Oceanside Chamber of Commerce Questionnaire

By Adrian V. Barbour

These are the answers to the OCC questionnaire.

I support the Prop A/TransNet ½ cent tax and mass transit projects like the Sprinter. I see this as critical infrastructure to accommodate the population and economic growth trends for the next decade and beyond.

2. Will you publicly oppose or support the Rancho del Oro Hwy 78 interchange?

Yes, since the purpose of the project is to reduce traffic congestion and improve traffic flow to an acceptable level at the nearby interchanges and adjacent local street intersections between El Camino Real and College Boulevard. I support additional north south access for commuters. This relieves traffic congestion on other thoroughfares.

As you know, the City is experiencing rapid population growth. The population of the City is expected to grow from 164,000 to 184,000 by 2005 and to 202,000 by 2020 according to forecasts by SANDAG. Most of the growth will take place in the eastern part of the City creating significant congestion at local interchanges along State Route 78 (SR 78). The proposed interchange at Rancho del Oro is essential to enhance traffic flows at the SR 78 interchanges with El Camino Real and College Boulevard by providing an additional alternative to the existing configuration. It also provides better freeway access to the residents and the business community.

As an alternative to adding a new interchange at Rancho del Oro Drive, there is a possibility of upgrading the El Camino Real/SR 78 interchange and widening College Boulevard and El Camino Real. It is anticipated that, without an interchange at Rancho del Oro Drive, the widening of College Boulevard and El Camino Real would be necessary to accommodate the increase of traffic by the year 2020.

3. What is your assessment of the City's financial position?

Moderate. However innovation can create more revenue generating opportunities to pay for expanded public safety services, specifically to cover the supplemental Oceanside Police Department budget items, fire trucks and other equipment.

4. Do you support the Mission Statement of the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce?

Yes. Absolutely. I plan to be one of its chief advocates.

5. What is your position on rezoning industrial zoned land for housing?

In general, I support established land zoning and do not seek to change this unless I fully understand the historic circumstances and reasons for the decisions leading to the current situation. However, I am open to limited options for rezoning for new housing due to the current housing crisis.

6. What is your position on the highest and best use of the Oceanside Airport?

I envision an airport that can accommodate executive aircraft and a heliport along with recreational aircraft. I plan to seek its expansion by applying for additional federal AIP and PFC grants and State funds for the noise reduction of buildings and sound absorption barriers between it and the neighboring homes.

7. What is your personal vision for the development of El Corazon and how would you pay for it? Be specific.

I would like to see El Corazon developed through a public-private partnership. I support the City building a senior center there. I would bid contracts for non-profit and for-profit developers to build several 4-star restaurants, specialty shops, small sunken amphitheaters, a bed-in-breakfast suite, and a parking structure. In short, I envision something like a smaller, Oceanside version, of New York's Central Park and Irvine Spectrum combined, an area with a Lover's Lane feel expanding on the Spanish/Mexican El Corazon theme. This would be a place for Oceanside residents and visitors to eat at 4-star restaurants, attend small performances, shop, ride horse-drawn carriages, and spend the night on honeymoons and/or weekend getaways. It would have a park laced throughout with biking and walking trails, benches and local art sculptures selected by the Arts Commission, with one lighted centerpiece sculpture, or structural design, that encapsulates the El Corazon theme. This would distinguish Oceanside from other cities, and would make a unique tourist attraction.

A newly-formed public private partnership's 9-member board would serve as the steering committee and oversight body, comprised of representatives from selected non-profit (1) and for-profit (1) developers; (1) the City (Mayor), 2 planning commissioners (chair & vice-chair), 1 member of the Public Safety Commission (chair), (1) Parks & Recreation Commission (chair), (1) from the Arts Commission, and (1) Art Museum representative. This body would plan its bidding, financing and construction, subject to the approval and concurrence of all affected statutory bodies.

8. What qualifies you for the position you seek?

I was appointed to the Police & Fire Commission for 3 years and was elected its Chair. I served on the Public Works Advisory Committee of the City of San Diego for 3 years, and was elected Chair of the Resource & Apprenticeship Sub-committee. I earned a MS degree from Ahler's Center of International Business at USD, and a BS degree in Organizational Leadership from Biola University. I am the Principal of a Homeland Security management-consulting firm, with professional contacts at all levels of government. I am Multiple Venture Technology Accredited by IBI Global Free Enterprise Forum. I am a member of the Chamber.

9. Why should the business community support your candidacy?

I am loyal. I am an innovative thinker who is a focused leader, yet one who seeks inclusion and consensus on courses of action. I am a man of my word. If the business community is seeking a champion for their cause(s) who will not stop until the job is done, I am your man.