The Vista Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee heard updates from County Supervisor Jim Desmond and from Jennings Imel, from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Each presenter furnished information about the past few months and what we can expect in the next few months relating to economic growth, San Diego County and City of Vista issues.
First on the agenda was District 5 County Supervisor Jim Desmond. He began his presentation with stating that over $830,000 was distributed to non-profit organizations in enhancement funds during the year. For Vista, $15,000 went to the Vista Chamber of Commerce to assist in producing the Vista Magazine in Spanish as well as English. Twenty-five thousand dollars was given to the Chamber to use for the shuttle system for the Strawberry Festival and to help with traffic control. The EDC was given a grant to help with the SoCal Career videos that will be available online for students to explore a variety of careers. Twenty million dollars has been allocated for the Vista Crisis Stabilization Center. This behavioral health center will help various authorities in evaluating individuals brought in to determine the proper treatment needed. The Supervisor reported that a 200-unit affordable Senior housing complex will be built in Escondido. A Family Justice Center is being established in San Marcos to provide all assistance needed in dealing with domestic violence issues. He said the Supervisors are discussing and hope to concentrate their efforts on the rising Fentanyl crisis in San Diego, currently the #1 drug problem in San Diego County. This drug has already caused over 800 deaths in the County. He said education is the key to getting out the word on the severity of this drug and how dangerous it is mixed with other drugs
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The Supervisor said the Youth Sports Grant, waving fees during the COVID pandemic, is still available for those interested. A variety of businesses took part in receiving COVID stimulus dollars – $760,00 given out in 2020 and $826,000 in 2021. He reminded the committee that his State of North County Address will be on April 20th in Oceanside. When asked about the Vehicle Mileage Tax proposed by SANDAG, the Supervisor was adamant in stating that SANDAG has not fulfilled their part of the road improvements that the additional of a sales tax in 2012 was supposed to cover. He said the proposed HOV lanes for Highway 78 will not be going in, but SANDAG is proposing putting in managed lane toll lanes instead. He pointed out that the North County freeway and road system needs are completely different that those in San Diego City. Supervisor Desmond said our focus should be on technology not additional taxes on the public and the road additions and repairs that were originally agreed on should be completed first. He finished by saying he will Keep Fighting for North County.
Next on the agenda was a presentation from Jennings Imel from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Jennings reported that they are entering a busy time with the upcoming elections, many beginning in June. They are busy developing relationships with candidates and determining which candidates have business interests as a part of their campaigns. He said this is a trying time as supply chain, inflation and workforce issues still plague our economy. The inflation rate is at 7.9% and is danger of going higher. Jennings said part of the problem with the work force issue centers around the shortage of immigrant labor, currently down 2 million with a back-log of one million applications that have not been dealt with. Another issue is the supply chain issues with 80-85 cargo ships still off Long Beach waiting to be unloaded. A danger of dock workers on strike could also present more complications. Another economic problem to watch is bills, like Senate Bill 2992 – anti-trust bill, which could cause new issues.
Legislative Reports
Imelda Huerta from the City of Vista – The new Chick-fil-A across from Food for Less is set to open April 14th. The new Economic Development Director for the city is Larry Vaupel. The plans for developing the property the Community Church is on will soon go through a design review. There is also a proposal to demolish the site of the former business Babies Are Us to build an apartment complex. Imelda also went through some additional projects that are proposed, one being the Rancho Minerva Middle School project.
Jessica Ramirez from U.S. Congressman Mike Levin’s Office – The Congressman has brought $21 million to the City of Carlsbad from Community Project Funding. Five million of this will go to putting in street lighting in the Barrio for increased safety. Some of the funds will go to providing a homeless shelter in and to the Oceanside Museum of Art. The Congressman will join others in beginning work on the 2023 Budget. He is supporting a bipartisan Drug Manufacturing Act addressing supply chain challenges at pharmacies. The VA Medical Center in La Jolla will be named after Jennifer Moreno who was killed in action, the first woman veteran of color to be so honored.
Max Werner from State Senator Patricia Bates Office – The Senator’s SB 904 – sponsoring an educational approach to dealing with the drug Fentanyl has passed on to the House as has SB 1333 dealing with placement of sexually violent predators. SB 1171 was signed allocating $7 million to remove invasive ice plant that contributes to bluff erosion from cliffs threatened by erosion and collapse.
Rachel Beld – CEO for the Vista Chamber of Commerce – The Heroes of Vista was a success, held in the Booze Brother’s facility called The Vistonian. Mayor Judy Ritter was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award as well as other awards given out for education, public services, and businesses. The Vista Magazine in May will also be published in Spanish. The Strawberry Festival will be held on May 29th.
The next Government Affairs Meeting for Vista will be May 2
