Thread: VISTA NEWS (Right Next to Escondido, CA)

Vista talks of 'proactive' code enforcement

By: CRAIG TENBROECK - Staff Writer
April 17, 2007

VISTA -- Stating concerns about health and safety, some City Council members said Tuesday that they would like Vista's code compliance officers to crack down on nonpermitted home additions and illegally converted garages ---- frequently signs of crowded living arrangements.

"This is just rampant in our town, and causes so, so, so many problems that I think we need to deal with it," Councilman Steve Gronke said.

Gronke's suggestion, supported by a several others on the council, came during a broad discussion of what types of code violations the city should confront on a "proactive" basis.

Currently, the city's code compliance division works reactively, responding mainly to formal complaints, Deputy City Manager Patrick Johnson said.

Vista has five code compliance officers, though two deal strictly with abandoned vehicles and parking enforcement. In the last year, the division received more than 1,700 complaints, which required 7,334 inspections and follow-up visits, a city report states.

The council suggested several types of violations that they would like to see less of, from illegal signs to automobiles parked on front lawns to transient camps.

After the meeting, City Manager Rita Geldert said she would evaluate the council members' suggestions and return with a realistic and prioritized list in June when the council is scheduled to approve the city's budget.

Geldert indicated, however, that even if the city hired two code compliance officers, as she had proposed, "you'd need quite a few more" to actively crack down on everything the council requested.

The annual salary and benefits for a code compliance officer is between $82,355 to $94,521, depending on expertise, a city report states. There are also one-time costs for purchasing vehicles, computers and other pieces of equipment.

Geldert cautioned that actively canvassing neighborhoods for nonpermitted home additions and converted garages could displace some people.

Nevertheless, several council members said it was an idea worth pursuing.

"Even if there is a displacement factor, we'll just have to deal with it," Councilman Bob Campbell said.

The bulk of the workshop was spent talking about cleaning up signage in the city.

John Conley, the city's acting director of community development, showed photographs of business signs that were either illegal or had been legally installed but no longer conform to the city's sign code.

City staff members recommended using one of the new code compliance officers to inventory all signs in the city, a process that could take up to two years. Active enforcement could begin once that baseline had been established, officials said.

In the meantime, council members directed Conley to draft revisions to the city's sign code that would provide more stringent guidelines for temporary signs.

"I don't think I've ever been in a city, or worked in a city, that hasn't had a sign problem," Mayor Morris Vance said. "It's a difficult one to solve, but I think we're up to the task."

-- Contact staff writer Craig TenBroeck at (760) 631-6621 or ctenbroeck@nctimes.com.

http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2007/04 ... _17_07.txt

Comments On This Story

Greg in Oceanside wrote on April 17, 2007 10:26 PM:"Bravo! It's about time cities like Vista, Oceanside, San Marcos, and Escondido start enforcing city code and clean up the neighborhoods. And I'd be willing to bet this will flush out the hoards of illegal aliens living in garages and multiple familes living on single family properties. Displacement? Hmm, sounds like a pretty good idea to me!"

Sue wrote on April 18, 2007 5:03 AM:"Hello...they are still living in the garage on the corner. Vista code people you know which place that is..."

To Greg wrote on April 18, 2007 6:43 AM:"Why is it that someone always has to make everything an "illegal alien" issue? Are you really that naive and narrow minded? Or wait, I won't make those assumptions about you. Homes are expensive in San Diego County. People will pack families into a small house if it means they, collectively, can own their own home. Try being a bit more sensitive to that. Or better yet, imagine yourself in an unprivileged family growing up and trying to move your family up the socio-economic ladder."

Like it wrote on April 18, 2007 7:52 AM:"Ever notice how often homes with 4 families, 8 cars and converted garages also take the least pride in keeping the property maintained? Issue citation to pay for the salaries of new enforcement officers. Let's restore our communities a little."

Lynette wrote on April 18, 2007 7:55 AM:"Code enforcement can't keep up with reported problems, so now they want to add canvasing neighborhoods for illegal garage conversions to their to do list? How exactly do they plan to "deal with" the "displacement factor"? Will the city be opening shelters for the people they force out of their homes? Somehow I doubt that. With housing prices so ridiculous here having a large number of people live in a small home is the only way to enter the housing market. Is code enforcement getting a piece of the new sales tax pie to go illegal addition hunting? Why don't they go after graffiti first, and leave people to do what they wish with their own homes!"

KenBone wrote on April 18, 2007 7:58 AM:"Grand idea that begs pursuing. Get those cars off the front lawns. Stash the trash cans out of sight. And defintely the out-of-code living spaces. These are great steps to getting the town in shape. Pushing back on the "broken window" theory."

to To Greg wrote on April 18, 2007 8:03 AM:"This story really is about the problem of illegal immigration but the NCT rarely uses the word "ILLEGAL". OK, maybe there is a small percentage of non-illegal aliens that this story could be addressing, but lets get over this need to always be politically correct so that good, positive change can be made. By the way, you forgot to call Greg "racist"."

