On Tuesday, Jan. 25, celebrate National Fish Taco Day at Rubio’s and receive a free, Baja-inspired, Original Fish Taco with any purchase.

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A round-up of news, community, entertainment, and business briefs from sdnews.com highlighting what’s happening in our community.

PLHS MOVES ASB BALL

This year’s Associated Students Ball for Point Loma High School has been moved to a new date. The dance will now be held Saturday, March 5 from 7-10 p.m. aboard the USS Midway. Tickets costing $45 are not yet available, but should be on sale in mid-February. All students attending are required to be current PLHS students who are either fully vaccinated or have a negative COVID test dated no earlier than March 1. COVID guidelines may change at any time, and the ability to host the dance will be dependent on those guidelines. 

PUBLIC INPUT SOUGHT ON DE ANZA COVE

The City of San Diego has released an updated proposal for the redevelopment of De Anza Cove in the northeastern corner of Mission Bay Park and is asking San Diegans to weigh in on the plan. The revised proposal, titled De Anza Natural, envisions a balance of land uses that serves local and regional recreational needs, while also restoring natural habitats and preparing for the impacts of climate change. Residents have until Thursday, Feb. 10, to submit comments. Comments can be submitted to PlanningCEQA@sandiego.gov with “De Anza Natural” in the subject line or submit written comments to City of San Diego Planning Department, 9485 Aero Drive, MS 413, San Diego, CA 92123.

FREE RUBIO’S FISH TACO

On Tuesday, Jan. 25, celebrate National Fish Taco Day at Rubio’s and receive a free, Baja-inspired, Original Fish Taco with any purchase. Order online at Rubios.com, or through the app, enter coupon code ­­­­­­FISHTACO at checkout, or scan the QR code on the coupon in restaurants. Jan. 25 also marks the 39th anniversary of Rubio’s founder, Ralph Rubio, opening the first Rubio’s in Mission Bay. The tiny, walk-up stand started the fish taco phenomenon that has spread from coast to coast. For more information about Rubio’s Coastal Grill and to view the menu, visit Rubio’s, Facebook and Instagram

THE MED GETS REFIT

La Valencia Hotel will be re-imagining its signature The Med restaurant this year as part of a year-long milestone 95th anniversary celebration. The oceanview dining destination will once more become the Mediterranean Room, a nod to the property’s transportive Mediterranean-inspired look and feel. The comprehensive design refresh will honor the hotel’s old-world ambiance, while incorporating modern comforts, including all-new flooring, bespoke furniture, and dining ware. There also will be a new all-outdoor patio dining concept, complete with a bar, to be introduced along Prospect Street. A new California Mediterranean menu for brunch, lunch, and dinner will accompany the relaunch, inspired by the California coast and seasonally-driven, locally-sourced ingredients. The Mediterranean Room will reopen in winter 2022.

MAN & WOMAN OF THE YEAR

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society relies on its fundraising campaigns to help support lifesaving research, patient support and education, and advocacy efforts that benefit blood cancer patients and their families. For 10 weeks, 9-year-old, Avila Gachalian and 10-year-old, Marco Torres will be spreading the message, that together, we can create a world without blood cancers. “Through programs like Man & Woman of the Year, LLS has invested more than $1.3 billion in research to advance breakthrough therapies” said Kathlene Seymour, LLS’s Southern California Region executive director. “LLS has a more than 70-year legacy of innovating in the fundraising category and campaigns like Man & Woman of the Year have had a huge impact on the next generation of blood cancer treatments is significant. Despite LLS’s impact on blood cancers, every three minutes someone new will be diagnosed – there’s more work to be done.”

JURASSIC QUEST

The O’Brien & Bing Crosby Halls at 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. at the Del Mar Fairgrounds will be hosts to Jurassic Quest with with animated dinosaurs Friday through Saturday, Jan. 21-23 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. the first two days, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. the third and final day. Advance tickets are available  at jurassicquest.com/events/san-diego-ca. General admission includes live shows, arts and crafts activities, dinosaur and marine exhibits.  

DEL MAR ANTIQUE SHOW

The new Del Mar Antiques + Art + Design Show organized by Dolphin Promotions will take place Jan. 14-16 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds Bing Crosby Hall at 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. and will feature nearly 60 quality dealers from California and across the U.S. For the first time, the January show will feature an estate sale section presenting the entire contents of a home in a Palm Desert country club. For more information including a list of exhibitors, visit delmarantiques.com.

BETTY WHITE CHALLENGE

In honor of the #BettyWhiteChallenge that has been gaining momentum on social media, San Diego Humane Society is taking a different approach on the challenge by waiving adoption fees for all adult animals through Sunday, Jan. 16. In honor of what would have been Betty White’s 100th birthday, the organization hopes to find homes for 100 animals by Jan. 17.
“Betty White was an inspiration for many reasons, and her commitment to supporting animals was certainly one of them,” said San Diego Humane Society COO Jessica Des Lauriers. “We’re happy to honor her legacy by waiving adoption fees and helping more pets find loving homes. We are seeing the impact of the pandemic — the pause in spay and neuter efforts has led to more animals in shelters across the country, so there’s never been a better time to adopt a pet.” Check out Certified RAD animals at https://www.sdhumane.org/adopt/featured-pets/rad/.

NEW PROBATION CHIEF

The San Diego County Probation Department has a new chief to lead the department’s transformation and support the successful transition of people back to the community. Tamika Nelson is the first woman to lead the County’s probation department. She recently served as the assistant chief probation officer in San Joaquin County, managing a department with more than 350 sworn and non-sworn personnel. The San Diego County Probation Department includes 1,009 employees with a budget of $236 million and is a part of the County’s Public Safety Group.

