CUTTING COUNCIL RED TAPE District 1 City Councilwoman Sherri Lightner attended the La Jolla Community Planning Association meeting to provide details of a new City Council committee dedicated to improving the city’s economy by cutting red tape and streamlining city processes. Called the Committee on Economic Development and Strategies and headed by Lightner, the committee emerged out of the City Council-hosted Regulatory Relief Day, held in November, during which members of the community were invited to give input on how the council could work more effectively. Lightner said the project is something she has been advocating for before she even served on the City Council. “Having such a committee is something that is very important — probably the most important thing for the city of San Diego,” she said. “It will be instrumental in crafting a long-term vision for San Diego’s economy, as well as looking for ways to cut red tape, making it easier for businesses to get started and grow.” Lightner said the committee’s primary focus would be on pensions and local growth. Lightner also gave an update on the Torrey Pines Corridor Project. She noted the recent installation of two electronic speed-warning signs along Torrey Pines Road (at Amalfi Street traveling east and at Viking Way traveling west). “I just about drove off the road when I saw them,” Lightner said of her reaction to finally seeing the long-awaited signs. She said the signs will be operational within the next couple of weeks. NAEGLE RATIFIED — AMID OPPOSITION The LJCPA voted to ratify Myrna Naegle as a member of the La Jolla Shores Permit Review Committee. Resident Bob Whitney, who was in the audience, voiced his opposition to the ratification. “The [Naegle residence] is in violation of the San Diego municipal code,” Whitney said. “I think as somebody that’s going to judge applicants that come in front of them, their building should be in compliance with the rules that they’re trying to make other people enforce.” Naegle was already voted in as a member of the committee, and her appointment to it stands. The purpose of the LJCPA’s ratification, as trustee Joe LaCava pointed out, is to bring members of various community committees under the umbrella of the LJCPA, thereby covering them under indemnification and defense. MERTEN URGES PUBLIC OUTCRY Trustee Phil Merten appealed to trustees and the public alike to attend a Planning Commission meeting on Jan. 24 at 2 p.m. to voice concern over a project at 8490 Whale Watch Way. The project, which Merten called “potentially precedent-setting,” calls for the demolition of the existing structure and the construction of a 12,716-square-foot single-family residence on a 0.46-acre site. “The floor-area-ratio is 60 percent larger than any single family home on a similarly sized lot in San Diego,” Merten said. “If this moves forward, it would blow the lid off the Shore. To quote Dale Naegle, ‘If approved, there’s no point in even having the La Jolla Shores [Planned District Ordinance].” BEES AND CHICKENS AND GOATS, OH MY The LJCPA was asked to weigh in on the proposed changes to the municipal code regarding urban agriculture. The current laws state that urban chickens must be kept 50 feet away from any residence. The proposal would amend that to allow up to five chickens to be kept with no setback requirement, while 15 chickens could be kept if set back 15 feet from the property line. No roosters would be allowed. The changes also allow for two miniature goats at city residences. The proposal, which the San Diego Planning Commission voted to recommend to the City Council in December, also includes a provision allowing for community gardens and farmer’s markets. The LJCPA voted to recommend approval of the gardens and markets to the City Council, but voiced opposition to provisions involving animal husbandry in its recommendation. The City Council will consider reports from several community groups when it votes on the proposed changes on Jan. 24. NUTS ’N’ BOLTS • LaCava put out a call to trustees and members of the audience to alert members of the LJCPA who haven’t attended a meeting in the last 11 months to come to the Feb. 2 meeting. “About one-third of our members will lose their eligibility if they don’t attend the meeting in February,” he said. Members are required to attend at least one meeting per year to maintain membership. • The LJCPA voted to approve Phase 1 of the Avenida de la Playa infrastructure replacement project. The project will replace the storm drain system along Avenida de la Playa in La Jolla Shores. • President Tony Crisafi said the LJCPA will hold its annual trustee election on March 1. Those interested in running must have attended at least three meetings in the last year, and should indicate their interest in becoming a trustee by February, by sending an email to or advising a current trustee, or by announcing it at the next LJCPA meeting. A candidate forum will be held at the February meeting. • LaCava said the Tour of Bird Rock Homes will take place on Jan. 28. Cost of the tour is $25 and net proceeds benefit Bird Rock Elementary School.