By TR Robertson
District 3 Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer covered a variety of issues and topics in a presentation to the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce May Government Affairs Committee meeting. The Supervisor began by pointing out that the small business grant program has aided and assisted a number of local businesses dealing with issues relating to staying open during the COVID pandemic. (www.sandiegocounty.gov/stimulusgrant/)
The priorities the Supervisor has for the District and the County includes 1) Protecting the beaches and coastline, 2) Affordable housing, and 3) Homelessness. In the area of protecting the beaches and coastline she referred to the efforts of dealing with pollutants effecting run-off and the ocean as well as the continued efforts in dealing with beach and cliff erosion. She said Affordable Housing is a growing issue, especially with the continued increase in cost of homes and the lack of affordable housing and apartments for lower- and middle-class families and for Seniors. Park availability is an ongoing concern. The growing Homeless issue continues to be a problem. The Supervisor said the use of jails as a deterrent to homelessness is still being used and is ineffective. The expense of arresting, processing, and holding homeless does not justify the cost as it is not stopping the problem. Crisis Stabilization Units can be more effective, but there are not enough of them. Trained outreach workers are also needed. There is a diverse population among the homeless, making the issue even harder. Many living on the streets simply do not want help nor do they want to “get off the streets.” The Supervisor said studies are needed on what programs are most effective in helping people turn their lives around. A question was asked about the Palomar runway extension. She said that is a federal issue but there has been a petition to ban flights at night. Another question was asked about the storm water pollution run-off and the cost to developers which result in the developers passing the cost on to people purchasing homes. The Supervisor said there is no current mechanism on sharing this cost. She had some good news to report. Funding is being allocated to shore up bridges and trestles along the train tracks, primarily in the Del Mar area. The Supervisor can be contacted through her representative Crystal Page at crystal.page@sdcounty.ca.gov.
Lori Holt Pfeiler, Executive Director, Building Industry Association of San Diego, spoke about a variety of issues relating to homeowners. She said the storm water pollution situation relating to structure, infrastructure, and cost to developers. She said there is a move to not building homes in unincorporated areas and developing more homes in city areas to reduce the travel distance people must drive to get from home to work and back. Also in the discussion was the vehicle mileage tax measure being proposed. Lori said the cost of homes is depriving families from moving into affordable homes negating the village concept for cities. She also mentioned that San Diego County has done an excellent job in water conservation.
Legislative Reports:
Crystal Page from Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer’s Office – A letter has been submitted encouraging diversity in job employment.
Chris Marsh from State Senator Patricia Bates Office – SB 904 is a priority in dealing with educating people about the epidemic and danger of fentanyl and opioids. Also detailed was SB 1191 dealing with medical testing for medications and SB 1025 that was pulled.
Glenn McDonell from State Assemblymember Tasha Boerner-Horvath’s Office – The Assemblymember has been holding and attending meetings concerning affordable housing, the environment, water quality, homelessness, and more issues. She is currently working on 13 pieces of legislation currently. AB 1672, dealing with lifeguard training and employment is moving through the Assembly. Part of San Diego County water saving success is due to the Oceanside Recycling Plant.
Jessica Ramirez from U.S. Congressman Mike Levin’s Office – The Congressman is working to secure funding for bluff stabilization. Veteran’s Affair legislation has passed dealing with veteran entrepreneurship. The Congressman recently toured and met with local veterans. The spent nuclear waste storage question is still an ongoing problem. He has invested and supported an act for funding to train and retain police officers. A young man named Ryan Hickman was recently recognized for his recycling efforts. The Oceanside Museum of Art currently has displays of student art from North County.
Bret Schanzenbach, CEO of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce – The group was reminded that the Cbad Awards program will soon be honoring business, non-profit, educators, law enforcement and more.
The next Gov’t. Affair Meeting will be June 1.