Judy wrote on April 18, 2007 8:11 AM:"SINGLE FAMILY DWELLINGS means simply that:'SINGLE-FAMILY'. We moved to Vista a little over two yrs. ago assuming that term was enforced legally. We hope that will be resolved soon, through your upgraded canvassing of neighborhoods. Hopefully, displacement arrangements will be in place to help those being 'removed'."

Hey NCT just print it wrote on April 18, 2007 12:09 PM:"Greg- Oceanside is NOT cranking down on non-permitted home additions and illegally converted garages. In my neighborhood some even squatter on city property and build shacks. We have one house where the garage is converted, they have a shack on city property, they have people living in a trailer, and just about a family in every room. At least 8 or more families in this home; in addition they have taken over the side property, which is city property also and started adding on. I called Oceanside CODE ENFORCEMENT and they act really stupid like they don't know what I am talking about. We have so many of these houses in our neighborhood and lets not talk about the parking. Our neighborhood is literally turning into a cactus grove. For some strange reason every one of these homes is planting a bunch of cactuses all around the homes. The most despicable thing is the Oceanside does not have a CODE ENFORCEMENT Department. "

Oops do you think people wrote on April 18, 2007 1:10 PM:"are upset? PREMEDITATED MERGER Angry truckers to encircle D.C. with 'blockade' Protesting administration plan to allow Mexican long-haulers on U.S. roads American truckers plan to circle the White House and state capitals in a "rolling blockade" to protest a federal government plan to allow Mexican long-haul rigs to operate throughout the U.S. Drivers who participate in "Truck-Out" also are being asked to run their rigs at the minimum speed permitted by law. The protest is scheduled for April 23-25 to coordinate with the "Hold Their Feet to the Fire" rally and radio talk show marathon in Washington planned by the Federation for American Immigration Reform. "

OSIDE MOM wrote on April 18, 2007 1:47 PM:"I hope Oceanside will take some proactive measures, too. For now, my advice to anyone buying a home in North County is to make sure there is a homeowner's association. The neighborhoods that never had an HOA, or got rid of theirs have the worst problems. Many of these neighborhoods used to be considered upscale, but then people started with the overcrowding, letting their lawns go, replacing them with gravel, or literally creating a parking lot surrounding the house. Who is going to pay high home prices just for their investment to be brought down by obnoxiously painted houses, cars on blocks and people living out of the garages and trailers? The city might do something, but it might take getting sued first. Your best bet is the association. It costs a little more, but consider it insurance. "

To Hey NCT & OSIDE MOM wrote on April 18, 2007 4:10 PM:"HEY NCT: I actually had a need to contact OSide's code enforcement department this week and was entirely surprised & impressed by the quick response time. A member of their team came to my home to address my concerns and informed me of what steps were being taken to have the violations corrected. Maybe you should call again or submit the complaint form available on the city's website. OSIDE MOM: HOA's? I don't think so. I've lived both in and out of HOA areas and learned they're nothing more than lame duck organizations who gladly collect your incredibly bloated fees while taking 6 months to a year (if ever) to address violations. I live in Fire Mountain. There is no association and the overwhelming majority of properties are uniquely beautiful, well groomed and well kept. There can be property value damaging issues either way, but the only way the problem is solved is to take your own proactive approach and address questionable situations early instead of taking the standard wait and see approach until the cold becomes a cancer that much more difficult to treat."

Skip wrote on April 18, 2007 5:32 PM:"UHHHH UHHHHH Kind of sounds "Racist" to me dude."

Lee wrote on April 18, 2007 5:36 PM:"We have finally paid off our mortgage after living here since 1973.What use to be a quiet neighborhood with one single family dwellings are now with many people residing in one home. Sometimes as many as three or four families. That also makes it difficult for our own friends and family who come to visit, because there is no place to park. And when there are celebrations for whatever reason, the noise from our neighbors is very disturbing. It took a lot of years to get where we are in the purchase of our home. It is a single family home and thats what it should be for everyone else. I do hope the city of Vista does something about this. And you are right,it is expensive to buy a home but thats part of becoming responsible in life and able to accomplish it on your own.


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Suspected drunken driver hits Vista deputies' cars

By: North County Times
April 18, 2007

VISTA ---- A suspected drunken driver slammed into two patrol cars early today as sheriff's deputies were arresting another drunken driving suspect in Vista, authorities said.

"Nobody was hurt," said sheriff's Sgt. Jeff Maxin.

Maxin said two deputies had the first suspect pulled over at 12:30 a.m. in the 1300 block of East Vista Way.

