SAN DIEGO'S VISION QUEST

San Diego is experiencing a mini development boom, but opponents are criticizing the development, saying there is no central focus just one big project after another. Two projects in the forefront are the $80 million main library and an expansion of the harborfront convention center. In the transportation area, San Diego's airport--Lindbergh Field--is expected to get an $180 million facelift and expansion. The Metropolitan Transit District's light rail line--the San Diego Trolley--links downtown San Diego with the Mexican border, and new extensions to the line are planned in almost every direction. While the big, glossy projects take center stage, infrastructure maintenance is often neglected, especially roads and water mains. This article examines San Diego-style planning and the vision of the current city manager and mayor. The projects highlighted--everything from construction of Jack Murphy Stadium to the Livable Neighborhoods Initiative--are very ambitious.