School has started and Labor Day has come and gone.

That means local's Summer has started here in Oceanside. It is truly my favorite time of year. The window of time after Labor Day into the first few weeks of October (all the way to Halloween if we are lucky). Wet suits are not needed, the weather is warm, and we have the beaches to ourselves.

Do not get me wrong, I love that people come to see our city and enjoy it for vacation as much as we do. Tourism helps our local businesses and the economy. And that keeps Oceanside, Oceanside. Unfortunately, some things are not the same, and change is our midst. So many local businesses are being forced out due to rent increases and they can not continue to do business in their current locations or have been forced to close their doors. This makes me so sad. Then I get mad when I see the paint job that screams rental or outside business. That ever to familiar white building with black trim. A paint job that is uniform and covers the unique color of a business I once loved to frequent. Even though photography is not my main source of income, I support the businesses that make their living running their businesses here in Oceanside.

So what can we do? Support local as much as you can. We have so many local places to eat, buy clothing, our surfboards, and groceries. I hope that does not change, but if it does, the essence of our awesome beach town will too. This is not the forward change I want to see in our community. Change is going to happen, but our businesses that give our city such a unique vibe should not.

I grew up in the Inland Empire, San Bernardino specifically. San Bernardino has the same gritty, but friendly vibe as Oceanside. I think the vibe of Oceanside reminded me of home with a beach. Same types of people, all walks of life, different colors, cultures, and backgrounds. Even with some parts of town you should not end up in. Unfortunately, my hometown is not what it once was these days. I am forever grateful for my upbringing in the city lovingly called Berdoo. I had traveled a large portion of the world when I settled in Oceanside. It felt like home. San Deigo County has been my home for the last 27 years, and Oceanside has been my home for the last 16 years. My kids go to public school here, I work in Oceanside, my home is in Oceanside. I love this city and the people and businesses in it.

I participated in First Friday Oceanside Artwalk in August and September. My favorite part was talking to other local artists and the people who stopped to look at my photos. My photos are primarily of Oceanside. I love the beauty of our beaches and our City. Oceanside has so much history. I love when people recognize the photo locations that are not well known. Only the places a local would know. I loved their appreciation of my locations I have chosen.

There are so many Instagram profiles that cover anything and all things in Oceanside. The vibe is the same. We love our city and the current personality it has. I know change is inevitable, but I don't want us to be like everyone else. I want the grittiness (Dare I say slightly ghetto? We all have a little Larry's Beach Club in us, I know you do fellow Osider!! I know I do!)

With that said here is a list of some of my favorite local places and services around Oceanside.

I love to get sandwiches at Cream of the Crop before going to the beach. I bought my last surfboard at The Real Surf Shop. I buy some great bathing suits and other fun accessories at Boom Boom Brazil. I love a good Bucc Muff at Buccaneer Cafe on my days off. We frequent Anita's because I don't like to cook on Sundays. When I want a great glass of wine and gnocchi The Privateer is my go to. The chicken salad at Angelo's is where I get a quick bite. My favorite treats are 1020 Gellato and Little Fox Ice Cream (ice cream tacos, yes please!). Mission Bar and Grill have great drinks and food when downtown for Sunset Market if you did not eat your way through there. The City of Oceanside has amazing programs for all ages and The Boys and Girls Club of Oceanside is a gem for our kids! I don't golf but if you do Emerald Isle and Goat Hill Golf Club are there for you. There are so many places I can not name them all, but I am here for you!! If I am shopping local I try to tag the business as much as possible. You can pick up a copy of the Osider which also has many local business and have great articles about the businesses, people, and happenings in Oceanside. Stay Oceanside! Buy local when you can! and keep Oside, well Oside. See you around Oceanside!