SD Chargers: Two Weeks Without Talks Between Spanos and San Diego Officials

By JAMES R. RIFFEL

Two weeks after Chargers Chairman Dean Spanos spoke separately by phone with San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer and county Supervisor Ron Roberts, there have been no further contacts, their spokesmen told City News Service today.

Spanos talked to the civic leaders Jan. 14, two days after his team was given a one-year window by the National Football League to join the Rams in a move to Los Angeles.

The Chargers owner has since been considering his options and negotiating a deal with Rams owner Stan Kroenke about the terms in which they would share a future stadium in Inglewood, on the site of the old Hollywood Park.

It’s unclear whether, if the two owners forge a pact, that would mean the Chargers would definitely relocate, or use the provisions to inform future talks with San Diego officials about staying in their home of 55 years.

“The franchise is continuing to review all of its options, and no final decision on relocation has been made,” team special counsel Mark Fabiani said.

The Chargers may not be completely ignoring San Diego. Fabiani said he gave City Attorney Jan Goldsmith an update today, which he said wasn’t an unusual occurrence.

Goldsmith’s office did not immediately return a message seeking comment.

In other developments:
-- it was revealed that the Chargers submitted grading and landscape plans for approval by the city of Santa Ana for a five-acre parcel that would be the location of the team’s interim headquarters and training facilities if the team moves;

-- the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Commission heard a presentation on a proposed amended lease with USC that would let two NFL teams play in the venerable stadium, instead of the one currently allowed, until the Inglewood facility is ready; and

-- longtime Nevada political reporter Jon Ralston shared a note from University of Nevada-Las Vegas President Len Jessup that said Oakland Raiders executives plan to tour the area Friday and have questions about 42 acres
recently acquired by the school for a new stadium for the Rebels football team.

The Raiders, which no longer have a lease for the Oakland Coliseum, have been mentioned as a possible replacement in San Diego if the Chargers move to Los Angeles.

Regarding Santa Ana, Fabiani said the submission had to happen now because of the long time it takes to get approvals, and install turf to be ready for preseason training camp.

• Previous:
• San Diego Chargers, City, County Playing Nice; For Now
• NFL Considers San Diego Chargers Request For L.A. Move
• NFL Owners Dissect Proposals for an LA Team

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--City News Service