Disqus - Latest Comments for LaPlayaHeritage

Re: Regional Airport Authority president, CEO Thella Bowens Retires After 21 Years

LaPlayaHeritage — Sun, 04 Dec 2016 16:23:07 -0000

Hopefully now we can get our promised Trolley to the Airport and Intermodal Transit Center (ITC). SDCRAA current policy states that Off Site CEQA Mitigation including Traffic Mitigation for Airport projects would be a Violation of Federal FAA Airport Revenue regulations. And Airport Revenues cannot be legally diverted to pay for the ITC.

If CEQA level projects were moved to SANDAG, then the annual +$234 million in SDCRAA Airport Revenue could in theory be used for Regional Infrastructure projects. Instead of the new unneeded now $127.8 million Terminal 2 Parking Structure, currently under construction.

The Terminal 2 Parking Structure Originally cost +$82,080,000. This year the construction budget almost doubled with an additional cost of +$45,720,000.
For a new Total Budget of $127,800,000. +179% Increase.

Instead of our promised 2008 Airport Master Plan (AMP) construction projects, including the missing Trolley to the Airport, and missing ITC.

Re: San Diego City Councilman Todd Gloria Prepares For State Assembly Swearing In

LaPlayaHeritage — Fri, 02 Dec 2016 22:02:24 -0000

Why no questions on Council Members' leadership on the Regional Continuum of Care Council (RCCC), and as official City Council Representative to the San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC) and Civic San Diego? Civic San Diego's and SDHC's Bylaws and Operating Agreements were changed to make the official City of San Diego representative, the City Council President. Convenient. Not the Mayor, full City Council, or any other individual City Council Members who had zero oversight of the SDHC and Civic San Diego staffs. The Two issue are related.

The Homeless problem in downtown San Diego spiked in 2014 after the Two Emergency Winter Tents, that were finally converted to Year-Round Tents were taken down by District 2 Council Member Gloria through the FY-2015 Budget process, through failure to identified Homeless funding solutions. All while Civic San Diego hoarded $28 million in Cash in the Low Moderate Income Housing Asset Fund (LMIHAF).

Plus the SDHC sat on unused Federal VASH Vouchers and refused to implement the Federal HUD Tenant-Base Rental Assistance (TBRA) Homeless voucher program. Similar to the existing County TRBA program for Children aging out of the Foster Care System that is already administered by SDHC staff. The TBRA Homeless Vouchers provide easier regulations for Homeless solution funded by person not by project. The City of San Diego TBRA Homeless Voucher Program was not implemented in San Diego due to too much paperwork for SDHC staff.

The Winter Tent funding was moved to SVDP, resulting in a Net Loss of -400 Homeless Beds with no where to go. The prior Christmas 2013, former Mayor Filner promised the all the Homeless staying in the Downtown and Midway Veterans tents that the Tent would stay up Year Round. Forever and be fully funded starting with the FY-2014 Budget, until Homelessness was solved.

Previously in prior years before Bill Fulton came aboard, to ignore budget and funding request for Homeless solutions, Civic San Diego and District 2 Council Member Gloria incorrectly stated the Homeless Tents were Temporary only for the Winter, and would have to be taken down at least once a year for permitting reasons, that never existed.

Why no questions on the increase in Homelesss deaths that can be tracked back to the closing of the Homeless Year-Round Tents forever, based on a lack of recognized available funding in the LMIHAF and Housing Trust Fund (HTF)? The first Homeless death due to the Homeless Tents closing down, occurred within the first week of the Tent closures, after a women was distraught and stabbed her companion. Sad.

Also why no questions on the City of San Diego's refusal to implement tiny homes regulations within the City as Sustainable Low-Energy projects?

What about the Political decision to take out Homeless Services at the Neil Good Day Center (NGDC) located on State CalTrans land, specially for Homeless only solution and not just public benefits? CalTrans Air Rights can be used for Homelessness only. Not for local City benefits, or non-profit functions. Homeless Only.

