Vista says churches can offer mobile showers

By Laura Place VISTA — Local

organizations and churches in Vista now have explicit permission to offer mobile shower and laundry facilities to the local homeless population.

Previously, mobile showers and laundry facilities have not been explicitly permitted as part of the city’s code, leading to some confusion and changing information for organizations seeking to offer these services in Vista.

However, in an ordinance adopted Feb. 14, the City Council approved changes to the city code to make mobile showers and laundry facilities permitted uses in the city’s commercial and light manufacturing zones and clarified that religious institutions do not need to obtain a permit to offer these services.

The ordinance, which takes effect in mid-March, allows non-religious organizations to operate mobile shower and laundry facilities with a minor use permit issued by the city. While city officials discussed the option of imposing a fee of around $3,300 for the permit, equal to the staff time it takes for review, the council ultimately decided to have it waived.

“Most of the organizations that I’m considering that would use this MUP would be ones that are serving a population that is experiencing homelessness. We would not want to burden those organizations with any additional fees,” said Councilmember Corinna Contreras.

The topic of mobile hygiene facilities for homeless populations first came up in August at the request of Contreras, who expressed concerns that some local organizations offering these services were “illegally” being told it was not permitted.

City spokesperson Fred Tracey said that the city has never denied an organization the ability to provide mobile showers but that back in 2021, the city did inform Calvary Chapel Vista that it would need to amend its special use permit, which all churches are required to obtain, to continue offering mobile showers.

Under the federal Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act, or RLUIPA, local zoning laws cannot prohibit religious institutions from exercising their religious beliefs, including offering services like homeless outreach and assistance.

After considering the issue within the framework of RLUIPA, city staff determined that these activities are already allowed under the special use permits required for local churches in the city.

“Following consulta-

Large sinkhole swallows portion of Encinitas sidewalk

By Samantha Nelson

A large sinkhole in Encinitas has caused a local road to close for several weeks after swallowing a chunk of the earth and portion of the sidewalk.

and showers. They not only support hygiene and cleanliness that can protect individuals from infections but also help to preserve dignity.

“Showers are very foundational. They provide dignity and the health benefits are incredible,” Holly Herring, a Vista resident experiencing homelessness, told the City Council in the fall. “Having that bacteria on your skin, getting a scratch or a scrape, you know the first thing you do is wash out the bacteria that has now gone in through the skin break.”

Free showers are regularly available in several neighboring cities including Oceanside, Carlsbad and Escondido, via local religious and social service organizations such as San Diego Rescue Mission.

Rescue Mission Coordinator Mike Neff manages the mobile shower program in Oceanside, where he estimates that between 75 and 100 people obtain showers and toiletry kits at three locations weekly. One of these locations is the Oceanside location of Calvary Chapel.

Making its grand appearance on Monday, Feb. 27, the sinkhole is about 20 feet in diameter and is located on Lake Drive between Sea Village Drive and Wales Drive. Several barriers blocking public access to the sinkhole including caution tape and a fence have been placed around the site.

The sinkhole first appeared much smaller a few weeks ago according to nearby residents. So far no injuries have been reported.

The city has closed Lake Drive for approximately three to four weeks as repairs are made. Drivers may use a detour route from Wales to Crest Drive to avoid the whole.

May trial date set for ex-swim teacher

A former swim instructor in North County will face trial in May for the alleged sexual abuse of three young children, the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office confirmed.

One parent is suing Callan Swim School in a separate civil suit, alleging the school displayed negligence in continuing to employ Piazza after being made aware of concerning behavior.

A hearing in that case has been scheduled for 9 a.m. on March 24 at the Vista courthouse.

Motorist dies in fiery crash in San Marcos

A male motorist died in San Marcos on Feb. 23 after being struck by a vehicle that crossed over a road median and into oncoming traffic on South Rancho Santa Fe Road near La Colusa Drive, law enforcement officials said.

The driver of a 2016 Jeep Cherokee was heading northbound on South Rancho Santa Fe Road about 7 a.m. when he lost control of his vehicle and struck the median.

