The Feb. 19 meeting of the La Jolla Shores Association saw the group lend unanimous support to two events scheduled for the summer and fall, as well as outline its goals and look ahead to its board election.
Pair of events approved
Paddle for Peace founder Risa Bell shared plans for the nonprofit organization’s fifth annual Juneteenth summer kickoff event in La Jolla Shores.
“At Paddle for Peace, we believe the beach is not a privilege, it’s a right,” Bell said. “And what better way to celebrate that than host our cultural event at La Jolla Shores, where we typically don’t see our communities recreate?”
Paddle for Peace says it is dedicated to removing barriers to coastal access for communities that typically don’t experience it. The group provides transportation and provides lessons on ocean safety and conservation.
Since its inception in 2020, Bell said, the organization has given 1,300 free surf lessons and removed more than 660 pounds of trash from the coast.
The Juneteenth event is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 21, on the north end of The Shores. It will include surfing, volleyball, education on the history of Juneteenth and more. Bell said up to 200 guests are expected from across California.
Juneteenth is officially celebrated annually on June 19 to commemorate the ending of slavery in the United States.
With LJSA’s support, Paddle for Peace is now set to pursue the permitting process with the city of San Diego.
The Challenged Athletes Foundation’s annual San Diego Triathlon Challenge got unanimous support as well.
The event, which includes swimming, bicycling and running, is scheduled for Friday through Sunday, Oct. 24-26. A barbecue at Kellogg Park in The Shores will usher in the weekend Oct. 24.
The event, which includes athletes of all abilities, including those with physical disabilities, has taken place in La Jolla in 27 of its 32 years.
Jessica Hill, a member of the foundation’s events team, said organizers will work with lifeguards and the San Diego Police Department to ensure water safety and alleviate traffic concerns.
The Triathlon Challenge also won support from the La Jolla Traffic & Transportation Board on Feb. 18.
Election candidates
Seven candidates are running to fill five available positions on the LJSA board.
Two current board members, Ross Rudolph and Andi Andreae, are termed out and three others are not seeking reelection: Cindy Goodman, Brian Earley and Claudia Baranowski.
The seven candidates are Tracy Andreae, Dede Donovan, Sharon Luscomb, Alex Matov, Alina Mullen, Angie Preisendorfer and Joe Stadler.
Ballots for the annual election are available this month to registered LJSA members. Votes will be collected by mail only.
Goals
LJSA unanimously approved its goals for 2025-26, and many are the same as the current year’s.
President John Pierce said the group’s priorities include improving signage, keeping restrooms clean, replacing streetlights in a timely manner, encouraging road repairs and pursuing environmental enhancements such as landscaping and maintenance.
Next meeting
The La Jolla Shores Association’s next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 19, in the Sala Room at the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club, 2000 Spindrift Drive. The location is for the March meeting only. Learn more at lajollashoresassociation.org. ♦
Check out was real simple, can't wait for the tote bag