By TR Robertson
The October meeting of the Vista Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee heard a presentation from Assistant City Manager Imelda Huerta concerning an update on the services and projects of the Vista Recreation & Community Services Department. Imelda presented a power point presentation that detailed the majority of programs, services, and projects the department is involved in. Some of the facilities and programs citizens can get involved in include taking part in the Civic Center Civic Gallery exhibits that periodically appear, submitting proposals for Kites Over Vista public art pieces, taking part in the Vista in Bloom Beautification Program, and many more. Imelda mentioned that there are currently 19 parks in Vista covering 500 acres of property as well as 2 skateparks, 8 pickleball courts and numerous basketball, softball and tennis courts. Brengle Terrace Park also has a Disc Golf course as well as a community center and gymnasium. In various locations around town citizens can take part in a variety of recreation programs, day camps and summer camps. There are education programs offered at Rancho Buena Vista Adobe. The senior Services offered include wellness activities, educational activities, shopping and day trips, nutrition information and lunches. The award-winning Moonlight Production presents musicals, off-season musical presentations, Jingle Terrace and Youth Theatre programs. The Wave Water Park is also under the guidance of the Recreation and Community Services Department, open in the summer and provides the pool for high school water polo programs. Imelda also detailed the progress of the newest Vista Park set to open, the Pala Vista Park Project. For more information go to www.PlanVistaParks.com.
Organization and Government Updates
Vista Chamber of Commerce – Rachel Beld, Chamber CEO – The Nov. 2nd Government Affairs will be a trip to the San Onfre Facility to see the progress of the shut down of the nuclear facility. January 22nd will mark the date for the State of Vista address by the Vista Mayor. The next Chamber mixer will be October 11th at Local Roots Kombucha. December 2nd is the annual Vista Christmas Parade. Rachel reported the Internship program was a success and hopes to keep the program going. It was reported the Vista Boys and Girls Club Poker Tournament fundraiser will be October 14th. Also, on October 14th if the Alta Vista Gardens Fall Festival and the Vista Block Party. It is also Fire Prevention Day. Friday Night Fright Night will be held the Friday before Halloween. Look on the web site for ebike safety presentation.
From Supervisor Jim Desmond’s Office – The Blue Envelope Program will be partnering with the Sheriff’s Department providing ways for individuals who have communication barriers to be able to let the Sheriff’s know they need assistance in communicating if stopped. The Sheriff’s personnel will receive training in recognizing the different indicators and how to proceed with assistance. The Supervisors are also concerned with ways to assist government seekers when they are “dropped off” and left in towns around the county.
From Congressman Mike Levin’s Office – The Congressman has been working on assisting with the Government Funding Resolution. He has also been part of a bill to assist military families in acquiring free and reduced school meals and not including their housing income as part of the financial section to determine eligibility. The Congressman also introduced a bill to provide reduced fees for Purple Heart veterans seeking passports.
From State Senator Catherine Blakespear’s Office – The legislature has adjourned for the break. 1,100 bills have been sent to the Governor to sign or veto. One bill the Senator sponsored was the ability for employers to seek restraining orders to protect their employees. She is also part of several bills dealing with various gun issues. She will be in Vista in October. There will be a Ending Homelessness Seminar October 25th and on October 26th a seminar on training people on how to submit grants for state funding.
From Assemblymember Laurie Davies Office – SB 199 was vetoed that would provide unemployment benefits to striking workers. SB 525 was sent to the Senate that would raise Health Care workers wages to $25 an hour. Nominations are wanted for the Veterans and Best Friends Community Awards – due by October 14th. The Assemblymember will be holding an Open House on December 6, beginning at 3 pm.
From the Vista Irrigation District – The 100th VID Celebration was a success. The outlook for the new water year is good. Public conservation has also been successful. There is a free landscape workshop on the VID website. VID will once again be offering 6 scholarships to Vista high school students
