While the corner was turned on the pandemic in the Jewel in 2022, there remained vexing problems to be dealt with such as homelessness, a perceived lack of enough public parking, and uncertainty over how new regulations governing short-term rentals, sidewalk vending, and beach fires were to be implemented.

JANUARY

Panga Sentencing

Operators of a panga boat involved in a deadly smuggling venture that resulted in one drowning death off La Jolla were sentenced to 71 and 60 months in federal prison. The panga’s captain, Victor Alfonso Soto Aguilar, 37, received the 71-month term. Jose Ramon Geraldo Romero, 24, who assisted Soto in boat operations in lieu of paying a smuggling fee, got the 5-year term. Rogelio Perez Gutierrez, 43, a Mexican citizen, was found unconscious in the water in the early morning hours, but he was pronounced dead once lifeguards arrived. The small boat was overloaded beyond capacity. Around 5:23 a.m., the operators instructed all 14 passengers to remove their life jackets and jump in the water about 80 yards from Marine Street Beach in La Jolla.

Gallery Sneak Peak

A special sneak peek at La Jolla’s vastly improved $105 million renovations and expansion of the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego in La Jolla by world-renowned Seldorf Architects was led by Kathryn Kanjo, the David C. Copley director/CEO of MCASD. “We had the one chance to do the renovation,” said Kanjo. “We went big. We went deep. We gathered the space.” Kanjo pointed out the updated MCASD has about 40,000 square feet of exhibit space compared with only about 10,000 feet previously. A tour of the revitalized museum revealed a maze of indoor galleries in cavernous climate-controlled surroundings. The museum’s indoor exhibit space is now quadrupled offering outdoor patios with sweeping ocean views. The museum’s remodel/expansion also pays homage to the building’s extensive architectural heritage.

State Law Changes

New laws on the books in California in 2022 addressed everything from COVID guidelines to racial profiling and systemic racism to a minimum-wage hike, price gouging, property taxes, domestic abuse, and fire protection. The minimum wage went from $14 to $15 an hour on Jan. 1. Animal Welfare: Proposition 12 made metal enclosures that restrict pigs from turning around and cages that prevent hens from opening their wings illegal. A new law alters California’s penal code to make rape within marriage the same in every legal sense as any instance of rape. Another new law allowed police officers who’ve committed misconduct to be decertified. Now they will have their license revoked and not be able to simply switch departments after being fired.

Reconstituted District 1

The boundaries of all nine San Diego City Council Districts, including District 1, as required by law every 10 years, were reshuffled according to the population by a nine-member independent redistricting commission. The biggest change for District 1 was that all of Pacific Beach, previously in District 2 along with the Peninsula, has now been shifted to District 1 along with La Jolla. Mission Beach remains in District 2 along with Ocean Beach, Midway, and Point Loma. Clairemont, previously in Council District 6, is now a part of District 2 as well. Many students at UC San Diego expressed support for being shifted to District 6 with its large Asian American population in communities like Mira Mesa. But redistricting commissioners kept the campus in District 1. University City (UC) east of Interstate 5, was moved to District 6.

40-Year-Old Art Collection

From the iconic “Sun God” to the bold “Fallen Star,” the Stuart Collection has made its mark on the UC San Diego campus over the past four decades. The collection continues to expand since it was first established through an innovative partnership between the Stuart Foundation and the university. Now with 21 works, and another currently under construction, the sculptures have become an unforgettable part of UC San Diego’s landscape, enriching the cultural, intellectual, and scholarly life of the campus.

Golf Mecca

The Farmers Insurance Open brought the world’s best golfers to Torrey Pines Golf Course from Jan. 26-29 featuring the PGA Tour’s only scheduled Saturday finish for the first time in 2022. The world’s top-ranked golfer, Jon Rahm, returned to the scene of some of his most memorable triumphs, committing to play in the 2022 Farmers Insurance Open in La Jolla.

FEBRUARY

Substance Abuse Treatment

Soledad House, a women-only, next-level substance abuse treatment program operating out of La Jolla and Pacific Beach, continued offering highly effective treatment programs for drug and alcohol addiction in a healing environment in eight rehabilitative homes. Through an emphasis on relapse prevention and a range of addiction treatment therapies, the institution, whose target age is women ages 18 to 40, has treated and helped nearly 7,000 women in its 15-year history.

