Veteran ranger assigned to interim job at La Jolla’s Children’s Pool

A veteran park ranger has been assigned to the Children’s Pool and will begin work in July, according to an e-mail from an aide to First District City Councilwoman Sherri Lightner.

The e-mail noted that “one of the city’s most experienced park rangers will be serving in the role” until a permanent ranger can be hired and trained to monitor activity at the La Jolla beach where harbor seals reside.

Randal (Randy) Hawley, who is recognized as the city’s first park ranger, will fill the spot for now. He is currently a senior ranger and worked as a state park ranger prior to joining the city in 1989.

Erin Demorest’s note included a memorandum from Stacey LoMedico, park and recreation director, outlining the details. It notes that Hawley’s immediate tasks will include reviewing signage at the Children’s Pool and beginning efforts to create a volunteer docent program.

The position will be funded by a private donation that Lightner secured prior to the May 14 city council meeting. On that day, council members approved using private funds to hire a ranger or lifeguard “with the primary duty of patrolling the Children’s Pool” as well as establishing a city-run docent program.

LoMedico’s memo noted that because the hiring process “can take upwards of four to five months” the department received the OK to hire a temporary ranger until a permanent one is found.