Please ask questions regarding the violations of the Uniform Relocation Act Standards and Provisions, State of California Relocation Law Government Code Section 7260, Title 25, Chapter 6, Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition. The existing laws require up to 42 months of Relocation benefits for any Low Income Resident displaced by Public Benefit construction projects. Or any project receiving public funding including free permit fees by CCDC and Civic San Diego.

Please do a follow up on Homeless problems and Council Member Todd Gloria's leadership on the issue in downtown. Including SANDAG's failure to provide leadership and oversight to the City of San Diego on State laws benefiting the poor and Homeless, because "Housing and Homelessness are not in their pervue" as part of the State's Sustainably Community Strategy (SCS) to lower Green House Gasses.

Hint. SANDAG our Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is not just for Transportation projects only. SANDAG also monitors Regional Crime and Law Enforcement, Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA), Beach Sand replenishments, etc. Homeless and Housing and Violations of the Federal Civil Rights, Fair Housing, and HEARTH Acts could be taken up by SANDAG leadership, if the Board wanted to tackle the Homeless issue. And force funding by the City and County using Successor Agency and LMIHAF assets.

State laws alway exist to help the poor and fund Homeless solutions currently. The laws are just not followed in San Diego due to purposeful misinterpretation of State laws for the benefit of City staff. Not the Homeless. No new laws for the Homeless are needed at the State level. Only local enforcement of existing Housing laws. And Leadership.

Re: Homeless deaths skyrocket in San Diego

LaPlayaHeritage — Fri, 18 Nov 2016 23:35:37 -0000

Mayor Kevin Faulconer, our misguided City Council, Successor Agency (SA), Oversight Board (OB), and our County Board of Supervisors are responsible for Hoarding at least +$28 Million Cash in the Successor Housing Entity's Low Moderate Income Housing Asset Fund (LMIHAF) controlled by the private Civic San Diego.

Please investigate our elected leaders failures to create basic Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports (CAFR) for the Successor Agency (SA) to the former Redevelopment Agency (RDA), and the LMIHAF missing since FY-2011 to the present. All based on shady financial and legal advice by staff and City Attorney Goldsmith.

Please investigate if the +$215 million in HUD OIG Audit Debt Repayment to CDBG Program Income documented in ROPS-10 Line Items 626 and 628 could go the full Regional Continuum of Care Council (RCCC) to solve this regional problem of Unsheltered Homeless Children.

The current Civic San Diego and Mayor Faulconer's plan approved last Thursday November 17, 2016 at EDIR Item 6 is to repay the $215 million debt to the poor over decades. Pathetic. Especially when Unsheltered Minors have increased in San Diego County. And more Homeless are needlessly dying due to lack of basic shelter.

Even worse, Mayor Faulconer and the City Council have been diverted the HUD OIG Audit Debt for CDBG Program Income into the City's General Fund since September 2015, when the ROPS Repayment Agreement was approved for all HUD Debts Statewide.

In theory, the +$215 million Cash could be paid back to the poor through the RCCC Joint Powers Authority (JPA) using the annual $205 million in Redevelopment Property Tax Trust Fund (RPTTF) Revenue. Which after Tax Sharing Payments to the City/ County/ Schools/ Special District total an annual $104 million. All Off Budget and not part of the annual Budget process. With at least $30 million available annually for HUD Repayments for any Discretionary projects to help minors, children, and their families.

Our elected Decision Makers are getting away with traumatizing minors due to their lack of understanding of Hoarding Cash Reserve Fund Balances as part of the winding down of the Redevelopment Agency (RDA). Again please investigate. Children are relying on you.

http://www.voiceofsandiego....

Re: 4 Things To Watch With San Diego’s New Seaport Development

LaPlayaHeritage — Mon, 14 Nov 2016 20:40:01 -0000

Professor Eric Frost is wrong. The northern extension of the Active Coronado Fault of the active Rose Canyon Fault Zone (RCFZ) was already confirmed at the Old Police Headquarters, directly south and through of Seaport Village to San Diego Bay. SDSU's Geologic Department should be contacted to confirm that no active faulting is known, due to a lack of scientific evidence to confirm or deny active faulting.

