With the beginning of a new year, we were greeted with the Super Chargers back in the playoffs for the first time in years.  The Chargers showed incredible spirit all season and I congratulate them on getting to the AFC Championship game and playing a gutsy fight against the New England Patriots.  I have a feeling next year we’ll see the Chargers in the Super Bowl.

I expect a busy year on the City Council and look forward to working with my colleagues to deliver the very best for San Diego.  I am working hard in my roles as Chair of the City Council’s Rules Committee, Council President Pro-Tem and Chair of the SANDAG Transportation Committee.  I am also quite active in my role as President for the statewide League of California Cities.

Our region continues to work very well together to solve problems and deliver state and federal funding for San Diego – especially when it comes to transportation projects.  In fact, at the January 23, 2008 Rules Committee meeting, the City is hosting a regional legislative discussion on areas of mutual interest between the City and the County.  County Supervisor and Board of Supervisors Chair Greg Cox will be joining us along with other leaders as we review issues of importance that the City and County can work on together for the betterment of our region.  Supervisor Cox is an outstanding leader at the County and I know how much the Mayor and other Councilmembers enjoy working with him.

The Mayor gave his State of the City speech earlier this month and laid out his vision for San Diego.  Unlike past speeches, we heard a Mayor who outlined a record of accomplishments and sees a bright future for San Diego.  Click here for a copy of his speech. 

I was disappointed how the City Attorney conducted himself during the speech, staring into space and then walking off the stage before the meeting was over. 

Here is a link to a video that one of Aguirre’s opponents shot during the State of the City – watch this video and see the City Attorney in action.

Since he was elected, I have made no bones over how this City Attorney has conducted himself.  While some have felt he was doing a good job in the beginning of his term, many more have finally figured out after losing multiple cases the City should have won and the millions of dollars he has cost the taxpayers because of lawsuits against him due to his conduct.  These millions of dollars could have gone to police, fire, parks and libraries – but unfortunately are having to go to outside lawyers instead.  I have had enough of this.

John Kaheny, a former Assistant City Attorney under City Attorney John Witt recently posted on an email he sent out a list that included 50 things that City Attorney has done to essentially abandoned his client, the City of San Diego.  Click this link to see Kaheny's list.

Most recently, the City Council has had to vote to retain even more outside Counsel to defend the City.  And I might add these recent votes have been unanimous.

Lastly, the City Attorney is under investigation by the California State Bar.  I recently spent nearly three hours with an investigator from the State Bar.  Alex Roth of the San Diego Union Tribune did an excellent job with this article detailing what’s going on and I would encourage you to read it to learn more by clicking this link.

I tell you all of these things because I have been frustrated over our City Attorney’s lack of performance in serving his client, the City of San Diego.  You see, as a Councilmember, I serve on your behalf essentially as a member of the Board of Directors of a $2.5 billion per year Municipal Corporation known as the City of San Diego.  Imagine serving on the board of a company that large and not having a lawyer you can count on and trust.  Welcome to the world of the Mayor and City Council.

And Speaking of the Pension System

I thought this would be a good opportunity for you to get an update on where things are with the Pension system.  The City Attorney regularly goes on TV and continues to share his perspective that the City’s pension system is near bankruptcy.  I thought it would be important for you to have another and much more informed perspective that it is fact anything from bankrupt but instead an incredible success and very well funded.  David Wescoe, Administrator of the City’s Pension system was recently on KUSI and answered some very direct questions.  Click this link to KUSI and watch Mr. Wescoe update the public about the pension system.

And following Mr. Wescoe’s appearance, the City Attorney again went on the attack on KUSI.  A former city employee and Board member of the city’s retirement system sent out an email reflecting his thoughts and he gave me permission to reprint it here.

----- Original Message -----
From: Joseph Flynn
Sent: Thursday, January 17, 2008 10:20 PM
Subject: Jan. 16 -Business as usual...............

