Our Readers Write: Recreation Center tree, state of La Jolla’s art market

Rec Center tree lighting a symbol of a caring community

On Saturday, Dec. 13, the Recreation Center tree was lighted again, made possible entirely by the generosity of the La Jolla community.

This beloved tradition continues because neighbors and service organizations came together to ensure it continues for all to enjoy.

Thanks to:

• The 22 donors who contributed to the La Jolla Sunrise Rotary Foundation for this project to buy new equipment and decor

• Pancho Dewhurst for writing to the La Jolla Light about this project and donating to the project

• Laura McDonald, who designed the tree look, then ordered all the materials

• Kim Mattis, the San Diego Parks Foundation project manager who also administered the permit process

• GDC Construction workers who assembled and tested the lighting Dec. 10-12

• Clairemont Equipment Rental for their support

• La Jolla Sunrise Rotary board directors and members for their leadership and volunteer efforts

• San Diego Parks Foundation board directors and members

• Alan Dulgeroff, La Jolla Community Recreation Group president, for his continued support

• Brenda Fake, fellow Rotarian, for introducing me to the San Diego Parks Foundation

• Diane Bashor for her continued community support

• Sheila Bowers for her continued support of this project

This lighting stands as a reminder of what a caring community can accomplish together to acknowledge the reason for the season.

Steve Cross, La Jolla Sunrise Rotary

La Jolla has an art problem

It is apparent to me that San Diego (La Jolla, especially) does not have enough commercial art galleries to adequately support the large number of local artists and provide a robust market to sell their work. Galleries have closed down for lack of sales and new ones are not opening because of the high cost of rental.

The real reason, however, is the change in demographics. Clients are rare and the general public does not seem to be interested in art. The older clients have too much art already and the younger ones prefer other toys. Also, La Jolla does not have a viable, serious art fair, in my opinion.

The situation is unlikely to improve unless the public begins to actively support local artists. Life is sad without art. Art nourishes the soul and is beneficial for health.

Peggy Hinaekian

What’s on YOUR mind?

Letters published in the La Jolla Light express views from readers about community matters. Submissions of related photos also are welcome. Letters reflect the writers’ opinions and not necessarily those of the newspaper staff or publisher. Letters are subject to editing. To share your thoughts in this public forum, email them with your first and last names and city or neighborhood of residence to robert.vardon@lajollalight.com. The deadline is 5 p.m. Friday for publication in the following Thursday’s paper. Letters without the writer’s name cannot be published. Letters from the same person are limited to one in a 30-day period.