Good morning from Hillcrest.
- Let’s lead off by recapping pension-related business from Friday. The city’s independent retirement board decided to keep its pension accounting rules as is, a decision that makes the pension fund stronger, but costs the city $30 million this year. The city says it will have to lay off up to 400 people as a result and labor is concerned. Also, the retirement system’s top administrator went off on critics after the board’s vote.
- Speaking of retirement, the U-T has two stories of note. About 50 of the more than 600 city of San Diego employees that retired last year have been rehired, collecting both a pension and a city salary (but with no benefits or increase to their pension). City officials say this plan helps with transitions to new workers.
The U-T also reports that the Securities and Exchange Commission’s fraud case against five former city employees may be weaker and nearing a settlement.
- The Chargers have given almost four times more than the second-highest NFL team to political candidates and committees with a big chunk coming from owner Alex Spanos. In other Chargers-related news, protestors in the city of Walnut rallied against a state legislative proposal to help the proposed NFL stadium in the Los Angeles area that some fear will lure the Chargers.
- My colleague Adrian Florido notes an interesting issue with the city’s budget and planning. New community Pacific Highlands Ranch has raised the money for a park, but the city may not build it because its general fund can’t handle future operations and maintenance costs.
- Watkins alert! The embattled Airport Authority chairman will not resign after conflict of interest and expense concerns, County Supervisor Dianne Jacob told my colleague Rob Davis. Watkins is mystified why he didn’t report his assets on disclosure forms.
- The North County Times reports on a medical marijuana case in Anaheim that could have implications for San Diego County’s discussion on banning medical marijuana dispensaries.
- Last, tell us what you think about this week’s San Diego City Council agenda in our weekly Public Comment feature. It’s a big one.