The Jeep continued traveling over the median into the southbound lanes of South Rancho Santa Fe Road, colliding with a 2008 Lincoln MKZ.

tion with our City Attorney’s office shortly thereafter, we reversed course and notified Calvary they were allowed to have mobile showers onsite without a [special use permit] amendment,” Tracey said.

case what the city has done that’s been inappropriate or been wrong, but I think it is important to acknowledge what we’ve done that has been wrong. I just want to, for myself as a councilmember and a leader, apologize

Providing a shower and the chance to feel clean can also open the door to connect homeless individuals with additional resources, Neff said.

“The people we’ve taken down to the Rescue Mission, the ones that do need help, even for some of them just giving them a shower is enough. Just the smile and glow you see when they get out of the shower … we might not be able to help them get off the street, but we can help them with cleansing,” Neff said.

In a Feb. 24 hearing at the Vista courthouse, the court scheduled 19-yearold Nicholas Piazza’s jury trial to begin May 15. A readiness hearing will take place April 17 to determine if both the prosecution and defense are ready to proceed as scheduled, said District Attorney’s Office spokesperson Tanya Sierra.

Piazza has been in custody at the Vista Detention Center since September 2022, when he was arrested and charged with sexually abusing a 7-year-old child during private swim lessons at a residence in Rancho Santa Fe.

The force of the collision caused the Jeep to roll on its side and catch fire, according to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department.

The driver of the Lincoln had to be extricated from his vehicle and was brought to the hospital with significant injuries; he later died at the hospital.

The Jeep’s driver also had to be rescued from his vehicle and was brought to the hospital with minor injuries. There were no other passengers in either car.

Councilmember Katie Melendez said she recognized that the city was mistaken in the way it handled this topic in the past, and that city leaders are committed to supporting services for homeless individuals.

“I know it’s sometimes not recommended to show-

— that was a mistake that we did make, and I do hope that we continue to build faith in the community that we are providing these services,” Melendez said.

In recent months, several residents as well as council members have spoken out about the benefits of mobile laundry facilities

He said Rescue Mission would like to eventually expand its program to other cities, and that Vista could potentially be among them if the organization finds a suitable site.

As the name suggests, mobile shower and laundry facilities permitted under the ordinance will be required to change locations on a regular basis rather than remaining in one place.

At the time of the arrest, Piazza was already facing a separate charge of child sex abuse from 2021, after he allegedly abused a 6-year-old boy while employed as an instructor at Callan Swim School in San Marcos.

Charges related to those two victims will now be heard in the same trial, along with child sexual abuse charges related to a 5-year-old victim who also recently came forward.

Firefighters with the San Marcos Fire Department were in the area when the collision occurred. They immediately began rescue efforts, with deputies from the San Marcos Sheriff’s Station arriving moments later.

Sheriff’s officials said an investigation into the collision is ongoing, and no arrests have been made. Neither drugs nor alcohol is believed to be a factor in the crash.

Anyone who witnessed the collision or has any information is urged to contact Sheriff’s Deputy Joshua Valdez at 760-510-5042.

Who’s NEWS?

Business news and special achievements for North San Diego County. Send information via email to community@ coastnewsgroup.com.

APP FOR OCEANS

Twins Garrett and Jacob Stanford from Encinitas, graduates of La Costa Canyon High School, run on Brigham Young University’s Track and Field team, study accounting and develop apps together. Their newest creation is a home run, both for its users and for a charity dedicated to keeping our oceans clean. With some app development experience already under their belt, the brothers decided to create a video game aimed at kids. The revenue generated is donated to Team Seas, a charity “committed to cleaning oceans all around the world,” they said. Visit teamseas.org.

MUSEUM HONORED

In honor of our nation's 250th anniversary, the

Daughters of the American Revolution is erecting 250 patriotic markers, with one in California, to the Green Dragon Tavern & Museum in Carlsbad, which offers a free museum featuring artifacts from the American Revolution and colonial heritage.

STAR STUDENTS

• Beste Tatlican of San Diego named to the fall 2022 presidential honor list at New York Institute of Technology.

