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She described the I-580 Corridor HOV Lane request for $10 million, stating the request would help meet the funding gap for three major components; the eastbound HOV Lane from Hacienda Drive to Greenville Road; the westbound HOV Lane from Greenville Road to Foothill Road; and the State Route 84 and I-580 Interchange Projects. The Tri-Valley Housing Opportunities Center is a request for $2.6 million to expand services by offering a regional foreclosure program with the focus to educate households on avoiding foreclosures and to provide a mechanism to assist families that are facing circumstances, given the current mortgage situation. The program is expected to serve 50 families and will serve as a model to other communities facing similar conditions, the Center has partnerships with some local lenders and has the capacity to offer the program if funded. Earmark requests were submitted through their lobbying firm in late February and they continue to keep staff apprised of things as they materialize. Mayor Hosterman questioned when the City would know if funds would be realized, and Ms. Lara said things could materialize as early as November or as late as December. Councilmember Thorne said Representative Barney Frank had attended the General Assembly and talked about a plan that may interest the housing group having to do with lenders start writing down mortgages. Once written down, people could be approved by the government to obtain government-secure loans through the lending agencies. Mayor Hosterman said they heard the same story at the US Conference of Mayors in January, and said if people reach out with severe difficulties, the lender is more likely to help them. City Attorney Michael Roush said every year the Board of Directors of the League of California Cities has a November meeting and identify 3-4 items considered to be of highest priority for cities. This year they have identified protecting funding for vital community services; supporting green and sustainable cities; and expanding infrastructure improvements. The League will work closely with the legislature to pass legislation important for those three items. He said as various pieces of legislation make their way through, he will keep the Council apprised and indicate those that the City Council may wish to support as well as those they may oppose. City Manager Fialho said given the State's discussions, the Governor's budget strongly contemplates cut-backs in various services, namely education. Recently the State's Legislative analyst has put forth an alternative budget plan that relies on City and County funding. Those revenue sources include Proposition 172 funding, COPS funding, and reimbursement from Counties for booking fees. He estimated the annual impact would be $650,000 to $700,000 which would need to be made up, but the ultimate budget compromise for the State will not be made until late summer/early fall. 17. Receive a report on the status of the General Plan Update Principal Planner Janice Stern presented a PowerPoint presentation, said the Council originally directed the update in April 2003. She said a number of community meetings were held in various neighborhoods in 2003/2004, identification of issues was done through a questionnaire and discussions, during 2004/2005 multiple Planning Commission and City Council meetings were held which worked through some basic land use and circulation issues, and since that time to the present, staff has been preparing the various elements and taking information and developing background materials, goals, programs and policies relating to all issues. City Council Minutes 7 March 18, 2008