READER’S EDITORIAL: SAN DIEGO COUNTY GENERAL PLAN UPDATE FATALLY FLAWED
by Scott Barnett & Richard Parker December 16, 2011(Alpine) — Like anything in life, there’s no use doing something quickly if it’s not going to be done right. The adage couldn’t be more relevant to the current effort to update San Diego County’s General Plan. The Board of Supervisors will soon meet again on the plan, and after years of hard work, dozens of meetings and an abundance of feedback from the community, there is an apparent rush to suddenly, unfortunately, and haphazardly complete the effort, despite very significant flaws that threaten the long-term economic viability of the unincorporated areas of our County. Rather than proceeding forward in the face of significant resident opposition and well-considered questions about the Plan, the Board of Supervisors should direct staff to get it right before it is ultimately approved. The General Plan Update relies in part on an economic analysis that is misleading and riddled with errors. The study purports that a mere 20 percent of properties would be negatively impacted by the drastic density down-zoning proposed in the General Plan Update, and that 70 percent would be unaffected. The statistic is misleading because it relates to parcels as opposed to actual acres of land. That’s significant because it does not reflect the true burden that would be levied on property owners. An alternative analysis found that when you examine acres, about 60 percent of privately owned acreage in the unincorporated areas would be subject to considerable down-zoning under the General Plan Update as it is currently proposed. The response by County staff when confronted with this information has been untenable excuses and the defense of outmoded methodology. This is another example of County staff dismissing legitimate arguments against the General Plan Update and digging in their heels to defend a faulty study, rather than taking the more difficult road toward a solution. The General Plan Update, as it is currently proposed, cuts the heart out of the economic value of San Diego County’s backcountry. It will result in a net loss of land value of about $1.8 billion, without any compensation for property owners. In the process, the tax base will be reduced by hundreds of millions of dollars, resulting in even fewer funds for desperately needed public safety and other basic County services. Reduced property values and restrictions on land use resulting from the General Plan Update will devastate family farming and local businesses in the unincorporated areas. It will result in the destruction of our rural heritage and threatens access to locally grown food for our family dinner tables. It imperils our ability to provide housing for a growing population, instead shifting that responsibility to already over-crowded cities. Research has proven that cities in the region have historically refused to accept in-fill development. Economic losses that will lead to declining school and health care services will also force existing rural populations to relocate to cities. Simply put, the General Plan Update amounts to an uncompensated government taking of private property, and one thing is certain: the current version of the General Plan Update will invite litigation. It is unimaginable that private property owners in the unincorporated areas, which comprise 84 percent of the land in San Diego County, will stand idly by and watch as their investment in their land and local businesses are swept from under them. Costly, prolonged litigation would be a disservice to taxpayers and property owners. While the nation struggles to emerge from the worst economic recession it has experienced in decades, we would be remiss to create a situation that would severely limit the creating and retention of jobs in the region and create a further burden on the economy. San Diego County cannot afford the unintended consequences contained in the General Plan Update. The Board of Supervisors should be commended for asking tough questions before moving ahead with adopting the General Plan Update. As the elected body for San Diego County, the Board should be fully apprised of the impacts of the General Plan Update before making decisions that have such far reaching consequences. Fixing the General Plan Update will take more time and hard work, but it can be done. If approved as is, it will be much harder to correct its flawed and severely detrimental impacts on a vast portion of San Diego County for decades to come. For all of the aforementioned reasons we are obligated to get it right. Dr. Richard Parker is president of Rea & Parker Research, an economic research firm, and is a professor at SDSU. Scott Barnett, past executive director of the San Diego County Taxpayers Association, is president of Taxpayers Advocate, a private organization which conducts economic and fiscal impact studies, and he serves as a Trustee of the San Diego Unified School Board. The opinions expressed in this editorial reflect the views of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of East County Magazine. To submit an editorial for consideration, contact editor@eastcountymagazine.org.