An 18-year-old man also suspected of drunken driving was driving a sport utility vehicle through the area when he lost control and smashed into the two patrol cars, said the sergeant.

"One deputy was sitting in a car, and one had just stepped out from between the two cars," Maxin said.

He said both drivers were booked into the Vista jail. Their names weren't available yet.

http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2007/04 ... _18_07.txt

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Sheriff: Drunken Driver Totals 2 Parked Police Cruisers

VISTA, Calif. -- A suspected drunken driver slammed a Chevrolet Suburban into two San Diego County Sheriff's Department cruisers Wednesday, leaving the man slightly injured, but no deputy was hurt, authorities said.

The deputies had gone to the site to investigate a previous crash in which it is believed a drunken driver was involved in, officials said.

Felipe DeJesus Matias Arreola, who drove the Suburban, suffered minor injuries and was transported to Tri-City Medical Center before being arrested, said sheriff's Lt. Mike McClain.

The crash occurred while deputies were in the 1300 block of East Vista Way investigating a solo-vehicle collision in which a motorist had been driving under the influence, he said.

While one of the deputies was still in his vehicle, the Suburban smashed into both parked cruisers at 12:18 a.m., totaling them, McClain said.

Arreola and the driver from the first collision were both booked on suspicion of DUI, he said.

http://www.10news.com/news/12388020/detail.html

Driver arrested after crash in Valley Center

By: North County Times -

April 16, 2007
VALLEY CENTER ---- An unlicensed driver was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving after a two-vehicle injury crash in Valley Center, a California Highway Patrol spokesman said Monday.

Officer Tom Kerns said the suspect, Alex Garcia Dimalanta, 51, of San Diego, was driving a 1996 Nissan Quest that collided about 9:50 p.m. Sunday with a 1992 Plymouth Laser on Valley Center Road, north of Woods Valley Road.

Dimalanta's passenger, Wilfreda Dimalanta, 47, also of San Diego, and the Laser's driver, Jose Hurtado Garcia, 22, of Valley Center, were injured, Kerns said.


He said both were taken by ambulance to Palomar Medical Center in Escondido.

Officers arrested Alex Dimalanta on suspicion of felony driving under the influence, driving over the legal blood alcohol limit of 0.08, and driving without a license, said Kerns.

http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2007/04 ... _16_07.txt

Deputies sweep Vista apartments again

By: North County Times -

VISTA ---- Law enforcement officers returned to an apartment complex in the unincorporated area of east Vista Friday night to track down people missed during a warrant sweep on April 13, authorities said.

Sheriff's deputies as well as state parole and Child Protective Services agents visited the Mariposa Apartments in the 200 block of Smilax Road about 6 p.m. and arrested two people for outstanding warrants, sheriff's Sgt. Scott Black said in a news release.

The deputies then patrolled Vista, arresting nine people on charges ranging from gang injunction violations to possession of marijuana to being drunk in public, Black said.

Deputies also wrote five traffic citations and towed three cars, Black said.

Friday marked the second sweep of the Mariposa Apartments in recent weeks. On April 13, a task force of local, state and federal officers swept through and arrested 19 people, including six alleged illegal immigrants.

Comments On This Story

Note: Comments reflect the views of readers and not necessarily those of the North County Times or its staff.

B wrote on April 22, 2007 12:55 AM:"Keep it up!!!"

Sweep Em Up wrote on April 22, 2007 10:04 AM:"And Move Em Out!"

Jake wrote on April 22, 2007 10:18 AM:"It is about time. Hey NCT why are you censuring and not posting dozens of blogs? this DR-ERROR is getting real old get someone who knows how to run the system out there. "

AEQUITAS wrote on April 22, 2007 10:43 AM:"This is good law enforcement. For once the issue of "illegal aliens" isn't injected into the article. Oh, I know at least some of these warrants are for migrants, but they should be subject to the same laws as everyone else. I agree with that. And BTW I will also agree that if such migrants are found to be in fact in the USA at this time illegally, they should be deported once their criminal cases are settled. Even though I believe that eventually legalization of the paperless migrant will occur, it hasn't yet, so go with current law. Those migrants who prove to be criminals should certainly be held for deportation while their criminal prosecution proceeds."

American woman wrote on April 22, 2007 2:47 PM:"I'd like to know when "law enforcement" is going to unite across the country and demand that the illegal alien issue be dealt with swiftly and with finality. I've been ranting about the power in numbers. I.e., if Americans would just stand as one and refuse to accept the current Federal approach to illegal alien invasion and open borders/ports of entry, we could get something accomplished! The Congress be damned! They take too much time and put too much emphasis on what they can get out of every move they make. THE PEOPLE need to make a statement that cannot be ignored. Will we? I'M THERE! But no, America has no stomach for stepping-up to the plate. Law enforcement should be voicing some call to action of their own, but like the bulk of the population, they too, are impotent in times when we most need the strong and the brave. "Pour the drinks and pass the chips...where's the remote?""

