OCEANSIDE — Two Oceanside natives have been recognized by Rep. Mike Levin as his June Constituents of the Month for their dedication to North County’s LGBTQ community.
David Ontiveros and Esmeralda Gonzalez, both born and raised in Oceanside, have served on the planning committee for the North County LGBTQ Resource Center’s annual Pride by the Beach celebration, which kicks off LGBTQ Pride Month each June. Ontiveros has volunteered for three years, while Gonzalez has served for two.
“Together, they have been indispensable to the organization’s mission, showing up consistently for both high-visibility events and behind-the-scenes work that keeps the community running,” according to a statement from Levin’s office.
“David brings a focus on the greater good to everything he does, keeping the organization’s mission front and center and ensuring that every decision serves those who need it most,” the statement continues. “Esmeralda leads with purpose and drive, serving as an anchor to the organization’s core values and inspiring those around her through her take-charge approach and unwavering commitment to community.”
Levin highlighted the pair’s contributions in the Congressional Record, saying they “represent the very best of what community means.”
“They do not wait to be asked; they simply show up, roll up their sleeves, and give everything they have to the people around them. Through their years of service with Pride by the Beach, they have helped build something that is more than an event. It is a testament to belonging,” Levin said.
Max Disposti, executive director and founder of the North County LGBTQ Resource Center, which organizes Oceanside’s Pride by the Beach, praised Ontiveros and Gonzalez for going above and beyond as volunteers each year.
“From helping with mapping our site, vendor relations and the day-of troubleshooting,” Disposti said via email. “It is because of people like them that we are inspired to keep our Pride event free despite the yearly increase in costs.”
Ontiveros said he is grateful for the recognition and for Levin’s support of Pride by the Beach. He said he hopes to see similar support for marginalized communities at the local, state and federal levels.
“As a queer folk myself, an integral belief of mine is that my continued existence in this world and society is itself an act of resistance, so I feel overjoyed for the recognition and visibility towards efforts that are rooted in community,” Ontiveros said.
Gonzalez said she was honored to receive the recognition and called it a privilege to work alongside the many volunteers who help create an event that strives to make everyone feel welcome.
“True unity of our city lies in the work that makes all our residents feel seen and heard and their right to be who they are and love who they love respected,” she said.
Both said they are excited for the 20th anniversary of Pride by the Beach next year.
According to Ontiveros, next year’s celebration will feature upgrades to the festival’s event systems and interactive map, as well as a North County Pride after-party.
