By TR Robertson
On Tuesday morning, historic Sunshine Brooks Theater in Oceanside was the scene of District 5 Supervisor Jim Desmond’s annual State of North County Address. Hundreds of attendees arrived early to enjoy coffee and early morning pastries sponsored by cold brew sponsor Steeping Giant and catered by One Kitchen Collaborative. As those attending entered the lobby of Brooks Theater and picked up their registrations, three members of the Rancho Buena Vista School Band entertained everyone with their two guitar and trombone combo. Once inside the theater the large crowd in attendance were welcomed by Desmon’s Communication Director Miles Himmel. Himmel welcomed everyone and pointed out many of the North County Mayors, Council Members, Education Leaders, Sheriff and Fire Department members and other dignararies in the audience. An Invocation was led by Oceanside Police Chaplain Martinez and a Tribal Blessing by Miss Valley Center Marlyce Howard, a member of the La Jolla Band of Luiseno Indians. The Presentation of Colors was by members of the Vista High School AFJROTC and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Taylor Nicol. The National Anthem was sung by Mariah Lopez, a Senior from Oceanside High School.
Himmel, along with Supervisor Jim Desmond presenting plaques, announced and presented the following special awards:
Eric Weirather – Band Director RBV High School – Inspiration Leader Award
Joe Roy, VP of the – OPD Association – Getting Stuff Done” Award
Jasmine Hernandez – Extraordinary Youth Award
David Ross – Valley Center Road Runner – Newsmaker of the Year Award
Jessica & Davin Waite – Brine Box Owners – Resiliency Award
Donnie Dee – San Diego Rescue Mission – Uplifting the Community Award
Leah Ritt – Oside High Choir Group Director – National Superstar Award
Kaitlyn X – REINS horsemanship therapeutic program – Community Service Award
Mr. Chris Geldert – SMUSD Building & Construction Courses – Impact Service Award
Carly Star – Brullo Niles – KOTC – The Real News Award
Lori Boody – Executive Director of VANC – Semper Fi Award
Captain E Royce Williams – Impossible Fight Award
Eleanor Evans – Oside Unified School Brd. Member – Comm. Advocate Award
Chief Dave Parsons – Oceanside Fire Department – Call to Action Award
LOVE ESCO Organization – Spreading Love Award
The final part of the program was a presentation by Supervisor Jim Desmond concerning the success and accomplishments in District 5. The Supervisor started out by saying he could feel the positive energy in the room. He said he wanted to layout a vision he and his staff had for the District as well as going over some of the accomplishments and pointing out what still needs to be done. “This is a prosperous District and the people in attendance are the heartbeat of the District.” The Supervisor introduced his wife Carrie and showed a picture, on the screen, of his wife and his children, also saying they will be celebrating their daughter’s wedding soon on the same day as their 40th wedding anniversary. Continuing, Supervisor Desmond asked, “How can we even improve?” He thanked the Tribal leaders in the District and pointed out that this is a military friendly District that is a large part of the success of the area. The Supervisor then pointed out some of the successes in North County, such as: The New Vibe in Oceanside, The Vista festivals and Hops Highway, the San Marcos Education Hub with Palomar College and Cal State San Marcos, The Escondido Center for the Arts and all of the events, the Fallbrook agriculture and vineyards and Avocado Festival, the Valley Center Western Days and Rodeo, Warner Springs and Anza Borrego Super Bloom and tourism. He referenced that agriculture in the District supports 16,000 jobs and is a $3 billion dollar industry here. Hospitality and tourism are up 15% throughout North County.
Some of the issues that still need addressing in the District include the ongoing problem of homelessness. There are an estimated 10,000 homeless in North County. The Supervisor pointed out that there is not one answer or one person’s response that is the answer to the problem. He stated some of the behaviors that continue, such as sleeping on the streets and refusing to enter shelters are unacceptable. The belief is that homelessness for many is a mental health crisis and the entrance into programs should include a sober living requirement. He said the focus should be on treatment and healing. The Supervisor also stated that he is not a fan of parking lot shelters. One accomplishment that was shown was the 16 bed Tri-City Psychiatric Health Facility in Oceanside and that 3 out of 6 County Crisis Stabilization Centers are in North County, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Another successful agency in North County is the North County Family Justice Center in San Marcos. This center services victims of abuse. Another concern that needs addressing is the substance abuse programs and the effect of substance abuse and the homeless issues.
One hot button topic in Vista is the sale of some of the Green Oaks Ranch property and what might be placed on the property. Currently on and remaining on the property is the Green Oak Ministry for Sober Living. One vision the Supervisor has is the creation of a controlled campus for healing and rehabilitation. Looking at other interests in North County, the Supervisor spoke about the maintaining of the 2,000 miles of roads in the District. Projects like the new park in Fallbrook and the purchase of 900 acres of property in Valley Center for an additional park show the continued concern for maintaining open space. Revitalization meetings have been held to allow residents a voice in what is needed in their areas shown by input about downtown Fallbrook development, development in Valley Center and help in Borrego Springs.
The Supervisor referenced the San Diego Blue Envelope Program, initiated by a Deputy Sheriff from Fallbrook, that provides stickers, wrist bands and lanyards for individuals that have disabilities or special needs and may need additional assistance if stopped by authorities. Go to www.SDsheriff.gov/blueenvelope for more information. The Supervisor also expressed gratitude to all law enforcement officers and first responders for their service. He pointed out the quick action by the Oceanside Fire Department for saving the Oceanside Pier and the help the Senior Volunteer Patrol provides. Along with this the continued rapid response of Cal Fire in dealing with wildfires, the two helicopters that are on constant stand-by and the Heli Hydrants established in outlying areas to help fight fires all point the always looking for the safety of people in the area. He was proud they were able to provide additional funding for underfunded fire districts.
Some of challenges facing North County include the continued rise in home prices and the ability for families to purchase a home and the exodus of families from California due to the rising cost of living in the state. Supervisor Desmond said, “This is not a left or right issue”. Another concern is the continued rise in taxes on gas, such as the July 1st .02 cent stage gas tax increase and SANDAG’s November half cent tax increase while not establishing the proposed HOV lanes on Highway 78. Other challenges facing all of San Diego County is the continued problem with the Mexico-United States border issue. He said, “We are overwhelmed and must create a safe manner to properly vet those coming across. It is a safety issue” and we must have “immigration with dignity”.
Wrapping up the State of the County, Supervisor Desmond said, “We have so much potential, let’s take advantage” and this “will take all of us and we should be part of the solution”.
