By TR Robertson
The Vista Chamber of Commerce heard a presentation from Margaret Hamer, the new director of the City of Vista Recreation & Community Services Department. Selected for this position in January, Margaret presented an overview of all of the services the Recreation & Community Services Department is responsible for in the city. The department works with a $13 million budget and has 630 part-time staff members. They have a variety of commissions that are responsible for setting up goals, projects and recommendations for the city. These commissions include Youth, Senior Services, Moonlight Cultural Foundation, Parks & Recreation, Alta Vista Botanical Gardens, and Public Arts. She said the Moonlight summer musical program is currently celebrating their 45th anniversary, “Mean Girls” currently on the Moonlight Stage. In between musicals Moonlight sponsors a Concert Series with a number of tribute bands and other performing groups. Moonlight is also the location of the popular Jingle Terrace during the winter holiday season. Public Arts Murals also fall under the Community Services Departments responsibility. One of the newest murals in the downtown area is Shak’s Parking Lot Mural. Other Public Arts programs include the Kites Over Vista project, started May 1st. These artistic structures demonstrate the creativity of artists from the community. Other programs include the Vista in Bloom Beautification Program, the Civic Center Gallery, and the Photo Exhibition “Skate” that will begin June 22nd in the downtown area. Each April the city celebrates Cultural & Creativity Month. Citizens can take the Arts Cultura and Creativity Survey for Vista by clicking on the QR code that is offered.
Margaret also went over the Senior Services & Nutrition Program that is offered in the city and said transportation is offered as well as cultural caravans and other programs. The Rancho Buena Vista Adobe is currently closed, but anyone interested in a tour can contact the Recreation & Community Services department to set up tours on Tuesday and Thursday. Registration is required if interested. There are a number of facilities offered in the city available for rental by going to www.cityofvista.com. Recreation programs for all ages are offered. Soon beginning are the Summer Day Camps and Fall After School Programs will be offered when school begins again. One unique feature is Brengle Terrace Disc Golf Course that is set up. Also offered in the park is the Summer Movies in the Park and coming July 4th will the 250th Celebration for the United States Anniversary. Another facility the city is responsible for is The Wave Water Park. The Wave has over 67,000 visitors each year. They offer season passes, birthday parties, swimming lessons, Splash Camps and much more. The Wave is being upgraded, new restrooms will be added as well as shade structures. Spring 2027 will feature a Grand Opening for the new programs and facilities. The Park Ranger Program operates from 7:30 am until 11:00 pm. They average over 2,000 responses a year to calls they receive at 760-277-8109.
The Recreation & Community Services Department is working on a number of new parks. The Benito Juarez Pocket Parks may possibility open December 27th. Also planned will be the Vista Parkette. Parks in the planning stages are Phase 1 of the Breeze Hill Park, the Paseo Buena Vista Park, the Brangle Terrace Park Improvements Phase 1. The Department is also in discussions with the Vista Unified School District about a new Joint Use Agreement. In November of 2025 a large Parks Master Plan was completed and updating will be ongoing. Margaret finished her presentation by adding that her department has also requested additional funding for the improvements that need to be made to the Avo Theatre and for continued studies on increasing the use of the Avo Theatre.
Governmental Updates
Angie Baggett for the City of Vista – Black Bear Dinner is finally open. The Boys & Girls Club of Vista has just dedicated the improvements and expansion of the sports complex. A large number of presentations are upcoming for various City Council meetings in June including cannabis packaging distribution. At the June 23rd council meeting the Recreation & Community Services Department will receive a proclamation.
Alyssa Formolo from County of San Diego Jim Desmond’s Office – A new 75-unit complex has been approved for a location close to the Black Rock Coffee business. The Supervisors are looking at an increase of the extension of Supervisors continued service from 10 to 12 years. The addition of additional flights from Palomar Airport for American Airlines has been approved by the Supervisors. Oceanside USA 250 Celebration will be held on June 27th at the Junior Seau Pier Amphitheater.
Graydon McDermott from Assemblymember Laurie Davies Office – Bills are now moving from the Assembly to the Senate and visa versa. One bill the Assemblymember has been working on deals with auditing of mental health and other treatment facilities.
Fernando Hernandez from State Senator Catherine Blakespear’s Office – Bills the Senator is working on include Senate Bill 989 which would authorize a first responder to contact the county behavioral health agency in the county in which the individual resides or is found to request the agency file a petition to commence the CARE process and Senate Bill 1016 designed to increase access to court-ordered mental health treatment for people who need it. The Senator also authored an E-bike bill, SB 1167 which legally distinguishes standard electric bicycles from high-powered electric motorcycles (often called “e-motos”) and establishes stricter rules for their sale, labeling, and operation.
Sam Witt from Congressman Mike Levin’s Office – Sam reported that Congress has voted to direct President Trump to withdraw U.S. forces from the conflict with Iran or win approval from Congress to continue the war. The Congressman is supporting an energy relief bill to assist in driving down the cost of energy. He also supports looking into ICE’s activities in the country relating to the procedures used for arresting and deportation policies. He wants better transparency and awareness of ICE activities in the area. The Congressman also still has concerns about offshore drilling issues and proposals.
Rachel Beld, CEO of the Vista Chamber of Commerce – The just completed Strawberry Festival was a success setting record numbers. Over 3,700 people took part in the Strawberry Festival runs. There were around 550 vendors on the streets and tremendous performances on all of the stages, including the use of the Avo Theatre for School of Rock performances. They are already evaluating ways to improve for next year including working on transportation, staffing and other issues. The carnival company used was their first time for the festival and they said they were very impressed with the Strawberry Festival and would like to return. The summer Internship program soon begins and 115 students are participating. Heroes of Vista Celebration has been moved to November 6th and there will be a number of changes in the location and the program. Vista’s Fiestas Patrias will be on September 13th, 12-4 pm, Linda Rhoades Rec Center.
The next meeting for the Vista Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee will be on August 6th,
Important web sites for more information:
www.thewavewaterpark.com
www.vista.gov/trees
www.vista,gov/calendar
www.vista.recreation.com
www.moonlightstudiosvista.com
www.moonlightstage.com
www.gmacvista.com for Senior services
www.vista.gov/rentals
www.vistachamber.org
www.vistachamber.org/fiestas-patrias
www.vista.gov
