City officials broke ground last week on improvements to the broken La Playa storm drain — the first of 100 City Council-approved projects aimed at restoring San Diego’s streets and public facilities. “The La Playa storm drains are examples of repairs our city has needed for years but have not been completed — until now,” said District 2 Councilman Kevin Faulconer. “This is good for the environment and good for the Peninsula.” Faulconer and Mayor Jerry Sanders were among city officials and members of the public on hand to celebrate the first of a group of projects that, according to the mayor’s office, are funded by a $103 million private bond that closed in the spring. The City Council approved the list of projects last month. “The financial reforms we have made have enabled the city to restore its credit ratings and helped to secure bonds at favorable interest rates to pay for projects like these, saving millions of taxpayers’ dollars,” Faulconer said. “These projects will put San Diegans back to work and improve our neighborhoods.” According to the mayor’s office, the collapsed La Playa storm drain was causing erosion and was a safety hazard. The drain, located near San Antonio Place, is one of two that leads into the San Diego Bay and one of 28 citywide that are slated for repair under the program. “Repairing crumbling roads and completing long-overdue repairs on libraries and firehouses in our communities is a high priority for San Diegans,” Sanders said. The list of projects includes resurfacing 150 miles of city streets, repairing or replacing roofs at 21 libraries, park facilities and police and fire stations, and construction of three new lifeguard stations. According to the mayor’s office, officials will also repair plumbing, electrical, windows, doors and heating and cooling systems at dozens of public facilities.