🌱 Oceanside Pier Restaurant Plans + Blood Donations Needed Urgently

Happy Winter Solstice! It's the first day of winter and the shortest day of the year. Let's not waste any daylight and get right to it! Today you'll read about:

• Finally, a new restaurant at the end of the pier?
• Give blood. Save lives. Donations are needed now.
• Gas prices below $3 a gallon may be coming soon.

Looking for a deeper dive? Get the scoop on Winter Solstice 2022 from the Farmer's Almanac.

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But first, today's weather:

Plenty of sunshine. High: 66 Low: 37.

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🚪 Dear local businesses: Patch invites you to partner with us to build local awareness and set yourself apart from the competition. Showcase your business and drive more customers through your door with a sponsorship in our Oceanside-Camp Pendleton newsletter. Click here to learn more.

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Here are the top stories today in Oceanside-Camp Pendleton:

1. A new seafood restaurant is coming to the end of the Oceanside Pier next spring after nearly two years since Ruby's Diner closed. The twist is, it won't be replacing Ruby's but taking over the small kiosk just to the right of the larger building. The yet-to-be-named casual seafood stall will be the fourth local eatery from Jessica and Davin Waite, known for their acclaimed Wrench & Rodent sushi bar. The food power couple also runs the Plot vegan restaurant and Shootz Fish x Beer, a taco and poke shop. (San Diego Eater)
2. The San Diego Blood Bank urgently needs blood donations to fill a "dangerously" low supply across the county. Several mobile blood drives are coming up in Oceanside next week. Donors can also schedule an appointment at the Coastal Donor Center located in Vista. (Patch)
3. Oceanside gas prices continue to plummet and are expected to drop below $3 per gallon next year. Gas prices have already fallen below the lowest level in more than a year and are only expected to further decrease. "The seasonal pattern of less driving due to shorter days and crummy weather, combined with a lower oil cost, is driving gas prices lower," said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson." In Oceanside gas can be found for as low as $3.81 per gallon, according to GasBuddy.

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Today in Oceanside-Camp Pendleton:

• Finals: Minimum Day - Mission Vista High (8:30 AM)
• The Longest Night Service (11:00 AM)
• A Winter's Eve Concert with David Arkenstone and Friends (7:30 PM)

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From my notebook:

• "Mind over matter 📍 Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton (Dec. 15, 2022) #Marines participate in the culminating event to earn the title of Marine Corps Martial Arts Instructor. MAI courses certify Marines so they can instruct and mon..." (Camp Pendleton via Instagram)
• "Some people think there needs to be snow on the ground to get into the Holiday spirit ☃, give us a beautiful sunset 🌅, some cool sand 🏖, a sea breeze 🌊 and maybe even a surfing Santa 🎅 and we're ready to deck the halls! - Repost from..." (Visit Oceanside via Instagram)
• "Zero Dark Dirty 🌃 When: Jan 20, 6pm | Where: Lake O'Neill 💪🏾 Registration Now Open! Now open to the public 👀 Assemble for Zero Dark Dirty and test your Skills! The course offers various night obstacles and the challenge of running at..." (MCCS Camp Pendleton via Facebook)
• "MVHS End of Term Finals! Wednesday the 21st - Periods 3 & 4 start at 8:30 am and end at 12:45 pm. Make arrangements for pick-up as needed." (Mission Vista High School via Facebook)

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More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Oceanside Adventures - Daily, Year-Round Whale and Dolphin Tours — (Visit website)

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• Add your business here

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Above the Strand at Sunset: Oceanside Photo Of The Day

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Events:

• Christmas Eve Services With Live Nativity & Free Petting Zoo! (December 23)
• Christmas Eve 5 PM - Shepherd of Life Lutheran Church in Lake Elsinore (December 24)
• San Diego's Largest Networking Event (January 11)
• Add your event

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Wednesday off right. See you all tomorrow for another update!

— Lisa Frost

About me: I am the Community Publisher for the Oceanside-Camp Pendleton Patch and love sharing all things Oceanside. It's a privilege to help locals and those visiting our incredible and diverse city stay informed about local news, people, and the stories that shape our community. Explore all that Patch has to offer Oceansiders:

Questions? Concerns? Comments? You have my full attention at lisa.frost@patch.com.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Oceanside-Camp Pendleton Daily? Contact me at lisa.frost@patch.com