Meet the

O’side O’riginals

Oceanside has always been a city that thrives on individuality, innovation, and the passion of its people. The O’side O’riginals Profiles for 2024-2025 celebrate some of the community’s most influential figures—those whose talent, dedication, and connection to Oceanside’s unique culture have made a lasting impact. From surf phenom and Olympian Caity Simmers, to sustainability champions Davin and Jessica Waite, to cultural preservers Mel Vernon and Diania Caudell, each of these profiles highlights the inspiring stories of locals who embody the spirit of O’side. Through their achievements, they’ve not only shaped their industries but have also contributed to the vibrant, ever-evolving identity of Oceanside.

getting to know  
the o'riginals
getting to know

The O'riginals

Picture of Caitlin "Caity" Simmers

Caitlin "Caity" Simmers

Professional Surfer, 2024 Paris Olympian, Current WSL CT World #1, 2024 WSL World Champion

“I definitely enjoy repping Oceanside and letting people know where I’m from.
I’m full O’side or nO’side.”

-Caity Simmers

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. 

Picture of Davin & Jessica Waite

Davin & Jessica Waite

Sustainability Champions, Chefs, Restaurateurs: The Plot, Wrench and Rodent, Shoots

"Oceanside is one of the coolest cities to be a chef… As a city, everybody is a bit more adventurous. I think we’ve just kind of got that hunger for cool new stuff."

-Chef Davin

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.

Picture of Mel Vernon

Mel Vernon

Preserving Native American Culture, Tribal Captain, San Luis Band of Mission Indians, Author

Picture of Diania Caudell

Diania Caudell

Preserving Native American Culture, Basketweaver

"Our creation story is from here. We’re the Luiseño people and this was our Garden of Eden. We had our spirituality, we had our culture of living on the land that was connected to our universe, most of all it seems that our story is one of survival.”

-Mel Vernon (KPBS Interview 2010)

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.

Season of Swellness

In Oceanside, even our off-season is on point. But Swell Season isn’t just about big waves and beach weather. It’s an all-around, all-out vibe of cutting loose, slowing down, and ramping up that’s just…well, swell. From foodie-approved fall menus and kids-free October to sports and surf competitions, O’side is delivering can’t-help-but-smile swellness all season long.

Follow us on Social Media

Use the hashtag #VisitOceanside
Visitor Guide 2024 with shadow

What's New in O'side? Check out Our 2024 Visitor Guide To find out.

Oceanside Visitors Guide 2023

Sharing some O'side love with our Visitor guide.

Get Inside O'side