Personnel Shortage

A personnel shortage caused a temporary 5% reduction from current operating levels on City buses, which translated into reduced service extending waiting times on some routes. “It’s a bus operator shortage that’s the real challenge,” said Mark Olson, director of marketing and communications for MTS. “Our current bus ridership has dipped down a little with the latest pandemic surge to 65% to 70% of pre-COVID levels. All the routes will still be here. We’re not eliminating any of the routes. Some more high-frequency bus routes added 3 to 5 more minutes of wait time for customers.

Seller’s Market

Emerging from the pandemic, residential real estate markets in La Jolla and Pacific Beach looked a lot like they did going in: a seller’s market with a dearth of products available and rapidly escalating prices. “There are less than two months of (housing) inventory right now in La Jolla and it’s creating challenges on all fronts,” said Gregg Whitney, founder/CEO of Billionaires Row La Jolla. Whitney likened the prospect of a turnaround in the then-seller’s market to a ship making a course correction. “Like the bow of a ship trying to make a big turn, it’s going to be slow,” he said. “It’s going to be 12 to 18 months right now due to the lack of inventory.”

MARCH

Vending Vetted

On March 1, San Diego City Council voted 8-1 to pass an ordinance to regulate sidewalk vending and establish penalties for non-compliance. “SB 946 decriminalized sidewalk vending and established requirements for local regions to regulate them,” Campbell’s chief-of-staff, Venus Molina, told the council. “The [new] ordinance applies to special events, swap meets, farmers markets, and shoreline parks. These regulations must be directly related to public health, safety, or welfare. There are distance requirements between vendors and a prohibition of vending in high-traffic pedestrian areas. Vendors must obtain a vending permit. No insurance is required and the permit would be renewed annually.”

Ukrainian Connection

San Diego Community Newspaper Group has a connection to war-torn Ukraine. The media company outsources most of its page and ad design to Design2Pro, which has a production center in Eastern Europe with many of the graphic designers located in Ukraine. “It’s so tragic and heartbreaking to witness this horrific act of violence unfold,” said Julie Main, owner and publisher of SDCNG. “Having a working connection with these guys makes us anxious about their safety and well-being. We hope and pray for an end to this inhumane invasion and crimes against humanity.”

Village Visioning

Architect Trace Wilson led a seven-member team in developing an inclusive, long-term master plan guiding future development in the Village of La Jolla. “In order to make a cohesive public realm with rights of way and complete streets, we’re drafting a comprehensive look at La Jolla from Turquoise Street to UC San Diego and Interstate 5 to the ocean,” said Wilson. “The committee’s primary focus will be on the community corridors along La Jolla Boulevard, Pearl Street, Torrey Pines Road, Nautilus Street, and La Jolla Rec Center in the Village’s cultural district. We’re starting thereby focusing on rights of way reallocation deep into the future where we can create bike lanes, mid-block crossings, roundabouts where feasible, bulb-outs (traffic calming), and street patterns to create a much better pedestrian-oriented environment. It’s really to create a very long-term vision for La Jolla.”

Short-Term Details

In March, the California Coastal Commission unanimously endorsed San Diego’s new short-term rentals ordinance. Commissioners capped rental numbers by population while providing a lottery for operators, as well as requiring a review of the measure’s impacts after seven years. The new regulatory system capped whole-home rentals at 1 percent of the city’s 540,000-plus housing units.

Surf Shack Honored

The iconic 76-year-old WindanSea Surf shack was designated historic by the San Diego Historical Resources Board back in 1998. Twenty-four years later, the City created an official plaque for the beach structure, fashioned from eucalyptus tree trunks and palm fronds, which was unveiled at a March 20 ceremony. It was a special occasion as Mayor Todd Gloria also officially designated March 20 as “Surf Shack at Windansea Beach Day” in the City. Melinda Merryweather, one of the founding members of Friends of Windansea, noted the shack is emblematic of the community and surf culture.

