In October, the La Jolla Shores Association (LJSA) vetted branding opportunities for the neighborhood while discussing an event honoring late oceanographer Walter Munk and Kellogg Park security options.

Noting there are more than 100 businesses in the Shores business district along Avenida De La Playa, LJSA board member Ed Mackey presented some preliminary suggestions for how the community might rebrand itself to freshen the neighborhood’s identity and appeal. 

“There needs to be more of a connection with the businesses,” Mackey said. “I have been working on the social media side to create a local map.” 

Mackey noted the Shores’ distinguishing characteristics include its boat launch, Scripps Pier and boardwalk.

Board member John Shannon suggested rebranding could include warnings about problems like illegal beach fires outside required pits. LJSA chair Janie Emerson asked board members to send their suggestions to Mackey on how the Shores might best be rebranded.

Board member Andi Andreae reported on security possibilities for the Kellogg Park parking lot, which is not always being locked as required at 10 p.m.

“There are four sides to Kellogg Park where vehicles can escape through,” said Andreae, proposing that a combination of benches, sculptures, trees or large rocks could be used to shut down vehicular access to the parking lot after hours.

“If you trap people in the parking lot, what have you accomplished?” asked Shannon. 

“They won’t do it again,” replied Emerson. “Ideally, we should have someone there at 10:15 p.m. writing tickets. But we know that’s not going to happen.” 

Emerson said she would forward group suggestions on how to make the Kellogg parking Lot more secure to the city’s Parks and Recreation Department.

Mary Coakley Munk said a paddle-out honoring the life and legacy of her late husband Walter Munk will be held on Saturday, Oct. 19, from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. beginning at the Pawka Green southeast of Scripps Pier at Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Imperial Beach Mayor Serge Dedina will emcee the special event. The day’s festivities will commence at 8 a.m. with music and refreshments, continue with special guests sharing stories about Walter from 9 to 9:30 a.m., and followed by the paddle-out at 9:30 a.m. Guests will return afterward for a light lunch at Pawka Green.

In other action:

• Lifeguard Chief James Gartland introduced Maureen Hodges, the first woman to be promoted to lifeguard lieutenant, noting she will be taking the place of Lt. Rich Stropky representing La Jolla for the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department. Stropky, who will be retiring in 16 months, is transferring to Mission Beach.

• Coakley Munk said replacement of The Map, a 2,400-square-foot mosaic depicting La Jolla Shores marine life, has been delayed until next year by a planning appeal of the California Coastal Commission’s approval of the project. Munk added San Diego Unified School District Superintendent Cindy Marten is backing turning The Map, should it be restored to the educational plaza at Kellogg Park near the playground and restrooms, into a school field-trip destination.