By TR Robertson
The September meeting of the Vista Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee was held at the North County San Diego Food Bank, with a tour of the Food Bank facilities. After introductions, Chamber CEO Rachel Beld introduced the new Vista Sheriff Station Captain, Captain David LaDieu. Captain LaDieu said he is currently getting to know community members and various agencies in town. He looks forward to working with several groups and providing an update on the Sheriff’s Office at a future date.
The September meeting featured a presentation by General Manager David Perez and Andrea Caldwell from the North County San Diego Food Bank. This Food Bank is located at 2260 Oak Ridge Way in Vista. It is located in a 60,000 sq. ft. facility, a drastic improvement from the original 5,000 sq. ft. location in San Marcos. The North County San Diego Food Bank has been in North County for 10 years and opened at the new location in November 2025. The San Diego Food Bank’s other location is a 90,000-sq.-ft. facility on Miramar Road. The Food Bank began in San Diego in 1977. In a PowerPoint presentation, David said 1 in 4 San Diegans are nutrition insecure. Over 1,200 volunteers assist throughout the year at various times, helping distribute and process the 51 million pounds of food distributed. Thousands of individuals use the food bank and complete the requirements to receive food. David said the North County Food Bank serves 15,000 seniors.
In addition, over 3,000 elementary students receive food through the Food 4 Kids Backpack Program. Every Friday, qualified students receive a backpack filled with food items to take home for the weekend. They are encouraged to return the backpacks on Monday so the process can begin again. Ninety schools in San Diego County take part in the Backpack Program in Food Bank locations. David also said more than 450 nonprofit partners help provide food or funding so the Food Bank can continue its work. He also said several grocery stores help cover the cost of food items.
Andrea Caldwell leads Government Affairs and Advocacy for the NC San Diego Food Bank. She spoke about major cuts across various food programs, including the difficulty caused by some government shutdowns. She said HR-1 was signed in July 2025, cutting even more programs, including CalFresh benefits. Andrea also said the Food Bank is the largest distributor of diapers and that they are 1 of 11 state-funded diaper distribution centers. From 2025 to now they have distributed 4 million diapers. They also noted that September is Hunger Awareness Month, and they have their annual Holiday Food Drive coming up, along with a 50th anniversary celebration for the Food Bank in 2027.
Governmental Updates
Sam Witt from Congressman Mike Levin’s Office – The Congressman recently led a successful town hall in San Clemente. Federal funding will continue through this year. The Congressman played a role in obtaining significant funding to assist with the Rail Corridor Grant funds needed to repair and assist with issues involving cliff erosion along the rail line.
Steph Wells from Senator Catherine Blakespear’s Office – The Senator has authored 17 bills this year. Some of them include SB 926 supporting mental health and drug treatment programs and SB 1167 Clearly defining the definition for an E-bike vs an E-motorcycle. The Senator has also assisted in the authorization of $2 million for Vista’s Navigation Center. On October 1st the Senator will be hosting an Ending Homelessness Summit.
Graydon McDermott from Assembly Member Laurie Davies Office – Several bills the Assembly Member has been working on have passed including AB 1569 dealing with E-bike safety and training required if students park an E-bike on campus and AB 1707 dealing with electricians’ certification, application and renewal processes. One significant bill that hasn’t been signed yet is AB 2242 dealing with information required for student safety and awareness about sextortion. The Assembly Member is also sponsoring a Diaper Drive.
Adrienne Cisneros-Selekman from Supervisor Jim Desmond’s Office – The Supervisor signed a letter sent to the state concerning the placement of sexually violent predators. The Supervisor did not support a recent passage of allowing cannabis businesses, including lounges, in Valley Center. The Supervisor will be sponsoring an upcoming car seat drive.
Aaron Schutze from the City of Vista – Upcoming City Council meetings will be discussing designs for the Brengle Terrace Park fields, street lighting, presenting a Proclamation to the Daughters of the American Revolution, replacing decking at The Wave, the replacement of various items and projects for The Avo Theatre, Thibado courts, zoning plan updates, and a presentation of the city’s Economic Development Strategy. There will be a 9/11 Memorial Event at Vista Civic Center.
Rachel Beld CEO of the Vista Chamber of Commerce – The Internship Program was a success including interns at the Food Bank and the Rising Star program is starting its 13 year.
Following the meeting, General Manager David Perez took the group on a tour of the Food Bank.
