By NC DAILY STAR Reporter Tom Robertson
Feature Speakers – Michael Vu – Registrar, County of San Diego and Sandi Keri, General Manager, San Diego County Water Authority
As Election Day draws closer, November 3rd, the busiest man in San Diego County is the Registrar of the County of San Diego, Michael Vu. Mr. Vu gave a lengthy presentation at Wednesdays Government Affairs Meeting hosted by the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce.
Mr. Vu outlined the preparations that have been made since March 3rd, the date Governor Newsom shut down California due to the COVID pandemic crisis. He stated that under normal circumstances they would have had a lengthy time to prepare for the upcoming election, but when California shut down, their offices had to switch gears and prepare for massive changes in the election process. In the March preliminary elections, the County had over 7,000 employees working in 1,500 precincts. With the shutdown, the County Offices began working with 1,200 employees, many working from home. There are 1,901,273 registered voters in San Diego County. Registration will continue until October 19th. Each of these voters are currently receiving mail-in ballots that will go out to all voters. The number grows to 2,005,273 mailings as ballots are also mailed out in 5 additional languages as well as in English. For the November 3rd election, there will also be 14,066 ballots sent to military voters and residents currently oversees. There are 196 contests on the ballots when you look at all the different elections in each city and region of San Diego County. When you look at this and count the number of languages the ballot is translated into, this brings 4,210 variations of the ballot.
All of this means, based on speculation for voter turnout, this will be a large voter turnout.
Mr. Vu stated the Election Goals ensure letting the public and voters know the election process will be run with integrity, security, transparency, awareness & education, and responsibility. Their slogan is Vote Safer San Diego. For workers in San Diego strict restrictions will be followed relating to COVID safety making sure they have safe locations with adequate parking for any walk-in voters. He reminded us that 30% of those assisting in the voting process are over 65 years of age. We were also reminded that everyone receives a mail-in ballot and it is best that voters Vote Early. There will be 235 polling locations where voters can drop ballots off rather than mailing in and voters can also vote electronically. There will be an additional 126 mail ballot drop boxes scattered in the precincts. On this day 3,600 paid, trained poll workers will be employed for an additional 9 days. Any ballots postmarked November 3rd will be counted if they are received 17 days after the 3rd. An average of 15 workers will work the polling stations checking those walking in with electronic poll books listing all registered voters. On the ballots that were mailed out, each one is customized listing the polling stations closest to your mailing address. It is best if you mail your ballot by October 27th to be safe. Remember to be Ready to Vote if you walk in. Be an Informed Voter. Go to www.sdvote.com for any additional information.
Following Michael Vu was Sandi Keri, General Manager for the San Diego Water Authority. Sandi gave a power point presentation of information about the Regional Collaboration and Coordination within the Water Authority. She discussed a judgement recently awarded by the court in the amount of $44.4 million in a final judgement on two lawsuits dealing with rates to transport supplies during the 2011-14 years. Ms. Keri said the Water Authority serves 3.3 million people and provided 75% of the water in the county and has been around for 75 years. They serve 24 member agencies in the county including the nation’s largest seawater desalination plant.
Three projects the Water Authority is currently concentrating on includes a Proposed San Vincente Energy Storage Project that will assist in dealing with reducing rolling blackouts in times of extreme heat; a Regional Conveyance Study to develop a new aqueduct from the Colorado River in Imperial Valley to San Diego; and Two Member Agencies Seeking Detachment from the Water Authority (Fallbrook and Rainbow Districts) and the overall effect this will have on other precincts in our Water Authority. She also discussed current litigation over the Vallecitos Water District lawsuits alleging the Water Authority violated its contract. Keri said they are working to resolve the dispute. Sandi reminded everyone the Citizens Water Academy is still available. Go to www.sdcwa.org/citizens-water-academy for more information and to www.waternewsnetwork.com for more information about the Water Authority. No Matter What, You Can Trust the Tap.
Other Legislative Reports
Kyle Krael from U.S. Congressman Mike Levin’s Office – Congress is still working on additional stimulus bills for those businesses suffering from the COVID pandemic and the Congressman’s bill to expand services for homeless and veterans is being implemented.
Matthew Phy from State Senator Patricia Bates’s Office – SB 934 dealing with non-profit filing fees is being signed by the Governor and Senator Bates’ Office is continuing to deal with EDD submission applications and a process to streamline this process. Matthew.Phy@sen.ca.gov
Alex Kiwan from State Assemblymember Tasha Boerner Horvath’s Office – AB 1731 covering employing workers and keeping business open during the COVID crisis has been signed by the Governor.
Kristal Jabara from Supervisor Jim Desmond’s Office – The next County Board Meeting will soon be held. Recommendations – Yes on Prop 20 and No on Prop 15. San Diego County remains in Governor Newsom’s red category. The Governor is still not working on fully opening the State businesses. A reminder the small businesses loans for those suffering during the shut down are still open for applications. Kristal.Jabaara@sdcounty.ca.gov
Aaron Byzak from Tri-City Medical reminded everyone to go to www.tricitymed.org for information about Tri-City Hospital
Bret Schanzenbach, CEO Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, went over the various debates and forums the Chamber has and will be hosting. A Carlsbad City Candidates Forum and a Tri-City Hospital forum have been held. Coming up will be a forum for candidates for the 49th Congressional District. Go to the Chamber web site for more information.
