👉 City of Vista News Headlines

January 21, 2025

Red Flag Fire Warning

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Fire Warning through tonight at 10 pm due to heightened wildfire risks. During this time, the City urges residents to prioritize safety and be prepared.

Additionally, the National Weather Service has issued a Fire Weather Watch from tomorrow evening through Thursday afternoon. A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions are forecast to occur.

Wildfire Preparation Tips

The City of Vista offers resources to help you prepare in advance for wildfire emergencies. Visit the links below to review important tips and ensure you and your family are ready.

The City appreciates your cooperation during this heightened fire risk.

Get Wildfire Safety Tips

"Daylighting" Law Enhances Crosswalk Safety

Assembly Bill 413, also known as the "Daylighting" Bill, aims to improve visibility at intersections and enhance pedestrian safety. Signed into law in October 2023, the law went into effect this month and it prohibits stopping or parking within 20 feet of any marked or unmarked crosswalk and 15 feet of crosswalks with curb extensions. This rule applies to all intersections and is enforced under California Vehicle Code 22500(N).

Daylighting ensures a clear approach zone near crosswalks, allowing drivers to better see pedestrians and other road users entering the roadway. With nearly half of traffic-related injuries occurring near intersections and California's pedestrian fatality rate 25% above the national average, AB 413 is a critical measure to reduce injuries and save lives.

To comply, drivers must avoid parking within the restricted zones, even in areas without signage or red curbs. This safety measure applies to both private and commercial vehicles.

Click for More Information

Make a Difference in Vista: Join the Sheriff's Volunteer Program

Looking for a way to give back and make Vista an even better place to live? The Vista Sheriff’s Volunteer Program may be just what you're looking for!

Who Can Join?

We’re looking for volunteers aged 50 and older who want to make a positive impact in Vista. As a Sheriff Volunteer, you’ll help fill your spare time with meaningful service while working alongside others in a supportive, Vista-based program.

What Do Volunteers Do?

Sheriff Volunteers assist deputies with a variety of important duties, including:

Patrolling neighborhoods and parks.
Providing traffic control.
Monitoring for suspicious activities near schools.
Enforcing handicap parking violations.
Watching for illegal fires from local hilltops.

Free Vacation Checks

A unique service offered by Vista Volunteers is the Free Vacation Check Program. When residents are away, volunteers perform daily checks on their homes, ensuring they’re safe, secure, and damage-free.

You Are Not Alone (YANA) Program

Another critical service is the You Are Not Alone (YANA) Program, which supports homebound elderly and disabled residents. Volunteers check in with YANA participants daily, conduct routine visits, and build lasting, meaningful relationships with those they serve.

Requirements to Join

Be at least 50 years old.
Hold a valid California driver’s license and insurance.
Pass a routine background check.
Be physically and emotionally able to perform the duties.
Complete a two-week volunteer academy.
Commit to at least one six-hour patrol shift per week.

What You’ll Gain

As a volunteer, you’ll receive training in police radio and patrol car operations, neighborhood observation, graffiti reporting, and more. You’ll patrol in pairs, developing friendships with fellow volunteers and creating strong connections within the community—all while providing invaluable service to Vista.

How to Volunteer

Are you ready to step up and make a difference in Vista? For more information about the Free Vacation Checks, YANA Program, or becoming a Vista Sheriff Volunteer, contact the Vista Volunteers’ Office at 760.940.4434.

Upcoming Events at the McClellan Senior Center

Come join the fun at the McClellan Senior Center!

January 21: "Danzercise" Class, 10:45 am; Bingo, 11 am; Craft Club, 1 pm; Mahjong, 1 pm.
January 22: Chair Yoga, 9:30 am; Financial Check-Up Appointments, 10 am; Theatre Appreciation Class, 10:30 am; Birthday & Anniversary Celebration, 12:30 pm; Joy Walkers Club, 1 pm.
January 23: Ask a Social Worker appointments, 10 am; "Danzercise" Class, 10:45 am; Live Music by Lou Rosgen, 11 am; Stash Busters Club, 12 pm; Mahjong, 1 pm; Music Appreciation, 1 pm;
January 24: Happy Stitchers Club, 9 am.
January 27: Zumba Gold, 9:30 am; Start with Art class, 11 am; Movie in the Cafe: "Cyrano," 1 pm.
January 28: "Danzercise" Class, 10:45 am; Bingo, 11 am; Mischief Makers, 1 pm; Mahjong, 1 pm.

For more information or to download the full newsletter, click below, or call 760.643.5288.

