UPDATE: PUBLIC MEETING OUTCOME / NEXT ACTIONS

Hi all, we’ve reached 31,186 signatures on this petition, which is truly incredible, and I can't thank you enough for your support; however, this is not enough, so below you will find important action steps, contacts, and updates.

LFG!

First and foremost, I want to let everyone know that while Children's Pool is still a priority, it has become increasingly obvious that La Jolla Cove is just as much in need of our attention and care. 

Important Contacts

Please save / screenshot these important resources:

• Animal Rescue - Seaworld Rescue Hotline: 800-541-7325 / Email: SWC: Rescue@seaworld.com
• Non-pinniped Rescue - Project Wildlife: 619-299-7012
• Report a Violation - NOAA: 800-853-1964
• Please notify @wildlifejewels (for entangled birds)
• Project Wildlife in SD County: 619-299-7012

UPDATES

There is an overall agreement from everyone: seal and sea lion advocates, the local swimmers, and the board that the La Jolla Cove has become overrun with humans. Many of you may have seen videos and photos online that exemplify this.

What is not in agreement is the way to handle an immediate action step, and that is where tensions continue to rise.

Here are the facts:

This past Monday at 4PM at the Riford Library, there were more than 110 people who showed up to the public La Jolla Parks and Beaches meeting. This is unprecedented. I could not be more grateful to everyone who showed up.

I say this with grace, the board was not prepared for this turnout.

They lacked a speaker so everyone could hear, as people were told via fire marshal rules, they were not allowed in the largest space available at the library, so they stood in the hallway.

I personally showed up 30 minutes early to make sure I could sign up to talk, was around 10th on the list, but after 37 people signed up, the board decided to call on 15 people at random, who each got 2 minutes to speak. I was conveniently not one of those people. 

Board President Ann Dynes made her own public statement, which said they were unaware of this problem, but later on, Board Treasurer Chas Dye presented a proposed letter to the city, stating they were aware of this ongoing problem.

There were local swimmers, who made it very clear that they want to continue to have access to the ocean. They support a beach closure, as long as ocean access stays open. They also voiced that the sea lions are overpopulated. I am not sure by what standards they are voicing this, but this is not a fact. 

Better management is wanted by everyone.

This problem has been going on for years, but things continue to get worse, which is why so many of us are passionately continuing to advocate for a closure at Childrens Pool and La Jolla Cove until actual actionable change is implemented by Council President Joe LaCava and Mayor Todd Gloria.

• Council President Joe LaCava did not attend, but sent a representative, Joaquin Quintero, to reiterate that Joe is not looking to close the beaches.
• Mayor Todd Gloria, did not attend, nor did he send a representative, but he also not looking to close the beaches.

This is why public pressure has to continue.

Both men have been informed of this petition, and are aware of the ongoing problem, but are hoping it will just go away. We can't let that happen.

PROPOSED LETTER TO CITY

LJP&B director Chas. Dye presented a letter to be sent to the city. Here is what is proposed:

• A resolution to maintain aquatic access while restricting access to La Jolla Cove during sea lion pupping season (June 1 through Sept 15).
• Close the west staircase at The Cove but leave the east staircase (closest to the lifeguard tower) open, with signage indicating only access for swimming, diving and snorkeling would be allowed. 
• No animal viewing from the beach would be permitted.

A motion to approve and forward the letter passed, with married directors Marie Hunrichs and Ken Hunrichs opposing. Marie cited worries of increased sea lion numbers. Ken opposed stating that the restrictions are “the next step towards complete closure of The Cove.” They both spoke of their grandchildren and desiring access for their family.

OVERALL

What is clear is there is a lack of diversity on the board in all capacities.

Factually speaking, the board is entirely white, 50+, and lives within a specific socio-economic bracket that most of us do not. This is not meant to be an insult. It is about perspective.

At the end of the 3+ hour meeting, which I stayed entirely for, the board stated they see the lack of diversity in all ways themselves, and hope this changes.

Elections are in January 2027, and 6 members' terms expire. Please find the Director Candidacy Application for 2027 here: application. 

The turn out and sheer number of people showing up absolutely was and is needed to continue to advocate for this ongoing issue. 

SEPTEMBER MEETING DETAILS:

Date: Monday, September 28, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM
Location: Typically held or posted via La Jolla Parks and Beaches @ the Riford Library. (please check their official site or the City of San Diego Event Calendar for exact venue confirmations or virtual access links).  

Mark this on your calendar now!

ACTION STEPS

Volunteers and donations are needed in a number of capacities. 

• SD Seal Society is a great resource to find out ways to help further, and advocate for these incredible pinnipeds. 
• Seatrees, which is a kelp restoration science initiative in the area, needs help, and looking for fundraising, so please check them out.
•  San Diego Coast Keeper does everything from education to beach cleanups and is also looking for help in a number of ways.
•  Wildlife Jewels is another incredible organization fighting to help protect the marine wildlife and coastline, and would be more than thrilled to see as many people as possible get involved. 
• Board Member Diane Kane is also creating a working group. She is inviting local scientists and citizens to document and acquire solid numbers to support the protection of our pinnipeds. Email lajollaparksandbeaches@gmail.com for info.

There are a lot of puzzle pieces to what is going on, and why change has not been implemented. The biggest pieces are Todd Gloria and Joe LaCava, so please continue to reach out to them via emails and calls at:

• Mayor Todd Gloria - Email: mayortoddgloria@sandiego.gov / Phone: 619-236-6330 / IG: @mayortoddgloria,
• Council President Joe LaCava - Email: joelacava@sandiego.gov / Phone: 619-236-6611 / IG: @joelacava_d1
• Additionally, the La Jolla Parks and Beaches board can be reached at - Email: lajollaparksandbeaches@gmail.com
• The list of the board memebers can be found here: Board of Directors 

Please continue to make your voice heard, stay educated about what is going on, volunteer, donate to these local orgs, and join me at the next La Jolla Parks and Beaches meeting.

Lastly, if you have video or photographic documentation you'd like to share with me from either Childrens Pool or La Jolla Cove please send that to me via IG and title the message with a seal emoji. 

Thank you again to everyone who has signed, shared, and continued to participate in so many important ways.

More Info: lajolla.ca