Tag Archives: Jim Desmond

San Marcos Mayor Hit With Campaign Finance Complaint In Bid For County Supervisor Seat | KPBS

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San Marcos Mayor Hit With Campaign Finance Complaint In Bid For County Supervisor Seat Thursday, May 31, 2018 By Leo Castañeda / inewsource Six days before the June 5 election, the city of San Marcos appointed an outside attorney on Wednesday to investigate a complaint alleging Mayor Jim Desmond violated city campaign finance laws as part of his run for the county Board of Supervisors.

Realtor Ana Rosvall filed the complaint on Tuesday with the city clerk and the California Fair Political Practices Commission. She alleges Desmond received contributions too close to when six donors had development projects voted on by the City Council. San Marcos requires a 12-month gap between campaign contributions and council votes. A spokesman for Desmond, a Republican running for Supervisor Bill Horn’s open seat, said he doesn’t believe San Marcos’ campaign finance rules apply to a county race. “The rules that govern our campaign are the county of San Diego rules,” spokesman John Hoy said. “We’re quite certain that we adhere to both the spirit and the letter of the law as they apply to the county supervisor race.” Also running for Horn’s seat are Oceanside Mayor Jerry Kern, a Republican, and two Democrats, Jacqueline Arsivaud and Michelle Gomez. Rosvall said she’s been involved in campaigns to stop housing developments that required zoning changes in San Marcos and unincorporated San Diego County. She’s a Democrat and said she filed the complaint against Desmond because she and others are concerned he is overly influenced by developers. Rosvall said she is happy the city is investigating her complaint. “It’s so amazing that someone is taking us seriously and listening to us, and that it’s a process that’s working the way it’s supposed to,” she said. Campaign finance rules in San Marcos say City Council members can’t vote on an issue that financially affects someone who gave them a campaign contribution of $100 or more during the previous 12 months. Council members also can’t receive contributions of $100 or more in the 12 months after casting a vote that affects that donor. The mayor is part of the council. San Marcos City Attorney Helen Holmes Peak told inewsource Shawn Hagerty, an attorney with Best Best & Krieger, has been hired to investigate Rosvall’s complaint. Hagerty specializes in municipal and water law and is Santee’s city attorney, according to his law firm’s website. The donors listed in the complaint include San Marcos Highlands developer Farouk Kubba. The council approved his project to build 169 single-family homes in November 2016. Kubba contributed $800 to Desmond’s supervisor campaign seven months later in June 2017. Three others working on the project also contributed a total of $1,350 to Desmond’s campaign. Two other donors who had worked on the Brookfield Residential project to build 220 condominiums in San Marcos contributed a total of $650 to Desmond’s campaign. The City Council approved the project in January.

Source: San Marcos Mayor Hit With Campaign Finance Complaint In Bid For County Supervisor Seat | KPBS

San Marcos Mayor delivers his final State of the City Address

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San Marcos Mayor delivers his final State of the City Address 

San Marcos, CA –After serving San Marcos for more than a decade, San Marcos Mayor Jim Desmond delivered his final State of the City Address on Wednesday, March 7 as part of the San Marcos Chamber of Commerce’s Business Awards.

“It is with a tremendous pride, that I and your city council are setting the foundation for the next generation,” said Mayor Jim Desmond. “With median incomes on the rise, low unemployment, and a growing economy, San Marcos is a rising star.”

Presented at California State University San Marcos to an audience packed with leaders, entrepreneurs, non-profits, local businesses, residents and others devoted to San Marcos, Mayor

Jim Desmond’s talk highlighted the most significant accomplishments of the last several years and outlined progress in the areas of public safety, economic and community development, traffic and transportation, and other quality of life issues.

“The priorities of the city are safety, economic development, planning for the future and quality of life,” said Mayor Desmond.

