The O’side O’riginals celebrate Oceanside’s spirit of individuality, innovation, and passionate community by highlighting influential figures whose talent, dedication, and connection to the city’s unique culture have made a lasting impact. Through their achievements, they’ve shaped their industries and contributed to the vibrant, ever-evolving identity of Oceanside.
Cultivating Oceanside’s Agricultural Legacy, Vice President of Mellano & Company, President Elect of the Society of American Florists, member of the American Academy of Floriculture
As a third-generation member of the Mellano family, Michelle Castellano Keeler is a driving force behind Oceanside’s agricultural growth. As Vice President of Mellano & Company, she has helped expand the family’s legacy of cultivating high-quality flowers and crops, strengthening the region’s reputation for agricultural excellence.
One of Mellano & Company’s most notable contributions is supplying the vibrant ranunculus flowers for The Flower Fields in Carlsbad. This breathtaking annual display draws visitors from around the world and showcases the farm’s dedication to beauty and quality.
In 2025, Mellano & Company celebrates its 100th anniversary—a milestone marking a century of passion, resilience, and innovation. From its humble beginnings in the Los Angeles Flower Market to becoming a trusted name in the floral industry, the company’s legacy continues to thrive. Today, Mellano Farms remains a vital part of the community. Beyond managing the family farm in South Morro Hills, Michelle pioneers agritourism experiences at Mellano Farm Stand, offering seasonal delights like strawberry picking, sunflower fields, pumpkin patches and the new Certified Farmers Market every Friday. Through her leadership, Michelle Castellano Keeler is not only honoring her family’s heritage but also cultivating a bright future for Oceanside agriculture.
Preserving Native American Culture, Tribal Captain, San Luis Band of Mission Indians, Author
Preserving Native American Culture, Basketweaver
Mel Vernon and Diania Caudell are members of Oceanside’s San Luis Rey Band of Mission Indians and dedicated to preserving and sharing their Luiseño heritage. Mel, a tribal captain and Native American flute player, educates and inspires through concerts. He also authored the children’s book Mel and the Blue Arrow, which shares Native American traditions and culture. Diania teaches basketweaving, serves on the California Indian Basketweavers’ Association board, and advocates for cultural preservation through safe environmental practices. Both are involved in Oceanside’s Valley Arts Festival, which celebrates Native American heritage through interactive and educational activities.
Professional Surfer, 2024 Paris Olympian, Current WSL CT World #1, 2024 WSL World Champion
Oceanside’s own Caity Simmers made history in 2024 as the youngest World Champion ever at the Lexus WSL Finals! With the highest heat total in WSL Finals history, she brings the Women’s World Title back to California for the first time in 40 years.
At only 18 years old, Caity Simmers is one of professional surfing’s brightest rising stars. She burst onto the scene at 15, winning the US Open of Surfing, and her accolades continue to grow. In 2023 alone, she claimed the prestigious Rookie of the Year title, dominated at legendary surf breaks like Pipeline and Rio de Janeiro, and secured her spot on the WSL professional tour. Caity’s star grew even bigger this summer as one of just three women surfers representing Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Known for her smooth style, powerful aerials, and fearless approach, Caity embodies Oceanside’s unique spirit of creativity and individuality. She excels not only in competition but also in free surfing, always staying true to herself. Beyond the waves, Caity has a passion for skateboarding and creating surf films through her label, “Toasted,” which celebrates surfing, community, and artistic expression.
Sustainability Champions, Chefs, Restaurateurs: The Plot, Wrench and Rodent, Shoots
Oceanside eco-warrior duo Jessica and Davin Waite have spent the past decade revolutionizing food sourcing and consumption through zero-waste and sustainability initiatives. Starting with Wrench and Rodent Seabasstropub, they expanded to the zero-waste vegan eatery The Plot and eco-conscious poké shop Shoots Fish & Beer. The Waites are key figures in the region’s zero-waste and plant-based culinary movements, earning multiple “Best of” awards as well as a 2022 Sustainability Advocate Award from the CalTravel Association. Prioritizing local, sustainably sourced ingredients, the Waites focus on innovation, education, and collaboration to redefine Oceanside’s culinary landscape working with organizations like Scripps Institute of Oceanography, NOAA and Berry Good Foundation. They are true O’side O’riginals.
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