BUDGET AXE FALLS ON POWAY DAYS PARADE—UNLESS CITIZENS CAN SAVE IT

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By Miriam Raftery

June 18, 2009 (Poway)—Poway Councilmembers voted Tuesday to stave off cuts in public safety services and avoid lay-offs, but opted to cancel the Poway Days Parade and reduce park hours to make ends meet amid state budget cuts. The parade has been a 44-year tradition in the community.

Council adopted a $33.2 million general fund budget by a 4-0 vote. Canceling the parade, which is co-sponsored by the Poway Chamber of Commerce, will save the city $22,560, North County Times reported. Council members have said they hope to see community sponsors or a civic group step forward to save the parade – following in the footsteps of La Mesa, where a privately-led community fundraising drive saved that city’s Flag Day parade.

Councilman Jim Cunningham aims to organize a “Poway Posse” to sponsor the event next year, according to the Poway Chieftain.

Meadowbrook Gym will close for nine weeks over the summer and Community Park will close one hour earlier (at 11 p.m. instead of midnight) on Fridays and Saturdays. Fourth of July activities will also be curtailed, though the fireworks show will go on.

For more details, see http://www.mylocalnews.com/nws/index.php?/main/content/poway_city_budget... and http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2009/06/17/news/inland/poway/z823ebbc85f... .


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