ARTPOWER LIVE PERFORMANCES

A.I.M’s (Abraham.In.Motion) kicks off ArtPower’s 2022 live performances on Feb. 2 with their latest work, “An Untitled Love.” Drawing from the catalog of Grammy Award-winning R&B legend D’Angelo, this creative exaltation pays homage to the complexities of self-love and Black love, while serving as a thumping mixtape celebrating our culture, family and community. This performance is part of ArtPower’s dance series and takes place at the Balboa Theatre at 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at boxoffice.ucsd.edu or at 858-534-TIXS (8497). More information can be found at https://artpower.ucsd.edu/event/a-i-m-by-kyle-abrahaman-untitled-love/.

FLETCHER RE-ELECTED AS CHAIR

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to select Supervisor Nathan Fletcher to serve as chair for the second consecutive year. Fletcher thanked his fellow supervisors, and San Diegans for their trust and for their toughness in working through the challenging times of the pandemic and economic hardship. Fletcher added that he was inspired by County employees who “get up every single day with the sole purpose of serving the public.” In addition to naming Fletcher chair, the board also selected Supervisor Nora Vargas to continue in her role as vice chair and to have Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer serve as chair pro tempore.

GOLDEN WATCHDOG 7 FLEECE AWARDS

The 26th Annual Golden Watchdog and Fleece Awards sponsored by Liberty Station-headquartered San Diego County Taxpayers Association will be held Thursday, April 28. Nominations are due March 11.

In an effort to promote fairness and equity across nominees and jurisdictions, award categories have been revised to focus on public service area. The confidential Goldens Awards Committee will consider watchdog and fleece nominations for each of the following categories regardless of service area or size: public safety, public health, education, water and utilities and transportation and infrastructure. For information email info@sdcta.org.

CORONADO FLOWER SHOW

The Coronado Flower Show, a co-production of the Coronado Floral Association (CFA) and City of Coronado, will return April 23-24. As a volunteer-driven event, organizers are looking for dedicated individuals to help put on what is also known as the “largest tented flower show in the U.S,” a show that occupies Spreckels Park in the center of Coronado. Volunteers are needed at all levels. Email info@coronadoflowershow.com to become a volunteer. 

TRAIL NOMINATION

La Jolla’s Coast Walk Trail has been nominated for a national award, the 2022 Vernacular Architecture Forum Advocacy Award, honoring contributions to vernacular buildings and cultural landscapes. The La Jolla Coast Walk Trail runs from La Jolla Shores beach to La Jolla Cove. It is easy and scenic with parking along Coast Boulevard. This trail is sandwiched between rocky cliffs and large homes, but offers some of the most spectacular views in Southern California. Well-placed benches offer inviting places to rest and take in the vistas. The dirt path ends at a very small parking area and then proceeds along a paved street to its terminus.

GRAY WHALE CONSERVATION

Celebrate peak whale watching season and support conservation of the magnificent gray whale with an evening of cocktails, dinner and sweeping views of the coastline at Intercontinental San Diego’s venue, Vistal, at 901 Bayfront Court, as it debuts its 2022 menu on Saturday, Jan. 29 from 4:30-8 p.m. Chef Todd Bencivenni will be featuring a new twist on a sustainable and locally sourced menu and will be kicking off this event with small bites during a welcome reception paired with Gray Whale Gin cocktails. Following the reception, a three-course dinner will be served with video and educational speakers from WILDCOAST and Xplore Offshore to honor the gentle giants. A total of 20% of all ticket revenue will go directly to WILDCOAST, in support of their gray whale conservation along the Pacific Coast. Tickets are $170 per person and may be purchased via Eventbrite here.

GULLS GAMES RESCHEDULED

The San Diego Gulls, in conjunction with the American Hockey League, has announced the rescheduled dates for four games that were postponed due to COVID-19 protocols:

• The game originally scheduled for Dec. 22 (AHL Game 399) vs. the Stockton Heat will now be played on Tuesday, April 26 at Pechanga Arena San Diego (7 p.m.).

• The game originally scheduled for Dec. 27 (AHL Game 408) vs. the Ontario Reign will now be played on Wednesday, April 13 at Pechanga Arena San Diego (7 p.m.).

• The game originally scheduled for Dec. 29 (AHL Game 421) vs. the Henderson Silver Knights will now be played on Tuesday, March 22 at Pechanga Arena San Diego (7 p.m.).

• The game originally scheduled for Jan. 5 (AHL Game 457) at the Henderson Silver Knights will now be played on Tuesday, April 19 at Henderson (7 p.m.).

All tickets purchased for the original games scheduled at Pechanga Arena San Diego will be honored for the rescheduled dates. Mobile tickets will reflect the new date and time automatically in ticket holders’ AXS account. For more information, visit sandiegogulls.com.

GARTH BROOKS AT PETCO PARK

Tickets for Garth Brooks’ March 5 performance at Petco Park go on sale Jan. 14. The San Diego show will serve as Brooks’ only Stadium Tour stop on the West Coast and his only stop in California, Arizona, and Nevada. Tickets are $94.95 all-inclusive with an eight-ticket limit. There are only three ways to buy, including ticketmaster.com/garthbrooks, Garth Brooks Line at Ticketmaster 1-877-654-2784, Ticketmaster app on mobile device.

MONSTER ENERGY SUPERCROSS AT PETCO PARK

The 17-race Monster Energy AMA Supercross will make its return to Petco Park on Saturday, Jan. 22, for the third round of the 2022 season. El Cajon’s Christian Craig is the current championship leader in the 250SX West Region title fight and is heavily favored to carry the momentum to his first career professional championship. The Monster Energy Star Yamaha Racing rider is looking for his first victory in San Diego. Alpine’s Dilan Schwartz, who is embarking on his sophomore season of professional competition, is regarded as one of the most promising up-and-coming young riders in Supercross as he battles Craig and other rivals in the 250SX West Region.

SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY'S WINTER-SPRING SEASON

The San Diego Symphony's winter-spring season is underway as the Symphony will perform at different venues throughout San Diego County and beyond, bringing music directly to different neighborhoods and communities. In February, the Symphony will perform in Rancho Santa Fe, La Jolla and more.