READER’S EDITORIAL: SAN DIEGO MOM ASKS CONGRESS TO EXTEND UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS AND KEEP HER FAMILY OFF THE STREETS
By Vanessa Celia Winters, San Diego December 16, 2011 (San Diego) — I am a Wal-Mart associate who supports three children, and an unemployed husband. My husband was laid off due to the economic recession and has been on unemployment ever since. I work odd hours at Wal-Mart just to earn enough money to feed my family. The downturn of the economy has affected my family negatively because my children rarely get to see me and they witness their father suffering depression because of job loss. The fate of our future is in the hands of Congress. If Congress doesn’t extend unemployment insurance benefits, then my family and I will face eviction from our apartment, and we will be homeless. I urge Congress to extend unemployment insurance benefits because not only will it provide my family money, but it will provide us our livelihood. The opinions expressed in this editorial reflect the views of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of East County Magazine. To submit an editorial for consideration, contact editor@eastcountymagazine.org.
WINTER STORM BRINGS ROAD CLOSURES IN MOUNTAINS; WEATHER-RELATED ACCIDENTS CAUSE FURTHER TRAFFIC HAZARDS
December 16, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather warning effective now through 1 a.m. tomorrow. State Route 79 is closed at Cuyamaca Lake due to snowy, icy conditions. Motorists traveling to Julian need to utilize SR-78 through Ramona, CHP advises. Chains are required on several other mountain roadways including Sunrise Highway. A multi-car accident is currently blocking lanes on I-8 eastbound just west of Highway 67. Additional accidents are reported on State Route 79 south of Paso Picacho in El Cajon and on State Route 79 just south of Harrison Park Road in El Cajon. Snow levels could fall to 3500 feet. Winds blowing at 20-30 mph make visibility limited. If you are traveling in the mountains, carry extra food, clothing, water and chains—and be prepared for further road closures, the National Weather Service advises. In addition, a wind warning has been issued from Jacumba to the Imperial County line. Sign up to receive FREE Viejas Wildfire & Emergency alerts via email on the top right side of our homepage, and also receive a free weekly copy of East County Magazine with top local news and events. You can also follow ViejasAlerts on Twitter.com to get brief text alerts on your mobile device. We recommend signing up for all of these free services, since you don’t know what means of communication will be working in a major emergency. Stay safe–sign up to receive alerts and news at your home, office and on the road.
CONGRESS AVERTS GOVERNMENT SHUT-DOWN, BUT BATTLE LOOMS OVER PAYROLL TAX CUT, UNEMPLOYMENT, AND OTHER KEY ISSUES
By Miriam Raftery December 16, 2011 (Washington D.C.) – Final votes are expected today in both houses on a compromise funding measure to avoid a government shut-down–just in time for the holiday adjounrment. The deal came after Democrats conceded to Republican demands to remove extensions on a payroll tax cut and unemployment benefits, which will be voted on separately. Republicans abandoned efforts to slash funds for environmental protections. Republicans also scored a win for the “1%” of wealthiest Americans by forcing Democrats to remove a tax on millionaires. The $1 trillion spending measure provides full funding through fiscal year 2012 for most agencies including the Pentagon, Education, and Environmental Protection Agency. But a divisive battle still looms as Congress next takes up the payroll tax and unemployment benefit extensions sought by Democrats. Republicans, who oppose those measures, want to link any extensions to speeding approval of the controversial Keystone XL oil pipeline which would create jobs, but also has serious environmental consequences. Other proposed changes could impact Medicare recipients, retirees, and many more. According to the Washington Post, Senate Finance Committee Chair Max Baucus has stated that Republicans also want to link eligibility for unemployment benefits to the level of joblessness in each state. The debate comes on the heels of new census data showing that one in two Americans – half—are now poor or low income, in part due to high unemployment nationwide. Democrats have long been pushing for a payroll tax measure. President Barack Obama has chastised Republicans in Congress for blocking the measure, which he characterized as a tax break for the middle class. House Republicans countered by passing a revised payroll tax bill which Democrats described as loaded with “poison pills.” One of those would kill a measure protecting clean air—a provision estimated to save 20,000 lives. View a video of California Senator Barbara Boxer discussing her concerns over the measure: http://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2011/12/13/boxer_poison_pill_in_gop_payroll_tax_bill_will_kill_8100_people_for_christmas.html Other “poison pills” included the Republicans’ plan to pay for a payroll tax cut extension by imposing a means test for Medicare beneficiaries, freezing pay for federal workers, making federal retirees pay more for healthcare, and hiking fees on banks doing business with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. “We need to begin real negotiations on how to prevent a $1,000 tax hike on American families,” Senate majority leader Harry Reid (D-NV) said, Huffington Post reported. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) derided the “do nothing” Republican-controlled House of Representatives for failing to help struggling American families while protecting the interests of millionaires. “It’s a year of missed opportunities and made-up crises,” she said in a press conference Friday, the Hill reported. The office of House Speaker John Boehmer (R-Ohio) responded by blaming Democrats for the crisis. Republican leaders, meanwhile, praised the compromise spending measure slated to be voted upon today. “In spite of many unnecessary obstacles, it is good to see that responsible leadership and good governance can triumph,” House Appropriations Chairman Harold Rogers (R-KY) said last night regarding the spending plan. Want to share your views with your Congressional representatives? Contact them through the"Sound Off" section in our Citizens Action Center at http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/0809soundoff.
