OCEANSIDE’S FINEST • Eric Joyce

Oceanside's Finest

ERIC JOYCE

WORDS: ELIZABETH SCHWARTZE PHOTO: ZACH CORDNER

On December 14, 2022, Oceanside’s Finest, Eric Joyce, took an oath of office to serve the citizens of Oceanside as their newly elected city council member. He will represent the 40,000 residents in District 1. It’s a district that is rich with culture and diversity, and spans from the ocean to the valley.

Joyce won his bid for office as a community advocate that wants to see all Oceanside residents rise with the tide of success. Oceanside’s diverse population is what keeps our beloved city authentic, and Joyce will embrace change, yet be a voice for every citizen. Since arriving in Oceanside in 2009, Joyce has set deep roots in his newfound home, building a reputation of commitment and integrity. In his new role as city council member, Joyce will undoubtedly serve his constituents with the same commitment and integrity he’s exemplified.

Joyce grew up in Richmond, Virginia, attending Radford University where he ran track, and received both his B.S. and his Master’s Degree. In 2009, after completing his M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction, he packed up his belongings with his then-girlfriend, Rachel, to head west in pursuit of a career in education. His first stop was Oceanside. In 2009, the job market was tough, and the first job offer was with the Encinitas Union School District in Special Education. Through that first job opportunity, he learned that Special Education was his calling, and he remains in that career path—and will continue

“I’m a believer that government is a force for good. Good governance can make a big difference, especially at the local level”

that career with his new role as city council member. He fell in love with Oceanside, married Rachel, and chose Oceanside as the place to raise his two children. In 2018, Joyce was elected to the Oceanside Unified School Board where he has spent the last four years investing his time and energy to benefit Oceanside students. He recently stepped down from that position when he was elected to city council.

For the past thirteen years, Joyce has invested in Oceanside. In conjunction with his career, and serving on the Oceanside School Board, Joyce is active in volunteering his time with different organizations. He chairs the committee to End the School to Prison Pipeline with the North San Diego County NAACP. Joyce volunteers with Humanity Showers, Oceanside Justice Coalition, and Community Roots Farm. Now, in his newest role as city council member, Joyce will represent the amazing organizations working tirelessly to better Oceanside. “I’m excited for the real conversations in the city to come to city hall, where they’re supposed to be happening,” he professes excitedly.

As the city of Oceanside faces the onslaught of urban growth and planning; and crises such as climate change, and homelessness, it’s good to know that the residents of Oceanside have an advocate to bring their voice to the table. Joyce has already demonstrated he’s Oceanside’s Finest with a dedication to public service.

“I’m a believer that government is a force for good. Good governance can make a big difference, especially at the local level,” states Joyce.

It’s exciting to see what Joyce will accomplish as an elected public servant. Thank you, Eric Joyce, for being Oceanside’s Finest.