On Wednesday afternoon, February 20, 2019, a group of individuals with a common goal, met at Helia Brewery, 1250 Keystone Way, in Vista. It has been awhile since this group has gathered together. Some of them have known each other for years and there were also some new faces joining the group. Their commonality is that they either own or operate craft breweries, wineries, mead and distilleries in Vista.
Kris Anacleto from Booze Brothers Brewery conducted the meeting. Economic Development Director, Kevin Ham, represented the City of Vista and Nick Ljubic attended on behalf of the Vista Chamber of Commerce. The purpose of the get together was to discuss several common subjects. Kevin Ham from the City discussed DUI enforcement in the City of Vista. He stated that overall the breweries are all doing really well at self policing their establishments and to keep up the good work pertaining to DUI’s. It is a common belief that using Uber and Lyft by the patrons is a great deterrent. Another question to the City was, “If an establishment wanted to put in games such as pinball, pool etc. what will the procedures be?”. Mr. Ham explained, “There will be a vetting process and an application must be submitted.”
Kris talked about Social Media and being in accordance with the ABC Regulations such as Do’s and Don’t by the breweries when posting on Social Media.
One of the topics discussed as a group involved possibly producing a map of all Vista breweries for craft beer enthusiasts. The Annual Vista Rhythm & Brews is coming again this year on Saturday May 4th. This is a great way for Vista breweries to showcase their product. Ron Adams, Owner of Prohibition Brewery, spoke on behalf of the Vista Chamber of Commerce about exclusively using Vista breweries to participate in the Beer Garden at the Strawberry Festival on May 26th.
Kris spoke of Booze Brothers operating a private event space for weddings, events and live music with beer and wine, in the building on the corner of Paseo Santa Fe & Eucalyptus at the round-about.
Everyone that attended felt it was a very productive meeting. They appreciate how the City has worked with them over the pioneering years of the craft brewing industry. At that point the host, Helia Brewery, cooked up bratwurst and everyone shared a Vista brewed craft beer together.
Thanks Helia for being a great Host
The sun and ocean are the hallmarks of classic California paradise. Helia, the sun Goddess, who gives us our name, literally embodies this romantic communion. Our brewery has a spirit and ethos strongly connected to the sun kissed California of the 70s. It’s a golden state of mind that’s warm, open, dynamic, playful and uniquely artistic.
