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

Good morning from Hillcrest.

• We’ll lead off today with my story on the new challengers for San Diego County supervisor Rob Roberts’ seat in June. The four Democrats running against Roberts come from different backgrounds. With late starts and no money they’re banking on diversity to push the race past June.
• A lengthy preamble from voiceofsandiego.org CEO Scott Lewis precedes his Q&A with San Diego County Taxpayers Association head Lani Lutar. Fiscal reform, new revenue and San Diego’s recovery are all on the table. Also, check out the comment section for a good discussion.
• My Q&A this week is with southeastern redevelopment chief Brian Trotier. Please submit your questions. The interview is scheduled for today.
• Seal alert! A City Council committee will discuss a rope barrier for the seals at the La Jolla Children’s Pool today.
• Local Republican Party officials shouldn’t be so quick to forgive City Council candidate Lorie Zapf for her anti-gay e-mails, CityBeat editorializes.
• After years of legal disputes, City Council decided to protect shallow ponds and the species that inhabit them with a $500,000 from a federal conservation grant. If the plan receives court approval, 16 stalled developments can move forward. 
• Our Fact Check looks into County Supervisor Bill Horn’s contention that fire response times in the backcountry are improving.
• Chula Vista Mayor Cheryl Cox delivered her State of the City speech yesterday. Four candidates quit races in Chula Vista yesterday, too.

— LIAM DILLON