Hot Topics Featured Among Blizzard of Charts for All-Day Council Meeting

“Performance measure reports” cover everything from recreation classes and the Rides4Neighbors program to tracking of graffiti incidents and response.  A Department of Public Works graphic shows “square footage of legends painted per month.”

At 313 pages, the agenda packet for Thursday’s all-day strategic planning workshop shows every nook and cranny of city operations. (See attached.) Amid a blizzard of charts, the City Council and staff will review city accomplishments and study  funding forecasts through 2017.   

Key topics include Gov. Jerry Brown’s proposals to retire all of California's community redevelopment agencies, and contine the 1 percent state-imposed sales tax increase, which Brown says will help close the state’s $26 billion budget gap.

Council members will review an outline of the Little Hoover Commission report on pension reform, which includes recommendations in light of its summary statement “Pension costs will crush government.”

“Even with the introduction of two-tiered pension plans, barring a miraculous market advance, few government entities—especially at the local level—will be able to absorb the blow without severe cuts to services,” the commission says.

The full report is attached.

The council also is set to discuss Proposition L, the three-quarter cent increase in local sales tax. Prop. L was approved in November 2008 and the city says it ensures the maintenance of “vital city services.”

Such services include drug prevention, staffing of police officers, firefighters and paramedics, funding for community programs like the senior center and after-school tutoring as well as various public improvements.

The meeting runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the city’s Fire Administration Building in the Allison Avenue civic center. For more information, contact the City Clerk’s Office at 619-667-1120 or cityclrk@ci.la-mesa.ca.us.

THE DO-IT-YOURSELF CAREGIVER: For caregivers looking after a loved one with Alzheimer’s, Sharp Grossmont Hospital is hosting a program of special interest. 

Every Tuesday from April 4 through May 9, classes will teach the essentials. Learn more about the disease and how to manage complicated family dynamics, all the while making sure to take care of yourself, too.

Classes run from 10 a.m. to noon at the Grossmont Healthcare Conference Center, and registration is required. For more information about the program and possible fees, contact the local Alzheimer’s Association at 858-492-4400.

WALK A MALL IN YOUR SHOES: The Grossmont Adult School is offering enrollment in a free walking fitness program that meets every Saturday.  Enroll the day of at the Garden Food Court at Grossmont Center and receive an informational packet about stretching, walking and keeping track of the mileage you make on foot. 

A health educator will lead a walk each Saturday at 8 a.m. and again at 9 a.m. For more information, call 619-644-3555.