Daily Business Report-Feb. 16, 2016
The report was based on six months of actual financial data.
City of San Diego Predicts
$7.6 Million Surplus in Fiscal 2016
City News Service
The city of San Diego expects to complete the current fiscal year with a $7.6 million surplus in its general fund, according to a report released Friday by the mayor’s office.
The difference is roughly split between slightly higher revenues than projected in the budget, and expenses that are a little lower, according to the report. The general fund pays for basic services like public safety and libraries.
Mayor Kevin Faulconer proposed to use $5.8 million of the surplus to add to the city’s Public Liability Fund, which pays out legal awards. He suggested the city should hold onto the remaining $1.8 million in case of unexpected expenses.
“The city will likely face increased costs due to El Nino storm conditions and a higher-than-expected pension payment next year, so Mayor Faulconer has proposed putting most of the modest surplus projected for the current year’s budget into reserves,” mayoral spokesman Craig Gustafson said.
“This is the fiscally responsible approach to ensure we are in the best possible position to present a balanced budget proposal this spring that maintains the improvements we’ve made to neighborhood services in recent years,” he said.
The report was based on six months of actual financial data, along with projections of anticipated spending and revenue trends for the remainder of the fiscal year, which ends June 30.
According to the report, the budget for the current fiscal year reflected a moderately improving economy. However, economic performance has slowed, with revenue from property taxes coming in 1.1 percent less than expected, and sales taxes 0.5 percent lower — primarily due to lower gas prices.
That was offset by higher than expected hotel room tax revenue, projected to be 3.8 percent above budget.
The lower gas prices have also been good news, as fuel costs for the city’s fleet of vehicles could end up being $2.8 million less than planned.
Water conservation by the Parks and Recreation Department is expected to save $3.5 million, according to the report, which will be presented to the City Council at a future meeting.
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Navy Fleet Logistics Center San Diego
Awards $47 Million Contract to Serco Inc.
The U.S. Navy’s Fleet Logistics Center San Diego has awarded Serco Inc. a hazardous materials inventory management contract with a potential value of $47 million.
Under the contract, Serco will provide personnel for the procurement of HAZMAT materials in order to buy, track, stock and provide items on request across the Navy’s Southwest Region. The five-year contract has a one-year base period and four one-year option periods, valued at $47 million, if all options are exercised.
Serco will supply support to the U.S. Navy at various Naval installations within the Fleet Logistics Center San Diego region, as well as partner sites in the Southwest Region including Naval Base San Diego, Naval Air Station North Island, Naval Air Facility El Centro, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Naval Base Ventura County and Naval Air Warfare Center China Lake.
Gloria Lays Out Vision to Honor
San Diego’s LGBT History
The City Council’s Smart Growth and Land Use Committee considered a request from the Real Estate Assets Department last week to sell several city-owned properties. Included in the proposal were the Brad Truax House, located at 2313/2515 Union St., and an adjacent property at 540 W. Laurel St. in Bankers Hill.
The Truax House is named after Dr. A. Brad Truax, a San Diego LGBT leader who died of AIDS in 1988. It served as a hospice for AIDS patients during the early days of the epidemic but has been vacant for many years. It is estimated to need up to $1.4 million in repairs. In late 2015, city staff recommended the property be sold.
The city’s proposal has raised serious concerns from LBGT activists, historic preservationists, and residents concerned with access to the nearby Maple Canyon open space reserve. Councilman Todd Gloria made several requests to staff before moving the item to the full City Council.
“I have heard my constituents’ concerns related to the potential sale of Truax House,” said Gloria. “Stakeholders have asked for more public parks, improved access to Maple Canyon, preservation of any historic structures, and to ensure the memory of Dr. Brad Truax and those lost to HIV/AIDS is honored. I believe all of that is possible with the sale of these properties.”
As part of his motion to move this item forward, Gloria requested that a historic resources survey be conducted prior to any sale of the properties. Gloria also requested that the mayor’s office work with him to ensure that proceeds from the sale be directed toward the development of new park space for the Uptown Community. Lastly, staff was asked to explore naming a new or nearby park after Brad Truax and locating a memorial to honor the victims of HIV and AIDS there.
