By TR Robertson
A proposed 54-unit Senior and assisted homeless housing project on Santa Fe, built by the San Diego Community Housing Corporation in conjunction with National Community Renaissance and Hope Through Housing Foundation, was presented to the Vista Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee as the November agenda item.
Ted Miyahara, CEO of the San Diego Community Housing Corporation, and AJ Galka-Ganyeou, Director of Permanent Supportive Housing and Resident Services, gave a power point presentation detailing the proposed project to be built on Santa Fe Drive. The organizations have built similar projects in Oceanside, San Diego, San Marcos, and other cities. The project will be offer 51 studio units and 2 one bedrooms to Seniors 62 and older and to selected homeless individuals that qualify. The project will provide affordable living spaces to low-income individuals as well as a safe, healthy environment with high quality design. Permanent supportive housing will be provided.
The 4-story building will be close to the Sprinter Station as well as downtown Vista. Prices for the units will range from $636-$849 per month and tenants will pay no more than 30% of their income, ranging from $25-$33 thousand per year. Rental assistance for homeless individuals selected will be provided through the County of San Diego. Twenty-five of the units will fall within the control of the County Behavioral Health Services and 2 units will be housed from the Veterans Administration. These units will be fully furnished. All 53 units will be monitored through the Hope Through Housing Foundation. There will be an onsite social worker with case managements for the units. Elder Help, Feeding San Diego and San Ysidro PACE will assist with a variety of needs, referrals, and healthcare. Ted wanted to point out that this living facility will not be a magnet or homeless shelter, not a referral agency, will not allow any illegal substances, not transitional housing and not a feeding location. It will be a permanent housing facility that will address a variety of community needs. The project hopes for a 2023 groundbreaking.
Jennings Imel, Vice President, Western Region U.S. Chamber of Commerce next gave an update on what is happening in Washington as it relates to the business world and politics. He reported that the ongoing elections across the nation are in flux as Democrats and Republican candidates try to win various elections. The current political climate finds Republican candidates winning a number of elections in different states. All eyes are on the $1.85 trillion Reconciliation Bill in the Build Back Better program for President Biden. He said the U.S. Chamber does not support this bill. Corporate tax and increases in public taxes are not part of the bill, but Global tax rates, which would affect business, is included. Many questions remain as to how this bill will affect the current inflation rate. He pointed out that the bill does nothing about work force issues or solving the supply chain issue affecting shipments of goods in ports and to businesses. There is also no immigration reform in the bill. On Friday, a vote on the Infrastructure Bill will take place. He reminded the Committee that effective January 4th, any business with 100 or more employees will have to have mandatory COVID vaccinations for all employees.
Amanda Lee, Assistant City Manager for the Coty of Vista – Five Guys Burgers on Main Street has closed due to lack of staffing. There is an interest in a number of coffee shops on various locations in downtown Vista. The Live Entertainment Ordinance will be discussed at the next City Council meeting as well as the Councils position on the proposed SANDAG vehicle driving tax.
Kristal Jabara from County Supervisor Jim Desmond’s Office – At a recent meeting COVID issues were discussed. One main concern is licensing mental health professionals to deal with homeless issues such as removing them from living on the streets of communities. This will require addressing available treatment and addressing underlying issues. One concern is the growing number of senior homeless and trying to get them into affordable housing. Neighborhood investment grants are still available for application. The County of San Diego is also involved in redistricting and holding county online meetings. A summit is in the plans to look at the increase of gang activity in the county. A department will be created to deal with what we are doing to end the homeless issues in San Diego.
Jessica Ramirez from U.S. Congressman Mike Levin’s Office – The oil spill north of San Diego County is still being cleaned up and the Congressman is working with the Build Back Better Act to stop off-shore oil drilling. The site was declared a disaster to assist business along the area to qualify for funds to assist getting their business open again. Various bills are moving forward, such as: more Federal funding for veterans, replacement of clothing damaged due to veteran’s prosthetics, emergency relief for emergency service members. Looking at President Biden’s Economic Relief Plan several programs are under consideration – dealing with childcare for families, universal pre-school availability and expanding child tax credit.
Suleyma Balderas from Assembly Member Tasha Boerner Horvath’s Office – Governor Newsom recently signed five bills the Assembly Member authored or co-authored. She is currently in Glasgow, Scotland, attending a Climate Change Conference and will be involved in a Zoom call with high school and college students about the conference and the climate change issues. November 10th the Assembly Member will host a Veterans Award Ceremony in Oceanside.
Rachel Beld, CEO Vista Chamber of Commerce – The Chamber is sponsoring a Business Expo next week, contact the Chamber if interested in attending or being a part of the Expo. The Vista Christmas Parade, sponsored by the Chamber will return to the streets of Downtown Vista on December 4th. January 24th will feature the return of the Vista State of the Community, also sponsored by the Chamber.
The next Vista Government Affairs meeting will be December 2nd at the Film Hub.
