SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — The effort to make La Jolla its own city separate from San Diego is making a final push ahead of the holidays to move long-discussed proposal forward.

The Association for the City of La Jolla (ACLJ) has volunteers out in the community hoping to collect enough signatures to place secession from the city of San Diego on the ballot some time in the near future.

The grassroots endeavor to split La Jolla from San Diego has been the works for years, with the association finally beginning the signature-gathering process about six months ago in order to get the divorce before voters.

The group now has a Dec. 1 deadline to get 25% of all registered voters in La Jolla — about 6,500 people — to sign their petition. Trace Wilson, ACLJ president, believes they have already met this threshold, but he said they still have volunteers out collecting more in the event some cannot be counted.

If they meet the deadline, the planning agency who oversees the incorporation of cities, the Local Agency Formation Commission, will take up the matter, notably running a financial analysis on what it could mean for the city of San Diego, community of La Jolla and county at large.

“I always call it a win, win win. It’s important we are benefiting the region of San Diego, the city of San Diego and the community of La Jolla,” Wilson said. He said one of the main reasons for the push is he believes La Jolla would be better at taking care of its needs.

Among the benefits Wilson argues separation would come with include: relieving San Diego of all costs and liability for La Jolla, providing an income stream to San Diego through leased services for La Jolla, reliving San Diego of expenses tied to coastline upkeep, giving La Jolla flexibility to fix roads and focus on other projects of importance to residents.

Wilson also says a withdrawal could create “broad economic uplift” and give La Jollans a louder voice in decisions made up in Sacramento.

Diane Kane, the former Mayor for the City of La Habra Heights and vice president of ACLJ, said she has encountered residents with varying thoughts on the proposal.

“You have people who have been here a very long time, who have been through this exercise, and they’re rather skeptical,” Kane said. “We have other people who are really excited and enthusiastic.”

“Growing up here and knowing the history of this city [San Diego] I am so concerned that we are losing most of our infrastructure, because the city doesn’t have the money,” said Melinda Mayweather, a volunteer with ACLJ and one supporter of La Jolla’s secession.

On the flip side, those who have voiced concern about La Jolla’s separation argue cutting off taxes from San Diego’s revenue could be a significant blow to this financial health, as the area has some of the most expensive properties in the entire region and is an epicenter of its tourism.

Kane pushes back on this, calling impressions the La Jolla is a “giant financial machine” nothing more than misconceptions. Their draft financial analysis, she says, shows the community only accounts for about 6% of the city’s property taxes.

“Out of the $700 plus million dollars in property taxes that are collected citywide, La Jolla only contributes $44 million,” she said.

If the separation efforts go through, it will be sent to a double vote: A majority of voters in the city of San Diego will need to approve it, as well as a majority of the some 39,000 residents in what would be the newly-formed city of La Jolla.

There is no official deadline for this to be brought to a vote, but Wilson hopes to have the matter on the ballot in either 2026 or 2028.

Here are some of the best things to do this weekend in San Diego from Friday, Nov. 29  to Sunday, Dec. 1.

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Friday

Liberty Station tree lighting: A ceremonial lighting of Liberty Station’s 88-foot Norfolk pine tree is at 5 p.m. Nov. 29 along with entertainment, festive firetruck rides, photos with Santa and an outdoor holiday movie showing of “The Grinch.” San Diego Chevrolet Dealers are sponsoring the event, and the Chevy Silverado EV RST will be the power source for the Christmas tree lighting. Admission is free. Visit libertystation.com/events/salute-the-season/holiday-tree-lighting.

“Misery”: Backyard Renaissance Theatre presents William Goldman’s stage adaptation of the Stephen King novel about an obsessive and violent fan who kidnaps her favorite author. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 3 p.m. Sundays. Through Dec. 7. Tenth Avenue Arts Center, 930 Tenth Ave., downtown. $18-$40. backyardrenaissance.com

Safari Park puts on ‘Wild Holidays’: The San Diego Zoo Safari Park celebrates the “Wild Holidays” with an expedition of light and travel through places that twinkle with holiday cheer and seasonal culinary delights from 4 to 8 p.m. on select nights Nov. 29 to Jan 5 at the park, 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road. The Safari Park will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the event, with “Wild Holidays” festivities beginning at 4 p.m. Entertainment includes the “Light Up the Holidays” choreographed lighted tree show with holiday soundtracks, Holiday Troubadour, fanciful characters, and visits with Santa along with lighted archway Bridge of Lights, Forest of Color, Baja Gardens and Nairobi Lantern Walk. “Wild Holidays” activities are free with Safari Park admission or membership. Visit sdzsafaripark.org/wild-holidays.

