By TR Robertson
District 5 County Supervisor Jim Desmond paid a visit to the Vista Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee for their September meeting at the Film Hub to present a short overview of why he opposes Measure G, a proposed ½ cent sales tax increase by SANDAG to fund what they say is needed transportation projects. A similar sales tax increase was proposed and passed in 2004 funding numerous projects. Desmond pointed out that 14 of the proposed road projects are still not completed. Two major projects deal with the Hwy 5 and 78 and Hwy 15 and 78 connectors. These two projects will supposedly not be completed until 2040. Desmond said this typifies the “broken promises and fact SANDAG has not kept their word”. He said these taxes hurt both middle- and lower-income people and “are not good for North County”. Several of the projects that are being considered and funded by the tax increase are moving the LOSSAN rail corridor from the Del Mar bluffs and building a public transit connector to the airport. He reminded everyone that studies have shown 97% of commuters do not take mass transit.
Another tax increase was proposed in 2016 and was voted down. This proposed increase needed a 2/3 vote to pass. Measure G would pass with a 50% +1 vote. Desmond feels the measure should be voted down. He asked the Government Affairs Committee to send a vote of No resolution to the Vista Chamber Board. A vote was taken and a vote of not supporting Measure G was passed and sent to the Chamber Board.
Governmental Updates:
Rachel Beld read a letter from Salome Tash from Congressman Mike Levin’s Office – The Congressional session will soon begin. One bill that has passed and sent to the Senate deals with expanding voter access to affordable housing. Another bill the Congressman supports deals with rental assistance of housing for veterans. One update was that San Onfre state beaches and campgrounds have a new lease which was approved.
Ryan Ewart from Assembly Member Laurie Davies Office – Three bills the Assembly Member authored or co-authored have been sent to the Senate. AB 2081 deals with sober living disclosures of violations, AB 2308 deals with increasing domestic violence protective restraining order increases from 10 years to 15 years and AB 3069 dealing with the purchase of advertising for alcohol sales in enclosed arenas such as Oceanside’s Frontwave Arena. He said a special session has been called concerning the rise in gas prices.
Chase O’Farrell from County Supervisor Jim Desmond’s Office – The Supervisors discussed the proposed Proposition 36 for the November ballot which seeks increased accountability for habitual retail criminals and hard drug/fentanyl dealers. Other issues the Supervisor’s are discussing deal with the Safe Camping Ordinance and requests from cities for financial assistance for clearing homeless encampments.
City of Vista – The Vista City Council is discussing the permitting process for building ADU’s on private property. A Needs Assessment Workshop on City Parks will soon be held. Upcoming is the installation of solar car parks at the City Civic Center.
Rachel Beld – CEO of the Vista Chamber of Commerce – A number of activities coming up sponsored by the Chamber.
September 15 – Vista’s Fiestas Patrias – 1234 N Santa Fe Ave., 12-4 pm – Live Mariachi & Ballet Folklorico, food vendors and activities
September 23rd – Vista City Council Candidate Forum, moderated by the League of Women voters – held at the City of Vista Community Room, 6-7:30 pm
September 26 – Educational Forum on Proposition 36 – held at Mira Costa College Cafeteria, Oside, 5:30-7:30 pm
Rachel also said she will soon be giving a report on the expansion of the successful intern program the Chamber has run for the past few years.
Next Government Affairs meeting will be Thursday, October 3rd, starting at noon.
