OB weekend bus route spared for the moment
After receiving feedback from the local hostelling industry and the business community, the Metropolitan Transit System put off making a decision May 22 to cancel weekend service of Bus Route 923 and will readdress the issue at its next meeting Thursday, June 12.
The route connects Ocean Beach to Downtown and serves as a main traveling line for weekend visitors and hostellers between communities, according to a statement from Hostelling International San Diego.
As a result of the temporary stay, MTS staff has been meeting with city officials to discuss possible alternatives to canceling the service, said MTS spokesperson Rob Schupp.
The route survived a round of service cuts and reroutes in an attempt to save money as the MTS has been forced to tighten its fiscal belt because of the economic downturn, Schupp said.
“It’s a continuing challenge for “¦ all transit agencies to maintain levels of service throughout the state,” he said. “Half of our budget is dependent on sales tax.”
Schupp said the MTS has received less revenue from sales tax this year as compared with the same time last year.
Through hiring freezes, cuts in staffing and increased advertising, the agency has been working to cover a $22 million budget shortfall. Schupp also said the state has cut funding and removed “dedicated dollars” from the MTS budget to balance the state’s own budget.
Other routes impacted include:
“¢ Cancellation of all weekend service of Route 25 between Fashion Valley, Linda Vista and Health Center Drive.
“¢ The reroute of Route 30 between the Veterans Administration Hospital and the University Town Center Transit Center to serve La Jolla Colony, Nobel Drive, Regents Road, Arriba Street and Palmilla Drive.
“¢ Replacement of Route 48 and 49 with other connecting lines. Service on La Jolla Village Drive would remain available on routes 41, 101, 150 and 921.
The June 12 MTS meeting is scheduled to be held at the MTS James R. Mills Building board meeting room, Floor 10, 1255 Imperial Ave. at 9 a.m.
$2.7M lifeguard dock to serve multiple agencies
Mayor Jerry Sanders joined members of Lifeguard Services and Fire/Rescue Department on Thursday, May 22 to unveil the new lifeguard dock next to lifeguard headquarters at 2581 Quivira Court.
The new $2.7 million project replaces the 50-year-old dock that was condemned three years ago after a rough storm partially submerged the decaying structure.
The city spent in $1 million with an additional $1 million coming from the Mission Bay Park fund and FEMA contributing $715,000.
The state-of-the-art dock features 25 slips, a covered boatlift and work station and fuel station.
“The new dock is a critical component for public safety,” said Lifeguard Lt. John Greenhalgh.
Now that busy boating season is beginning Greenhalgh reminded boaters to have all the necessary safety equipment and to verify that it functions properly, especially if the boat has been in storage. He pointed out that it is illegal to drink alcohol while piloting a ship or while under the influence.
“It’s a BUI ” boating under the influence,” he said.
He also said his department is now reminding parents to be aware of the drowning hazard swimming pools pose for small children, especially if unsupervised.
Not only will lifeguard vessels dock at the new facilities, San Diego Harbor Patrol, Customs and Immigration, Fish & Game, San Diego Police Department and the Navy will also have access. Two firefighting boats will also be tied off at the new dock.
This will allow the various agencies and agents to coordinate on training, investigations and rescue missions.
Because lifeguards respond to calls along about 17 miles of San Diego beaches and coastal cliffs, Greenhalgh pointed out the dock’s location near the Mission Bay Channel at Hospitality Point will shorten the response time to open-ocean and coastal calls.
PLHS ‘Pointer Sisters,’ class of ’66, slate reunion
The reunion of the Point Loma High “Pointer Sisters,” class of 1966, is quickly approaching. The ladies are gathering on June 14 to mutually celebrate their 60th birthdays. The party will take place at 4 p.m. at Beverly Barnise’s Bettina’s Restaurant and Catering, 3641 Madison St.
“We are so excited and thrilled to have this upcoming event of sweet memories and celebration,” said Kathy Anderson Kim, a 1966 alum. “Some of us haven’t seen each other since our graduation day 42 years ago.”
Festivities will include cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, dinner with dessert and conversation. The cost of the event is $25 to help defray expenses. Many alums have already been contacted and confirmed, but others have not, Kim said.
“This is going to be a tremendous event and we hope word reaches all the girls,” said Kim.