Water Authority’s turf replacement program runs dry

The San Diego County Water Authority announced its WaterSmart Turf Replacement Program would cease operating, citing lack of funds exhausted by customer demand. Started in 2012, the program replaces water-intensive turf grass with more hydro-efficient landscapes throughout the region.

After the Water Authority completes its list of pending projects, more than 1,000 turf replacement projects covering more than 1 million square feet of grass will have been implemented. Staff estimate these projects will save approximately 1,350 acre-feet of water over the next decade. For perspective, one acre-foot is equivalent to 325,851 gallons.

“Thank you to everyone in San Diego County who is embracing low-water landscapes and inspiring their friends and neighbors to do the same,” said Maureen Stapleton, general manager of the Water Authority, in a press release. “These landscapes will continue saving precious water supplies and showing how beautiful a water-efficient lifestyle can be. Moving forward, we will continue to explore innovative and cost-effective water conservation programs.”

Water Authority officials saw a large spike in rebate applications during the later half of 2014, when an average of 30 applications per month in 2013 and early 2014 jumped to an average of 164 applications per month. The spike was credited to increased awareness of the statewide drought. Turf removal rebates are still available to county residents and businesses at $2 per square foot through the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.

Although the turf replacement program will soon end, there are other programs administered by the Water Authority that help residents and businesses reduce their water usage, including rebate programs for high efficiency toilets, high efficiency washing machines and rain barrels. Water-efficient plant sale fairs, an online home water-use calculator and classes on installing WaterSmart landscapes are also provided by the County Water Authority. For more information, visit watersmartsd.org.

La Mesa police receive grant to combat alcohol-related crime

The La Mesa Police Department (LMPD) recently received a $21,668 grant from the state’s Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) department to combat illegal alcohol sales. The grant, an update on state funds received in previous years, will fund undercover operations exposing alcohol purchases by and on behalf of minors.

Since July 2014, when LMPD last received an ABC grant for the same amount, 86 La Mesans were solicited by undercover agents to purchase alcohol for a minor. Of those 86, 25 were arrested, more than double the number of arrests reported last July.

The grant is one of 47 awarded to local law enforcement agencies throughout the state through the ABC’s Grant Assistance Program. ABC agents trained to reduce local alcohol-related crime also assist individual law enforcement agencies as part of the program.

LMPD and ABC will continue these operations through July 2015.

Housing data indicates strengthening market

The Greater San Diego Association of Realtors (SDAR) recently released data about housing markets throughout the region, including trends and averages in La Mesa.

In the 91941 ZIP code, the average single-family home sold for $520,000 in 2014. The average attached condominium or townhome in the area sold for $224,000.

In the 91942 ZIP code, the selling price of the average single-family home was $429,000. The average selling price of attached condominiums and townhomes was $260,000.

In La Mesa and throughout the county, the average sale price in 2014 represented a significant improvement over 2013, with countywide growth at nearly 10 percent. Though the growth is considerably milder than the 20 percent spike seen in 2013 compared to 2012. The average La Mesa home falls below the county’s 2014 average sale price of $646,610.

SDAR Board President Chris Anderson said the data indicates a fruitful year ahead for the housing market.

“I think you will see more homes on the market this year and I think San Diegans can expect to see home values rise at a healthy level,” Anderson stated in a press release. “Interest rates are expected to increase slightly this year. That should boost inventory levels and drive sales.”

For a more detailed look at the 2014 housing data, visit sdar.com/media/currentstatistics.pdf.

City wants to know how you get around

The city of La Mesa is seeking responses to a survey about the walking, bicycling and public transit routes La Mesa residents use to get to destinations such as parks, medical offices, shops and restaurants.

The Urban Trails Survey asks residents about how safe they feel walking and biking in their neighborhoods. It also asks about residents’ preferred modes of transportation, and it asks what the city could do to make it easier to get around without a car. Should the city build more sidewalks? Add more bike lanes? Put together community walking or biking groups?

To answer the survey, visit cityoflamesa.com/index.aspx?NID=1290.

The survey is part of a two-year grant program that began in March 2014. The goal is to identify “urban trail” routes that will encourage residents to use active transportation — such as walking and bicycling — instead of solely relying on automobiles to get around.

For more information about the project, contact coordinator Misty Thompson at [email protected]. The Urban Trails Steering Committee meets every other month at the City Manager’s Conference Room at 8130 Allison Ave. The next meeting is March 18 at 9 a.m.

School board to select new member

The board of the La Mesa-Spring Valley School District will appoint a new member from a pool of six applicants to replace Bill Baber, who resigned from the board after his election last fall to the La Mesa City Council.

The board trustees will interview the candidates at a special meeting on Jan. 27. They have 60 days from the date of Baber’s resignation (Dec. 5) to fill the vacancy. The candidate will serve for the remainder of Baber’s term, which expires in December 2016. The board voted last December to take the appointment approach rather than hold a special election, which would have cost between $400,000 to $430,000, according to district staff.

The candidates include the following:

Jerry S. Anderson Jr., a La Mesa resident whose resume includes experience as a counselor at Spring Valley Middle School, administrator at San Diego State University and chief administrative officer at the Preuss School at UC San Diego.

Steve F. Babbitt, a Spring Valley resident whose resume includes experience as an independent web developer for public agencies and as lead pastor of Spring Valley Community Church.

John E. Greenwell, a La Mesa resident whose resume includes experience as an elementary and middle school teacher in underserved communities.

John E. Hilton, a La Mesa resident whose resume includes experience as a chemist, private school teacher and pastor of multiple local churches, including The Chapel in La Mesa.

Rebecca S. Pollack-Rude, an El Cajon resident whose resume includes experience as a real estate agent and local school volunteer.

Jay Steiger, a Spring Valley resident whose resume includes experience as a sales and customer service professional; as technical and software support professional; and as a local school volunteer.