Retirees: 
    Hope you had a chance to enjoy David Wescoe's appearance on KUSI yesterday, (Jan.15) because today it was business as usual; Aguirre was back.  It wasn't all on the pension though; first he had to replace the Mayor and Council, Fire Chief and Director of Building Inspection and lay the ground work for imposing building regulations for new construction and retrofitting existing buildings to create fire safe zones. 
    But it all came back to the pension system, and this time they had sound bites of David's comments cued up and ready to roll.  The first bite was David's comment, "...if the system closed today, we [SDCERS] would have enough money to pay all obligations and have $300 million left over...."  Aguirre jumped in and said, "Apparently he didn't have a chance to read the actuarial report because the total system deficit is.... X billion."  Unfortunately David was not there to reiterate the key portion of his statement "...if the system closed today,..."  Total system unfunded liability is separate matter.
    It is easy to see how citizens, taxpayers, and even retirees have difficulty getting a handle on pension system finances.  The exchange above is a prime example of the art of obfuscation; taking an explicit statement on current availability of funds and comparing it to total obligations to show a much larger number and give the impression that the amount is due and payable today. 
     In another sound bite, Wescoe said that "... the system is 80% funded... and that 70 to 75 cents of every dollar paid out in pensions comes from investment earnings."  Aguirre said, "That's not true either," but did not elaborate.  Seems more is in order.
    Eventually it came back to a familiar Aguirre theme, "[Wescoe] did not have one day of experience in pension funds until he took this job.  He was a public relations man for an investment firm before he took over a system that was the largest securities fraud in American history." [emphasis added]  Lots to work with here, but I'll focus on the experience aspect.  You see I had the advantage of being in the Council Chambers when Aguirre made the "no credible experience" statement, but the difference then was that Wescoe was there, live, and shared some information with those present.  He said he had a law degree from Colombia University, has served as legal counsel for two members of the Securities and Exchange Commission, had served as finance officer and general counsel for Fortune 500 companies, and had served as CEO of a large investment firm.
    It might be pertinent to add here that even with that experience, David is not the Lone Ranger; he has a Board of 13 Trustees to whom he reports and these Trustee's bring with them a wealth of expertise and years of experience.  One member has over 40 years experience in developing and managing pension systems, both public and private throughout the US.  Another spent a career in the upper reaches of investment and finance with Prudential; another is an Actuary with years experience with both public and private pension systems; another is a forensic CPA and financial advisor; another brings years of budget and pension experience from the University of California system; and another is an attorney with years of experience. And on the elective side we have city employees with many years experience in Municipal, State and Federal regulations; budget and administrative experience, and years of serving the citizens of San Diego.  So even though Wescoe has extensive experience, he is not alone.  He is part of a team which brings a wide array of expertise and hundreds of years experience.  And a such a team  headed by a qualified professional with public relations experience can be very comforting to all parties involved.
Joe Flynn, Retiree

Keeping our Kids Safe

As parents, one of the most important things we can do is keep our children safe.

As elected officials, one of our highest priorities is making neighborhoods safe for kids. One key tool we can use is establishing Megan’s Law in the City of San Diego. This will help keep sexual predators at bay.

Sound like a good idea?  The City Council’s Public Safety and Neighborhood Services (PS&NS) Committee thought so.  At the November 16, 2005 meeting, the PS&NS Committee members directed the City Attorney to draft an ordinance that prohibits sex offenders from being on or within 300 feet of a public or private school for children, a center or facility that provides day care or children’s services, libraries, video arcades, playgrounds or parks and amusement centers.

I am frustrated that we have not seen a draft ordinance nor any information as requested from the City Attorney’s Office. Since that time I sent two memos to the City Attorney reminding him that he is required to provide this information to the City Council.

Protecting children in our neighborhoods is the people’s business and his abrogation of duties is hampering the City Council’s efforts to enact policy. The City can ill afford to spend money on outside legal fees and yet may be forced to hire a municipal attorney to write the ordinance. 

