The Agenda: Today’s A.M. Political Roundup

Good morning from Hillcrest.

• We’ll lead off with news from what was expected to be San Diego County’s most competitive race for supervisor. Democratic state Assemblywoman Lori Saldaña dropped out of the District 4 election against 16-year incumbent Ron Roberts, citing the recent death of her mother. Saldaña’s exit clears the way for San Diego City Councilwoman Donna Frye if she wants to run. Or it clears the way for easy sailing for Roberts.
• The county held its annual address last night and Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Pam Slater-Price said the county was in better shape than most local governments. The county’s top financial officer said he expects the county to end the year with a $60 million surplus.
• Our latest entry in San Diego Explained is the downtown schoobrary. Recommended viewing.
• City of San Diego employees have received layoff notices stemming from the budget cuts made last December. 
• We Fact Check city firefighters claim that they meet national accreditation standards only half the time. 
• The Reader takes a look at campaign contributions from the company that could receive outsourced recycling services from the city.
• In news around San Diego County, there will be a vote on the recall of Poway City Councilwoman Betty Rexford in June. And lots of money is being spent to lobby for and against a proposed mega development in North County. 

— LIAM DILLON