OCEANSIDE — Councilwoman Esther Sanchez brings eight years of council experience and knowledge of urban studies and law to the Oceanside City Council. Sanchez recently retired from serving 10 years as a public defender and continues a private law practice in Oceanside.
Sanchez knows the community, as she is from a third-generation Oceanside family and said she has seen the good and the bad come to Oceanside.
Among the best things to happen to Oceanside, Sanchez said, is that the city is the safest it has been in 30 years. Oceanside has a reduced crime rate and a renewed focus on community policing.
Among the worst things, Sanchez said, is the $2.2 million lawsuit paid to the developer of the never-built Manchester project.
“This year is a crucial year for voters,” Sanchez said.
Sanchez says she listens to residents, and many times votes against the council majority to support citizens’ wishes. “I do try very hard to find out what the real issue is by talking to residents, and asking what can we do,” Sanchez said.
Sanchez looks ahead to the need to refocus on small businesses and topnotch commercial development to support community services. In downtown redevelopment Sanchez would like to see the master plan followed with first floor retail, interesting architecture, and a decent parking program.
Sanchez says it is possible to balance development and sustaining the environment. “Oceanside can be a destination place we can be very proud of.”
For more information on Esther Sanchez, visit yes4esther.com.
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