In June, La Jolla Parks and Beaches, Inc. unanimously approved use of Scripps Park for the 2015 La Jolla Roughwater Swim set for Sept. 13, but it denied a suggestion that a bluff study and drainage analysis be done on Coast Walk to see if it’s feasible to provide more parking for the scenic view there.
Bill Uncapher, representing the Roughwater Swim, noted the high-profile event is returning after a one-year hiatus. The swim was canceled in 2014 due to construction at the La Jolla Cove Lifeguard Station. The cancelation was the first since 1959 in the event’s 83-year history.
Asked by chair and president Dan Allen how much of Scripps Park would be taken up by the swim, Uncapher replied, “Only the portion from the restrooms north to the beach and in the water to the (Scripps) Pier and back.”
Parks and Beaches has a policy of keeping as much of the park open to the general public as possible during special events.
Board member Ann Dynes gave an update on ongoing shoreline enhancement plans for Whale View Point.
“We’ve been able to get all the permits and resources necessary to cut down the old dead salt bush, a native plant, and mulch it and put in 108 new plants,” said Dynes, noting the replace project “is an important first step to get credibility with our vendors and donors and the city.”
Dynes said a list of all the special projects needed to rehabilitate Whale View Point is being compiled.
“We’re chipping away at it,” said Dynes, noting creating a grey whale logo to brand the point is on that list.
Longtime board member Melinda Merryweather cautioned that signage can become “a form of (visual) pollution in the way.” Dynes replied that a stencil, rather than a sign, could be more subtle and just as effective.
By a 5-6-4 vote, Merryweather was turned back in her attempt to get the group to approve doing a bluff study on Coast Walk off Torrey Pines Road. She iterated that a Coast Walk property owner previously shifted boulders; the action, she said, reconfigured parking and needs to be redressed.
La Jolla land-use consultant Michael Pallamary, representing some Coast Walk neighbors, said the situation is more complicated than it seems, as the bluff is gradually eroding. He pointed out that putting more cars on it by increasing parking could compromise safety and stability at the bluff.
“You should do a cost-benefit analysis on this to see if the cost is going to be justified to put two or three extra parking spaces in,” said Pallamary.
“I’m just talking about returning parking places there that are in our community plan,” said Merryweather, noting, “This is a place that cars are supposed to have a view out to the ocean.” Discussion on the issue will continue at the group’s next meeting, set for Aug. 24 at 4 p.m. at La Jolla Rec Center, 615 Prospect St. Parks and Beaches will not meet in July. In other action, Parks and Beaches voted to take a position backing opening up the sluice gates in the crescent-shaped wall to cleanse Children’s Pool.