U.S. District Court

From the Union Tribune -

Reflecting the discontent of San Diego police officers over a city-imposed contract and the threatened loss of pension benefits, the police union has filed a federal lawsuit demanding millions of dollars from the city in damages and the removal from office of City Attorney Michael Aguirre.

The lawsuit, filed yesterday in U.S. District Court, alleges that police union members were harmed by city officials who allowed the underfunding of the employees pension system and engaged in bad-faith negotiations during recent contract talks.

No More Write-in's

From the Union Tribune -

SAN DIEGO – An ordinance that bans write-in candidates from future runoff elections was tentatively approved Monday by the City Council.

The unanimous vote resolves a conflict between the city's municipal code, which permits write-in candidates during a runoff election, and the City Charter, which does not.

"I don't support banning write-in candidates, but I also don't support inconsistent documentation," Councilwoman Donna Frye said.

City Budget

From KPBS SAN DIEGO (2005-08-03)

The San Diego City Council -- and the public -- will soon get monthly updates on the budget. It's part of an effort to restore public trust and accountability to city hall.

Deputy Mayor Toni Atkins and Councilwoman Donna Frye have asked the city auditor to give the written reports starting Monday. The city has been required to do this for years...but hasn't done so. The city budget is tens of millions of dollars in the red and the pension fund has at least a billion dollar deficit. Councilwoman Frye, who's also running for mayor, says the proposal is being done..