Vision, not opposition, defines Oceanside candidacy

By: SHARI MACKIN | Thursday, January 20, 2005 10:53 PM PST ∞

In a recent column ("Wood's Mackin gambit fails," Dec. 31), J. Stryker Meyer wrote the following about me: "The public will now get a chance to hear her vision for the city after years of being an oppositionist to many projects in Oceanside." Meyer has a right to his opinion, but his contention that I have been "an oppositionist to many projects in Oceanside" is simply not true.

I did organize the opposition to the Manchester Project, and I strongly opposed the $2.2 million giveaway to Doug Manchester when his project failed to meet the Coastal Act. I am proud of my opposition to Manchester's proposed sky-reaching high-rise, which would have closed Pacific Street (and others) and taken our public beach parkland for both private use and private profit. I have never been opposed to a first-class hotel at the pier; in fact, just a couple weeks ago, I took the time to meet with hotel developers and view projects they have built ---- all in the name of vision and research.

My vision for Oceanside includes a first-class hotel at the pier and a bustling downtown with inviting retail outlets and restaurants and cafes with superb indoor and sidewalk dining. Where is Oceanside's Restaurant Row, River Walk, and Company Stores? Oceanside is starving for uses other than Wal-Marts and ragtag discount stores.

We deserve first-rate development in all of Oceanside, and all development must include sufficient parking. In the pier area, development should preserve our view corridors and perhaps have a few gas fire rings (like the Coyote Grill) to enjoy a cup of coffee while watching our beautiful, unobstructed sunsets.

We can capture the dollars that are going to surrounding communities. We might look at districting Coast Highway, with main intersections serving as anchors for cultural enclaves, bringing uniqueness to each district and giving people the opportunity to "take a closer look." I've always said Oceanside is an exceptional place, and I know it can only get better with a great marketing plan!

We need an anchor on Highway 76. For starters, we can do something about the unpleasant view of auto recycle yards. Unsightly concrete parking garages have been disguised with creative landscape; why not the recycle yards? We might consider putting in a rancho architectural style "restaurant row" to complement the Mission and attract visitors to the area.

My vision is all about what is good for Oceanside. I do not believe we need to give her away. I believe that we need to market Oceanside to visitors but, most importantly, keep in mind that we have a large population, right here in Oceanside, which would like to enjoy our city ---- and we need to provide for them.

Does this sound like I am an "oppositionist"? Or better, an optimist for what we can do for the place where we choose to live? If you would like to learn more about my vision for Oceanside, I invite you to visit my Web site at www.sharimackin2004.com or you can call me at (760) 433-9899.

Shari Mackin, a small-business owner, ran unsuccessfully for Oceanside City Council in November.

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