APRIL

Spring Break

San Diego Fire-Rescue Department Lifeguard Division and San Diego Police held a joint press conference in April outside lifeguard headquarters to offer beach-and-bay safety tips for spring break. With more than 40 miles of oceanfront and bay shoreline to patrol throughout the City, SDFD lifeguards help keep an average of 17 million visitors safe and conduct an estimated 7,000 rescues at local beaches each year. Additionally, lifeguards manage cliff, scuba, and swift water rescues, enforce boating safety regulations and respond to emergencies involving seafaring vessels and other watercraft. “We staff up whenever crowds come and all we want is a safe 10 days of spring break,” pointed out lifeguard chief James Gartland.

Pavilion Problems

With complaints ranging from drainage problems to lack of privacy and foul odors, residents took a mostly wait-and-see attitude toward how repairs went with La Jolla Cove’s new 1,500-square-

foot, $5 million shower and restroom pavilion. “I am aware of and have been working with the director of the City’s Engineering and Capital Projects Department and the mayor’s office to swiftly rectify the privacy and water-runoff issues at Scripps Park pavilion,” said District 1 Council member Joe LaCava. City advisory group La Jolla Parks & Beaches, Inc. previously approved updated plans for the pavilion-comfort station at Scripps Park. The La Jolla Cove Pavilion was a long-term project to replace outdated and deteriorating restroom-shower facilities with an attractive, sustainable pavilion honoring the beauty of the Cove and Scripps Park.

Point LJ Closure

The California Coastal Commission voted unanimously on April 8 to grant the City’s request to close Point La Jolla, where sea lions pup, from May 1 to Oct. 31 to protect the marine mammals for the next seven years. Point LJ joined Children’s Pool beach nearby, where harbor seals pup, which has been closed to the public with a guideline rope since 2014 during the pinniped’s Dec. 15 to May 15 pupping season.

LJ Events Revived

Two popular public events – Concerts by the Sea and the La Jolla Cove (Rough Water) Swim – which were discontinued before the pandemic, were revived in 2022. “In 2019, I moved The La Jolla Cove Swim to the Kiwanis Club of La Jolla because I knew it was the right home for [the swim],” said Judy Adams Halter. “Kiwanis Club runs wonderful events for our community and then directs the proceeds to worthy causes in San Diego. They are organized and mission-driven to do good.” The La Jolla Cove Swim was later held on Sept. 11 with one- and three-mile swims. La Jolla’s Concerts by the Sea, a series of outdoor concerts, was resumed in the summer ‘22 at Ellen Browning Scripps Park above La Jolla Cove. The event, discontinued after its 33rd season in 2016 because of funding problems, was spearheaded by Howard Zatkin.

Hotel Ribbon-Cutting

A ribbon cutting was held on April 29 for the Cormorant Boutique Hotel at 1110 Prospect St. Cormorant features 26 coastal-inspired guestrooms, private balconies overlooking the ocean, Birdseye restaurant located on the hotel’s intimate rooftop terrace, and an upscale marketplace, Prospect Market.

MAY

Mother’s Day Mural

Muralist Hanna Daly lost her mom and dedicated her next artwork in La Jolla as a special tribute to her parent featuring her mom’s favorite bird: a peacock. The new mural was painted just in time for Mother’s Day on May 8 on the side of the Fresheria building at 627 Pearl St. “I grew up on a farm and there were peacocks all over the place and my mom loved peacocks,” said Daly. “When I was 8 years old, my mom made me a peacock Halloween costume, and she made me a whole tail out of peacock feathers.”

Vendors Vexxed

There was good news – and bad – for street vendors under a new City sidewalk-vending ordinance authored by District 2 Council member Dr. Jennifer Campbell and approved on May 17 by the City Council.

City staff had originally recommended that the new vending permit fee be $230 per year, the same as a City business tax certificate. But that amount was decreased by City Council members, instead charging vendors $38 annually, fearing the higher annual rate might harm those it was intended to help. However, the new ordinance prohibits vending in designated areas during the summer months, something vendors all took issue with.

British Invasion

Native Brit Irv Wolff, formerly of London, who successfully invaded America ultimately landing his Headway Hair Studio of London in La Jolla, marked his 15th anniversary in the Crosby Center.