Recent achievements included a crime rate drop by 16 percent, above average San Marcos Fire Department response times, maintaining and improving city infrastructure, a balanced budget of nearly $70 million, and an increase in number of local businesses. Two new parks were added in 2017 and San Marcos continues to boast more than 62 miles of trail.

In 2019, residents can expect construction to start on two new bridges over the San Marcos Creek at Via Vera Cruz and Bent Avenue.

Mayor Desmond also applauded the city’s economic achievements and noted that San Marcos is the education hub of North County San Diego.

Desmond said, “Our world-class educational institutions create a talented workforce that generates a pipeline for regional talent, thereby keeping and attracting high-paying jobs, and industry to our region.”

Serving more than 90,000 students, San Marcos is home to an award-winning school district, the state’s largest community college, Palomar College, and California State University San Marcos, along with several private education institutions.

In his address, the Mayor stressed the importance of the community partnerships to tackle the various issues facing the city—issues such as economic and population changes, state laws that threaten local control, and re-calibrating the San Marcos Creek District plan to accommodate changing retail and housing demands.

“Our partnerships provide the solid foundation that has allowed us to take risks when needed, strategically plan for our future, and tap into the city’s possibilities to see our star continue to rise, said Desmond. “We all play a vital role in both and living out life’s possibilities right here in San Marcos. ”

The 2018 State of the City Address will be rebroadcast on San Marcos TV beginning mid-March on Cox Communications Channel 19, Timer Warner Cable Channel 24, AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 or on demand at www.san-marcos.net.

San Marcos Mayor delivers State of the City Address

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Mayor Jim Desmond delivered San Marcos’ 2017 State of the City Address on Tuesday, Feb. 28 as part of the San Marcos Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors’ Installation and Awards Luncheon program.

Presented to an audience packed with leaders, entrepreneurs, non-profits, local businesses, residents and others devoted to San Marcos, Mayor Jim Desmond’s talk highlighted the most significant accomplishments of the last year and outlined upcoming goals in the areas of public safety, parks and community services, community development, traffic and transportation and other quality of life issues.

“The priorities of the city are safety, management or resources and quality of life,” said Mayor Desmond. “In 2016, we had much to be proud of.”

Recent achievements included a 22 percent decrease in reported crimes, aggressive flood management, above average San Marcos Fire Department response times, maintaining and improving city infrastructure, the addition of fifteen new development projects in the pipeline, and a balanced budget of nearly $70 million. In 2017, residents can expect traffic relief as the city works with Caltrans to widen State Route 78 between Woodland Parkway and Twin Oaks Valley Road. By 2018, construction will start on two new bridges over the San Marcos Creek at Via Vera Cruz and Bent Avenue.

Mayor Desmond also applauded the city’s economic achievements and noted that San Marcos is the education hub of North County San Diego.

“In San Marcos, we continue to build upon our foundation as the education hub of North County; within that foundation is jobs and economic vitality,” said Mayor Desmond. “With education as our backbone, we are uncovering San Marcos’ economic potential together.”

In his address, the Mayor stressed the importance of the community partnerships to tackle the various issues facing the city—issues such as the move to by-district elections, increasing retirement costs, and re-calibrating the San Marcos Creek District plan to accommodate changing retail and housing demands.

Desmond stated, “We’re [the City of San Marcos] proactively addressing challenges ahead and leaning on our partnerships to drive overall regional success. We will not be the economic engine that could, or should, but the engine that will get the job done.”

The 2017 State of the City Address will be rebroadcast on San Marcos TV during the month of March on Cox Communications Channel 19, Timer Warner Cable Channel 24, AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 or on demand at www.san-marcos.net.

Waiting Lists For Affordable Housing, But Retail Space Sits Empty | KPBS

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Waiting Lists For Affordable Housing, But Retail Space Sits Empty

Mixed-use may not always work

Some North County mixed-use developments that have been in the planning stages for years are now running into problems.

In San Marcos, the Promenade at Creekside opened last year with shop fronts at street level and two stories of affordable housing above. While the housing now has a waiting list of 700, most of the storefronts at street level are vacant.

