By TR Robertson
The May Vista Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee meeting heard a detailed presentation from Jordan Marks, San Diego County Assessor, Recorder and County Clerk. Mr. Marks detailed the services provided by his office members in the five County offices. These County offices are in San Diego (Main Office), East County, Chula Vista, Kearny Mesa, and the closest North County Office in San Marcos. The San Marcos Office is located at 141 E Carmel St. in San Marcos. Marks said he is proud to say the offices provide top financial stewardship, have a high customer service rating, offer reduced fees, and have more online service, using less paper with quick customer service. They record over 1,000 documents a day. During the Pandemic they established an outdoor marriage hut as well as offering Saturday weddings and walk-up weddings. Marks gave an extensive presentation of Prop 13, the benefits to homeowners and a detail of how the Proposition helps protect homeowners. He also discussed the various Propositions that have passed regarding the sale or inheritance of property by families. These included Prop 58 – Parent to Child Transfer, Prop 193 – Grandparent to Grandchildren transfer, Prop 60 & 90 – Senior Exclusion from Reassessment and Prop 19 – Family Farms. Some of the Hot Topics the County Assessor said they are looking at include the number of Prop 8 applications for tax reductions, The Rise of Insurance Rates, and the Restaurant Parklets Possessory Interest Tax. Marks said one success they have had is the assistance given to disabled veterans with the Disabled Veterans Exemption. Over 14,000 disabled veterans in San Diego County are getting the exemption. It was pointed out that the COVID Impact 2020 Commercial Property Tax Relief can still be filed for homeowner relief. Marks also recommended anyone owning property or a home should go to www.sdarcc.gov to protect your property from real estate from fraud. This is a free notification service provided by the County of San Diego Assessor’s Office. For more information or question go to www.arcc.fgg.sdcounty.ca.gov or call 619-236-3771 for Assessor Office, 619-237-0502 for Recorder/Clerk Office. Jordan Marks contact is 619-531-5507 or go to Jordan.marks@sdcounty.ca.gov.
Governmental Updates
Fernando Hernandez from California Senator Catherine Blakespear’s Office – The State Senator will be meeting in a subcommittee on May 15th concerning transportation on the rail corridor, safety, and the bluff erosion. May 12th will be the final Policy Committee meetings. By the end of the month, they will be working on getting any bills out of the Senate and the Assembly working on getting bills out of the Assembly before the last day of the month.
Ryan Ewart from Assembly Member Laurie Davies Office – Monday will mark the opening of the Assembly Member’s North County Office. The Assembly Member co-authored a bill to assist in reducing veteran suicide. A few bills passed to assist with the fight against the rise in fentanyl trafficking, fines, and distribution – AB 33, AB 474, AB 675, and AB 701. A handout was passed out detailing a few other bills the Assembly Member has co-authored in the areas of Public Safety Legislation, Environmental Legislation, Education Legislation, Consumer Protection Legislation and Revenue Legislation.
From Kristal Jabara in Supervisor Jim Desmond’s Office – On May 20th from 9-11 in Guajome Park there will be a Pet Emergency Kit Distribution and Pet Chipping. In an update on the Nathan Fletcher situation, the Supervisors voted to support a special election on August 15 in his district to replace the Supervisor. The Supervisor brought forth the establishment of rules for nonprofit organizations holding public events on county property.
City of Vista Update – The City Council voted to establish a Safe Parking area for homeless individuals and families on Eucalyptus at Civic Center. It would be open each day at 5:30 P.M. and all individuals would have to leave by 7:00 A.M. The area would be cleaned every day. There were questions surrounding security for the area. Two new ambulances have been purchased for the Fire Department. The city has also advertised hiring a new EMT position. Moonlight opens next Wednesday for the start of the Summer Season of musicals. The first musical will be “Jesus Christ Superstar”.
Rachel Beld, Vista Chamber of Commerce CEO – The Meet the Leaders was a successful event at Shadowridge County Club.( Vista Chamber Meet the Leaders Features Presentations from Local, County, State and Congressional Leaders) The Chamber is in the process of putting together the Internship program. The 17 Rising Stars Scholarship winners will be announced next week. The Strawberry Festival will be held on Saturday May 28th. People are encouraged to ride shuttles to the Downtown Historic Vista area.
Peter Kuchinsky from the Vista Irrigation District – Award winners announced for the VID Scholarship – $2,000 awarded to Naia Riggenbach from Pacific Ridge High School and Riley Robbins from Rancho Buena Vista High School. $1,500 awarded to Monica Lozada from San Marcos High School and Colin Gastauer, Sarai Rojas, and Samantha Harris from Vista High School. Winners for the 31st Water Awareness Poster Contest Award were 1st Place of $100 to Belinda Chacon of Grapevine Elementary, 2nd Place of $50.00 to Olivia Rye of St. Francis School, and 3rd Place of $25.00 to Caroline Noesgaard of Castia Center. There were 189 entries. It was also reported that water is up in reservoirs, but we still need to be water wise. Lake Mead should rise 25+ feet and Lake Powell 50+ feet.
READ ARTICAL VISTA IRRIGATION DISTRICT ANNOUNCES STUDENT CONTEST WINNERS
