Water usage drops amid mandatory cuts Water use in August dropped 11.3 percent citywide compared with that in the same month of 2008, meaning that residents largely complied with mandatory restrictions. Residential customers reportedly cut their water use by 10.7 percent in August compared with a year ago, according to the mayor’s office. Commercial and industrial water use dropped 5.1 percent and the use of water for irrigation fell by 19.5 percent. A series of $100 fine notices have gone out to water customers who failed to heed the restrictions. The citations are the first issued since the restrictions took effect on June 1. Those sanctions limit times for watering lawns and washing cars. They’re considered level 2 restrictions; the city’s highest alert is level 4. Layoffs almost certain amid budget shortfall Layoffs and service cuts, particularly at libraries and among parks, police and fire personnel, are highly likely in 2010 as the city of San Diego confronts its 2010 deficit of $179 million. Mayor Jerry Sanders’ office released the update Thursday, Oct. 1, adding that falling tax revenues and rising pension costs figure in the imbalance. San Diego is projected to receive $67 million less in sales and property tax revenues for the fiscal year, which begins July 1. It is also required to make an estimated $224 million contribution to the pension fund. The city has filled recent budget gaps by cutting vacant jobs and using reserves. OB Pier Breakfast set to aid area’s less fortunate Breakfast lovers in Ocean Beach can again take advantage of a meal deal that aids the less fortunate this holiday season. The 24th annual Ocean Beach Pier Breakfast will serve up the social event Sunday, Oct. 18 from 7:30 to 11 a.m. on the pier. The event, sponsored by the Ocean Beach Town Council, raises money for the town council’s annual OB Christmas Food and Drive, benefiting less fortunate families in the area and the battered-women’s shelter by providing holiday food and wrapped, age-appropriate toys for children. The event is hosted by the OB Geriatric Surf Club and includes breakfast with all the trimmings as well as raffle prizes, according to organizers. A shuttle will run the length of the pier for those who prefer not to walk. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children under 10 and free for children age 5 and under and may be purchased on Wednesdays at the Ocean Beach Farmers Market, South Coast Surf Shop, Dog Beach Dog Wash, Java Beach coffee shop, Surf and Sea Wetsuits and at the front of the pier on the day of the event. For more information, call (619) 515-4400, or visit www.obtowncouncil.org.