric delivery price like customer service, transformers and meters that help ensure safe, reliable electric delivery to your property. By moving some costs out of delivery pricing, you may pay about 10% less per kWh for the energy you use (roughly 5 cents per kWh on electric delivery)2. Each customer’s usage varies, so lower electricity prices may or may not lead to a lower total bill. Because this is a reallocation of costs, SDG&E will not earn more profit from this change. To learn more, visit sdge.com/BaseServicesCharge or call 1-800-411-7343.  Higher temperatures can mean higher energy bills and cause a big strain on the electrical grid. This can lead to a greater risk of grid emergencies. But it doesn't have to be this way.
During a grid emergency, businesses in SDG&E's service territory can participate in the Emergency Load Reduction Program (ELRP). By joining ELRP, businesses help support the grid when it's facing extra strain and can get a bill credit for their participation. ELRP is a flexible way to get incentives for shifting energy use. Participating in ELRP allows qualified businesses to contribute to stabilizing the grid and reducing the risk of issues without worrying about any financial penalties. For more information about ELRP, visit sdge.com/ELRP. The City of Oceanside, in partnership with Waste Management, offers bi-annual donation and large & bulky item pick-up weeks to single-family and multi-family residents to divert material from the landfill and properly dispose of items beyond reuse or repair. The next opportunity to take advantage of the donation program will be from October 6 -17. WM’s trusted partner, the Veterans Thrift Store of Oceanside, will be picking up gently used items for resale and reuse. Call (619) 337-9244 to schedule your donation pick-up of up to 8 gently used items. For items worn beyond reuse or repair, large & bulky item pick-up weeks are from October 20-31. Schedule these pick-ups by calling WM at (760) 439-2824. Household hazardous waste is not accepted.    OCEANSIDE, CA (June 25, 2025) – Mission Marketplace in Oceanside is bringing back the popular shopping activity, Sidewalk Sales, to give consumers an opportunity to save money! The first Sidewalk Sale on June 7 drew many bargain hunters to Mission Marketplace, located at the northwest corner of Highway 76 and College Boulevard at 471 College Boulevard in Oceanside.
Mark your calendars for the three upcoming Sidewalk Sales from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. on the FIRST Saturday of the month: July 5, August 2 and September 6! Retail stores and other businesses at Mission Marketplace will have special offers on items featured at sales displays on the sidewalk at the open-air shopping center.
In the U.S., 561 billion disposable food service items are used each year, creating 4.9 million tons of waste, according to upstreamsollutions.org. While these numbers may seem overwhelming, small, simple actions can make a big difference. By striving for zero waste and making sustainable choices, especially during your summer adventures, you can help keep our beaches clean and beautiful for generations to come. Use the tips below to make your summer more eco-friendly and #skipthestuff
As of January 1, 2025, the Marine Debris Reduction ordinance is in full effect. Oceanside businesses are prohibited from distributing single-use carryout bags and are required to charge at least 10 cents for reusable or recyclable bags. This builds upon the July 1, 2024 implementation that saw the prohibition of the distribution of polystyrene foam products and food service ware. Businesses are also required to post educational materials about the Marine Debris Reduction Ordinance requirements for at least one year from the effective date of each prohibition. The Marine Debris Reduction Ordinance promotes the use of more sustainable alternatives that are compostable, recyclable, or reusable. Utilize Sustainable Alternatives Food service ware made of compostable and biodegradable plastic, sugarcane, bagasse, bamboo, molded fiber, and other similar materials are not preferred alternatives for polystyrene foam products. These materials are not recyclable; must be placed in the trash; are not accepted in local recycling or food scraps programs; and do not help the City of Oceanside reach its zero waste goals. Instead opt for eco-friendly alternatives, such as reusable water bottles, storage containers and grocery bags. Preferred eco-friendly materials can consist of the following:
Services for Oceanside ResidentsDonation and Landfill Weeks Do you have gently used items that are ready for a new life? FREE donation pickups are available twice a year from 4/7-4/18 and 10/6-10/17. IT’S EASY! Call (619) 337-9244 to schedule a pickup of up to 8 items. Do you have items that are beyond repair? Schedule a pickup during landfill weeks 4/21-5/2 and 10/20-10/31 by calling Waste Management at (760) 439-2824. Harvest Oceanside Do you have surplus backyard produce? We’ll take it! Contact ProduceGood to schedule a FREE pick of your backyard for donation to local feeding organizations and keep it out of the landfill. Email [email protected] for more information. Household 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-off 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 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 for any reason.  Source: Green Oceanside Your organic waste recycling is making a difference. Since the implementation of organic waste recycling throughout California in January of 2022, Californian communities, like Oceanside, have made great progress toward the state’s goals. By reaching SB 1383’s recycling and food rescue goals the equivalent of 3 million cars worth of pollution will be erased. In 2023 alone, 217,042 tons of unsold food was recovered and repurposed. That is 94% of the 2025 target goal!  Source: Green Oceanside Important news for Businesses:
What products are acceptable alternatives to polystyrene foam? Food Service Providers are strongly encouraged, but not required, to provide refillable or reusable food service ware rather than disposable food service ware to customers. Recyclable plastic, aluminum, or paper containers are great alternatives. What materials are not preferred alternatives to polystyrene foam? Food service ware made of compostable and biodegradable plastic, sugarcane, bagasse, bamboo, molded fiber, and other similar materials are not preferred alternatives for polystyrene foam products. These materials are not recyclable; must be placed in the trash; are not accepted in local recycling or food scraps programs; and do not help the City of Oceanside reach its zero waste goals.   By District Attorney Summer Stephan
Auto theft is a common crime in San Diego County that affects victims in many ways. Across the county, there were more than 11,300 auto thefts last year, representing about $140 million in losses, according to statistics from the San Diego Association of Governments. In fact, last year our office filed more than 850 cases against 900 defendants for auto theft-related charges. Thankfully, our region has a Regional Auto Theft Taskforce (RATT), that works to reduce vehicle theft in San Diego County. They have taken down many criminal auto theft rings that have led to prosecutions and ultimately jail time for criminals.  (Source: San Diego County District Attorney’s Office) - Over the past several years, I have warned the public of scammers trying to get their hands on your money using a wide variety of methods. But one type of scammer who does tremendous damage is not a faceless stranger who contacts you on the Internet, by text message, or phone call. This threat comes with a friendly, often familiar, face. It's your friendly, neighborhood life insurance agent.
 Four tips to improve your sleep habits
Are you tired of tossing and turning in bed, night after night, desperately seeking a good night’s sleep? If so, you’re not alone.  By District Attorney Summer Stephan
It shouldn’t hurt to go home, but the grim reality is that home is not a safe place for many. Every year there about 17,000 domestic violence incidents reported to police across San Diego County. In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness month, we are spreading the message far and wide that if you are in an abusive relationship, there is help. Remember domestic violence refers to violence/harm committed by an intimate partner which often means, a boyfriend or husband, although anyone of any gender can be a victim of domestic violence.  Self-exams, mammograms can lead to early detection
Catching cancers early helps save lives. Screening mammograms can help catch breast cancer in its early stages when it is easier to treat.  Location matters.
For us, location (where we live and spend our time) is right up there as one of our most important things in life, and I don’t say that lightly.  Most are safe and effective for pain relief when taken as directed
It can be overwhelming deciding which over the counter (OTC) pain medicine to take for different aches and pains. There are many to choose from at your local drug store. The most appropriate usually depends on the type of pain you’re experiencing and your health. |
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