• Four Seasons by Vivaldi and Piazzolla, Feb. 3-6, venues vary. The San Diego Symphony will perform the original rendition of Antonio Vivaldi's The Four Seasons and the adaptation by Argentinian composer Astor Piazzolla, alongside young guest violinist Elena Urioste. Conducted by Christopher Dragon, these catchy arrangements will be performed at the following venues Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center (Feb. 3 and Feb. 6); The Village Church Rancho Santa Fe (Feb. 4); Southwestern College (Feb. 5).

• Payare Leads Tchaikovsky, Feb. 25-26, venues vary. The San Diego Symphony's vibrant music director Rafael Payare will lead the Symphony through a variety of arrangements including Tchaikovsky's Fourth Symphony, the U.S. premiere of Venezuelan composer Paquito D'Rivera's new concerto with guest performance by trumpeter Pacho Flores and an enchanting orchestral firework by young, California-based composer Andrew Norman. This will be performed at the Reneé & Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa (Feb. 25) and San Diego Civic Theatre (Feb. 26).

LA JOLLA COMMUNITY CENTER'S DISTINGUISHED SPEAKER SERIES

Dr. Joseph Wang will speak about wearable sensors on the body and how these devices can help manage disease and monitor health status Tuesday, Feb. 8, 10-11 a.m. (virtual presentation). Wang will present an overview of wearable sensors — devices that can continuously and non-invasively collect vital health information from a person’s body and provide this information in a timely fashion. This presentation will examine the current applications of these devices — how they are being used, how they are applied and what information they are able to provide for both the individual and their providers.

THE BAND’S VISIT

Broadway San Diego ~ A Nederlander Presentation announced that the individual tickets for the tour of “The Band’s Visit,” featuring music and lyrics by Tony and Drama Desk Award-winner David Yazbek, are now on sale. Opening night is set for Tuesday, March 1 at 7:30 p.m. “The Band’s Visit” is apart of Broadway San Diego’s 44th Season, sponsored by San Diego County Credit Union. Tickets are available by visiting BroadwaySD.com. “The Band's Visit” is one of four musicals in Broadway history to win the unofficial "Big Six" Tony Awards, which include Best Musical, Best Book, Best Score, Best Actor in a Musical, Best Actress in a Musical, and Best Direction of a Musical.

TASENDE GALLERY EXHIBITION

Tasende Gallery is pleased to present the exhibition Jose Luis Cuevas, Jan. 28 through March 26 at 820 Prospect St. On exhibit will be 15 drawings dating from 1973 through 1984. Twelve of the works are from the Intolerance series, drawings inspired by the historical document The Witches’ Advocate detailing the Inquisition in the Basque Country in the early 17th century. Gregorio Luke will give a lecture on Jose Luis Cuevas at La Jolla’s Athenaeum on Thursday, March 10 at 7:30 p.m. Gallery hours are Tuesdays-Fridays 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturdays 11 a.m.-5 p.m. The opening reception will take place Thursday, Jan. 27 from 5-7 p.m.  

LA JOLLA COMMUNITY CENTER EVENTS

January events at La Jolla Community Center include Opera Wednesdays on Jan. 12 at 7 p.m. Enjoy southern California's top performing artists as they share the gift of their voice in-person. Suggested donation $10-20. County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher launches the 2022 Distinguished Speaker Series on Tuesday, Jan. 18. This is a virtual event. Lecture is from 6-7 p.m. Free.

Many new classes beginning this month including: Bridge 10-week courses (in-person). Multiple levels of instruction available starting Jan. 31 (various dates). Cost is $225. Mahjong for beginniners six-week course (in-person), starting Jan. 12 from 2-4:30 p.m. Cost is $175. Strength and Balance every Wednesday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. (in-person). Free for members. The Skylarks ’50s doowop concert. Take a trip down memory lane with this all-girl band singing oldies from the ’50s and ’60s rock ‘n’ roll era and beyond on Friday, Jan. 28 at 6 p.m. Cost is $15.

LJ MAD DECEMBER REPORT

Chief among objectives in the early days of 2022 is to further bolster coordination with vendors, enhancing the value provided by the La Jolla maintenance assessment district (MAD) in janitorial, maintenance and landscaping efforts, said the Enhance La Jolla board, which continues to be instrumental in successfully attending to every corner of the special district, from Torrey Pines Road to Pearl Street and Coast Boulevard to Park Row.

“Many activities planned for 2022 are built on recent work schedule modifications and project successes realized in 2021. The first objective for 2022 will be to ensure that all maintenance, janitorial and landscaping activities continue to improve neighborhood aesthetics and bolster civic partnerships created from shared projects and goals, whether small, such as weed abatement, or large, such as working with the La Jolla Community Foundation as the Streetscape Plan begins to take place,” according to Enhance La Jolla.

MAD personnel continue to work with vendors daily, ensuring immediate response to items requiring attention. The communication frequency between MAD personnel and vendors has led to improved response times during 2021. In addition to daily and weekly focus areas, MAD personnel and vendors meet monthly for several hours, physically walking the district to identify larger projects and areas in need of extra care. If you see an issue needing attention within the district, contact Enhance La Jolla at 858-444- 5892 or manager@enhancelajolla.org.

ART WALK

The next Friday art walk in La Jolla Village will be Jan. 7 from 4 to 7 p.m. Wine and snacks will be provided at participating art galleries, including Contemporary Fine Arts Gallery at 7946 Ivanhoe Ave., which, among others, will be featuring paintings by La Jollan Peggy Hinaekian whose "Water Frolics" painting will be on silent auction.

PB LIBRARY OPEN FOR LIMITED IN-PERSON SERVICES

The Pacific Beach/Taylor Branch Library is currently open for a number of limited In-person services includingitem checkout, computer usage, printing, holds pickup, reference, browsing and library account assistance.

• Hours of service are:

  • Monday-Tuesday from 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m.

  • Wednesday-Saturday from 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

  • Sunday: closed.

• Masking guidelines inside all San Diego Public Libraries:

  • Mask required (regardless of vaccination status) through at least Jan. 15.