GIFTS FROM THE EAST – PART II: OUR GUIDE TO SPECIAL GIFTS FROM EAST COUNTY
By Miriam Raftery December 14, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) –Doing our part to support our local economy, we bring you more delightful gift ideas from Mom-and-Pop retailers in our community. (If you missed part I, click here: http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/node/7950 ) Scroll down to see our newest additions. Shopping locally not only helps support local merchants, artists and artisans and grows our local tax base, it also means you can view gifts first-hand, find some special items, get personalized service, and not worry whether items shipped from far away will arrive in time for the holidays. “Secret boxes” at Galleria: The Galleria, located at 8329 La Mesa Blvd. in La Mesa’s downtown village, is best known for its many consignment items and antiques over 100 years old. A best-kept secret, however, is the shop’s delightful Heartwood Secret Box collection. Priced from $12 to $20, these make ideal stocking stuffers to hide one’s favorite treasures. Made in Illinois by a company that plants five trees for every tree used in creation of its products, these are among our favorite finds. There are many other made-in-America products, both new and antique. Also check the “mantiques” cabinet filled with manly items such as a cribbage board with carved fisherman, pocket knives and shaving sets. In back, discover crystal perfume bottles and other treasures for the ladies in your life. Owner Cynthia Stein says she’ll give a 10% discount on any item in the store if you tell her you heard about Galleria in East County Magazine! For more information call (619)337-8711. Miniature paintings at O’Dunn Fine Art: Original artwork for the collector on your gift list is a thoughtful and creative gift. At O’Dunn Fine Art, you’ll find many miniatures by prominent artists—including life-like portraits of dogs and cats by local artist Melva Riley. “Melva has a deep interest in animal welfare and donates some of her proceeds to the Helen Woodward animal rescue efforts, as well as other related causes,” says Gallery owner Shannon O’Dunn. Mention East County Magazine and save 10% on all inventory in the gallery during this holiday season. The gallery also has a fine collection of 20th century pottery as well as many full-size paintings and more. Gifts may be exchanged for store credit, providing the comfort of knowing the recipient will wind up with an original work of artwork that he or she will cherish. For more information, visit www.Odunnfineart.com. Carrizo Gorge Rocks and Gems: If you need an affordably priced gift that’s both beautiful and practical, check out the assortment of colorful wind chimes and coasters made from geodes. Once, these rockhounds polished local geodes, but these gemstones and minerals are now imported from Brazil, then assembled locally into attractive accents for any home. Carrizo Gorge Rocks and gems is located at 44245 Old Highway 80 in Jacumba–but during the holidays you can buy their uniquely crafted items at their cart in Parkway Plaza shopping mall on Fletcher Parkway in El Cajon. (Carrizo Gorge, incidentally, is the rugged canyon at the end of the line on the train ride from the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum in Campo.) For more information, call (619)647-3380 International foods at VineRipe Marketplace: Gifts of groceries are greatly appreciated by many in today’s economy. Consider a gift certificate or better yet, assembly a gift basket filled with exotic and gourmet goodies from VineRipe Marketplace. VineRipe is a truly international market featuring food items from over 40 countries. From Turkish sweets to Tandoori spices, from Italian pastas to Greek baklava, from Middle Eastern dates to locally grown fresh produce, you’ll find a wealthy of gift ideas here. VineRipe is located at 8191 Fletcher Parkway next to CostCo in La Mesa. Get a coupon to save on your purchase at VineRipe in our Holiday Coupons section (where you’ll also find a money-saving coupon for Zeytoon’s Restaurant under the same ownership, featuring Persian and Mediterranean cuisine): http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/holiday-coupons-2011 Romantic vacation at Jamul Haven: What better way to say “I love you” than with a gift certificate for a romantic getaway at Jamul Haven, East County’s only five-star bed and breakfast inn? Each suite is unique in this spectacularly restored Victorian home, such as the Peacock, Celtic, Asian and Rose suites. Guests have access to six acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, a dramatic pool, spa, game room, gym, and the innkeeper’s wonderful cooking. Or treat someone special to a Victorian tea on a poolside patio room. Jamul Haven is truly one of East County’s best-kept secrets–and the perfect place to pamper someone special. The inn is located in Jamul, just past some great golf courses in Rancho San Diego. Details: www.jamulhaven.com. Gifts from nature at Mission Trails Regional Park: Does your gift recipient need a hand-carved wooden walking stick for hiking local trails? Perhaps a child on your holiday list would like a plush raccoon, or an adult in your life would enjoy a piece of Indian pottery or a picture book of spectacular natural scenery. Find these items and more in the gift store at Mission Trails Regional Park. In this era of government cutbacks, the park relies on donations and revenue sources such as gift store sales more and more, so your holiday dollars also help support this spectacular park—the largest urban park in America. Located off Highway 52 between San Diego and Santee, the park’s website is www.mtrp.org.
