Volume XV, Issue 18
www.solanabeachsun.com
April 28, 2011 Published Weekly
Water district cuts over $800K from budget
■■ It has been another busy week in local sports. See pages 23-26.
BY JOE TASH Contributor Santa Fe Irrigation District directors agreed to cut more than $800,000 in expenses from next year’s budget during a special workshop session held on Monday, April 25. The cuts include trim-
ming $520,000 from the water district’s operating budget, and a decision by the board not to make a $311,000 payment into a trust fund for future retiree health benefits, from the spending plan for the fiscal year that begins July 1. The current year’s operating bud-
get, including debt service, is $22.8 million. During the workshop, directors provided guidance to staff as they prepare next year’s budget. Among the questions the board considered was how much the San Diego County Water Authority — the district’s sup-
Deep commitment to Boys & Girls Clubs
■ Through triathlon, local firefighters hope to promote safe teen driving. Page 8
Summer, Maddie and Sam take a break from a lap swim to benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Dieguito. The club’s Rancho San Dieguito Swimming Team’s annual fundraiser was held April 20 at Pardee Aquatics Center in Solana Beach. See page B15 for more. PHOTO: JON CLARK
plier of imported water — will increase its water rates next year, and how much local water from Lake Hodges will be available. The district has been told by the water authority that the cost of imported water will rise between 9.5 and 17.8 percent next year,
but a firm number won’t be available for about a month. In the meantime, directors told staff to build a 14 percent increase into next year’s budget. Directors also told staff to plan for meeting about SEE WATER, PAGE 6
Hearing held for son accused of murder A mental competency hearing was scheduled April 27 for a man accused of killing his mother with a hammer and mutilating her body in her Solana Beach home. (This newspaper went to press the morning of April 27.) Last April, a judge found 29-year-old Bryan Chang mentally incompetent to stand trial for murder in the Jan. 25, 2010 death of Sherry Chu Chang. The hearing was scheduled to determine whether the defendant — who remains in custody — has regained the capacity to understand the charges against him and assist his attorney at trial. Sherry Chu Chang’s body was found at his home on Santa Florencia, near San Elijo Lagoon, after she failed to show up for work and a co-worker asked deputies to
check the house. Her son was arrested at his home in Los Angeles two nights later. During an earlier proceeding, Deputy District Attorney Rachel Solov said that the defendant cut off his mother’s right arm and part of her skull and put them in a refrigerator. According to Solov, the mother and son may have had a disagreement over money, and it was bloody fingerprints found on blinds in the home that led authorities to the defendant. Detectives said claw hammers may have been used in the killing. If criminal proceedings are restored, the defendant would face 26 years to life in prison if convicted, according to the prosecution. For an update on the hearing, visit www.delmartimes.net — City News Service
SD council approves Flower Hill Promenade upgrade Participate in SB Sun’s special city anniversary section
■ Once reluctant to self-publish, writer finds audience as ‘chick-lit’ e-Author. Page B1
The San Diego City Council voted last unanimously to approve the revitalization of Protea Properties’ Flower Hill Promenade shopping center. This decision, which follows favorable votes from the Carmel Valley Community Planning Board and City of San Diego Planning Commission, represents the final approval needed to allow construction to begin. “We are thrilled the City Council voted to support the revitalization,” said Jeffrey
Essakow, president of Protea Properties. “This decisive victory reflects seven years of work developing a plan in concert with the community that will bring the type of center that this community deserves.” Prior to the vote, the City Council heard positive testimony from neighbors, tenants and shoppers from the center. A number of other supporters attended the hearing wearing stickers that said “Yes on Flower Hill!” See UPGRADE, page 6
To celebrate the city of Solana Beach’s upcoming 25th anniversary, the Solana Beach Sun will publish a special commemorative section on March 20. Editorial and advertising participation in this section is encouraged. Please email any photos or editorial submissions to editor@rsfreview.com (send any questions to this address, as well). To show your support for the city through advertising, call 858-756-1403.