Real job, fake news

The City of San Diego’s communications department, already chock full of public relations hands speaking favorably of Republican mayor Kevin Faulconer (himself an ex-PR man), is looking for more of the same.

The new employees, their numbers unspecified, will be expected to “develop, coordinate, and disseminate information to the media,” as well as “arrange for photographic work for departmental and publicity purposes,” and “conduct media tours of facilities and activities.” Experience in “planning and coordinating the production and dissemination of public relations or public information programs involving audio, visual, print, or social media,” is a must along with “four years of full-time professional-level public relations, media relations, journalism, advertising or community relations.” The annual salary will range from $59,363.20 to $71,760.

Current employees of the city’s communications operation include ex–TV journalist Nicole Darling of former CW affiliate XETV. The department, with estimated annual expenses of about $3.6 million, according to the city budget, runs a website called InsideSanDiego.org, presenting Faulconer in upbeat situations, including teaching science to elementary school children at the downtown library.

“It’s an opportunity to make it fun, get some hands-on learning with bugs, solar energy, 3D printing,” the mayor is quoted as saying. “It’s all about making math, engineering, arts fun for kids.”