RICKY JAMESOceanside City Council · District 2
Oceanside City Council · District 2 · 2026

This is home.
And it's worth fighting for.

I'm Ricky James, and I'm running for Oceanside City Council in District 2. I hope you take the time to read my About Me, some of my Priorities, My Pledge and keep track of the financial contributions throughout this race. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or want to support what this campaign is all about.

My Priorities
Ricky James

“Let's make Oceanside's potential a reality, together.”

Ricky James with his family in Oceanside
About Ricky

Not the best resident. The best candidate.

I am a 38 year old father, husband, son, brother. I was injured racing dirt bikes when I was 16 years old becoming a paraplegic. I have had to overcome some adversities in my life, but it has made me who I am today. I might not have dealt with them as I should have, but I am very grateful where my life has taken me. I now know I have the ability to serve my city in this capacity and there is no other motive other than being of service. I have not relied on a campaign manager, treasurer, or anybody to show me the ropes. I have worked very hard to figure out the system and it has been a great learning experience, something that I hope I can continue to do.

I'm not a career politician, and I won't pretend I'm the most qualified person in this city to sit on that dais. I'm not. But I am the best candidate this time. I take challenges head on and don't run from them because I can't run in the first place.

I identify as an Independent American because that's what I am. I didn't register Independent to hide anything. I'm not chasing both parties at the same time. I registered Independent because Oceanside City Council is a nonpartisan seat, and I intend to actually vote like it is, not carry water for a party, not chase endorsements from either side, and not let outside organizations or PACs tell me how to vote. I answer to District 2 residents.

I want this city to be the best possible city for young families to live in as well as compassionate to all seniors who love to live here even with the rising costs. We are a diversified city and no one should be left out. We will find solutions to make the potential of this city a reality if we work together.

Until November 3rd, I'll keep knocking on doors, keep showing up, and keep listening. This campaign isn't about me, it's about the neighbors who've stopped expecting City Hall to hear them. Let's make ourselves heard. Let's show how District 2 rolls.

— Ricky James

Your Neighborhood

This is District 2

North and northeast Oceanside — North Valley, Morro Hills, Guajome, Arrowood, and the San Luis Rey River corridor. If you live here, I'm running to represent you.

Map of Oceanside City Council District 2 highlighted in gold over an aerial view of north Oceanside

Oceanside City Council District 2 — adopted boundary (Finalist Map C).

My Priorities

Some of my priorities for a better Oceanside

Real problems deserve real solutions — not empty promises. Here's what I'll fight for on day one.

Independent — Nonpartisan

I don't intend to be the councilmember residents read about for the wrong reasons. No conflicts of interest, no backroom deals, no party loyalty tests — just steady, independent judgment on behalf of residents.

Fiscal Discipline — No New Taxes

The City's answer to years of budget strain is asking residents for a 0.5% sales tax increase. I think that's backwards — it hits young families and seniors on fixed incomes hardest, and it lets the City avoid fixing how it spends before asking residents for more.

Reachable Councilmember

Too many residents only hear from their councilmember at election time. I'll hold real office hours, show up where residents already are, and explain City decisions in plain language before they're made — not after.

Smart Development

I'm pro-growth — but growth that fits our roads, water, and services, not approvals rushed through because a developer asked first. The General Plan Update left South Morro Hills without its own Community Plan, and I'm committed to getting one established — so residents there have an actual, adopted plan for how the area grows, not decisions made project by project.

Protect and promote the assets that set us apart

No other North County coastal city has what we have. We should treat these as the competitive advantage they are — maintaining them, showcasing them, and building our identity and economy around them:

  • Oceanside Harbor
  • The Pier
  • Municipal Airport
  • Municipal Golf Course
  • Direct access to Camp Pendleton
  • First & last stop from Orange County
  • San Luis Rey River Trail
  • Playgrounds on the beach
  • Sprinter & Coaster transit stations
  • Frontwave Arena
  • Closest beach access to Temecula

My Pledge — A clean campaign

Municipal politics should run on honest relationships and reasonable compromise that protects residents. My vow is simple: I won't solicit or accept money that comes with an agenda. That starts with developers seeking approvals and vendors chasing city contracts — but it doesn't end there. I'll hold the same hesitation toward activists, non-profit organizations, political parties, and PACs looking to advance an agenda through my seat. When I take my seat on the City Council, I'll answer to residents, not to whoever wrote the biggest check.

