By TR Robertson
The December meeting of the Vista Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee heard from two Vista City Officials at the December monthly meeting. The first presenter was Vista City Councilmember Joe Green. Councilman Green reported on his involvement as a member of the Regional Solid Waste Association. He stated this organization is extremely important to all citizens and will have an impact on businesses beginning now. Senate Bill 1383 deals with diverting organic waste, either turning it into fuel or donating uneaten food. Currently the EdCo trash trucks use renewable natural gas. A tier system was established and currently Tier 1 businesses, like Costco and Walmart have to begin compliances with the stipulations in the bill or risk large fines. The process of educating these large businesses is ongoing. There are 40 businesses in the Tier 1 level in the City of Vista. Tier 2 businesses, like restaurants, will have to be in compliance beginning January 2024. There are 10 Tier 2 businesses in Vista that would currently fall into this category. Councilman Green said there is $375 million dollars in grant funding for recycling programs that is available to assist in this process. A Framework will be established by April or May of 2023 to deal with the required compliance. The committee was told that there is a rate stability from EdCo and the City of Vista and EdCo has been a good partner for the City of Vista. Kristal Jabara, Representative from Supervisor Jim Desmond’s Office, said the Supervisor would like to set a Goal of making the area a Net Zero Community when it comes to striving for a 100% reuse of trash for recycling purposes. Another Senate Bill the Councilman referenced was SB 54 which deals with compostable bags. He said his involvement with this committee has been educational and enlightening in dealing with this important topic that effects all citizens and businesses in all cities.
Next on the agenda was John Conley, Director of Community Development and Engineering for the City of Vista. John used a power point to present a number of the currently approved and being developed projects and a few of the projects in the planning stages. He said a full list is on the Planning Project page on the City Web Site listing all formally submitted projects. His presentation included:
Currently Approved in the Process of Development
Monte Mar Commercial Center – E Vista Way – completed summer 2023 – will include a Popeye’s and a McDonald’s
Vista Self Storage on 1100 E Vista Way
Alliance N Santa Fe Apartments – 4 stories, 60 units
Taco Bell rebuild on E Vista Way
Civic Center Villas – 627 Civic Center Dr. – 10 condos
McDonalds rebuild at 827 S Santa Fe
Vista Hannalei on Phillips St. – 45 unit detached condos
Vista Del Mar – 330 Mar Vista Dr. – 75 units single room occupancy
Green Oak Villas on Sycamore – 107 condos
Stonemark Subdivision off Buena Vista Dr. 19 lots from ½ to 1 acre
Vista Grande Subdivision on Vista Grande Dr. – 26 lots
Anza Ave. Subdivision – 14 lots
Camino Largo Subdivision – 2123 N. Santa Fe Ave. – 46 homes
North Avenue Self Storage
Hampton Inn – 750 Shadowridge Dr. – 4 stories
Melrose Retail next to Hyatt Place – will include a Dutch Brothers Coffee and Wendy’s
Hilton Garden Inn on S Melrose Dr. – 120+ rooms
In Planning Stages
Kensho Housing south of Guajome St. – 183 units and a parking garage
Park Avenue Apartments – 179 units and a parking garage
Matagual Melrose subdivision – 34 homes
N Santa Fe Apartments – 304 N Santa Fe – 36 apartments – 4 stories
Vista Palomar – 2387 Foothill Dr. – 24 homes
Sunset Condominiums – 2112 Sunset – 38 condos
Costco Gas Station on 1755 Hacienda Dr. – relocation to area close to Emerald St.
John also discussed local code amendments dealing with Inclusionary Housing and affordable units, Vista Business Park Amendments and the General Plan Update. He also went over recent state legislation such as SB 9 – Urban lot splits, SB 6 – Housing in commercial zones, SB 330 – Housing Crisis Act, and Density Bonus and Affordable Housing Legislation.
Governmental Updates
Kristal Jabara – County of San Diego, Supervisor Desmond’s Office – The Supervisor was re-elected and is currently looking at a long list of issues still to be dealt with including homelessness, fentanyl, affordable health, transportation, and many others. There is still Grant dollars available for communities.
A report from Congressman Mike Levin’s Office – The Congressman is working on his bills dealing with veteran clothing allowances for medical issues and nuclear waste containers. Master Sargent Rudy Moreno from Oceanside was nominated as Veteran of the Month.
Next Government Affairs Meeting will be February 2, 2023.
