Harnessed spending

Earlier this month, Prop. 13 observed its 30th year and many politicians would like to see it drastically revamped or trashed completely. Before Prop. 13, it was not uncommon to determine the tax rate by deciding the amount of money the taxing agency was planning to spend and setting the rate to cover it. Prop. 13 capped the property tax based at 1 percent of the assessed value as of 1975 when it was enacted. Property buyers now are taxed at the assessed value at the time of purchase plus up to 2 percent annually thereafter. Homeowners know their taxes will be no more than 2 percent than they paid the previous year. A great idea, except for the electeds who are addicted to overspending.

Airport study not tax funded

Ed Gowens of Airport Planning sez that the $4.1 mil. study recently authorized by San Diego County Regional Airport Authority is not taxpayer funded. He notes the authority is completely self-supporting and does not receive appropriations from municipal, county or state funds. Revenue is derived from user fees such as landing dues, space rentals, parking concessions and passenger ticket fees.

Nix on birthday suits

After Sept. 1, San Onofre State Park users will need to wear conventional beach attire rather than enjoy the sunshine in their birthday suits. State Park rangers say the regulation is in effect now, but a grace period is being allowed to give folks time to get used to accepted apparel.

Way to go Gretchen!

Flower Capital resident Gretchen Wendel has been named by Kraft Foods North America, Inc. as one of “100 Extraordinary Woman” in the country. She was chosen because of an essay submitted on her behalf describing her work as a writer, mom, park advocate and her contribution of time to various community activities. She’s also the author of award-winning and bestselling series of children’s books “Becka & the Big Bubble.” Great lady!

Shutter the CCDC?

The County Grand Jury has recommended the Centre City Development Corp. be disbanded and its operation folded into an entity like

the Redevelopment Agency. It would save a pile of dough on administrative and operation expenses. According to published reports, CCDC has a $217 mil. budget with minimal overview by the City Council that sits as the Redevelopment Agency.

NCTD appoints

interim director

Former C’bad City Manager Ray Patchett, who retired last September, has been hired as North County Transit District interim director until a permanent selection is made. He succeeds Karen King, who resigned to accept a position in Bakersfield. Patchett is regarded as a tight-fisted money manager.

Baumann heads

for Michigan

Former local publisher Jim Baumann is heading for Boyne City, Mich., where he has accepted a chamber position. As CEO of the Vista chamber, Baumann established an enviable reputation for having increased its membership from 300 to more than 500 and initiated new programs that increased revenue and chamber awareness in the city.

Cell phones taboo while driving

Effective July 1, folks who chatter on their cell fones while operating a motor vehicle and eating a sandwich can still enjoy the latter but not both. Hands-free fones like Bluetooth devices or similar will be OK. There’s a fine of 20 bux for the first infraction and 50 clams for each conviction thereafter.

Traffic calming

Temporary traffic calming devices on Crest Road in the Surfside City are working fine according to residents who live in that area. Now they would like to have them permanently installed, but the city electeds haven’t the scratch to do them although they are sympathetic. It’s just one of several high-priority projects like the lifeguard and community headquarters on 17th Street facing the city’s electeds.

On time

A lawyer who was late several times for L.A. court appointments and kept judges waiting was remanded to jail the last time it happened. For his next case, the lawyer came to court in handcuffs and wearing the yellow jail house uniform. On time.

Farewell to Hollywood Park?

Thoroughbred racing fans at Hollywood Park in Inglewood now running through July 13 are wondering if this will be the finale for the course that has been in operation for 70 years. Owned by Bay Area Land Co. that also owns Bay Meadows at San Mateo near the Golden Gate, it’s almost certain that track is shutting down. It has not applied for 2009 dates. Question: If Hollywood Park folds, where will its dates go? It operates spring and fall meets.

One liners

Legislation has moved out of the State Senate that will prohibit smoking in apartment buildings if their landlords so choose ... A public hearing on views and vegetation has been scheduled in the Solbeach council chambers Sept. 3 starting at 6 p.m ... Friends of the

Cardiff Library will present

Rocket Science, a rock group, Sept. 3 in the library community room starting at 6:30 p.m. ... Adam Kaye, former

NCT scribe and instrumentalist with Randy Fontaine’s The Swingers group, has joined Supe Pam Slater-Price’s staff. According to Washington-based The Council for Community & Economics Research, San Diego County ranks 11th as the most expensive metro areas to live in the country ... Rancho Santa Fe school marm Barbara Brown is retiring after nearly four decades of teaching ...

James Bond in the “Devil May Care” book is not the fearless Flower

Capital elected by the same moniker ... Encinitas postmaster Lynne Sloppy is being considered for National Postmaster of the Year after winning the Cal Postmaster of the Year award ... Kudos to St. John School fourth-graders in the Flower Capital who have been doing all sorts of fundraising events for the benefit of one of their pals who is on the sick list.

Hasta la Vista