• Closed on Monday, Jan. 17 for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

For all of the latest information about library services, visit sandiego.gov/public-library/in-person-library-services.

LJ RESTAURANT SPRING OPENING

Delayed by the pandemic, Marisi Italiano is now planning for a spring 2022 arrival in La Jolla. Developed the Adler family and named for their grandparents, the Italian restaurant is opening directly adjacent to the Wall Street location of the Adler’s Puesto Mexican Artisan Kitchen & Bar. The new restaurant replaces Whisknlade, the neighborhood institution that shuttered in 2020 after a dozen years in operation.

Operating for lunch and dinner, Marisi’s design is inspired by the Amalfi Coast and its cliffside towns along the Mediterranean. Originally intending to launch early last year with former Cesarina chef Patrick Money, who currently helms Ambrogio15 at Sky Deck, the restaurant will now be led by Chad Huff, who comes to San Diego from Los Angeles where he was most recently the executive chef at Broad Street Oyster Co. in Malibu.

RAIL SERVICE SUSPENDED

All Coaster and Amtrak Pacific Surfliner services along the San Diego segment of the Los Angeles-San Diego – San Luis Obispo coastal rail corridor will be suspended from Jan. 8 at midnight until Jan. 10 at 5 a.m. due to an absolute work window. No passenger or freight trains will operate between Oceanside and Downtown San Diego. You can stay informed about train service updates by visiting GoNCTD.com, Amtrak.com, or MetrolinkTrains.com.

AIRPORT BOND FINANCING

The San Diego County Regional Airport Authority has completed a major bond financing totaling $1.94 billion. Approximately $1.58 billion of the bonds will be used to pay for a portion of the New Termnal 1 program and achieved a true interest cost of 3.34 percent.

“The Airport Authority continues to be in a strong financial position and this bond sale reflects the market’s confidence in our ability to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Kimberly Becker, Airport Authority president and CEO. “These funds allow us to continue the momentum of the New T1, providing funds for construction and in turn benefiting the region through jobs and economic investment.” 

CANCER DONATION

Curebound, a nonprofit representing a partnership between Padres Pedal the Cause and the Immunotherapy Foundation, has donated $500,000 to UC San Diego and La Jolla Institute for Immunology completing a pledge to a novel cancer immunotherapy trial initiated by UCSD, LJI and Immunotherapy Foundation. Curebound’s donation will ensure the trial’s completion, which holds great promise for patients and progress in cancer immuno-oncology. The organization will continue to initiate cutting-edge research collaborations between top cancer centers through further grant funding throughout the year.

NEW OUTPATIENT PAVILLION

A Dec. 17 celebratory groundbreaking event marked the beginning of a comprehensive revitalization project of UC San Diego Health’s Hillcrest campus, which upon completion will feature state-of-the-art facilities, expanded patient care services and technologies and other community amenities to promote wellbeing. Phase 1 of the project includes a 250,000-square-foot outpatient pavilion and a new parking structure with approximately 1,850 spaces for employees, patients and visitors, with both anticipated to open in 2025.

The outpatient pavilion will address the growing demand for specialized diagnostic, treatment and surgical services and will house specialty clinical programs, including oncology, neurosurgery, urology, otolaryngology and orthopedics, as well as ambulatory surgery operating rooms, gastroenterology procedure rooms, advanced imaging, infusion and radiation oncology.

WASTEWATER MONITORING RECOGNIZED

Two state agencies have formally recognized the City of San Diego’s Public Utilities Department for its assistance in monitoring wastewater in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. “The monitoring of wastewater can provide key information that is helpful in understanding and preventing the spread of COVID-19,” said Shauna Lorance, director of the Public Utilities Department. “We are very proud to continue providing assistance to state and federal agencies with these efforts.”

Public Utilities and several other California agencies and institutions pioneered an approach that better assesses the spread of COVID-19 through testing wastewater, according to the State Water Quality Control Board. This approach yields information about the prevalence of the diseases in populations several days sooner than individual testing and hospitalization records, the board stated. 

The City has been voluntarily involved with multiple studies for COVID-19 monitoring of wastewater since the beginning of the pandemic. City staff efforts predate the development of federal and state epidemiology programs, and data collected were critical in helping to understand the spread, movement and control of the virus in our communities. When the studies are completed, the information will be shared with the public.  

GONZALEZ RESIGNS

Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez has resigned from the state legislature for a leadership position at the California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO. The San Diego Democrat represented the 80th Assembly District, which encompasses the southern part of San Diego and most of Chula Vista and National City, for eight years. She said will be preparing to lead the 2.1 million-member state labor federation as its executive secretary-treasurer in July 2022.
“As a legislator and as a labor leader, my top priority has been to create opportunities that lead to more jobs, better jobs, and better lives for working people,'' Gonzalez said. “It's been an honor to serve the people of San Diego County and the entire state as a lawmaker who tried to accomplish the most amount of good for the most amount of people.”

AVOID SIERRA TRAVEL

Caltrans Director Toks Omishakin is urging motorists to avoid non-essential mountain travel in California until weather conditions improve. Caltrans has closed 45 state highways since Dec. 24 due to record snowfall in the Sierra Nevada. While Caltrans has reopened 29 highways – including Interstate 80 and U.S. Highway 50, the main gateways to Lake Tahoe – roadway conditions remain challenging with extensive delays and chain controls in effect. In response to the record snowfall, Caltrans has redirected all available crews into the mountains to reopen roadways, bringing operators from as far away as the Bay Area to assist. The department has 1,350 field staff clearing mountain highways, working 24/7 in 12-hour shifts, and has deployed more than 600 snowplows statewide.

OTAY CONNECTION COMPLETED

On Dec. 16, federal, state, local, and Mexican Government officials joined Caltrans and SANDAG to commemorate the completion of the southbound State Route 125 (SR 125) to eastbound State Route 905 (SR 905) and State Route 11 (SR 11) connectors in Otay Mesa. The new connectors provide a direct highway connection from East County and Chula Vista to the Otay Mesa area and existing Otay Mesa Port of Entry, helping to reduce congestion for passenger and commercial vehicles crossing the border and increasing access to employment opportunities for surrounding residents.

