Desmond hosts revitalization workshop

Joe Naiman

Village News Reporter

The first in-person Fallbrook Revitalization Committee meeting in nearly two years was held Oct. 27 in the Fallbrook Public Utility District board room.

"We had another fantastic revitalization committee meeting with over 65 people showing up," said Supervisor Jim Desmond. "I want to thank the residents of Fallbrook for stepping up and owning the issues."

In February 1996, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors established a community revitalization program for several unincorporated communities in San Diego County. The committees include regular meetings, coordination of community resources, and direct connection to county staff and resources. After the committee establishes goals, committee members work with county staff to achieve those goals based on available resources.

In March 2019, the Board of Supervisors directed the county's chief administrative officer to establish and activate revitalization committees for Fallbrook, Valley Center, and Borrego Springs. Revitalization committees had previously been established in Alpine, the East County backcountry, Lakeside, Ramona, and Spring Valley.

"We created these meetings to hear from residents and bring county support to the community. It has been a great success so far," Desmond said.

The in-person meeting was the first since November 2019. "I think it went well," said Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lila MacDonald, who chairs the revitalization committee's public safety subcommittee. "The whole room was full."

Updates were given by County Department of Planning and Development Services Environmental Planner Tim Bertino, by North County Fire Protection District Fire Chief Keith McReynolds, and by Fallbrook Sheriff's Department Substation Commander Lt. Aldo Hernandez. The revitalization committee also has infrastructure, housing, and public health subcommittees, and updates from each of those committees were provided.

Members of the public also commented on other subjects. "There was a lively discussion regarding the homeless," MacDonald said.

Some of that involves services being provided to homeless individuals while other concerns about the homeless focused on their presence on Fallbrook Land Conservancy property or in front of small businesses. Instructions on who should be called for specific concerns about the presence of homeless individuals were provided.

MacDonald encourages public participation in subsequent meetings, although the day and location for next one has not been finalized. "I think it's always good to meet at least twice a year," she said.