Having turned the page on 2014, La Jolla community leaders are looking toward even better times in the next 12 months.
La Jolla Village News consulted with some prominent La Jollans, asking them to submit their wish lists and gaze into their crystal balls to see what they envision happening in 2015.
First District councilmember and council president Sherri Lightner is excited about the new year.
“The City has several important infrastructure projects happening in La Jolla right now,” she said. “I’m really looking forward to the completion of these projects, which will improve public safety and water quality and introduce traffic calming.”
Lightner said the top capital improvement projects in La Jolla include the Torrey Pines Corridor, the Avenida de la Playa Infrastructure Upgrade and the construction of two new lifeguard towers at the Cove and Children’s Pool.
Lightner is also looking forward to celebrating the 100th anniversary of the La Jolla Recreation Center in summer 2015.
As City Council president, Lightner says her top initiatives are to include working on the 2016 fiscal year budget to improve services for parks and recreation, libraries and public safety; spearheading the newly formed Charter Review Committee to examine and revise the City Charter to improve government effectiveness and functionality; and developing water policy initiatives, as well as working with her Council colleagues on economic development in order to attract and retain more businesses in San Diego.
Joe LaCava, president of La Jolla Community Planning Association (LJCPA), which makes land-use recommendations to the City on development projects, presented this wish list for 2015:
• Refine La Jolla Shores zoning to make it more predictable for property owners and homeowners;
• Move residential zoning in La Jolla from generic citywide zoning to zoning that incorporates the goals and objectives of the La Jolla Community Plan;
• Create a better process for protecting and enhancing historic properties;
• Change the City’s focus from increasing regulation and complexity to more effective enforcement of the rules already on the books; and
• Find new sources of revenue to address La Jolla’s and the city’s infrastructure backlog.
Longtime La Jollan, Realtor and community activist Patrick Ahern also expects 2015 to be a busy one in the Jewel. He talked about what’s on the community’s “plate” this year.
“We’re looking forward to the final approval and funding of the La Jolla Cove Pavilion and its restrooms, showers and gathering area to replace the disgusting bathrooms,” said Ahern.
Ahern noted other plans up for consideration are the Whale View Point Project, which includes sidewalk and planting along Coast Boulevard, and protection of the cobbled people’s wall and other elements of this historic venue. Also, he said, the curved wall and seating area at Windansea at the foot of Bonair Street needs attention.
“Let’s get these projects funded and built,” implored Ahern, noting the Torrey Pines Corridor beautification project will also be starting in order to enhance La Jolla’s entryway.
“Privacy is an important element to the residents of this project,” Ahern said, noting he foresees “the discussions on how to handle the sea lions at La Jolla Cove heating up.”
The lifeguard tower and walkways at the Children’s Pool and La Jolla Cove will finally be completed, Ahern pointed out.
“Finally, to spice up the Village, the Plaza La Jolla on Girard and Wall Street will be completed, and I’m looking forward to the development of the movie theaters, performing arts center on Fay and the new La Jolla Museum of Contemporary Art expansion,” Ahern said. “There is a lot happening in La Jolla.”