I vow to publicly remind the City Attorney to do his job and write the ordinance. As such, I urge you to do the same by calling the City Attorney at (619) 236-6220. Please click here to see my statement.

Last week the Governor unveiled his proposed budget for California.  Facing a deficit of $14 billion, the Governor has proposed significant cuts in some programs as well as a 10% across the board reduction in spending. 

The decline in our economy has reduced city revenues, causing us to be faced with many difficult choices.   And the state is also, once again, facing a significant deficit.  At the local and state level we need to continue to rebuild our infrastructure, as well as expand it to meet the needs of growing population. 

The state budget crisis is a threat to all cities as well, and I will oppose efforts to shift solving the budget crisis to cities, but we must also support the Governor in dealing with enacting some long-term solutions that will give it more stability. Stable funding of state services (corrections, health care, and social services) is directly related to ensuring safe and healthy cities.

While we made a great start with the 2006 infrastructure bond package, we all know we need to do more to meet the needs of a growing California. I’ll be discussing more in the months ahead the importance of reminding our state and federal legislators of the importance of expanding the resources available for infrastructure investment, and the anti-recession value of such investments.  In fact, I was happy to hear the Governor share with us his plans to ramp up infrastructure spending through the state bonds voted on by the public – almost like an economic stimulus package.  This is indeed a smart way to move, especially in down economic times.

Recycle Your Christmas Tree

There is still time to recycle your Christmas tree if you haven’t done so already. This information was in my last eNewsletter and I want to include it again since the program runs through January 23, 2008.  You can help the environment and lengthen the life of Miramar Landfill by recycling your cut Christmas tree.  These trees will be recycled into high quality mulch and compost that is available throughout the year at the Miramar Greenery. Up to two cubic yards of compost and mulch is free to City residents if you load it up yourself.

There are three ways to recycle your tree and holiday wreath:

1. City yard waste collection customers can place trees at the curb on pickup day for recycling. Green and flocked trees are accepted but please remember to remove all ornaments, tinsel, and tree stands. If the tree is taller than four feet then it should be cut in half.
2. Bring your tree to the Miramar Landfill Greenery.
3. Bring your Christmas tree to any of 16 locations throughout the City.

The following are drop off locations in District 7:

• Miramar Landfill Greenery – 5180 Convoy Street
• San Diego State University – Parking Lot D off of Alvarado Road
• Tierrasanta – DePortola Middle School located at 11010 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard.

The City’s annual Christmas tree recycling program, which is in its 34th year, runs through January 23, 2008. For more details including a complete list of all 16 drop off sites, please click here.

Identify Theft

This fast growing crime can affect anyone and makes life miserable for those who have been victimized.  Thieves use many methods to falsely obtain your personal identifying information such as your name, Social Security Number and/or credit card numbers without your permission. They use it to fraudulently obtain goods and services or commit other crimes and in the process ruin your good credit. 

The Federal Trade Commission estimates that each year 9 million Americans are victims of identity theft. Victims may not know until they notice unusual charges on their credit card statement or a change in their credit rating report.

Some people who have been subjected to identity theft are able to resolve their situation relatively quickly while others spend years and considerable money to restore their good credit.

There are resources available to help keep you safe from identity theft and suggest what to do if you or someone you know is victimized.  Please click here http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/ to visit the Federal Trade Commission’s web site.  The Identity Theft Resource Center is based here in San Diego and you may click here http://www.idtheftcenter.org/contact.shtml to visit their web site.

Crawford High School Senior Exhibition Projects

I am pleased to announce that on January 29, 2008, Crawford Complex seniors will be presenting their Senior Exhibition to business and community members, parents, faculty and 11th grade students. Approximately 144 seniors will make presentations summarizing their school experience, reviewing their internship and sharing their plans for the future. The Crawford Complex seniors invite you to share this special day with them by participating as a panelist as the seniors demonstrate their mastery of the skills necessary for success after graduation.

