City Council Officially Approves Centennial Legacy Project Site

Despite the absences of councilmembers Ernie Ewin and Dave Allan, the La Mesa City Council officially approved the site of the Centennial Legacy Project by a vote of 3-0.

The site, , will be the triangle property located at the intersections of La Mesa Boulevard, Allison Avenue, and Cypress Street. La Mesa won’t know until July which of three remaining artist teams will win the Centennial Legacy Project downtown. Other proposed sites were the trolley station at Nebo Drive, and the Civic Center location.

Other items discussed at Tuesday's council meeting:

• In recognition of their 100-year anniversary, which coincides with the City of La Mesa's centennial date, and to honor their long service to the city, Mayor Madrid and the Council recognized representatives from the Girl Scouts of America, and proclaimed March 13, 2012 "Girl Scout Day" in the city of La Mesa.

• The Council agreed to postpone a decision to consider one of three funding options for public service programs under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program allocation. Mayor Madrid said that he wished to stay consistent with the policy of having all councilmembers present for votes on funding allocation matters. The issue will be reviewed and voted on at the next Council meeting.

• Similarly, the Council decided to delay until all councilmembers are present a vote on a Parking Commission recommendation to approve a one-time expenditure (not to exceed $32,000) for additional maintenance of the Downtown Village as part of the Centennial celebration. The funds would come primarily from parking meters.

Additionally, the council viewed a presentation from Mark Olson on the Citrus Pest Disease Prevention Program, which is funded by the nation's citrus farmers.

The presentation discussed the infestation of the Asian Citrus Psyllid, a pest which is killing citrus trees by infecting them with a disease called Huanglongbing, or "Citrus Greening Disease." The disease is decimating the citrus industry, which brings in about $500 million to California annually. In Florida alone, the state is losing 5-10 percent of its citrus trees per year, at a cost of $300 million, because of the disease.

Olson said the pest has migrated to California, but that so far, there is no indication that the disease has spread. But the presentation was a call to action for homeowners who have citrus trees in their backyards. Olson encouraged residents to do monthly inspections of their trees and contact the California Food and Agriculture Hotline, if there are psyllid present. The number is (800) 491-1899 or you can visit the California Citrus Threat website.