By TR Robertson
The September Vista Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee heard a wide range of presentations beginning with Vista Mayor John Franklin. Mayor Franklin discussed issues surrounding the need for a permanent shelter capable of handling a larger number of homeless individuals and families. The current Vista Navigation Center hopes to expand their bed capacity to 50, but at the present time is less than this. Mayor Franklin’s proposal is to take the $5 million received from the state and working with the Rescue Mission and other governmental agencies try and raise the additional funds necessary to purchase property in the city and build the facility that would meet the needs of providing adequate shelter for those living on the street. He feels the ongoing debate of how to deal with the homeless needs to stop and the enforcement of existing laws concerning getting people off living on the street and in encampments needs to be enforced. There are currently 85 individuals on the streets and in encampments in Vista who want to go to a shelter, but there are not enough shelter beds to take them. The building of such a facility would go a long way in dealing with the major shortage of shelter beds in the city
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The Mayor also says working with the Sheriff’s Department they have been successful in targeting drug dealers selling drugs both inside the encampments and outside of the encampments.
He said the use of the mental health services and existing laws would also enforce involuntary service in putting individuals in shelters. The Mayor stated that a new approach is needed to change and deal with the problem and we need to stop throwing money at the homeless situation with no results. When asked if a property location has been found he said they have one in mind that is not close to any residential areas.
In another topic Mayor Franklin said the number of vacant spots in and around the industrial park is of concern. The Mayor outlined a plan to offer an incentive to businesses to attract them locating to Vista. He feels that a financial cost savings incentive might be the answer. He did point out that new businesses are coming to some areas, such as the new Black Rock Coffee and Dutch Brothers soon to open.
When asked about The Wave, the Mayor said $3.5 million has been allocated to make major repairs to the facility. He also said they have had seven operators interested in bidding to operate The Wave. The process is underway to establish what would be needed for any operator to provide all the services the city would want at The Wave.
Also on the agenda for the Government Affairs meeting was a presentation by Brent Reyes, Management Analyst for the Vista Irrigation District. Brent provided information on the proposed rate change for water use in Vista. All residents should have received a pamphlet about the Proposed Adjustments to Water Rates and Service Charges and information on the Public Hearings and deadlines for Written Protests and Written Objections. The bulk of the reason for the water rate increases has to do with the replacement of the aging Vista Flume, constructed in the 1920’s. Thie primary water supply conduit runs from Escondido to Vista, about a 17-mile stretch. The money raised would also go to the construction of a new reservoir, Pechstein II, a cost of around $67 million. An additional $263 million would go to the construction and replacement of the Vista Flume. Some dates to remember: Informational Open Houses at 1391 Engineer St., Vista – Sat., Sept 13 10:30 am-12 pm and Thurs., Sept. 18 5:30pm-7pm. Written protests must be mailed to VID before Nov. 19th and Legal Written Objections must be received by Wed. Oct. 15. Go to www.vidwater.org/water-rate-study for more information or call 760-597-3100.
Governmental Updates
Salome Tash from Congressman Mike Levin’s Office – The House is currently in session. Main concern right now is the possibility of a Governmental shut-down by September 30 if no agreement reached. The Congressman was instrumental in helping Vista obtain funds for the Vista Navigation Center. The Congressman sent a letter to Governor Newsom concerning stopping taxes on military pension pay.
Fernando Hernandez from State Senator Catherine Blakespear’s Office – Time is quickly coming for the final submission of bills. There are lots of appropriation bills. Several under consideration are SB 710 – tax on Solar, SB 427 – habitat conservation projects. SB 92 passed dealing with an issue in Pacific Beach concerning using hotel space for affordable housing.
Gradon McDermott from Assembly Member Laurie Davies Office – 2 bills passed concerning E-bikes. One dealt with not allowing the app to override the speed an E-bike can go and the other dealt with requiring E-bikes to have head and rear lights. A portion of Highway 76 in Oceanside is now called Payomkawish Highway. Several bills still under consideration include one requiring a Battery Storage Safety Plan before any permits are issued and the other deals with a drowning education bill for lessons on school campuses. The Assembly Member will once again be sponsoring a Senior Scam presentation, this time at Vista Civic Center on October 30th.
Alyssa Formolo from County of San Diego Supervisor Jim Desmond’s Office – The Supervisor has worked on obtaining funds for the Navigation Center in Vista. The Grant Program is now underway for applications. The Supervisor is working on reducing or eliminating property taxes for disabled veterans. The Supervisor objects to allowing early parole for elder sex offenders.
City of Vista – Josh Sino Cruz – City Council dealing with a budget workshop for street maintenance and speed humps. City Council wants to set up Wave operation and operator guidelines. City Council still dealing with low-income housing assistance and Safe Street program. Moonlight’s final musical of the season is “Prince of Egypt”. The IHOP on Sycamore location will soon become a new In & Out Hamburger restaurant.
Vista Chamber Update – Rahcel Beld, Chamber CEO – Fiestas Patrias de Vista will be held Sept. 14 from 12-4 pm at Linda Rhoades Rec Center, 600 N Santa Fe Ave. & 2025 Meet the Leaders will be Thurs., Oct. 2, 4-7 pm, Shadowridge Golf Club, 1980 Gateway Dr. Go to www.vistachamber.org for more information.
