On Monday, January 22, 2018, in the Community Room at the Vista Civic Center, one hundred and sixty political leaders, business people, educators and community members gathered for a presentation of The State of the Community by Vista Mayor Judy Ritter. Attendees included the new Vista Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Linda Kimbel and Mayors from all five North County cities.
The program began with an introduction by Bret Schanzenbach, CEO of the Vista Chamber of Commerce, a flag salute was led by Deputy Mayor John Aguilera and an invocation prayer was led by Michael Hall, Pastor of the Faith Lutheran Church.
Mayor Judy Ritter was then introduced by Bret Schanzenbach and she spoke on the accomplishments of the city in 2017 and goals for 2018.
PART TWO
At the conclusion of the Mayors’ presentation, Bret introduced Amber Ter-Vrugt, Board Chair of the Vista Chamber of Commerce and newly promoted Senior Director of Government Relations for Scripps Health, who gave a report on some of the events the Chamber is involved in each year.
Success of the Strawberry Festival with the 400 vendors, a 10K and 5Krace and over 100,000 attendees.
A successful Chamber program is the Rising Stars giving out more than $30,000 in scholarships to over 200 students.
The First Annual Beer Run Half Marathon.
Heroes of Vista works in partnership with the Vista Education Foundation honoring successful business people and organizations in Vista raising $20,000 for the Vista schools and students.
Julie Nygaard, member of the Tri-City Board of Directors, gave an update on Tri-City Hospital. Tri-City has received a number of safety awards and has recently partnered with the American Heart Association. February is Heart Month and many events will be held to educate people about being Heart Smart. New construction is set to begin at the hospital, increasing parking and construction of more private patient rooms.
Keynote speaker, Borre Winckel, President & CEO of the Building Industry Association of San Diego, explained the housing situation in San Diego County and all throughout California. Currently there is a 20% decline in single family homes and apartments in San Diego. The construction of these type of projects is 1/2 of what it was 20 years ago. Other problems beginning to arise include Seniors staying where they have lived for years, less homes are going on the market, and most significantly, millennials are beginning to move out of California to states they can afford to live in and purchase a home. Mr. Winckels’ warning was dark, however it is true, and more affordable housing and less government regulations is needed.
Watch the following interviews below of some of the attendees to the event.
Kevin Ham-Economic Development Vista, Bret Schanzenbach-CEO Vista Chamber, Borre Winckel-President & CEO of BIA
Paul E. Dorey-VID Director Div. 3, Steve Tague-Owner Tague Insurance, Dr. Linda Kimble-VUSD Superintendent of Schools
Matt Hall-Mayor of Carlsbad, Michael Bronner-President Dr. Bronners Magic Soaps, Lev Gershman-Managing Partner/Tideline Partners
Jerry Kern-Oceanside Councilmember, John Franklin-Vista Councilmember
VISTA HISTORICAL MUSEUM IS AVAILABLE TO RENT FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT
