Kori Jensen(R) Incumbent: Yes, I voted for the sand study and to bring on a Coastal Zone Administrator.  As the only council member and the only candidate that lives at the beach, I have a vested interest in our sand. My parents were both Oceanside surfers in the 1950”s so we grew up at the beach. I purchased my house on North Pacific Street in 2003 and I have personally watched our sand diminish to river rocks. There are so many reasons for this and when you put them all together it paints a devastating picture. 

My goal on the city council is to keep sand a priority. Council gives direction to staff and without direction to keep sand a priority we will never have solid solutions. I have deep roots in Oceanside and I come from a family of surfers. I believe I am the best choice for District 1 in order to keep sand a priority.

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David Turgeon (R) Lineman: Yes, I do support. I think the study can be done for less than half the cost $$$ that has been submitted. We can’t have a beach community without a beach.

Kori Jensen(R) Incumbent: I believe we are going to have to import sand from all possible areas as well as the annual dredge. We are going to have to work with our neighbors to the north and south to import more sand, we are going to have to insure that all of the sand that would naturally make it’s way down the river is able to do so without obstruction or harvest and then we are going to have to employ all measures possible to retain it. 

Long term we are going to need to restore our reefs, bring back the giant kelp and build groins. I believe we are so far behind that it’s going to be hard to catch up and we have no choice but to catch up. Our beaches are everyone’s beaches and we should not be afraid to ask for help. Our entire tourist industry depends on our beaches having sand, no beach equals no tourist industry. I truly believe I have shown that sand is a priority for me and I hope I will have your support moving forward. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to ask for your support.

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David Turgeon (R) Lineman: A series of groins / jetties located at Wisconsin St. , Oside Blvd., Buccaneer Park and St Malo. Could bring a significant amount of sand back to our beach front community. Attached a few ideas /drawings created by local surfers . Who’s been surfing here for decades and know the shoreline and ocean currents better than any hired engineers. Please be kind ,this is just a ruff draft . At no cost to the tax payers.

Dan Dominguez (D) Utility Supervisor: The Oceanside beach is an extremely important asset to the city of Oceanside; not only as a recreation area for the citizens of Oceanside and an economic engine that contributes a significant amount of dollars to Oceanside’s economy but also as a means of providing sea level rise resiliency. I support the legally allowed option that provides the best benefit/cost outcome to Oceanside taxpayers.

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Daren Selnick (R) Retired USAF: Yes, I support the 2021 Oceanside sand study proposal. The pilot project as recommended by the Beach Sand Replenishment and Retention Device Feasibility Study looks like a good first step.

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Eric Joyce (D) Board of Education: As an avid bodysurfer and lifelong coastal enthusiast, I am keenly aware of and share our city’s desire for usable beaches. I support the creation of a sustainable sand bypass system to transport high-quality sand to our beaches that are blocked from the natural movement of sand by the Oceanside harbor. As a good steward of taxpayer money, I believe all plans that require significant investment from our city should move forward only if we receive the proper permissions from the other regulatory agencies involved. With projects as complicated as this, we should also be ready to adopt better solutions as new information is revealed.

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Rick Robinson (R) Retired Fire Chief: I believe preserving our beaches is essential to the overall well-being of our citizens, visitors, businesses, and the city in general. The proposals made in the sand study are the result of work by people who have professional training and knowledge beyond my technical education and knowledge of the subject. The study makes it clear that there is not one solution but many if you include all the alternatives. The committees and professionals who worked on this study, our sitting council members, and city staff who reviewed and made recommendations put many hours into the project. Absent a proven solution, which I do not have or heard of, the study and those who put it forward, deserve my support until such time that there is more and better information available.

Dan Dominguez (D) Utility Supervisor: Obviously, increased sand replenishment in the near term and a viable legally allowed engineered solution for the long term that provides the best benefit/cost outcome to Oceanside taxpayers.

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Daren Selnick (R) Retired USAF: For the near term, Oceanside will need to do continuous sand replenishment from other sources. These sources of sand could come from places like El Corazon, San Luis Rey River, and the future Buena VistaLagoon restoration project, and we should be open to other options as well.

For the long term, Oceanside needs to see if the pilot project works and if we can get the CaliforniaCoastal Commission to approve the permits. If that does not work, we will then have to decide on one of the other three options in the study.

