Out of the past

San Diego — The memo, dated September 6, 1978, is from San Diego Police Captain P.H. Rose to Captain M.C. Guaderrama. It sings the praises of a 28-year-old officer, badge number 1840, bucking for promotion to the rank of Police Agent: "Jerry has completed in excess of 150 college credits majoring in English. He possesses an A.A. Degree, Intermediate P.O.S.T. Certificate, E.M.T. Certificate, and California Teaching Credential (Limited)." Rose goes on to say that "Jerry has a very pleasing personality. He is usually soft spoken and congenial during public contacts, unless the situation dictates otherwise. He communicates very well with his peers and with all supervisors." Also, "While a member of S.W.A.T., he instructed in the use of chemical agents and rifle training and assisted in scheduling and coordinating for the S.W.A.T. Academy and training." Rose adds, "Jerry's appearance is excellent. He maintains his uniforms and equipment, and obviously takes pride in his appearance. He has no mannerisms which could be considered detrimental." And: "Jerry is a good report writer. He has the education to be able to express his thoughts logically. His reports are always clear and concise as to the circumstances of an incident." Of course, nobody's perfect. Under the heading "Reprimand" is "February 21, 1976 - Off-duty DWI, 10-day suspension." The young police officer's name: Gerald R. Sanders.

Comings and goings The departure of Cliff Williams as chief-of-staff for San Diego city councilman Scott Peters is causing a bit of a stir at city hall. Williams, who has worked for Peters in one role or another for the past five years, is moving over to the downtown office of the big national law firm Latham & Watkins to become a "land-use analyst". According to city records, Latham lawyer Allen Haynie is currently lobbying the council on behalf of 12 clients, including the Chargers, which retained Latham on April 27. Other clients are developer Black Mountain Ranch, LLC; Liberty Station's Corky McMillin Companies; Centurion Partners; big box retailer Home Depot; and Allied Waste Industries.

The Chargers actually have two lobbyists working on their new stadium proposal; former Clinton-Gore campaign guru Mark Fabiani registered as a lobbyist for the team in January. He's said to be laboring to produce a possible Chargers-sponsored ballot measure that would end-run the city council by making the team's pitch for free Mission Valley land directly to voters. Having ex-city hall insider Williams on board to help push the measure might be invaluable to Stockton mega-millionaire Alex Spanos and son Dean, who own the team.

But critics of the Chargers deal are sure to be watching closely. Under city law, departing employees are forbidden by a "project ban" from getting paid by someone who is advocating a development project in which the ex-worker has had a "substantial" role in overseeing during his or her tenure with the city. Ethics Commission chief exec Stacey Fulhorst says she's scheduled a routine exit interview next week with Williams, during which she plans to go over with him the tricky ins-and-outs of the restrictions. Williams didn't return a phone call seeking comment...Arnold Watch, a group opposed to GOP governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and his pending ballot measures, is out with an e-mail: "From now on all campaign rallies will begin with a 'Go Team Arnold' cheer from the San Diego Charger cheerleaders -- brought to you by team owner Alex Spanos, the Big A's top donor with $2,114,700 delivered."

Drunk town Hottest new attraction for the swinging set is the Hotel Solamar at Sixth and J Street, developed by Padres owner John Moores as part of his sweetheart stadium package with the city. The hotel's most unique feature: a flaming red urinal painted to resemble a woman's mouth in the men's bathroom of the posh fourth-floor rooftop "J-Bar"... Meantime, San Diego may be going broke, but the party continues at the city's official skybox at Petco Park. Established via a quiet agreement between city fathers and Moores, the skybox is a favorite party venue for council members, their staffs, and high-rolling campaign supporters.

During a game last week, according to a lucky attendee, there was unlimited beer and wine, along with as many nachos, hot dogs, and finger food that box occupants could devour, all for the low fee of $15, and the liquor was not cut off in the seventh inning, as is the case in the public stands. An official game program, with a face value of $5, was thrown in for free. ...The San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce has announced its first ever "Get Connected at Sea" business networking cruise to Baja California aboard the Carnival Paradise. Departing for three days in November, the trip is advertised as offering a "1-Hour Open Bar Networking Cocktail Party" so that chamber members can "put your new networking skills to work." If that's too arduous for local business types, the chamber says, "Don't worry; you will have plenty of time with your family and friends to enjoy the fabulous dining, endless entertainment, Camp Carnival children's program, friendly casino and everything else while the Carnival Paradise takes you to Ensenada, Mexico." Suites run from $659.