http://www.sbscuttlebutt.com The Solana Beach Scuttlebutt features local news, weather, calendar, blog, photo gallery, reviews and more. en-us http://www.sbscuttlebutt.com/cut/solana_blogger.gif http://www.sbscuttlebutt.com 73 73 http://www.sbscuttlebutt.com/cgi-bin/newsscript/newsscript_mainwide.pl/?record=11 http://www.sbscuttlebutt.com/cgi-bin/newsscript/newsscript_mainwide.pl/?record=11 3/08/10 - Spring is here, and bright "green" growth is sprouting up all over Solana Beach. The city has recently adopted new Green Building standards, taken a greenhouse gas inventory, hatched a new Green Chamber of Commerce and designated March as "Sustainability Month."

And this week, the City Council will consider a new "Property Assessed Clean Energy" (PACE) financing program that will enable local property owners to finance many energy-saving improvements (including solar systems) through their property taxes. Under California State Assembly Bill 811, cities can create assessment districts wherein property owners can finance 100 percent of the upfront capital costs of their energy efficiency projects and repay the amount (plus interest and administration fees) over 20 years through their property tax. The program, which is purely voluntary, is designed to cut energy and water consumption, make improvements more affordable, create jobs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Starting at Home

Taking a stand on sustainability, the City is taking measures to improve its own operations and regulate local practices. Energy-hogging streetlights are being replaced. Gas-powered leaf blowers are being banned. Plastic grocery bags are being recycled.

The City has also adopted the Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) Silver standard for all new municipal projects, and created voluntary Green Building incentives for any project in the city, with expedited permit processing and rebates on permit fees.

The Council has even endorsed a carbon offset program through Nature and Culture International whereby locals can collectively contribute to protect an area of tropical forest in southern Ecuador that's equal in size to Solana Beach.

Fertile Ground for Green Businesses

With progressive city policies, eco-conscious residents and high concentration of "clean tech" businesses, Solana Beach is becoming an excellent incubator for green initiatives. A new Green Chamber of Commerce has been formed to help local businesses participate in the green economy and improve their own environmental practices.

Attorney Peter Zahn is heading up the new Chamber.

"Here we are in a town that is really becoming a 'model' green city. We have board members from Sequoia Solar, Greener Dawn, Kirei and other Solana Beach companies." says Zahn, "and we're exploring opportunities with other leaders and chambers throughout the county."

The organization will provide networking opportunities, produce special events and share best practices among members. "We ask our members to make a 'green commitment' in the areas of waste reduction, water conservation, energy savings. A lot of businesses don't appreciate that these sustainable practices are actually good for the bottom line."

The Green Chamber is holding a kick-off event on Tuesday, April 13 at the Belly Up Tavern, with an evening of education, networking and entertainment. Visit the Green Chamber of Commerce for details.

Solana Beach Sustainability Month

March 2: The Great Pacific Garbage Patch - ?A presentation by Capt. Charlie Moore, who discovered the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Starts at 7pm, Solana Beach Presbyterian Church (Debin Hall).

March 9: Solana Beach & Climate Change - ?6 to 7pm at City Hall (635 S. Highway 101). A presentation by Dr. Jack Hegenauer of the Solana Beach "Clean & Green" Committee.

March 16: California Center for Sustainable Energy (CCSE) presentation? - 6 to 7pm at City Hall. Jeremy Hutman of CCSE will be onhand to discuss PACE, energy efficient and incentive programs

March 23: Sustainable Communities Presentation?Michelle Menvielle of SDG&E will present from 6 to 7 pm at City Hall.

March 26: Green Fair, Fletcher Cove, 2 to 6pm

March 27: Earth Hour, Fletcher Cove, 8:30pm]]> http://www.sbscuttlebutt.com/cgi-bin/newsscript/newsscript_mainwide.pl/?record=10 http://www.sbscuttlebutt.com/cgi-bin/newsscript/newsscript_mainwide.pl/?record=10 3/1/10 - The Solana Beach City Council approved an ordinance this week designed to raise roughly $500,000 from a new business tax. The measure will be placed on the June 8th ballots for a citywide vote. If it's approved, Solana Beach businesses will start paying a new tax based on the amount of their gross receipts.

The City says it has no choice but to levy the new tax. With much lower sales and transient occupancy tax (TOT) revenues, Solana Beach faces a shortfall of up to $557,000 this fiscal year (from a $14 million budget), and even more dire projections for the future. This is one of only three cities in the county that currently has no business tax.