Beach Fires

On May 26, the City Council Environment Committee unanimously approved chair Joe LaCava’s proposed amendments clarifying beach fire regulations. LaCava’s proposal confining beach fires to City-provided fire rings and portable propane-fueled devices was meant to resolve conflicting language, improve public safety, and provide clarity for beachgoers and public safety officials alike. “I support safe, legal beach fires,” said LaCava. “These amendments are essential in keeping our public beaches safe while preserving the public’s access to the unique experience of beach fires. “This is an important item that will bring long-awaited clarity for all parties who are impacted by this issue,” concurred District 2 Councilmember Dr. Jennifer Campbell.

Flavored Tobacco Banned

An ordinance passed in May by the City Council banning the sale of flavored tobacco including menthol was the right call, said two UC San Diego scientists, whose ongoing research indicates daily e-cigarette use has negative long-term impacts on the lungs and other organs.

JUNE

CAP Update

The San Diego City Council Environment Committee on June 30 unanimously endorsed Mayor Todd Gloria’s update of the City’s Climate Action Plan. The update formalizes the City’s goal of achieving 100% renewable energy by 2030, and net-zero emissions by 2035 while reinforcing the City’s standing as a national climate leader. “San Diego is at a crossroads,” said Gloria. “We can and must make the choices and investments necessary to embrace the growing clean-energy economy, provide equitable access to clean mobility, deliver healthy built and natural environments, and protect our residents from the growing threats of climate change. The CAP is our strategy to create a City with more efficient buildings and healthier lifestyles, good-paying green jobs, and more resilient communities. Achieving net-zero emissions will improve the air we breathe, the communities we live in, and our overall quality of life.”

Pride Celebrated

The First Friday Art Walk in the Village of La Jolla on June 3 was dedicated to celebrating pride among the LGBTQ+ community. June was chosen because it is when the Stonewall Riots took place in 1969, ushering in the start of the gay rights movement. “We loved showing off the many groups that support and promote LGBTQ+ rights and resources,” said LJVMA executive director Jodi Rudick.

Journeys With Jimmy

La Jollan Barry Jagoda was a television advisor and special assistant to Jimmy Carter in the White House and he tells that story in his memoirs “Journeys With Jimmy Carter and Other Adventures in the Media.” Jagoda, former UC San Diego communications director, discussed his critically acclaimed book on June 11 at D.G. Wills Books in one of the bookstore’s renowned Q&A local-author talks.

LJ Insiders

Ron Jones and Michael Mazaika created a new website, lajollainsiders.com, to “pull back the curtain” to reveal noteworthy businesses and individuals in the Jewel, as well as to shed light on things to do, hot spots, and issues of the day in the beach community. “La Jolla Insiders are locals, not paid agents living elsewhere, who proudly share the deep knowledge of everything that La Jolla has to offer as only a team of long-time La Jollans can,” states their website. “In addition to knowing where to go and what to see, we’re able to share a deeper understanding of La Jolla’s history and traditions, helping you to add a deeper meaning to your La Jolla experience.”

JULY

Quick Reaction

The California state legislature responded quickly to the U.S. Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe v. Wade. The state Assembly, just three days after Roe v. Wade was overturned, passed SCA 10, a constitutional amendment to make explicit the fundamental constitutional right to abortion and contraceptives in a 58-16 vote. The bill was co-authored by Senate President pro-Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego). “Abortion is health care, and should be a private discussion between a patient and their health care provider,” said Atkins. “When politicians and judges force themselves into that room, safety goes out the window Today, we provide a ray of hope by enabling voters to enshrine reproductive rights in our constitution, reflecting California’s values and protecting all who need an abortion, contraceptives, and other reproductive care in our state.”

Village Partnership

La Jolla Village Merchants Association partnered with Disney’s musical production of “The Lion King” to promote five “Hakuna Matata-themed” events in July and August.