Danny Glover to Speak at UC San Diego
Actor, activist to appear at Black History Month Scholarship Brunch
Activist, producer and actor Danny Glover will speak at a Black History Month Scholarship Brunch Feb. 27 at UC San Diego. The university will honor African-American history with events throughout February.
This year’s theme, “Hallowed Ground: Sites of African-American Memory,” is dedicated to the significant sites that have inspired diversity and positive change in African-American history, such as the Apollo Theater, Little Rock Central High School, Tuskegee University and others.
Ticket proceeds from the Black History Month Scholarship Brunch will enable ambitious and motivated students to attend UC San Diego. Keynote speaker Glover is well known for his roles as Detective Sergeant Roger Murtaugh in the “Lethal Weapon” film series. Other film credits include “The Color Purple,” “Silverado,” “Angels in the Outfield,” “Dreamgirls” and “Shooter.” He has also gained respect for his wide-reaching community activism and philanthropic efforts.
Glover also served as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Program from 1998 to 2004. In 2005, he co-founded Louverture Films, which is dedicated to the development and production of films of historical relevance, social purpose, commercial value and artistic integrity.
The scholarship brunch raises funds to support students who are committed to diversity on campus, involved in the study of African-American history and culture, and contribute significantly to their overall academic experience through research and community participation. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available.
Amazon Launches Restaurant Delivery Service
Amazon is taking on existing food delivery apps with its own twist on takeout, potentially threatening the livelihood of upstarts such as Postmates and DoorDash. The e-commerce company today expanded its Prime Now offering in San Diego to include restaurant delivery from more than 90 area restaurants. Now, people in select neighborhoods can use the company’s Amazon Prime Now mobile app to get food delivered in an hour or less, all while following the progress of an order from start to finish.
— San Diego Union-Tribune
SDSU Celebrates Black History
San Diego State University will celebrate Black History Month with several events on campus to honor the achievements and contributions made by African Americans throughout the history of America.
Among the events:
Tuesday, Feb. 16
• Lives Matter Panel – 5 p.m., Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union, Theatre. The Black Lives Matter Panel hosted by Student Life & Leadership will collaborate with the Faculty in Residence program for a panel discussion critically examining the Black Lives Matter movement.
• “Culture, Artistic Expressions and Social Activism: Can We Resurrect the Black Arts Movement?” 1 p.m., Love Library, room 430/431, presented by the Department of Africana Studies. By Patricia Reid-Merrit, a distinguished professor at Stockton College of social work and Africana studies.
Friday, Feb. 19
• “Feminist Food for Thought: Black Feminism(s)” 1 p.m., Pride Center.
The Women’s Resource Center will host an event discussing black feminist theorists in “Feminist Food for Thought: Black Feminism(s).
Monday, Feb. 22
“Poetry from the Sun” 2 p.m., Adams Humanities 2108.
For full schedule, click here
http://newscenter.sdsu.edu/sdsu_newscenter/news_story.aspx?sid=76014
Grossmont, Cuyamaca Colleges Celebrate Black History
For events, click here
Best Reads to Stay on Top of Your Game
San Diego Women’s Week once again welcomes a roster of influential authors to their seventh annual event, held this year March 14 through 18. Padma Lakshmi, host of Bravo TV’s “Top Chef,” discusses topics from her book, “Love, Loss, and What We Ate.”
Attendees will also receive a “Gratitude Journal” from returning favorite Kim Coles, comedienne and actress of “Frasier,” “Six Feet Under” and “In Living Color.”
Amy Cuddy, known world-wide for her 2012 TED Talk (the second-most viewed talk in TED’s history), brings her thoughtful research and down-to-earth charm to both her book, Presence, and her keynote address.
The first 400 attendees of the Inspiration Conference on March 18 will receive at least one book. That’s at Harrah’s Rincon Casino and Resort in Valley Center.