So how will I fund a campaign? With a strong message, efficiency, genuine relationships, and transparency — not a war chest. I want to stay as neutral and open-minded as possible, so I can offer the most rational and unbiased judgment on every decision that comes before me. I'll treat my campaign's finances the way I'll treat the City's: carefully, efficiently, and strategically. Money alone won't always solve a problem — motive, discernment, and honesty are more effective.

A note from Ricky

Your time and your name mean more to me than your money

I'm not asking for your money — I'm asking for your support. I hope to do what I set out to do on the strength of this community.

I wish giving could be anonymous, but the law requires it to be reported — just like my expenses. I want it that way. Transparency is the whole point.

If I ever recognize a contribution from a developer or anything that looks like a conflict of interest, I'll send it back so I can stay unbiased. And if you spot a possible conflict, please bring it to my attention so I can address it.

Putting my money where my mouth is

I've filed a Partial Salary Waiver with the City of Oceanside

Pursuant to Article I.5, Section 2.1.70(d) of the Oceanside City Code and California Government Code Section 36516(f), I've formally notified the City Treasurer that I'm waiving part of my Council salary.

$1,200/mo
the most I'll accept in total compensation
~$2,152/mo
waived & returned to the City's General Fund

Oceanside Council compensation runs about $3,352 a month — $2,802.49 in base salary, plus roughly $350 for Community Development Commission meetings and about $200 for Harbor District meetings. I'll keep no more than $1,200; the remaining ~$2,152 every month goes, by law, to the General Fund for the City to use at its discretion.

Read the actual letter (PDF)
Transparency

Who's funding the District 2 race

I believe you have a right to know who's funding the people who represent you. Every contribution to every Oceanside campaign is public record — and you can look it up yourself in seconds.

Look up any Oceanside campaign filing on the City's eFile system →
Live tracker · updated October 6, 2026