WHAT’S YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION? JOIN THE 24-DAY-CHALLENGE
December 16, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) –If you answered “get in shape” or “lose weight” or “build muscle” East County Magazine wants to help. We invite you to join in a “24 day challenge” sponsored by ECM. Shaping up is more fun with friends! Plus we’ll have prizes and surprises. How does it work? The 24-day-challenge includes a combination of healthy eating, meal replacements/supplements, a fitness “boot camp” and one-on-one personalized counseling to assure your success. The more, the merrier! If you have a group of 10 or more, we can set up a special fitness boot camp at your location. Why are we doing this? Obesity is one of the biggest health issues in America. We want to help our readers get fit and feel great. We have a special opportunity since our editor’s daughter has a new business as a representative for Advocare, a company founded 18 years ago in 1993 offering science-based health and wellness products. Thousands of people have lost significant weight safely on this program. Even if you’re already thin, the program can be personalized to instead help you tone up, build muscle, and feel more energetic. Is it safe and effective? As a former nutrition industry editor herself, ECM editor Miriam Raftery has checked out this company and found it has a long record for both safety and positive results. Products are suitable for all healthy individuals and programs can be tailored to meet individual needs. Recently Dr. Mark Miller, vice president of research and development, spoke in San Diego. Dr. Miller has been a consultant to the National Institute of Health and the World Health Organization. What do winners receive? To “sweeten” the incentives, besides looking better and feeling more energetic by taking off those added pounds after the holidays, top winners who lose the most during our 24-day-challenge will receive prizes included cash, a gym membership, and a pair of glitzy skinny jeans. Do you have some success stories? Yes, lots of them! Here are a few stories provided by Kathleen from people she actually knows! 1. Stay at home mom: Extreme success: Desiree’s mom Danielle Boyle, (age 48, widowed, 6 kids, one grandchild) lost 20 pounds on the 24 day challenge, and now, almost three months later, has lost a total of 65 pounds! Desiree is my friend who will be running the 24-day challenge boot camp, she is 27 and has also done the challenge. 2. College Student: Me, age 23: Before the challenge, I was always tired and lacked energy needed for my busy lifestyle as a full time pre-med student and working two jobs to pay rent. During the challenge, I lost about 2 inches from my tummy, gained noticeable oblique muscles, and a toned physique. Now I have loads of energy, a lean, toned body, and enough energy to work out 6 times a week and train for a marathon! 3. Personal Trainer: Desiree – age 27: Before the challenge she was a personal trainer working out regularly, but had hit a plateau in her workout regime. After the challenge she too had lost inches and gained a toned physique, she saw lines she’d never seen before. She broke through her fitness plateau that had her flat-lined for months! 4. Military enlistee: Dory Armstrong: My friend, Navy, age 19, before the 24-day challenge he was very skinny and had always had trouble putting on muscle. He wanted to gain manly muscle. During the challenge he gained 10 pounds of muscle! How do I sign up? It takes about a week to order a 24-day-challenge kit, so call Kathleen at 219-9120 as soon as possible to assure that you can join us! (We do have a few on hand for late-birds, but please help us make sure as many people as possible can participate by signing up early).