To offset the economic declines, the City has already made deep cutbacks and allocated $519,000 from its reserves to avoid reduced service levels in critical areas. "We're already running as thin as you can go," observed Councilman Nichols.

"And a $500,000 deficit is nothing compared to what we're looking at next fiscal year," said Mayor Campbell.

Although some business leaders spoke in reluctant support of the new tax model and the "fairness" of the structure, several other business owners wrote letters to the city stating simply: "No new taxes."

To soften the blow, the City Council proposed a six-tiered structure with a "multiplier" option, and a phased-in plan to charge only 50 percent of the tax amount in the first year. The Council would also have the option to adjust this percentage in future years, depending on economic conditions.

If voters approve the tax, the first bills will go out in July, with taxes based on gross receipts for the 2009 calendar year.

City Manager David Ott noted that the tax model is designed to be as "simple, non-intrusive and fair" as possible.

Public response to the proposal has ranged from supportive to outraged.

"Don't shed a tier over this new tax," quipped resident Ira Opper. Yet the general manager of the Solana Beach Country Club described it as a "naked wealth redistribution."

A representative from the San Diego Apartment Association objected to the new tax for owners of five or more residential rental properties. "Imposing an additional tax on rental residences is like asking owners to pay twice."

Many expect that an increase in all property taxes (via new fire service fees) could be coming next.

________________
Budget Update

• Sales tax revenue is down over 22 percent (Year over Year)
• Transient occupancy tax (TOT) revenue is down over 32 percent
• Investment earnings are down (from $382k in 2007 to $60k this year)
• Fire department, law enforcement and legal expenditures were higher this year
________________

Recent Cutbacks and Savings

• Over $1 million in cutbacks have been made to General Fund expenses
• Consolidated Fire Services Management yielded major savings
• Now sharing IT services with City of Del Mar
• Established a Building Counter that turned a City expense center into a revenue center

]]> http://www.sbscuttlebutt.com/cgi-bin/newsscript/newsscript_mainwide.pl/?record=9 http://www.sbscuttlebutt.com/cgi-bin/newsscript/newsscript_mainwide.pl/?record=9 3/1/10 - Their alleyway gets flooded every time a hard rain falls, say Acacia Avenue residents, "but this year was the worst." Several homeowners brought their concerns to the City Council this week and said they've had enough of the property damage and safety hazards caused by inadequate street drainage.

The alley separates Highway 101 businesses such as Roberto's and the Mohawk car wash from the garages behind many homes on Acacia. During the January storms, the water level climbed up the banks of alley and up to 9 inches deep in some garages, engulfing a few backyards as well.

"The storm drain on Ocean Avenue is totally inadequate for the area that drains from Circle Drive, Pacific Avenue, the Coast Highway and Solana Vista, almost all the way up to Cliff Street," said longtime resident Tom Bauer.

In addition to causing property damage and mold issues, the flooding stranded some people in their cars.

"I was at work when this was all happening on January 20th, and I received a frantic phone call from my babysitter and my children who were trapped in her car," said Ocean Avenue homeowner Lori Taylor. "She got stuck and was having trouble opening her car door and it was dark and stormy." With no emergency personnel on the scene, "They slogged their way through several feet of water, with trash cans and debris floating by."

According to one speaker, at least three Highway 101 businesses were dislocated for over a month until they could dry out and remodel.

Mayor Tom Campbell asked the City Manager and Public Works Department to look into the problem and return with options, including selected street closures during heavy rain.]]> http://www.sbscuttlebutt.com http://www.sbscuttlebutt.com 1/29/10 - Some say "eagle." Some say "seagull." Either way, most of the visitors at Fletcher Cove seem to approve of the new bird sculpture that was recently installed near the park entrance.

The sculpture was donated to the City by Solana Beach resident and philanthropist Peter House. Several different sites and installation designs were considered over the past two years before this location was finally chosen. The bird is mounted atop a large black base that's designed to weather gracefully and blend in with the surroundings.

