By TR Robertson
The Vista Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee heard a variety of presentations at the November meeting on Thursday. The first presenter was Jessica Berger, Vice President – University Advancement and Executive Director Cal State University San Marcos Foundation. Jessica presented some current information about the university, including that the university was founded in 1989 and currently has 17,000 students and 68,000 alumni showing tremendous growth. Thirty-nine per cent of the students are 23 years old or older, twelve per cent are military connected representing one out of nine students. Cal State San Marcos ranks #1 Nationally in CollegeNets Social Mobility Index. The university also has a satellite campus in Temecula. The majority of the presentation centered on the growth of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math departments, including the planned construction of the Integrated Science and Engineering building. In a power point presentation, Jessica pointed out there is a high demand for STEM jobs and Cal State San Marcos plans to be a leader in providing an extensive education in STEM fields of study. She said the new building is the first of many steps in providing education in this area. Some interesting statistics include 47% of CSUSM engineering majors identify as Hispanic/Latinx and Computer Science majors have increased 38%. There are 227 Electrical Engineering majors and 171 Software Engineering majors. She also said it is anticipated that the increase in STEM majors will increase from 300 majors to nearly 2,000 majors.
The next presenter was Jennings Imel from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, who gave a U.S. Federal Election Recap. Jennings covered a number of Congressional and Senate races in different states that are still undecided, and winners will not be determined for a week or more in some cases. He said the U.S. Chamber will be evaluating the results of various elections across the United States and what the White House and Congress will look like as far as various significant issues that will be facing the House and Senate. Upcoming issues include the expiration of government funding on December 20th and the short-term measure that will be needed. He also said an emergency supplement for disaster issues is also needed. He said the incoming President’s reference to a tax package being passed in the next 100 days could be a problem to accomplish. Jennings also referenced the possibility of a state tax write-off for homes being raised from $10,000 to $20,000. Another issue that might surface is the President’s statement to raise tariffs on imported products, which could lead to a significant effect on the inflation issues.
Governmental Updates:
Salome Tash from Congressman Mike Levin’s Office – The Congressman was instrumental on obtaining $100 million to go toward the coastal resilience in San Clemente to assist with the rail corridor and cliff issues. He was also at a groundbreaking for a Hydrogen fueling station in Oceanside. Another concern the Congressman is following is the Tijuana River Valley pollution and the ongoing problem in that area.
Fernando Hernandez from Senator Catherine Blakespear’s Office – The Senator recently took a tour of the election processing offices for the county to see how ballots are counted. The Senator was recently appointed to a group at the Capitol to work on insurance issues. She also was able to obtain emergency funding, if needed, for the current rebuilding efforts at the Oceanside Pier.
Kristal Jabara from County of San Diego Supervisor Jim Desmond’s Office – The Supervisor’s are currently still in recess. The Supervisor has supported a program to assist homeowners who have had trouble with fire insurance issues. One upcoming problem the Supervisor’s will be dealing with is looking at transportation problems people have who have been released from county jails.
From the City of Vista – The City Council will be looking at short term rental housing project ordnances. Vista’s new Trader Joe’s on University is accepting applications. The Council is looking at allowing 4 A frame signs for businesses in Business Park. The Public Art Commission is targeting a graffiti program for murals. They are also discussing cannabis consumption lounges. There will be a tribute to veterans at Vets Memorial Park on Veterans Day from 10am-11 am
Rachel Beld, CEO of the Vista Chamber of Commerce – The November 13th Mixer will be from 4-5 pm at the Rancho Buena Vista Adobe which will include the Chamber Board installation. The Christmas Parade in Vista in December is still accepting applications for participants. The State of the Community Address will be at Vista City Hall on January 27th. Nominations are now being accepted for the Chamber’s Heroes of Vista.
Operation Hope is looking for family sponsorships.
The Vista Fire Department association Charity Golf Tournament will be held on January 18th at the Vista Valley Country Club.
The next Chamber Government Affairs Committee meeting will be Thursday, December 5th.
