by Scott Ashton

One of the things I love about Oceanside is that it is filled with people with good hearts... people willing to use their time, talents and financial resources to benefit others in need. Our community is blessed to have a large number of non-profit organizations that are taking on the challenges of supporting our military, our youth and others who have various needs.

Next time you host friends at your house for a Summer BBQ, you can turn our Oceanside Infographic (created by our own Kierstin Hill)  into a fun trivia contest. Enjoy these fun facts.

Where can you find Coffee, Creatives and Community? One place I know is Hit the Spot Coffee. Located at 624 South Coast Highway, they do more than simply serve delicious coffee on a daily basis, they cultivate a haven for creatives and members of Oceanside to join in community. Hit the Spot culture ranges from tourists who love the sufer/artsy vibe, to their locals who enjoy a cup of joe on the regular.

Rory, the manager at Hit the Spot Coffee grew up in Oceanside, and encourages people to participate in the community. Specifically she recommends the Harbor events, street fair, and Friday night art walks. In addition to encouraging people to attend events in and around Oceanside, she invites creatives to participate at Hit the Spot Coffee. Artists and musicians are welcome to partner with Hit the Spot Coffee to put on events that showcases their talents and brings people together all in good fun.  

The Super Girl Pro Surf Contest in Oceanside runs July 24 - July 26 at the Oceanside Pier.  Super Girl Pro draws more than 150 international top female surfers and is the largest women's surf contest in the world.  More than 70,000 spectators are expected to watch the contest at the Oceanside Pier over the weekend.  

More details: http://supergirljam.com/ 

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is a true statement especially when you become a senior. My best advice for anyone at any age living alone is to have some sort of emergency alert button that you actually wear when you are home alone that you can press if you are experiencing a medical emergency or are on the floor and cannot get up.   Things happen when you least expect it, that’s why they are called accidents! Some emergency alert systems can also be programmed to remind you to take your medications or give you other important reminders.

Please check your home inside and out for any type of trip hazards like uneven or raised concrete or slippery floor rugs. Falls are one of the leading causes of death amongst seniors.

by: Kristi Hawthorne


Jon Hoover emulates the Southern California lifestyle with a casual attitude.  His plans to live a laid-back way of life was typical of most teenagers living within reach of the beach. Most teenagers grow up and find themselves wearing a suit and tie to work, however, Jon Hoover found his way around the grind to do what most only dream about.

Jon admits he often ditched class to head to the Oceanside Harbor.  He learned to surf at an early age and his “school uniform” of choice included board shorts, flip flops and sand on his feet.  


In high school Jon worked various jobs typical of a teenager, at Rubio’s and a local skate shop.  At the age of 19 he was working in the San Diego Bay doing repo’s when he saw a Harbor Patrol Boat. That life-changing moment inspired him to pursue a career path that he felt would get him where he wanted to be most:  on the water. 

by: Kierstin Hill

Adam Riojas spent 14 years in level 4 federal prison for a crime he did not commit.  His father committed a murder in LA and inaccurate evidence was able to place Adam at the scene of the crime.  

Adam, an Oceanside High School graduate, was an extremely successful real estate agent living in Hawaii when he was arrested the first time.  He was detained in solitary confinement and interrogated non-stop for three days straight, but did not know any answers associated with the murder.  After three days, he was released and did not think much of it after, because he knew those days had just been a mistake.  Eight months later he was arrested in Hawaii again and this time was immediately sent to LA County Jail.  He was offered a plea – if he told the detectives who actually committed the murder, he would be set free.  Only problem was, he didn’t know who did it.  

What is the Value of eSigs?

by: Isabella Janovick, Marketing Manager, Anacomp Inc.

A paperless office is becoming more of a reality with new technological applications and tools to assist in unnecessary paper consumption and paper copies. For every 30 sheets of paper, 39% is thrown in the trash. The average employee signs 500 documents a year at an estimated cost of $6.50 a document. This figure is based on several factors such as copying, scanning, tracking and storage. Businesses in sales, finance, operations, legal and more are now adopting eSigs applications as part of their business process workflows. eSignatures assist these verticals with smart automation, reduction in errors and costs, legal risk mitigation, and build a better customer experience.

Dr. Duane Coleman is an Oceanside success story; educated in the Oceanside Unified School District, he now serves as the OUSD Superintendent.  Born in Hawaii, he moved to Oceanside when he was just one year old.  His mom was a missionary in Hawaii where she met his dad, serving as a Marine. He subsequently was transferred to Camp Pendleton when Duane was a baby.  Duane was a talented athlete during his time at Oceanside High School.  A Varsity letter winner in football, basketball and track, he received a full-ride football scholarship to the University of Hawaii when he graduated high school in 1979.  After a successful college football career as a wide receiver, Duane was drafted by the Denver Broncos and played for one year before blowing his knee out and being waived from the NFL team. 

Fortunately he earned a teaching credential while still at the University of Hawaii and moved back to Oceanside to coach high school football at his alma mater.  Proving to be a successful coach, Duane was offered a full-time teaching job at El Camino High School where he taught for the next eight years as well as coached football, girls basketball and boys and girls track and field.  

With 10,000 people a day turning 65 today through 2030, the 65 plus age group is now the largest segment of the U.S. population. In my blog for the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce I hope to help you navigate the many senior care options out there over the next several months in greater detail. We will review the options from staying at home with In-Home Care, modifying your home with grab bars and ramps to the different levels of Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing options out there at the various price points.  I will also review whether you may be a candidate for Veteran’s benefits for yourself or spouse as well as discuss what Medicare, Medi-Cal and Long Term Care Insurance pays and doesn’t pay for.

Camp Pendleton and Oceanside go hand in hand, and that is the way it should be when two communities are so closely woven together. At the Military Affairs committee meeting we discussed ways to bridge the narrowing gap between Camp Pendleton and the City of Oceanside. There were many great ideas brewing between the dedicated Military Affairs committee participants that we are so excited to start putting into action! We discussed transitional programs, business partnerships, and many more co-op events like Operation Appreciation. Check out the video of this past year’s Operation Appreciation.

by Kristi Hawthorne
from Oceanside Living Magazine 2015

Endless energy, enthusiastic and fun are just a few words to describe Eileen Lohner- Turk.  All of those things are needed for her job as Division Manager of Oceanside’s Parks and Recreation.  

Eileen is a great ambassador for the City of Oceanside.  She’s a cheerleader for Oceanside and a positive force. She’s a unifier and a doer, ready and able to get things done. Her attitude is contagious and she’s able to inspire others around her.  When asked how she keeps her sense of humor and a positive outlook, Eileen said she is “fueled by other’s people’s joy.”  

Oceanside is a mosaic of beautiful people, varying in race, ethnicity, and military association, brought together by a love for the sounds and scents of the Pacific. Though the ocean is chilling, the community is warm and inviting, especially to military families.