A dedication ceremony was scheduled for Wednesday afternoon to commemorate the new art installation.]]> http://www.sbscuttlebutt.com/cgi-bin/newsscript/newsscript_mainwide.pl/?record=7 http://www.sbscuttlebutt.com/cgi-bin/newsscript/newsscript_mainwide.pl/?record=7 1/29/10 - A few highlights from this week's Solana Beach City Council meeting:

Another Torrey Pine Topples

Councilmember Heebner noted that another Torrey Pine tree has tumbled near the south end of the Coastal Rail Trail. City Manager David Ott said the fallen tree presents a public safety hazard because it overhangs the railroad right-of-way, and is now straddling the fence next to the "ditch" where the train tracks run. Councilman Nichols suggested that the tree might be able to realign itself and survive if left in place, but the tree was removed on Friday.

In addition to toppling trees, the recent winter storms caused repeated power outages in parts of Solana Beach. One resident described "three major power outages in the last seven days, each one lasting for 2 to 5 hours, covering about 1700 homes."

Special Meeting Called on Fairgrounds EIR

The Solana Beach City Council has added a special meeting to its schedule (February 4th, 5pm, City Hall) to consider implications of the Del Mar Fairgrounds Environmental Impact Report (EIR).

Protecting Local Tax Dollars

Councilmen Roberts, Kellejian and Chief Ott will be onhand at the Farmer's Market on February 21st to collect signatures for the Local Taxpayers, Public Safety and Transportation Protection Act of 2010, an initiative to prevent state raiding of local funds.

VAC Appointments (and Disappointments)

The normally perfunctory appointment of citizens to local volunteer committee slots took a detour when Councilman Joe Kellejian's appointment to the view assessment committee (VAC) was rejected by the council majority.

"I've been on this council for 18 years now," said Kellejian. "This is the first time that an individual has ever recommended somebody and had it denied by the council."

Councilman Roberts noted, "I've never seen where we've denied a member's request ... I'd hate to be the odd person out with my nominee."

The Council voted 4-1 to override Kellejian's appointment to the VAC. During the meeting, requests were also denied for three different development and/or remediation projects. ]]> http://www.sbscuttlebutt.com/cgi-bin/newsscript/newsscript_mainwide.pl/?record=6 http://www.sbscuttlebutt.com/cgi-bin/newsscript/newsscript_mainwide.pl/?record=6 1/22/10 - Torrential rain, thunder, lightning, hail, heavy surf and high winds ripped through Solana Beach this week, flooding streets, toppling trees, slowing trains and causing power outages in some areas. Wind gusts exceeded 50 mph at times, and approximately 4 inches of rain fell in a four-day period.

Some of the worst flooding occurred on Wednesday night at the intersection of Stevens Avenue and Via de la Valle, where several cars stalled out in chest-high water. Emergency responders used lifeguard boats to rescue drivers and passengers, and public works crews brought out tractors and other equipment to clear the streets. Nearby condominiums were also flooded.

Downed trees on Highland Avenue, Marine View, Ida and several other streets also kept city crews busy this week, while flooding along the train tracks delayed Coaster service at the Solana Beach station.

View Photo Slide Show ]]> http://www.sbscuttlebutt.com/cgi-bin/newsscript/newsscript_mainwide.pl/?record=5 http://www.sbscuttlebutt.com/cgi-bin/newsscript/newsscript_mainwide.pl/?record=5 1/15/10 - From Oceanside to La Jolla, the I-5 freeway is one of the most scenic and vital corridors in the state, traversing several coastal lagoons in San Diego's North County.

If Caltrans has its way, this 27-mile stretch of road could be expanded, up to 16 lanes or even 22 lanes in some areas. An environmental impact report (EIR) for the project is expected this spring.

While commuters may applaud the idea, many North Coastal neighborhoods are concerned about the negative impacts of this $1 billion undertaking. And they won't go down without a fight.

Citizens from Del Mar and nearby cities have organized a grassroots effort called PLAGUE (www.i-5plague.com) to oppose the freeway expansion, and to encourage more environmentally friendly mass transit options. On Wednesday night they held a Town Hall meeting, with a panel of environmental experts who outlined strategies for preventing the "Los Angelization" of this corridor. Dozens of local residents attended, including Del Mar councilwoman and State Assembly candidate Crystal Crawford.

"This could be the biggest EIR Caltrans has ever prepared," said panelist Laurel Impett, a planner and environmental protection specialist with the firm Shute, Mihaly & Weinberger.

Along with other speakers, she covered the sweeping scope of impacts on air quality, water quality and noise, as well as the inducement of further growth and the use of eminent domain to take several properties.

