VISTA, Calif. — May 29, 2024 — The Vista City Council meeting on Tuesday night was marked by heartfelt speeches from local residents opposing San Diego County’s plan to purchase Green Oak Ranch and transform it into a regional mental health and rehabilitation facility. The property, a cherished 142-acre site, has served as a center for affordable housing, recovery programs, summer camps, and community activities for decades.
The council meeting saw such a large turnout that the chambers were packed to capacity, necessitating the use of the Morris B. Vance Community Room for overflow, which also drew a very large crowd. Various news channels and media outlets were present to cover the event, highlighting the community’s intense interest and concern.
The meeting’s first speaker was Denisse Barragan, candidate for Vista City Council District 3, who emphasized the importance of local control over the future of Green Oak Ranch. “Let’s engage in transparent discussions, consider all viable options, and most importantly, listen to the voices of those who call Vista home. By doing so, we uphold the trust and respect of our residents and ensure that Vista remains a place where their concerns are genuinely addressed,” Barragan stated.
The proposed facility has stirred significant anxiety among residents, who worry about the impact on local infrastructure and safety. “We don’t have enough infrastructure; we don’t have enough sheriffs right now that can even handle what is already going on in our town,” said Deanna Faraone, a concerned resident and business owner.
Tim Troncone, a local firefighter and Vista resident, highlighted the strain the new facility could place on already stretched local resources. “Call volume is up all over the city, and our resources are already stretched thin,” Troncone remarked. He suggested alternative uses for the land that would benefit the community, such as a training facility for firefighters.
The Vista Little League and local youth sports programs also shared their concerns. Jared Thompson, a Vista Little League board member, voiced his concerns about the loss of park space and sports fields. “Over the years, I’ve seen the park space and the baseball fields disappear,” Thompson said. “We need to preserve this space for our kids and community activities.”
In a closed meeting before the council meeting, the Vista City Council had taken a significant step by authorizing an appraisal of Green Oak Ranch. This move indicates the city’s intent to explore purchasing the property themselves, ensuring that any decisions made will directly reflect the community’s needs and preferences.
Mayor John Franklin has shown support for the community’s efforts to retain local control. “My number one priority is to protect the ability of Vista residents to have a strong voice in the future of Green Oak Ranch,” said Mayor Franklin, acknowledging the importance of resident input in this critical decision.
Green Oak Ranch has been a vital part of Vista for decades, providing space for affordable housing, recovery programs, and youth camps. Residents argue that any changes to its use should be decided by the local community to best serve their interests and preserve the quality of life in Vista.
A public forum to further discuss the future of Green Oak Ranch is scheduled for Sunday, June 30th at 12:30 p.m. in the Morris B. Vance Community Room at the Vista Civic Center complex. All residents are encouraged to attend and participate in these discussions.
