DATE: May 14, 2008
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT: Allocation of District Two Community Project Funds

SUMMARY:
Overview
Today’s proposal will provide the funding needed to install a fence on the South side of the San Diego River near Cactus Park in Lakeside to increase the kids’ safety.

Recommendation(s):
VICE CHAIRWOMAN JACOB

1. Find that this action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15303.
2. Transfer appropriations of $7,000 from the District Two Community Project budget (org 15655) to Capital Outlay Fund (Operating Transfer Out) to provide funds for the purchase and installation of a fence near Cactus Park in Lakeside.
3. Establish appropriations of $7,000 in the Capital Outlay Fund for Capital Project 1000193- Cactus Park Sports fields, based on an Operating Transfer from the General Fund. (4 VOTES)

Fiscal Impact:
The fiscal impact of this recommendation is $7,000. The funding source is FY 07-08 District Two Community Projects. This action will result in the addition of no new staff years and no future costs.

BACKGROUND:
Due to the recent attempted kidnapping of a little leaguer who was playing ball at Cactus Park, the need to increase security in the area around the fields has become urgent. For quite some time, the leagues at Cactus Park have had several run-ins with criminals and transients hiding in the nearby riverbed; the snack bars have been broken into; the live-in volunteer at the site was recently physically assaulted; and visibly intoxicated people living in the River have behaved inappropriately in front of the children. The parents and coaches have been doing their best to keep their kids safe from harm, but additional measures are needed at this time.

Today’s action will provide funds to purchase and install a fence on the South side of the San Diego River near Cactus Park as an additional safety measure around the Park. The County will also be working to increase visibility in the area including removal of the overgrown brush and encampments, and incorporating a larger and more prominent trail.

Respectfully submitted,

 

DIANNE JACOB
Vice Chairwoman