___________________________

PANELISTS:

Rachel Hooper, Managing Partner of Shute, Mihaly & Weinberger. Environmental law attorney who has argued before the California Supreme Court.

Laurel Impett, CEQA expert, planner and environmental protection specialist at Shute, Mihaly & Weinberger.

Marco Gonzalez, Co-founder and partner at Coast Law Group. Expert on the Federal Clean Water Act and California Coastal Act.

___________________________

AIR, SOUND AND WATER POLLUTION

Dr. Jack Hegenauer, a former UCSD biochemistry professor and member of the Solana Beach "Clean & Green" Committee, made a presentation about air pollution, noise levels and the corresponding health risks.

"This year, the I-5 freeway will generate 360 million pounds of carbon dioxide along the 1.8-mile segment through Solana Beach. Much of that pollution comes in the form of small particulates that get stuck in the lungs, and pose serious health hazards, including asthma, bronchitis and reduced lung function," said Hegenauer.

"For those who live on the streets that parallel the freeway, their backyards are exposed to about 75 decibels of sound. If this were a workplace, OSHA would regulate the amount of exposure to that sound, because eventually it's going to ruin your hearing."

Environmental law attorney Marco Gonzalez focused on the impact to sensitive wetlands and watersheds along the I-5 corridor, including the recently restored San Dieguito Lagoon, the site of an $86 million mitigation project funded by Southern California Edison.

"We know that cars going down the freeway result in particulate matter landing on the ground. And brake pads and other things that come off cars get on the surface of the highway and make their way down the storm drains and into our coastal lagoons, which are all very impacted already from runoff," said Gonzalez.

He suggested that agencies such as the Regional Water Quality Board should take a hard look at the impacts and exercise strict controls.

LESSONS FROM TRESTLES

Each of the panelists gave examples of other highway development projects that were defeated by a strong grassroots opposition.

For Gonzalez, it was the the 241 toll road, also known as the Trestles Toll Road. He acted as an advisor to Surfrider, working "behind the scenes" in a public relations effort to organize the community.

"We learned some lessons that we try to apply to some of these larger projects now.

"Most importantly, we were able to turn out upwards of 3,000 people before the California Coastal Commission, and we really feel that had a major impact. But we also learned that it cost us about $1 million to do that. That's money spent on lawyers, experts, commercials, radio, visual aids. It really provided a blueprint for what you can do when people with money get involved. "

Rachel Hooper, an environmental law attorney who has argued before the State Supreme Court, recalled the successful effort to stop a new freeway near Carmel.

"The Hatton Canyon struggle began in a school auditorium just like this."

But everyone agreed that a great deal of money is required.

"You have to hire experts, and be prepared to listen to their advice," said Hegenauer. "You have to be prepared to commission some counter-studies in order to show gaps in the EIR analysis."(Tax-deductible contributions to support the PLAGUE opposition effort can be made through San Diego Coastkeeper.)

Councilwoman Crawford, who sits on the SANDAG Board of Directors, told the audience that the Board is currently reviewing its Regional Transportation Plan, with a planning retreat scheduled for January 28th and 29th, and she invited residents to attend. "We need your input now."

