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Best large cities: San Diego fifth
One of the problem in such surveys is that each factor is given equal weight. For us in CA, weather is a huge factor. But so is the sky-high COL compared to other states. Of course, each person and family puts different weights on these factors, so quantifying their value is difficult, to put it mildly. Here's a recent update of a factor I track: The CA COL is 41.0% higher than the national average in the 1st quarter of 2018, up from 36.3% higher a year earlier. CA COL is 54.4% higher than TX. https://www.missourieconomy.org/indicators/cost_o…— July 26, 2018 7:52 a.m.
The voluble Carl DeMaio on his gas tax revolt
The bias of the progressive READER reporter shines through with this question he poses to DeMaio: ***But, I asked, “What about employees who contended that — having paid into the then-extant system — they rightfully expected a certain level of income and were now being deprived?”*** The city employees who started with the city when defined benefit (opulent guaranteed) pensions were legal did NOT lose their pensions, or their pension formulas. They were grandfathered, though they now have to pay a more reasonable percentage of the cost of their pensions. Because of competition for cops, the San Diego police still get those "90% at 30 years" pensions -- about double the percentage of income that a 30 year military person would get. Except for police, the NEW employees don't get these pensions. Instead they get an EXTREMELY generous full matching 401k plan -- far better than any 401k plan found in the private sector. They knew of the retirement plan offered when they signed on (or shortly thereafter). It's a two tier system -- very common when pension plans are reformed. For instance, in about 2006 the state of Alaska changed their retirement plan so that all NEW state employees get 401k plans rather than guaranteed pensions. The federal government long ago REDUCED their guaranteed pensions for NEW employees – providing a low pension plan combined with a matching 401k plan. In each case, these governments have two-tiered plans. This tier switch for NEW hires is also common among those PRIVATE companies that phased out guaranteed pensions. Yet the reporter repeats the standard labor union canard that people are LOSING some of their promised pensions. It's not true. But this article (and its tone) IS a fine example of both the journalistic liberal bias and economic illiteracy of modern reporters.— May 30, 2018 5:19 p.m.
Hidden costs of SD homes are nation's third highest
The National Association of Home Builders published a very detailed study in 2009 using data from the American Housing Survey, the US. Census, and HUD. Their report states that the average home is owned for about 13 years. The report breaks this number out further by single family homes at 15 years and multi-unit condos at 6 years. There's more data broken out by region and other factors, but that's the headline. 13 Years. I suspect San Diego home switching is less frequent than the national average. Source: https://www.nahb.org/generic.aspx?genericContentI…— October 29, 2017 1:27 p.m.
Chargers stadium destiny and Dick Cheney's daughters
I know it's fun to "out" wealthy Republicans who support stadium subsidies (BOTH parties have crony capitalists, seeking huge subsides from the taxpayers). They SHOULD be outed. But perhaps the actual Republican PARTY should have been queried as to its official position on the matter. The official position is to oppose any new taxes for the stadium. Or the convention center (whatever variation you want to consider). Think not? Contact the GOP and ask. Speak with Tony Krvaric, the head of the county GOP. The GOP County Central Committee has voted to oppose tax increases this election (there will be a LOT of tax increases to vote on -- a record number, I believe). That opposition will be formal, and communicated to the GOP voters before the election. Now, back to the conspiracy mode. Enjoy.— August 4, 2016 9 p.m.
Streetscaped out of La Mesa Village
There's one more reason for consumers to avoid La Mesa, and for businesses to go elsewhere (or go OUT of business): La Mesa now has the second highest sales tax in the county -- 8.75%. Only union run, predatory National City is higher (9%). El Cajon WAS higher (9%), but last year they reduced their sales tax to 8.5%. Most of the county and cities are 8%. I won't shop in La Mesa. And I encourage others to do the same.— May 3, 2016 3:45 p.m.
More criticism of county transportation plan
Yes, let's drive up housing costs and rents. Drive out the undesirables. You know the type -- lower income people, especially minorities that make us white folks uncomfortable. They are not "our kind" of people. Yeah, let's make San Diego America's Finest City -- drive the blue collar residents (especially blacks and Hispanics) out so we rich white folks can enjoy the beach in peace. Okay, okay, some Asians can stay. Diversity IS important. Oh sure, quite a few well-to-do San Diegans will leave too -- for other regions that offer better economic opportunities and far lower housing costs. We don't need their tax dollars to fund some of the most overpaid public employees in the nation. Or their pensions. Ahhhh, California Dreamin'.— October 8, 2015 5:26 a.m.
Use brains, stay in California
Don, you think private investment is bad, I think it's good. You see rape (is that an economic term?), I don't. "Private equity is a scam by definition"??? I'm not sure what dictionary you are referencing. For one company to invest in another (profit making) company is a scam? Yet for a private company to invest in a start-up company is good? Oh my! You claim some FUTURE meltdown in Texas as these nefarious corporate investors gut the companies -- which of course is impossible to refute, as there's ALWAYS the future -- it never gets here. So far -- in spite of this evil investing has been going on in Texas for decades -- your concerns seem to lack substance. Perhaps you can cite some gutting in Texas, along with the magnitude of such transgressions.— August 28, 2014 9 a.m.
Use brains, stay in California
Ignore.— August 28, 2014 8:48 a.m.
Use brains, stay in California
Yes, housing prices in these primo locations have soared back to pre-recession levels. Of course, continuing low interest rates have helped. But assuming that interest rates rise to a more normal level (1-2% higher than current rates), this housing boom will come to a screeching stop. People simply could not qualify for home loans and/or would choose not to pay such high rates. Rising home prices has been great for us home OWNERS, but not good for our younger population which has to pay the government scarcity-created prices (or higher rent). As a result, California ranks 49th worst for percentage of home ownership. http://riderrants.blogspot.com/2013/02/more-disma…— August 28, 2014 8:12 a.m.
Use brains, stay in California
As you well know, I'm no fan of John Moores. You and I were prominent critics of the Petco Park giveaway. He's a "rent seeker" -- trying to earn profits via government subsidies that he can't earn in the free market. But I take no joy in the departure of wealth (and jobs) from California to Texas.— August 28, 2014 8:05 a.m.