Inland edition, march 10, 2017

Page 1

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID ENCINITAS, CA 92025 PERMIT NO. 94

The Coast News

Don’t forget to set your clocks forward 1 hour this Sunday

VISTA, SAN MARCOS, ESCONDIDO

VOL. 3, N0. 5

MARCH 10, 2017

Mayor: Despite looming challenges, San Marcos’ ‘economic engine’ running By Aaron Burgin

On a battle field Unidentified Civil War actors portray Gen. Ulysses S. Grant and President Abraham Lincoln at last Saturday’s Civil War reenactment held at Vista’s Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum grounds. See more photos on page 13. Photo by Pat Cubel

Farm Bureau offering year-round farm tours By Jamie Higgins

ESCONDIDO — The San Diego County Farm Bureau has said goodbye to Farm Tour Day, opting instead to offer a variety of farm tours throughout the year, as part of its Friends of Farming program. The change will allow the public to be able to tour more local farms and meet local farmers throughout the year. Farm Tour Day was an annual event that offered San Diegans the opportunity to, “spend a day in the country” and tour multiple TURN TO FARM TOURS ON 21

The San Diego County Farm Bureau is launching a new program that will allow the public to be able to tour more local farms and meet local farmers throughout the year. Photo courtesy San Diego County Farm Bureau

$

on any purchase of $25.00 or more NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER OFFERS. ONE COUPON PER CUSTOMER. EXPIRES 03/31/17

mond said that the Sheriff’s Department — which contracts with the city for services — has worked to alleviate the impact that the released offenders — some of whom wind up homeless — have on the community. San Marcos saw a 22 percent decline in reported crimes, Desmond said, citing a SANDAG report. “Our sheriff’s need a hand for that,” he said. The other obstacle the city faces, Desmond said, is a looming increase to the city’s obligations toward employee retiree benefits. Those obligations are expected to rise a modest 4.5 percent next year, but by 2022 could rise as high as 42 percent up from $6 million to $10 million — according to current projections. In response to calls by some for the city to convert the city’s pension program to a defined-contribution plan, such as a 401(K), Desmond said that the buyout of pensions necessary to make the switch would “bankrupt the city today.” The council met in December to “get a grasp” on its obligations, and staff is expected to return in March with recommendations on how the city can prepare for the increase, Desmond said. Desmond’s speech TURN TO STATE OF CITY ON 21

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SAN MARCOS — San Marcos has a balanced budget, strong reserves and still provides the core services that keep and attract young families, but hurdles are on the horizon, Mayor Jim Desmond said Tuesday in his state of the city address. Likening the city and its economy to a car engine, Desmond said that it would take the efforts of the city and its partners in public and private education, the business community and other stakeholders to “keep the economic engine running.” “It’s up to everyone in this room to keep that economic engine running,” Desmond said. “My job and your job is to make sure providing housing, and the infrastructure, and the amenities, the roads, the hotels, restaurants and things like that. We have to keep that engine lubricated, oiled, keep it greased up so that it keeps running smooth.” Desmond, who is in his final term as mayor, said that the city does face challenges to that economic engine, listing two specifically: changes to state law that have led to non-violent offenders being released early or serving sentences in county jails as opposed to state prisons, and the city’s ballooning pension obligations. As for the former, Des-

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Hawthorne Country Store’s Chick Day March 11th Start your home flock off with the largest variety of breeds available in Southern California. Over 50 breeds to pick from. Come choose the best in equipment, feed, treats, toys, coops, bedding, books and service!

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