Meet Jim O'Hara Your Neighbor
& Business Leader
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"Family. It’s simple. Every day, they remind me why it's important, and how life is better when you invest in people."
Jim O'Hara
NEIGHBOR & PARENT
Jim O’Hara moved to Encinitas in the late 90’s after falling in love with its vibrant community, great weather, and its active lifestyle while visiting family in Southern California as a child. As an avid surfer and endurance athlete, he quickly discovered that it’s truly the people and their eclectic spirit that make Encinitas so uniquely special. You’ve probably seen Jim running on the Coast once or twice, training to compete locally and internationally, having represented our country on the US National Team at the Triathlon World Championships.
He and his wife, Carmel Murphy are raising their daughter to embrace all aspects of this extraordinary city they are fortunate to call home. Carmel grew up in Leucadia focused on school and soccer. After her studies, she returned to Encinitas and is a pediatrician at True Care on 2nd St, where she provides affordable primary care and health services to local families. The O’Hara Family also shares their home with their two rescue dogs, further reflecting their commitment to compassion and philanthropy.
A non-partisan Independent, Jim is committed to fostering a safe, sustainable, and thriving environment for all neighbors and local businesses, without the influence of politics. He believes that Encinitas politics should be bi-partisan and not agenda driven. Meshing the past and present with the input, character, and spirit of the community is the key to continuing Encinitas positive and dynamic success in the future.
BUSINESS LEADER
Jim’s experience and passion in the business community spans 30 years starting when he worked for PowerBar during his collegiate years at the University of Hawaii where he worked his way up to the company’s top accounts manager. After moving to Encinitas, he spent over a decade at community based Movin Shoes in the Lumberyard. He now owns and operates Race San Diego LLC, an event management company officed locally managing a portfolio of events including The Kook Run here in Encinitas.
Beyond Race San Diego, Jim is an active supporter of local businesses in Encinitas having advocated on behalf of local businesses at City Council Meetings and to local media. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce. He is also a Member of the Board of Directors and acting Treasurer at Cardiff 101 Mainstreet where he has been able to collaborate with other Board Members to bring unheralded health to the organization and its activities. Jim is especially proud to have played a significant role in the organizations establishment of the Cardiff Farmer’s Market featuring local growers and artisans.
Jim's methodology and philosophy are simple. He uses traditional and creative thinking to create solutions while always creating good in the communities he works in. He believes an inclusive environment opens the door for positive conversations that help businesses and residents make meaningful connections. These connections promote synergy and robust economic opportunities for both to flourish.
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COMMUNITY
Labeled a community builder, Jim has always put a high value on investing in community. From a simple weekly community run that he has hosted for over 20 years, to volunteering at events, it’s always been obvious to Jim that the return on investment is high.
He also ventured into the non-profit realm with Run North County, a hub for local community runs, a host to a children's running event in Olivenhain, and connects volunteer event coordinators across San Diego County to resources. Jim is especially grateful to have pooled the running and triathlon community with his professional resources over the past 10 years to host an annual toy drive that has provided thousands of toys to underserved children at North County Health Services and Casa de Amistad.
On top of active volunteer work, Jim’s company, Race San Diego has raised thousands of dollars for local non-profits and charities like the Paul Ecke YMCA, Surfing Madonna Oceans Project, Cardiff 101 Mainstreet, the Boy Scouts, and Right Hand Angels. Jim continuously gives back to his community through his actions as a business owner with the belief that the ability to give back to your community is a gift to yourself.
Jim's approach to life is summarized in his own words: "Simply put, I believe in community. I believe in people. Investing in them, and caring about them and how my actions can have a positive effect is not only the main driver in my life, but the key to my success as a coach, with a non-profit, and in the event industry. I put my heart and soul into my community and in return, the community that effort has created has provided me the opportunity, growth, and positivity in my life. These experiences have prepared me to serve as an Encinitas Council Member, where I can continue to champion the well-being of Encinitas and ensure our city thrives for all it's residents."