Belmont Village Debuts

Guests were treated to speeches, tours, and a champagne toast at the July 14 grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for Belmont Village Senior Living La Jolla. A 17-story high-rise with 180 units of independent, assisted living and memory care at 3880 Nobel Drive, this latest state-of-the-art Belmont Village community is the third in San Diego, the 15th in California, and the 33rd of its kind nationwide. The development not only featured the franchise’s signature amenities and programs but also introduced the first-of-its-kind Living Lab. A collaboration with the Stein Institute for Research on Aging operated by UC San Diego, the lab allows faculty and researchers to study health, well-being, and longevity for successful aging to help advance the quality of life for seniors everywhere.

Timeless Protest

A centenarian with a bullhorn exhorted a group of more than 50 sign-holding seniors ages 85-plus July l0 outside Casa de Mañana retirement center in La Jolla to protest the reversal of Roe v. Wade during a seniors’ march. “Fifty years ago I was in Washington, D.C. celebrating the passing of Roe v. Wade: It was wonderful,” said 103-year-old Casa resident Alice Yee. “Never did I dream that, 50 years later, I would be marching to mourn the demise of Roe v. Wade.” Pointing out senior women are “still on the line” regarding their Constitutional rights, Yee suggested their new motto ought to be “never turn back. The struggle will always be with us. Women should make their own decisions about whatever they do in relation to their bodies. So, in a very small way, we’re saying, ‘Our lives are our own lives, leave us alone and let us do what we need to do.’”

LJ Stairwell Repairs

D1 Council member Joe LaCava worked with state lawmakers to secure $2 million in state funding for much-needed repairs to the viewpoint and stairwell at Camino de la Costa in La Jolla’s Lower Hermosa neighborhood. “The concrete stairs along the coastline there are in very bad shape, and we certainly do not want them to be closed,” said LaCava adding, “This was a very pleasant surprise, and timely.“ The funding for the stairwell and other repairs came from the $308 billion state budget signed on June 30 by Gov. Gavin Newsom. Funding will serve a number of purposes at Camino de la Costa, from updating the design of the viewpoint there to staircase repair and improvements to the parking area of the viewpoint. The viewpoint was lacking appropriate striping for parking, no parking, and handicap zones.

AUGUST

Photogenic Pets

San Diego Humane Society’s 30th annual Photo Fundraiser opened for submissions and voting through the end of August. The SDHS fundraiser generates money for the organization’s vital services, which include animal sheltering and adoptions, investigations of animal cruelty and neglect, veterinary care, education programs for youth and adults, and the rescue and rehabilitation of wildlife. Prizes included having pets featured on a full-month spread of SDHS’ 2023 calendar, a professional photo shoot for the pet, tickets to the organization’s annual Fur Ball gala on Oct. 1, and other special gifts.

CAP Update approved

San Diego City Council voted 8-0 Aug. 2 to support an update of the City’s Climate Action Plan.

Costly Repairs

An engineering study planning for needed repairs to the Children’s Pool seawall estimated it could cost $2.3 million. The study by MDEP Inc. engineering firm commissioned by La Jolla Parks and Beaches, Inc., was being paid for by leftover money from the Children’s Pool Plaza construction project finished in 2018. “We are looking at a seawall itself that is nearly 100 years old, and we are designing for another 100-plus years,” said Matt Mangano from MDEP Inc. “The big challenge is going to be the adherence (of the seawall to the reef). So, whatever the new concrete is, it needs to be better than the existing concrete. So, we’re going to have to prepare the surface (of the seawall) then come in with the latest, newest technology (for repairs).”

LJ Mural Reworked

Roy McMakin’s Favorite Color mural at 7596 Eads Ave. was recast to create another version for the same wall painted Aug. 1-6. And just like its previous iteration, McMakin’s Your Favorite Color is visually playful and came to fruition through the artist’s collaborative concept. “The idea was very simple. I have always been intrigued by both my own emotions around color preference and also others,” he said. “It has been important, and part of my identity, to know what my favorite color is. And I have found as an adult that most people still enjoy sharing what their favorite color is.”

EVs Charging Up

San Diego is leading the charge in the transition to electric vehicles, which is critically important to help the City achieve greenhouse-gas emission reductions in its recently updated Climate Action Plan. The goal of the CAP is to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2030. “You can depend on electric vehicles and the network (infrastructure) is there already with EV chargers placed around travel corridors and places like shopping centers, libraries, and recreation centers,” said Ellen Kennedy, emission vehicles program manager for the City’s Sustainability and Mobility Department.

