By TR Robertson
The February meeting of the Vista Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee listened to two power point presentations concerning what is happening in the City of Vista. One of the presentations was from Sheriff Captain John Boyce who gave a Vista Sheriff’s Update and the other from Moonlight Cultural Foundation Development Manager Jena Ralls who spoke about the Youth Program at the Moonlight Theatre.
Speaking first was Captain Boyce. He said the Vista Sheriff’s Station is one of the busiest in San Diego County. Captain Boyce indicated that the COVID years were not only a difficult time for the citizens of every city in the nation, but the shut down also had an effect on the Sheriff’s Department in terms of morale and communication. He said dealing with this was his prime objective since becoming in charge of the Vista station. In 2023 the Vista Sheriff’s Department dealt with 32,000 calls, a large number to answer with a small department. The Captain said most citizens don’t really understand what they do on a daily basis. His mission is to focus on training and ways to encourage and inspire the deputies and to increase the size of the department in order to service the City of Vista in the best possible way. The Coffee Shop morning meetings are held every so often. They offer citizens the opportunity to casually get to know the Sheriff’s Department members and to pick up literature concerning a variety of issues. Captain Boyce has also focused on Drug Abuse Recognition Training for the officers to assist them with dealing with the ongoing drug issues in the city. The Sheriff’s Department offers a Jr. Deputy Program for those interested in possibly becoming a member of the Sheriff’s Department. Captain Boyce showed a variety of graphs dealing with data from 2023. At the present time burglaries are down 25%, robberies are down 23%, but drug arrests are up 30%. The 2023 Crime Rate in the city is at 15%. In 2023 490 firearms were seized (300 of these from the gun buy back program) and 64 ghost guns were seized. Another concern the Sheriff’s Department is dealing with is the increase in the illegal fireworks being “shot off” in neighborhoods. One arrest has been made which also led to illegal drug charges. Citizens are encouraged to call the Sheriff’s Office if they hear this activity in their neighborhoods. Look for the articles concerning the morning coffees offered by the Sheriff’s Department and always remember “If you see something, Say something” as it relates to illegal issues of all kinds.
Next on the agenda was a presentation by Jena Ralls, from the Moonlight Cultural Foundation. Jena began by showing the Mission Statement and detailing information about the various Youth Programs offered by Moonlight Theatre. “Moonlight Youth Theatre is dedicated to providing high-quality, professional theatrical training for young people ages 7 to 18. Each year we help hundreds of aspiring young actors pursue their dreams with live productions, classes, camps, workshops, and internships. We encourage family support and participation in the theatre as we instill performance excellence standards among our youth. We are committed to providing an education in theatre arts that fosters teamwork and leadership skills. We aim to challenge young people to develop confidence, creativity, and consideration for others in the context of professional theatre. We believe in equity, justice, inclusion and belonging for all. We believe art is more robust when more voices, perspectives, and experiences are included and represented onstage and off. Moonlight Youth Theatre believes in equity, justice, inclusion and belonging for all.” Jena said the Youth Theatre program offers Classes and workshops, Summer Camp, In-school programs, Internship and Mentorship Opportunities and Performance opportunities. In 2023 they served 1,091 students including 56 interns and hired 66 of these students as artists helping out in various productions. The Youth Theatre program has 3 productions during the year, two produced at the Avo Theatre and one large production on the Moonlight Stage. This year citizens will be able to attend the productions “Peter and the Star Catcher”, “Frozen” or “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” (“Joseph” will be on the Moonlight Stage). Seventy scholarships are available for the internship program. In 2023 580 students attend the four-week Summer Camp. Moonlight also offers a Residency Program which includes 12 weeks of musical theatre taught at local schools. Eighty per cent of the students that have taken part in this are new to musical theatre. Jena finished by showing a picture of the New Studio Moonlight has recently purchased and is in the process of refurbishing in hopes of becoming fully operational by mid-2024. The location is 825 Civic Center Dr. For more information about becoming involved in Youth Theatre at Moonlight contact Jena at jena@moonlightfoundation.com or go to www.moonlightstage.com/education .
Government Updates:
Congressman Mike Levin’s Office – Suleyma Balderas – Working on a bi-partisan bill Veterans Hunger Coordination Act – a food program measure. A $53 million dollar grant designated to replace the bridge over the lagoon by the Del Mar Fairgrounds. A $500,000 grant obtained for the long term study of options for the railroad corridor.
Senator Catherine Blakespear’s Office – Fernando Hernandez – Working on legislation concerning the railroad corridor. SB 689 passed concerning bike lane projects. Co-authoring AB 285 dealing with the utility bill proposal based on income.
Assembly Member Laurie Davies Office – Ryan Ewart – AB 375 Food delivery driver bill requiring ID with pictures for service. AB 1922 bill dealing with developing jobs in the green collar industry. AB 1923 bill dealing with green assistance to small businesses and non-profit.
County of San Diego – Supervisor Jim Desmond’s Office – Kristal Jabara – The Supervisor is checking flooded areas in the district and beyond. North County was not affected as badly as other Districts. Working on the issues involving the placement of released convicted sexually violent predators in the District. Attending meetings dealing with the storage of spent nuclear fuel. Working on funds for a detox center for the District.
City of Vista – Imelda Huerta – $25,000 awarded to Avo Theatre. Discussions to begin on what to do with the funds.
The first community workshop meetings are announced:
Wednesday, Feb. 7
5:30-6:30 pm: Citywide Parks Master Plan Public Meeting #1
6:30-7:30 pm: Brengle Terrace Park Site Specific Master Plan Meeting
Morris B. Vance Community Room
Vista Civic Center
200 Civic Center Drive
Human Trafficking Townhall – co-sponsored by the City of Vista and Vista Unified School District
Thursday, Feb. 8
6 pm-7:30 pm
Civic Center – Morris B Vance Community Room
200 Civic Center Drive
Emerald Drive Complete Streets Community Meeting
Thursday, Feb 22
6pm-8 pm
Bella Mente Montessori Academy
155 N. Emerald Drive, Vista
South Melrose Tree Trimming & Landscape Maintenance Assessment
Wednesday, February 28
6-8 pm
Hyatt Place San Diego/Vista-Carlsbad
2645 S. Melrose Drive
Townsite Phase II Streets Community Meeting
Wednesday, March 27
6 pm-8 pm
Linda Rhoades Recreation Center
600 N. Santa Fe Avenue, Vista
We are also partnering with VUSD on bike safety meetings: https://www.cityofvista.com/Home/Components/News/News/6842/3255
Vista Chamber of Commerce – Heroes of Vista Awards Ceremony at the Vistonian on March 22nd. Velocity Intern applications are now available.
