At its March meeting, La Jolla Shores Association held its annual members election and heard about the ongoing infrastructure construction that has Avenida de la Playa torn up and about plans to restore The Map in Kellogg Park.
Steve Lindsay, of the city’s Field Engineering Division, gave an update on the disruptive Project 809 Sewer and Water Replacement.
“We’re going full bore to try and wrap this up by Memorial Day,” said Lindsay, adding, “It’s going to take us every bit of that.”
Lindsay said workers on Avenida de la Playa will be working six-day, 10-hour shifts to complete the project, noting work is difficult given that crews have to dig down 20 feet to reach pipes needing to be replaced. The plan at the end of the project is to repave and remark all the streets along with restoring pedestrian ramps and sidewalks, said Lindsay.
“There’s a lot of moving parts to this,” said Shores chair Tim Lucas. “Our business district has been under siege. Please support our businesses who are trying to survive until summer comes.”
Mary Munk, of nonprofit Friends of La Jolla Shores, reported progress is being made on negotiations with contractor T.B. Penick & Sons, Inc. to do repair work on The Map, an educational display originally constructed in 2007 featuring wildlife found at the Shores that has disintegrated and needs to be replaced.
“We have an agreement with Penick to repair The Map, which is being divided into two parts,” said Munk. “The first part is to make a template of the existing map. Then Penick will come in and replace embedded bronze symbols, which number about 50.”
Munk added it is hoped The Map can be improved by adding “mosaic tiles more dynamic in color and durable” than those originally used. “This is probably the most valuable educational tool for our community and the city of San Diego,” said Munk.
In other action:
• Elected to the advisory group for two-year terms were: Izzy Tihanyi, John Sheridan, Angie Preisendorfer, Karen Marshall, Christian Malecot, chair Tim Lucas, Nick LaBeouf, Dave Gordon, Brian Earley and Shahar Compton. Compton tied with Duke Jarboe in community votes and won a coin flip deciding which of the two would take the seat.
• New shorelines park ranger Parish Rye introduced himself to the group, noting he works alongside lifeguards and police. “My focus will be on issues with Kellogg Park and the Shores,” said Rye, adding, “I’m going to be where the problems are.” Rye said his coverage area is from Tourmaline Surf Park in the south to Torrey Pines Gliderport in the north. His email is [email protected].