La Jolla Parks and Beaches (LJPB) members weighed in on the Mt. Soledad Memorial Association’s request for an easement to provide power to the veterans’ memorial atop Mt. Soledad. Although approval of an easement would provide power for a number of things — including an electric information kiosk and a public-address system for the association’s community events — LJPB members concentrated much of their attention on proposed lighting of the stairways, plaques and flag that would inevitably come with the approval of the easement. According to Mt. Soledad Memorial Association’s chairman, Bill Kellogg, the group has been commissioned by the Navy, which owns the property, to “preserve or return the memorial to such a condition that would be safe when visited by the public,” according to a memorandum of understanding between the two parties. “One of the things that the Navy had asked us to do was make sure that there was safe access to the site, so we committed to make sure that we carried out the installation of stairway lighting, which would help after dark with people navigating their way up,” he said. The association has also proposed illumination of the American flag atop the memorial, allowing it to fly 24 hours a day and eliminating the need for raising and lowering it each morning and night. Many committee members who attended a lighting test at the site praised the illumination of the flag, but stated their ambivalence toward lighting on the stairways and plaques. “I thought the flag was beautiful,” said LJPB member John Beaver. “I believe the lights going up the steps were excessive — they were overly bright — and the ones showing the plaques were probably unnecessary.” Several LJPB members found the lighting objectionable altogether due to so-called “light pollution,” which hinders visitors’ star-viewing capabilities. “Where am I going to see the stars, if you take away our oasis in the dark?” asked LJPB member Sally Miller. “Once this oasis is gone, we’re never going to get it back again.” Member Jane Reldan agreed. “I respect the veterans very much. It’s not a matter of disrespect. It’s a matter of trying to preserve the night sky,” she said. Some among the committee voiced unease that, despite best efforts by the association and the local planning committee, the Navy — as the federal property owner — could supersede the compromises made among the local organizations. “The thing that scares me here is the fact that we are voting on the idea that they can bring electricity up there. That means anytime the Navy comes along and says they want to light it up, are they going to be controlling you?” asked LJPB member Melinda Merryweather. “I’m just afraid they’re just going to go up there and do what they’re going to do.” Kellogg assured the committee the Navy is allowing the memorial association to run the details, so long as it adheres to its end of the deal — that is, ensuring the safety of visitors. “The way the lights are lit is something we can work on as a community going forward. We’re interested in doing it right,” he said. “We’re here because we want to be as sensitive to the neighborhood as we possibly can.” He said the kinks are still to be worked out regarding exact details of the lighting. “Our intent is not to light the mountaintop, it’s to provide safety for the public and to honor the American flag,” he said. “The lighting plan is something that we have not perfected yet. I don’t know how it is going to turn out, but we pledge to work with you here.” Ultimately, the LJPB approved support of the easement subject to the memorial group returning to the committee with more precise plans for lighting the site. Around La Jolla’s parks and beaches • Despite some members’ concerns over setbacks and closing all of Scripps Park for a charity event, the committee approved support of next year’s La Jolla Concours d’Elegance event on April 6-7 at Scripps Park. • The LJPB voted in favor of sending a letter written by member Ken Hunricks that urges the Planning Commission to explore and support alternatives to the proposed year-round rope at the Children’s Pool beach, which is intended to separate humans and seals on the beach. The Planning Commission will tentatively determine whether or not a site development permit will be granted for the rope barrier at its Aug. 30 meeting. • There will be no LJPB meeting in August. The next LJPB meeting will take place at 4 p.m. on Sept. 24.