Oceanside CA— The first two Oceanside City Council-members elected under the new District Elections format, Esther Sanchez and Christopher Rodriguez, were sworn into office during a brief special City Council meeting on Wednesday afternoon. Oceanside began the transition to District Elections in 2017 with Districts 1 and 2 being the first two to transition. Districts 3 and 4 will transition in 2020.
Esther Sanchez, an Oceanside native and first elected to the city council in 2002, defeated former Deputy Mayor Chuck Lowery in District 1 . “This means the world to me,” said Council-member Sanchez. “We have some challenges. We have new council with new possibilities and I am so excited about that. I have always said we can be the best when we’re together as a Council and as a community, a true partnership.”

This will be the first term on the City Council for Christopher Rodriguez who now represents District 2. Council-member Rodriguez is a former Marine with two combat tours in Iraq, a farmer, small business owner, past executive board member of the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce and the father of six children. “This is truly, truly an honor. I take this oath and swearing in very seriously. I love this city,” said Council-member Rodriguez. The newest Council-member said he could not have won the election if it wasn’t for his wife, Sarah. “She ran it all behind the scene and I would not be standing here today without her.” He added “Well Oceanside. You have just elected a Marine to City Council and we’re going to get to work. This is a new chapter for Oceanside. We’re going to find common ground and get a lot done for you guys.”
Sanchez and Rodriguez join Mayor Peter Weiss and Jack Feller on the Oceanside City Council.

Also sworn in on Wednesday was Victor Roy as City Treasurer. Roy defeated Rafe Edward Trickey, Jr. who was appointed to the office in 2017 after the Gary Ernst, who passed away prior to the 2016 election, defeated Nadine Scott for the office.
Roy has volunteered a lot of his time to several organizations in Oceanside. He is the President of the Friends of Oceanside Parks and Recreation, the vice-President of the Friends of the Oceanside Public Library and a founding member of the Oceanside Charitable Foundation. “If you have the time and ability to come out and share the passion a lot of us have for the city of Oceanside, join us in supporting our community with volunteer service.”