Highlights of the CAP include the following: Green House Gas (GHG) monitoring: until recently, data from various community activities were provided by SANDAG. However, this service will no longer be available. The City will need to pursue an additional inventory for future updates.
–Transition to a Clean and More Fuel-efficient Municipal Vehicle Fleet: the City has 43 non-public safety light duty vehicles; 4 of these have been replaced by EV’s. The goal is to have 47 EV/PHEV vehicles by 2030. The entire municipal vehicle fleet will phase to zero emission by 2042.
–Electric Vehicle Charging Stations: the goal is to install 20 public units by 2030. Currently there are 2 EV charging stations for public use in downtown Vista. The City-Wide Electric Vehicle Charging Station Project (CIP Project 8902) will add 90 EV charges at city owned properties, most of them for public use. Since 2020, a total of 63 charging stations were added at new commercial projects and 16 at multifamily developments.
–Photovoltaic (solar panel) Installations at Municipal Facilities: the Public Works and the Senior Center buildings had solar panels installed. The Civic Center solar panel project will be completed March 2025.
–Grid-Supply Renewable and Zero-Carbon Electricity: The City enrolled with the Clean Energy Alliance in April 2024 in the 100% renewable energy program. Other Vista energy customers enrolled in the 75% and 50% renewable carbon-free energy programs. The Vista overall participation in the Clean Energy Alliance is 96.4%.
–Solid Waste Reduction: the goal is 85%; the current total diversion rate is 25.9%.
–Tree Planting Program: the goal is to plant 100 trees annually (1,300 net new trees by 2030). A total of 871 trees have been added since 2020 (67% of goal). Vista currently requires new developments to plant one tree for every 4-6 parking spots. Since 2020, a total of 2,266 trees have been planted at new properties.
Other programs include the following: A) Ciclovia Vista to promote sustainability, clean air and active transportation; B) E-Bike safety and rebate program to promote safe and sustainable transportation options; C) San Diego Regional Green Business Network free consulting program to help Vista business adopt environmentally friendly practices (energy efficiency, water conservation and waste reduction).
Francis Dumler
President, South Vista Communities
