March 4, 2024

Buena Creek Navigation Center is Officially Open

The City is thrilled to announce the grand opening of the Buena Creek Navigation Center in Vista. The official ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on Friday, March 1, with guests including the City Councils of Vista and Encinitas and Senator Catherine Blakespear, among others. The Center began intake of clients today. The non-profit organization Retread is managing the facility and its range of services to the unsheltered population.

The Buena Creek Navigation Center is a testament to our community's commitment to addressing homelessness and supporting those in need. This facility offers a range of services aimed at helping individuals transition out of homelessness and into stable housing situations.

During the ceremony, speakers highlighted the collaborative efforts that made the center a reality, emphasizing the importance of partnerships between government entities, nonprofits, and the community.

The opening of the Buena Creek Navigation Center marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to tackle homelessness. The City looks forward to the impact this facility will have on the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness in our community.

The Buena Creek Navigation Center is a supportive housing project offering 48 beds, 36 designated for Vista and 12 for Encinitas. This past fall, Senator Blakespear presented the City with a $5-million check to fund Vista's portion of the project for 3 years. This innovative collaboration between the State and two municipalities demonstrates these organizations' commitment to finding sustainable solutions for the unhoused populations of Vista and Encinitas.

City Launches Vista Emergency Rental Assistance Program

The City of Vista is providing emergency housing assistance services for Vista families and individuals who are economically impacted and at risk of becoming homeless.

The Vista Emergency Housing Assistance Program (VEHAP) focuses on prevention, self-sufficiency, and stabilization. The program aims to provide financial assistance and housing stability to Vista families in the low-income limit for annual medium income, listed at the link below, and individuals at risk of losing their housing.

Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, and awards shall not exceed $10,000 and six months per household. Program funds will be disbursed directly to the landlord or property manager, mortgage servicer, utility, or other service provider. No funds will be disbursed to program applicants directly.

MAAC is administering the program on behalf of the City of Vista.

Vista Flips the Switch to the Clean Energy Alliance on April 1

On April 1, Vista will flip the switch, officially joining the Clean Energy Alliance (CEA). CEA is Vista's partner in meeting its Climate Action Plan goals as the new default energy provider for purchasing power. CEA offers increased local control and renewable energy options at competitive rates. On April 1, all Vista customers will be enrolled at the Clean Impact Plus level, receiving 50% renewable and 75% carbon-free energy. In March, Vista residents will receive the second of four mailers that explain the energy transition in greater depth.

Upcoming Meetings

All meetings are open to the public. We invite you to join us and participate.

Tuesday, March 5 Public Arts Commission Meeting at 5:45 pm; Planning Commission Meeting at 6 pm

Tuesday, March 12 City Council Meeting at 5:30 pm

Tuesday, March 19 Planning Commission Meeting at 6 pm

Monday, March 25 Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting at 6 pm

Tuesday, March 26 City Council Meeting at 5:30 pm

Wednesday, March 27 Senior Citizens Affairs Commission Meeting at 1 pm

Reminder: Free Elder Fraud Prevention Workshop on March 6

Seniors are increasingly targeted by scammers looking for financial gain. Learn about common elder fraud schemes, the signs and symptoms of elder fraud, and what law enforcement is doing to protect seniors and prosecute scammers. Find out what you can do to prevent falling victim to these scams and report instances of fraud to local law enforcement. This is a free workshop for seniors, caregivers, and neighbors and is offered by an FBI Intelligence Analyst.

Elder Fraud Prevention Workshop Wednesday, Mar. 6 at 5 pm McClellan Senior Center, 1400 Vale Terrace Drive

March Newsletter with Event and Services Information Now Online

The McClellan Senior Center's March newsletter is now online and you won't want to miss it. Some upcoming highlights:

• March 6&20: Free Blood Pressure Checks
• March 7: Cal Fresh Program Resource Table
• March 7: Medicare Information Presentation
• March 8: International Women's Day
• March 14&28: Live Music by Lou Rosgen
• March 15: St. Patty's Day Party with Clan Rince Dancers
• March 18: Movie Monday featuring "Little Women"
• March 29: Spring Party with Live Music by John Lowery

Tax Preparation Assistance

AARP will be on-site at the McClellan Center until April 15 to offer free help with tax preparation. AARP volunteers are available Mondays and Wednesdays to assist seniors with their taxes. APPOINTMENTS ARE REQUIRED FOR THIS SERVICE. If interested, call 760.643.5290 and leave a voice message with your name and telephone number. The AARP volunteers will call you back to schedule an appointment. The pre-appointment tax preparation forms are available at the front desk.

Another resource for tax help: the IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer qualified individuals free basic tax return preparation. You can call 2-1-1 to make an appointment at one of their Vista sites.

Splash Camp Registration Begins March 5!

Get ready for the best summer ever at the Wave! Registration for the Wave's Summer Splash Camps begins on March 5 at 9 am online, in person, and by phone. Don't wait to register, as camps do sell out early. Get complete information below.