Oceanside Legends: CJ Di Mento, Cultural Arts Crusader

OCEANSIDE, CA — The ancient Greek's believed the Muses inspired knowledge, literature, and the arts. In Oceanside, CJ Di Mento is a much-loved fixture for her wholehearted aim to create community through the support of art, artists and culture. Making her a muse to many in our city.

Besides her full-time jobs as Library Division Manager and mom, CJ is also the host of KOCT TV's Oceanside Spectrum and City Staff Liason to the Oceanside Arts Commission. CJ was also instrumental in Oceanside being designated one of the first Cultural Districts in the state.

Oceanside Cultural District

"When we found out about the Cultural District pilot program, we were really excited." said CJ, "The Oceanside Public Library, the City's Arts Commission, the Oceanside Museum of Art, and MainStreet Oceanside provided a partnership that works to support the diverse cultural assets throughout the district."

The Oceanside Cultural District is one of only 14 inaugural districts designated by the California Arts Council for the State of California. This designation placed Oceanside’s arts and culture scene at the forefront of the economic development and tourism industries, and spurred the finalization of the Arts Commission’s O’Arts: Master Plan for the Arts proposal to City Council.

"The library oversees the work of the Arts Commission, as well as the work of the Cultural District. Libraries really are the perfect place to provide an equitable experience of art, literature and performances for our entire community." continued CJ, "We really strive for opportunities throughout the city. Whether at one of our libraries or our book mobiles, the cultural events that we partner on. When we talk about culture in the district, we talk about surf culture, car culture and all the diverse cultures that make up our community."

Arts And Culture Post-Pandemic

"In the last year the pandemic really hit arts and culture hard and I think we've seen that we all need a return to cultural arts. We will be hosting an Oceanside Cultural Festival in October with music and art and an opportunity for people to be part of a community happening with creative ways to express themselves."

There are also plans underway at the downtown Civic Center library with an early learning and community information hub specifically created for young families and parents. The new space is slated to open this summer with workshops, story times and even a toy collection that people can check out.

On KOCT and Public Broadcasting

"We're really fortunate to have a public broadcasting station here in Oceanside and I want people to know that!" said CJ with emphasis. "KOCT is celebrating their 40th anniversary this year and I am so honored to be a part of contributing to public television".

CJ will be featured on the KOCT live fundraiser on Tuesday. Also performing will be local musician Shane Hall singing "The O," a song that celebrates the emerging art scene and vibrant culture of Oceanside. Shane was commissioned by the Friends of the Oceanside Public Library and the Oceanside Cultural District to write the song. Just one more of CJ's contributions to art and culture in Oceanside.

CJ McKee Di Mento On Becoming A Friend of KOCT!

Don't miss Cj McKee Di Mento this Tuesday, June 1st for the Annual Fundraiser! Tune live from 6-7pm on COX CHANNEL 18 & 19 or view online at from koct.org.

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