By TR Robertson
The Vista Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee heard a presentation by Brian Lane and Kareem Scarlett, representing SANDAG and the Department of Transportation speaking about the SANDAG Draft North County Multimodal Corridor Plan. Using a power point presentation, the development and implementation of the Plan was detailed. Lane said accessibility, state policy, goals and funding were key elements to the Plan. Senate Bill 1 is currently responsible for funding road improvements. It was pointed out that North County is growing and changing, and transportation and mobility is increasing. For the Transportation Planning Regional Plan mobility challenges, land use, limited access, safety and regional facilities are but a few of the consideration in establishing the Plan. In the Developed Strategy they looked at biking, transit, busing, commuter services and highway management as well as a few additional concerns to develop the strategies. Main arteries were shown that provide additional mobility for the area. Improved connections, intersections, rail connections, bike access, signal improvement and safe community access are needed all throughout the area. Some of the cost to the $5.6 billion-dollar 30-year Plan includes $3.5 million for corridor improvement, and an operating budget of $70 million.
The Coastal Gateway Bundle and the Inland Gateway Bundle were shown pointing out where major improvements are needed in areas with the highest traffic flow. Policy Recommendations for the Plan include Short Term Implementation, Creating an Innovative Testing of Transportation, Tools, and Technology and Integrating and Collaborating were discussed. A question-and-answer session followed the presentation. A discussion ensued about the viability of mass transit being the answer to North County transportation issues.
The accessibility of Sprinter and buses was also questioned as well as the various hubs and drop off points that are established. One example given was the drop off point for the Sprinter and riders getting to Tri-City Medical Center does not give riders close access from the Sprinter. It was pointed out that only so much money is yearly allocated for road improvements, one reason it takes so long for various projects to be completed. Funding for all of these projects was also questioned with no definitive answer on who would be paying for all of these 30-year projects. The feasibility of the Plan and the priorities listed were also questioned by one attendee.
One other question centered around getting people who use the Sprinter lines getting to their different work areas once they arrived at various hub stations. For information about the North County Multimodal Corridor Plan go to cmco@sandag.org or www.sandag.org or https://sandag.mysocialpinpoint.com/northcounty or call 888-317-8976
Governmental Updates
Jessica Ramirez from Congressman Mike Levin’s Office – The Congressman is working on re-introducing legislation establishing assistance for Veterans seeking benefits and has sent a letter to the Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission requesting an investigation to the rising cost of natural gas in California. He has also joined in on a letter looking into the management of water from the Colorado River.
Fernando Hernandez from Senator Catherine Blakespear’s Office – The Senator is working on legislation to investigate and study the Rail Corridor’s along the coast to access the safety of the rail lines. She has also introduced SB 482 dealing with individuals being able to work with the state to acquire adequate financing and funds for homes, especially for those seeking affordable housing.
Ryan Ewart from Assembly Member Laurie Davies’ Office – The Assembly Member has helped introduce AB 75 which would increase penalties for shoplifters. She also has co-signed a letter to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to investigate the reason for the rise in cost for natural gas and concerning the release of climate change credit to taxpayers. Citizens are encouraged to attend online the virtual meetings sponsored by SDG&E concerning rate increases. It was also pointed out that those that received middle class tax refunds are not to be taxed on those refunds.
Kristal Jabara from Supervisor Jim Desmond’s Office – COVID Emergency restrictions have ended. Homelessness is still an issue around the county. The Supervisor is looking at the Federal government plan concerning homelessness to see what in their proposals might work for our county, recognizing that communities have different situations that need to be considered. The Supervisor’s are also looking at Traffic Mitigating Plans and the differences in each city.
John Conley, City Manager, City of Vista – John recently selected as the City Manager. City Council looking at increasing penalties for Tobacco retailers that are in violation of laws concerning sales of tobacco. City Council passed a resolution to support abolishing the state gas tax. City Council discusses the councils relationship with the City Manager. The council also discussed compensation for employees moving forward in their positions. Black Bear Diner will be taking over the former Coco’s location in the next few months.
Rachel Beld, Vista Chamber of Commerce CEO – The Heroes of Vista event will be on March 10th beginning at 4 pm at the Vistonian. Meet the Leaders will be held on April 13th at Shadowridge Country Club. Watching the Velocity Podcasts was encouraged as they feature a variety of interviews.
From the Vista Irrigation District – The VID will be sponsoring an Open House on Sept. 9th. Learn about the variety of device rebates available to residential customers by going to https://socalwatersmart.com/en/residential/# Rebates are also available for replacing lawns with WaterSmart landscaping. A 2023 WaterSmart Landscape Contest is available for those eligible, go to www.landscapecontest.com or contact Brent Reyes at 760-597-3107.
