🌱 Oceanside Revives Citizen Advisory Body + SDG&E Bill Assistance

Hello again, everybody! Let's get your March started with all the most important things to know about what's happening in town, including...

• Sheriff's deputy pleads not guilty on drug charges.
• Community Relations Commission returns to Oceanside.
• 🌳 Join the city's tree-planting celebration on Saturday!

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But first, today's weather:

Winds becoming strong; rain. High: 56 Low: 34.

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

1. Oceanside is reinstating the Community Relations Commission that was dissolved in 2011 to reduce city costs. The commission was formed in 1991 to serve as a citizen advisory body. City staff recommended bringing back the Community Relations Commission to "help identify intergroup relations, bring people together, safeguard equal opportunity for all, identify resources available, including training, information sharing, community education and cultural literacy, and improve opportunities for diverse groups of people to work together." In February, the council voted unanimously to reinstall the commission. Residents can apply to be on the new commission through March 19. (Coast News)
2. Oceanside residents experiencing financial difficulties with skyrocketing energy bills can apply for help through a new $16 million fund from SDG&E. The new program will "support local nonprofit, community-based organizations that provide essential services to vulnerable customers." After energy prices went through the roof this winter, most residential customers were on the hook for January utility bills that were two to three times higher than the previous month. With winter dragging on at below-average temperatures, it comes as a relief that natural gas prices decreased 68% in February and are expected to drop even more in March. More information on assistance programs can be found at sdge.com/assistance. (Patch)
3. A San Diego County sheriff's deputy pleaded not guilty this week to the charge of bringing drugs onto jail property. On February 3, Allen Wereski was arrested and suspended without pay after he was allegedly found to have cocaine in his car while at the Vista Detention Facility in North County. After Monday's arraignment, Wereski remains out of custody. This is the second drug-related arrest of a San Diego County sheriff's deputy this year. The second deputy, Cory Richey, is "accused of stealing prescription medication from a drop-off box at a patrol station and was arrested last month." (Times of San Diego)

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Today in Oceanside-Camp Pendleton:

• Boys Volleyball vs. Mission Hills - Mission Vista High (4:30 PM)
• Trivia Nights at Arrowood Golf Course (6:00 PM)
• Bingo Night at South O Brewery (6:00 PM)
• Family Feud Live at Black Plague Brewing (7:00 PM)

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From my community notebook:

• "Let's plant trees together on Saturday morning, Oceanside...Trees clean the air, reduce pollutants, shelter biodiversity, provide shade, beauty, and improve our health. Join us if you can! 🌳" (City of Oceanside - Government via Facebook)
• "Summer aquatic programs are just around the corner! Have you made an account with us yet? Get a head start on the summer season by making an account with you and your family. Creating an account allows you to enroll in programs such as C..." (City of Oceanside Parks and Recreation via Facebook)
• "Join SDCCU for their Financial Wellness Wednesdays! SDCCU is proud to host Financial Wellness Wednesdays to help improve the financial health of the communities in Southern California by providing the community access to free fi..." (Oceanside Chamber of Commerce via Facebook)
• "🙋‍♂️ 🇺🇸 Hey Patrons, We want to hear from you! Have you recently enjoyed a service, facility, or event from Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) Camp Pendleton? 🤔 👀 📝 🤝 We value your feedback and encourage you to take a few mome..." (MCCS Camp Pendleton via Facebook)
• "TICKET GIVEAWAY! We are giving away tickets to an Anaheim Ducks Game. You can request up to 2 tickets per registration with valid active-duty ID. Additional tickets can be requested with a second registration and valid ID. Acceptable ID'..." (Camp Pendleton Armed Services YMCA via Facebook)

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Bird At The Harbor: Oceanside Photo Of The Day

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Featured announcements:

• Memorial Fundraiser for beloved French Valley Veteran. (Details)
• Add your announcement

Featured housing:

• Open House - Sat, Mar 4 11:00 a to 3:00 p - 1647 Shire Avenue, Oceanside (Details)
• Add your listing

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You're all caught up for today. 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 Patch newsletter? Contact me at lisa.frost@patch.com