OIA MEETINGS. Meetings of the OIA are usually on the 2nd Thursday of each month, at 6:30 p.m. in the OCSD meeting room at 1655 Front Street in Oceano (please use parking lot in back).
* * * COMING EVENTS * * *
CENTRAL COAST RAILROAD FESTIVALOCTOBER 8-12, 2009www.ccrrf.com
Caboose Dedication. On Sunday, October 26, 2008 the Oceano Depot Association officially dedicated their 1907 Wooden Caboose to John Loomis. The caboose was originally put into service on the San Pedro, Los Angeles, and Salt Lake Railway in 1907. In 1926 the caboose was purchased by the Santa Maria Valley Railroad and placed into service. By 1963 it was retired and sold to John Loomis. John placed the caboose on his Tar Springs Ranch where it remained until 2004, when he donated it to the community of Oceano.
Veterans Day- Sunday, November 11, 2007. Veterans Day was commemorated at the Oceano Depot with a program by the Central Coast Honor Guard. The Depot was open for tours and displays of military memorabilia. A special program honoring America's Veterans past and present was held at 11:00AM. A BBQ meal followed the ceremony, with all proceeds benefiting the depot restoration project.
December 9, 2006. The OIA, Oceano Kiwanis, Oceano Women's Club, and Oceano Depot Association participated in a joint celebration of the 10th Anniversary of the Incorporation of the Oceano Community Center. The celebration was held at the center and was catered by Oceano's own Rock and Roll Diner.
On October 12, 2006 the OIA hosted a "Candidates' Night" for all candidates running for a seat on the Board of Directors for OCSD in the Boardroom at OCSD. The Oceano Improvement Association has sponsored the Candidates' Night for well over 15 years, using the League of Women's Voters or someone outside the community to moderate so that the candidates can have a comfortable environment for expression.
July 15, 2006. OCEANO SCHOOL REUNION. Over 350 former Oceano Elementary School Students and Staff from the 1940's and 50's reunited with friends and former classmates at the Oceano Depot to enjoy a Santa Maria Style Bar-B-Que, talk about the good old days, and see the many items and school photos from those years that were on display.
June 9, 2006. Grand Opening of the OCEANO COMMUNITY CENTER. On the morning of June 9, 2008 a ribbon cutting ceremony took place at the entrance to the Oceano Community Center building, with 4th District Supervisor "Katcho" Achadjian and past District Supervisor Ruth Brackett officiating. Before and after the opening ceremony, the building was open to the public with Ballet Folklorico in the gymnasium. An open house in the evening was well attended from 5 to 8 p.m. For information regarding future scheduled classes and activities at the Center contact Barbara Carey at careyocci@yahoo.com
May 11, 2006. A forum for candidates for the San Luis County Board of Supervisors, 4th District was held at the South County Regional Center. The Forum was presented by the Oceano Improvement Association, the Arroyo Grande Chamber of Commerce, and the Nipomo Chamber of Commerce. The event was moderated by the League of Women Voters of San Luis Obispo County.
On October 16, 2005. The Oceano Depot Association dedicated their newly created "Dr. Rudolf W. Gerber Memorial Park." Dr. Gerber came to Oceano in 1930 and became Oceano's own "Country Doctor," making house calls long after the practice had been abandoned by most of the medical profession. He often treated many people who had no money, especially during the Great Depression. Dr. Gerber was loved and respected by all who knew him and was renowned for the garden area he created at his home, featuring many exotic plants and especially roses.
The park is located immediately behind the Historic Oceano Railroad Depot on Highway 1 (across the street from the Fire Department) in downtown Oceano. The park features a memorial plaque, a picnic area, and a small garden area featuring some of Dr. Gerber's favorite rose varieties.