Hillel project faces another lawsuit
After more than six years of contention, city council hearings and lawsuits, the Hillel project will not die.
A lawsuit has been filed against the city for not preparing a full environmental impact report (EIR) for the project. The lawsuit alleges that the city failed to support its findings for the sale with substantial evidence as necessitated under the municipal code.
The sale was also an “unlawful waste of city property,” reads the lawsuit.
The sale of the area, known as Site 653, was made without an open bidding process and was sold at a price approximately $300,000 below fair market value, alleges the lawsuit.
The Coast Law Group filed the suit on behalf of the La Jolla Shores Association and Taxpayers for Responsible Land Use.
“The sweetheart deal for the sale of the property was done at taxpayers’ expense,” said Sherri Lightner, president of the Shores Association. “The initial price is substantially below fair market value and there will be no ongoing property tax revenues for taxpayers benefit.”
San Diego City Council voted on May 9 to sell the property to the Jewish student group Hillel for a student center, which will be located in a neighborhood across from the University of California, San Diego on a vacant parcel of land north of Cliffridge Avenue, bordered by La Jolla Village Drive and La Jolla Scenic Drive North.
Hillel will be responsible for indemnifying the city in the lawsuit, according to 25 conditions outlined for the project.
Hillel attorneys were not available for comment.
San Diego Superior Court will likely not hear the case for six to nine months, according to Todd Cardiff with Coast Law Group.
Local planning groups and some neighbors have rallied for more than five years against opening the single-family neighborhood to student use, or any use besides residential.
Every advisory planning group in University City and La Jolla, as well as the city’s Planning Commission, recommended denial of the project.
District 1 City Councilman Scott Peters made a motion to approve the project with 25 conditions attached that he believed would alleviate community concerns about traffic, parking and the number of students on site.
Neighbors in the area have voiced both support and opposition to locating Hillel in the area.

Ride’s annual science camp ready to blast off
Astronaut Sally Ride will launch another mission this summer: the Sally Ride Science Camp for girls in grades sixth through nine, to be held at the University of San Diego (USD).
Young scientists at the camp will delve into the worlds of astronomy, marine science or robotics through hands-on experiments, labs, workshops, guest lectures and field trips.
Young astronomers will learn how to safely launch and retrieve eggstronauts.
Marine biologists will dissect a fish or mollusk.
Budding robotic technicians will build a robot.
The overnight camp aims to inspire middle-school girls through the community of peer scientists and by interaction with female role models in science and engineering fields.
Stereotypes often paint science as a male-orientated dominion, according to spokeswoman Francis French.
“[Stereotypes say] it doesn’t look fun; it doesn’t look female-orientated; it doesn’t look hands-on,” French said. “We try to show that it’s really fun; it’s really relevant and it’s something they can do in the future.”
Camp founder Ride, the first American woman in space, teaches physics at the University of California, San Diego. She also directs the California Space Institute, a research institute at the University of California.
The camp is open to sixth- and seventh-graders from July 16 to 22 (cost $1,375) and for eighth- and ninth-graders from July 16 to 25 ($1,790). Need-based aid is available and all students are encouraged to apply.
For more information call (800) 548-6612 or visit www.sallyridecamps.com.

Churches combine for Vacation Bible School
Four churches in the University City area are collaborating to present a weeklong Vacation Bible School (VBS) for youngsters ages kindergarten through eighth grade.
VBS takes place July 31 through Aug. 4, beginning at 9 a.m. each morning and finishing at 12:15 p.m.
Activities include singing, crafts, Bible lessons, puppet shows, recreation and snacks. The children will present a closing program during the evening of Aug. 4.
Churches participating in University City Ecumenical VBS include Good Samaritan, Our Mother of Confidence, First Baptist and the United Church of Christ.
Registration fee is $40.
To download a registration form, visit www.firstbaptistsd.com, call (858) 453-4553 or stop by the office of any of the participating churches.