‘Winter Wonderettes’ opens Friday: San Diego Musical Theatre presents this holiday adaptation of Roger Bean’s all-female comedy “The Marvelous Wonderettes.” In this version, the women’s quartet are pressed into service to create a holiday show after Santa turns up missing. Opens Friday and runs through Dec. 29. 7 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays. 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. SDMT Stage, 4650 Mercury St., San Diego. $30 and up. 858-560-5740, sdmt.org

“A Christmas Carol”: Cygnet Theatre will present its annual production of Dickens’ redemptive holiday tale, once again starring Cygnet artistic director Sean Murray as the miserly Victorian money-lender Ebenezer Scrooge. The 2024 staging will feature an expanded storyline, fresh original music and a revitalized script. Opens Friday and runs through Dec. 24. 7 p.m. Wednesdays-Fridays; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Cygnet’s Old Town Theatre, 4040 Twiggs St., Old Town San Diego. $73. (619) 337-1525. cygnettheatre.com

BalletCenter Studios presents “The Nutcracker:” Director Michelle Noblejas-Bartolomei and former principal dancer Trystan Merrick created original choreography for “Clara and the Nutcracker Soldier.” The reimagined version of the classic tells the story of Clara, an orphan who looks for her parents with the help of the Snow Queen. 7 p.m. Friday; 1 and 5:30 p.m. Nov. 20.. Joan B. Kroc Theatre, 6611 University Ave., San Diego. $30-$60. 619-322-7328, balletcenterstudios.com

Saturday

Holiday Lights on Main: El Cajon is kicking off the holidays  with an even featuring live music, food trucks, photos with Santa, carnival rides, ice skating, cookie decorating and other activities. A tree lighting will take place at 6 p.m.  There will also be a new feature called Holiday Lights Art Walk, with art from 28 artists from San Diego. Art galleries on Main Street will be open for visiting. 3 to 8 p.m. Saturday. Main Street in El Cajon. Free. downtownelcajon.com

“Arthur Christmas”: Reading Cinemas Town Square will be re-screening a holiday classic, “Arthur Christmas.” The screening is billed as a “Pajama Party.” The theater will also show “Elf” on Dec. 4, 14, 15 “The Polar Express” on Dec. 7 and  8, and “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas” on Dec. 21 and 22. 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Town Square, 4665 Clairemont Drive, San Diego. $11.19. readingcinemas.com/townsquare/signature-programming/pajama-party

Leslie Odom Jr. – ‘The Christmas Tour’: A versatile singer who earned a Tony Award for his electrifying portrayal of Aaron Burr in the smash musical “Hamilton,” Leslie Odom Jr. also portrayed vocal legend Sam Cooke in the film “One Night in Miami” and won a Grammy Award for his self-titled debut album. Wirth no fewer than three Christmas releases to his credit, he’ll have lots of songs to choose from for his orchestra-free concert here at the home of the San Diego Symphony. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 30. Jacobs Music Center, 750 B Street, downtown. $39-$147.619-235-0804, sandiegosymphony.org

Tree lighting at One Paseo: Lighting of a 30-foot Christmas tree begins at 6 p.m. Nov. 30 and festivities continue until 9 p.m. at One Paseo, 3725 Paseo Place. The center will be shimmering with firefly lights in the trees and festive decor. The evening will feature live music performances, some snow and Santa along with special guests. Visit onepaseo.com.