• Colton Lehberg

Pet of the Week

Jax is pet of the week at Rancho Coastal Humane Society. He’s a 3-year, 10-month-old, 13-pound, male domestic short hair cat with a blue and white coat.

Jax was surrendered to RCHS as a kitten. He was adopted right away. Now his family says they can’t afford to keep him.

The $100 adoption fee includes medical exam, spay, up-to-date vaccinations, registered microchip and a one-year license if the new home is in the jurisdiction of San Diego Humane Society’s of Rancho Santa Fe was named to the dean’s list at Grove City College with high distinction for the fall 2022 semester.

Department of Animal Services.

For information about adoption or to become a virtual foster, stop by Rancho Coastal Humane Society at 389 Requeza St., Encinitas, call (760) 7536413, or visit SDpets.org.

• Ella Alford of Solana Beach was named to the College of Charleston fall 2022 dean’s list.

•Kayley Garcia of Vista qualified for the dean’s list at Chadron State College.

•Harrison Spicknall was named to St. Lawrence University’s fall 2022 dean’s list.

• Joshua Bourgeot of Encinitas, Dennis Li of San

Diego, Nicholas Gardner of San Marcos and Aishah Bint Sadiq Abdul of Vista were named to the dean’s list at Rochester Institute of Technology.

• Breeanna Gilbert of Oceanside was named to the University of Wyoming fall semester dean’s list.

• Camryn Cox of Encinitas was named to the dean’s list for the fall 2022 semester at Coastal Carolina University.

• Ryan Bell of Oceanside was named to the Middle Tennessee State University dean’s list for fall 2022 semester.

LEAGUE SCHOLARSHIPS

Assistance League of North Coast will award 13 scholarships to 2023 graduates from Carlsbad High School, El Camino High School, General Raymond Murray High School, Mission Vista High School, New Haven School, North County Trade Tech High School, Oceanside High School, Rancho Buena Vista High School, Sage Creek High School and Vista High School. These include $2,500 for careers in STEM or business and a $5,000 Meredith Fellows Future Teacher Scholarship for a career as a teacher. Applications due by April 7. Go to alncscholarships.com.

GREAT GRADS

• Chelsea Peach of Oceanside graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University in December 2022.

• Carrie Alidaee of San Marcos graduated with a Master of Arts degree in biology, and Jim Spandikow of Oceanside graduated with a Master of Arts degree in biology from Miami University in December 2022.

CHAMBER PODCAST

The Encinitas Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the launch of a new podcast for the community, “Encinitas Chamber Chat Live” — at youtube. com/channel/UC1lX1yibPZtpTz9n40MnZXA.

Carol Knight, community relations and membershipdirector of the Encinitas Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center, will host, with Encinitas-based Max

Lux Media producing the bi-monthly series.

AMERIPRISE WINNER

Marie Accunzo, CFP, ChFC, MBA, was named winner of the 2022 Ameriprise Client Experience Award.

RESEARCH IN GARDEN

San Diego Botanic Garden (SDBG) in Encinitas will be among four public gardens nationwide involved in a new national research network created to provide training in plant science for post-graduates.

HWAC AIDS UKRAINE

With the help of the community, Helen Woodward Animal Center raised over $356,000 and the Center is still in touch with the Eastern European animal welfare organizations served. In addition to other critical supplies, Ukrainian animal welfare group HappyPaw utilized Center donations to purchase a rescue van, which is being used daily to transport injured animals and bring pet food to shelters in desperate need across the country.

Enjoy one from the archives.

So I bought some bugs. I know. I was welcome to drop by your backyard and take all the bugs I wanted for free. However, while I respect the insect’s place in our ecosystem, I prefer them dead and pinned to a board.

My elementary school received a loaner display of bugs under glass from another school in the district, and the kids were delighted and fascinated.

It made me crazy though, because those bugs had no identification, and hard as we tried, we couldn’t identify most of them.

That was my cue to scour the internet for a similar, fresher collection with at least the phylum included. The only affordable set was from Thailand, but the bugs arrived in a timely fashion.

Parents, teachers and youngsters alike are truly