Bike rack request form now available on City website

City administration has updated its bicycle program page to allow bike rack requests to be submitted.

Businesses can now submit a request to have a bike rack installed directly in front of their location if it meets the criteria listed on the website. Requestors can expect to be notified of the evaluation results within 60 days of their requests. Installation is expected to begin in January.

Narrow sidewalks, residential addresses, bus stops, and locations with storm drains, parked vehicles and utility boxes are among the factors that will disqualify a location from receiving a bike rack.

To request a bike rack in front of your business, email the following information to [email protected]:

1. Name of business
2. Contact name
3. Telephone number
4. Email address
5. Street address of proposed rack location
6. Number of racks being requested
7. Any additional info on the rack location details that may be useful for city staff evaluation
Contact Thomas Landre at [email protected] with questions regarding the bike rack program.

Standard & Poor’s ups San Diego’s credit rating

Last month, rating service agency Standard & Poor’s raised San Diego’s issuer credit rating from AA- to AA, and its lease-revenue-bonds rating from A+ to AA-. It confirmed San Diego’s financial outlook was “stable.”

The upgrade will benefit the city by allowing it to issue bonds at a lower interest rate, which means it will save money by reducing the amount it will be required to pay to bond owners through interest payments. This comes at a particularly important time, since the City Council is expected to approve a $120 million bond in January to go toward addressing the city’s nearly $1 billion backlog of infrastructure projects.

“We have a strong financial management team in place, the local economy is improving and we have a healthy general fund reserve,” Gloria said. “Our city has come a long way.”

This marks the second time S&P has upgraded San Diego’s credit rating since 2008. In 2004, S&P suspended rating the city’s debt due to its fiscal problems.

San Diego County’s unemployment rate falls to 6.8 percent in November

The State of California Employment Development Department released data that showed San Diego County’s unemployment rate dropped to 6.8 percent in November, which ties May for the lowest of 2013. The county’s unemployment rate shows San Diego is fairing well compared to the majority of California, which has an average rate of 8.3 percent, but still falls above the national average of 6.6 percent.

While the news is positive overall, the data also showed wide swings in both directions among various industries. Trade, transportation and utilities gained 7,200 positions — primarily from seasonal retail hiring — and government added 2,200 jobs, mostly in education, according to KPBS.

Professional and business services, on the other hand, lost 1,300 jobs. Leisure and hospitality was down 1,200 as well, mostly in food services positions.

San Diego County’s unemployment rate hasn’t fallen below 6.8 percent since reaching 6.7 percent in October 2008.

Mission Hills Heritage begins its Ninth Annual Lecture Series

On Saturday, Jan. 8, Mission Hills Heritage will begin its annual series of talks and displays focusing on romantic architectural styles and decorative arts popular in homes built in the ‘20s and ‘30s.

The organization’s first installment of the series will focus on Spanish Revival architecture of the era. The event’s speakers will be journalist and filmmaker Noah Tafolla, architectural historian Ron May and historic restoration architect Kim Grant, with each giving a unique presentation relating to the era. Artisans will also be present to share their knowledge of caring for and improving vintage homes. They will demonstrate projects repairing common Spanish-style amenities.

The lectures will take place from 1 to 4:30 p.m. at the Francis Parker School, 4201 Randolph St. Entrance is $10 for individuals and $15 for two.

Gloria makes a wager with Cincinnati mayor

Interim Mayor Todd Gloria announced his wager with Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley on whose team will be victorious.

After a close victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, the San Diego Chargers will go on to face the Cincinnati Bengals on Jan. 5. The mayors of the two cities have pounced on the opportunity for some lighthearted publicity.

If the Chargers win, Gloria will receive some Gold Star chili, Graeter’s Ice Cream and Montgomery Inn BBQ from Cranley. If Cincinnati is victorious, Gloria will send craft brews from Hillcrest Brewing Company and Thorn Street Brewery, in addition to wearing a Bengals jersey at his next media briefing.

“I’ve heard nothing but great things about the chili, ice cream and barbecue in Cincinnati,” Gloria said. “I’m looking forward to tasting all of it.”

California outlaws ticketing at broken meters until 2017

After a heated debate centered in Los Angeles, Gov. Jerry Brown signed a law that will prohibit meter readers from ticketing cars parked at broken meters, reported KPBS. This change nullifies any city ordinances allowing the practice.

While San Diego’s parking meters FAQ page does not explicitly state that cars are prohibited from parking at broken meters, it recommends cars look for another meter, and to alert the Parking Meter shop of the needed repair by calling 800-808-5998.