GULLS SEASON EXTENDED

The American Hockey League Board of Governors has approved the extension of the 2021-22 calendar by six days. The regular season will now conclude on April 30 for all teams including the San Diego Gulls who play their home games at Pechanga Arena in the Midway District. The 2022 Calder Cup Playoffs are expected to finish before June 30.

BUB’S PB BACHELOR SPECIALS

Bub’s at the Beach at 1030 Garnet Ave. has launched Monday night bachelor specials. Every Monday, beginning at 7 p.m., bachelor fans can come by for signature cocktails, as well half-priced bottles of wine, and Ashland Hard Seltzer, $5 for a glass or $20 for a pitcher.

JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL

Tickets for the 32nd Annual San Diego International Jewish Film Festival are now on sale. Over the course of 12 days, choose from over 30 different films and TV programs. The majority of these screenings can be enjoyed either in person at the Lawrence Family JCC's David & Dorothea Garfield Theatre or virtually from the comfort of your home. In addition to the collection of films and TV series, in-person and virtual live programs will take place throughout the festival. The 31st annual San Diego International Jewish Film Festival will be held Feb. 11-21.  

WOMEN IN SCIENCE

The Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park is now accepting applications for the Better Education for Women in Science and Engineering program through Feb. 7. BE WiSE is a free program that engages girls in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) learning experiences in collaboration with the region's research, industry and academic institutions. For more information on the Fleet's BE WiSE program, visit fleetscience.org/bewise. 

EATING FOR SUCCESSFUL AGING  

Eating For Successful Aging with The University of Southern California’s Ed Scheider, MD, and Belmont Village Senior Living will take place on Jan. 12 at 10 a.m. To learn more and register for this virtual event, visit https://bit.ly/EatingForSuccessfulAging. January is the month of “new” and, for many of us, that could mean new diets or supplements. But should we get caught up in fad diets? Gerontologist and nutrition expert Dr. Schneider will discuss why it’s time to throw away most of your supplements, nutrition tips every senior should know, and what we should know about the Mediterranean diet. He’ll share senior-oriented information about organic foods, weight and longevity, wine and more.

CAMPOS NAMED SD LOYAL SC PRESIDENT

San Diego Loyal SC announced the appointment of Ricardo Campos as the club’s president following his work as the interim president during the 2021 season. Campos had served as interim president since July 2021. Campos is a tri-lingual soccer executive with more than 15 years of league and team experience in the U.S. soccer landscape and has been involved with the club since it was founded in 2019. He served as SD Loyal’s vice president of operations and general manager prior being appointed interim president and being ahead of the club’s first USL Championship playoff appearance. SD Loyal kicks off the 2022 USL Championship season Saturday, March 12 with a home match against LA Galaxy II (7 p.m.) at Torero Stadium at USD. Seats can be purchased by calling 858-465-GOAL or by visiting sdloyal.com/fullseason. 

LACY YOUNGER AT PAC SHORES

Local singer/songwriter Lacy Younger is back with new music and will be shooting the video for the first single "New Man" from her upcoming album “For The Record” - both slated for release in February. The video shoot takes place at the legendary Pacific Shores bar in Ocean Beach on Jan. 10 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., and features a cameo from iconic female rock guitarist Roni Lee of Runaways fame. "It is important to me that this video capture the flavor of the Point Loma/Ocean Beach area, a neighborhood near and dear to my heart," said Younger. "Pacific Shores brings me a warm nostalgic vibe and I'm excited to celebrate my new music with the community I call home."

ELLEN SCHMEDING ELECTED TO EDJCC

St. Paul’s Senior Services’ vice president and chief operating officer Ellen Schmeding was recently elected to the first California Elder and Disability Justice Coordinating Council (EDJCC), by the California Commission on Aging, a position elected by her peers. The EDJCC is a key component of the Master Plan for Aging’s (MPA) Goal Three: Equity & Inclusion, Not Isolation. Initiative #93 of the MPA specifically calls for the creation of the EDJCC to advance the pursuit of building a California that is just for all, regardless of age and ability.

RESTORATION ADVISORY BOARD MEETING

The next Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) meeting for the Naval Base Point Loma Complex Environmental Restoration Program is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 19 at 6 p.m. to discuss relevant issues. This will be a virtual meeting and it is open to the public. To request a link for this virtual meeting, contact Kellie Koenig at Kellie.Koenig@jacobs.com. For more information, call 619-556-8926.

Rebecca Smith of Encinitas (fourth from left, with red hat), was the winner of the Del Mar Opening Day Hat Contest on July 16. Smith wore a custom red rose hat designed and made by Christine A. Moore. PHOTO BY THOMAS MELVILLE

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While COVID continued with new variants, residents in La Jolla persisted demonstrating their mental toughness, resolve, and ability to adapt quickly to changing times. Public meetings continued remotely, people did what was necessary to protect themselves and others during the pandemic, and communities forged ahead dealing with the day-to-day realities of the new normal. The following are some of the more important things that happened along the beachfront in 2021.

JANUARY

POLAR PLUNGE

As usual, an estimated 200-plus people sans wetsuits took the plunge, diving into the chilling waters off La Jolla Shores on New Year’s Day in what has become an annual rite of passage for die hard ocean users.

SEALEBRATION

For the seventh year, this urban beach was closed starting Dec. 15, 2020 lasting through January ending May 15 to give the seals privacy prior to giving birth, delivering their pups safely away from human interference. Visitors were not able to access the sands of Casa Beach as a chain link secured the stairs leading to seals on the beach.

OUTDOORS OUTREACH

The City of San Diego sought to support local businesses during the pandemic with a new outreach effort to provide education to business owners, reminding them about safety requirements for those providing outdoor dining and retail operations. In order to expand business and dining into the public right-of-way and private parking lots, businesses were required to obtain a Temporary Outdoor Business Operations Permit. Requirements for the construction of decks, platforms and temporary structures were outlined as part of the guidance that was available to business owners seeking a permit.

