By TR Robertson
This month’s meeting of the Vista Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee meeting heard a presentation from the North County Transit District speaking about their NCTD Vista Transit Center Mobility Study. Mary Dover and Scott Shroyer spoke about the ongoing study to try and determine the best and most feasible way to try and alleviate the going and growing traffic congestion around major street arteries in Vista that cross over Sprinter tracks. One of these arteries is on the Olive and N Santa Fe location where traffic queueing backs up at significant high-density times during the work week. Mary mentioned that on a typical day, using NCTD modes of transportation, over 2,200 riders take part riding on NCTD transportation and this means over 300,000 riders a year use NCTD. Vista was awarded a $254,250 Federal Transit Administration Grant to evaluate alternatives for adjusting or fixing these issues in the city. The hope is to improve congestion in these areas and reduce pollution. Some of the alternatives shown include making the tracks elevated, lowering and creating a rail trench, and elevating the road. The study began in December of 2024 with information of the study, followed by draft alternatives. A second public meeting will be held on May 19th (tentative date) and a final report will be presented that will go over traffic circulation, pedestrian circulation, transit freight impact analysis, environmental effects, land use and cost. The hope for completion of the study is August of 2025. Any decisions would be followed by the NCTD and the City of Vista pursuing funding possibilities. When asked about a realistic time when any project might be accepted and begun would be finished, Scott estimated sometime around 2035.
Governmental Updates
Elijah Robles from Congressman Mike Levin’s Office – There has been a proposed Congressional extension government funding proposal – the Congressman voted against any slashing of fund of existing programs. The Congressman is still working on bills dealing with the National Guard’s service when called to active duty allowing them to receive G.I. benefits. The Congressman has spoken against any actions or proposals he feels are unconstitutional.
Fernando Hernandes from Senator Catherine Blakespear’s Office – Several of the Senator’s bills have passed the Senate and will be sent on to the Assembly. SB 92 deals with limiting the housing density bonus law and SB 329 deals with speeding up the investigation of complaints about Sober Living accommodations.
Ryan Ewart from Assembly Member Laurie Davies Office – 22 North County women from Oceanside and Vista were selected for the Woman of the Year celebration. The Assembly Member is currently sponsoring 18 bills in the Assembly. Several of these include AB 1005 – authorizing schools to work with outside organizations to provide water safety education to 1st-12th graders and parents; AB 229 would allow a sexual assault victim the ability to petition a court to test their abuser for STD’s; AB 423 would define a new type of recovery residence and will require them to register with the Department of Health Care Service; AB 545 would clarify that no product may call itself or market itself an electric bicycle (E-bike) if it is physically capable of exceeding 750 watts; and AB 544 would require all electric bicycles (E-bikes) to be equipped with both front and rear lights whenever in operation as well as require minor riders to wear specialized E-bike helmets when in use.
Kristal Jabara from County of San Diego, Supervisor Jim Desmond’s Office – Possible run-off election will be held for County Supervisor District 1 election. In June the Supervisor’s will deal with budget hearings. The current budget is $64 billion. There will be probable budget cuts. July 1st will mark the new round of grants available for application.
Josh Sino Cruz from the City of Vista – Upcoming for Vista City Council is the Economic Development Strategy presentations. Next week the council will have a discussion about the Homeless Navigation Center. They will also hear a presentation about traffic and parking by Raintree Park. Also discussed will be the installation of raised pedestrian crosswalks. The affordable housing project will also be discussed. Upcoming will be Code amendment discussions and there will be a Facilities Master Plan presentation. Moonlight Amphitheatre will have several music tribute group performances. Meading at the Gardens and Earth Day will soon be held at the Alta Vista Botanical Gardens. There will be an April meeting at the Avo Theatre discussing the use of The Avo.
Vista Chamber Updates – The Velocity Internship Program Applications are now available. There will be a Chamber Mixer held at Misadventure on Sycamore. The Last Rising Star presentation will be held. A reminder from the Chamber that you cannot ask a prospective employee their criminal record on an initial application, only on an offer application for a specific position.
The next Vista Chamber Government Affairs Committee meeting will be held on May 1st at the Film Hub at noon.