[Note: Edits were made to this story on 1/18/10] ]]> http://www.sbscuttlebutt.com/cgi-bin/newsscript/newsscript_mainwide.pl/?record=4 http://www.sbscuttlebutt.com/cgi-bin/newsscript/newsscript_mainwide.pl/?record=4 12/30/09 - The corner of Cliff and Rios is a special place in Solana Beach. This is where thousands of locals come to enjoy activities at the Child Development Center (CDC) preschool and playground. It's also a property graced by eight stately Torrey Pine trees. Until last week, there were 10 trees. Two of them had to be removed because they posed a risk to the CDC students and buildings. (See video: ) According to the Solana Beach School District, "Recently, a limb of over 14" in diameter fell from one of the trees into the preschool playground area between two classroom buildings. Fortunately, this occurred when children were not present. The District immediately closed the area and had the trees inspected." While the trees were not found to be diseased, landscapers and arborists would not confirm certify that the problem would not reoccur. The two problematic trees were also encroaching into building foundations and raising sidewalks. Removal of the trees was scheduled for this week because students are not present between Christmas and New Years Day. The City of Solana Beach has no restrictions on the removal of trees that are located fully within private property. ]]> http://www.sbscuttlebutt.com/cgi-bin/newsscript/news_sliderwide.pl/?record=20 http://www.sbscuttlebutt.com/cgi-bin/newsscript/news_sliderwide.pl/?record=20 12/14/09 - She wasn't wearing a red Santa cap, but the twinkle in her eye gave it away. Laurin Pause looked just as gleeful and kind as Mrs. Claus herself. And that's exactly who she is for over 1300 North County families receiving assistance from the Community Resource Center. As executive director of the Center, Pause oversees "Holiday Baskets," the largest holiday distribution program of its kind in the county. What began 27 years ago with 50 small holiday baskets is now a major operation that provides food, clothing, toys, blankets and other essential items supplied by over 200 local organizations and over 1600 volunteers. These days, families get to shop for themselves (for free) in a huge "department store" that's been set up by the CRC at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Armed with a big shopping cart and accompanied by a volunteer docent, each family can choose age-appropriate items that range from diapers to warm jackets to bicycles. The program also delivers gifts to over 200 homebound seniors in the area. Volunteers are now busy preparing for the big three-day event (December 18 - 20th) when the families are scheduled to come in and shop. With 1300 names on the list, that works out to about "one family per minute" say Pause, or about 30 families at once. Each family has about 30 minutes to select their items. Earlier this week, the Solana Beach City Council also played Santa Claus by directing a $5000 community grant to the CRC - the largest grant made by the Council to any community group this year. But the Center still needs more blankets, said one volunteer. To make a donation, please contact the Community Resource Center at 760-753-1156. ]]> http://www.sbscuttlebutt.com/cgi-bin/newsscript/newsscript_mainwide.pl/?record=2 http://www.sbscuttlebutt.com/cgi-bin/newsscript/newsscript_mainwide.pl/?record=2 12/10/09 - The newly established Solana Beach Community Foundation is launching a fundraising campaign to help with the renovation of the Fletcher Cove Community Center. The building, a WWII Army barracks that was moved to this bluff-top location decades ago, needs to be brought up to current ADA standards for accessibility, including changes to the parking, bathroom and other areas. The Center will also be updated with new green building features that meet LEED standards for energy efficiency and livability. A more open design will capitalize on the outdoor spaces and the expansive ocean views. Although the City of Solana Beach will fund some of the improvements, private donations are needed to complete the project as planned. (The Foundation is a private group, not directly affiliated with the City.) "In the best-case scenario, we'll get this built in a couple of years," said Mayor Tom Campbell, who serves on ad hoc committee guiding the project. To raise awareness, the Foundation will place an insert in the newspaper and erect a sign on the project site depicting the design. To learn more or make a contribution, visit the Solana Beach Community Foundation website at: www.solanabeachcommunityfoundation.org ]]> http://www.sbscuttlebutt.com/cgi-bin/newsscript/newsscript_mainwide.pl/?record=1 http://www.sbscuttlebutt.com/cgi-bin/newsscript/newsscript_mainwide.pl/?record=1 UPDATE: The public review period for the Fairgrounds draft EIR has been extended to February 8, 2010. 11/3/09 - A four-story 330-room hotel and convention center, new restaurants, a new sports facility, new parking garages, much larger exhibit halls, three rooftop soccer fields, new offices, a 48-foot electronic billboard, a relocated fire station, a new train platform and more. It's all a part of the Del Mar Fairgrounds Master Plan, and it could mean big changes for local residents. On October 9, the Fairgrounds issued its draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR), with a 90-day period for public comment that ends January 8, 2010. The document is 4,555 pages long, with a 120-page executive summary. The City of Solana Beach has launched an intensive effort to analyze the EIR and respond to the 22nd Agricultural District regarding the proposal. On October 28, the City Council allocated $75,000 for outside experts to review the document, and urged Solana Beach residents to submit their comments before the January deadline. (See blog commentary for more.) Cumulative Impacts to Solana Beach According to Solana Beach City Manager David Ott, the Fairgrounds already generates significant noise, light, traffic and public safety impacts, and the proposed expansion will affect Solana Beach more than any other area. "We're virtually building a new city right next door to us, said Councilman Joe Kellejian. "We really have to watch this thing very closely." Solana Beach resident Gary Martin urged the Council to allocate adequate resources to the EIR review, noting "This is going to have long-term, massive, permanent impacts on our city. We need to do whatever it takes to hire outside consultants and get a comprehensive analysis done within this time