Rep. Mike Levin Honors Rev. Jason Coker and Rev. Jenell Coker of Oceanside as December 2025 Co-Constituents of the Month
Oceanside, CA—Today, Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) recognized Rev. Jason Coker and Rev. Jenell Coker, co-lead pastors of The Oceanside Sanctuary, as his December 2025 Co-Constituents of the Month.
Through their tireless leadership, The Oceanside Sanctuary, one of the oldest churches in North County San Diego, provides critical support to vulnerable neighbors who are hungry, unhoused, or struggling, while expressing the grace and goodness of God to anyone in need. In addition, Rev. Jason Coker and Rev. Jenell Coker are community organizers who advocate for socially-just policies that address the root causes of poverty and inequality.
When Rev. Jason Coker started at The Oceanside Sanctuary, the church had fewer than 40 active members and was preparing to close after decades of decline. Today, it is thriving with more than 400 active members and annual contributions exceeding $500,000, making it larger and stronger than at any point in its 150-year history.
Rev. Jenell Coker helped grow The Oceanside Sanctuary into what it is today and has been a religious leader for more than 25 years. She is a certified spiritual director through the University of Redlands and San Francisco Theological Seminary, with spiritual formation rooted in the Christian tradition.
Under their leadership, The Oceanside Sanctuary started a partnership with Feeding San Diego and opened a food panty that provides meals to more than 400 food insecure San Diegans each month. They also joined with other local organizations to offer shelter and aid to asylum seekers who were being dropped off at the Oceanside Transit Center in 2023.
Rep. Levin recognized Rev. Jason Coker and Rev. Jenell Coker for their incredible work and dedication to helping people in their community. They are true pillars of Oceanside and have ensured The Oceanside Sanctuary will always maintain its legacy of service.
See below for Rep. Levin’s statement recognizing Rev. Jason Coker and Rev. Jenell Coaker in the Congressional Record:
“Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize Rev. Jason Coker and Rev. Jenell Coaker as my December 2025 Co-Constituents of the Month.
“Rev. Jason and Rev. Jenell Coker are being recognized for their extraordinary leadership, vision, and long-standing commitment to community transformation. Together, they have grown The Oceanside Sanctuary into a thriving, historic congregation that serves as a hub for inclusive, justice-centered ministry in North County San Diego.
“Their work extends far beyond the church walls through ecumenical and interfaith collaboration, nonprofit leadership, education, and community organizing, and is grounded in a fully LGBTQ-affirming faith that prioritizes dignity, equity, and belonging. Through decades of service, the Cokers have demonstrated how thoughtful, courageous leadership can strengthen institutions, empower communities, and create lasting positive change.
“They are immensely deserving of this recognition and our district is better off because of their work.”
ABOUT THE CONSTITUENT OF THE MONTH PROGRAM:
Rep. Levin’s Constituent of the Month program recognizes outstanding North County San Diego and South Orange County residents who have gone above and beyond to help their neighbors, give back to their community, and represent the best of our country. Rep. Levin’s November 2025 Constituent of the Month was Mel Vernon, Captain of the San Luis Rey Band of Mission Indians, author, professional musician, and esteemed public speaker and educator. The October 2025 Constituent of the Month was Annalise Aitken, a 17-year-old San Clemente resident, student, and volunteer extraordinaire.
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