The La Jolla Community Planning Association (LJCPA) conceptually approved plans for a new handicap-accessible La Jolla Cove lifeguard station at its monthly meeting Oct. 7. But the decision was not made without opposition. Twelve trustees voted in favor of the concept — meaning the city of San Diego has not yet applied for permits to move forward with construction. Four LJCPA board members opposed the item and two abstained. The plan, presented by architect Rick Espana, of Roesling Nakamura Terada Architects, and city project manager Jihad Sleiman, would add an accessible ramp from the street level to the mid-level viewing deck to comply with requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. In addition, the lifeguard tower would be replaced with one that is two feet taller and levering off the bluff, as opposed to the current observation tower that is supported by stilts. Questions were raised that the proposed plan would not provide handicap access to the beach itself. Several members suggested that architects take into consideration the possible need for an elevator in the future. As it stands, elevator access to the beach is not a legal mandate. But concerns arose about the possibility that years down the line legal requirements may change. Sleiman said the proposed plan is in compliance with ADA standards and that it is not feasible to provide handicap access to the beach for reasons like tide fluctuation. Board member Gregory Scott Salmon asked Espana and Sleiman if they have presented plans to diving and swimming groups who use the cove on a frequent — if not daily — basis. The pair said they have not. However, they said they have explained the project to people using the cove who they’ve encountered while making plans at the site. Sleiman said the plans so far have been well received. Salmon suggested the planners post details of the project proposal on the glass-covered community information board near the lifeguard station. Salmon voted against the measure. “It’s too early to have these concepts without talking to these groups,” said Salmon, a La Jollan who once worked as a lifeguard. “It would be so easy for the city to talk to these groups. I don’t understand why they don’t.” Board member Laura Ducharme Conboy, a local architect, countered Salmon’s argument, stressing that the purpose of the project is to make the cove’s viewing deck and lifeguard station handicap-accessible — an aspect of the plan that doesn’t apply to divers and swimmers. Orrin Gabsch voted against the concept because it is only that — a concept. “We need to approve something that’s more defined,” he said. On Oct. 8, LJCPA Board President Joe LaCava posted plans of the proposed lifeguard station near the site of the current tower, as per the wishes of trustees.
