The Coast News INLAND EDITION
VISTA, SAN MARCOS, ESCONDIDO
VOL. 10, N0. 5
SDG&E to help needy customers struggling to pay By City News Service
REGION — Utility company San Diego Gas & Electric will provide an additional $16 million in shareholder funding to help ratepayers with their bills, it was announced Monday. A total of $10 million is headed toward a new program which will “support local nonprofit, community-based organizations that provide essential services to vulnerable customers,” a company statement said. “The unprecedented natural gas prices in the Western U.S. this winter have put a strain on families, and we must do more to help ease the financial burden facing our customers,” said SDG&E CEO Caroline Winn. “We are listening and remain focused on supporting the communities we serve during this challenging time. This additional funding will continue our efforts in assisting customers experiencing hardships.” Additionally, SDG&E said it will increase funding for its Neighbor-to-Neighbor bill assistance program to $6 million while doubling the amount of financial support available to each qualifying customer and expanding eligibility to ensure more customers can take advantage of the program. After reaching historic highs this winter due to what SDG&E called “unprecedented market conditions in the Western United States,” the commodity price of natural gas in February decreased by 68% from January’s prices, from $3.45 per therm to $1.11 per therm. The price per therm was $2.36 in January 2022, as a comparison. What this means for the typical residential customer gas bill — comprised of the commodity cost plus delivery charges and other mandated fees and taxes — is expected to drop to about $110 this month, from about $225 in January, according to a statement from the utility. March natural gas commodity prices are forecastTURN TO SDG&E ON 6
.com MARCH 3, 2023
Vista taps Melendez as SANDAG rep
Reigning
Cats
By Steve Puterski
“It is really difficult having to walk almost a mile to get to school every morning after already driving; you have to leave earlier,” said Ella Tackett, a sophomore at San Marcos High who parks in one of the nearby neighborhoods each morning. Tackett got her license recently but did not obtain a school-issued parking permit. “If it’s raining, I do not want to have to walk, and that disrupts my parent’s schedules because they have to drive me,” Tackett said. The issue also affects parents of students who need a parking permit, as it conflicts with their schedule. Some rely on their eldest children to drive their siblings to school, making it difficult for students who must re-
VISTA — The Vista City Council voted on Tuesday to appoint Councilwoman Katie Melendez as the body's primary representative on the SANDAG board. The agenda item was a continuation from the council's January decision to amend the municipal code and change how the city selects representation to one of the most high-profile boards in San Diego County. Melendez was approved following a 3-2 vote during the 6½-hour meeting on Feb. 28, with Mayor COUNCIL John Franklin MEMBER Katie was and Council- Melendez appointed on man Joe Green a controversial voting against 3-2 vote. Photo by the nomination. Steve Puterski The council also appointed Councilman Dan O’Donnell as the primary SANDAG alternate and Franklin as second alternate. “I think there is no one better than Councilmember Melendez to advocate,” said Councilmember Corrina Contreras. “SANDAG is so much more than transportation. It’s about affordable housing, habitat protection and how we connect with each other.” In January, Franklin, as the newly-elected mayor, proposed a slate of municipal appointments to regional boards and commissions, with him serving as the primary representative on SANDAG's board. But the council's Democratic majority, consisting of Contreras, Melendez and O’Donnell, opted to changed the city code to allow for any council member to propose a slate of appointments. Countywide, the issue of representation on the SANDAG board has been sharply divided along partisan lines. And Vista was no different, as the council jockeyed for the seat to the regional planning agency that oversees a nearly $1 billion annual budget. Making matters even more
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TURN TO SANDAG ON 10
CAL STATE SAN MARCOS sophomore pitcher Savannah Coyle and the Cougars are off to a good start defending their CCAA softball title. CSUSM (10-3) is ranked No. 6 in Division II heading into this weekend’s home series vs. Chico State. A big reason for the program’s success is Coyle, a two-way threat who was the conference’s freshman of the year last season after going 19-4 as a pitcher and batting .384. Sports Talk on 14. Courtesy photo/CSUSM Athletics
Students unhappy with their lot Parking at San Marcos HS frustrates kids, parents By Alexandra Schueller
Flower Fields in Carlsbad open for season Heavy winter rainfall should make for a lively and colorful season at the iconic, 55-acre farm. 16
Trial date set in swim teacher’s sex abuse case Nicholas Piazza, 19, accused of molesting three young children, will stand trial beginning May 15. 3
SAN MARCOS — Student drivers commuting to and from San Marcos High School are struggling to find parking due to a lack of school-issued parking permits, forcing many to park in front of local businesses and surrounding neighborhoods several blocks from campus. Parents and students have long been frustrated with the school’s parking permit system. Each year, only a select number of students — with seniors getting priority — receive a parking permit, allowing them to park in the student parking lot. As one of the largest high schools in San Diego County with over 3,400 students, there are plenty of student drivers. However, with only 445 spaces in the student parking lot and 500 permits given out this school year, the lot
A SIGN prohibits students from parking in front of a local business near San Marcos High School. Photo by Alexandra Schueller
only caters to some students that want to park at school. Some seniors and most underclassmen who do not obtain a parking permit have to resort to other parking options surrounding the high school. Most students either park in nearby neighborhoods and walk to school, or park at businesses across San Marcos High, which puts students’ vehicles at risk of being towed.