All active fault investigations in downtown, Port Tidelands, the Airport, and Old Town, have been hidden and never turned into the State Geologist John Parrish to update the old 2003 Point Loma Quadrangle Alquist-Priolo Zone. As required by the Seismic Hazard Mapping Act.

The only reason Professor Frost thinks active faulting on Seaport Village, Old Police Headquarters, Navy Broadway Complex (NBC) has yet to be confirmed is due to purposeful negligence on the part of Port staff and Port Commissioners, City DSD, Civic San Diego, SANDAG, and the SDCRAA Airport Authority.

Re: El Cajon Shooting An Early Test Of Video Release Policy

LaPlayaHeritage — Thu, 29 Sep 2016 01:58:07 -0000

During the Police shooting of Fridoon Rawshan in the Midway, San Diego Police stated that no videos would be released outside of a courtroom, except in riot-like situations.

"In the beginning, she said she might do it if there was a situation similar to last year’s civil unrest in Ferguson, Mo."

"“It could be again for public safety. It could be, as we have seen in other cities where public safety is at risk, where people are damaging property, assaulting people, in a riot type situation. There could be exceptions, yes. And that’s where you’d have to weigh the public safety versus the due process of whoever that individual is.”

Re: As San Diego City Council Reconvenes, Big Decisions Loom

LaPlayaHeritage — Sat, 17 Sep 2016 14:48:50 -0000

Monday September 19, 2016 Item 150 Balboa Park. Plaza De Panama

+188% Cost Increase from 2012 to 2016.

Was $40 million. Now $75 million.

Re: As San Diego City Council Reconvenes, Big Decisions Loom

LaPlayaHeritage — Sat, 17 Sep 2016 14:48:33 -0000

Monday September 19, 2016 Item 150 Balboa Park. Plaza De Panama

+188% Cost Increase from 2012 to 2016.
Was $40 million. Now $75 million.

http://tinyurl.com/20160919

Re: San Diego Ignores Government Transparency Law For 24 Years

LaPlayaHeritage — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 15:25:41 -0000

Everyone on the City Council including Council Member David Alvarez was told about lack of enforcement of City Charter Section 225 Mandatory Disclosure of Business Interest by the public numerous times at public hearings and in writing. Good news that 5 years later they are finally asking for a legal analysis from the City Attorney to start enforcement of a 24 year old law.

Example: January 11, 2011 City Council hearing. Video Start Time 3 Hours 7 to 11 Minutes.

http://granicus.sandiego.go...

Re: Citizens' Plan Qualifies For November Ballot

LaPlayaHeritage — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 21:41:31 -0000

Great news. By voting Yes the Citizen's Initiative will raise the TOT by the same +5% Rate with 15.5% Maximum already approved by the Hoteliers, Mayor Faulconer, and the City Council. The maximum 15.5% TOT is already Pre-Approved by everyone.

It would put the new 5% TOT increase into the City's General Fund where 50% off the top is required to be spent on City Neighborhood Infrastructure, from the Rebuild San Diego City Charter Amendment approved in June 2016.

If the Hotelier fail to agree on self-financing, then the full 5% will be into the General Fund.

Re: Tiny Houses for the homeless

LaPlayaHeritage — Thu, 23 Jun 2016 10:16:26 -0000

The City of San Diego's Development Services Department (DSD) refuses to incorporated the February 2, 2016 State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) Information Bulletin 2016-01 Tiny Homes.

http://tinyurl.com/20160204a

Tiny Homes are clean and safe. The most affordable Tiny Homes are Camping Cabins less than 200 square feet, with no plumbing.

Tiny Home Cabins at Santee Lakes is a model that is currently not legal in the City.

https://www.google.com/sear...

The easy cost effective solutions of Tiny Homes is being blocked by Mayor Falconer and the City of San Diego.

Re: SDPD addresses Barrio Logan invasion

LaPlayaHeritage — Thu, 09 Jun 2016 01:22:11 -0000

The Extra Mile was unnecessary.

Re: Faulconer Says He Won't Run For California Governor

LaPlayaHeritage — Tue, 24 May 2016 23:29:02 -0000

Lori Saldana for Mayor of San Diego.

