By TR Robertson
The August Vista Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee heard from Vista Fire & Rescue Battalion Chief Miles Sweeney, who presented an inside look at the ongoing training the fire department is currently involved with. Miles is a 30-year fire department veteran, 23 of those years with the Vista Fire Department. He is a former Heroes of Vista Firefighter of the Year and American Legion Medal of Valor recipient. He said the fire department is currently undergoing 27 lengthy drills on fire safety, firefighting techniques and procedures, and updates. Modern fire service is changing rapidly. He said one interesting statistic is that since 1980 residential fires have gone down over 56% but civilian deaths have gone up 43%. One major reason is the intensity of the fires due to the materials used today in building structures. Control of response time is one area firefighters can address, and intense training is centered on improving this for all kinds of fire situations. The only way to combat the fire is to get to the fire sooner. Miles said the variety of the building structures in Vista makes this equally important. What can be controlled is Time, Search, ventilation, and EMS (Emergency Medical Services). Training is the key to helping and responding. They drill on competence, developing judgment, and coordination. He said the Vista and neighboring cities’ open border policy in helping one another with fire emergencies has been crucial in quicker responses. Miles said last year they responded to 18,000 calls. With this, they have to be ready for a variety of issues, not just fires. They train for water rescues, wildland issues, possible rappelling situations, and much more. Medical readiness is also needed as “some emergencies need more than a hose”. Miles invites any businesses in Vista to contact the fire department to send out a representative who will help the business review their fire preparedness. He also said they are constantly meeting with city officials to evaluate the increased speed humps and roundabouts, which have created additional issues with the time needed for a quick response to fires and medical emergencies. For additional information, go to www.vista.gov/departments/fire-department for additional information, job information, and the Cadet Program information.
Lisa De Jesus from ADU Real Estate Inc. and Chair of the Vista Planning Commission gave a short report on SB 330, the Housing Crisis Act. She said this came about to address the housing issues in California, but it tells local governments that they have to allow for density in all of their housing issues. The law is designed to speed up residential housing production and protect existing housing inventory. It restricts local governments from downzoning properties, sets limits on public hearings, and allows developers to lock in rules via a preliminary application. AB 2097 bans cities and public agencies from requiring minimum car parking spaces for new residential, commercial, and industrial projects located within half a mile of a major public transit stop. She said these laws basically tie local Planning Commission’s hands when it comes to increased housing issues.
Governmental Updates
Angie Baggett from the City of Vista – The upcoming Vista City C:ouncil meeting will have a number of consent items dealing with stop signs and sidewalk projects as well as a Plastic Bottle Ban Ordinance, the CEA & Lumina Solar Plus Program, expanding the foam ban and discussion os the Senior Subsidy Rental Program. The Wave Water Park will offer evening Friday night splash from 4-8 pm on August 7th and August 21st. Moonlight next musical will be the return of “guys and Dolls” on August 12th. For a full agenda go to Vista.gov Current Agenda & Reports.
No report from the County of San Diego, Supervisor’s Jim Desmond’s Office – still on break
Andrew from Assembly Member Laurie Davies Office – Recently held a successful Diaper Drive for families and a Salute to First Responders.
Fernando Hernandez from Senator Catherine Blakespeare’s Office – The State Senate is now back in session, and they are dealing with a number of bills moving through the various policy committees before coming to the Senate. There will be a lot of activities in the next few weeks. Several bills pointed out include SB 989 – a mental health treatment bill and SB 1167 – an E-bike bill regarding determining what it and what isn’t an e-bike.
Sam Witt from Congressman Mike Levin’s Office – Congress is currently on recess. Several bills that will be coming up for discussion include one that deals with IRA penalty free withdrawals for fertility treatment and the ongoing nuclear waste disposal solution study. The Congressman has written a letter concerning the policy at detention centers for visits and open communication.
Rachel Beld, CEO Vista Chamber of Commerce – The Chamber had a successful summer internship program for 87 interns. 65 organizations had interns. The Chamber’s Rising Star Program will begin again on September 4th. The Heroes of Vista will be on November 6th . Nominations are currently being accepted. Vista’s Fiestas Patrias will be held Sunday, September 13, at the Linda Rhoades Recreation Center on N Santa Fe Avenue.
The next Vista Government Affairs Committee Meeting will be held on Thursday, September 3rd at the San Diego Food Bank – North County.
