New rep for State Senator Toni Atkins introduced at Bird Rock meeting in La Jolla

Miller Saltzman, the latest hire on State Senator Toni Atkins’ (D-San Diego) staff, is now its field representative for La Jolla and the rest of District 1. His appointment was announced at the Bird Rock Community Council (BRCC) meeting on Sept. 3, which happened to be Saltzman’s first day on the job.

“I’m excited to learn what this board is all about and be your connection with the senator,” Saltzman told attendees.

A former community representative for District 2 City Council member Jennifer Campbell, Saltzman takes over from Chevelle Tate, who has shifted to field rep for Atkins’ District 3 communities.

“There’s just been a shift in our office, and Miller’s great,” Tate told attendees. “He has experience working in both state and local government. He definitely brings that local perspective and he’ll be a great addition to both you as well as our office.”

Miller stated that he’s lived in San Diego since age 10, attended the Jewish Academy in Carmel Valley and has cousins in Bird Rock.

To reach Saltzman, e-mail miller.saltzman@sen.ca.gov

Bird Rock Produce Exchange

Bird Rock resident Jeanette De Wyze reported on the newly launched Bird Rock Produce Exchange, a pop-up market at which people who have extra fruit, eggs and even composting worms can trade or share them with other backyard farmers in the neighborhood. The concept hit San Diego at least seven years ago, she said, but it’s the first time it’s been done in Bird Rock, where many residents grow produce in their backyards.

“The only thing we’re not doing is trading any money,” De Wyze said.

The exchange, which started in May, meets 3-4 p.m. every third Sunday in the park north of La Jolla Methodist Church, 6063 La Jolla Blvd. The next exchange is Sept. 15.

Also at BRCC

Bird Rock cleanup: Volunteers will meet 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11 — National Day of Service — at Bird Rock Coffee Roasters, 5627 La Jolla Blvd., to tidy up the neighborhood.

Susan G. Komen 3-Day: BRCC chair John Newsam reminded members to decorate their storefronts “with pink and balloons” when the annual breast-cancer-awareness walk makes its way down La Jolla Boulevard in Bird Rock on Nov. 15.

Holiday party: BRCC will celebrate its 25th anniversary at this year’s annual holiday party, set for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3 at Wayfarer Bread & Pastry, 5525 La Jolla Blvd. Newsam said BRCC is still in search of a sponsor for the event.

Elections: Nominations for board members are due Wednesday, Oct. 16. Ballots will be mailed out Wednesday, Nov. 6 and new board members will be elected Nov. 7 to Nov. 15. The results will be announced at the BRCC holiday party.

— Bird Rock Community Council next meets 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1 at the Auditorium at the Bird Rock Elementary School, 5371 La Jolla Hermosa Ave. birdrockcc.org