Light Up the Holidays: The Salvation Army hosts its red kettle kickoff, “Light Up the Holidays,” from 5 to 6 p.m. Nov. 30 at Grossmont Center, 5500 Grossmont Center Drive. The free family event includes a tree lighting, hot chocolate and coffee, Christmas music by The Salvation Army San Diego Brass Band and guest performance by Rat Pack Reborn and photos with Santa. Besides money donations, the Salvation Army is accepting new, unwrapped toys. Visit sandiego.salvationarmy.org/san_diego2/event-page—light-up-the-holiday-red-kettle-kickoff

East Village Tree lighting: The holiday event is from 4 to 8 p.m. Nov. 30 at Quartyard and 13th Street, featuring a curated holiday market by San Diego Markets, live entertainment, food and drinks and activities for kids. The traditional tree lighting ceremony is at 6:45 p.m. Visit eastvillagesandiego.com/events/east-village-tree-lighting-and-holiday-market

La Jolla Symphony and Chorus’ Joyful Traditions: On the eve of December, LJSC kicks things off with its annual community Messiah sing  event. The ensemble will perform Handel’s full “Messiah” oratorio. The audience is invited to sing along with Part I and the Halellujah chorus. 2 p.m. Saturday. San Dieguito United Methodist Church, 170 Calle Magdalena, Encinitas. $10-$20 (plus $10 cash for vocal score rental). 760-753-6582, ljsc.org/joyful-traditions

Sunday

City tree lighting ceremony: The event starts at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 1 at Memorial Park on Third Avenue. The ceremony will feature remarks from city officials and community leaders to kick off the season. There will be carolers, holiday shopping and food. The Downtown Chula Vista Farmers Market will have extended hours from 3 to 6 p.m. Visit downtownchulavista.com

Snowfall & Light Show: The free holiday shows begin at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. each Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Dec. 1-22 near the Koi Pond at Village Walk at EastLake, at Eastlake Parkway and Miller Drive. Children will receive free magic glasses to view the light show in an array of colors. Entertainment on Dec. 1 includes a performance by the Discovery Charter School at 5:30 p.m. and between shows. Various community caroling groups will sing between shows on other days. Visit shopvillagewalk.com/special-events

Camp Christmas: Pine Valley Camp Christmas, a holiday festival for all ages, starts Nov. 15 and runs from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Friday through Sunday in November and Dec. 1, 6-8, 13-14, 18-22 at 8668 Pine Creek Road. Festivities include a Lights & Sounds of the Season show and dancing water show, hay rides, train rides, a nativity scene and a talking Christmas tree. There will be a game room, archery and bounce houses, among other attractions. Visit PineValleyCampChristmas.com.

Christmas concert: The Music Men Barbershop Chorus will perform a concert, Twas The Week Before Christmas at 3 p.m. Dec. 1 at San Marcos Lutheran Church, 3419 Grand Ave. The family-friendly event includes popular and classic holiday songs, sung in Barbershop harmony. The show will feature a guest chorus, The Pacific Belles and audience sing-a-longs. The suggested donation is $10. Visit musicmenchorus.org

Originally Published: November 27, 2024 at 10:57 AM PST

Paul Henning

OBITUARY

Paul Robert Henning, of Pine Valley, CA was born in Santa Ana, CA to Urban J. and Loverna M. (Felling) Henning. He attended George Washington elementary, McFadden Jr. High, and Sana Ana Valley High where he earned enough credits to graduate early as he was such an exceptional student. He matriculated at the University of California at San Diego, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. During a summer break he went to Berlin, Germany as an exchange student. Always eager to learn, he became fluent in German, Spanish and also becoming conversant in French. His insatiable appetite for learning continued throughout his life.

After graduation Paul worked a couple different jobs. In 1987 he began a 29-year career with U.S. Customs – starting as an Inspector at the San Ysidro Port of Entry and ultimately promoting to Assistant Director of Field Operations for Border Security in the San Diego District.

Paul had many hobbies, including genealogy (he extensively researched his family tree which has over 4,700 ancestors), writing (he authored a book titled “Rosalia” that was based on his ancestor’s immigration from Germany to the U.S. in the 1800’s) and he was an avid reader. He enjoyed snorkeling, swimming, skiing, and especially hiking. He also loved his house in the mountains at Pine Valley, CA.

In 1982 Paul met his partner, Craig, and they began a life journey together that lasted almost 42 years until his death. They were married in 2014. Paul is survived by his husband, Craig Everett, sister Deborah Verplancke of Prescott, AZ, brother Robin Henning of Orange County, CA, two nieces: Kristin Stahr of Havasu City, AZ and Melanie Jackson of Lake Forest, CA; grand-nephew, Jacob Jackson and grand-niece, Hailey Jackson. He also leaves behind a large extended family.

Paul was a unique and special person who touched the lives of everyone who knew him. There will be a graveside service for Paul at the Santa Barbara Cemetery on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at 10:00 am.