February Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee Meets Interim Vista Sheriff Captain John Boyce
TR Robertson — The Vista Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee had a chance to meet the Interim Vista Sheriff Captain John Boyce at their February meeting at the Film Hub. Captain Boyce explained that he came to Vista from Poway where he had worked as a detective, also working in Internal Affairs. He said he was very happy to be back in Vista, noting that the Sheriff’s Department here had done good work but there was plenty of work to be done in the city. Captain Boyce said he wanted to continue and expand the community outreach the department had started. Noting some of the ongoing issues he wanted to concentrate on such as the amount of guns the department has noticed on the streets. He said programs such as the gun buy back program are successful and should be continued. Captain Boyce said Vista has changed a lot since he was last in this area with the traffic being a lot heavier. He wanted the department to be very present in the community and he plans on becoming very active and visible at events and organizations. The Captain said the Senior Volunteer Patrol is an important part of good community relationships, but they need more volunteers to assist in the community. He also pointed out that staffing is down 10% in the department.
Legislative Reports:
From the City of Vista – The Planning Commission will hear a review of a proposed 4 story apartment complex that would be built on S. Santa Fe and Valle Terrace Dr. The City Council will discuss and adopt their Legislative Platform and Code Amendments on February 14th. A Call to Artists applications are due February 10th. There is an exhibit from Moonlight in the Civic Center. Moonlights Club M is once again having shows on the Moonlight stage. Vista Turns 60 events will soon begin. The Little Free Library Ribbon Cutting Ceremony will be held Thursday, Feb. 9th at 4 pm at Bub Williamson Park on Grapevine Lane. A Homeless Resource Fair will be held February 10th at the Vista Library Parking Lot from 9am-2pm. For more information on any of these programs go to www.cityofvista.com.
Kristal Jabara from Supervisor Jim Desmond’s Office – The Supervisor is concentrating on affordable housing for Seniors as well as assistance with food, transportation and medical for Seniors. One reason is Seniors are currently the most at risk for becoming homeless. There is a piolet Shallow Rental Subsidy program which would give Seniors a $500 stipend to pay landlords to help with housing cost. There is an application available for this program. Last year 3,500 trees were planted in San Diego County and now organizations can get involved in this tree planting program. Kristal gave a brief update on what is happening with the SANDAG mileage tax proposal.
Ryan Ewart from Assembly Member Laurie Davies’ Office – The Assembly Member will soon be opening an office in Oceanside. Vista and Oceanside are the two largest cities in the district. The Assembly Member is planning on hosting coffee meetings once the Oceanside Office is open. One piece of legislation she has authored is AB 375 which would required all food delivery services, like Grub Hub, to have all drivers names with pictures available for those receiving food orders. The Assembly Member is concerned about the high cost of natural gas and has cosigned a letter requesting the early release of gas to alleviate the high cost.
Fernando Hernandez from Senator Catherine Blakespear’s Office – The Senator is in the process of meeting many new people and businesses in the district. Homeless and housing are the top agendas for the Senator. She has supported SB 7 to establish a framework to access the needs and priorities for dealing with homeless issues and SB 8 a bill dealing with gun violence. The Senator has been assigned to a number of committees. She has cosigned a letter requesting an audit of SDG&E. She is also meeting the Mayors in each of the towns in her district. Anyone still needing assistance with issues dealing with state agencies are encourage to contact her office.
Jessica Ramirez from Congressman Mike Levin’s Office – Funding was approved for 15 projects including $2.2 million for Vista to assist with sidewalk and lighting improvement in the downtown area. The Congressman’s web site lists the committees and community projects he has been assigned to or is working on. He is the ranking member of the House Veterans Affairs committee. February 13th there will be a Town Hall meeting in North County. Go to the web site for location and more information. Anyone interested in turning in Valentines for Veterans are encouraged to drop them off to the Congressman’s Oceanside Office in unsealed envelopes.
Vista Chamber of Commerce – February 23 will be a New Member Orientation at the Film Hub. March 10 will be the Heroes of Vista Awards Ceremony at the Vistonian beginning at 3:30 pm.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Vista Irrigation Water District. The Water District is sponsoring scholarships for Vista High School students. Applications available online at the Water Districts web site.
Pathway Health Clinic is sponsoring Golf Fore Life Gold Tournament at St. Mark’s Golf Club in San Marcos. Contact Tiffany Rockhold at events@prcvista.com. The next Vista Chamber Government Affairs Committee meeting will be at the Folm Hub on Thursday, March 2.