frame." Councilman Dave Roberts agreed. "'Massive'" doesn't even begin to describe this project and the impact it's going to have on us." "The impacts to Del Mar, which owns the track, are nowhere near the impacts to our community, because of where the fairgrounds sits," said Kellejian. "We get the light pollution; they really don't. We get the noise problems. They get a little bit, but we get all of it," he added. "Traffic. We get all the traffic. Let's face it, Del Mar gets a little bit of traffic, but we get all the traffic. I could go on and on. "And guess what? We get a little money from the Fairgrounds, but all the big dollars go to the City of Del Mar." The Solana Beach City Council will schedule a public hearing (possibly a special meeting) for local residents in the next 60 days. A citywide mail notification is also planned. "The potential for impacts to Solana Beach is so great," said Councilman Tom Campbell, "I think we have a responsibility to our community to inform them of this."]]> http://www.sbscuttlebutt.com/cgi-bin/newsscript/news_sliderwide.pl/?record=15 http://www.sbscuttlebutt.com/cgi-bin/newsscript/news_sliderwide.pl/?record=15 Sometimes it takes a village to bring a lost dog home. For Lucy, it took several rescue organizations, neighborhood scouts and dedicated veterinarians - that, and a lot of love from her owner, Christina Schneider. Lucy's story is largely unknown, because Schneider and her husband, Branislav Slantchev, adopted her from a rescue organization in Los Angeles just 10 days ago. The dog, an adorable Bearded Collie mix, had previously been kept in a large animal shelter -- and who knows where before that. She has a shy, sensitive personality, says Schneider, and seems to be afraid of men. Soon after coming to her new home in Solana Beach, Lucy disappeared. Schneider jumped into action to find her. She called Pet Search and Rescue, posted large signs with Lucy's picture all over town and placed a notice on lostmydoggie.com. The message even spread to Twitter (which is how I first heard about her). Finally, eight days later, Schneider received calls from two different people who had spotted Lucy on Highway 101 near Via de la Valle, about 1/2 mile away from Schneider's home. Schneider was in La Jolla at the time, but the "scouts" followed Lucy until Schneider made it back to Solana Beach. "She was wet and muddy and limping badly, but she finally laid down in a patch of grass on Cedros. "I approached her slowly," says Schneider, "and after a minute she ran into my arms." But Lucy had apparently been hit by either a car or a train, and suffered multiple fractures, including her tailbone. After being treated at All Creatures, Lucy was moved to the Specialty Veterinary Hospital in Sorrento Valley, where she's been recovering nicely. "She's so brave," says Schneider. "The doctors are in love with her. "She's already giving us kisses and trying to walk more." Today, after a lifetime of very hard knocks, Lucy is back home again - where she'll be confined for a while, but surrounded by love.]]> http://www.sbscuttlebutt.com/cgi-bin/newsscript/news_sliderwide.pl/?record=14 http://www.sbscuttlebutt.com/cgi-bin/newsscript/news_sliderwide.pl/?record=14 10/15/09 - Last May, the Solana Beach City Council declared a "fiscal emergency," with a projected $1 million budget shortfall for the coming year. In response, the City has consulted with local business groups to formulate a plan that would raise $500,000 from a new business tax. Solana Beach is one of the few cities in the region that currently have no business tax. The City Council weighed various tax models and heard from several local merchants and commercial property owners during a public hearing last night (10/14). Flat vs. Tiered City Manager David Ott outlined a "tiered" tax model wherein each business is taxed based on its locally generated revenues. Like any business tax, this would require companies that provide goods and services outside of the city to calculate an apportionment for local revenues. Some businesses have expressed concerns about being required to itemize and disclose their revenues. There was also disagreement about how much administrative burden this would place on the City staff. Peter House, President of the 101 Association, laid out his own proposal for a "flat" model that would raise revenues through much higher business license fees, which are now only $70 for the first year and $16 per year thereafter. Under his proposal the annual fee would increase to $300 - 400, with an added surtax on businesses generating over $2.5 million in revenues and an exemption for first-year businesses. According to House, over 40 local businesses generate revenues over $5 million. Chamber of Commerce VP Peter Zahn endorsed this plan. Most of the night's discussion focused on protecting small, struggling businesses. "I call this business tax the 'Nail in the Coffin' tax," said Cedros Avenue business owner Patty Goldfarb. Other small retailers expressed similar fears. "Imposing this tax now is probably the worst time for us," said Christine Nottingham. Ott explained that the City has tried to offset some of the shortfall by slashing over $1 million from its already-lean $14 million budget. "This shortfall is expected to be a long term revenue shortfall as people change their spending habits and what they spend their money on and how they buy their items when they do," said Ott. He reiterated, "Solana Beach is one of the very few cities that does not have some form of a business tax." Beyond this structural shortfall, the state's plan to "borrow" $650 million from the City will place an added strain on finances. Although the business tax is not designed to address the state "raid" on local funds, Councilman Joe Kellejian took the opportunity to send a message to Sacramento: "This falls on the back of our state legislature ... as they continue to perpetrate this theft on local government." He also noted that Solana Beach is one of the few coastal cities that do not charge for parking. Some council members expressed a preference for the flat-fee proposal, but needed more time and information before making a decision. According to Ott, a business license "fee" would not require voter approval, but a new business "tax" would have to be put on the ballot, probably in the general election next June. The ballot language needs to be finalized by late February. Even if a tax is approved, a deficit of at least $500,000 will remain. Some have suggested that a new tax parcel fee (i.e., property tax increase) could be next.