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http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2007/04 ... _21_07.txt

Illegal occupancies in Vista council's cross hairs

By: CRAIG TENBROECK - Staff Writer

VISTA -- Frustrated with overcrowded and ramshackle homes in some Vista neighborhoods, several City Council members said at a public workshop last week that they want to crack down on unpermitted building additions and garages that have been illegally converted into living spaces.

However, aggressively enforcing these types of violations could be complicated, because it would displace some residents and increase the amount of time and money the city spends on such efforts, city officials have said.

Active, rather than complaint-driven, enforcement of housing ordinances would require extra hours at work, not only from the city's code compliance officers, but also its legal staff, City Attorney Darold Pieper said Thursday.


"It goes beyond a simple citation," said Pieper, adding that city attorneys may have to draft inspection warrants and deal with lawsuits from property owners unhappy with the crackdown.

City Manager Rita Geldert told council members Tuesday that she would evaluate what could be done and develop a list of realistic budget priorities.

Meanwhile, some council members said they have the political will to make sure the request isn't shuffled down the priority list.

"When you ask people about Vista, they often comment on what they think are rundown conditions," Councilman Bob Campbell said Wednesday. "I think that tolerating illegal occupancies and add-ons and so forth begets more of that."

Gauging the problem

In Vista, most illegal garage conversions involve rental properties and are more common in the city's older neighborhoods north of Highway 78, city officials said.

However, since illegal home additions and garage conversions are often concealed, they can be difficult to quantify.

Most council members said they have heard complaints about illegal housing or seen the problem firsthand. Sometimes it's a plywood shack on the side of a building with an extension-cord electrical system. Other times, it's a garage turned into a makeshift apartment or a camper parked in the backyard, they said.

"It's a little bit unconscionable to me that people are so uncaring that they would invest in a single-family home and then callously jam it full of people just to make money," Campbell said.

Councilwoman Judy Ritter, a real estate agent, said she notices these situations "often" when she's out showing homes.

The problems associated with overstuffed buildings range from unsafe living conditions to public parking shortages to increased domestic conflicts, city officials said.

"People who are living in illegal additions are a potential public health and safety problem because those additions frequently do not have proper plumbing or electrical," Pieper said.

Code Compliance Manager Dave Wilson said his division gets two to three complaints per month about illegal occupancies or additions, though some are unfounded.

"There's probably a lot more out there than what we get complaints on, but since it's not something we're actively seeking out, I'm not sure what the extent of the violations would be" with increased enforcement, said Deputy City Manager Patrick Johnson.

The city's Code Compliance Division deals with a wide range of issues, from graffiti to signage, and responds mainly to formal complaints. In the last year, the division received more than 1,700 complaints spanning a variety of issues, a city report states.

Displacement, legal concerns

Eliminating illegal additions and converted garages raises the possibility that residents who can't afford better arrangements could be displaced.

Ritter said that's reason enough to tread carefully, calling it a "fine line."

Tom Scott, executive director of the San Diego Housing Federation, a group that lobbies for more affordable housing options for the region's poor, said conditions such as illegal additions and garage conversions are often born out of necessity.

"The reason these exist is because housing isn't affordable," Scott said.

Vista Councilman Steve Gronke, however, said that housing concerns shouldn't discourage the city from taking action.

"When it comes to displacement, I think the landlord is the guilty party here," Gronke said. "They should have never created this environment."

Campbell acknowledged that in some cases, people may simply move to other cities. He hopes, though, that enforcement would cause owners of houses in violation to get building permits and create "code-acceptable, safe, sanitary housing for people.

"That would be my goal," Campbell said. "Not to displace people, but to simply have better living conditions for people in the community."

Legally, the city has a right to crack down on unpermitted additions, Pieper said. Sometimes violations can be observed from public spaces or neighboring sites, but other times, code compliance officers and building officials often need owners or occupants to grant them access before inspections can proceed, Johnson said.

If the city proceeds with more active enforcement, "at some point, you will encounter people who are not cooperative," Pieper said.

"It could entail, for example, obtaining inspection warrants from the court to enter a building to inspect for code violations," Pieper said. And if the property owner disagreed with the city's assessment, Pieper said, the city might have to take or respond to legal action.

Because it's not clear how extensive an enforcement program the city could mount, "I don't think we really know yet what would be entailed," Pieper said.

Time investment

While all the council members last week expressed some support for increased enforcement, some put it higher on their priority list than others.

Mayor Morris Vance said that he recognized it as a problem, but it wasn't his primary concern.

