I reaching out today with an important and time-sensitive call to action for our business community.
On Tuesday, March 24, the Vista City Council will consider the award of the Moonlight Amphitheatre concessions agreement (Item D1). This decision will determine who provides food and beverage service at the Moonlight for the next five years.
A longtime local operator, Bread & Cheese, which currently serves the Moonlight, submitted a proposal but was not selected in the staff recommendation. Instead, a vendor from Los Angeles has been recommended.
As this item comes before the City Council, community input will play an important role in shaping the discussion and final decision. This is a meaningful opportunity for local businesses and residents to share their perspectives.
Several considerations have been raised by members of the business community:
The evaluation criteria did not include local bidder preference factors such as local hiring, partnerships with Vista-based suppliers, or reinvestment in the local economy
Questions about whether proposals fully accounted for the operational realities of the Moonlight’s kitchen facilities
The proven track record of Bread & Cheese, including significantly increasing revenue to the City
A strong commitment to the local community through local hiring, partnerships with local breweries, and support of organizations like the Vista Education Foundation and Moonlight Cultural Foundation
The Moonlight Amphitheatre is one of Vista’s most treasured community assets. The businesses that serve it help shape both the patron experience and the economic vitality of our city.
We encourage our business community to show up, speak up, and be part of this conversation.
If you believe local businesses should have meaningful opportunities to participate in contracts connected to our community assets, please consider taking action:
Attend the City Council Meeting
Tuesday, March 24, 5:30 pm
Vista Civic Center
Fill out a speaker card for Item D1 – Moonlight Concessionaire Agreement and share your perspective. Even a brief statement can make a difference.
OR
Send an Email to the City Council and City Clerk (which will be added to the official record)
Send to: publiccomments@vista.gov; jfranklin@vista.gov; dodonnell@vista.gov; ccontreras@vista.gov; kmelendez@vista.gov; jfox@vista.gov
Please send by noon on Tuesday, March 24
Subject: D1 Moonlight Concessionaire
Share your perspective and respectfully ask the Council to prioritize local businesses. Ask them to consider the role that local businesses play in our community and economy. I have also attached sample email wording you can use, find attached here.
Your voice, as a business owner, resident, or Moonlight patron, helps ensure that local perspectives are part of decisions that impact our community.
Thank you for your continued support of Vista’s local business community.
Sincerely,
Rachel Beld
President & CEO
Vista Chamber of Commerce
