A teacher at The Children’s School is hoping to give an official name to the pedestrian walkway over Torrey Pines Road, but some worry the move could open the door to the over-commercialization of La Jolla.
The proposal by Brianna Billings, an instructional aide and electives teacher at the private elementary and middle school, would name the walkway The Children’s Bridge.
Billings asked the La Jolla Shores Association to endorse the initiative at its meeting May 21.
The idea came from an enrichment class for middle-schoolers at The Children’s School. As they examined the nearby bridge, the students discovered it lacked a name.
Billings and her class took their naming idea to the city of San Diego and initiated a multistep process to garner interest. One of the requirements outlined by the city is gathering in the community, Billings said.
“One of the main reasons we wanted to get the kids involved and they wanted to be involved is so they can see that their actions can actually cause change in their community and to show them that when they reach out to local government, local government does respond and they do have the ability to make an impact,” Billings said.
“This bridge is kind of a portal for them to get to explore the real world and apply what they’re learning in school to real applications.”
The name The Children’s Bridge was chosen because of its close proximity to The Children’s School and to pay homage to another La Jolla staple, the Children’s Pool.
Billings started spreading word of the naming project by speaking during the public comment period at a La Jolla Town Council meeting. Her appearance at the La Jolla Shores Association meeting was tied to an action item.
Though many LJSA board applauded Billings’ efforts, the majority was cautious and the initiative fell short of an endorsement.
Board member Dan Courtney, a neighboring resident, expressed concern that ing the naming could be a slippery slope.
“Think about precedent,” Courtney said. “If this happens, it’s just going to be more people asking to put their company name or their event name or organization name or whatever on this or that. …
“I think this is a good cause, but we might not agree with the next one.”
Resident Janie Emerson agreed.
“Precedent is everything,” she said. “While I really like the school and I think the process you’ve gone through is wonderful and a good educational experience for [the students], if you set the precedent for allowing a private entity to put a name on a public space, you can’t shut the door for the next ones who want to come down.”
Other names were explored, including Discovery Way, but The Children’s Bridge was deemed the most fitting.
Board member Kathleen Neil said she would be “much more open” to the naming project if there is no public sign, which Billings anticipates being implemented upon approval. The sign’s proposed type, size and location are not yet known.
Fellow trustee John Shannon emphasized that the board doesn’t want to “send the wrong message” and discourage the children involved in the project.
Neil said additional details could give the proposal a chance to be received better.
“At this point, a letter of recommendation would be a rather broad brush,” she said.
No motion was made and no vote was taken.
LJSA President John Pierce offered to touch base with Billings and gather additional details about the project.
Other LJSA news
Bathroom access: As the city of San Diego identifies possible cost-cutting moves and additional fees, beach and park bathroom access may be on the chopping block.
Mayor Todd Gloria’s May budget revisions indicate, among other reductions, that “park maintenance and restroom services will be adjusted, with seasonal closures implemented where necessary.”
The topic elicited strong reactions at the LJSA meeting, and the objections soon will be channeled into a letter to City Council from Pierce and board member Mary Coakley Munk.
Emily Lynch, field representative for City Council President Joe LaCava, whose District 1 includes La Jolla, said LaCava is “absolutely fighting to restore this one.”
The council’s budget committee is set to meet Friday, June 6, and the full council is expected to vote on the final budget Tuesday, June 10.
Seeking volunteers: As the La Jolla Shores Association gears up for its “Tides of Creativity” on Saturday, June 21, it is seeking volunteers to participate.
“Tides of Creativity” will include live music, face painting, a bounce house, pony rides and a raffle while placing a spotlight on artists, authors and businesses across The Shores.
Organizers plan to have booths along Avenida de la Playa between Calle de la Plata and Paseo del Ocaso, including Laureate Park.
Pierce encouraged artists, authors and others who want to get involved to email [email protected].
Next meeting: The La Jolla Shores Association next meets at 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 18, at the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club, 2000 Spindrift Drive. The location is for the June meeting only. Learn more at lajollashoresassociation.org. ♦