BICYCLES BACKED UP

Bicycle retail and repair shops in La Jolla and Pacific Beach fared better than most during the pandemic. But there was a new problem in 2021: supply. “It’s kind of a double-edged sword,” said Jason Millard, manager of California Bicycle, a 45-year-old bike shop at 7462 La Jolla Blvd. “We’re extremely busy. But at the same time, there’s a huge lack of inventory across the nation. That has put quite a few bicycle stores out of business.

FEBRUARY

BIRCH SEA DRAGONS

The one-year anniversary of two Weedy Seadragons hatching at Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego was celebrated by launching a live Seadragon cam and an exclusive collection of Weedy Sea Dragon merchandise

PROPS FOR PROF

La Jolla Institute for Immunology Professor Erica Ollmann Saphire, Ph.D. was named Scientist of the Year by ARCS San Diego, a chapter of the Achievement Rewards for College Scientists Foundation. The annual award recognized Saphire's breakthroughs in structural virology and her leadership of the Coronavirus Immunotherapy Consortium this year. One San Diego scientist is recognized each year.

LAW REVIEW

La Jolla Country Day School juniors and aspiring attorneys Terry Tran and Ricardo Cervera created the first Torrey Law Review, a student publication on legal topics submitted by students. The new entity is only the second high school law review in the United States, and the only high school law review with a professional board.

MARCH

FISHING LINE RECYCLING

UC San Diego students lobbied for fishing line recycling bins at the entrances around Black’s Beach to protect sea life and the environment. UCSD Triton Lobby Corps proposed a policy plan to install special fishing line recycling bins. The corps is a campus-based entity of students who recruit and engage students and advocate on legislation and issues involving higher education.

UC ‘SAN DIEGONAUTS’

When NASA unveiled the initial team of astronauts for its ambitious moon exploration project, the news quickly spread that two of the announced 18 Artemis program team members hold degrees from UC San Diego. The superstar alums were Jessica Meir, who received her Ph.D. in marine biology in 2009 from Scripps Institution of Oceanography, and Kate Rubins, who earned a bachelor of science degree in molecular biology in 1999. As members of the Artemis Team, Meir and Rubins will help pave the way for NASA’s next lunar missions including sending the first woman and next man to walk on the moon in 2024.

REAL ESTATE RISE

Realtor Andy Nelson in La Jolla in a San Diego Community News Group feature talked about low inventory being the new normal for the local coastal real estate market today and for the foreseeable future. Statistics showed it was a seller’s market with San Diego County median home prices having risen 14.4 percent since 2020 due to low mortgage rates. Demand remained at an all-time high while inventory was low. In fact, the average home was only on the market for 51 days before being sold.

RESTRICTIONS REVISED

The state notified San Diego County that it would be allowed to lift some COVID restrictions moving from the most restrictive Purple Tier into the less restrictive Red Tier. The change in tiers allowed restaurants, gyms, movie theaters and other businesses to begin moving operations indoors with capacity limits.

GUARD CHANGES

Brett Murphy, president of La Jolla Village Merchants Association, the community’s business improvement district, stepped down from his post as president at the merchant group’s March meeting. Murphy nominated Cody Decker, owner of Decker’s Dog + Cat, LJVMA board vice president, as his replacement. Decker accepted and was named LJVMA’s new leader.

LA JOLLA ENHANCED

The first Enhance La Jolla Day was March 20 as Enhance La Jolla, the community’s maintenance assessment district, and the La Jolla Village Merchants Association, joined to spruce up the Village with a community improvement project. Organizations participating included La Jolla Community Foundation, City of San Diego District 1, La Jolla Town Council, La Jolla Parks and Beaches, La Jolla Community Planning Association, La Jolla Shores Association, Urban Corps, Rotary Club of La Jolla, The National League of Young Men and Nissho of Southern California. The community improvement project that day involved placing rocks and ground cover in tree wells.

APRIL

HISTORIC RETIREMENT

Heath Fox, executive director of the La Jolla Historical Society, announced he would retire in the fall capping a decade-long career as a museum director and an arts and culture professional. Under Fox’s stewardship the historical society’s annual budget doubled from $600,000 in 2012 to $1.25 million eight years later in 2020. Growth was spurred by donations, grants, membership dues and two annual signature springtime community events – La Jolla Concourse D’Elegance classic car show and the Secret Garden Tour.

MAY

PREBYS LARGESSE

The initial rollout of the Conrad Prebys Foundation grant cycle continuing the legacy of the famed late property developer and philanthropist was astounding: 121 grant projects totaling nearly $78 million. The size of the grants awarded ranged from a $7,500 one-time grant to a $15 million multi-year grant. The awarded applicants reflect a balance between focus areas of personal interest to Prebys, which included visual and performing arts, higher education, medical research, health care, youth development, and animal conservation.

SUPERINTENDENT PROMOTED

San Diego Unified School District Superintendent Cindy Marten was confirmed as the next U.S. Deputy Education Secretary by a vote from the Senate to serve President Joe Biden and students nationwide. Once Marten was sworn into office by the Biden administration, she assumed the federal post after more than three decades as an educator in San Diego, including eight years as superintendent of California’s second-largest district.

A(GASSED) OVER LEAFBLOWERS

The transition from gas to electric power to lessen greenhouse gas emissions continued as environmental and civic groups teamed to consider forming a coalition advocating a gas-powered leaf blower ban.

OUTDOOR DINING EXTENDED

Beach area merchants were elated the City approved extending an interim urgency ordinance allowing permitting for outdoor dining to continue through July 13, 2022. But concerns remained that rules and regulations governing those outdoor dining enclosures – everything from makeshift structures to near-permanent ones – be properly enforced and maintained. Without the extension, permits for all restaurants were set to expire on July 13. With the extension, businesses and restaurants were allowed to continue outdoor operations.

