The City of Oceanside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Service award is an annual award given to a resident of the City of Oceanside or member of the U.S. Armed Forces stationed at Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Pendleton. The award is given to a resident who exemplifies the ideals and teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who worked to advance civil rights, equal education, labor, and voter rights and who fought racial inequality through non-violence and civil disobedience. The Community Service Award began thirty years ago as a way to recognize persons in the community who have given time and energy through volunteerism to improve community life, develop positive relations in the community, and enhance the lives of individuals. The award has no restrictions as to race, ethnicity, gender, or type of service and is open to any resident of Oceanside or MCB Camp Pendleton.

The nomination process is as follows:

1. Individual nomination forms are due to the City of Oceanside Housing Authority by 4:00 PM November 21, 2025 and will be reviewed for completeness.
2. All complete nominations are forwarded to a volunteer Selection Committee appointed by the Housing Commission.
3. The Committee meets to share individual rankings and come to a consensus opinion as to the 2026 recipient.
4. All nominees are recognized and the 2026 recipient is announced at the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast commemorating the life and work of Dr. King sponsored by the North County Branch of the NAACP. This event will be held at the El Corazon Event Center, 3302 Senior Center Dr., Oceanside on January 19, 2026.
5. The recipient receives a plaque at the event and a photo of the recipient is posted in the community rooms adjacent to the Oceanside Public Library.

The Selection Committee is now seeking nominations for the 2026 award. The DEADLINE IS NOVEMBER 21, 2025.

2026 MLK, Jr. Community Service Award Nomination Form

For more information or submission of nominations, contact City staff at (760) 435-5044 or via email at mlkserviceaward@oceansideca.org.