The 2026 race — total raised since each campaign began

District 2, City of Oceanside · every committee opened at a different time, so these are full-campaign totals, not just this calendar year — contributions reported via the City's eFile system
Ricky James$3,623
No PACs, No Developers, No Organizations, No Vendors, No Clubs. No Conflicts-of-Interest. Committee formed 2026.
Rick Robinson$52,570
Re-Elect Rick Robinson City Council 2026 committee — raised since the committee formed 03/06/2025
Emily Gonzales$23,514
Gonzales for Oceanside Council D2 2026 committee — raised since the committee formed 11/12/2025
Rick Robinson — full-campaign breakdown, since 03/06/2025
Howard JacobsPrincipal, Oceanside-Nevada LP — 06/25/25$5,000.00
Oceanside Chamber of Commerce PACPACCommittee ID 1260474, Oceanside — $2,000 on 10/01/26 and $2,000 on 10/05/26 (filed the second time as “Oceanside Chamber Advance PAC,” same committee), both reported as 24-hour contributions$4,000.00
Fred WilliamsonWilliamson Produce — 06/19/25$3,000.00
Peter Weiss for City Council 2026Committee08/26/25$2,500.00
Building A Stronger WestPACWestern States Regional Council of Carpenters PAC — 09/16/26$2,500.00
California Apartment Association PACPACSacramento, CA — 10/03/26, reported as a 24-hour contribution$2,500.00
Dustin CampbellCampbell Farms — 10/26/25$1,000.00
Molly CampbellCampbell Farms — 10/30/25$1,000.00
Mike Ogden10/30/25$1,000.00
Donal YasikochiYasikochi Family Farm — 10/30/25$1,000.00
Lynn Jepsen06/26/25 & 11/03/25$1,000.00
Avalon Mgt. Group, Inc.08/03/26$1,000.00
California Real Estate PACPAC08/13/26, reported as a 24-hour late contribution$1,000.00
Terry Johnson06/26/25 & 10/14/25$750.00
John Franklin for Central Committee 2024Committee06/18/25$500.00
Debra Dugan06/30/25$500.00
Jim Myers06/30/25$500.00
Craig Wickman08/22/25$500.00
David FischbachCEO, Beachfront Only Vacation Rentals — 10/30/25$500.00
William BirnieFrontwave Credit Union — 09/10/26$500.00
Sally Sporrer08/18/26$500.00
Dawna & Jon CornDel Mar / Cardiff by the Sea — 02/25/26, $250 each$500.00
Jerry Harder06/26/25 & 12/08/25$400.00
Rick RobinsonSelf — transferred from his 2022 committee, 03/27/25$308.37
Vickie Prosser06/26/25$300.00
Tom MorrisseyMorrissey Construction Company — 10/30/25$300.00
Laura Bassett06/26/25$250.00
Ken AltmanChairman, Altman Specialty Plants — 09/22/25$250.00
Louise Balma10/09/25$250.00
David Heering10/26/25$250.00
Donna ClearyCalifornia State Legislature staff — 10/30/25$250.00
Hugh DykesVP Community Development, Frontwave Credit Union — 10/30/25$250.00
Tonya DaniellyExecutive Director, Ivy Ranch Park Assoc. — 12/22/25$250.00
Jeffrey CavignacInsurance sales, San Diego — 02/20/26$250.00
Michelle GoldbergUtility design consultant, Carlsbad — 02/23/26$250.00
Troy ReistGeologist, San Diego — 02/23/26$250.00
Ryan Keim for Mayor 2024Committee06/09/26$250.00
Bruce Howe08/26/26$250.00
Beverley Shapiro06/17/25 & 08/26/26$200.00
Joe Valenti Jr.06/19/25 & 10/12/25$200.00
Jerry Kern06/26/25$200.00
Colleen O'Harra06/26/25$200.00
Patti Siegmann06/26/25 & 10/30/25$200.00
John Todd09/09/26$200.00
Contributions of $100 or lessBruce May, Diane Holloway, Jordan Marks, and smaller gifts, plus a small filing-reconciliation difference$510.00
Monetary contributions — total since committee formed$37,268.37
Candidate loans outstandingRobinson to his own committee — $4,000 (05/23/25) + $10,000 (06/30/26)$14,000.00
Nonmonetary (in-kind)Fundraiser refreshments (George & Kim Murray, Neil & Debbie Nagata, $800 in 2025) + Oceanside Firefighters Association walk cards ($501.52 in 2026)$1,301.52
Robinson total contributions received — since 03/06/2025$52,569.89
Spent since committee formed$19,924.68

Cash on hand: $32,645.21 (est. — adding in the recent contributions since no spending against them has posted yet). This is Robinson's committee's ENTIRE fundraising history, not just this calendar year — his "Re-Elect Rick Robinson City Council 2026" committee filed its Form 410 on 03/06/2025, more than a year before mine, and had already raised $27,818.37 by the end of 2025. Pulled from all four of his Form 460s (214600778, 215505013, 217118682, 1050) plus three Form 497 24-hour reports: Filing ID 1064 (filed 10/01/26, $2,000 from the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce PAC), Filing ID 1067 (filed 10/03/26, $2,500 from the California Apartment Association PAC), and Filing ID 1079 (filed 10/05/26, another $2,000 from the same Oceanside Chamber committee, filed that time as “Oceanside Chamber Advance PAC”).