"If you're going to be pro-active about it, that's going to take up all of our time," the mayor said. "There needs to be a happy medium."

Vista has five code compliance officers, though two deal strictly with abandoned vehicles and parking enforcement. Geldert recently proposed hiring two more to deal primarily with sign violations.

It wouldn't be practical for officers to canvass neighborhoods in search of illegal additions, Campbell said, "but we need to get the word out that there is a consequence for bad actions. Right now I don't think there are any consequences for any of that."

Gronke agreed: "It's not my intention to sweep the city. It's my intention to go after the most flagrant (violations)."

-- Contact staff writer Craig TenBroeck at (760) 631-6621 or ctenbroeck@nctimes.com.

http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2007/04 ... _21_07.txt

Comments On This Story

Note: Comments reflect the views of readers and not necessarily those of the North County Times or its staff.

True American wrote on April 22, 2007 12:16 AM:"When you ask me about Vista, first thing that comes to my mind is a replica of Tijuana. I wouldn't think that city belonged in a developed country, yet alone the United States. When they enforce these codes, they need to have ICE right next to them. Remember when Vista was an awesome town? If the illegal alien gangs don't rob you there, the cops will shoot you. Can't win."

Yup wrote on April 22, 2007 1:07 AM:"I couldn't have said it better than True American. Vista is scary. The funny part of this article is: '"The reason these exist is because housing isn't affordable," Scott said.' Affordable to who?! Way too PC for me, but if it lets them make some progress, more power to 'em!"

The new Colonias wrote on April 22, 2007 5:07 AM:"The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) defines a colonia as an unincorporated community located within 150 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border, with a population of less than 10,000 that is low and very low income, and which lacks safe, sanitary and sound housing, as well as services such as potable water, adequate sewage systems, drainage, streets and utilities. Usually it is not in a city's interest to annex a colonia because it would subsequentally be required to provide it with such city services as water, electricity, and sewage, even though the tax revenue from annexed colonias would probably not cover the cost of installation and use of services. Counties, under whose jurisdiction colonias tend to be, are usually not required to render such services. In contrast with shantytowns in other parts of the world, however, most residents actually do legally own the land on which they reside. "

Sue wrote on April 22, 2007 5:36 AM:"Hay code enforcement. They are still living in the garage on the corner! Count how many cars are outside a home and mulitply that by 4 and that's how many people are living in a home. "

Booster wrote on April 22, 2007 6:17 AM:"To True American: I moved to Vista 3 years ago and I still consider Vista to be "an awesome town". In fact I consider it the most "awesome town" I have lived in over the past 40 years. If you are only interested in tearing down and not building up--why not move on? "

Vista Citizen wrote on April 22, 2007 7:12 AM:"The city Council should NOT consider what might happen (a lawsuit) in considering weather to enforce the law or not. Do it right and by the book, but enforce the law that the 'rest' of us citizens live by. Consider the 'No over night' parking law as Escondido is and several cities north of us have had for years. This city needs a good sprucing up all over, not just a city hall building. It is considered the slum of San Diego County. A pro-active code compliance will be a step in the right direction."

Carter: wrote on April 22, 2007 7:24 AM:" This brings up a question that is long over due to be asked: Where does the Code Enforcement organizations of cities get the authority to decide which code they will enforce? If code enforcement thinks that a certain code is illegal, unfair, or unjust they should bring it to the attention of the city government to have it considered for updating. "

Stealth Blogger wrote on April 22, 2007 7:43 AM:"When the price of a home exceeds $500,000, how do you expect minimum wage earners to live in the community where they work? By sharing housing! Vista has abysmally failed to provide the quantity of low-cost housing that is so desperately needed by members of the community. The easiest alternative- throw the bums out! Now that is a real humane approach to the issue!! St. Peter will give you a warm welcome at the Pearly Gates!!"

Syl wrote on April 22, 2007 7:53 AM:"RE: "It's not my intention to sweep the city. It's my intention to go after the most flagrant (violations)." >>> aren't the laws supposed to apply to everyone equally. Who makes the decisions on what laws to enforce and what laws to look the other way? The Judges? Unequal enforcement always leads to problems. Are 6 families OK in a house, but 7 or more are not. Can you have one shack in the backyard if it is not occupied by more then 15 people? Just curious on the criteria. "

After 45 Years, I moved to Florida wrote on April 22, 2007 7:58 AM:"The City of Vista wants to blame this on Landlords, and call them opportunists? That is laughable. Landlords don't go out looking to find as many people as possible to stuff into a single family residence. Landlords rent out a house... to a tennant... and it is the tennant who in turn brings all his or her friends, relatives, and accquaintences and stuffs them into the house. It is not the landlords job to knock on the door each night and do a headcount. I watched North San Diego County grow and change from a quiet rural area into a third world country. I didn't move to Mexico... Mexico moved to me. And when I realized that the longer I stayed put, the deeper into Mexico I was moving. My wife and I sold our 4 bedroom 2 bath house that we owned and occupied for 22 years, and moved to Florida three years ago. For 22 years, it was just the two of us in that house. Our old neighbors tell us that it has become a six family home... the garage has been converted... the garden shed has been converted... and there are always extra guests hanging out. I'm damned glad we got the hell out."

