By TR Robertson
After several months off for the summer, the monthly meetings of the Vista Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee have started again. The meetings consist of presentations by various governmental agencies and offices as well as presentations by Vista City Officials and other invited guests covering a variety of issues important to the citizens of Vista. The meetings are being held at the Vista Chamber of Commerce Office located at the Film Hub at 170 Eucalyptus Ave. The meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month beginning at noon.
Governmental Updates
Salome Tash from Congressman Mike Levin’s Office – Congress is currently still in recess until September 1st. Numerous bills will be introduced when session begins. Some of these include a bill dealing with service member housing relief for military housing and reducing housing loans and the San Onfre Nuclear decommission and public engagement as well as onsite inspection. Others deal with the continuance of automatic contributions to campaign accounts without affirmative approval and the comprehensive Immigration Reform Act and the screening process. A number of these bills the Congressman has co-authored and are bipartisan.
Fernando Hernandez from State Senator Catherine Blakespear’s Office – the Assembly and Senate is finishing summer recess. Many of the bills are going through the committee process. Some of these bills include SB 710 – tax exclusion for solar panels, SB 92 – a loophole on the bonus law concerning Adu units, SB 329 – streamlining senior living units in the health care services. The June state budget has passed and there is a focus on watching spending and increasing the savings. Another discussion will cover the amount of money allowed for the prevention of homelessness in the state. A Homeless Summit will be held at UCSD the coming week. The State Senator also recognized a member of the Vista Chamber Staff, Kent Leithold.
Graydon McDermott from Assembly Member Laurie Davies Office – Concerns and bills the Assembly Member is supporting deal with reflective lights on E-bikes, a renaming of the remainder of Highway 76 in recognition of native indigenous tribes, swimming lessons partnering with YMCA for life saving programs. The Assembly Member will be offering the 3rd annual Senior Scam Summit on October 30 held this time at Vista’s Civic Center.
Alyssa Formolo from County Supervisor Jim Desmond’s Office – The Supervisor is back in the office working on a variety of concerns. One deals with ending early parole for elder first-time sex offenders. The Oceanside Veterans Association grants will soon be offered again.
Josh Sino Cruz from the City of Vista – The City Council recognized the Vista Rotary Club with a proclamation for their work over the years and the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Post Office. Various public hearings will occur for the Monta Vista Development and for prioritizing sidewalk plans for the city. Discussions are still ongoing concerning the Wave and the $3.5 million awarded for repair and maintenance. Discussions are also ongoing to discuss possible operation of the facility by an outside agency. Upcoming will be honoring Ethan Ramos, presentations by the Public Works Department and the Sheriff’s Department. Upcoming proposed developments include 1078 South Santa Fe developments and 938 Taylor Street development. EV stations are now completed at Vista Fire Station #6 and at Sonic on Broadway. Work has begun on removing various installations on the bike lanes on Melrose Drive.
From the Vista Irrigation District – The VID Board has approved the rate study of a 4% rate increase every year for 5 years. This does not include the San Diego County Pass Through rates that will also be added. More information on this can be found by going to www.vidwater.org/water-rate-study. You cab also email RateStudy@vidwater.org for questions or inquiry.
The next part of this month’s Government Affairs Committee Meeting dealt with the committee taking part in a review and recommendation for changes to the Vista Chamber of Commerce Public Policy Guide. Some of the discussions centered around the sections dealing with Immigration and Infrastructure. This will be a continuing study.
The next Government Affairs Meeting will be held Thursday, September 2nd.