Solana Beach Business Breakdown:
• There are roughly 1600 businesses in Solana Beach
• Over 220 are retail
• About 180 are home-based businesses
• About 40 businesses have revenues over $5 million
• Over half of all Solana Beach businesses have revenues under $500k]]> http://www.sbscuttlebutt.com/cgi-bin/newsscript/newsscript_subwide.pl/?record=13 http://www.sbscuttlebutt.com/cgi-bin/newsscript/newsscript_subwide.pl/?record=13 Sixteen years ago, this place was called the Tight End, a corner bar where interesting characters gathered and sometimes stirred up trouble. Then it became the Surf & Saddle, and over time the clientele changed. Filled with horse racing memorabilia, pool tables, sports fans and live music, the bar attracted a more respectable crowd that often filled the room to capacity. Its prime location near Fletcher Cove didn't hurt. But according to Surf & Saddle owner Patti Gilstrap, the lease is not being renewed. "It's a sad time here for everybody. We care about this community, and we've always tried to run a clean place." She says the bar has drawn far fewer police calls than other similar establishments in the area, but she was hurt when one of her bartenders was convicted of selling marijuana on the premises last year. Gilstrap says she sold the business (and the liquor license) to her landlord, and that she expects it will become an Irish pub. On a bulletin board at the end of the bar, customers have written their musical requests for a final "customer appreciation night" on October 25. The selections include "Closing Time" by Lyle Lovett and "The End" by The Doors. The Surf & Saddle will close October 27.]]> http://www.sbscuttlebutt.com/cgi-bin/newsscript/news_sliderwide.pl/?record=11 http://www.sbscuttlebutt.com/cgi-bin/newsscript/news_sliderwide.pl/?record=11 9/23/09 - From Coronado to Carlsbad, Lakeside to La Jolla, photojournalist Noah Tafolla has explored over 20 different neighborhoods in his popular KPBS TV series, Wonderland. And now he's shining his spotlight on Solana Beach in an episode that debuts Thursday night (9/24) at 8 pm (with repeat airings throughout October). A third-generation Ocean Beach native, Tafolla captures the history and culture of San Diego communities with a simple, authentic style. His shows often feature Mom & Pop shops, homegrown music and vintage footage of local spots. Tafolla says that before filming this episode, "I knew nothing about Solana Beach, except that it was a cool little beach town. But I had only driven through -- never even stopped to eat or anything." So he started by digging up some stories at the Civic & Historical Society. "A few things surprised me," he notes. First, he learned that it was Col. Ed Fletcher who put the "beach" in Solana Beach. "Back then there was no access to the beach, so he dug his way down. He started with fire hoses and sprayed it down for about a month, then he brought in a bulldozer and created an opening. "When I went to the beach, I could see that there are only a couple of places where you can get down. It's not like Ocean Beach or PB where the beach is all right there and accessible. So that was interesting. "And I didn't know that Aaron Chang, the famous surf photographer, has his gallery right in the middle of town, so I went and talked with him, which was cool." Some of his other discoveries include the Cedros Design District (including the Belly Up Tavern) and the Pizza Port. "I want to thank all the people who participated," he adds. "It should be a fun episode." Check here for the scheduled showtimes of Wonderland: Solana Beach. ]]>