Councilman announces bid for city attorney’s job
Scott Peters, San Diego City Council President District 1, announced Monday, Feb. 18 that he will enter the race for city attorney.
In a statement following his announcement, Peters said, "For the past five years, we’ve put the pension system back on its feet. We’ve fixed reporting and budgeting problems dating back to the 1980s. We stopped pension underfunding. Our employees made concessions in labor negotiations that resulted in a $350 million decrease in the pension deficit. As a result of this work, our city actuary has declared the pension system financially sound."
Peters lives in La Jolla with his wife, son and daughter. He is running against City Attorney Mike Aguirre, Jan Goldsmith, Dan Coffey, Amy Lupine, Lee Burdick and District 5 Councilman Brian Maienschein.
Midway planning group poised for elections
The Midway Community Planning Advisory Committee will hold open elections for four of its 12 board seats that come up for election this year, said Melanie Nickel, publicity chair.
The election takes place Wednesday, March 12, at the Peninsula Community Service Center, 3740 Sports Arena Blvd., Suite 2, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
In order to be eligible to run or vote in the election, a person must either live, own property or manage a business in the Midway planning area. However, all are invited to attend meetings, Nickel said.
“People can always attend the meetings of the planning board whether or not they’re elected to the planning board,” she said.
The Midway planning area lies between the San Diego River to the north and south to Barnett Avenue and Pacific Highway. It’s bounded by Interstate 5 on the east and Midway Drive from the river to Duke Street on the west. The area also includes parts of Rosecrans Street.
Members are expected to attend monthly meetings held on the second Wednesday of each month. Members also attend a city training workshop held on a Saturday to be determined.
Interested candidates must submit a letter of interest including proof of eligibility such as a copy of a business license or utility invoice to: Lyle Butler, 3743 Elliot St., San Diego, 92106. Deadline to be listed on a ballot is Wednesday, March 5.
Voters must also present proof of eligibility to vote on election day.
The Midway Community Planning Advisory Committee acts as an advisory board to the city of San Diego concerning land use, development and zoning issues.
This year, the board will address several issues, including the future of the San Diego Sports Arena and traffic issues, Nickel said.
SD Airport Authority
recognized for excellence
The San Diego Regional Airport Authority received high marks for its operations from the California Council for Performance Excellence, or CAPE. The council recognized the Airport Authority with the 2007 Eureka Silver Level Award, said Steven Shultz, Airport Authority spokesman.
CAPE also recognized the Airport Authority in 2004, 2005 and 2006 with bronze-level awards. This is the first year the Airport Authority has received a silver award.
“Our goal is to get the highest and get the gold, and that’s something. And we’re working toward getting the highest level,” Shultz said.
CAPE awards organizations in several different categories, including leadership, strategic planning, human resources, process management and measurement and knowledge management, he said.
To be considered for the award, the airport undergoes a five-day examination following the submission of a 50-page application, he said. Even among local critics, the Airport Authority receives high marks for its operations and efficiency, Shultz said.
The Airport Authority routinely solicits customer opinions through exit surveys of passengers arriving at Lindbergh Field and uses that information to improve airport operations, he said.
Help needed to find
missing Point Loma man
Police are looking for a Point Loma man suffering from Alzheimer’s disease who was reported missing Feb.13.
Richard Thompkins is described as a black male, 5 foot 9 inches and about 165 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a gray shirt and gray pants, according to reports.
Thompkins reportedly left his house on West Point Loma Boulevard at an unknown time. He reportedly has Alzheimer’s, has had a stroke and is diabetic. Residents with information about Thompkins are urged to call the San Diego Missing Persons Unit at (619) 531-2277.
Boat fire extinguished;
4 occupants escape
San Diego Lifeguards and Harbor Police extinguished flames from a 35-foot boat fire just outside San Diego Bay on Feb. 16 at about 12:30 p.m. Four occupants managed to abandon ship, according to Harbor Police officials.
The four occupants were picked up by a civilian boat in the area, said Harbor Police Sgt. Mikel McLean.
“It appears that it was an engine fire. What caused the fire? We have no idea,” McLean said.
After making sure the victims were safe, Harbor Police and San Diego Lifeguard units snuffed the blaze, he said. Officials towed the vessel to a nearby boatyard. No one was injured, according to reports.