FROM THE REAL ESTATE TRENCHES
By Charlotte Reed December 12, 2011 (San Diego’s East County)—From the Real Estate Trenches is a weekly column focused on real estate news that impacts East County’s real estate market. This week’s local and national real estate highlights include: Fannie and Freddie suspend evictions for the holidays Prudential Financial sells its real estate brokerage for $110 million Counting my blessings Military Home Loans open house Fannie and Freddie suspend evictions for the holidays Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the two biggest government backed loan companies, announced they will suspend all evictions involving foreclosed occupied single family and two- to four-unit properties with mortgages owned by the GSE’s ( government sponsored enterprise)from Dec. 19, 2011 – Jan 2, 2012. This suspension will apply only to eviction lockouts related to Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae bank owned properties and will not affect other pre or post-foreclosure processes. During this period, legal and administrative proceedings for evictions may continue, but families living in foreclosed properties will be permitted to remain in the home. Prudential financial sells its real estate brokerage for $110 million It was announced early Wednesday, December 7, by the national Prudential Real Estate and Relocation Network that an impending sale of the Prudential Real Estate and Relocation franchise to Brookfield Real Estate Services, a division of Brookfield Asset Management, Inc., would be finalized soon. Brookfield Real Estate Services is a franchisor who owns Royal Le Page, GMAC and Real Living Real Estate among other Real Estate related companies. A spokesman for Prudential Financial Inc. said in a statement that the deal excludes a financing subsidiary with investments in some brokerage franchises. This acquisition reportedly makes Brookfield Residential the second largest global relocation operation and third largest residential real estate brokerage in North America. One source close to the brokerage said that Prudential franchisees will keep the Prudential branding until their franchise agreements expire or until they agree to rebrand as Real Living. Some franchise agreements will allow select brokerages to operate under the Prudential brand, but the companies have not made public which ones or how many will continue with the Prudential name. In a statement from David Cabot, president and CEO of Prudential California Realty, Southern California, he said, quite emphatically that “it is business as usual at Prudential California Realty, Southern California.” Today’s announcement has no effect on how you conduct business today or in the future as we are wholly owned and operated by Home Services of America, the second largest real estate company in the nation and an affiliate of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. Our use of the Prudential California Realty brand and our ability to access and leverage the national marketing resources also remains unchanged. I have not heard from any of my friends or the Broker at our local Prudential Real Estate office in La Mesa. I am sure they are as surprised as I at this rather sudden announcement. Counting my blessings Being a member of the Grievance Committee for the San Diego East County Board of Realtors, on Tuesday Dec. 6, I attended a bi-yearly class. The class was held in La Jolla, since it was a central area for committee members from all the Realtor boards in San Diego County. For eight hours we heard speakers from The National Association, California Association and the local association updating us on all the changes and modifications to the Multiple Listing Service and Code of Ethics. I learned a few new things and refreshed my memory on others. All in all it was a good day, If one can discount the commute. I live in the East County and my office is in East County and I do drive around East County on a daily basis, but the bumper to bumper one hour drive there and 50 minute stop, crawl, and sudden burst of speed drive back was a good reminder of why I am content doing what I do and where I do it. I can’t possibly imagine what it would be like to be in this commuter traffic on a daily basis. Military Home Loans open house Ken Bates, a lender for Military Home Loans, has informed me that there will be a holiday open house at their new office at 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd. Suite A144, San Diego CA 92123, Friday, December 16th from 12:00 to 4:00. It is open to clients, agents, appraisers, friends, family, anyone who is interested in purchasing a home with their G.I. Bill, or who knows someone who is a veteran or presently in a branch of the service. This is good information to have especially for those living in the East County where home prices almost always fall within the VA loan guidelines for the no down-payment loans. Even if the home costs more than the no down limit allowance, the down payment is considerably lower than any other type of loan. Refreshments and desserts will be provided. Charlotte Reed is a realtor with Windemere SoCal Realty in La Mesa. She can be reached at CharlotteReed@cox.net or (619)997-7333. Her motto is “Real estate is my business…my only business.”
