By TR Robertson
The monthly meeting of various representatives from local, governmental offices and interested citizens forming the Vista Chamber of commerce Government Affairs Committee included a lengthy presentation from Lev Gershman of Tideline Partners concerning a proposed new development close to the Downtown Vista area.
Lev Gershman, of Tideline Partners, presented a power point presentation of a new development that will be going before the City Council in the coming weeks. This development will be located at 212 Guajome Dr. just above the Sprinter tracks. This development would be on 4 acres and consists of 183 units and 266 parking spaces. Lev said some of the goals for the development would be to Improve the Conditions of this area and to Support a Healthy and Diverse Community. Along with this the development has proposed to incorporate Nature and Wellness into the look, feel and overall appearance. The development will include bike lockers, a gym, pool and playground for residents. They plan on also improving bike lanes and sidewalks around the development. He said 13% of the development would be designated for moderate income families. There will be 58 Studio units, 90 1-bedroom units, and 35 2-bedroom units. The City Council is expected to hear about the proposal at their October 3rd meeting.
Governmental Presentations
Vista Chamber Updates – the next Business Mixer will be held at Alta Vista Gardens. There will be a Moonlight Business Mixer at a preview of “Saturday Night Fever” on Tuesday September 12th. The Chamber will be offering a limited participation tour of the San Onofre facility on November 2nd. The Vista Chamber will be sponsoring a Hiring Fair on November 8th. Currently sign-ups are available for the Vista Christmas Parade participation. The parade theme this year is “Viva Vista”, celebrating the first Vista parade. The highly successful Rising Stars program, highlighting outstanding students in the Vista Schools, begins again this month.
From Supervisor Jim Desmond’s Office – The Supervisor has sent a letter supporting adding educational information about human trafficking to be on the curriculum of elementary schools in the county. He will be holding a virtual Town Hall concerning Human Trafficking on September 25th. The Supervisor also sent a letter to the President requesting the reinstatement of checking children and parents as they cross the border into the United States.
From the City of Vista – At the next City Council meeting there will be a discussion concerning a workshop on city owned property and vacant property in Vista. A discussion ensued concerning vacant property in the Downtown Vista area and the continued need for parking for businesses that may be coming into the area. Upcoming City Council meetings will include a Proclamation for Dr. Bonner’s, a Vista Block Party Anniversary and other programs. Moonlight’s final musical for the season begins Sept. 13th with “Saturday Night Fever”. There was a discussion concerning the Safe Parking program currently in the Civic Center Parking Lot.
From Assembly Member Laurie Davies Office – There are over 800 bills that must be discussed, passed, tabled or dismissed before September 14th. Grant funding for businesses dealing with coastal erosion is available. A Job Killers Bill List was passed out and SB 525 to increase the minimum wage to $25 for Health Care workers and SB 799 to increase unemployment insurance taxes to subsidize striking workers was highlighted and not supported by the Assembly Member. Also discussed was the bill to keep guns away from specific individuals designated as not to be allowed to have guns. “Sound of Freedom” movie dealing with human trafficking may soon be presented in communities free of charge.
From Senator Catherine Blakespear’s Office – The Senator supports SB 677 dealing with climate change and its impact along the rail corridor. The Senator will be hosting workshops dealing with issues like homelessness and wildfire awareness. There will be a writing skills workshop to help with grant writing in October.
From Congressman Mike Levin’s Office – The Congress is back after their recess. The Vista Transit Center received funds for improvements dealing with pedestrian and bike access and other issues. Upcoming will be the one-year anniversary of the signing of the Inflation Reduction Act. The Congressman will be hosting a U.S. Service Academy attendance information night at Vista High School. Date TBA.
Vista Irrigation District – The 100 Year Anniversary Party was held Saturday at 1391 Engineer St. AB 399 deals with the detachment of Rainbow from San Diego County Water District. The San Diego County Water District has filed suit against the detachment. Water release from Lake Henshaw is being reduced.
