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Hello Oceanside! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. 

In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Lego Galaxy grand opening, a war refugee turned vintner, and gold and silver’s hot streak + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.

Today’s sponsor, Spot Pet Insurance, is something I wish I had before a late-night emergency vet visit left me with a $10,000 credit card bill. It’s cheaper than Netflix… and means you never have to choose between your pet and your savings. It takes less than 5 minutes to sign up – get started here.

📰 In the news

New approach to coastal resilience: Oceanside’s sand project is in testing at Oregon State University’s wave basin, exploring ways to keep sand on southern beaches. Officials plan to break ground this year, expanding toward Carlsbad — get the full project details.

Ambitious municipal upgrades advance: Oceanside has earned national recognition with a 2026 Smart 20 Award for modernizing city facilities, with solar upgrades underway and about $26 million in savings projected over 30 years — get all the project details.

From war refugee to vintner: Ramona’s Sky Valley Cellars is winning awards as founder Houman Dahi elevates San Diego wine, with Marina District tasting room planned later this year. Hotel Solea opens in Carlsbad today — read the full story.

Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why they’re back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Highlights this week:

• Compete and celebrate at Oceanside Kneeboard Titles
• Dance into healing with your inner child
• Meet SPOT Rescue’s adoptable pets
• This top-tier home warranty is 50% off right now

🐾 One pet emergency can cost $10,000+

Together with our sponsor Spot Pet Insurance

Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache.

From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving.

As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Spot.

It’s super affordable and reimburses up to 90% on qualified vet bills. It was too late for me, but it’s not too late for you. Sign up today.

🫶 We got your back

Tapas night, sorted: Whether you’re craving crispy patatas, garlicky prawns, or a paella that steals the table, Bolero Restaurante nails Spanish-style sharing with vinos from its own winery and a patio made for lingering. Consider it an effortless weeknight upgrade.

Gear up for swell: From shorties and step-ups to warm rubber and the bits you always forget (wax, leashes, ding fixes), Surf Ride keeps Oceanside surfers dialed with smart picks and rentals. Gear nerd advice runs deep, so the next pulse pairs nicely with something that actually fits your waves.

Old-school movie magic: La Paloma Theatre is a cozy, slightly creaky North County icon mixing cult throwbacks, new indies, and the occasional one-night ringer. Bring a neighbor, ignore the algorithms, and let the big screen reset your week.

Access cash without selling your home: A reverse mortgage can help anyone over 62 cover everyday expenses, support healthcare needs, fund home improvements, or even reduce pressure on 401(k) withdrawals – all while staying in your home. Longbridge offers a free calculator to estimate how much flexibility your home could provide, with no commitment required.

📆 Fun for the whole fam

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

🌌 Lego Galaxy Grand Opening @ LEGOLAND | Friday (3/6) at 10:00 AM – Ready to trade lawn chores for liftoff? The new LEGO Galaxy land opens with an indoor family coaster, two more cosmic rides, and plenty of space to keep the kids starry-eyed while you enjoy the AC, actual shade, and zero rogue bricks underfoot.

🎉 Summergate Anniversary @ Buddy Todd Park | Saturday (3/7) at 8:00 AM – Summergate is unleashing the beast at Buddy Todd Park with armored, rapier, and cut-and-thrust melees, plus youth bouts and a bardic throwdown about mythic critters. It’s team fights, hype-herald glory, and lunch by the Inept Engineers, donations welcome, sunscreen required, ale decidedly not.

🎶 SoCal Kpop Anime Fest @ AVO Playhouse | Saturday (3/7) at 3:00 PM – Downtown Vista is going full K-pop and anime, and yes, it’s free. Expect colorful cosplay, local vendors, and beats you’ll pretend you don’t recognize. Grab a snack, clap for the dance crews, and let the kids show you what’s cool.

⚽ Icons vs Creators: Indoor Soccer Exhibition @ Frontwave Arena | Saturday (3/7) at 5:30 PM – Legends lace up against internet hotshots in an indoor soccer exhibition, so you get big-game energy without freezing on the sidelines. Expect slick footwork, playful banter, and a few selfie breaks, all in climate-controlled comfort, all ages welcome. Bring your indoor voice, your outdoor cheer.

♀ HerStory 2026 @ Downtown Oceanside | Saturday (3/7) at 7:00 PM – Local teens take the mic as OHS and ECHS students turn educators’ stories into music, spoken word, and movement that may have you texting your favorite teacher. Proof schools teach more than test prep. Public welcome, bring your good energy. Tickets, sponsorships, and donations: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/generational-black-pioneers-herstory–2026

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🔥 Worth a peek

We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.

• Thinning hair? Don’t wait – here are 3 treatments that work
• This free tool helps connect you with the right financial advisor
• Got debt? You may be able to pay less than you owe
• Protect your pet from disaster with this pet insurance plan
• You can own physical gold and silver in your retirement account
• Treat yourself: Save on self-care during the CVS Epic Beauty Sale

📻 Oceanside report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 64°F – Low: 55°F – Precip: 0%

Mostly sunny, with a high near 64. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 55. South wind around 5 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 64°F – Low: 51°F – Precip: 0%

Sunny, with a high near 64. Northwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Later: Clear, with a low around 51.

Someone Googled you this week 👀

It may feel like an invasion of privacy, but unfortunately It’s the new normal. Whether you’re joining a committee, selling something locally, dating again, or just meeting new neighbors… people are going to look you up online.

Like it or not, the internet has a way of surfacing past mistakes and outdated information that no longer reflects who you are.

Thankfully, there’s a really easy way for you – or someone you care about – to clean up outdated results that no longer tell the real story. Learn more here.

This house is wild

Marina del Mar delivers a front-row harbor lifestyle in Oceanside Harbor, just steps to Harbor Village and 200 yards to sandy beaches. This single-story 2-bed, 2-bath condo flaunts a dreamy boatside balcony, Brazilian quartzite kitchen, and spa-like baths with Italian Madeli vanities. Community perks include a heated pool, sauna and spa, BBQ area, elevators, laundry, and gated parking.

Take a peek inside →