
Bird Rock artist Jane Wheeler placed tiles onto a bench outside Bird Rock Coffee Roasters last Friday, May 29. Wheeler worked through the drizzly weekend, decorating the area’s second community-funded bench. Residents Joe and Felicia Parker donated the money for Wheeler to add a mosaic design to the bench, located at 5627 La Jolla Blvd. Residents flock to the organic café, calling it ground zero for any future revolutions — Bird Rock residents are “tight,” Wheeler said. The artist, her husband Doug Wheeler and Cathy Riley tiled, grouted and then sealed an earth-toned design using the Parkers’ memorabilia, tiles and beach pebbles. Wheeler designed the Parker bench, collaborating with the Bird Rock Community Council (BRCC), in an effort to update and decorate the area along La Jolla Boulevard, according to BRCC President Joe LaCava. LaCava said the group hired a concrete specialist to finish the benches, “so they’re safe and to add some color.” But Bird Rock locals gathered sponsors to decorate the benches, which each cost approximately $1,500. Wheeler tiled the first bench in front of Little Locks on La Jolla Boulevard, using a seaside schematic; the Coffee Roasters’ bench is the second. LaCava said Wheeler can mosaic four more. Although the artists continued asking for possible donors, Wheeler said donors may have stepped up for more benches. Businesses and locals interested in sponsoring a bench can contact BRCC at [email protected], or Jane Wheeler at [email protected], (619) 822-1120, or visit her website, www.contemporarymadness.com.