Scripps Park sidewalk expansion is money misspent
Regarding “La Jolla permit reviewers OK sidewalk expansion next to Scripps Park,” July 17, La Jolla Light):
I suppose, since I walk along the sidewalk at Scripps Park year-round, I should be thankful for the sidewalk expansion.
On the contrary, I am aghast at spending $750,000 to expand a sidewalk while our city budget contracts and we lose our La Jolla/Riford Library hours on Sundays and Mondays.
According to [San Diego] city civil engineer Carlos Parra, widening the walkway should “provide a safer, more comfortable, accessible route for all park users … and eliminate the erosion on the sides and keep the grass in healthy condition.”
What if, after the widening of the sidewalk, people still walk around folks who are strolling and enjoying the environs, thus creating another pathway?
What about an El Niño rain that might create an erosion problem between concrete and grass?
What about all the community events that happen on the grass?
Should we not allow people and events on the grass so we can keep it healthy?
My point: This is the most egregious expenditure of monies that I can imagine.
It’s a sidewalk. I’d prefer to have our library stay open, especially as the new school year approaches.
Those monies could go a long way in assisting our greater community.
Neva Sullaway
Forget squirrels, what about the pinnipeds?
The city [of San Diego] has declared “overpopulation” of very invasive squirrels at Windansea Beach! (“Use of poison to limit squirrel population raises concern in Windansea,” July 17, La Jolla Light.)
City spokesman Benny Cartwright warns us they are “members of the rodent family” and “they can contain vector diseases.”
The city Parks & Recreation Department has a certified vendor “to identify areas of overpopulation and to perform the necessary abatement services needed.”
Methods include a combination of techniques including habitat modification and, “when population numbers require it, eradication.” The use of chemicals is considered “when other options have been exhausted.”
I guess Mr. Cartwright is unaware that seals and sea lions have numerous vector diseases: phocine distemper virus, phocid herpesvirus 2 and numerous parasites. Cases of rabies have been reported, and avian flu. Giardia can be present in their feces. Leptospirosis is transmitted by their urine.
There have been numerous incidents of sea lion aggression toward humans on the beach and in the water. To my knowledge, no one has been attacked, chased or bitten by squirrels.
The Children’s Pool, Boomer Beach and La Jolla Cove are clear examples of overpopulation of seals and sea lions, and abatement services are sorely needed. All other abatement options have been exhausted.
These public beaches are stinking with dangerous pollution. It’s time for chemicals and eradication. What’s good for the squirrels is good for the pinnipeds.
But killing innocent, cute little squirrels will not threaten tourism income. So we residents get to breathe the foul air filled with seal and sea lion excrement, risk seaborne infections and feed great white [sharks] so more tourists can come.
Paul Mears
Trash is ruining scenic spot
I’m writing as a concerned resident who walks daily past Sun Gold Point on Camino de la Costa. What should be a peaceful and scenic spot is marred by a growing problem: trash.
Every day I see food wrappers, plastic bags, cigarette butts and other litter scattered around. It’s not only an eyesore, it’s harmful to our environment and local wildlife.
One obvious issue is the absence of a trash can. It’s no surprise that people are leaving garbage behind when there’s nowhere convenient to dispose of it. Installing a trash can at this location would be a simple but impactful solution.
Additionally, signage should be posted clearly stating that littering is a crime, along with the associated fine. A visible reminder of the consequences could help deter this behavior.
La Jolla is known for its natural beauty, and we all have a role to play in protecting it. I urge the city [of San Diego] to take action to keep this area clean and enjoyable.
Patricia Mlatac
What’s on YOUR mind?
Letters published in the La Jolla Light express views from readers about community matters. Submissions of related photos also are welcome. Letters reflect the writers’ opinions and not necessarily those of the newspaper staff or publisher. Letters are subject to editing. To share your thoughts in this public forum, email them with your first and last names and city or neighborhood of residence to robert.vardon@lajollalight.com. The deadline is 5 p.m. Friday for publication in the following Thursday’s paper. Letters without the writer’s name cannot be published. Letters from the same person are limited to one in a 30-day period. ♦