OCEANSIDE — The Oceanside City Council has approved another one-year, nearly $1.4 million contract with MainStreet Oceanside to continue providing downtown security services.
The council initially launched the downtown security program in 2022 with a one-year, $1.3 million pilot contract, extending it for 15 months at $1.9 million in 2023.
The current contract expires Dec. 31, and the new agreement will ensure uninterrupted security in the downtown, beachfront, and Oceanside Transit Center areas.
The program, funded through Measure X — a one-cent sales tax aimed at improving public safety — employs Gatekeepers Security Services, a Hemet-based company that also provides security for the city’s harbor.
The renewed agreement includes staffing four trained security officers on foot, vehicle and bicycle patrols, operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week. According to city officials, the goal is to reduce crime, property damage, and other negative impacts on residents, businesses, and visitors in downtown Oceanside.
Economic Development Manager Michelle Geller noted the significant improvements since the program’s inception.
“Many say it’s like night and day,” Geller said.
Resident Mark Jacobs shared how the security presence influenced his decision to invest in the area.
“While I have compassion for them [unhoused individuals], it just didn’t seem safe, so I looked elsewhere,” Jacobs said, referring to the previously large congregation of homeless individuals near the transit center.
After seeing changes brought by Gatekeepers, Jacobs purchased two homes near the transit center, living in one and renting the other to his son.
“It really enticed me to invest significantly in downtown Oceanside,” he said. “Failure to renew the Gatekeepers program would be sort of a self-inflicted wound for Oceanside as it seeks to improve itself and make a vibrant downtown.”
Jane Marshall, representing the Oceanside Coastal Neighborhood Association and longtime resident Kevin Ham, also praised the program’s effectiveness.
“We no longer have to fear walking down the street,” Marshall said, adding that clogged storm drains, once filled with contaminants, are no longer a problem.
Gatekeepers emphasize de-escalation tactics and collaboration with the Oceanside Police Department’s Homeless Outreach Team (HOT). Officers engage in around 1,000 monthly contacts with approximately 150 unique individuals, addressing public intoxication, illegal camping, theft, vandalism, and loitering.
Individuals are detained and referred to OPD or connected with HOT or the San Diego Rescue Mission to access homeless resources if necessary.
Councilmember Eric Joyce, who previously questioned the program, acknowledged the improved relationship between security officers and the community.
“Over the course of this contract with MainStreet, the relationship with our security downtown has gotten better,” Joyce said, noting that complaints of unfair targeting have decreased.
Joyce also highlighted the addition of outreach workers accompanying security officers, enhancing the program’s ability to address the needs of vulnerable populations.
Not all residents are convinced the program benefits the entire city. Inland resident Ben Martinez questioned the exclusive focus on downtown, suggesting Measure X funds could support a citywide program.
“As a local, it doesn’t do me any good,” Martinez said, citing increased homeless populations in areas like the San Luis Rey Riverbed.
Despite such concerns, the council unanimously approved the contract, reaffirming its commitment to downtown security while planning to address broader homelessness issues during a workshop in February.
Joyce emphasized the importance of finding solutions that relocate and serve unhoused individuals.
“We have to tackle this issue comprehensively,” Joyce said.
