Peer Support Specialist

On a roll: how the City of Vista is prioritizing E-Bike Safety. Post Date: 04/02/2026 4:11 PM The City of Vista's Climate Action Plan (CAP) Program is responsible for progressing the City's 2021 CAP goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving the quality of life for all residents. Since 2021, the City of Vista has launched multiple programs as an effort to increase community engagement in the Tree Giveaway Program, Vista Green Business Network, and the E-Bike Safety Training and Rebate Program. With the increasing popularity of e-bikes and active transportation, it is essential that riders have the necessary knowledge and skills to ride safely, especially in Vista's complex transit landscape. From 2022 to 2024, the City of Vista experienced an increase in the number of accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists. In response to safety concerns throughout the community, the City of Vista launched its E-Bike Safety Training and Rebate Program in 2024. The educational training component of the program is funded in part by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS). This initiative promotes safe and sustainable transportation options while enhancing rider safety and reducing environmental impact. In partnership with the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition, the City offers three-hour city cycling classes, which consists of a classroom-style lesson on e-bikes and the rules of the road, behind-the-handlebars training, and a community ride. Eight city cycling lessons were hosted by the City of Vista from May to October 2025, with over 170 residents participating and over 200 helmets given away. The City of Vista also approved over 40 rebates for residents to increase access to e-bike ownership. "My 14-year-old son and I took the Vista E-Bike Safety Training last year," said Kristina Geno, City of Vista resident and Vista Unified School District parent. "While he needed the course to earn his school bike permit, I found it incredibly informative from a driver's perspective as well. The instructors were personable and shared their extensive knowledge along with valuable firsthand experience. I truly believe everyone would benefit from taking this class." The City of Vista is committed to promoting Live Well San Diego's vision of a safer and healthier region by increasing education, street safety awareness, and opportunities to participate in active transportation. The E-Bike Safety Training and Rebate Program has returned in 2026 due to a grant awarded by OTS. The City of Vista is grateful to partner with the San Diego Bicycle Coalition again, along with Vista Unified School District and Vista Community Clinic, to provide residents with the skills and resources to ride safely.

Vista Community Clinic receives $3.5M grant for Dad's Club program. Vista Community Clinic has received a $3.5 million federal grant that will significantly expand its Dad's Club program, an initiative focused on supporting fathers and strengthening family stability across North San Diego County, the organization announced in November. The grant comes as Vista Community Clinic announced its new pediatric and family dentistry location in Oceanside last month as well. Funding for the Dad's Club, awarded over five years at $700,000 annually, will allow the nonprofit to grow the program's reach while building on work that already supports men navigating parenting, relationships and economic challenges. According to the clinic, the Dad's Club program focuses on strengthening family relationships through communication skills, parenting education and support aimed at helping fathers play more active and positive roles at home. Participants also receive guidance on conflict resolution and building financial stability. The program has been operating locally for several years. "This award is a recognition of the measurable difference Dad's Club has already made in our community," clinic CEO Fernando Sanudo said in a news release. He added that the funding will allow the program to reach more families and expand its long-term impact. "We've seen fathers come into the program struggling with communication and leave with stronger relationships, healthier parenting skills, and a renewed sense of confidence," he said. "This grant ensures that more families will share in that success." U.S. Rep. Mike Levin (D-49th District) also commented on the grant, noting that the investment will help strengthen families throughout the region and support long-term community stability. "Organizations like the Vista Community Clinic are leading the way in community health and family stability," Levin said in the news release. "Thanks to this $3.5 million federal grant, the clinic can continue its meaningful and necessary work of supporting dads in our community through the Dad's Club Program." At the same time, Vista Community Clinic announced its new pediatric and family dentistry site in Oceanside, located at 815 College Blvd. "We are thrilled to expand our dental services to the Oceanside community," Sanudo said in a November announcement. "This new site will allow us to reach even more families in our community and ensure that every child and adult, regardless of income or insurance status, has access to compassionate dental care in a welcoming environment." The clinic aims to offer care for children, adults and seniors. Services will include preventive dental care, exams, cleanings and restorative treatments, with a focus on access for families who may otherwise face barriers to care. "Dental care plays a vital role in overall health and well-being," said Dr. Rebecca Cornille, Vista Community Clinic's chief dental officer at VCC, said in the announcement. "Investing in this new site allows us to continue strengthening the health of our community and ensuring every patient has the opportunity to smile with confidence. We look forward to opening our doors as we expand access to high-quality, affordable care for families across North County." The Oceanside location joins the clinic's broader network serving more than 70,000 patients across North San Diego, Orange and Riverside counties. The organization operates multiple health centers and provides services ranging from primary care to behavioral health and wellness education. More information is available at vistacommunityclinic.org. This report was partially written using artificial intelligence, then edited and fact-checked against source material. View our AI policy on the About Us page.