In February La Jolla Village Merchants Association heard from a local architect about a public improvement project, as well discussing hosting events associated with horse racing’s Breeder’s Cup coming to Del Mar.
La Jolla architect Paul Benton presented a proposal to enhance the existing pedestrian crossing on Girard Avenue, in front of Ralph Lauren Store, by improving landscaping and adding a crossing signal.
“Girard is an extremely wide street,” Benton said noting that presents an opportunity “for the beautification of that part of the street, a little triangle where people park that we could fill with landscaping.” He added the goal would be to “not lose any parking spots.”
Benton recommended the installation of a push-button stoplight at the crossing with yellow flashing lights to make it safer and more user-friendly.
LJVMA board member Laurnie Durisoe asked who would be responsible for tending the new landscaping. She was told the LJVMA BID would be responsible for the improvement project, and that the voter-approved Maintenance Assessment District would fund the project once the MAD gets going in 2018.
Following year-end strategic planning sessions, LJVMA president James Niebling in January noted priorities determined by board members included burnishing the merchant group’s image, updating its website, optimizing social media outreach and developing a signature event.
It was announced at the Feb. 8 LJVMA meeting that one of Thoroughbred racing’s most prestigious international events, the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, is coming to Del Mar Race Track for the first time ever this year on Nov. 3-4. LJVMA board member Brett Murphy pointed out the Breeder’s Cup coming to town presents a rare opportunity for merchants to capitalize on via joining in on viewing parties, sponsorship or promotional activities associated with the event.
Board member Ike Fazzio, a Village electric bike shop owner, noted “there is going to be overflow” from the Breeders Cup in Del Mar, with racegoers spilling over into La Jolla.
“They’ll need stuff to do afterward outside of Del Mar,” Fazzio said. “La Jolla could be a big benefactor from that.”
“We just had a preliminary meeting on it,” said LJVMA’s executive director Sheila Fortune about the group’s possible participation in the Breeders Cup.
In other action:
• LJVMA approved and swore in Rani Chatha from Eddie V’s restaurant to replace Christophe Cevasco as a member of the board.
• Diver John Leek appealed to the board to support him in his efforts to chastise the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for accepting, without due diligence, a video posted on Facebook by a seal activist alleging harassment of the local sea lion population. Leek was told by Fortune that his request needed to be postponed for a month because the group has to give 30-days public notice for an action item.