The solution that SOS describes is a good way to go, “a series of groins that would be backfilled with sand from the annual harbor dredging”. The key to success is an aggressive implementation plan, with milestones, timelines, city staff held accountable, and regular reporting from the city manager on status.

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Eric Joyce (D) Board of Education: The ability to get this type of system completed and funded will rely on the council to work closely with other local jurisdictions. State and/or federal money will have to be secured for a project of this magnitude and I have a strong working relationship with both our state and federal representation. In the near term, we will need to focus on getting the sand that we can through piggybacks with the US Army Corp of Engineers. For the long term, we will need to expedite the research and collaboration involved to the best of our ability. We should also be developing a stable backup plan for high-quality sand because of its tremendous impact on the stability of our beach project

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Rick Robinson (R) Retired Fire Chief: As I indicated in question one, the scientific, engineering, and technical knowledge that went into the studies and plans we have, far exceed my knowledge of the subject. I have had discussions with city staff, local surfers, and beachgoers on the topic. I have read and will continue to research the subject to better understand its benefits and impacts. There are those who say sea level rise will overcome any sand replenishment solution. Others feel strongly that manufactured interventions such as reefs and groins are the best solution. The continuous resupply of sand using SCOUP permits, and dredging will have temporary positive impacts that should continue.

The sand issues began as an unintended consequence and the result of the building of the Oceanside Harbor. The sand issue is not a natural phenomenon, but a manufactured one. I wonder if the original cause has been thoroughly addressed and if considerations have been given to long-term solutions. Given all the proposals on the table, I question what the unintended consequences may be that have to be solved by future residents and city officials.

Looking forward, I think the sand nourishment projects must continue for the near term. More work is needed to be done. The city must decide how it will address the issue on a more permanent basis. I look forward to taking part in future work to save our beaches and to maintain one of the jewels of Oceanside.

Thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts on this important topic.

Jim Desmond (R) Incumbent: As a condo owner in the North Coast Village development I live, work,, and play on the beaches of Oceanside.  I am a strong supporter of coastal health, businesses, and tourism. Oceanside beaches aren’t just used by residents, they are a regional asset used by all of Southern California.

As your County Supervisor, I am committed to bringing regional solutions and seeking regional, State, and Federal funding for Oceanside’s beaches.  Additionally, I welcome the opportunity to partner with my colleagues to introduce policy measures to address shoreline erosion and assist with local funding and awareness.

I have successfully brought new County resources to Oceanside to address other regional issues, such as homelessness, in partnership with the City of Oceanside. I welcome the opportunity to collaborate with the Oceanside Mayor and City Council to pursue resources to replenish the beaches and seek a permanent retention system.

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Tiffany Boyd Hodgson (D) Scientist: I am keenly interested in the data underlying the groin and dredge pilot project. It is important to me that the solution does not obstruct the northern and southern migration of sand.  Provided the pilot program shows promise for restoring habitat and shoreline, I believe it is my obligation to thoroughly understand the data so that I can champion the asks for, and facilitate funding from County sources. My relationship with the D3 Supervisor is good and I look forward to partnering with her to pool resources for the region to restore and protect North County beaches. 

It is important that no stone remains unturned when seeking funding. Sources should include prior funding streams at local, state, and federal levels such as the Department of Boating and Waterways, SANDAG, CA Coastal Commission, and Minerals Management Services. Additionally, because this issue is primarily the result of rising sea levels due to climate change, it is imperative that climate change mitigation funds (e.g., ARPA-C) are sought. My office will devote staff and energy to convening a working group dedicated to regional coordination and solutions. An initial order of business will be to ensure we understand why prior solutions have not lasted. I envision the purview of this working group to include strategic planning, metric development, funding application, infrastructure support to navigate application processes, and coordination across agencies.

Jim Desmond (R) Incumbent: The County of San Diego should be part of the solution to keep our shoreline viable. That is why the Board of Supervisors took a very active stand against offshore oil and gas drilling. However, it is extremely important that we acknowledge and address climate change and the destruction it is having in our region. Our shoreline has been impacted by sea-level rise and storm surges, which has resulted in a tremendous loss of sand on our North County beaches. The constant erosion and flooding of sensitive areas have also meant a loss of natural habitat.

