PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID ENCINITAS, CA 92024 PERMIT NO. 94
VOL. 34, N0. 3
Proposed spent fuel inspection cuts opposed By Samantha Nelson
REGION — Congress members including Rep. Mike Levin (D-San Juan Capistrano) are concerned about proposed cuts to spent nuclear fuel storage inspection hours and want the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to reconsider. Levin, together with Rep. Andy Kim of New Jersey and Rep. Doris Matsui (D-Sacramento), led a letter to NRC Chairperson Kristine Svinicki stating their opposition to the proposed cuts. “At a Levin time when more and more nuclear reactors are beginning the process of decommissioning and in the absence of an immediate solution to permanent storage of spent nuclear fuel, we feel that NRC should avoid consideration of any proposal that would reduce inspections across the country,” the letter states. The cuts are part of an effort within the NRC to enhance its Independent Spent Fuel Storage Installation (ISFSI) inspection program. An ISFSI is where spent fuel is stored. According to an NRC overview of the enhancement initiative, the frequency of ISFSI inspections was identified as a “potential enhancement” of the program, along with methodology, qualification and training and level of effort with regard to inspections. Currently, the NRC dedicates 132 hours every two years for ISFSI routine loading inspections, and 24 hours every two years for routine monitoring inspections. The first proposed cuts option would reduce routine loading inspections to 96 hours every three years while the second option TURN TO FUEL ON A15
G N I K R A P S N S A E L L P E M O H
THE COAST NEWS
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SERVING NORTH COUNTY SINCE 1987
TURN TO CONNECTED ON A5
LEICHTAG COMMONS is being considered by council as a landing spot for homeless car dwellers. If approved, it will be the first of its kind in North County. Photo by Abraham Jewett
would be served by the lot aren’t “rapists and robbers” but families. The Safe Parking Program would be the fourth lot of its kind — and the first in North County — run by Jewish Family Services. The other three lots operated by the nonprofit are in the city of San Diego. The lot will be a resource for the estimated 350 people who live out of their cars in North County. It will have space for 25 vehicles and be open from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. It will have overnight security, bathrooms, hand-washing stations, food and resources to help people get back into permanent
By Steve Puterski
TURN TO HOMELESS ON A15
Encinitas residents question proposed lot menting a program that prioritizes people in Encinitas,” Kranz said to the crowd at the library last week. The consensus at both recent forums was that residents are not against the program, but they’re concerned about safety, the location of the lot, and that it will be like a “magnet” attracting a homeless population from outside of Encinitas. They also feel the city didn’t do enough to notify them or keep them informed about the program. One opponent who spoke at the community center Jan. 14 said she was angry about the program and raised the question that if the lot was such a good idea, “Why did every other city in North County reject this program?” The woman added that “we want to help the homeless, we know there are solutions out there, but this is not the solution.” Another woman said before the crowd of about 200, that she wanted the city to gather the facts, do its research and “stop rushing things.” One proponent of the program addressed the crowd saying the people who
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housing. Everyone is screened as to rule out anyone on the registered sex offender list or those with violent criminal convictions. Drugs and alcohol are not allowed on the lot. The Leichtag Foundation organized a neighborhood forum at Leichtag Commons on Jan. 12 to address questions about the program. On Jan. 13, Charlene Seidle, executive vice president of the Leichtag Foundation, said the organization said yes to hosting the lot because they felt they could
COUNTY SUPERVISOR Kristin Gaspar, right, hosted a community forum on the Homeless in North County to a packed house at the Encinitas Library on Jan. 9. Courtesy photo
ENCINITAS — Two standing-room-only forums have been held over the last week in response to a proposed safe overnight parking lot in Encinitas for homeless people living out of their cars. On Jan. 9, a forum, hosted by County Supervisor Kristin Gaspar and Encinitas City Councilman Tony Kranz was held at the Encinitas Library. On Jan 14, a forum, led by city staff, filled up a room at the Encinitas Community Center. The proposal was presented to the Encinitas City Council in November, with members voting 4-1 to move forward with the Safe Parking Program. Kranz voted against it. The program, funded through a state grant and operated by the Jewish Family Service, would operate on a portion of Leichtag Commons, a 67.5-acre farm located at 441 Saxony Road. It’s located near residences and the Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA. The City Council will vote on the contract for the lot at its meeting Jan. 22. “To me, I think it’s important that we’re imple-
SAN ‘Connected MARCOS -NEWS Carlsbad’ plan taking shape CARLSBAD — A digital outline for the THE city’s connectivity got the green VISTA light during the Jan. 14 NEWS City Council meeting. The council approved “Connected Carlsbad,” a roadmap and action plan encompassing the city’s efforts of existing and future initiatives showing a comprehensive picture of what the city is doing to create a more connected community, according RANCHO to David Graham, Carlsbad’sSFNEWS chief innovation officer. Graham surveyed about 100 city employees and conducted community surveys to identify five priorities for the roadmap. The priorities are to pursue a communitywide digital transformation, build capacity for data-driven decision making, foster civic engagement, enhance accessibility and transparency and promote security and sustainability through connectivity. “It allows for the consistent engagement with the community,” Graham said. “It is the place where people can consistently engage with the city.” However, a spirited discussion ensued with the council regarding the cost, for which no estimates were provided during Graham’s presentation. Mayor Matt Hall and Councilwoman Cori Schumacher each expressed concerns over a lack of those financials, along with more precise details of the action plan, with Schumacher considering not supporting the roadmap and action plan. However, Graham and City Manager Scott Chadwick assured Schumacher no actionable items within the roadmap would slip through the cracks. Any cost-associated project, they said, must be approved by the
IGNITES DEBATE
By Tawny McCray
JAN. 17, 2020
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