PHOTO OF THE WEEK: CHRISTMAS AT VIEJAS
December 16, 2011 (Alpine) – It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the Viejas Outlet Centers and Viejas Casino. ECM editor Miriam Raftery snapped this shot of holiday lighting at Viejas, where you’ll find San Diego’s largest outdoor ice skating rink, a holiday fountain light show, national-brand shops and more this holiday season. Viejas employees pitched in to help collect over 3,000 toys, donated along with a $25,000 check from Viejas to help children in need through Salvation Army’s East County Toy and Food Drive. For more information, visit www.Viejas.com.
SEARCH ON FOR MISSING LA MESA MAN AFTER VEHICLE FOUND NEAR IRON MOUNTAIN ON HWY 67
December 16, 2011 (Poway)–A search is underway in Poway for Dan Hoff, 43 a missing La Mesa man. He was last seen on Monday, December 12. His mother reported him missing yesterday, December 15 at 11 a.m. Today, a Sheriff’s Deputy on patrol in Poway found his car at the base of Iron Mountain on Poway Road and Highway 67 at 3:07 a.m. A check of the license plate turned up a missing person report from La Mesa Police. A team of 25 volunteers from the Sheriff’s Search and Rescue (SAR) Division are now searching the trail with four search and rescue K‐9s. Sheriff’s ASTREA helicopter is also above the area to help with the search. The search is being conducted in conjunction with the La Mesa Police Department.
LA MESA COUNCIL HEARS SPIRITED DISCUSSION ON PBID
By Miriam Raftery December 15, 2011 (La Mesa) – Emotions ran high as advocates and opponents of a Planned Business Improvement District (PBID) presented their views before the La Mesa City Council last night. Among those who spoke, supporters outnumbered opponents by about two to one, arguing that a PBID is crucial for revitalization of downtown as the city approaches its centennial next year. But what opponents lacked in numbers, they made up for in the strength of their convictions. “I’ve become absolutely convinced that a La Mesa PBID would bea valuable tool to help transform the Village into the type of destination that attracts visitors and shoppers,” said PBID Formation Committee Chairman Lynn McRea. Other supporters included Auerbach Realty Group, which owns the La Mesa Springs Shopping Center, realtor David Woodson, and Shannon O’Dunn, owner of O’Dunn Fine Art Gallery. “My rent may go up, and that’s fine with me,” said O’Dunn, who believes the PBID is crucial for the revitalization of downtown. The gallery owner disclosed that she was recently “recruited” by Liberty Station in San Diego to move her gallery, but turned them down. “I’m not leaving, because I love La Mesa,” she said. But owners of some small businesses voiced strenuous opposition. Deena While, owner of the Readers Inc. bookstore, expressed concern over imposing assessments on Mom and Pop retailers already struggling in a sluggish economy. A tenant read aloud a letter from her property owner, who owns several addresses and claimed he was never formally informed of the PBID and learned of it indirectly through his renter. Cynthia Stein, owner of the Galleria, an antique and consignment shop, said she moved her business out of El Cajon because of its PBID and questioned marketing figures in the budget. “What if this budget can’t be achieved?” she said of a $375,000 proposed budget. Bill Jaynes, owner of All Things Bright and British, felt the process had not been sufficiently open. He also objected to the city’s inclusion in the PBID assessment district, a factor which leaves the city wearing two hats. While it’s common for city’s to have a stake as property holders in a PBID, it can also create potential for a conflict of interest, some contend. Craig Maxwell, owner of Maxwell’s House of Books, contended that the PBID “will destroy the Village as we know it” and accused Mayor Art Madrid of instigating the PBID effort. his voice modulated between civility, anger, and trepidation. Madrid and others, however, contend that the city’s historic village is sorely overdo for needed upgrades to attract more businesses. He suggested that some opponents have engaged in “misinformation.” A representative of the Congregational Church in downtown La Mesa argued that churches should be exempted from assessment if the PBID is approved, after which the consultant explained that anyone exempted could find their property skipped over for services provided by the PBID, such as added security. (The City would continue to provide a baseline of security and other services such as tree trimming, if the PBID wins approval, with the PBID augmenting the level of services provided.) The next step will be a petition phase. If the majority of downtown property owners included within the PBID district vote to approve formation of a PBID, La Mesa’s City Council will then vote on whether a formal balloting process will occur. A public meeting will be held for community input before a final vote. Votes will be weighted based on property size, with larger property owners having a greater voice. Assessment amounts for the PBID would also be based on size of the property, as well as location within the PBID assessment district.