The City of Oceanside was honored yesterday with a Beacon Spotlight Award at the League of California Cities annual conference in Long Beach. Oceanside received a Platinum Level award for Sustainability Best Practices from the Institute of Local Government in collaboration with the League of California Cities. Mayor Peter Weiss accepted the award on behalf of the city.
“Achieving sustainability in municipal operations requires a conscious and coordinated effort across all disciplines,” said Russ Cunningham, Principal Planner for the City of Oceanside. “The Beacon Award speaks to what a local government can accomplish when staff with different responsibilities, experiences, and skill sets come together to put their city on a sustainable course.”
“We are very fortunate to have such a collaborative team believing in the ongoing improvement of our quality life in Oceanside,” added Mo Lahsaie, Environmental Officer for the City of Oceanside.
The Beacon Program is sponsored by the Institute for Local Government and Statewide Energy Efficiency Collaborative, and provides a framework for local government to share best practices that create healthier, more vibrant and sustainable communities. The Beacon Award program has served as a catalyst for innovative and effective solutions addressing climate change and honors voluntary efforts by local governments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save energy and adopt policies that promote sustainability.
The Institute’s sustainability best practices framework offers options for local action in ten areas. The City of Oceanside demonstrated the practices with various environmental efforts including Community and Individual Action, Energy Efficiency and Conservation, Renewable
Cari Dale, Water Utilities Director, Jonathan Borrego, Development Services Director
About the City of Oceanside: The City of Oceanside is located in northern San Diego County with a population of approximately 175,000. Oceanside’s vibrant coastal community includes Mira Costa Community College, Camp Pendleton and the world-renowned 1,601-foot fishing pier and 1,000-slip public marina. Oceanside is located 83 miles south of the City of Los Angeles and just 35 miles north of the City of San Diego. The City of Oceanside offers outstanding public amenities such as 30 city parks, four community recreation centers, two municipal swim centers, two senior centers, two city-owned golf courses, and 3.5 miles of public beaches. More than 6,000 businesses operate within the City of Oceanside, including Genentech Pharmaceuticals, Te Connectivity, Hydranautics, Nitto Denko, Gilead Sciences, Hobie Cat, and Tri-City Medical Center, as well as emerging craft and entrepreneurial ventures.