Emily Gonzales — full-campaign breakdown, since 11/12/2025
Progressive Labor AlliancePACSacramento, CA — 09/27/26, reported as a 24-hour late contribution$5,000.00
Future Democrats PACPACWashington, DC — 03/27/26$1,900.00
Kenneth DalpeOceanside — recurring donor, $100 gifts throughout 2026$1,700.00
Steven BurrellRetired, Oceanside — 03/07/26$800.00
Larry WarnerOceanside — recurring donor, throughout 2026$800.00
Diane NygaardOceanside — 03/07/26 & 09/04/26$800.00
Democratic Club of Carlsbad Oceanside02/28/26$800.00
Daniel DominguezRetired, Oceanside — 03/07/26$800.00
McCarty for Mayor 2028CommitteeSacramento — 07/20/26$750.00
Emily GonzalesCandidate self-fund/offset — 06/30/26$621.82
Sarah MaianiArtist, Santa Barbara — 01/10/26$500.00
OMHA — Oceanside Manufactured Homeowners Alliance06/26/26 & 07/30/26$500.00
Mica HashimotoChief Financial Officer, The Swell Collective — 03/15/26 & 08/18/26$500.00
Tina ValinOceanside — 04/02/26$500.00
Kim StoneRetired, Oceanside — 02/13, 06/22, 07/24 & 08/26/26$400.00
Karen GloverProfessor, CSU San Marcos — 03/08 & 06/16/26$400.00
Mike TenhoverOceanside — 07/09 & 09/15/26$400.00
Kyle Krahel-FrolanderDistrict Director, U.S. House of Representatives — 05/13/26$250.00
Brian Simmons, OFSMarina, CA — 01/02/26$250.00
Mike BullockOceanside — 03/09/26$200.00
Ann CampbellRetired, Davis — 05/29/26$200.00
Michelle LustigEd. Admin, LACOE — 03/07/26$200.00
Dennis MartinekFallbrook — 03/08/26$200.00
Shelly ParkerRetired, Oceanside — 03/07/26$200.00
Judy StoneRetired, Oceanside — 03/31/26$200.00
The Carol H. McCall TrustOceanside — 08/18/26$200.00
Dino GregorichIT consultant, Oceanside — 05/31/26$200.00
Jill LaughlinRN, Davita Healthcare Partners — recurring, throughout 2026$175.00
Leticia MadrilOceanside, self-employed — recurring, throughout 2026$150.00
Amber NiuatoaProfessor, MiraCosta — 09/09/26$111.00
Emily GonzalesCandidate seed money, before 2026 — 12/13/25 & 12/23/25$55.00
Contributions of $100 or lessCarol Broeland, Mike Kosec, John MacDowell, Valarie McCourtney, Chris Waidelich, Ron Dwyer-Voss, Michele Cyr, Lesa Thode, Warren Troy, Mathew Meyer, Amanda-Dawn Natalia, and smaller gifts$2,226.91
Monetary contributions — total since committee formed$21,989.73
Candidate loan outstandingGonzales to her own committee, via The Collective Consultancy — 12/26/25$1,000.00
Nonmonetary (in-kind)democrats.com (Bob Fertik) — email list to Oceanside activists$524.60
Gonzales total contributions received — since 11/12/2025$23,514.33
Spent since committee formed$11,506.37

Cash on hand: $12,017.96 (est. — adding in the new $5,000 contribution since no spending against it has posted yet). Gonzales's committee filed its Form 410 on 12/15/2025, about two and a half months before mine, so this is close to a calendar-year total — the only pre-2026 activity was $55 in seed contributions and the $1,000 loan in December 2025. Pulled from all three of her Form 460s (215560084, 217113002, 1049) plus a Form 497 24-hour report (Filing ID 1057, received 09/27/26, filed 09/28/26) for the $5,000 Progressive Labor Alliance contribution.

Ricky James — full-campaign breakdown, since committee formed 2026
Roy GreenFather-in-Law — Huntington Beach$1,200.00
Chance HardyOwner, Hardy Window Company — Placentia$1,000.00
Rick & Tina JamesMy parents$500.00
Kyle Carruthers, Maria Melissa Larish, Steven BauerThree new $100 gifts, received 08/24/26$300.00
OsideBBC.com PodcastIn-kind — 8 political ads on the Big Buccaneer Channel podcast$250.00
All other contributors under $100$373.24
James total contributions received — since committee formed$3,623.24
Spent since committee formed$3,178.84

Cash on hand: $444.40. My $100 personal seed loan to the campaign has since been repaid in full. My committee didn't exist before this year, so this figure is already a true full-campaign total. Note: my most recent Form 460 (filed 09/20/26) shows the calendar-year monetary-contributions column unchanged from my last report even though I itemized $2,848.24 in new contributions this period — likely a data-entry slip on my part rather than the treasurer's, and I'm following up to see whether it needs an amendment. The total above reflects what's actually been raised.