City Manager wrote on April 22, 2007 8:13 AM:"Why on earth would Oceanside not be looking to hire a quality city manager like Rita Geldert. Incredible how short-sighted the O'side Council can be. Here she is in our very midst, experienced in all things Oceanside and we don't even call her. Or did we and she was to smart for us?"

illegals wrote on April 22, 2007 8:37 AM:"you mean to say that illegal aliens are breaking laws, are you sure? i thought they weren't here to break laws? now I'm confused."

just me wrote on April 22, 2007 8:38 AM:"Vista is in the United States of Mexico..."

I am in Oceanside, but same problem exists wrote on April 22, 2007 8:52 AM:"I have a studio rental unit in Oceanside, all legal square footage but not legal to have a stove. I wanted to make it a legal full studio rental (with a stove). THe permit for an accessory dwelling (a.k.a. granny flat)cost me nearly $6000 in fees alone!!!! Then I was not allowed to put in a seperate meter. Without a seperate meter the tenants usually waste electricity. End result is not affordable housing. I jacked the rent from 730 to 900 dollars. All the talk about affordable housing by cities is lip service. Incidentally the only reason they allow accessory dwellings is because state law requires them to allow them. It is not hard to find illegal conversions, you can just walk down the street, take notes and then go to the city building department and look up permits by address. A citizen could do it themself and initiate a complaint."

Vista is too run down wrote on April 22, 2007 9:29 AM:"We considered buying in Vista and looked at a few million dollar plus homes in rural Vista and San Diego County. The homes and views are beautiful, but, bottom line, right now Vista is too rough an area to commit that kind of investment and time. Good that the City Council for taking an active approach by raising sales tax and developer fees, increasing code enforcement, and doing what it needs to do to prevent what happened to Escondido from bleeding to Vista."

jason wrote on April 22, 2007 10:14 AM:"Hum, it is worst in Oceanside and no CODE ENFORCEMENT there. "

Greg in Oceanside wrote on April 22, 2007 10:28 AM:"Civil code violations are rampant in just about every city in San Diego County. Vista is being proactive in their attempts to crack down on garages illegally converted into living spaces. I think we all know what is going on with these 'garage conversions' and we're not kidding anyone. They are being converted by illegal aliens, who sub-let the garage to other illegal aliens and/or their family. It's not rocket science, and cities need to not only enforce civil code, but involve law enforcement in the process. They need to also include ICE and the Border Patrol. Property values and quality of life for legal citizens is at stake here. And should the city be successful in this process of code enforcement, I can only hope other cities follow suit. Don't be surprised when crime statistics are positively affected and streets are not so crowded with cars and those vans that are used to transport illegal aliens to the agricultural jobs around the area."

VERITAS ET AEQUITAS wrote on April 22, 2007 10:31 AM:"Just a little research shows that Federal and State laws preempt local ordinances when it come to housing. It has been held that cities and counties attempting to regulate so-called unpermitted housing are in conflict with long-held public policy at the State and Federal levels which does in fact protect such housing and prohibits the displacement of anybody from any housing. Pieper should research this question more before recommending the enactment of legally unenforceable ordinances such as Escondido has. This costly litigation could have been avoided had sufficent research been done beforehand. In any case, the ACLU and others are bound to successfully challenge any of these proposed ordinances in court."

To : VERITAS ET AEQUITAS wrote on April 22, 2007 11:26 AM:"Keep talking like that. You are the best asset to get Americans riled up. The invasion of America by Third world Illegal Aliens must be stopped. The previous had it right on the money when he said " I didn't move to Mexico... Mexico moved to me". "

To Stealth Blogger wrote on April 22, 2007 11:33 AM:"When an area becomes too expensive to live in, realistic people move."

zooz wrote on April 22, 2007 12:31 PM:"yea, vista is awesome. right..."