SEPTEMBER

Climate Change

A research team led by a Scripps climate scientist found evidence that the risk of hazardous weather is increasing throughout Southwest and Southern California. “What we were working with was 70 years of weather records that went back to 1949,” said Kristen Guirguis with the Climate, Atmospheric Sciences and Physical Oceanography Department of Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego. “We looked at weather changes in Southern California with a focus on precipitation in the wintertime associated with atmospheric rivers. Climate model projections for the future indicated we are likely to experience more frequent dry days, and more intense precipitation days.”

LJCD Alumna Book

Dr. Cassie Mogilner Holmes, a La Jolla Country Day School Class of ’98 grad now a university professor, chose a familiar subject for her first book: happiness. A professor at UCLA’s Anderson School of Management, Holmes’ first book, “Happier Hour: How to Beat Distraction, Expand Your Time, and Focus on What Matters Most,” reflects her overarching view that our most precious resource isn’t money but time. “Happier Hour demonstrates how small changes in our lives can have an enormous impact on reducing our sense of being overwhelmed while increasing overall life satisfaction,” she contends.

Renewable Energy Key

Researchers have determined America is falling behind in its credibility in joining international efforts to combat climate change, while the university itself is moving forward with its Deep Decarbonization Initiative. UC San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy has found that American credibility on climate change is lagging behind other global regions, particularly Europe. That conclusion came from a study titled “Determining the credibility of commitments in international climate policy,” published in Nature Climate Change. It was the first study to provide scientific evidence assessing how effective governments will be at implementing their commitments that were made under the landmark 2015 Paris Agreement. In that agreement, countries pledged to reduce CO2 emissions, which cause climate change.

Slow Down

A Bird Rock resident launched a petition drive to reduce the speed limit on a dangerous stretch of La Jolla Boulevard. “The speed limit on La Jolla Boulevard between Pacific Beach and Bird Rock is too high at 35 mph,” states a petition at Change.org, initiated by a neighborhood group named Respect Bird Rock. “This includes the well-trafficked but dangerous crossing at the world-famous Tourmaline Surf Park destination.”

OCTOBER

LJA&WF Returns

La Jolla Art & Wine Festival returned for its 14th year on Oct. 8-9. Visitors were treated to prestigious art, regional and international wines, craft beer and spirits, a high-end silent auction, an all-star music line-up, roving entertainment, a gourmet food court, over 15 pet rescue stations, and interactive, family-friendly fun. The festival featured more than 160 hand-selected juried artists from across the United States and Mexico. Artists from all backgrounds displayed exquisite creations in a variety of mediums including painting, sculpture, jewelry design, fine glass, ceramics, woodwork, mixed media, and photography.

Homeless Outreach

San Diego City Council spent hours on Sept. 19 hearing from national experts and the public on best practices in dealing with the homeless crisis, before voting for a new contract enabling outreach teams to help homeless struggling with mental illness out on the streets. Following extensive testimony, the City Council voted in favor of a nine-month contract agreement between the San Diego Housing Commission, and People Assisting the Homeless, to partner and operate the City’s Multidisciplinary Outreach Program. That program, costing $632,013 including $7,263 for a one-time startup expense, would begin Oct. 1.

Contemporary Deli

Gold Finch, a modern delicatessen rooted in Jewish immigrant culture, opened at 3040 Science Park Road in La Jolla. “It is our modern take on the Jewish delicatessen located in the heart of a region where world-class academic institutions and life science firms have clustered and space is hard to come by,” said entrepreneur Tracy Borkum of her latest business venture. “It is a major opportunity for our Urban Kitchen Group to continue the momentum we’ve created as a hospitality group.”

Spaces As Places

The prospect of making public spaces used by private establishments for outdoor dining during COVID permanent came under fire from some La Jollans who contended such places should remain public spaces. The City has been accepting applications for local eating and drinking establishments in La Jolla and elsewhere to receive a two-year permit to expand their operations outdoors into the public right-of-way under the first-of-its-kind Spaces as Places program.

