One of the most rewarding aspects of serving as La Jolla’s representative on the City Council is experiencing the many ways in which our neighbors work to make this community a better place. This includes charitable giving and the sharing of time and talent with local causes such as the La Jolla Historical Society
The Historical Society has ambitious plans for the future, under the directions of its first full-time executive director. John Bolthouse comes to the La Jolla Historical Society from the San Diego Air & Space Museum, where he prepared NASA’s Apollo 9 for a national museum tour and designed a campaign to highlight the museum’s relationship to the Smithsonian Institution.
I recently met with Mr. Bolthouse and was impressed by his enthusiasm and creativity. His experience and his ideas will serve the La Jolla Historical Society well as they grow from a local volunteer group into a more professional organization.
One of the first items on the Society’s agenda is a renovation plan for the historic Wisteria Cottage on Prospect Street, the first in more than 70 years. A fund-raising campaign is under way to fund the $1.5 million project, which will including plumbing and electrical upgrades and lead paint removal.
Another idea being entertained by the Society is the creation of a La Jolla History Museum at Wisteria Cottage, which would feature photos, artifacts and other memorabilia documenting our community’s rich history. This would be an amazing resource for historians, students and community members.
To find out more about how to become a member or contribute to the La Jolla Historical Society, and to view a sample of their historic photo collection, please visit their Web site, www.ljhs.org.
Another way to show your support for our community is through a donation to the fund-raising campaign for La Jolla’s Fire Station 13, located on Nautilus Street across from La Jolla High School.
Fire Station No. 13 consists of a garage attached to a private home, and was originally planned as a temporary facility. After 14 years of deferred maintenance, the station is in dire need of repair. Men and women share very close quarters, separated by a system of curtains and cardboard boxes, and the station’s office shares a room with the living and dining area.
In appreciation for the hard work of their local firefighters, the La Jolla Sunrise Rotary has volunteered to raise $450,000 in cash and in-kind donations for structural improvements, interior fixtures, landscaping and other much-needed repairs. Planned renovations include the division of the current dormitory space into separate areas for men and women, an ADA-compliant restroom, and upgrades to the kitchen, work and living areas.
More than $150,000 in cash has already been raised, but your help is still needed. For more information on the La Jolla Sunrise Rotary Fire Station No. 13 renovation project, visit their Web site, http://www.fs13androtary.com.
” District 1 City Councilman and Council President Scott Peters contributes a monthly Council Corner column spotlighting City Hall happenings pertinent to the La Jolla community.
