The More Things Change—The More They Stay The Same

These Sweetwater Valley Civic Association minutes are from September 4, 2013. That's about thirteen-and-a-half years ago. Not much has changed in the SVCA. Minutes were taken by Elizabeth Stonehouse, Secretary.

Here are some highlights:

Public Comments

Bud Wilson a long time member came to discuss the closure and rebuilding of the ‘Bonita Bridge’ which we know as the Willow Street Bridge. He was upset because the “last landmark which represents Bonita” was being destroyed. We stated that we understood, but the land now rested in the city of Chula Vista and as such we had no real pull to do anything at this late stage. Tom P. stated that parts of the bridge will be saved and displayed at the Bonita Museum.

Law Enforcement Report

Frisbie Street is being enforced and people might start to get the message soon.

He took a report to keep an eye on parents dropping children on the wrong side of Central to cross in traffic to get to Sunnyside School. A discussion was had about discussing the situation with the principal of the school.

The theft rings are still working: Chula Vista, National City, and North to Poway and Encinitas. However the Sheriff’s Department is arresting people. They believe the gangs are two or three people. The issue is that new ones come to replace the old. Julio made a statement about false alarms and how it impacted the response to other crimes.

Auto thefts went down in our area. Be sure to call the non-emergency number for things you see that are suspicious.

Supervisor Cox's Report

Michael De La Rosa gave this report: First, the bridge: There has been great concern and care taken over the vegetation, trail access and character of the new bridge. It is going forward because the old one has no sidewalk, is in danger from flooding and is a bottleneck for travelers. It is being 90% funded by government grants.

On September 11 the Board will vote on the Equine Ordinance which has been modified to the satisfaction of the Bonita stable owners. It is expected to pass. Judi said that Bonita stable owners can live with it. Michael said that the changes came about because there is absolutely no other area in the state which has the character that Bonita has, so there is no other reference point.

The building of the bridge over the drainage ditch at Otay Lakes Rd and Bonita Rd has begun. It should take two months to complete. As to the road situation in the Highlands: the situation is known and funding is being sought to resurface the streets. Right now, the funding is unavailable due to this problem being rampant over all of the state and each area only getting so much for repair. Now we have to get creative about budgeting for this issue.

Ray wanted to know where the gas tax money went.

Congresswoman Susan Davis' Office

Gavin Deeb came from Congresswoman Susan Davis gave this report: We had a presence at the Chili Cook-off and were surprised by the number of people who came. We will also have a booth at the upcoming Bonitafest. Please stop by. There is no oversight to the tiered water problem.

Fire Department

Tom reported that the Fire Department had been in this building 21 years. Cal Fire is going to take over San Miguel as they are not doing well. Bonita is still solvent. They have been two years without a pay increase. No, we are not sending men to Yosemite yet.

Planning Group

We accepted the presentation from Total Deliverance Church as they had made all the changes that Planning Group had requested.

Round Table

William Perno from the Institute of Public Strategies stood up and spoke about his group who go to places and discuss how to keep children away from drugs and alcohol.

There was a motion to endorse a letter from Bonita Highlands. Motion made by Mike S. Seconded by Jim W.

Michael De La Rosa commented that low flow adjusters can be purchased for $50.

Mike S. had a statement about the newest water rate increase. It seems that the Water Authority only gave two days notice for public input then voted it in. This is against Prop. 218. Write and complain.

How They Stay The Same

We do have a new Supervisor and a new Congressman. Elizabeth Stonehouse is still the secretary of the SVCA and most of the Board remains the same.

Bonita landmarks are still being changed at the whim of the City of Chula Vista because they annexed quite a bit of Bonita. Current project is Rohr Park.

You still can't travel south on Frisbie Street and parents are still dropping kids over from the other side of the street of Sunnyside Elementary School.

Theft is active all around us. Bonita is still pretty tame on that subject. Few auto thefts that I've heard about.

The County has no money. Projects are being funded by Government Grants. This is currently a problem. The US President pulled all monies from "Sanctuary Communities" and we fall into this category.

Equine Ordinance was put into place. I remember this well as I was the President of Bonita Valley Horsemen at the time. County doesn't understand it and is not familiar with it so it is not enforced.

County funding is as yet unavailable.

Gas tax monies are nowhere to be found.

Still no oversight on many things.

Rumor is we're most likely in danger of another entity taking over our fire station.

Water companies are often doing things without consent and under the radar.

Progress may be nothing more than a state of mind.

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