LJ MAD Anniversary

The La Jolla maintenance assessment district marked three years in operation in October. With schedules established for janitorial, landscaping, and pressure washing activities, attention has broadened to public right-of-way improvements.

NOVEMBER

Housing a Right

The City Council unanimously passed a resolution declaring housing a human right. The resolution will serve as a guiding principle for the City as it considers policies that address the root cause of homelessness. “The Council declares its support for the right to housing as a fundamental human right and reaffirms its commitment to providing more housing and services geared toward putting a roof over the head of every San Diegan,” the resolution read.

Navajo Code Talkers

The shining stars of Mount Soledad Memorial Association’s Veterans Day ceremony in La Jolla held Nov. 5 in a live in-person and virtual tribute ceremony was the Navajo Code Talkers. Phil Kendro, president/CEO of the Mount Soledad Memorial Association, paid homage to veterans and to the code talkers alike. Kendro noted the original 29 Navajo Code Talkers went through Marine Corps Recruit Depot, and after initial training, were placed at Camp Elliott in San Diego 80 years ago. That, he noted, “was where they were sent to develop the code that would become the unbreakable code, and a key to winning the battles in the Pacific and ending WWII.”

Styrofoam Ban

San Diego City Council voted 7-1 on Nov. 15 to ban polystyrene foam food containers, utensils, coolers, and toys, while granting hardship exclusions for small businesses potentially negatively impacted by the new ordinance. Commonly known as styrofoam, the new prohibition on polystyrene foam products uses will take effect on April 1, 2023. To assist small businesses and restaurants in making a successful transition to non-styrofoam containers and products, there will be a 12-month exemption to comply with the new ordinance for businesses with less than $500,000 in annual income. City staff told the Council polystyrene constitutes “a threat to the environment in San Diego as litter in our canyons, streets, waterways, and beaches.”

Komen Walk

The Susan G. Komen 3-Day fundraising walk to put an end to cancer was held Nov. 18-20. The 3-Day is a 60-mile journey that begins at Del Mar Fairgrounds on Friday, Nov. 18, and ends Sunday, Nov. 20 at Waterfront Park. During their march, walkers wend their way through the streets of La Jolla and Pacific and Ocean beaches, as well as through Mission Hills and Hillcrest. There are cheering stations along the route encouraging participants on their journey. Started in 2003 Komen 3-Day participants walk 20 miles each day. They are required to raise a minimum of $2,300 for Susan G. Komen. Since its conception, the event has raised $135 million.

STRO Licenses

Time ran out on Nov. 30 for hosts seeking to apply for Tier 3 and 4 license types to rent an entire home as a short-term residential occupancy. Licenses will be required to operate an STRO dwelling unit in the City starting May 1, 2023, when enforcement will begin. The STRO Ordinance, approved by the San Diego City Council and California Coastal Commission, provides guidelines for short-term rentals of less than one month. These guidelines include a requirement for hosts to obtain a license and establish a cap on the number of licenses granted for whole-home rentals operating more than 20 days per year.

DECEMBER

Restauración de senderos

A nonprofit group in charge of leading the effort to re-establish beach access on a historic trail from Princess Street in La Jolla to the pocket beach below is nearly done studying the project, before starting work on design and construction to restore the pathway. The planned trail at Princess Street will descend 50 feet from the public street at the bluff top to the intimate pocket beach below and will be open between sunrise and sunset. The Environmental Center of San Diego, in partnership with the San Diego Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation, will maintain and monitor the trail and landscaping upon completion.

LJ Bike Lanes

A presentation on the City’s Bicycle Master Plan proposing bike lane improvements on Prospect Street got a lukewarm reception at La Jolla Traffic & Transportation Board by residents afraid it would not be handled properly. The Bicycle Master Plan is part of the City’s long-term vision contained in its General Plan. It serves as a policy document guiding the development and maintenance of bicycle facilities citywide. “On Prospect Street we’re trying to fit in bikeways, and where there is the existing angle parking, that will remain,” said Everett Hauser, program manager with the City’s Transportation Department who added, “We’ll put sharrows (white pavement markings showing a bicycle symbol with two chevrons on top) there.”