MainStreet Oceanside, a nonprofit that works with the city and downtown businesses to guide the promotion, design and economic restructuring of downtown, was granted $190,000 for the upcoming year at the Aug. 13 City Council meeting and was called on to participate in a strategic planning workshop in January 2009, before further funding is allocated.

There was music, dancing and bead throwing from the band, as hundreds gathered at Rancho Del Oro Park to enjoy the music of Steve Reid and the zydeco tunes of the Bayou Brothers at this summer’s final Concert in the Park on Aug. 14.

Longboarders of all ages hit the waves of Oceanside to compete in four days of competition from Aug. 14 to Aug. 17. The Oceanside Longboard Club put on the event that drew 27 California longboard clubs, and close to 300 competitors, from Pacific Beach to Santa Cruz.

The third annual “Miracles in Motion” variety show took to the stage of the Truax Theater on Aug. 9 with topnotch entertainment and a heartfelt purpose — to raise funds and awareness for Ivey Ranch Park.

Two teens accused of killing Oceanside police Officer Dan Bessant were back in court Aug. 7 to dispute the allegations against them.

The ACLU and an Oceanside family have teamed up to advocate for changes in the Oceanside Police Department’s procedures and training relating to crisis negotiations.

Parents who think reading can wait until children start school are missing the opportunity to instill reading readiness skills in their toddlers, according to a nationwide literacy program. “Reach Out to Read” aims to bridge that misunderstanding through a family literacy program that begins at the pediatrician’s office.

This year’s annual “National Night Out” event taking a stand against crime was held Aug. 5 in a new location and with a new focus to reflect the positive changes that have taken place in the city.

New “at-sea” entertainment has been added to the list of sport fishing and karaoke cruises. Theater on the Water hit the high seas off Oceanside Harbor on July 31, and will continue every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening.

An off-duty San Diego police officer pleaded not guilty July 29 to charges relating to the shooting of a mother and her 8-year-old son in March.

There were plenty of smiles and few words during the grand opening festivities at Mance Buchanon Park on July 26.

While candidates have until Aug. 8 to file for the two Oceanside City Council seats and the position of mayor that are up for election, Charles “Chuck” Lowery has already filed his paperwork for candidacy, and opened his campaign headquarters July 26.

Scores of children headed to the Oceanside Public Library on July 26 to take home a book they can keep forever. The library teamed up with the I Am Foundation to give every child that stopped by the library that Saturday a new book.

City Council approved the sale of city-owned land to the Oceanside Marina Towers Association for $5 million in a 4-1 vote July 16, in which Councilman Rocky Chavez voted no. The parcel of land approved for sale sits beneath the Marina Towers and has been leased to the association for $50,000 a year since construction of the condos in the 1970s.

A 43-year-old woman pleaded not guilty July 18 to her fourth driving while intoxicated charge in less than one year.