At the March 9 meeting of the La Jolla Shores Association, a spokesperson for Independent La Jolla outlined the recent headway made by the group lobbying for an autonomous La Jolla. Cindi Greatrex presented the news to Shores residents that, according to an initial fiscal analysis (IFA), La Jolla has the numbers to back up its desire to become an entity separate from the city of San Diego. “After seeing the results of the IFA, there are ample funds for La Jolla to be independent,” Greatrex said. “It has been proven feasible in terms of the numbers.” The issue, which has been brought up several times over several decades, comes not without questions, even from those who support a self-governing La Jolla. Decisions will have to be made regarding city-run services as police, public schools and waste management. Greatrex said that, according to the group’s research, 80 percent of villages that have incorporated in California have opted to contract services from the city of which they were formerly a part. “It’s something we need to make a decision on,” she said. “La Jolla is currently a constituent of the city, but once we become independent, we’ll be a customer of San Diego.” Greatrex also said that, in order for La Jolla to gain its independence, a vote would be put to residents of both La Jolla and the city of San Diego. The measure would have to be approved by 50 percent of San Diegans. The numbers from the IFA may show that the city is better off without La Jolla, but Greatrex said the hard sell will be proving to San Diegans that the move will be a positive one. “We have to get past the idea that La Jolla is snobby and just wants to get out,” she said. Melinda Merriweather, a long-time La Jollan and activist, agreed. “We want this because we want to make La Jolla better,” she said. “We just want to help and improve the area, and we can afford to do wonderful things here.” Independent La Jolla will be appearing at regular meetings of the La Jolla Town Council to answer questions and update the public about the progress being made on the issue.