Re: Mayor of homelessness: Ward or Bernal?

LaPlayaHeritage — Fri, 13 May 2016 00:20:21 -0000

Tiny Homes/Camping Cabins are approved by State laws. Inexpensive, sustainable, and allow Homeless with Pets a Clean and Safe place with Privacy, Considered temporary shelter until enough Permanent Supportive Housing exists. Which may be never in San Diego.

http://tinyurl.com/20160204b

Camping Cabins are already used in California State Parks as Bedrooms. 200 square feet maximum. Requires 2 Exits and a Fire Alarm. No plumbing except compost toilets. Off-grid with solar panels. Total Costs $2,000 = $1,000 Shelter + $1,000 Compost Toilet. Sustainable, Clean, Safe, Private. Allowed on City of San Diego land through existing Emergency Shelter Crisis declaration.

http://tinyurl.com/20160420b
http://tinyurl.com/20160420a

Re: Three’s Company In San Diego Mayoral Race

LaPlayaHeritage — Mon, 09 May 2016 20:08:09 -0000

Mayor Faulconer's FY-2017 Budget includes multi-million for Homeless Prosecution and Abatement Sweep increases.

2 Prosecution City Attorneys + 1 Heavy Truck Driver + 18 FTE Environmental Services Code Enforcement.

Numbers do not include Police time.

Re: Briggs, San Diego City Attorney Trade Jabs Over Citizens' Plan

LaPlayaHeritage — Tue, 12 Apr 2016 23:05:05 -0000

In 2010 City Attorney Goldsmith wrote a legal memorandum outlawing the use of former Redevelopment Agency (RDA) Tax Increment for Homeless Shelters and Wrap Around Social Services.

Another example of purposeful misinterpretation of State law for Politics.

Re: Briggs, San Diego City Attorney Trade Jabs Over Citizens' Plan

LaPlayaHeritage — Tue, 12 Apr 2016 23:02:10 -0000

Currently City Attorney Goldsmith allows Civic San Diego to be in charge of Property Tax Revenue including the annual $200 million in Successor Agency (SA) taxes, and $28 million in Cash Reserves in the Low Moderate Income Housing Asset Fund (LMIHAF) that could be used immediately to end Homelessness in San Diego.

The Successor Agency (SA) to the former Redevelopment Agency (RDA), along with the LMIHAF have Zero employees. Therefore through a City recreated made-up legal loophole, the City Council has already Delegated and given up their financial City Charter responsibilities to Civic San Diego staff. All outside of the regular budget process. With the approval of everyone. Including failing to issue Successor Agency CAFR since 2011, and SB-341 Audits. Failing to comply with state law is subject to forfeiture of office.

Civic San Diego's annual budget only discloses Administrative costs. Not all Infrastructure Capital Improvment Projects (CIP), Bond payments, excessive interest rates, negative arbitrage costs, or new revenues sources.

"Footnote 81 Cal. Govt. Code§§ 53635.2 (requiring that the official with legal custody of money belonging to a local agency deposit or invest the money consistent with state law), 53649 (duty to safeguard public funds), 53656 (only authorized entities shall act as "agents of depository"), and 53681 (an officer or employee who fails to comply with state law in depositing the City's funds is subject to forfeiture of office).

Footnote 82 Cal. Govt. Code § 53680. The Initiative seeks to interject the City Auditor into the City Treasurer's role, ignoring the respective roles and duties of the Auditor and Treasurer established by the Charter and creating duplicate responsibilities. Initiative§ 35.0121.5; San Diego Charter§§ 39.2, 45."

Re: Churches Pitch In To Help San Diego Homeless

LaPlayaHeritage — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 22:50:22 -0000

It is illegal and against the Municipal Code for Churches and/or Non-Profits to open their doors to House the Homeless, without an Expensive Conditional Use Permit (CUP) from the City of San Diego.

The solution is for our Strong Mayor Faulconer to declare under the existing Homeless "Shelter Crisis," that ALL Churches can open to house the poor 365 days a year, 24/7 without a Limiting CUP. All San Diego needs is Leadership.

