The Coast News
VISTA, SAN MARCOS, ESCONDIDO
VOL. 11, N0. 14
July 5, 2024
Esco refines limitations on camping Ordinance details rules regarding public spaces By Samantha Nelson
FREEWHEELIN’ Hundreds of riders descended on Bradley Park in San Marcos on June 24 for the grand opening of an 8-acre bike park and pump track. Construction of the $1.1 million park involved 14,000 cubic yards of donated dirt and assistance from professional mountain bikers Austin “Bubba” Warren and “Shreddie” Eddie Reynolds. Story on 8. Photo by Laura Place
City’s public speaker policies, mayor’s comments criticized By Laura Place
SAN MARCOS — Individuals who have repeatedly called for the San Marcos City Council to consider a cease-fire resolution say city leaders have adopted more restrictive policies in retaliation to their presence, and are also demanding an apology from Mayor Rebecca Jones for stating she felt “threatened” by attendees. Since late May, members of Students for Justice in Palestine at Cal State San Marcos have peacefully protested outside the Civic Center on the days of City Council meetings, making public comments criticizing Israel’s ongoing assault in Gaza. During these comments, several individuals have requested that the City Council place a cease-fire resolution on their agenda to show support for the people of Palestine and make it
SAN MARCOS Mayor Rebecca Jones, shown in December, faces criticism for saying she felt “threatened” by students asking to speak with her about a cease-fire resolution. Photo by Laura Place
clear that the city does not support the United States’ aid to Israel. On June 25, the City Council unanimously adopted a policy shortening
public speakers’ time limits from five minutes to three, bringing the city in line with other jurisdictions throughout San Diego County. The policy also states that the mayor maintains the power to reduce the amount of time for speakers as they see fit. “San Marcos was the only city currently providing five-minute speaker periods for public speakers,” said City Attorney Helen Peak. The new policy also states that speakers requiring interpretation and translation will be allowed double the amount of time of other speakers and limits the size of any signs or banners brought into chambers to 22 by 24 inches. City officials said they have been working to update the policy for months
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FIRE PARAMEDIC Michael Saldana at the June 20 ceremony at Vista Civic Center. Photo by Laura Place
Vista Fire updates fleet VFD welcomes six new fire engines and a new ambulance to enhance response capabilities. 9
San Marcos rejects appeal
Cannabis equity effort
Hughes Circuits can expand its campus after the city rejected an environmental group’s appeal. 3
Vista plans to help those adversely affected by past marijuana laws get a foothold in the local industry. 5
ESCONDIDO — The City Council replaced its current law that bans homeless encampments on public property with more specific regulations on where encampments are forbidden just days before the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the right of cities to ban camps. Council approved the new ordinance by a 4-1 vote on June 26, replacing the city code banning homeless encampments on public property with language that specifies the need for more enforcement against encampments to protect city waterways, parks and other public spaces. Additionally, the new ordinance establishes a set of protocols that provide proper notice to unhoused individuals when an encampment is to be dismantled. The city was already storing belongings from encampment cleanups prior to the new ordinance, but unhoused individuals only knew where to go to retrieve their items through word of mouth, according to city staff. Under the new ordinance, notices of encampment cleanup will be provided 24 hours in advance and impound notices with directions on where to go to retrieve belongings will be left at former encampments where belongings were taken in by the city during the cleanup process. According to staff, the new ordinance will make it easier for city police and public works to enforce and quicken the removal of encampments and reiterates the city’s obligation and need to help protect the life of its citizens as well as environmentally sensitive lands from trash and other pollutants. “The protection of waterways is a critical component of what we’re trying to do here, and I think all would agree that the city has an obligation and a duty to do so,” said City Attorney Michael McGuinness. The new ordinance specifically states it is unlawful to: • Build or erect structures within or along city waterways (Escondido Creek, Kit Carson TURN TO HOMELESS ON 11
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