With 2012 just days old, the La Jolla Village News asked several community members what their hopes are for the new year. Some of them gave us a peek at their personal goals, while others shared their aspirations for the community as a whole.
It would be nice, every day during this year, to find a way to show thanks for the gift of living in La Jolla, nestled between the blue sea and the green hills, whose alluring beauty is perfectly complemented by so many kind, thoughtful and generous friends who gratefully share this same good fortune. — Rick Wildman, La Jolla Town Council president Here are our predictions for 2012: • La Jolla will become a hotbed of thriving small businesses, with nary a “For Lease” sign to be found. • The real estate market will revive just enough to keep locals out of foreclosure and homes at affordable prices. • The weather will maintain its glorious norm, save for at least one day of snow so our children can experience a true white Christmas. • School budget issues will become a thing of the past as our representatives will recognize the importance of education over pensions. • Restaurants will be required to provide outdoor dining and, in doing so, will find themselves on a clear path to success for years to come. • Children will be made to appreciate all the wonderful things we enjoy about living in La Jolla, recognize this lifestyle is unlike what most of the world experiences and will take that knowledge and work to improve the lives of others. • The tourists will still flock to our resort-like town to stay in its world-renowned hotels and shop and dine by the sea, but will arrive on foot, so that finding a parking spot and getting down Girard Avenue will not require the patience of Job or 10 gallons of gas during the summer or holidays. • The seals will stay with us, but instigate a swim hour each day, during which they’ll promise to nap on shore while the swimmers get their workout — like open lap swimming in the local pool, the seals will create “Open Cove Swimming.” • And, finally, La Jolla will continue to become the town we know it can be: friendly, generous, pothole-free, open, flourishing and full of neighborly love. Happy New Year to all! — Michael and Jennifer Spengler, owners of Studio M?Photography and PR?in a Flash I am very impressed that the sense of community and mutual support seems to be returning to La Jolla. What makes La Jolla such a world-class area to live, work or visit is the stunning natural beauty, the charming neighborhood village feel and the diverse people who make up our community. My hope for 2012 is that we continue to work together with cooperation and have the strength and compassion to appreciate our differences and debate civilly on how to improve our quality of life. Our special events — Christmas Parade, LJ Art & Wine Festival, Concours d’Elegance and other events in the Cove (and potentially a major 2012 film festival) — enhance the richness of our experiences together. I hope we continue to produce such events, and if I had my way, add a little more nightlife to the Village. Others call it paradise, we call it home! — John Weinstein, LJTC second vice president
For 2012, I?would like to do more shopping in La Jolla prior to going online or elsewhere. Also, I need to drink less diet soda and do more yoga. — Katie Dillon, La Jolla Living, LLC
2011 saw a resurgence in community pride. La Jolla was made a better place with major private and public improvements; including putting the art back in the art colony, cleaning street by street, reclaiming coastal access, preserving our past, turning on the lights, fixing and enhancing our streets, bringing back shoppers and rallying to those in need. My hope for 2012 is that we expand on that pride and engagement. Whether as an individual or as part of an organization, whether one steps up or simply funds up, let’s make 2012 the year we all get involved. Pick a project, pick a cause, or pick an organization; let’s continue making good things happen in La Jolla. — Joe LaCava, LJCPA trustee
We both vow not to improve ourselves this year. — Audrey Geisel and columnist Natasha Josefowitz
Three words to describe 2011 for me! OOH LA LA! The grand opening of Ooh La La Dance Academy in the Village has been my greatest milestone. The power of dance changes life beyond imagination, touches depths and inspires the human soul. My 17 dance master instructors and I look forward to growing with La Jolla. — Salsa Susie Nguyen, owner of Ooh La La Dance Academy