You will have the opportunity to preview students’ autobiographical essays and meet your fellow panelists over the lunch orientation.  Each panel will listen to three to four presentations.  Here are the details:

Complex-Wide Senior Exhibition
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Crawford High Educational Complex

12:00 - 12:15 Review Students’ Autobiographical Essay

12:15 -12:45 Lunch/Orientation

12:50 - 1:10 p.m. Portfolio Review

1:10 - 2:30 p.m. Presentations

If you have any questions, please call Melissa A. Woods at (619)583-2500 ext. 2885. Thank you for your willingness to make a difference in  students' lives.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Please remember that Monday, January 21, 2008 is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and the City of San Diego will observe this holiday.  City of San Diego offices will be closed and there will be no trash or recyclable collection on Monday but will instead be picked up on Tuesday, January 22, 2008. Trash and recyclables will be picked up one day later this week and return to the normal schedule on Monday, January 28, 2008.
 

Happenings in the District

From time to time I include a few community events taking place throughout the District.  Here are a few you may be interested in:

January 26 – The Salvation Army Kroc Center is opening its doors to the community for FREE on Saturday, January 26. This is a great opportunity to experience all of the Kroc Center’s venues in one day!

Guests can skateboard, ice skate, rock climb, take a fitness class, enjoy theatre performances, utilize the education center and take advantage of guided tours, special membership and class savings, and a chance to win a free one-year family membership!  The Kroc Center is located at 6845 University Avenue, in Rolando.  Call 619.269.1411 for more information.

January 29 – A waste reduction and recycling workshop called “Coming Clean Going Green” will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the City of San Diego’s Environmental Services Department located at 9601 Ridgehaven Court. Space is limited to the first 200 attendees.  The workshop is sponsored by the City of San Diego’s Environmental Services Department and the San Diego International Airport.  To register, click here

January – Your donations are needed. The Veterans Housing Initiative is asking for furniture, fixtures, utensils, linens and other household items to provide combat-wounded service members with transitional housing in the San Diego area. All donations are fully tax deductible.  The first ten housing units at the Smart Corner located at 1080 Park Boulevard will be opening this month.  For more information send an email to jimjenkins@communitycatalysts.net.

January – Organizers of the Allied Gardens community event called SpringFest, which takes place May 2-3, 2008, are looking for volunteers to serve on the SpringFest Organizing Committee.  For more information, please contact the committee at SDeventplanner@cox.net.

March 8 – A Guacamole Cook-Off will take place at the Balboa Park Club. Come out and taste some of the best guacamole in town.  All proceeds benefit Sports for Exceptional Athletes and the City’s Park and Recreation Department’s Therapeutic Recreation Services (TRS). The event is sponsored by TRS and the Disabled Services Advisory Council, Inc. (DSAC).  For more information call (858) 565-7432.
 

Reverse 911 - Register Your Cell Phone Too

City of San Diego residents can register their cellular phones to receive emergency alerts – such as an evacuation notice – from the city's Reverse 911 system. Go to www.sandiego.gov/ohs/reverse911/index.shtml. Residents will need to provide their cell phone number, home address and e-mail address.

The County of San Diego also offers an outstanding webpage on disaster preparedness.  You can visit that page here:  www.sdcounty.ca.gov/oes/ready/

You can sign up for the County’s Reverse 911 system by visiting this link.  I would suggest you register for both the City’s and the County’s system.

www.sdcounty.ca.gov/oes/ready/signup.html

Dial 511 For Traffic Updates

Did you know that you can now dial 511 for Roadside Assistance on our roads and highways?  If you get stranded in a non-emergency situation, you may use your cell phone to dial 511 to be connected to the Call Box Answer Center for assistance. To find out more about this, visit SANDAG's 511 web site at http://www.511sd.com/