Re: Services For San Diego Homeless Struggle In Rainy Weather

LaPlayaHeritage — Thu, 07 Jan 2016 17:47:51 -0000

The City of San Jose allows city buildings, Libraries, Community Centers, and private churches to open their doors to the Homeless during Inclement Weather. Camping Cabins such as Tiny Homes less than 400 square feet could be placed on public property in San Jose without the 30 days Restrictions for Special Occupancy Park Act. Health and Safety Code HSC Section 18860-18874.

The City of San Diego can do the same if there was Political will.

In San Diego it is against the Municipal Code to Open Churches, or any private business to open their doors to the Homeless, or Parking Lots to Homeless in Cars, without an expensive Conditional Use Permit (CUP). When churches try to House the homeless without a CUP permit, or if a business opens their private parking lots for Homeless in cars, the City's Neighborhood Code Compliance (NCC) fines the Homeless advocates.

This is a violation of the Federal Fair Housing Act and is an known Impediment to Fair Housing Choice. Last year DSD stated they will be change the Municipal Code to be in conformance with State law. Currently it is illegal for Churches to house the Homeless in the City of San Diego, unless Mayor Faulconer gives permission.

On Monday January 11, 2016 as Item 201, Civic San Diego is presenting their Affordable Housing Master Plan (AHMP) which has enough Cash Reserves to open both Winter Tents again year-round. Plus house every Homeless person until Housing Units are actually built. All with Zero effect to the City's General Fund.

So many solutions. Leadership required. Thank you KPBS for following up.

According to the news, only 60+ Homeless people came in out of the rain when over 250 overnight beds were available at SVDP.

Re: Services For San Diego Homeless Struggle In Rainy Weather

LaPlayaHeritage — Thu, 07 Jan 2016 17:47:07 -0000

The City of San Jose allows city buildings, Libraries, Community Centers, and private churches to open their doors to the Homeless during Inclement Weather. The City of San Diego can do the same if there was Political will. Camping Cabins such as Tiny Homes less than 400 square feet could be placed on public property in San Jose without the 30 days Restrictions for Special Occupancy Park Act. Health and Safety Code HSC Section 18860-18874.

So many solutions. Leadership required.

Re: Services For San Diego Homeless Struggle In Rainy Weather

LaPlayaHeritage — Thu, 07 Jan 2016 14:00:12 -0000

The San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC) did not allow Alpha Project to fix the Neil Good Day Center (NGDC) showers, even through Bob McElroy put forth fixing the showing using private donor funding. City staff instead wanted to shut down NGDC forever on June 30, 2016 based upon an exaggerated cost estimate for repairs to the full site.

The fault for the lack of public showers and restrooms in downtown San Diego belongs solely to the SDHC, Mayor Faulconer, and downtown City Council Member Todd Gloria.

Some good news. On November 16, 2015 as Item 201, the City Council approved $350,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Income to make fixes at the NGDC. However funding "... does not include the work necessary to return the showers to a functional status."

According to the staff report, the City and SDHC plan to close down the Neil Good Day Center (NGDC) on June 30, 2016 and move operations to the Mosiac Church under Saint Vincent de Paul (SVPD) on July 1, 2016.

The City and SDHC plan is to repurpose the NGDC for the Downtown Parntership's Clean and Safe Program, and the Police Homeless Outreach Teams (HOT).

However under the State law Street and Highway Code (SHC) Section 104, Caltrans Air Rights for the NGDC property along Interstate 5 has to be used Exclusively for the Homeless. Directing benefiting the Homeless. Not for police substations or non-profit agencies.

KPBS Please investigate.

Re: Services For San Diego Homeless Struggle In Rainy Weather

LaPlayaHeritage — Wed, 06 Jan 2016 21:20:32 -0000

Less taxpayer money is being used then before, and a Net decrease in Emergency Shelter Bed Nights. Failure.

Mayor Kevin Faulconer ask the public for charity when he is siting on $28 million Cash Reserves in the Low Moderate Income Housing Asset Fund (LMIHAF). Civic San Diego has been Hoarding the Cash since 2013. Mayor Faulconer and Civic San Diego's Affordable Housing Master Plan (AHMP) includes delaying any Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) until FY-2018. Too late for many Homeless who will die.

