OCEANSIDE — The council chambers were packed on Dec. 11 as family, friends, and constituents gathered to witness the swearing-in of newly elected and re-elected officials following November’s election.
Mayor Esther Sanchez, who narrowly defeated former Deputy Mayor Ryan Keim, reflected on her deep ties to Oceanside and her vision for the city.
“This room reflects the city of Oceanside, which is why I love this town so much,” said Sanchez, born and raised in the community after her grandfather moved the family to the area from Texas.
Sanchez also highlighted the council’s new Democratic majority for the first time in 24 years, asking residents to embrace a fresh approach.
“Please give us a chance to show you that we’ve got the heart, we’ve got the plans, we’ve got the vision, and it’s all about you,” Sanchez said.
Re-elected District 4 Councilmember Peter Weiss urged his colleagues to think beyond district lines.
“All five of us have to make decisions that affect everyone, so it’s important that we look beyond our districts,” Weiss said.
Newly elected District 3 Councilmember Jimmy Figueroa, who grew up in Oceanside’s Tri-City neighborhood, expressed gratitude to his family and community.
“I don’t think they could ever imagine this moment – that their son would be a City Council member,” Figueroa said, reflecting on his parents’ sacrifices after they were displaced by gentrification in Solana Beach and Encinitas.
Figueroa invited friends Joe Taulau and Timothy Jackson, former rival gang members now mentoring at-risk youth, to swear him in as a symbol of unity. The three worked together in Vista Community Clinic’s Resilience Program, where Figueroa previously served as manager.
City Treasurer Phyllis Dominguez, who defeated incumbent Victor Roy in her first-ever bid for public office, vowed to bring transparency to her new role.
“I look forward to working for the people of Oceanside because I’m elected to work for you,” Dominguez said.
City Clerk Zeb Navarro ran unopposed and was sworn in for another term, promising to maintain high service standards.
Outgoing Deputy Mayor Ryan Keim, who ran unsuccessfully for mayor, congratulated Figueroa and thanked city staff for their hard work.
“I’m very proud to be leaving my seat to someone that I know who cares about the city very much,” Keim said. “Jimmy Figueroa has worked very hard … and I’m looking forward to seeing all the great things he’s going to do on council.”
Keim, appointed in 2019 and elected in 2020, concluded with gratitude for the relationships he built during his time on the council.
Keim also thanked city staff for their time and effort following the City Council’s directions.
“We ask for a lot up here and when we make a simple motion and get it seconded, it turns into hours of stafftime,” Keim said. “We have some of the most fantastic staff in the county.”
