Community Leader’s View: Get involved in La Jolla

By Darcy Ashley

Whether it is in the business areas or in the neighborhoods, we have all seen an increase in the homeless population in La Jolla. At the La Jolla Town Council meeting at 5 p.m. today, Sgt. Richard Schnell of the San Diego Police Department, Homeless Outreach Team (HOT) will provide information on this issue.

As a community, we must find compassionate ways to help those in need. It is important to have information about what actually helps homeless people and what does not. It is also important to know the consequences of actions (such as giving money to people on the street, in parking lots and on the traffic medians.) We must seek solutions to address the impacts of people living in doorways and alleys.

Please attend the meeting and learn about this issue.

If you would like to get involved, here are two great opportunities:

-Beautification: Meets the first Wednesday of the month at 5 p.m. at the La Jolla Rec Center. This committee works on cleanup and beautification projects all over La Jolla. More volunteers = more areas that can be beautified.

-Parks & Beaches: Meets the fourth Monday of the month at 4 p.m. at the Rec Center. This committee has an advisory role for special events and projects in the coastal parks, beaches and scenic overlooks in La Jolla (not including La Jolla Shores).

If you would like to join either of these committees or would like more information, please call the office at (858) 454-1444.

Note, the Sundowner on May 20 at the White Sands has been canceled. Darcy Ashley ends her term as president of the La Jolla Town Council Thursday night.