La Jolla seals hope With the nation’s (and the world’s) focus turning to conservation and preservation, it is a shock that some of San Diego’s own residents would be so selfish as to feel entitled to forcibly shoving the seals off of the tidelands in La Jolla; regardless of the original intent over 70 years ago, when San Diego was still surrounded by so much lush nature. Back then animals were not forced out in mass numbers as their habitat was wiped out for housing, mini malls and businesses as they are today. Do we not have Torrey Pines, La Jolla Shores, Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, the Cabrillo tide pools and Ocean Beach for our children to enjoy? What message are we sending to them that they are entitled to push out nature’s creatures and that our own enjoyment is paramount? Those who support setting up barking machines and taking the hoses to spray out the seals: will you take your children, grandchildren, ANY child to watch this act? Will you proudly say, “Look what we can do and look what we are doing. The animals have no voice and no choice and we are taking complete advantage of that, all on your behalf so you can be here.” I find it hard to believe that a child would agree that this is the right thing to do. One would think in this critical time of nature deficit, especially among children, that we would want them to visit such an amazing place and be able to closely appreciate a native marine mammal colony right here in San Diego. A place where tourists plan to visit just for this reason. If this is a matter of the old “politicians are doing what the wealthy want” rather than the majority and what is best for the future survival of nature and her creatures, that is an insult to the public and even more disgraceful to the animals. I hope and pray that those who support forcing the seals out listen to that still, small voice within and choose kindness and harmony for the innocent animals and the children. Zabrina Boman, Pine Valley With heartfelt concern — The following is a copy of a letter sent to District 1 City Councilwoman Sherri Lightner. I am very disappointed in your opposition to the harbor seal colony in La Jolla, but I am pleased that you are willing to discuss the city’s plan to disperse the seals. I became aware of the harbor seal colony when my daughter was accepted to UCSD. We happened upon the seals as we explored La Jolla. I was ecstatic! With every subsequent visit over the next four years we went down to the cove and I lingered as long as possible each time. My daughter has since graduated and I began to miss my trips to see the seals. I decided to get involved. I am now an education docent with La Jolla Friends of the Seals. On my first shift as a docent this season, I witnessed the birth of a harbor seal… I was given the honor and privilege of naming the newborn pup. As I think about the struggles that baby will face, I am hopeful that we can save her home. I live in Orange County and make the trip each month to educate the visitors that come to see the harbor seal colony. Just last week I spoke with a couple from England that had been told by someone they met in Palm Desert that they must go see the seals when they travel to San Diego. That was powerful! Like so many of the people I engaged that day, they were mesmerized. It is an amazing opportunity to observe wildlife with such close proximity. I met someone who was in a wheelchair and able to see from the sidewalk all the activity at the rookery… she was delighted! I am baffled by the desire to uproot such a magnetic group…. from my experiences, they do nothing but draw people to La Jolla. In a kind of pilgrimage, they come to witness something that few people get a chance to see away from their television or the big screen… wildlife in the wild right there in front of your eyes! I met a family that was ready to head to the beach. Their arms loaded down with sand buckets, towels and an umbrella. As they considered descending the staircase, I suggested they walk a few more steps to South Casa Beach after sharing some information about the seal colony. Without hesitation they complied… after lingering for a while to watch the seals. I hope you will reconsider your position on this most important and fragile matter. I listened to the list of budget cuts yesterday and was saddened to learn about families that will no longer get the much needed food and medical care they need… does it really make sense to displace indigenous harbor seals that would bring so much revenue to the city if they were allowed to stay instead of the excessive amount it will cost to expel them? You know, I have decided to take the drive down to La Jolla tonight to hear what you have to say… it’s just that important to me… and I am not even a local resident! Deborah Cohen, Orange County