By TR Robertson
The November Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee heard reports on redistricting in Carlsbad and from the San Diego County Water Authority. The meeting began with a power point presentation from Sheila Cobian from the city offices. Currently there are four districts in the Carlsbad district as of 2017. A new census requires a redistricting study. Currently the districts are out of balance and need to be realigned to ensure proper and fair coverage in the next elections. An independent redistricting commission was selected to study what needs to be changed so the districts are all equal. The City Council has no say in this process. This commission will ensure communities of interest are kept together and that there is no gerrymandering. Information sessions are available on the cities web site for those interested in offering opinions on the redistricting and to look at the maps and create what individuals feel the districts should look like. The next hearing is set for November 19th. A completion timeline has been established for the process. February 17th will be the last public hearing and April 17, 2022, the process will be finalized. For information go to www.carlsbadca.gov/districts or www.wedrawthelinesca.gov.
Tish Berge, Assistant General Manager for the San Diego County Water Authority, presented a power point called ‘Advocating for San Diego County’, where she detailed the current state of water availability and San Diego’s position in water availability. She showed how the county is prepared for any drought and water availability is currently well established. The Water Authority has been in existence since 1944. This agency serves the 3.3 million people in San Diego County, providing 75% of the water used in the metro area. The Water Authority board consists of thirty-six members. The Water Authority has set up innovative investments in supply of water ensuring reliability and adequate storage capacity of water. Sixty-three percent of the water for San Diego County comes from the Colorado River, twenty-eight percent from our local supply and nine percent from the state water project. Our region is well prepared for many years, but Governor Newsom is still asking for a 15% reduction in water use through a voluntary water reduction. Recently Rainbow and Fallbrook were seeking to detach themselves from the San Diego Water Authority. This request was denied. For more information go to www.watersmartsd.org or www.sdcwa.org/member-agencies/lafco-reorganization.
Legislative Reports
Kristal Jabara from County Supervisor Jim Desmond’s Office – At a recent meeting COVID issues were discussed. One main concern is licensing mental health professionals to deal with homeless issues such as removing them from living on the streets of communities. This will require addressing available treatment and addressing underlying issues. One concern is the growing number of senior homeless and trying to get them into affordable housing. Neighborhood investment grants are still available for application. The County of San Diego is also involved in redistricting and holding county online meetings. A summit is in the plans to look at the increase of gang activity in the county.
Chris Marsh from State Senator Patricia Bates Office – Brandon’s Law has passed dealing with addiction issues and the quality of homes and centers available to properly assist individuals. State redistricting lines are still being studied.
Kyle Krahel-Frolander from U.S. Congressman Mike Levin’s Office – The oil spill north of San Diego County is still being cleaned up and the Congressman is working with the Build Back Better Act to stop off-shore oil drilling. Various bills are moving forward, such as: more Federal funding for veterans, replacement of clothing damaged due to veteran’s prosthetics, emergency relief for emergency service members. Looking at President Biden’s Economic Relief Plan several programs are under consideration – dealing with childcare for families, universal pre-school availability and expanding child tax credit. Other bills still being studied include – the shoreline protection project underway in Encinitas, water re-cycling and desalination plants, wildfire prevention proposals. Upcoming is possible attendance at a Climate Change Conference.
Bret Schanzenbach, CEO Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce – Business will be able to get updated Labor Law posters to hang in their establishments. The Chamber needs Google reviews for the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber Board recently took a position and voted against the SANDAG proposed vehicle mileage travel tax. The tax plan has no detailed plan proposed and has many unanswered questions.
Carlsbad Village Street Fair returns Sunday, November 7.
The Palomar Airport Master Plan Update is still on hold currently.
Next Government Affairs meeting is December 1st.
