San Diego, CA
La Jolla Shores board questions benefits of proposed UCSD banner district
A proposal to establish a UC San Diego banner district, though pitched as a mutually beneficial project, was viewed by some La Jolla Shores Association board members last week as a one-sided and not-so-collaborative deal.
Erin Shepler, UCSD’s executive director of marketing, and Anu Delouri, senior director of local government and community relations, presented the proposal to the Shores Association on April 16.
Under the proposal, UCSD banners would be hung on light poles on streets near the university, including Genesee Avenue, Regents Road, La Jolla Village Drive, North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla Shores Drive and Torrey Pines Scenic Drive.
The plan first went before the La Jolla Traffic & Transportation Board last month before it was redirected to the Shores Association.
Former LJSA president Janie Emerson said at the T&T meeting that the proposal would more appropriately fall under LJSA’s jurisdiction because “that’s the community it’s going to impact most.”
T&T Chairman Erik Gantzel agreed, saying “It doesn’t, in my mind, impact what we are here to do,” since it doesn’t involve road or parking changes.
The project, though developed “in close partnership with the city” of San Diego, would be paid for and maintained by the university, Shepler told LJSA, and the banners would be installed at “low-impact times” to avoid disrupting traffic.
There are a total of 175 poles within the loop, but Shepler said that doesn’t mean each one will be used. Several factors would be considered, she said, including what the budget allows and which poles are obstructed or contain safety signs.
Shepler said the project is not promotional, political or for profit but instead is about “showing value to the community,” boosting local pride, creating a more welcoming environment, “establishing a sense of place” for where the UCSD campus starts and ends and showcasing the school to people just outside of it.
Emerson disputed a claim by the presenters that the banner district would not overlap with La Jolla Shores’ banner district. The area in question is on La Jolla Shores Drive adjacent to UCSD’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
Delouri said the university does not believe there is overlap but that it would remove any parts of its banner district that indeed cross over.
Shepler agreed that “it’s not a problem at all. Based on our conversations with the city, we were told that this is not a conflict, but we are happy to resolve that” if there is one.
Delouri said that because the banner district is proposed on city streets, it will require City Council action but not local action.
But, she said, council President Joe LaCava, whose District 1 includes La Jolla, “was very particular that we do bring it to the community and share with you.”
That caused some board members and others attending the meeting to question the collaborative aspect of the proposal.
“That’s not community partnership,” board member Mike McCormack said. “It’s not that I don’t support banners on La Jolla Shores Drive and their use. I support us having control over it so the university comes to us and asks us to make use of our banners.”
Others characterized the proposal as one-sided.
Emerson called the project “counterproductive” and added that “it takes people from our community and onto the campus and not into our community and our businesses.”
Board member Kathleen Neil inquired about UCSD’s maintenance of nearby trees and the poles’ light bulbs.
“Anything you can offer back in return to us becomes an incentive for us to support your request,” Neil said. “Otherwise, it feels more like taking.”
Delouri said the university will do its best but cannot take maintenance into its own hands.
Board member Ross Rudolph requested a corrected map before the board votes on the project.
“We’re not trying to be obstructive,” Emerson said. “We’re just trying to keep our community the way it needs to be, and I know you all are trying to enhance your community. So we can work together.”
Delouri and Shepler said the next step for UCSD is reconnecting with the city and confirming that there is no district overlap before the project moves forward. They said they “are happy to come back” to the Shores Association to share any adjustments and additional details.
After the meeting, Delouri told the La Jolla Light that portions of the proposed district, specifically light poles along the west side of North Torrey Pines Road and the south side of La Jolla Village Drive between Torrey Pines Road and Gilman Drive, are being reassessed to determine whether any adjustments are needed.
Other LJSA news
Swearing-in: LaCava swore in five newly elected board members during the April 16 meeting — three of them in person and two attending online.
They are Alina Mullen, Tracey Andreae, Dede Donovan, Angie Preisendorfer and Sharon Luscomb. Members Rudolph and Andi Andreae were termed out and Cindy Goodman, Brian Earley and Claudia Baranowski did not seek reelection.
John Pierce will remain president, with Mary Coakley Munk as first vice president, Karen Marshall as second vice president, Preisendorfer as secretary and Terry Kraszewski as treasurer.
Event planning: The Shores Association plans an event titled “Tides of Creativity,” highlighting local artists and authors, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 17.
LJSA received a $7,500 grant initiated by state Sen. Toni Atkins before she left office last fall and administered by the city of San Diego in partnership with the area Business Improvement District Alliance.
Pierce said LJSA is working on permits with the city and that additional information will be available soon.
Next meeting: The La Jolla Shores Association next meets at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 21, at the Martin Johnson House on the campus of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, 8840 Biological Grade. Learn more at lajollashoresassociation.org. ♦
Originally Published:
CORONADO, Calif. (KGTV) – Everyone from NASCAR officials to the drivers to those who serve on Naval Base Coronado is beaming with excitement, waiting to kick the tires and light the fires this race weekend for NASCAR San Diego Weekend.
“Fans can expect one incredible time. History is being made this weekend,” Matt Humphrey, Sr. Director of Track Communications for NASCAR, said.
The racing track is up at Naval Base Coronado.
“It’s been amazing from seeing the bones of the track going up to driving the track, going to work in the morning. It’s incredible,” Seaman Naylei Fausto of the U.S. Navy said,
And now it’s time to race.
The NASCAR San Diego weekend is officially underway, with the first event held at an active military base.
“They’re going to be able to see a lot of what NASCAR is about with all the different fan displays, the kids’ zone, all the different activations from our partners around, but most importantly, they’re going to see the United States Navy showcased in the best form possible,” Humphrey said.
