Adelante Townhomes developer deserves credit
As a sometime developer, I wish to commend the Murfey Co. for its amazing public patience and willingness to voluntarily revise its original design of the Adelante Townhomes project (“With retail added, Adelante Townhomes proposal goes back to Bird Rock council, with no decision,” Sept. 14, La Jolla Light).
Having certainly based their willingness to take on a significant financial burden to do the project based on the original scheme, which the city of San Diego will approve, I am not sure why they should end up with any commercial space, as their current offer seems to have fallen short in placating certain local concerns (“Bird Rock council still stuck on Adelante Townhomes decision,” Oct. 12, La Jolla Light).
As a former city planner in Chicago, I find the original proposal to be able and a significant upgrade over the site’s current use. As
originally drawn, it is likely to benefit the area more in the long run than having additional vacant (and expensive, as it would be new)
commercial space.
Also, Murfey Co. (or another developer wishing to by “ground-floor drama”) might decide to use its incentives to provide two floors of living above that cherished commercial space, all within the allowed 30-foot height limit (which the city will , so be careful what you wish for).
And thirdly, as a practicing architect, I, along with the applicant’s architect, am offended and concerned that an unattributed and unauthorized (by the applicant) and evidently inaccurate illustration was publicly presented as “proof” of something by opponents of the project. This kind of of uned and intentionally inflammatory propaganda has no place in a public forum, and those who prepared it and presented it should be publicly censured.
Dan Linn
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UCSD’S claims about staircase are absurd
Judging from the photos in your article concerning the staircase next to the Price Center where Ms. [Elaine] Tanaka took a fall (“UC San Diego lecturer seeks changes to La Jolla campus stairs after falling ‘like a tumbleweed,’” Oct. 19, La Jolla Light):
• The pitch of the staircase looks dangerously steep
• The tread is dangerously worn on at least one step
Statements by UCSD that there is nothing wrong with the staircase and no repairs will be made is absurd and an insult to common sense. What is wrong with these s? Next time someone falls there, they could be sued for wrongful death. They want to risk this possibility?
This is “cover your rear” at its worst.
Diana Granat
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Enhance La Jolla needs to be more careful with contractors
I was appalled to read that a contract employee for Enhance La Jolla was arrested on suspicion of concealing a firearm and threatening volunteers at this year’s La Jolla Art & Wine Festival (“Landscape worker suspected of making threats with gun at Art & Wine Festival,” Oct. 12, La Jolla Light).
The work performed by Nissho of California Inc. represents two-thirds of the maintenance services funded by property tax assessments paid into the Maintenance Assessment District, of which Nissho is compensated upward of $40,000 per month. The sheer scope of activities performed by Nissho in The Village and their presence in the community makes this incident all the more concerning.
My hope is that the leadership of the MAD and the Enhance La Jolla board will be more aware of the activities and actions of their contractors working in The Village and the impact they have.
Mary Montgomery
Former Maintenance Assessment District manager
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Choose mission over emotion to conquer conflicts
It’s a shame that now-former [La Jolla Village Merchants Association] President Amber Anderson and Executive Director Jodi Rudick could not reconcile their differences (“La Jolla Village Merchants Association president resigns, pointing to conflict with executive director,” Oct. 19, La Jolla Light).
Both are good people, and conflicts inevitably arise when volunteers and staff work together, especially when they may have different personalities and goals.
From my experience, volunteering is about serving an organization’s mission by managing emotions and focusing on contributions. That’s the only way one can work through conflicts and keep the real work moving forward.
Thomas Baker
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Scripps Coastal Reserve is a treasure that must be reopened
I’ve been a La Jolla resident for over 25 years and have countless memories of the Scripps Coastal Reserve. It is where I forged cherished memories with my girlfriend, now my wife, and where we introduced our three sons to the unparalleled beauty of the California coastline.
These are moments that have enriched our lives and created lasting connections with nature. Also, this 1,000-acre sanctuary allows us to access the beauty that the more affluent of our society often enjoy from their private ocean-view mansions.
The COVID-19 pandemic temporarily closed the reserve, which was understandable. However, it’s disheartening to see access still restricted despite the pandemic’s easing grip (“La Jolla Shores board to ask that Scripps Coastal Reserve be reopened ‘immediately,’” Sept. 21, La Jolla Light).
Our recent visit was marked by disappointment, as we were denied the freedom to explore the reserve at our own pace. We were relegated to guided tours, and the staff’s attitude was unwelcoming when we inquired about this change.
The Scripps Coastal Reserve has been a source of solace, learning and bonding for my family and our community. It plays an important role in our lives beyond ecological significance, providing a place for cherished memories and connections with nature.
I implore UC San Diego and the [California] Coastal Commission to reopen the reserve to the public while preserving its unique ecosystems. Let us work together to find a solution that safeguards both the environment and the shared joy it brings to our community.
Lael Pearce
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Stop giving to UC San Diego
Since [UC San Diego] Chancellor [Pradeep] Khosla clearly appears to have no regard for the community of La Jolla, I suggest all of us stop giving them any money (“As UCSD continues to eye new housing, chancellor has an idea — a village for up to 6,000 students,” Sept. 21, La Jolla Light).
La Jollans have been enormously generous to the university over the years. Time to stop.
Eleanor Navarra
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