Mayor Jim Desmond said the city is rethinking the project.

“That was the intent, to make this a walkable community so you didn’t have to get into your car to get a gallon of milk or go to a dry cleaner or to a baker,” he said. “It was going to be retail on the first floor and maybe professional offices on the next floor, and then residential up above. We actually had plans up to seven stories. But that hasn’t really worked.”

Desmond said the city is now reviewing the whole project and considering reducing the retail to perhaps just a corner store, because the retail space is simply not finding tenants.

“The retail stores — the mom and pop shops — are struggling now,” Desmond said, “primarily because of the online sales. A lot of people — myself included — go to Amazon to buy things. It’s sometimes quicker and easier to buy things online than it is to go to the store.”

Source: Waiting Lists For Affordable Housing, But Retail Space Sits Empty | KPBS

Desmond announces supervisor run | The Coast News Group

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SAN MARCOS — San Marcos Mayor Jim Desmond has announced that he is running for county supervisor in 2018. Desmond is running in District 5, where longtime supervisor Bill Horn will be termed out of office after serving six terms. He is the first person to announce their candidacy in what is expected to be a crowded field to succeed the controversial longtime supervisor. Desmond in a brief statement on Feb. 4 touted his experience as mayor in San Marcos, where the city has had a period of unparalleled stab

READ MORE VIA Source: Desmond announces supervisor run | The Coast News Group

San Marcos Mayor Jim Desmond Announces Candidacy for County Supervisor, District 5 in 2018

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San Marcos Mayor Jim Desmond

Hello,

Today I announced my candidacy for County Supervisor, District 5 in 2018.

As Mayor of San Marcos with balanced budgets, strong reserves, and solid infrastructure our community has thrived. As a Board member of Sandag and the San Diego Airport Authority I have approved billions of dollars of regional projects creating thousand of local jobs.

I’ll bring fiscally conservative values to the County and build a better future for all county residents.

I would appreciate your support.
Thank you,
Jim Desmond

North County cities launch Innovate78 to drive regional job creation

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In an unparalleled show of collaboration, the five North County cities of Carlsbad, Escondido, Oceanside, San Marcos and Vista have launched Innovate78, a branding and economic development initiative that will collectively promote the 78 Corridor as a magnet for talent, companies and investment. Home to more than 600,000 residents and 200,000 innovative businesses, the initiative will continue to fuel regional job creation.

“North County is not only a great place to live, but also a great place to build a company and work. Through this collaboration, Innovate78 is about showing the rest of the world what North County is all about,” said Matt Hall, Mayor of Carlsbad.

The announcement was made at a launch event at Cal State San Marcos this morning, where the five Mayors of each of the cities laid out their plan for prosperity and growth along the 78 Corridor, and unveiled a new website, Innovate78.com. The website will serve as a resource for the cities to attract and retain companies, as well as for companies to attract and retain a skilled workforce.

“We see the benefits in collectively promoting the 78 Corridor cities. For the past two years, we’ve collaborated side-by-side to ensure that we’re recruiting and retaining businesses together. This website will ensure that we’re sending the right message to businesses and employers about the 78 Corridor,” said Jim Wood, Mayor of Oceanside.

Innnovate78.com includes many interactive features including testimonials from companies, resources for building a business, a job portal, content about educational institutions and opportunities and information about living and getting around on the 78 Corridor. Additionally, it also highlights attractions, educational institutions and prominent industries, such as life sciences, craft beer (specialty food & beverages), and manufacturing. A map detailing innovative employers, attractions and interest points along the 78 Corridor will be rolled out next month.

Jim Desmond, Mayor of San Marcos said,“Innovate78 serves as a tool to promote job creation along the Corridor. The business of economic development is changing. If we want to be effective, the goal is not to poach jobs from other regions, but to create jobs and explain why building a business along the 78 Corridor matters. Promoting the culture of North County – particularly for the younger, millennial demographic – is also an essential part of our marketing strategy.”

