By TR Robertson
The Vista Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee heard a report from Mike Pacheco, from the City of Vista, concerning an Update of the proposals and Master Plan for the Vista Parks & Recreation Department. Mike said they are currently involved in preparations for a city-wide survey and various meetings concerning the state of Vista’s Parks and proposals for “Plan Vista Parks” campaign to obtain information about what the citizens want in their parks, open space and recreational programs. This will all go into the creation of a Master Plan for the Parks and Recreation Department. Four site-specific parks have been ear-marked for upcoming meetings on May 22nd and 23rd. The May 22nd meeting will be held at the United Methodist Church on Melrose and the May 23rd meeting will be held in the Community Room at the Civic Center. The site-specific parks are Brengle Terrace Park, the Matagual Drive site, the Breeze Hill Road site (adjacent to the County Courthouse on Melrose Avene) and the Paseo Buena Vista site. Specific information about these meetings, including times and other information, can be obtained at www.planvistaparks.com.
Mike also discussed some issues that are coming up for future discussion concerning the Wave Waterpark. The Wave is thirty years old and is need of additional repairs, such as replastering different pools. The public will be able to go to the meeting on May 23rd to hear and provide input about The Wave. He also brought up a promotion offering Vista Bucks in collaboration with the Wave Waterpark. Residents can receive a 100% rebate debit card when purchasing a 2024 season pass for The Wave. To purchase the season pass go https://www.thewavewaterpark.com/season-passes to and to see a huge list of participating businesses go to www.cityofvista.com/VistaBucksBiz.
Mike also gave a quick list of upcoming City of Vista news items including upcoming City Council meetings and items they will discuss. He also mentioned that Moonlight has just started their new season with “Into the Woods” and E-bike Safety Training will soon be held. One event that will soon occur will be the Jr. Deputy graduation and the Strawberry Festival is just a few weeks away.
Governmental Updates:
Kristal Jabara from Supervisor Jim Desmond’s Office – Supervisor Desmond is working with Supervisor Vargas on a proposal for the County of San Diego to purchase the 166-acre Green Oaks Ranch. It is hoped negotiations will begin later this month. The proposal includes using a portion of the property for the Campus of Healing to assist those with addiction issues with a recovery program leading to sober living. The Green Oaks Ministry would also keep their facility on the property. Another part of the property would be open to the public and the sensitive habitat space on the property would remain. Supervisor Desmond will present a State of the County at Moonlight Amphitheatre on July 11th. Grant dollars applications will be available July 1st.
Fernando Hernandez from State Senator Catherine Blakespear’s Office – The Senator has sent a letter to the Governor seeking state emergency funding for the repair of the Oceanside Pier. The Senate and Assembly are pushing toward the May 24th deadline for the passing of bills. One bill the Senator has authored is SB 1401 dealing with proper licensing of individuals working in childcare on military facilities.
Ryan Ewart from Assembly Member Laurie Davies Office – The Assembly Member has also sent a letter to the Governor concerning the Oceanside Pier. Three bills the Assembly Member authored have made it to the Senate for consideration. Other bills the Assembly Member has been working on include AB 2121 dealing with swimming lessons for minors, AB 2307 and 2308 dealing with various domestic violence issues, AB 1923 dealing with small business issue and a Green Collar Certification bill dealing with jobs. For more information Google the bills to see the exact wording of each bill.
Jessica Ramirez from Congressman Mike Levin’s Office – A recent press conference discussed various funding projects the Congressman has supported, including the completion of the Emerald Drive project. The Congressman has met with the Mayor of Oceanside and various Council Members dealing with the Oceanside Pier Fire. The Congressman continues to work on various bills that specifically deal with veteran’s issues. The Congressman has supported additional funds for border security appropriations, especially the hiring of additional border patrol agents.
Rachel Beld, CEO of The Vista Chamber of Commerce – A successful Meet the Leaders was held last week. The Rising Stars Breakfast, held next week, will honor 30 student recipients of scholarships. Orientation of student interns is ongoing. The Chamber recently hosted a Childcare Panel. One finding is the number of childcare programs that are available. Contact the Chamber for a list of options. The Strawberry Festival will soon be here – 500 vendors have signed up and 4 stages will offer performances and activities throughout the day. The Chamber has received a grant to support the continued publication of the Chamber’s Vista Magazine in a Spanish version.
The Guajome Stakeholders Event will be held this Saturday at Guajome Park School.
The next Government Affairs meeting will be held on Thursday, June 5th.
All are welcome
About the Vista Chamber of Commerce
The Vista Chamber of Commerce is a diverse organization that is focused on impacting our community in a powerful way. For more than 100 years, the Vista Chamber of Commerce has represented our community by advocating for businesses, planning for our community’s future, giving back through our non-profits, and partnering to make Vista a sought-after place to do business, raise families, shop, dine, and play. We are a convener of leaders and influencers who make things happen. Our Chamber shares a strong partnership with our community leaders, and we pride ourselves by connecting businesses to every level of government. We are a catalyst for business growth and champions for a stronger community. https://www.vistachamber.org/
