Through his time and efforts Glen Rasmussen strives to make La Jolla a better place for all

Glen McFadden Rasmussen was born in San Diego, but grew up in Irvine. He graduated from Tustin Union High School, then attended San Diego State College, 1966-1971. He started WindanSea Natural Grocery on the corner of Nautilus and La Jolla Blvd in 1973, sold it in 1980, and entered law school at California Western School of Law, 1981-1984.

Glen and his wife, Marilyn, bought their home in La Jolla in 1979. They have two adult children. Glen specializes in civil litigation, property-related matters, and professional liability defense. He has committed much time to the betterment of La Jolla as past Kiwanis Club of La Jolla president, past La Jolla Bar Association president, past La Jolla Town Council president, past Gillispie School Board of Trustees member and past La Jolla Community Planning Association Board of Trustees member. He now serves on the Planned District Ordinance Committee and is the chairman of the board of the La Jolla Community Center.

What brought you to La Jolla?

When I came to San Diego State in the mid-1960s, the surf here. Then I returned in 1973 and opened the WindanSea Natural Grocery on the corner of Nautilus and La Jolla Blvd, which my wife and I sold to the Barbat family (who still own the Liquor Box across the street) in 1980. We have lived here since. After practicing law in a big firm in downtown San Diego, I have enjoyed a solo law practice here for more than 10 years.

What might you add, subtract or improve in the area?

I would continue the traffic calming for better pedestrian access across La Jolla Boulevard — like in Bird Rock (with incorporation of some lessons we’ve learned there) — for the commercial area from Palomar Avenue to Westbourne Street, then resuming at Marine Street up Pearl Street.

I would implement the Torrey Pines Improvement Project for the same reasons. Having a “freeway” through town, while necessary to get in and out, business is not well served by fast traffic and frequent stops, nor does it allow safe access to our No. 1 asset, our beaches.

Remember how Bird Rock was? It was a desert for our businesses. Slower traffic that doesn’t stop would make things so much better in our little beach community.

Who or what inspires you?

People who can accept good suggestions to help make the best judgment they can and who don’t resort to negativity to accomplish their goals; people who employ rational persuasion and hard work for the right goals.

If you hosted a dinner party for eight, whom (living or deceased) would you invite?

On my guest list of eight would be Jesus Christ, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, John F. Kennedy, Frederick Chopin, Albert Einstein, Jose Limon, Twyla Tharp and Marilyn Rasmussen. I’d add two more chairs for our kids.

What is your most-prized possession?

My house.

What do you do for fun?

I putter, go out to dinner with my wife, sing in a choir, play piano and guitar, watch my daughter dance beautifully, watch good movies with my son, ocean swim and hike.

What is your most-marked characteristic?

I am told I have good judgment about a variety of matters, which I think comes from being raised on a farm in Southern California by a wonderful family.

What is your philosophy of life?

Don’t do anything you know is wrong.

What would be your dream vacation?

To go crash in the woods for about six months.

What historical figure do you most identify with?

Leonardo Da Vinci, not because I am anything like him, but because he was able to profoundly combine art and science.