As Supervisor, I will always defer to the community leaders who have been working on this issue for many years.  These are complex problems and do not lend themselves to unilateral action by elected officials.  That said, I generally favor artificial shoreline stabilization structures, such as breakwaters, but only where appropriate. I would welcome the opportunity to bring forward a Green Infrastructure Shoreline policy that would work with our coastal cities to address and fund programs like Save Oceanside’s Sand for our beaches as well as explore grant opportunities to begin to make improvements. I firmly believe sand replenishment alone is not a sustainable option. We need to have some sort of permanent retention system that implements a sound policy with funding.

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Tiffany Boyd Hodgson (D) Scientist: The impacts of climate change are felt differently across the varied ecosystems of District 5. The Coastal ecosystem and sand distribution near Oceanside impact areas farther south down the coast. It is imperative that municipal agencies and the County (D5 and D3), and funding agencies noted above, work in tandem to shore up the entire region collectively and to protect and restore our beaches. Together, we can preserve the economic interests of all of us, mitigate climate change collectively, acquire larger sums of funding, and ensure lasting solutions for sandy beaches, a healthy coastline, and restored ecosystems.

My governing style and philosophy is collaborative. I believe the role of the County Government is largely organizational, relying heavily on non-profit and grassroots organizations most familiar with the issues and community to lead efforts. This is the way I plan to govern whether I am tackling the housing and homeless crises, or trying to help restore Oceanside beaches.  My aim is to bring together community stakeholders from conservation groups, environmental groups, and governing agencies to ensure common interests are prioritized.

Catherine Blakespear (D) Encinitas Mayor: As a coastal Mayor, I know far too well the threat that rising sea level has on our community. A bluff collapse killed three people in Encinitas 3 years ago. Also, as Chair of San Diego County’s transportation agency, I’m very familiar with the issues in Del Mar relating to the unstable bluffs there which are being reinforced. Our coastal resources are what makes cities like Encinitas and Oceanside the special places that they are, and we need to do all we can to make sure they last.

Encinitas was able to secure $30.5 million for sand replenishment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that was recently signed by President Biden. The job of a State Senator is largely fighting for big priorities like that and bringing dollars back for the district. I have been endorsed by Governor Newsom, so I am the candidate who is best positioned to work with him and other legislators of the majority party to do that for Oceanside.

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Matt Gunderson (R) Businessman: Our beaches and coastline are world-renowned and add to the economic vibrancy, health, and enjoyment of our region. It is vital that they be protected and that access be safe and guaranteed for our neighbors and visitors. Senator Pat Bates has done a great job helping find funding opportunities for sand replenishment, lagoon and beach restoration, and access enhancements. I will work everyday to continue and build on this success to make sure our beaches remain the crown jewel of our state.

Catherine Blakespear (D) Encinitas Mayor: I strongly support cities having a meaningful role as intended by the Coastal Act, and as a mayor of a coastal city, I know that sometimes the Coastal Commission can throw a wrench into things at the last minute, which is very frustrating for staff who work on major improvements to coastal infrastructure.

Because the Coastal Commission is part of the Executive Branch, it is sometimes at odds with the Legislature. But I will ensure that the Coastal Commission respects the city’s Local Coastal Programs and works collaboratively with cities to fulfill their mandate of preserving coastal access.

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Matt Gunderson (R) Businessman: I am a firm advocate for local control. We can all agree that Vermont is different from California, so why can't Sacramento understand that our local needs are different from other parts of the state? What works in San Jose or Bakersfield doesn't always work for Oceanside. As your next State Senator, I will fight to make sure our local needs are met with local solutions. Decisions are made best the closer they are made to home. This is particularly important when it comes to local land use policies. For example, SB 9 and SB 10 which allows for-profit developers to usurp community wishes and build multi-story, multi-unit complexes in our single family communities are disasters for our coastal neighborhoods. It will be one of my main priorities to find a better way to build affordable housing that does not damage the environment and the health, safety, and unique character of our cities and communities.

Chris Duncan (D): The State of California can and should serve a critical role in protecting Oceanside and other North County Beaches. I worked closely with Congressmember Mike Levin to achieve a major sand replenishment project for San Clemente, where I am the Mayor Pro Tem. As I have done in San Clemente, as your Assemblymember, I will spearhead a regional coastline protection initiative to determine the best methods to improve sand retention in each coastal area in Oceanside and North County.

