OCEANSIDE, Calif. – The City of Oceanside has released an update on Measure X projects across Oceanside, including the results of the recent Citizens’ Oversight Committee meeting.
Measure X is the 1/2 cent sales tax measure passed in November 2018 by Oceanside voters for a seven-year term. The tax came into effect in April 2019 and provides for accountability for a citizens’ oversight committee, segregated funds, spending plans and an annual independent audit.
The Measure X Citizens’ Oversight Committee met March 10 to review the Year 4 Measure X Expenditure Plan and voted to recommend approval to City Council at its budget workshop in April. The plan proposes spending on public safety infrastructure projects, street and road repairs, construction costs for the new Fire Station 1, programs for the homeless, a new in-house community services, traffic calming measures, and more.
Measure X recent project updates
New fire training tower
Measure X finances the construction of the Oceanside Fire Department‘s Training Tower, which recently opened. OFD will have state-of-the-art technology to train on realistic structural and rescue scenarios to continually improve service and protect the lives and property of our community.
Strand Road repairs to begin
As city engineers formalize locations for this year’s road repair program, another major project is about to begin, courtesy of Measure X. Repairs along The Strand, from Seagaze Street south to Wisconsin Avenue, will take place from mid-March through May, while skipping the IRONMAN 70.3 event and Memorial Day weekend. Residents will have full access to homes and The Strand will remain open to vehicular and pedestrian traffic, but delays should be expected on the busiest working days.
Bridging housing for the homeless
Measure X helps fund 12 beds in community apartments in Oceanside. Bridge Housing provides a temporary living situation for up to 90 days while social workers help find permanent housing and learn social, financial and life skills. In 2022, the program provided transitional housing to 15 people experiencing homelessness. 14 of the 15 successfully moved into permanent housing.
Family reunification program
Measure X funds a program to help homeless residents of Oceanside reunite with families providing housing. Since the beginning of the year, staff have facilitated 12 family reunifications. Funds help ensure coordinated travel and staff confirm with family to ensure they await arrival and provide a safe space.
Emergency medical technicians
Using Measure X, the EMT program was successfully launched in September 2019. Three of the four Oceanside Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulances are staffed around the clock with paramedics and a firefighter/paramedic. Two additional Basic Life Support (BLS) units are staffed 24 hours a day by paramedics. This program provides Oceanside citizens with enhanced service delivery, one that other cities are beginning to emulate. EMT positions are a great way to provide solid experience and training to enter the Oceanside Fire Department. Oceanside residents are encouraged to explore this career path. EMT program
New fire fighting equipment
Measure X funds critical lifesaving equipment that keeps the Oceanside Fire Department prepared for any scenario. New equipment purchased includes a multi-purpose Vortex rescue rig system, underwater sonar units to quickly identify submerged people in open water, a blue card training and certification system for incident command and a air filling for self-contained breathing apparatus cylinders. The machine enables the safe and efficient filling of clean, breathable compressed air cylinders used in firefighting, one of the most crucial parts of protective equipment.