SEA LION ADVOCACY

Sea lion advocates promoted turning the existing colony in and around La Jolla Cove into a proper public attraction. Carol Toye of Sierra Club Seal Society, which runs a Cove docent sea lion program, visited La Jolla Village Merchants Association to discuss what could be done to turn public sea lion viewing there into a bonafide attraction. She argued there are numerous reasons why doing so would be desirable.

JUNE

LJ FIREWORKS CHALLENGED

It was déjà vu. La Jolla resumed plans to host a Fourth of July fireworks display and, as in the past, an environmental attorney filed a lawsuit to block the nonprofit organizing the pyrotechnics event, arguing the display would harm local wildlife and the environment.

GRAND REOPENING

La Jolla Village Merchants Association on June 15 held a grand ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating 38 businesses that opened, or were opening, during the past 15 months of COVID. The celebratory event was held at Sotheby’s Plaza, 1111 Prospect Ave.

OLTEN HONORED

Carol Olten of La Jolla Historical Society was honored with the Town Crier award by Save Our Heritage Organisation. The award by SOHO, San Diego's countywide preservation group, came at its 38th annual People In Preservation Awards.

SIERRA CLUB REQUEST

The Sierra Club asked the City to temporarily close the sea lion rookery at Point La Jolla while encouraging large numbers of people not to go near the federally protected marine mammals.

NEW MARKET PROPOSED

La Jolla Village Merchants Association proposed exploring starting a new Thursday night market on Wall Street that ran into opposition from an existing community market and residents against commercial use of the streets or public right-of-way.

VACCINATIONS PITCHED

Nancy Yam, associate chief pharmacy officer at UC San Diego Health, threw out the ceremonial first pitch at the San Diego Padres’ reopening game June 17, two days after the state lifted most COVID restrictions for outdoor gatherings. UC San Diego Health is the official health care provider for the Padres. Under Yam’s management at the Petco Park Vaccination Super Station, as well as other sites, more than 500,000 COVID vaccine doses were administered.

JULY

FIREWORKS FIZZLE

A July 2 press conference was called by La Jolla Fireworks Foundation organizers to lambaste the last-minute cancellation by the City of the return of Fourth of July fireworks at the Cove due to permitting problems. A court challenge was brought by environmental attorney Bryan Pease, who contended fireworks harassed seals and currently pupping sea lions near where the fireworks were to be set off. That, coupled with a determination by the California Coastal Commission that a coastal development permit was in fact required to host the pyrotechnics event, doomed the popular community event for a fourth consecutive year.

SMALL-BUSINESS AIDED

To support the economic recovery of small businesses and restaurants impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the City launched the new Small Business and Restaurant Assistance (SBRA) Program. Through SBRA, qualifed local businesses could access support to easily navigate the City’s planning requirements and permitting process, expediting construction projects and improvements that can give businesses a boost and help grow their operations. Mayor Todd Gloria’s “Back to Work SD” budget provided funding to establish the first-of-its-kind program, operated through the City’s Development Services Department.

NINE TEN CELEBRATED

Nine-Ten Restaurant and Bar in La Jolla’s Grande Colonial Hotel celebrated a century of memories and 20 years as one of San Diego’s pioneer farm-to-table restaurants.

PROUD TRADITION CONTINUED

Straddling two cultures, La Jolla Country Day Class of 2021 graduate and Barona Tribal Member Jenna Rain Hernandez proudly continued her family’s military tradition announcing she would attend the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. Inspired to pursue a military career by her parents, both West Point graduates, Hernandez was now the second Barona Tribal Member in her family to attend one of the country’s premier military academies.

OLYMPIC SURFING DEBUTS

As if he’d just mastered a big wave, International Surfing Association president Fernando Aguerre of La Jolla was in Tokyo just prior to the summer Olympic Games rejoicing as his 20-plus year effort to make surfing an Olympic sport had ended in triumph. “It was a long battle, and not an easy one, but a good surfer never really gives up; you stay on the wave,” said Aguerre of his accomplishment.

VILLA MILESTONE

Brockton Villa overlooking La Jolla Cove marked its 30th anniversary operating out of the former seaside cottage built in 1894. Proud co-owners Megan and David Heine have been sole stewards of the historic cottage-turned-casual-restaurant at 1235 Coast Blvd., which is renowned for its signature menu item, the Coast Toast.

LA JOLLA ENHANCED

The community’s maintenance assessment district, Enhance La Jolla, unveiled phase one of a long-range plan to improve community gathering spaces by reclaiming and increasing space for pedestrians, street furniture, and landscape. On July 15, the MAD’s 13-member board outlined its long-term vision for re-imagining the Village. That update is to include a new Prospect Street plaza between Girard Avenue and Herschel Street. The MAD’s objective is for infrastructure improvements to be a catalyst for business, socializing, and programming throughout the year.

AUGUST

LEAFBLOWERS BLOWN AWAY

Nissho of California, the company servicing the maintenance assessment district overseen by Enhance La Jolla, unveiled its new quieter electric battery-operated leaf blower that it began using Aug. 1.

SEALS PERMIT SOUGHT

The City of San Diego submitted an application for a temporary emergency closure of a portion of Point La Jolla at Ellen Scripps Browning Park, in an effort informed by California Coastal Commission guidance, to protect the public and the sea lion rookery located along the shoreline during the annual sea lion pupping season.

CYCLING SAFETY CITED

A dozen fatalities in bicycle-versus-vehicle accidents in 2021, including the death of a 34-year-old Salk scientist with an 11-month-old child in La Jolla, underscored the need for infrastructure improvements to make San Diego’s streets safer. After an alarming number of bicyclists were struck and killed by motorists, Mayor Todd Gloria said: “One cyclist death is too many, particularly when we know it’s preventable. My administration has taken a number of steps to help reach our Vision Zero goal of eliminating fatalities and serious injuries on our roads, including establishing a new team to create bike lanes more quickly.”

