Coalition opposes sales-tax increase A crowd of concerned citizens, including taxpayer and business advocates and elected officials, gathered at the Westfield University Towne Center on June 12 to express opposition to a proposed half-cent sales-tax increase in the city of San Diego. Speakers advocated pension reform, managed competition and spending cuts instead of resorting to tax increases. City Councilmen Carl DeMaio and Kevin Faulconer addressed the crowd, in addition to representatives from various companies and organizations. The Lincoln Club of San Diego County, a business-oriented political action committee, organized the event. Ranger now watching over Children’s Pool As part of a management plan approved by the San Diego City Council in May, a park ranger funded by private donations has been stationed at the Children’s Pool near La Jolla Cove in order to mediate relations between humans and seals. Randal (Randy) Hawley began as a provisional ranger last weekend, and will continue to work until a permanent ranger can be hired — a process that may take several months, according to a statement from Mayor Jerry Sanders’ office. Hawley has worked as a park ranger for more than 28 years, and retired from his position as supervising park ranger at the San Diego Park and Recreation Department. His immediate responsibilities at the Children’s Pool will include reviewing signs at the site and initiating efforts to begin a volunteer docent program, according to the statement. Rachel Laing from Sanders’ office said that Hawley will be at the site Saturdays, Sundays, and at least three weekdays, but his schedule will vary.