The Successor Agency (SA) to the former Redevelopment Agency (RDA) added Line Items 624 and 626 to the Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule ROPS-9 to include $3,794,500 in New HUD OIG Audit Repayment to Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Income available as of January 2, 2016.

This new Unencumbered $3.8 million Cash could be used immediately by our Strong Mayor Faulconer to house the Homeless during the El Nino season.

Bring back the tents. Year around this time.

Re: San Diego embraces housing-first for homeless, drops ball on winter shelter

LaPlayaHeritage — Wed, 06 Jan 2016 19:42:07 -0000

How dare Mayor Kevin Faulconer ask the public for charity when he is siting on $28 million Cash Reserves in the Low Moderate Income Housing Asset Fund (LMIHAF). Civic San Diego has been Hoarding the Cash since 2013. Mayor Faulconer and Civic San Diego's Affordable Housing Master Plan (AHMP) includes delaying any Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) until FY-2018. Too late for many Homeless who will die.

This new Unencumbered $3.8 million Cash could be used immediately by our Strong Mayor Faulconer to house the Homeless during the El Nino season.

Bring back the tents. Year around this time.

Re: State Lawmakers Propose $2 Billion In Bonds To House The Homeless

LaPlayaHeritage — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 22:11:40 -0000

Great news that the State is taking back control of the $172 million in Mental Health Service Act (MHSA) Cash Reserve Fund Balance from the failed County of San Diego. First the State will the Shelter Mentally Ill homeless for the upcoming El Nino rains, and next to build permanent supportive housing first.

http://www.sandiegouniontri...

https://www.youtube.com/wat...

Re: Cold Snap Tests San Diego's 'Tentless' Winter Homeless Strategy

LaPlayaHeritage — Wed, 30 Dec 2015 17:12:33 -0000

Thank you for looking into these Homeless numbers provided by our Strong Mayor Kevin Faulconer and Council Member Todd Gloria.

However more changes are still required to the Table Column "Paul Mirable Center After April 2015." The Shelter Type should be changed from "Transitional" to "Interim Housing First" model, as approved by the City Council on March 24, 2015 as Items S501 and HA-3, which includes additional administration costs and wrap around social services. Which is great.

Thinking the funding source probably includes both HUD and the City, not just the City of San Diego. HUD funding is now allowed because of the Shelter Type was changed to "Interim Housing First" from "Transitional." The additional costs to the City's General Fund is +$13.78 per nights per homeless person on, TOP of the existing HUD funding, not in place of the existing HUD funding. Please confirm full costs per person for the Paul Mirabile Center includes other funding sources besides the City of San Diego +$13.78/night.

Changes are also required to the Homeless Tents Through 2014 Column. The Months of Operations should be changed to Year Round Emergency Shelter instead of only Winter Shelter from November to March. For years the City would state that the Winter Tents could only be Temporary. This misconception was ended in the Summer of 2013 into 2014, when the Tents were changed to Year Round. Before Mayor Faulconer and Todd Gloria changed them back to Winter only later in 2014.

Re: Downtown San Diego Public Toilet Still Open For Business

LaPlayaHeritage — Mon, 28 Dec 2015 22:50:46 -0000

City Council District 3 includes downtown San Diego and is represented by Council Member Gloria. Todd is leading the efforts to close the public restrooms for the Homeless, and pretending 24 hour security costs are too high.

Already there is a fully budgeted and funded Security Guard that works on the nearby Pedestrian Bridge across the Train Tracks to the Hilton Bayside Hotel. The same Security Guard can look after the Portland Loo at Zero additional costs. In addition, the Downtown Clean and Safe Ambassadors who patrol the East Village by bike, can check in and monitor the Portland Loos throughout the day. To discourage vandals. Again at no additional cost to the City's General fund.

Its a five minute walk from the unguarded Portland Loos location in Tailgate Park to the protected and manned Pedestrian Bridge. Problem solved. Please investigate the spin.