By TR Robertson
The March Carlsbad Government Affairs Committee meeting featured two guest speakers to begin the monthly meeting. District 1 City Councilmember Melanie Burkholder was the first guest speaker as she discussed several items the City Council is dealing with. The first was the passing of a Carlsbad Business Initiative to assist local small business owners. The Councilmember pointed out that attracting small businesses to Carlsbad is important for the vibrancy of the downtown area. She next discussed the Windsor Point facility, near the downtown area, a facility to assist mentally ill individuals. The Councilmember said the facility is the first of its kind in the county and it needs additional work. She pointed out prevention is the key to the homeless issue and it is expensive to house individuals in these facilities. Cleaning up Pine Park is also on the Councilmembers agenda for the city. When asked about the SANDAG proposals it was pointed out that the voting procedures are controlled by a weighted vote, as a result of AB 805, and it is disproportionately weighted toward the two largest districts. The Councilmember said the 5/78 connector needs improvement and North County engagement is important to try and help make these improvements. The final question dealt with the E-bike issues, and the Councilmember said licensing, training and awareness are key to dealing with the growing E-bike use.
Next on the guest speaker list was Brian Lane and Kareem Scarlett, representing SANDAG and the Department of Transportation speaking about the SANDAG Draft North County Multimodal Corridor Plan. Using a power point presentation, the development and implementation of the Plan was detailed. Lane said accessibility, state policy, goals and funding were key elements to the Plan. It was pointed out that North County is growing and changing and transportation and mobility is increasing. For the Transportation Planning Regional Plan mobility challenges, land use, limited access, safety and regional facilities are but a few of the considerations in establishing the Plan. In the Developed Strategy they looked at biking, transit, bussing, commuter services and highway management as well as a few additional concerns to develop the strategies. Main arteries were shown that provide additional mobility for the area. Improved connections, intersections, rail connections, bike access, signal improvement and safe community access are needed all throughout the area. Some of the cost to the $5.6 billion dollar 30 year Plan includes $3.5 million for corridor improvement, and an operating budget of $70 million.
The Coastal Gateway Bundle and the Inland Gateway Bundle were shown pointing out where major improvements are needed in areas with the highest traffic flow. Policy Recommendations for the Plan include Short Term Implementation, Creating an Innovative Testing of Transportation, Tools and Technology and Integrating and Collaborating were discussed. A question-and-answer session followed the presentation.
A discussion ensued about the viability of mass transit being the answer to North County transportation issues. The accessibility of Sprinter and buses was also questioned as well as the various hubs and drop off points that are established. One example given was the drop off point for the Sprinter and riders getting to Tri-City Medical Center does not give riders close access from the Sprinter. The feasibility of the Plan and the priorities listed were also questioned by one attendee. For information about the North County Multimodal Corridor Plan go to cmco@sandag.org or www.sandag.org or https://sandag.mysocialpinpoint.com/northcounty, or call 888-317-8976.
Legislative Reports
Jason Haber from the City of Carlsbad went over some of the upcoming City Council presentations. He said E-bike State of Emergency will soon be ending. Traffic safety and business in Carlsbad are a top council concern and some street improvements have been approved and will soon begin.
Cipriano Vargas from County Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer’s Office – The Supervisor is concerned with the continued development of affordable housing for homeless individuals and where to develop these projects. Senior citizens that qualify through application can receive $500 monthly to assist with monthly housing payments to enable them to stay in their homes. There are 222 spots available and March 31 is the application deadline. Go to https://www.countynewscenter.com/pilot-shallow-rental-subsidy-program-for-older-adults-now accepting-applicants. The Mobile Crisis Response Team program has received $4 million to continue the program assistance from Congressman Mike Levin.
Margaret Doyle from State Assemblymember Tasha Boerner Horvath’s Office – The Assemblymember is dealing with a big Legislative packet. Two of the bills include AB 72 – funding for the continuation of the Scripps Oceanography Early Warning System study about the bluffs erosion and collapse. AB 266 is an Interns Act that will pay interns for college scholarship assistance in the legislature. Another project is establishing code enforcement standards for cities for inspectors to complete code enforcement inspections.
Kyle Krahel from U.S. Congressman Mike Levin’s Office – The Congressman is working on legislation establishing assistance for Veterans seeking benefits and has sent a letter requesting an investigation to the rising cost of natural gas in California. He has also joined in on a letter looking into the management of water from the Colorado River.
Bret Schanzenbach, CEO of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce thanked people for attending the Chamber’s 100th Birthday Party. At the March 14th City Council meeting the Chamber will receive a proclamation for this event. April 24th the Cbad Awards will be held at the Westin Hotel. March 15th at 5 pm will be Happy Hour at the Hilton Garden Inn as a ribbon cutting for the renovations at the Hilton Garden Inn will also be held.
Aaron Byzak from Tri-City Medical Center reported the health care workers will begin to receive $25 an hour.