The initiative is still in its infancy, but has already had much success. Last year, Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soap, which was headquartered in Escondido, announced it had outgrown its local headquarters. Working together, the cities were able to move the innovative company to a 130,000-square foot facility in Vista, keeping them along the corridor, where they were able to retain employees.

“We have always been a collaborative city, but working with Escondido on the Dr. Bronner’s expansion showed us the true benefit of this partnership. Employees of Dr. Bronner’s contribute to the economy of all five North County cities. Because of the Innovate78 initiative, we will see more collaboration like this in our future,“ said Judy Ritter, Mayor of Vista.

There have been other early successes: In December, the five cities pulled together a roundtable with leaders from the diagnostics industry, a growing and diverse industry along the 78 Corridor. Based on that conversation, UC San Diego Extension, a major driver of industry talent, was able to adapt its model for training clinical laboratory scientists to better meet the needs of the diagnostics industry in the region, as well as the for the region’s health systems.

“Innovate78 is by no means the end of the effort for the five cities. It marks the beginning of a new partnership and a new way of thinking about regional economic growth. Anchored by a comprehensive economic development strategy, the cities will use the brand as a vehicle for growth”, said Sam Abed, Mayor of Escondido. “It’s just the beginning.”

Businesses are encouraged to leverage, and link to, the website to help attract employees and promote their North County location. For more information about the initiative, please reach out to Matt Sanford at San Diego Regional EDC at info@innovate78.com.

The San Marcos Promise-Town Hall Forum

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TOWN HALL FORUM
Event Details
When:     Friday, January 23, 2015
Time:       6:00pm
Where:   San Marcos High School Theater – 1615 San Marcos Blvd, San Marcos, CA 92078
SMUSD invites you to participate in our upcoming Town Hall Forum.  Union Tribune Reporter, Logan Jenkins will serve as the moderator and facilitate the discussion.  The forum will include a presentation summarizing the impact of the PACE Promise since 2009 followed by a panel discussion including:
  • Mayor Jim Desmond
  • Superintendent Dr. Kevin Holt
  • Vice Chair Rick Gittings
  • Board Member Randy Walton
  • Current PACE Scholar, Alex Contreras
As the conversation ensues, we invite the audience to participate and freely share thoughts that will add to the dialogue.  Your participation in this event is instrumental to forming a strong strategic plan that reflects the needs of our community.
Questions?  Contact Herbie Smith – herbie.smith@smusd.org

Mayor Jim Desmond to deliver State of the City Address

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San Marcos Mayor Jim Desmond

Mayor Jim Desmond will deliver the 2015 San Marcos State of the City Address on Tuesday, February 24 during a luncheon at Green Gables Estate, 134 Woodland Parkway. Registration and networking begins at 11:30 am with lunch and program to follow.

Co-hosted by the San Marcos Chamber of Commerce, this year’s event will combine their annual Chamber Installation and Awards with the State of the City Address. By joining forces, the event will include the installation of the new Chamber Board of Directors and a business awards recognizing businesses for their contributions to the community.

Mayor Desmond will also give his State of the City Address that will highlight some of the most significant accomplishments of the last year and outline upcoming goals in the areas of public safety, parks and community services, community development, traffic and transportation, and other quality of life issues

Tickets for the State of the City are available for $50 per person or $600 for a sponsored table of eight. Corporate sponsorship packages are also available through the event’s co-host, the San Marcos Chamber of Commerce.

Eventbrite - State of the City & Chamber Installation Luncheon
(click to purchase tickets)

For corporate sponsorship information, please contact Hal Martin at the San Marcos Chamber of Commerce at (760) 744-1270 or hal@sanmarcoschamber.com. For general event information, please contact Communications Officer Sarah Divan at (760) 744-1050, ext. 3174 or sdivan@san-marcos.net.

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