University City, like many communities in San Diego, is full of volunteers trying to bring joy to the small world of people who happen to reside here. Staving off the far reach of the community west of Interstate 5, the area has also had issues with “identity theft.” Is University City a separate community? Or is it “La Jolla East” or “Baja La Jolla” when ZIP codes seem to change from 92122 to 92037 overnight. When robberies, murders or military plane crashes unfortunately occur on this turf, the media clearly states it happened in University City, whereas when Bristol Farms opens a store, it has a La Jolla name. The same goes for the Marriott, Hyatt La Jolla or University Towne Center. Is there magic in 92037? Perhaps. When and if La Jolla secedes from the city of San Diego, do parts of University City go with it? The following is my 2011 “wish list” for University City, which speaks to both residents and city officials: Stop La Jolla’s identity theft. Re-educate the public that Scripps Memorial Hospital and the University of California, San Diego’s Thornton Hospital would still be the excellent hospitals they are if the ZIP codes were 92122. Maybe Ellen Browning Scripps’ family wouldn’t approve, but I bet Scripps herself would (if she were alive and not already preoccupied with the seals in La Jolla). East of Interstate 5 is the community of University City; case closed. Expand the University Community Library on Governor Drive. That’s right; expansion. Go up, out or move it across the street next to Curie Elementary School. Currently, World Gas Station resides at the northeast corner of Genesee Avenue and Governor Drive. When Scott Peters represented City Council District 1, he wanted this to happen. Former City Councilman Jim Madaffer’s moved the expansion of our small library from 22nd place to 15th place on his July 2002 memorandum. Head librarian Sharon Thomerson has reinvented the library with a multitude of activities for the community, and people have participated. In December, there was a well-attended, wonderful jazz concert in the community room, and children’s librarian Michelle Ruiz oversaw a gingerbread house-decorating event for the kids. Open libraries mean open minds, and every community needs a library for more than checking out books. Resurrect the city code enforcement of violators. It has been downsized so much. Houses and landscaping should be appropriately maintained. There are eyesores on almost every street next to places that reflect pride of ownership. The University City Community Association (UCCA) volunteered to clean up some properties at its annual community cleanup in May. UCCA’s theme on street banners is: “It’s more than a neighborhood.” That means people like living here and take care of their properties. Make median landscaping happen in 2011 by taking out ugly blacktop and putting in stamped concrete or planted medians. Oops … San Diego slashed and burned the greening of medians because of the water shortage. Is that shortsighted? Drivers calm down more with plants and greenery surrounding them. Renovate Standley Park. Put in public art, a public garden, improved lighting and sculpture. The 21.75-acre park was dedicated in 1978 when each family was assessed $200 to make the park special. Standley’s website states, “Community volunteers dedicated their time and energy to envision, create, fundraise and see through to the completion of each project.” University City Racquet Club took over the running of the tennis club in the 1970s to save the city lots of money. A clubhouse was built with private money, but it belongs to the city. As Thomas Paine said, “Lead, follow or get out of the way.” Continue to let those with a vested interest in tennis run the courts, instead of letting the city run them into the ground. Make University City a top-notch walking community. Broken and raised sidewalks need repair, especially on the main streets of Governor Drive, Genesee Avenue and Regents Road. Dead or dying trees need to be removed. Curved sidewalks, more trees and some benches in front of Standley Park, Standley Middle School and Spreckels Elementary School would invite more walkers. Get serious about cigarette butts. This type of litter gets washed down the drains. All of our medians, especially at stoplights, are littered with cigarette butts. Become a volunteer in University City. Andy Freeburn, the 2011 UCCA president, made this plea to the community. The rewards of volunteering far outweigh the work. Check out www.universitycitynews.org or call 858-480-1822 to sign up for at least one activity during the year. Read the La Jolla Village News weekly. The newspaper supports University City activities. Have a happy year. While La Jolla is the jewel, University City is a gem with better weather and beautiful canyons. Two communities, like two siblings, can appreciate each other’s unique gifts.