By TR Robertson
The March Vista Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee heard from Joe Vacca, Vista Community Development Director, as he gave an Update on the Vista General Plan currently going through the final stages of Community Outreach presentations. Before Joe began, he gave a City Update for the month of March. Upcoming March City Council meetings will feature a Bruch Management report from the Vista Fire Department, a recognition presentation for Vista Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Doyle; a discussion on cabana rentals at The Wave; a declaration of being a Public Nuisance for the former Community Church location; a discussion of banning plastic bottles at Vista events; the allocation of Prop 36 funds assisting homelessness; a discussion on the need for public restrooms and a mister system for Avenida Bonita Juarez Park; and the choosing of a concessionaire for Moonlight Amphitheatre. The Wizard of Oz on Ice will be at Moonlight Amphitheatre on March 27. On March 28 there will be a Credence Clearwater Revival performance. Aaron Schultz has been selected as the new Vista Economic Advisor.
Joe next gave an Update for the Vista General Plan 2050. The General Plan is “a long-range policy document that guides future development and is a comprehensive collection of goals and policies related to a multitude of aspects of community life”. The last update was in 2012 for the City of Vista General Plan of 2030. The new process began in 2022 with the first Community outreach in the summer of 2023. It is now in the final stages of Community Outreach presentations. This has been an inclusive process, with an extensive social media campaign to keep the public informed. The workshops have been well attended, and input has been gathered that will assist in the future development of the General Plan 2050. Some of the aspects discussed include Land Use Designations. These include Residential, Commercial, Mixed Use, Industrial, and Civic Activity/Parks/Open Space. Newly added are Mixed Use – Corridor (2-4 stories) and Mixed Use – General (4-5 stories). Along with all of the categories in the General Plan there will also be a Program Environmental Impact Report included. Once the final General Plan is completed it will be submitted to the Planning Commission followed by City Council Hearings on the General Plan and final adoption.
“The General Plan Update will establish a targeted and innovative framework for the future to allow the City to focus growth towards established transportation corridors and repurpose underutilized land uses to shift from a traditional distributed pattern of development to a concentrated growth plan that preserves the defining characteristics of Vista.”
For more information go to www.vista2050.com or email Michael Ressler, City Planner, at mressler@vista.org.
Governmental Updates
Sam Witt from Congressman Mike Levin’s Office – the Congressman is working on legislation to assist veterans in obtaining passports and legislation assisting disabled veterans. Rob Howard was selected as the constituent of the month. The War Powers Resolution is being debated in Congress.
Fernando Hernandez from Senator Catherine Blakespear’s Office – Oversite Committee Policy Hearings are underway. SB 1167 deals with E-bike vehicle code sections that deal with making E-bikes more powerful and not being classified as E-bikes. An E-bike summit is in the planning stages. SB 965 is proposed to make it easier for 15–17-year-olds obtain a library card without parent permission. The Senator recently assisted with obtaining $1.6 million to provide homes for homeless.
Graydon McDermott from Assembly Member Laurie Davies Office – The Assembly Member is also working on making it illegal to modify E-bikes more powerful. It was pointed out the Cal Works program dealing with childcare must clearly indicate the need for childcare or they will have to wait to reapply. Lifeguard training will be elevated for the coming season.
Report from the Vista Irrigation District – Discussion still underway about the allocation of Colorado River water for San Diego County. The $400 million repair and replacement of the Vista Irrigation District Flume is underway and will take 10 years.
Rachel Beld, CEO of the Vista Chamber of Commerce – Intern applications are now available and interested businesses ate encouraged to contact the Chamber Office. Saturday, March 21st at the Avo Theatre in Downtown Vista the Civic Bee will be held. There are 13 students, grades 6-8, who will compete for the top 3 spots.
