City of Vista News Headlines -

City News Updates

City Council Set to Meet on August 25

Tuesday, August 25, 2026⁠ | 5:30 p.m.⁠

City Council Chambers at the Vista Civic Center, 200 Civic Center Dr.

Presentations

1). Proclamation declaring August 26, 2026, as “Commander John Malan Day” in the City of Vista.

2). Proclamation honoring local heroes Alex Landin and Chris Madero.

3). Proclamation honoring local hero Jorge Lopez.

Consent Calendar⁠

Please consult the agenda for the Consent Calendar, which can be enacted in one motion. Items removed from the calendar by the City Council or a member of the public will be considered individually by the Council.⁠

Discussion Items

1). Buena Creek Navigation Center Renewal Options

2). Street Lighting Assessment Project Update

3). Commission Appointment Process

4). Movies in the Park Program Expansion at Luz Duran Park

This meeting is accessible to all, and we invite you to participate in person or virtually.⁠ Click the agenda link below for more information on participating.

View the City Council Meeting Agenda & Staff Reports

Bocce Ball Courts Renovation Closure

We’re renovating the bocce ball courts at Brengle Terrace Park! The courts will be closed starting August 24 and are estimated to reopen the first week of October.

So, what’s new? The bocce ball courts will have new wood sidings around all 4 bocce ball courts, as well as a new playing surface made with Oystershell material.

Please note: The parking areas near the courts may be closed during the renovations due to the need for vehicle and equipment access. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to the renovated bocce ball courts!

Call to Artists: Día de los Muertos Art Exhibition

Artists are invited to be part of the exhibition and submit work that celebrates culture, community, and memories. The deadline to submit the online application and submit photos of your artwork is Thursday, September 17 by 5 p.m. Artists will be notified of their status by Monday, September 28.

There is no limit on the number of pieces each artist can submit in a single proposal, but please note City staff retain the right to select what pieces will be displayed.

Contact vistapublicart@vista.gov with any questions or to request a PDF application.

View the flyer & get more application info here

Mark Your Calendars: Vista Fire Rescue Open Houses

Vista Fire Rescue (VFR) is opening its Fire Houses to the community this fall with a series of Open Houses on October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, and November 7. Residents will have the opportunity to tour local fire stations, meet Vista firefighters, paramedics, and other public safety personnel, and learn more about the services that help keep our community safe. Fire House tours will include hands-on demonstrations, community resources, and opportunities for families to connect directly with first responders. More information is coming soon. Visit vista.gov/calendar in September for the exact Open House schedule. City of Vista calendar

Don’t Miss Out: Registration is Closing!

Don’t let your kids miss the chance to learn leadership, confidence, and decision-making skills in the Fall 2026 Junior Deputy Program! We’re excited to share we have a few spots left- so click here to sign up today.

Every Wednesday from September 2-October 28, 6:15-8:15 p.m. at the Linda Rhoades Community Center (600 North Santa Fe Av.), students will join peers and the Vista Sheriff’s Office deputies for K-9 and bomb squad demonstrations, training exercises, and public speakers.

Apply for the Jr. Deputy program today

Community Development “Block Grants” Change Lives in Vista

The City of Vista’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program helps fund local nonprofit organizations that provide critical services to low-income residents facing housing instability, disabilities, health challenges, and other barriers. Behind every grant-funded program is a story of resilience, hope, and lives changed through community support.

One example is the Ramirez family, a multi-generational household that includes two seniors in their 80s and two adult children, all living with disabilities. After being forced to leave unsafe housing and losing many of their belongings, the family faced an uncertain future. Through Townspeople’s Shared Housing Program, with support from the City of Vista, they secured stable housing at Las Palmas Apartments. With ongoing case management, they strengthened their financial stability, improved their credit, and ultimately assumed their lease independently. Today, the family continues to enjoy safe, stable housing and greater independence.

Another inspiring success story comes from Fraternity House, Inc., which provides affordable housing and supportive services for individuals with disabilities. One resident arrived determined to build a more independent life while managing a complex medical condition. With support from Fraternity House, she worked closely with medical specialists to better manage her epilepsy, developed valuable life skills, and built a strong support network. After years of perseverance and personal growth, she transitioned from supportive housing into a semi-independent apartment, where she continues to thrive while reconnecting with her family.

These recent success stories demonstrate how CDBG-funded programs help Vista residents overcome significant challenges and build brighter futures. By partnering with local nonprofit organizations, the city continues to invest in programs that strengthen individuals, support families, and build a healthier, more resilient community.

Click here for more information

Where the Turf Meets the Vista – Welcome to the McClellan Mini-Derby

Join us on Friday, August 28 from 1–3:30 p.m. for an afternoon of Del Mar‑style excitement at the Gloria McClellan Senior Center (1400 Vale Terrace Dr.)! Start in the Azalea Room Paddock with “Funny Money” betting, photos, and lively horse races, then head to the Park Terrace Café for our Grand Hats Contest, mocktails, treats, and prize cash‑outs. Dress in your race‑day best and don’t forget your fancy hat! RSVP by the end of day Friday, August 21 at the Park Terrace front desk or call 760‑643‑5288. Click here for more senior resources

Yard Maintenance: Keep Waterways Clean

As you’re working on your yard this summer, be sure to collect and compost yard waste or place it in a curbside yard waste recycling container. Yard waste carries pollutants into our waterways and can clog storm drains, increasing the risk of flooding.

You can best maintain irrigation runoff by maintaining your system and avoiding leaks and overspray. Overwatering can create runoff that carries fertilizers, pesticides and other waste into the storm drains.

City of Vista Events

EXTENDED: Skate Vista Exhibition

Dates: July 10-August 27 – Time: 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Mon.-Thur., alternating Fri. closes at 4:30 p.m.

Location: Public Art Gallery, Civic Center, 200 Civic Center Dr. (2nd floor) Admission: FREE

Moonlight Amphitheatre: “Guys and Dolls”

Dates: August 12-29 – Time: 8 p.m.

Location: Moonlight Amphitheatre, 1250 Vale Terrace Dr. – Admission: Click here to get your tickets

Scraps to Soil Workshop

Date: August 22 – Time: 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Location: Alta Vista Botanical Gardens, 1270 Vale Terrace Dr. – Admission: FREE

For Vista Youth: Junior Deputy Program

Dates: September 2-October 28 (on Wednesdays only) + Time: 6:15-8:15 p.m.