by TR Robertson
The Vista Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee heard from Vista City Councilmember Joe Green Thursday, who has announced he will not be running for re-election for his district. Joe detailed a long list of accomplishments he has either started or been a part of during his two year term on council and projects he is especially proud of in the City of Vista. He said he has always tried to accomplish anything he has been involved with, from his time with PTA in his district to his church to his family to his time on council, using the three C’s – Communication, Compromise and Commitment. When he was first elected to the City Council, he felt he needed to build relationships with all parts of city government and the city, needed to listen to what each and every person was saying and use all of this to decide what would be in the best interest for the city and community. He is especially proud that he was able to be a part of legalizing cannabis sales with Measure Z for the city and cleaning up the 21 illegal dispensaries that existed. Joe pointed out that the legal dispensaries have supplied an addition of $6.9 million dollars in tax revenue to the city. Sixty-five percent of the money has been allocated toward general fund that have added the addition of two sheriff’s officers and two park rangers for the city. Fifteen per cent has been allocated to youth scholarships and twenty per cent for special projects, like sidewalk repair, additional lighting and more. He was also excited that he was able to have the addition of Vista to the arch on Paseo Santa Fe. Joe spoke about the changing of the hiring policies he helped initiate for the eleven departments and 290 employees. One of the policies was to make sure the supervisors for the departments are always on the hiring panel. He said he wanted to make sure the city was a help not a hinderance when it came to making sure the best possible people for any position were added to the departments. Joe next spoke about SB 1383 and his involvement in committees dealing with organic waste and the environment. Seventy-five percent of the cities organic waste, through EDCO, is converted into natural gas. When looking at the increase of parks for the city, he spoke about the need for additional parks, as shown in the park master plan, and how these parks help to make Vista a destination city. During a question-and-answer session, Joe addressed the cities approach to dealing with homeless in the city. He said the cities willingness to provide temporary housing and affordable units is one approach that is ongoing and the additional of twelve social workers to the staff, whose job is to make sure homeless individuals and families are receiving proper services, is a step in the right direction. Joe said Vista offers more resources to assist homeless individuals and families that any other North County city. When asked about the parking issues that occasionally arise in Downtown Historic Vista, he said having a Sprinter drop off point close to the downtown area is a plus and there will be a possible addition of a new paved lot close to Michigan Street. He was also asked about the city annexing “islands” of land to incorporate these areas into the city is an ongoing project to bring these areas into the cities “sphere of influence”. Joe said he was especially proud of the fact that Vista’s crime rate is at an all time low and the hiring of additional sheriff’s, paramedics, firefighter’s and EMT’s has helped with this area of concern.
Governmental Updates:
Julia Stevens from Congressman Mike Levin’s Office – The Congressman voted for the short-term revenue funding for the government. He has also asked for answers on the increase in toxic gases coming from the Tijuana River Valley as well as the Nuclear Waste Management Program. The Congressman said there has been a significant drop in those entering the U.S. seeking asylum. Projects he is supporting include the support of benefits for LGBTQ veterans and affordable housing for veterans.
Fernando Hernandez from State Senator Catherine Blakespear’s Office – The Senator had 14 bills she initiated sent to the Governor’s desk for signing and 13 have been signed. Some of the bills include SB 1053 dealing with the elimination of plastic bags in California, the increase in pedestrian and bike lanes around the county, processing time for ADU units and rail line protection.
Ryan Ewart from Assembly Member Laurie Davies Office – Nine bills have passed through the assembly authored or co-authored by the assembly member. Some of the bills deal with the rising cost of gas to the public, reducing price hikes for consumers and E15 fuel sales being provided.
Josh Sino Cruz from the City of Vista – A Climate Action Workshop is being held. Next week the council will look at the master program for park restrooms in the city. An Ad Hoc committee is being formed to look at traffic circulation and parking in the city. There will be a workshop on October 9th to gather information on recommendations for safety in the city. On select Saturdays there will be Open Houses at various fire stations in the city, running from 1-3 pm. Oct. 12 the Sheriff’s Department will host an Ice Cream Social from 11-1 pm at Pepper Tree. Josh also spoke about a number of upcoming musical performances sponsored by Moonlight Amphitheatre.
Rachel Beld – CEO of the Vista Chamber of Commerce – A number of activities are coming up sponsored by the Chamber including a business mixer at the Vista Adobe. The Vista Christmas Parade is accepting applications for participation – the theme is Christmas At the Movies. October 23rd Operation Hope will be sponsoring a Community Resource Fair. October 12th there will be a Family Fun Festival at Alta Vista Botanical Gardens. And November 2nd there will be the annual Novemberfest at Alta Vista Gardens. The Chamber is one of the sponsors for the Candidate Forum for the U.S. Congressional District 49 between candidates Matt Gunderson and Mike Levin. This will be live streamed on Friday, October 11 from 5:30-7:30 pm and questions can be submitted online until October 9th.
The next Government Affairs meeting will be Thursday, November 7th.
