Rescuers need rescue
Years of saltwater have noticeably corroded the platform of the lifeguard station at the Children’s Pool.
The station is one on a list of lifeguard facilities that need to be replaced or repaired.

Jewel’s spring clean-up will start at Pearl Street
La Jolla residents are invited to a spring clean-up hosted by the Town Council’s Nell Carpenter Beautification Committee from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 21, along Pearl Street, from Girard to Olivet.
The committee will meet at Starbucks, at the corner of Fay Avenue and Pearl Street, and will provide trash tools, garbage bags donated by Keep California Clean, bottled water and coffee, according to Esther Viti, chair of the Nell Carpenter Beautification Committee.
“This promotes teamwork among community members and makes the community realize that you can get in there and help,” Viti said. “That’s what it’s all about. We want to work together to do good for the benefit of La Jolla.”
The Nell Carpenter Beautification Committee has organized many environmental improvement events over the years, such as replanting tree wells and removing trash from alleyways. Plans to hold such events on a regular basis, such as four times a year, are in the works, according to Viti.
Committee meetings are held at noon the first Wednesday of each month at the La Jolla Town Council office, 7734 Herschel Ave., and are open to the public.
For more information or to get involved in the Nell Carpenter Beautification Committee, contact Viti, (619) 742-1373, or send e-mail to [email protected]. Tax-deductible committee donations can be made to La Jolla Town Council Foundation, P.O. Box 2328, La Jolla, CA 92038.

EarthFair marks Earth Day
San Diego’s EarthFair returns to Balboa Park Sunday, April 22, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to mark Earth Day. Approximately 60,000 visitors are expected to attend the event, which boasts more than 200 exhibitors, special theme areas, a food pavilion, a children’s activity area, an alternative fuel vehicle parade and live music.
EarthFair’s goals are to create a forum for environmental education, awareness and celebration while supporting businesses individuals that create environmentally responsible actions.
Because of the large crowd expected, Balboa Park’s parking lots will probably be full by 10:30 a.m. Visitors are advised to park offsite at City College and take the free shuttle to Balboa Park. There will also be shuttle service from the Park Boulevard trolley stop. For info, visit www.earthdayweb.org.

Independent Scholars celebrates 25th year
San Diego Independent Scholars will host a luncheon on Sunday, April 22, from noon to 3 p.m., to celebrate their 25th anniversary.
Dr. Stanley Chodorow, who played an instrumental role in the formation of SDIS, will speak at the event. This chapter of the National Coalition of Independent Scholars was founded in 1989 by five long-term residents of La Jolla ” Joy Frieman, Jane Ford, Aline Hornaday, Alice Marquis and Mary Stroll.
SDIS helps support unaffiliated writers and researchers and hosts monthly local meetings that feature various speakers. In addition, four active study groups meet under the headings of literary, science, work in progress, and colloquy café.
The April 22 luncheon will take place at the La Jolla Woman’s Club, 715 Silverado St. For information call Cathy, (760) 603-8930.

Pen Women pencil in April meeting
The La Jolla Pen Women will meet next Monday afternoon, April 23 at 1 p.m. to explore the tradition of women in classical music with Anne Gray, Ph.D., whose new book on the subject was published last month.
The meeting will also include a presentation on ways to maintain the mind by Mera Kelley and Selma Myers, authors of “Brain Jogging ” Keeping the Memory Running.”
La Jolla Pen Women is a chapter of the National League of American Pen Women founded in 1897 in Washington, D.C.
The April 23 meeting is free and takes place at La Jolla Library, 7555 Draper Ave. Light refreshments will be served.

Junior League will picnic at Scripps Park
The Junior League of San Diego hosts “Island DiVine ” Nantucket” Saturday, April 21, at La Jolla Cove’s Scripps Park.
The Nantucket-themed silent auction and tasting will feature winning wines and other potables from Orfila Winery and Vineyards, Wilson Creek Winery, Firehouse Brewing Company and others. Comestibles will be provided by restaurants such as Cendio, Gringo’s and JRDN.
Tickets run from $75 for general admission to VIP “Surfsider” tickets at $125, with special access to a VIP tent and lounge, gift bags and entertainment. All money raised supports the Junior League of San Diego’s community projects.
“Island DiVine” runs from 3 to 7 p.m. For tickets and information, visit www.islanddivine.com.
In related news, Fresh Restaurant, 1044 Wall St., will donate 10 percent of proceeds from its “Fresh-Fixe” menu to the Junior League during the month of April. The three-course menu, which changes weekly, is available from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday through Thursday at $36 per person. For information, call (858) 551-7575.

Lux Family Days features artist Ochoa
Ruben Ochoa from Mexico City will be the featured artist at the next Lux Family Days on Sunday, April 22. Ochoa will show his “Real Image,” the latest addition to the Lux Art Institute’s valise collection. Ochoa’s suitcase is full of photographed objects and real ones, such as a handcrafted Olinala lacquerware case.
Attendees will be able to take part in art workshops inspired by Real Image, including two photography stations. Other activities include Mexican bingo, mariachi music, making traditional paper flowers and refreshments.
The free afternoon takes place from 1 to 4 p.m. at Lux Art Institute, 1550 S. El Camino Real in Encinitas. For information, visit www.luxartinstitute.org or call (760) 436-6611.

Two hyenas back at zoo
Two striped hyenas, male and female, have returned to San Diego Zoo after more than 10 years. The hyenas are between eight and 10 months old. They have been on exhibit since March and can be found in Dog and Cat Canyon at the zoo.
Hyenas are often thought to be of the canid, or dog, family because of their resemblance to wild dogs. However, hyenas have a family of their own, Hyaenidae.
The carnivorous mammal’s distinguishing features include broad heads, dark eyes and large snout. The striped hyena can have a gray, brown or golden-yellow coat with black stripes over its body and legs. They have long hair on their backs and a tail that can stand up to make it appear larger and more threatening to other animals, according to the San Diego Zoo’s Web site.
The striped hyena is native to north and northeast Africa, parts of the Middle East and Asia. These beautiful creatures are scavengers by nature and use their well-adapted jaws to crush and eat bone, teeth, horns and hooves left by other predators.