Residents petition to save Regal Oceanside

OCEANSIDE, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) -- The Regal Cinema in downtown Oceanside sits in the middle of restaurants, shops and an outdoor dining space. Locals say it’s popular with the military and families throughout the week.

"This has been an icon, if you will, or a landmark here in this community for at least 10 or 15 years,” said Kareem Pinkston, Eating Oceanside Owner.

Under a proposed mixed-use project, it could be replaced with apartments and retail space.

“The proposal is to build, I believe, a seven-story, more than 300-unit luxury apartment complex,” said Pinkston.

Oceanside resident, Elton Melendez, works at Breeza Beachwear — one of the shops that could be impacted.

"It makes me not only sad but very angry. That’s why I did want to start the petition," said Elton Melendez, petition organizer.

He started the petition after hearing about the potential loss of his workplace and what he sees as the heart of the community.

"I think right now, the last time I checked, which was yesterday, I have 1,900 signatures,” said Melendez. 

Melendez says the city should refurbish the plaza instead.

"I think this is a very valuable part of the local economy here in Oceanside. It’s still one of the driving factors of why it’s so busy here in downtown Oceanside," said Melendez. 

Eating Oceanside Owner, Kareem Pinkston, is helping the petition gain attention. He promotes small businesses and restaurants through his social media marketing business and says he’s concerned about gentrification.

"It again adds to the gentrification here because the price of everything will go up,” said Pinkston.

FOX 5/KUSI reached out to the Oceanside City Manager, city council and mayor for comment but have not heard back. FOX 5/KUSI also contacted the developer and have not received a response.

"October 1st, 2025 is supposed to be the next city council meeting in regards to this," said Pinkston.

Pinkston says the project includes affordable housing units, which he believes makes approval more likely. But he says he’s not giving up.

"I want people to know the cost. I want the city to realize the people did not want this," said Pinkston.

The petition to save the Oceanside Regal Plaza is posted on change.org.