VERITAS ET AEQUITAS wrote on April 22, 2007 12:49 PM:"Well, I would just observe that Mr. "45 years" has moved to a state with a huge number of undocumented migrants from the Carribean ~ many from Cuba, Haiti and the Dominican Republic. In addition, Florida has many many Latino migrants there now. The crime rate in many Floridian cities is very high. He should have stayed in Vista if those were his concerns. "

American woman wrote on April 22, 2007 2:23 PM:"If you ever find yourself asking aloud, "Why have we still made NO PROGRESS in dealing with illegal immigration and open borders, and the effect these issues have on America?" You just read your answer, in a nutshell!!! Our local government so-called "leaders" are a bunch of wimps! Do they ever stop to think of what our country will be like in ten years, if we continue to think like they do? Please! I am so sick of the useless hand-wringers who just don't know how they can change things. They're so worried about being politically correct that they end up being nothing more than a collection of ineffective figureheads. People! We have to do something about not only the overcrowding described here, but the blatant disregard for America's Rule of Law. Starting with the Feds, right down to our impotent local leadership, we are losing! We are losing our country! By now, don't you all see that this is a serious moment in our history? Are we just going to continue to allow the free-flow of unknown foreigners to settle all around us? Do you not think that eventually, if something isn't done, the interlopers will multiply beyond control? Think about it. The Federal government, under present leadership, is not going to step-up for the good of the American taxpayer! Forget it. Bush has hung us all out to dry, and we've complacently accepted our fate. WE ARE THE GOVERNMENT, in case you have forgotten. We've made a lot of mistakes in our voting habits which has added nothing but grief to our lives. We can still prevail if we STOP AND THINK before we VOTE! Stop voting the party line! If local officials are disappointing us, let's get rid of them. Believe it or not, there are men and women who care what this country will be like in the extended future! We have failed ourselves! Now it's an uphill battle to just re-establish the status quo, never mind moving forward as a nation to be reckoned with! We've lost our way. We've lost the strength the country always has displayed. We are now ridiculed. Worse, we are ignored by those who think that because they live next door they have free reign over the U.S. They come and go as they choose. They use and abuse our systems. There's no way to describe the irreverence of our invaders. Will we rise up as one voice and say, "Stop! No more! We've had all we are willing to take?" Think about it. All it takes is a nation united. "

LUVUS wrote on April 22, 2007 2:32 PM:"To "After 45 Years"...Florida will be the same cesspool we are experiencing here, not so far down the time-line! If the waves of illegals continue to come as they have been and STILL are, every state in the Union will have the same set of problems we are discussing here. Florida will be among the first of the non-border states to feel the discomfort of too damned many third-world invaders pushing us aside! All it takes is a united America. Isn't that what United States means? Aren't we supposed to be smart enough to figure out when we are being unlawfully displaced? "

hello wrote on April 22, 2007 3:27 PM:"Please get the illegals out. We just bought a house in vista with out knowing how prevalent the illegals are. They are scary. What do I do locally to get them out of vista much less the USA"

Viva la Vista wrote on April 22, 2007 4:34 PM:"I bet that none of you posters dont even live in Vista. Half of Vista is in Shadowridge, and another third is in decent rural area. The area you talk about is only about a 1/3 of the whole city, and close to downtown so its high profile. I work in Vista in public service, and I can tell you that the gang activity is vertually non exsistant compared to surrounding cities. I can tell you we respond to more drunken marines and vehicle accident related incidents that illegals by far. It erks me when people from other cities (probably on the coast) and people with other agendas (illegal haters) throw stones at a city that I grew up and work in. Vista may not be perfect but where moving ahead despite you."

re VERITAS ET AEQUITAS wrote on April 22, 2007 4:38 PM:"When was the last time you saw a Federal official inspecting a building under construction or writing a citation for a code violation. NEVER, that is the most ridiculous thing I have read in awhile. There has never been preemption in the area of housing. Maybe you need to review your research, let me guess, you read it on the internet, so it must be true!!!"

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MONITORING COLONIAS ALONG THE U.S. BORDER wrote on April 22, 2007 5:41 PM:" http://erg.usgs.gov/isb/pubs/factsheets/fs307004.pdf "

COLONIA IS A SPANISH TERM FOR NEIGHBORHOOD ORCOMMUNITY wrote on April 22, 2007 5:47 PM:"IMAGINE OWNING A HOME THAT LACKS SAFE, SANITARY WATER FOR DRINKING, COOKING AND CLEANING. Settlements with such disadvantages flourish along theTexas–Mexico border. They are the colonias. Because the burgeon-ing border-area population easily outpaces the availability of safe,decent and affordable housing, many families are left with nowhereto live except in these substandard developments. For an estimated400,000 Texans, the colonias—with their multitude of problems—arethe only housing option."

Viva la Vista wrote on April 22, 2007 5:49 PM:"The stats don't back you up, sorry. This seemed to turn into an ILLEGAL conversation. Keep it to building codes, parking and THE PRESENT LAW, bet that will take care of other problems. Stop a water leak in your roof, not only do you stop the drywall rot but your feet also stop getting wet. Just start enforcing the laws, ITS YOUR JOB, NO EXCUSES!"

