New kid on the block The council heard the introduction of Howard Singer, a La Jolla resident hoping to gain a seat as a Town Council trustee. After official nomination of Singer during the meeting by trustee Egon Kafka, council members were invited to ask Singer any questions regarding his intentions and goals as a potential trustee. Many of the inquiries revolved around Singer’s motives regarding the La Jolla Christmas Parade. Back in 2005, Singer had been part of a contingent attempting to change the parade’s moniker to the “La Jolla Holiday Parade.” The issue polarized — and continues to divide — members in the community, including some who serve on the Town Council. Some trustees voiced their concern that Singer would revisit his days campaigning for the name change. “Can you say that you unequivocally won’t be involved in any group trying to change the name of the parade?” asked trustee Ken King. Singer insisted he had not actively been involved with efforts to alter the parade’s name in any way in recent years. “You haven’t heard a peep from me in all the editorials [recently],” he said. “I don’t care what it’s called. Forget the name, that’s ancient history.” Trustee Ann Kerr Bache expressed concern that in the past, Singer — instead of first coming to community leaders — had embarked on a “media campaign.” She said she would support him now because of his claims he had moved on and no longer plans to pursue the issue, but also said she had reservations. “I’m willing to give you the benefit of the doubt,” she said, “but I don’t think you should get involved in the Parade Committee your first few years [on the council].” Singer, who owns several historic cars that have been driven in various community parades, conveyed a desire to help the parade — but not to try to change its name. “I’ve moved past that incident in 2005,” he said. “I don’t care what it’s called, but I want to have it, and I want to see attendance at it like the Ocean Beach Holiday Parade. No one has a better parade than La Jolla, and I think I can help grow it.” The trustees had another issue with Singer’s election to the council. At a recent Town Council meeting, a new trustee had been elected by a show of hands. Some trustees were concerned about the influence a public vote could potentially have on the outcome of an election, and so — after a motion by trustee Ed Ward — the council voted 13-6 to vote by written ballot. The council then voted on Singer’s nomination. The votes were counted by First Vice President Rob Hildt and Treasurer Cindy Greatrex, and came back 10-10 (with council President Rick Wildman abstaining). Wildman, being forced to supply the tie-breaking vote, voted in favor of Singer’s appointment, and Singer took an oath to “uphold the highest standards of community service,” “refrain from practices that promote self-interest” and “dedicate [his] activities to the betterment of the community of La Jolla.” In other news … • The La Jolla Town Council will host its first annual “Day at the Races” event on Sept 2. Starting with a happy hour at Barfly, participants will then be driven to the Del Mar Racetrack by limo bus to enjoy the races in the private Betty Grable Suite with catered food and drinks and an open view of the course. There is a free concert after the races, and participants can opt to be taken back to La Jolla before or after the concert. $125 Town Council members, $150 nonmembers, $100 per person for groups of five or more. For more information, contact executive director Valerie Strocco at (858) 454-1444 or [email protected]. • The next Town Council SunSetter mixer will be on Aug. 18 at the Destination Event Center, 1020 Prospect St., at 5 p.m. $5 for members, $10 for nonmembers and free for new members who sign up and pay dues at the door. Visit www.lajolltowncouncil.org for more information. • Greatrex announced that Independent La Jolla is actively fundraising. All but three documents required to put the issue of an autonomous La Jolla to a vote have been submitted. The group, Greatrex said, is looking to raise about $120,000 more. • Trustree Egon Kafka announced that the Streetscape Committee is making an effort to implement some green initiatives around La Jolla, including planters and bike racks, and the group is also gearing up to install the annual holiday lighting. Kafka said he is always looking for volunteers to help with the installations. • The Town Council heard a presentation by organizers of the third annual La Jolla Art and Wine Festival, to be held Oct. 1 and 2. Benefiting La Jolla elementary schools, the event raised $60,000 last year, and organizers hope to increase that number this year. The council voted unanimously to support the event.