Car show gets its own day District 1 City Councilwoman Sherri Lightner presented a city proclamation to recognize March 30 through April 1 as Concours d’Elegance Day in the city of San Diego. “We’re hoping that the event will continue to grow and evolve over the years with the partnership with the historical society, and the Village Merchants Association has been very active in helping out,” said Lightner. “This is a very important event, and you all should be going to it.” The La Jolla Concours d’Elegance will take place April 1 at Ellen Browning Scripps Park with special events, including a book signing and guided motor tour of San Diego, taking place in the days leading up to the show. Proceeds from the event will benefit the La Jolla Historical Society and the Monarch School, which provides an accredited education to homeless and at-risk children while also caring for basic needs. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.lajollaconcours.com. Coast Walkway update Phyllis Minick, chairwoman of the La Jolla Parks & Beaches Beautification Committee and landscape architect Jim Neri presented final plans for the Children’s Pool Walkway Beautification project — a redesign proposal of the public promenade and belvedere on Coast Boulevard at the Children’s Pool — and garnered the LJTC’s endorsement of the conceptual plan. The committee has secured a $10,000 credit from the city and is seeking private donors and grants to fund the remaining estimated $240,000 for the improvement project. The plan as proposed includes a turnout by the belvedere to enlarge the viewing area, sidewalk expansion to improve pedestrian flow and decrease congestion, planters along the north wall to discourage climbing, seaside seating walls, a public information area and a designated area for vendors. “I think you guys have done an excellent job,” said Phillips. “I wish there was a way to not give the vendors such a prime real estate space front and center.” Trustee Nancy Gardner said she will draft a letter to the city to call for the removal of vendors from the area, which will be reviewed by the council at its April meeting. “We’re trying to take one step at a time here,” said Minick. “This has been a troubled area. This would make it a whole lot better. I hope — and I’ve been advised by people who have been doing this kind of thing for a long time — that if you improve the way an area works, everything about it becomes better, and I hope that becomes true.” News around town • The LJTC’s annual elections have been postponed. All ballots that have already been received by the LJTC will be voided. New election ballots will be sent out to LJTC members and must be received by the April 10. Officer elections will take place at next month’s meeting on April 12. • LJTC trustees voted to hold the annual Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival this year on Dec. 2. • The Steakhouse at Azul was announced as this month’s LJTC Gold Member. “We’re excited to be a part of the Town Council and be a part of the community and grow. I invite everyone into the restaurant. We have a dynamite happy hour, we’ve got great specials and an amazing view,” said general manager Brian Sussman. “When you come in, don’t hesitate to ask for me. Let me come over and introduce myself so I can start building more personal relationships with people.” • Trustee Charles Hartford announced the individual membership drive kicked off last week to urge community members to become a part of the LJTC. “I think we will see some positive results in new members as a result of this campaign,” he said. • Trustee Greg Phillips announced the LJTC’s Shop Local, Shop La Jolla membership card program has gained traction, and he urged trustees to help continue the momentum by pitching the program to their favorite La Jolla businesses. “We’ve been gaining about a business a week,” he said. “We have over 30 business members at this point — some great flagship La Jolla businesses.” • Vice President Rob Hildt suggested the LJTC create a fundraising committee to come up with some positive community fundraising events. • Trustees voted on changes to the current bylaws. Under the newly revised bylaws, bylaws or code of ethics changes must be adopted by a two-thirds vote instead of a majority vote, and term limits were changed from six to seven years.