HISTORIC DESIGNATION

Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California San Diego nominated the Munk Laboratory, a post-and-beam structure at the center of its oceanfront campus, for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places.

FACEBOOK HIKERS

Hikers post-pandemic were re-emerging and grabbing their canteens and boots to pound the trails once again assisted by San Diego Hiking Society Facebook Group, which helped them not only gather but learn the basics and share information as well about trails near and far.

SEPTEMBER

CHANGING OF THE GUARD

La Jolla Historical Society’s board appointed Lauren Lockhart to succeed retiring executive director Heath Fox. Lockhart was arts manager for the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority for eight years. She was eager to help grow the local arts community and further the cause of the historical society moving forward.

SHARK BEHAVIOR ANALYZED

For years it’s been a mystery as to why leopard sharks return every summer in massive numbers to the coastal waters of La Jolla. Turned out the sharks, harmless to humans, are mostly female and mostly pregnant, according to a study done by Andrew Nosal, Ph.D., a marine biologist, and professor with the University of San Diego's Environmental and Ocean Sciences Department who has studied leopard sharks since 2007.

RISING MEDICAL STAR

Salk neuroscientist Kay M. Tye received the 2021 Blavatnik National Awards for Young Scientists for brain research she’s done that could ultimately help revolutionize mental-health treatment. Award winners are deemed rising stars in their respective fields. Tye, Ph.D., professor, Systems Neuroscience Laboratory at Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla, was a unanimous choice to be the 2021 Blavatnik National Awards Laureate in Life Sciences.

SUSTAINABLE HOUSING SUPPORTED

The housing, climate, and equity crises can all be addressed simultaneously. That conclusion was drawn by elected officials, environmentalists, and social activists at a Sept. 23 press conference called to praise a new report titled “Solving Sprawl: Building Housing for a Sustainable and Equitable San Diego.” The report was done by the Climate Action Campaign, the leading climate watchdog in San Diego and Orange counties whose mission is to end the climate crisis.

OCTOBER

ART & WINE FEST RETURNS

After a year’s COVID hiatus, La Jolla Art & Wine Festival returned Oct. 9-10 along La Jolla’s Girard Avenue featuring more than 170 artists, gourmet food, interactive activities, live art and music and adoptable animals, with wine, craft breweries, and a spirits garden. The event boasts a collection of internationally recognized talent, as well as fresh up-and-coming artists just waiting to be discovered.

MIRACLE BABIES

Two La Jolla women, Sandra Alavi and Selma Alameri Daniels, co-chaired the 12th annual Miracle Babies gala which raises funds to unite families with critically ill newborns in neonatal intensive care.

SPACES AS PLACES

San Diego City Council approved the Spaces as Places program to allow businesses and institutions to continue occupying outdoor public spaces that were temporarily approved for use in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Spaces as Places was devised as a way to transition temporary spaces into permanent facilities with established design and safety standards. The program offered a menu of options to allow for the creation of outdoor areas for dining, walking, biking and other activities.

SAFE PLACES INITIATIVE

District 1 Council member Joe LaCava, with the support of City and community leaders, launched a “Safe Places Initiative” by La Jolla businesses to provide safe havens and resources for hate crime victims. “Racism and discrimination are not bound by political or physical boundaries,” said LaCava. “I am proud of La Jolla merchants that are joining others across our City in support of the Safe Space program. This collaboration between local businesses and SDPD helps foster safety for those who work, live, and shop in our neighborhoods. This action is not a beginning or an end, but continuing leadership that we will not tolerate hate in any neighborhood.”

NOVEMBER

PREUSS ART MURAL

A 900-foot-square student mural done by Preuss School students in art teacher Tamima Noorzay’s class in collaboration with Baltimore-based artist Jay Wolf Schossberg-Cohen, promoted inclusivity and questioned whether guaranteed U.S. Constitutional rights are being equitably applied to all people. The mural included student comments as well as their art. The 21-year-old Preuss School UC San Diego is a unique charter middle and high school for low-income students striving to become the first in their families to graduate from college.

REDISTRICTING REVISITED

Some La Jollans were lobbying to keep the boundaries of Council District 1 mostly unchanged from 2010, while some UC San Diego students wanted the university removed from District 1 and placed in District 6 with its large Asian population. That was one of the battle lines being drawn as San Diego’s nine council districts were likely to be readjusted as part of the ongoing 10-year redistricting cycle.

TROLLEY EXTENSION OPENS

On Nov. 21, public officials formally dedicated the 11-mile Blue Line Trolley extension at the UC San Diego Central Campus Station with a virtual ribbon-cutting as an on-screen trolley crashed through a banner strung across trolley tracks. The new extension stretches from the U.S.-Mexico border through downtown and the MidCoast corridor with new stations at Tecolote Road, Clairemont Drive, Balboa Avenue, Nobel Drive, VA Medical Center, UC San Diego Central Campus, UC San Diego Health La Jolla, Executive Drive, and the UTC transit center.

LJ VILLAGE REDEVELOPMENT

La Jolla’s Planned District Ordinance Committee was updated Nov. 8 by architect Mark Steele on preliminary streetscape plans for the phased redevelopment of La Jolla’s downtown Village. Those plans include a new proposed Prospect Street Plaza between Girard Avenue and Herschel Street.

DECEMBER

ART WALK COMEBACK

Art walks returned by popular demand to the Village of La Jolla starting Dec. 3. “We now have a monthly First Friday Art Walk,” said Jodi Rudick, executive director of La Jolla Village Merchants Association, the community’s business improvement district.

BELVEDERE CONTROVERSY

Replacement of a belvedere destroyed by vandals years ago at Windansea in La Jolla became a bone of contention between competing groups arguing over whether a new structure there would block views and threaten shoreline erosion. La Jolla Parks and Beaches, Inc. approved plans for the replacement of a historic belvedere at Windansea beach. The previous belvedere, constructed around 1912, was destroyed in the early ’80s, apparently hauled down by a vehicle using chains.