Children’s Pool station needs special design
City planners have presented several options for the new lifeguard station at Children’s Pool. Some proposals have been close to 1,500 square feet and two stories high on part of the project ” the existing station is 800 square feet and one story. The styles are what would best be described as “industrial.”
It is hoped that the city will reconsider these plans and pursue an alternative that minimizes the visual impact. A successful project will marry the lifeguards’ need for public safety with the public’s need to preserve the magnificent ocean view.
A raised observation tower for the lifeguards, along with support facilities near the location of the existing restroom facilities would accomplish the goal. The added benefit would be a large plaza area for the public to view the coastline.
Please attend the La Jolla Community Planning Association meeting Aug. 2. The meeting starts at 6 p.m., with city planners’ presentation of their latest proposal on the agenda at 7:15 p.m. The location is the La Jolla Recreation Center at 615 Prospect St.
It is time to let the city know that this is a very special location ” it needs a special design to match it!
Darcy Ashley, Bird Rock

Cruelty of confinement
You have covered the recent death of Carol, which was sickening from the standpoint of excuses put forth by the local zoo. The guest commentary, “No Fanfare for the ambassador” (Village News, June 28, pg. 8) on the cruelty of confinement of all elephants was much more to the point.
Please, let’s all do what we can, beginning with boycotting the zoo and Wild Animal Park until they release all their elephants to a sanctuary.
I have always been proud and supportive of our zoo and wild animal park, but as we become more “environmentally aware” in other ways, I am also acutely concerned about the confinement of any and all wild creatures, just for the entertainment of the public and as a money-making proposition!
Tommie Bartlett, Hillcrest