One of those sailors, Seaman Fausto, who is a lifelong NASCAR fan, never thought she’d see her station transformed into a NASCAR track, let alone any base.
“Joining the Navy, I thought I was going to be out taking pictures and doing Navy-related things, and now I get to work with NASCAR, which is just amazing and it’s fulfilling my inner child,” Fausto said.
Those behind the wheel say that, in their experience, there’s nothing like this event.
“It’s definitely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I think we’ve had some opportunities. We did the street course in Chicago for the last couple of years,” Cody Ware, NASCAR Driver, said. “But to show up here, getting the opportunity to race on an active military base just for the US Navy and NASCAR to be able to work together to put the show on is really incredible.”
There will be a Truck Series race starting at 4 p.m. on Thursday. On Saturday, that’s when the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts race will be happening. That begins at 2 p.m. This is the second tier of NASCAR races where drivers hone their skills, looking to get into the top level of the NASCAR circuit. Sunday is the main race with the NASCAR Cup Series happening at 1 p.m.
While it’s incredible to host NASCAR at the naval base, NASCAR officials hope people plan ahead to avoid the painful process of getting to the track.
“But if you do not have that government-issued photo ID or passport, you’ll be turned away. So very important that you bring that. But then bring your patients, come early,” Humphrey said. “If you think it’s going to take a half hour to get here, add an extra 30 to 40 to even 60 minutes on top of that; just to give yourself enough time to get over the bridge to make sure you get through the gates, get through security.”
Humphrey added that NASCAR is working together with local, state and federal agencies to make sure traffic is moving smoothly, and everyone is getting into the race and having fun.
San Diego County will be the center of NASCAR nation this weekend, with fans flocking to Naval Base Coronado for three days of events.
This is the first-ever Cup race held in San Diego County and the NASCAR community is also presenting it as its way of celebrating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy.
Tickets are completely sold out, but locals can still get in on the fun at various event and activities taking place across the region.
Here’s what to know about this one-of-a-kind weekend in San Diego. Full coverage of NASCAR San Diego Weekend can be found at sandiegouniontribune.com/tag/nascar.
What is NASCAR San Diego Weekend?
The three-day event begins with Friday’s Craftsman Truck Series race, continues with an O’Reilly Auto Parts series race on Saturday and wraps Sunday with the Anduril 250.
Grandstands with a capacity for 40,000 fans have been erected, with another 10,000 spectators expected to occupy standing areas around the grounds.
Here’s a turn-by-turn look at Naval Base Coronado’s race circuit
When is it taking place?
Parking lots, which are on base, open each day at 7 a.m. and gates open at 9 a.m.
The Craftsman Truck Series takes place Friday at 4 p.m. The O’Reilly Auto Parts series race blasts off at 2 p.m. Saturday. The main event, NASCAR Cup Series Race, happens Sunday at 1 p.m.
A race-by-race look at NASCAR’s San Diego Weekend
Each day will also feature entertainment, driver Q&As and other activities.
Where is it?
Naval Base Coronado will host the weekend’s activities. All fans in attendance must carry a valid government-issued photo ID at all times.
Going to this weekend’s NASCAR races in Coronado? Here’s what you need to know
All event parking will be located on Naval Base Coronado. There is no event parking available within the city of Coronado.
Who is racing?
Shane Van Gisbergen, Tyler Reddick, Mike McDowell, Chase Elliott and Ty Gibbs are just a few of the names to expect this weekend. A full lineup can be found at nascarsandiego.com/nascar-san-diego-mission-lineup.
These 13 Cup racers could all win Sunday’s Anduril 250 in Coronado
How to watch on TV:
Craftsman Trucks Series race: 4 p.m. Friday on Fox Sports 1
O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race: 2 p.m. Saturday on The CW
NASCAR Cup race: Sunday at 1 p.m. on Prime Video
Local events:
San Diegans have a range of options for getting in on the fun of NASCAR weekend in Coronado, including meet and greets with drivers, watch parties and fan zones.
Your guide to fan events during NASCAR San Diego Weekend
More coverage:
CORONADO, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — Final preparations are underway for NASCAR’s historic race weekend at Naval Base Coronado, where stock cars will compete on an active military installation for the first time in the sport’s history.
Crews, race teams, military personnel, first responders and event staff spent Thursday putting the finishing touches on the temporary road course as thousands of fans prepare to descend on the base for the inaugural event.
“The countdown is on,” as organizers work to transform portions of the installation into a race venue unlike any NASCAR has hosted before.
“It’s a very proud moment for NASCAR and myself and my company for being part of it,” said Jordan Litchko, a NASCAR production partner with ignition production. “It’s the America 250, so what a year to celebrate and be here on the naval base.”
Officials say the event marks the first time a NASCAR national series race has been held on a military base, bringing one of America’s most recognizable motorsports directly onto a working military installation.
Unlike traditional oval tracks, competitors will tackle a temporary road course built specifically for the event.
“It’s a road course race, which adds way more excitement, so it’s going to be ultra challenging,” Litchko said.
Thursday’s preparations included long lines of team members, vendors, staff and emergency personnel picking up credentials and completing security and base access requirements ahead of race weekend.
Meanwhile, drivers and crews got their first close look at the unique layout, which winds through portions of the base and presents a challenge far different from a conventional speedway.
With large crowds expected throughout the weekend, organizers are encouraging fans to plan ahead and allow extra travel time. Traffic delays are anticipated around Naval Base Coronado and nearby access points as spectators arrive for the event.
After months of planning and construction, the wait is nearly over.
On Friday, engines will roar to life aboard Naval Base Coronado, marking a milestone moment for NASCAR and creating a new chapter in the sport’s history. By the weekend’s end, fans will witness a race unlike any ever held before — stock cars competing on a military base in the heart of San Diego.
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