By TR Robertson
For those that travel the Highway 78 corridor on a regular basis, the news concerning improvements on the 78 to 15 connector and the 78 to 5 connectors happening anytime soon is not good. The news, presented by SR-78 & 76 Corridor Project Manager and Acting Corridor Director Kareem Scarlett, is that studies are underway, but the time line for any actual start of any construction on these two locations is years and years away. The committee was told public input will begin in 2025. From this, technical and environmental studies will begin and take until 2029 and the Buena Vista Lagoon Restoration will be part of the project as well. Scarlett was the keynote presenter for the Vista Chamber of Commerce August Government Affairs Committee monthly meeting. He presented a power point presentation that showed the vast number of projects currently underway or planned for the 78 corridor. One project set to begin soon is a $100 million dollar Asset Management upgrade that will involve 2 years of repavement projects. The I-5 to 78 and I-5 to I-15 Managed Lane Project is funded up to the environmental study portion. The 78 Managed Lanes from El Camino Real to Twin Oaks Valley Rd. study should be completed in 2028. The Inland Rail Trail currently has Phase 3 in construction and Phase 4 in the design study. These are the walking and biking lanes that will closely parallel Highway 78. Studies are also underway concerning the Sprinter Double Tracking. The hope is for the Sprinter to increase ridership if the double rails can help increase the time from 30 minutes between stops to 15 minutes between stops. Some improvements to Highway 78 have been completed like the connector lanes on 78 east to Twin Oaks Valley Rd. and to Nordal Rd.
Governmental Updates
Salome Tash from Congressman Mike Levin’s Office – Congress is currently on their August recess. The Congressman has said $32 million dollars has been obtained for desalinization projects including those in Oceanside, Dana Point and Carlsbad. His Purple Heart Veterans Act has moved on that will close loopholes which will assist veterans. The Congressman recently observed the Otay Mesa Immigration processing procedures.
Fernando Hernandez from Senator Catherine Blakespear’s Office – The California Senate will reconvene August 5th. The Senate and Assembly will be dealing with reviewing or returning numerous bills. Some of the bills either moving on or being reviewed deal with small businesses, coastal reform and bike lanes. The Senator recently hosted a Women in Leadership conference in Oceanside and another meeting concerning the homeless issues in North County.
Ryan Ewart from Assembly Member Laurie Davies Office – The Assembly Member recently hosted a seminar on Scam Stoppers. This week the Assembly Member will be honoring First Responders in her Office. Two bills the Assembly member has sponsored AB 375 and AB 1881 deal with extra security on food delivery services and the other on expanding the criteria for scientists being appointed to various panels.
Kristal Jabara from County Supervisor Jim Desmond’s Office – The Supervisor supports establishing land use criteria for battery storage facilities and setting up a study on the inequities in fire district discrepancies dealing with funding.
From the City of Vista – A number of new businesses are opening, are set to open or will open later in the year. These include Dutch Brother Coffee, Burger Binge, Wendy’s, a Korean BBQ restaurant in downtown area, Sketchers, Black Bear Diner and Trader Joe’s. More information on many of these locations later. A new development will be underway at 600 E. Vista Way for apartments. Vista City Council will be looking at establishing new codes for short term rentals. They will also be dealing with a new outdoor camping ordinance and the creation of new pickleball courts at Brengle Terrace. The Carol King musical, “Beautiful” will soon open at Moonlight Amphitheater.
Rachel Beld, CEO of the Vista Chamber of Commerce – A Fall Forum will be held for candidates in the upcoming election. 75 students took part in the summer internship program the Chamber sponsored. The Chamber will be holding workshops on professional development.
From the Vista Irrigation District – The VID won a number of state awards. Lake Henshaw was honored during Lake Appreciation Month. A number of Smart Water Landscape Awards were handed out to Vista residents. Alta Vista Gardens was honored for their 25th anniversary.
The next Government Affairs meeting will be held on September 5th.Jim Desmond will be the presenter
