District 3 Update From the Office of County Supervisor Dave Roberts

Let me begin by saying that I am honored to serve as your new Third District County Supervisor.

After 20 years, Supervisor Pam Slater-Price retired and I was honored to be elected by you to the Board of Supervisors in November. I am now in my fifth week in office and I am pleased to give you this report on my work to improve and protect your neighborhoods, and to enhance your quality of life.

Here’s a summation of what I have accomplished so far:

My Office

I have hired my staff and I want each of them to be responsive, and to work hard for you. Our main office is located at the County Administrative Center, downtown, an historic building most noticeable for its beautiful façade. Additionally, I have secured my first satellite office at the Del Mar Community Building, 225 9^th Street, where I will meet with constituents from 3 to 5 p.m. the third Friday of every month. But I will soon open satellite offices in Escondido and Mira Mesa.

Meetings of the Board of Supervisors

With the economy first and foremost on our minds, I joined my colleagues on the board to support two housing projects in the unincorporated area. The projects will create a few hundred construction jobs at least. But many vendors of supplies such as wood, plumbing, flooring, roofing, and other products will see a boost in orders. Some local contractors will also see the positive impact, as they are able to put employees to work.

• Plans for Cumming Ranch, new, 125-home community in Ramona, got my vote. I was especially pleased that my colleagues supported my recommendation that all the homes be wired for electric vehicle charging and solar panels. This requirement for energy-efficiency wiring was the first of its kind in the unincorporated area. All parties, including the Cumming Ranch developer, agreed that the renewable-energy amenities would add value to the project and help preserve the environment.
• Additionally, almost 70 percent of the 683-acre Cumming Ranch community will remain untouched as a permanent addition to the Ramona grasslands. The project will include 2.5 miles of public hiking trails.
• I voted to approve final maps for a mixed-use, rural village in Harmony Grove. The project calls for 742 dwellings on 408 acres and includes open space, parks and equestrian facilities.
• I voted to update the county’s parking ordinance for the unincorporated area, but did not change church parking standards. This was the first revision of the ordinance since 1985.
• We also approved the Sol Orchard solar project in Ramona by a 4-1 vote. I wanted to delay approval for further analysis but the motion was to approve and I voted yes. I strongly believe in solar and clean energy.
• Implemented commercial recycling in the unincorporated county to increase diversion of business waste from landfill disposal. The County’s current ordinance requires businesses 20,000 square feet or larger to recycle specified materials. The proposed ordinance would require businesses that produce four cubic yards of waste or greater weekly to recycle. The ordinance would increase the amount of materials recycled in the unincorporated area of the county, conserve landfill capacity and encourage investment in the recycling and waste reduction industry.  

Last week I was pleased to add my voice to a chorus of opponents protesting the restart of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station. A meeting of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in Orange County drew hundreds  of attendees, including dozens of elected officials. Fortunately, the federal regulators appear to be moving toward setting tougher requirements for the facility. In my testimony, I told the commission that public safety—not money and not nuclear power—must be our number one concern. Fix the problems before it is ever re-opened.

This is your last chance to apply for a County Community Enhancement grant. The deadline to apply is March 1. The program is for non-profits only and is funded by Transient Occupancy Taxes. It is intended to stimulate tourism and the economy and improve our quality of life through services to the public.

Chairman Greg Cox this week welcomed over 500 people aboard the USS Midway to deliver the 2013 State of the County address. During his remarks, Chairman Cox mentioned that he and I would work together to improve the county's system for foster children. I look forward to that collaboration. The chairman also stated that he would work to improve veterans services and communitications systems for emergency responders. I look forward to supporting Chairman Cox with these important initiatives.

There is much more to report, but I have limited space. So I will report again next month. Should you need the assistance of my office please call 619 531-5533.

 Thank you for the privilege of allowing me to serve your needs at the county.