Tracking the 2026 cycle

We monitor the active District 2 candidates — Rick Robinson, Emily Gonzales, and my own committee — along with the PACs active in the race, capturing monetary and nonmonetary contributions, loans, and late-contribution reports as they post to the City of Oceanside's eFile system. The three committees didn't start on the same day: Robinson's opened 03/06/2025, Gonzales's opened 11/12/2025, and mine opened in 2026, so a fair comparison has to total each one's full history rather than just this calendar year — that's what's shown above. Robinson's committee carries $14,000 in outstanding candidate loans; Gonzales's carries a $1,000 loan from The Collective Consultancy (reported December 2025). Figures above are pulled from every Form 460 each committee has filed since it opened, through each candidate's most recent report (filed the week of September 20–24, 2026, covering the period through September 19, 2026), plus any Form 497 24-hour late-contribution reports filed since — most recently a second $2,000 contribution to Robinson from the Oceanside Chamber PAC (filed 10/05/26), a $2,500 contribution to Robinson from the California Apartment Association PAC (filed 10/03/26), an earlier $2,000 contribution to Robinson from the same Oceanside Chamber PAC (filed 10/01/26), and Gonzales's $5,000 contribution from the Progressive Labor Alliance (received 09/27/26, filed 09/28/26).

My campaign has raised $3,623.24 since my committee was formed — including $500 from my parents, Rick and Tina James, $1,200 from a retiree in Huntington Beach, $1,000 from a small-business owner in Placentia, three new $100 gifts in late August, and a $250 in-kind podcast-ad donation. My $100 personal seed loan has since been repaid in full. I don't solicit contributions, and I pledge not to take money from developers, vendors, PACs, or any interest seeking to advance an agenda. Robinson's re-election committee, which has been raising money since March 2025, has reported $52,569.89 in total contributions received since it formed (including $14,000 in candidate loans, $4,000 from the Oceanside Chamber PAC across two contributions, and $2,500 from the California Apartment Association, all reported between October 1 and October 5, 2026). Gonzales's committee, open since November 2025, has reported $23,514.33 in total contributions received since it formed, including a $5,000 contribution from the Progressive Labor Alliance reported September 27, 2026. All figures above come from every Form 460 each candidate's committee has filed to date.

For context · prior filings

Rick Robinson's 2022 Campaign

2022 election cycle — final/amended, fixed figures
Rick Robinson — 2022$86,379
incl. Political Action Committee (PAC) independent expenditures
2022 breakdown
Oceanside Firefighters Association PACPAC · independent expendituresSched. D/E/G IEs: mailers, digital ads, walk cards, texts, postage$39,862.70
Oceanside Police Officers' AssociationPAC$1,000 monetary + independent-expenditure printing & mailing$21,947.39
Howard Jacobs / GK Asset ManagementDeveloper — “Sunsets” micro-apartment project$4,900.00
Shantu PatelDeveloper — former Flying Bridge project$1,000.00
Waste ManagementCity refuse-franchise hauler$1,000.00
David Fischbach / Blue Curl LLCShort-term-rental operator (Beachfront Only Rentals)$1,000.00
Neal Nagata / Nagata Brothers LLCFarming landowner$500.00
Joe Valenti / North Coast VillageVacation-rental operator$400.00
Dustin CampbellTied to a cannabis-cultivation permit application (Sleeping Indian Rd)$250.00
All other contributors$15,519.39
2022 total$86,379.48

Contribution amounts and dates are from public California Form 460 filings via the City of Oceanside's eFile system. Notes identify each contributor's publicly known business, role, or project before the City. 2022 totals are final/amended and stay fixed.

Why your vote matters

In 2022, the District 2 seat was decided by just 817 votes.

This is a small, close district — a handful of engaged neighbors genuinely decide who represents you.

817
margin of victory in 2022
11,815
total votes that chose the seat
~43,742
residents in District 2

You're not a drop in the bucket here — you're the margin.

Source: San Diego County Registrar of Voters, 2022 official results.