New ranger set to start work at La Jolla’s Children’s Pool

By Dave Schwab

daves@lajollalight.com

The city of San Diego has hired a full-time ranger to patrol La Jolla’s Children’s Pool.

“His name is Richard “Rich” Belesky and his previous experience includes the past three years with the city of Chula Vista as a senior park ranger,” Stacy LoMedico, the city’s Park and Recreation director, said in an e-mail. “He will be present at the pool as early as this weekend.”

LoMedico said the new ranger position was budgeted in the city’s Fiscal Year 2012 budget from the general fund. She added the salary range for a park ranger is in the $41,059 to $48,878 range.

The new park ranger will be supervised by Dan Daneri, parks district manager.

LoMedico added the seasonal seal rope barrier at the pool is set to be installed on Dec. 15 “in accordance with our permit.”

Meanwhile, the parks department has submitted an application for a year-round rope to the California Coastal Commission.

The city Planning Commission had previously rejected the year-round barrier, but it has since been determined that Children’s Pool falls within the Commission’s purview.

The issue will be decided at a full public hearing at the Coastal Commission the next time it meets in Southern California, likely in January.