MMPA trumped by public health
The article “Council OKs funding for 3 lifeguard stations” (Village News, May 1, page 1) quotes a city lifeguard and city engineer as saying that the city needs to figure out how to construct a lifeguard station at Children’s Pool without violating the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA).
The city and your readers should understand that the MMPA allows the city to renovate the Children’s Pool lifeguard tower, dredge the beach or deter the harbor seals from continuing to colonize Children’s Pool without the city having to obtain federal government permission.
The MMPA by its terms, section 109 (h), does not apply to acts undertaken by cities “to protect public health or welfare.”
James Lecky, the federal official in Washington, D.C., in charge of harbor seal management, has repeatedly told the city that the ultimate decision on the use of Children’s Pool rests with the city, but that shared use is not a good idea.
One wonders why the city, given Mr. Lecky’s advice, continues its “shared use” policy, particularly during the summer months, at Children’s Pool.
A state court recently ordered the city to pay over a million dollars in attorney fees to a member of the public because of the city’s mismanagement of Children’s Pool. This should not surprise anyone given that the city still doesn’t seem to understand the harassment exemption provisions of the MMPA.
Tom Sauer, La Jolla

Power of positive thought
My deepest apologies to all who were inconvenienced by my April Fool’s joke. On the morning of April 1st I placed a “Pull” sign above the handle of the door at the Post Office. Apparently a great many were angered and frustrated until they realized that a gentle push was all that was needed. Unfortunately it took a week to take the sign down. Metaphysical lesson there somewhere about not always believing in what you read.
Speaking of metaphysics, I have been driving around downtown La Jolla every day for over 20 years and never have a problem finding a parking spot. The trick is to “think parking spot.”
Slow down, visualize the parking spot and you’ll find one, though occasionally you may have to wait a moment for the other person to pull out. Try it, you’ll be surprised at how well it works and if it works for parking spots, what else might it work for?
Mark Anderson, La Jolla

Crown Point School: from kiddies to seniors
A few years ago, Crown Point Elementary School was nearly closed. With the current budget problems, I believe the school is at risk again. I believe a contingency plan should be put in place in case this property becomes available.
I think the best use of the property is as a retirement community. The boomers are on their way and the need will be huge. I am planning to move to one but it breaks my heart to leave the community I have lived in all my life. There are lots of reasons this property would be ideal.
It’s on a bus line. This allows an enormous amount of freedom for seniors who no longer drive as well as for staff to commute. Seniors who drive avoid rush hour so traffic impact would be minimal. It’s level and walkable and close to shopping.
Active seniors love to volunteer. They can be a great asset to the whole community.
I have lots of ideas about what I would like in such a community. All levels of income should be welcome. We have not had skilled nursing since the hospital closed. We really need it. How about a joint use movie theater? Lots of people don’t even remember the Roxy, the long-gone movie theater formerly located where the post office now sits.
Building more housing makes no sense without a school nearby and a hotel would create a traffic nightmare. I believe my idea deserves serious consideration.
Marilyn Yost, Pacific Beach