I will also build on Assemblymember Tasha Boerner Horvath’s success in directing state funds for sand replenishment and resiliency efforts in North County. Despite being the Assemblymember for South Orange County for the past two years, my opponent has not engaged in any such efforts and has not obtained any state funds to plan for or fund sustainable beaches.

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Laurie Davies (R) Assembly 73rd Dist: Oceanside beaches are the crown jewels of our community. We enjoy them, and they draw tourists from all over the world, which keeps our small businesses open and able to create more good-paying jobs. As your Assemblywoman I strongly support restoring sand to our local beaches, and to maintain this sand moving forward. I have been working with Senator Pat Bates and Assemblymember Janet Nguyen in the request from the Governor for the San Clemente Beach Restoration.funding, next year I would do the same for Oceanside as well as work with the other elects that represent the other North County beaches. (See attached letter). This is a priority to me, and I will coordinate with our local city staff, elected officials to be an advocate for re-sanding in Sacramento and Washington DC.

Chris Duncan (D): The Coastal Commission plays a major role in reviewing and authorizing both coastal protection and development projects pursuant to the Coastal Act. As the Mayor Pro Tem in San Clemente, I have personally engaged with the Commission on a variety of such issues, most recently the disastrous slope failure in the Cypress Shores community. I have built strong relationships with Commission staff and Commissioners, which we have leveraged to move our sand protection efforts and approve projects successfully with minimal time and cost. As your Assemblymember, I will continue to utilize these connections and the insight I have gained on behalf of the District’s coastal areas including Oceanside, Camp Pendleton, San Clemente, and Dana Point to ensure our perspectives are respected and taken into account in every decision impacting our coastline.

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Laurie Davies (R) Assembly 73rd Dist: The Coastal Commission should respect the needs and wants of local cities and people. Unfortunately, appointments to the Coastal Commission are often too political, and they often work for Sacramento instead of their local communities. I strongly support local control. I will push for future Coastal Commission appointments to be individuals who are committed to listening to and respecting the opinions of local cities and local community organizations.

Mike Levin (D) Incumbent: I am proud that I secured $1.8 million earlier this year to finish the Army Corps’s long-delayed Oceanside Special Shoreline Study, which will address the federal government’s role in the erosion of Oceanside beaches due to the construction of Camp Pendleton’s boat basin. This follows my success in getting legislative language in the Water Resources Development Act of 2020 directing the Army Corps to expedite the Study. This is the first real forward movement on this issue in years. The study should be complete within the next two years and identify an actual project. I am confident we will have a federally funded project that will restore our beaches and maintain them in the future.

Another source of sand for our beaches is the San Luis Rey River Flood Protection Project, and I was able to secure $5.2 million for that as well.

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Brian Maryott (R) Businessman: Ensuring continuous funding to restore and maintain Oceanside & North County beaches will be a top priority on mine. We must hold the Army Corps of Engineers and Federal government accountable. The beaches in Oceanside are critical for the community and we have reached crisis level with the issue and it should be addressed accordingly. Tourism is a vital part of Oceanside's economy and it is unacceptable that progress has stagnated. I look forward to working in a bipartisan manner with my colleagues in the House to ensure the necessary funds are allocated to resolve this crisis.

Mike Levin (D) Incumbent: I strongly believe that we need regional collaboration to solve our coastal erosion issues because the problem is a regional one. That is why I have worked to deliver federal funding for sand replenishment projects up and down our coast. I was successful in securing $30 million to place over one million cubic yards of sand on beaches in Encinitas and Solana Beach. I also secured $9 million to place over 250,000 cubic yards of sand on beaches in San Clemente. As we know, our sand drifts north and south, so we should feel the effects of those sand replenishment efforts here in Oceanside and throughout our region.

I am in constant communication with leaders up and down our coast, working with them to bring any federal resources they need to restore and protect their beaches. I will continue leading these efforts if I am reelected to Congress.

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Brian Maryott (R) Businessman: Protecting our beaches and coasts is going to be a community effort. I look forward to bringing all groups to the table and working collaboratively to address the coastal crisis. The beaches in the 49th are some of the most pristine in the nation. Groins, jetties and breakwaters will help us ensure their continued safety so that they may be enjoyed by all. I look forward to spearheading this effort.

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