By TR Robertson
The Shadowridge Country Club Banquet Room was the scene of this year’s Meet the Leaders Forum put on by the Vista Chamber of Commerce featuring local, state and national representatives presenting updates on issues and legislation of importance to both the business and community members of Vista. After a short meet and greet, dinner was served to those in attendance beginning with a Welcome from Vista Chamber of Commerce Chairman Zeke Corley followed by Vista Chamber CEO Rachel Beld. Vista Mayor John Franklin next spoke of the importance of cooperation and collaboration between all levels of government and city agencies. Mayor Franklin said continuing the development of mental health facilities is one way to assist a portion of the homeless issue as is an increase in shelter facilities. He also said the continued increase in park facilities in the city is important goal for the council. Mayor Franklin thanked the organizations and business representatives in attendance and said the partnerships developed while working together has been significant to many of the accomplishments within the City of Vista.
After dinner, the first presentation for Meet the Leaders was Congressman Mike Levin, 49th District. Congressman Levin said it has been quite a week in Washington and he was glad to be back in San Diego. He then gave an update he had just received concerning the fire at the end of the Oceanside Pier. He said one of the major issue Congress had just dealt with was the continued assistance with funds for Ukraine and Israel in dealing with wars in their countries. It was at this moment the presentation was interrupted by a gentleman who stood filming the Congressman and repeating statements about Gaza and the war with Israel. The gentleman was quickly removed, peacefully, from the Banquet Room. As he was removed a lady rose from another area of the room and walked out toward the exit as she spoke into a portable sound system, also repeatedly chanting something about the Gaza situation.
After things calmed down, the Congressman was able to continue with his report. He mentioned a budget had been passed, once again avoiding a government shutdown. He reminded everyone that anyone could go to www.levin.house.gov to see the various projects and funding that had been allocated. Several other North County concerns he spoke about included the importance of dealing with the rail corridor erosion issues. He mentioned they had received a 50-year commitment from the Army Corps of Engineers to help with the beach sand erosion along the coast. Another issue the Congressman has as a priority is dealing with the numerous Veterans concerns. He mentioned VA Health Care, Housing Vouchers and Mental Health Services, all important concerns that must be addressed. In closing, the Congressman said he has 2 children, and he is concerned about the social world they are entering, as well as all children. He said it is important that with all of the problems and issues facing the nation it is important that we at least try to listen to one another and try not to be caught up in the erosion of kindness that is going on in the world. Yelling and sounding off without listening will get us nowhere.
The next speaker was Catherine Blakespear, California State Senate from the 38th District. Senator Blakespear said the City of Vista should be very proud of the Buena Creek Navigation Center and the Vista City Council leadership should be thanked for helping to bring this facility to completion. It houses 24 rooms, 18 for Vista and 6 for Encinitas residents needing assistance. She said the lack of funds continues to be a major issue in keeping cities from accomplishing what they would like in dealing with the homeless. The Senator said she hopes the passage of Prop 1 will help with more beds and facilities for mental health needs. High on her priority list is Public Safety and working together for a safer California. She also said she and colleagues from both sides are continuing to work on passing bills to deal with the rise of the fentanyl problem. Another concern is retail theft and lack of prosecution due to the current laws. The Rail Corridor was also mentioned as an issue. She said it is difficult to come to an agreement on solutions between cities that are affected, but ridership is down because of concerns about safety. Lastly, the issue of plastic and its effect on the environment continues to be discussed.
The final speaker for the evening was Lauris Davies, California State Assembly Member for the 74th District. Assembly Member Davies said she is a member of a group that calls themselves The Problem Solvers. This group meets frequently and discusses various bi-partisan bills that should be supported because of their importance to all citizens. She said there are a lot of problems that have to do with bad policies that need to be changed. The Assembly Member said 18 bills she has authored or co-authored have gone through the Assembly and moved on. Some of the issues she is concerned with include the Rail and the coastline, domestic violence and illegal guns. One bill she has co-authored is AB 2518 that would not allow a minor who was convicted for murder the ability to legally own a gun when they get out of prison. Other issues and bills being worked on include retaining owners’ bidding rights on projects and trade schools being offered for students not preferring a 4-year college as a school of choice after graduation. The Assembly Member finished her presentation by reminding those in attendance that community involvement is the key to making changes. She said people in this district should let their representatives know how they feel about issues as they arise and what they have to say matters.
Sponsors for the Meet the Leaders program included SDG&E, EDCO, Scripps and Tri-City Medical Center. The two-hour program concluded. It should be noted that as we left the Shadowridge Parking Lot a small group had gathered at the exit shouting various things about the war in Israel and U.S. support as they waved flags and pointed out their posters, which were unreadable in the dim light.