McClellan Senior Center January Newsletter

Healthy Meals & Support Services for Vista's Seniors

Congregate Lunch Service

Nutritious weekday lunches are available for adults 60+ for a $4 suggested contribution. Guests under 60 pay $8.

First-time attendees must complete a San Diego County intake form.
Reservations: Call 760-643-5288 or visit the lunch desk. Reserve by 1 pm one business day in advance for daily lunches or one week in advance for special events.
Lunch Details: Meals are served at 12 pm, with beverages available at 11 am. Kitchen closes at 12:45 pm. Leftovers may be taken home in personal containers (no disposables provided).
To-Go Meals: Offered to on-site diners when available.

Transportation for Lunch

Transportation is available for eligible Vista residents 60+ who cannot drive.

Must register and be ambulatory.
Operates Monday–Friday (closed holidays). Suggested contribution: $1 per trip.

Home Meal Delivery

Home-delivered meals are available for qualifying Vista residents 60+ who are homebound and unable to perform two or more daily activities independently.

Service Hours: Weekdays, 10 am–2 pm
Cost: $4 suggested contribution per meal.
Eligibility: Intake assessment required. Service is subject to availability and may have a waitlist.

For more information, call 760.643.5288.

Need Guidance or Referrals for Aging Services?

Licensed Clinical Social Worker Darcy Mullholland will offer 30-minute appointments on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month from 10 am to 12 pm in the Azalea Conference Room.

To schedule your appointment, call 760.643.5288. Walk-ins are welcome if time permits.

Pickleball Courts Update

The pickleball courts at Thibodo Park will be temporarily closed for maintenance from January 27 to February 2, 2025. The City of Vista is committed to maintaining safe and high-quality recreational facilities, and this scheduled maintenance will help ensure the courts remain in top condition.

Effective February 3, 2025, new hours for the courts at Thibodo Park will go into effect:

June-September: daily, 8 am-9 pm

October-May: Mon-Thurs: 9 am-8:30 pm; Fri-Sun: 9 am-9 pm

In good news, the maintenance work at the Brengle Terrace Park pickleball courts has been successfully completed, and the courts are now open and ready for play. Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting out, the newly refreshed courts offer the perfect opportunity to get back into the game.

Thank you for your patience as we work to keep our parks and facilities in great shape for the community.

Keep Vista Doody Free

Keep Vista clean and healthy! Whether you're at home, in a park, or out on a walk, always make sure your pup's waste is properly disposed of in a covered trash receptacle.

Properly disposing of pet waste isn’t just about keeping our city beautiful—it’s also essential for protecting the environment. When left on the ground, pet waste can wash into storm drains and waterways, introducing harmful bacteria and nutrients that pollute our local creeks, rivers, and oceans. This can impact water quality, wildlife, and even public health.

By picking up after your pet and disposing of waste the right way, you’re helping to reduce pollution, protect our natural ecosystems, and keep Vista a safe and enjoyable place for everyone.

Click to Read More

Community Events

Vista Chamber of Commerce's State of the Community Luncheon

🗓️ Date: January 27

⌚ Time: 11 am-1:30 pm

📍 Location: Morris B. Vance Community Room, 200 Civic Center Drive

💲 Admission: $95

Point in Time Homeless Count

🗓️ Date: January 30

⌚ Time: 4 am-8 am

📍 Location: Morris B. Vance Community Room, 200 Civic Center Drive

💲 Admission: This is a volunteer opportunity

Vista Farmers Market

🗓️ Date: Every Saturday

⌚ Time: 8 am-12 pm

📍 Location: Vista Courthouse Parking Lot, 345 S. Melrose Drive

💲 Admission: FREE

Downtown Vista Events

📍 Location: Throughout historic downtown Vista

Vista Library Events

📍 Location: 700 Eucalyptus Avenue

The City of Vista is seeking applicants to fill vacancies on its Boards, Commissions, and Committees.

Details

Appointments: Recommended by District 2 Rep. Jeff Fox, District 3 Rep. Katie Melendez, or the Mayor (for specific boards).
Eligibility: Must be a Vista resident and 18+.
Deadline: Apply by February 7, 2025.
Learn More and Apply: Visit the City’s website for details and applications.

The free, eight-week Vista Leadership Academy offers residents and business owners a behind-the-scenes look at City operations.

Program Highlights

Engage with City leaders and discuss key issues.
Tour City facilities, including a special daytime bus tour on March 19.

Details

Dates: March 12 – May 7, 2025 (No session April 2)
Time: Wednesdays, 5:00–7:00 pm
Eligibility: Vista residents or business owners, 18+. Limited to 20 participants.

How to Register