Shantytowns Migrate Far North of the Border in Texas wrote on April 22, 2007 5:52 PM:""Weak County Laws Tied to the Spread of Squalid Developments" This is a Headline from an August 2004 story in the Washington Post. How true this is turning out to be."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/ar ... 4Aug1.html

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http://link.toolbot.com/nctimes.com/75787

Attempted Vista carjacking victim paralyzed

By: North County Times

VISTA -- A man shot during an attempted carjacking at a Vista restaurant's drive-through was more seriously hurt than initially thought, a sheriff's sergeant said Friday morning.

Sgt. Scott Miedecke said the bullet fired Wednesday night went through the victim's shoulder, passed through his body, and was removed from his other shoulder.

"There is some paralysis, as I understand it," said Miedecke, in charge of the gang unit at the Vista Sheriff's Station. "We're looking at the suspects as possible gang members."

He said he didn't know the details of the paralysis yet, or whether it will be permanent. The victim's name has not been released, so his condition hasn't been available.

The shooting, shortly after 9:30 p.m. Wednesday at Eribertos Taco Shop at 1805 Hacienda Drive, is the only recent incident of its kind that he's aware of in North County, Miedecke said.

The victim was waiting at the drive-through when two unknown men ordered him to stay inside his vehicle, according to sheriff's Sgt. Frank Sandoval. He said the victim got out instead, and the suspect shot him in the arm.

"Nobody's in custody," said Miedecke. "We're following up on some leads."

He said people should be aware of what's happening around them at drive-throughs, and go on through if they see anything that makes them uncomfortable.

http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2007/04 ... _20_07.txt

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Note: Comments reflect the views of readers and not necessarily those of the North County Times or its staff.

Oh My! wrote on April 21, 2007 9:20 AM:"What a lovely town!"

Former Esco Resident wrote on April 21, 2007 2:44 PM:"It'd be nice if they'd say more about the victim. Was that person a gang member? Just a random person? This is some seriously shoddy reporting."

Skip wrote on April 21, 2007 7:51 PM:"The crime occurred at Eriberto's taco shop on Hacienda Drive, east of Emerald Drive."

Motorist Shot In Taco Shop Drive-Through wrote on April 21, 2007 7:53 PM:"Hmmmmm...... The NCT version of the story left out an important clue."

Some guy wrote on April 21, 2007 8:57 PM:"Dear Former Esco Resident: To be giving out information about the victim would be an irresponsible thing for the police to do. If info is readily available, then there may be an effort to take him out of the picture. Due to the nature of the crime, the reporting done by NCT was the responsible thing to be doing. and to "Motorist": You obviously have no idea what you're talking about. Your comment is irresponsible and misguided, and I am disgusted."

No description of thugs??? wrote on April 22, 2007 9:10 AM:"Why is it that NCT frequently reports a crime, but leaves out any description of the attackers, unless they are white or black. NCT really dodges mentioning Latinos. Why is that?"

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Welcome to the City of Vista!

Located just seven miles inland from the Pacific Ocean in northern San Diego County, the City of Vista has a perfect mild Mediterranean climate. Our 94,500 residents enjoy a wide range of year-round outdoor activities in a setting of gentle rolling hills and pleasant rural surroundings. With more than 25 educational institutions for Vista youth, and a business park that is home to nearly 650 companies, it is no wonder that Vista has been named one of the "50 Fabulous Places to Raise Your Family!"

http://www.cityofvista.com/index.cfm

VISTA MAP
http://travel.yahoo.com/p-map-474602-map_of_vista_ca-i

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vista,_California

Vista is a city in San Diego County, California. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 89,857. It was incorporated January 28, 1963. Together with Oceanside and Carlsbad, it makes up what is called the Tri-City area of North San Diego County.

The book 50 Fabulous Places to Raise Your Family listed Vista as the seventh best place in the United States for family life, based on its highly-rated school system, gangs, weather, and business climate. When the local newspaper contacted the author it was discovered they never visited Vista.

Driver's license checkpoint to be held today in Vista

By: North County Times -
APRIL 25, 2007

VISTA -- The San Diego County DUI Enforcement Team will hold a multiagency driver's license checkpoint today in Vista, authorities said.

The team, including personnel from the county Sheriff's Department, and Escondido and Chula Vista police departments, will conduct the checkpoint starting at 3 p.m.

According to a sheriff's news release, the checkpoint is "aimed at increasing public awareness and decreasing the number of drivers who drive with a suspended license or no license at all."

http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2007/04 ... _24_07.txt

Comments On This Story

Note: Comments reflect the views of readers and not necessarily those of the North County Times or its staff.

Oh No! wrote on April 25, 2007 3:27 PM:"It is 3:28pm and I need to go to Vista!"

Appreciation wrote on April 25, 2007 4:36 PM:""Friends don't let friends drive without a license." Thank you Vista for trying to keep us all safe. "

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