The year ahead: La Jolla leaders tout accomplishments as they share visions of 2026

As 2025 draws to a close, the La Jolla Light reached out to a variety of local leaders for their thoughts on their proudest accomplishments of the year and what they hope the new year will bring.

What were your or your organization’s biggest accomplishments of 2025?

San Diego City Council President Joe LaCava

“I am most proud of maximizing the city [of San Diego’s] ability to meet the needs of residents with limited resources and protecting the city’s most important and essential services,” said LaCava, who on Dec. 8 was chosen to serve his second consecutive year as council president.

LaCava’s District 1 includes La Jolla, Pacific Beach, Carmel Valley, Torrey Pines, Torrey Hills and Pacific Highlands Ranch.

The city faced a significant budget deficit in 2025, leading to cuts in library hours and other services. A final compromise budget was reached in June, with some items overriding mayoral vetoes.

Bird Rock Community Council interim President Joe Parker

Multiple Community Council accomplishments took place under Joe Terry’s presidency, according to Parker, who recently stepped into the president’s role after Terry departed for personal reasons.

“The BRCC’s accomplishments include the continuing transformation of our immaculate Maintenance Assessment District areas and the landscaping that [BRCC member] Barbara Dunbar has worked tirelessly to evolve, making it the best MAD in the county,” Parker said. 

Another accomplishment, he said, is the “continued revival of BirdStock under the capable hands of community volunteer Arianna Opsvig … who along with BRCC board members and other volunteers completed the second successful year of this important community gathering and fundraiser.”

Parker added that the Bird Rock business district “continues to grow and flourish with many new boutiques, which are taking the neighborhood by storm. This despite dubious efforts by developers to convince residents that retail space should be reduced in favor of adding high-density housing in a neighborhood short on parking and supporting infrastructure.”

La Jolla Shores Association President John Pierce

“I am most proud of the [inaugural art event known as] ‘Tides of Creativity’ and the grant we received to do it. It was a great success. We are looking to raise funds to continue the tradition this upcoming year,” Pierce said. 

The grant, for $7,500, was initiated by state Sen. Toni Atkins before she left office in 2024 and was administered by the city of San Diego in partnership with the area Business Improvement District Alliance.

“We also worked collaboratively to strengthen The Shores, securing a BID Alliance grant for the Tides of Creativity event, partnering with UC San Diego to amend the banner district and working with the La Jolla [Shores] Business Association to help ensure a successful [Promenade de la Playa project],” Pierce said.

Promenade de la Playa would install new landscaping, bollards, signs and other improvements on Avenida de la Playa’s outdoor dining space while creating a pedestrian walkway.  

La Jolla Town Council President Mary Soriano

Soriano cited several accomplishments from 2025, including the Town Council’s involvement in the formation of a La Jolla Fire Safe Council and a town hall meeting on cell towers; co-organizing a pothole reporting day; and presenting the first Multicultural Festival by the Sea to help celebrate the council’s 75th anniversary.

Soriano also was a frequent speaker at San Diego City Hall meetings, advocating for things such as a $2 million Mission Beach lifeguard tower rehabilitation project and raising concerns about Police Department budget changes.

The La Jolla Town Council underwent a stark transformation in 2025, with an almost entirely new board after a series of resignations and Soriano moving to dismiss two members.

Enhance La Jolla representatives Brian Earley and Ed Witt

As administrator of the Maintenance Assessment District for The Village, Enhance La Jolla has authority to augment services provided by the city of San Diego, including landscape maintenance, street and sidewalk cleaning, litter and graffiti abatement and additional trash collection. It also can privately fund and complete projects in public spaces, including bench installation.

Earley and Witt said the group’s objective is to improve and maintain public spaces and that it continued that mission in 2025. 

“Our efforts in landscaping, litter control, power-washing and graffiti removal benefited property owners, retailers and the community as a whole,” according to a statement to the La Jolla Light. “With new hanging baskets and large planters added on Girard Avenue — and soon to be installed on Fay [Avenue] — an extra watering service was introduced to meet the increased demand in commercial areas and ensure ongoing beautification.” 

“For the first time, large flower pots were added to our sidewalks on Girard Avenue,” the statement added. “This new addition enhanced the visual appeal of the area, creating a streetscape that feels more vibrant and welcoming. The installation of these flower pots brings a lively and inviting touch to the neighborhood, making public spaces more attractive for residents, property owners and visitors alike.”

The representatives also touted the resurfacing and repainting of 15 metal benches with seahorse designs and said Enhance La Jolla plans to continue to create partnerships to help fund planting of street trees. 

La Jolla Village Merchants Association Executive Director Jodi Rudick 

The Village Merchants Association “leaned into its role as a connector and catalyst for local business” in 2025, Rudick said. 

“Everything we did — our events, marketing, partnerships and planning — was grounded in one clear goal: bringing business to La Jolla Village businesses,” she said. “We saw increased visibility, stronger participation and more energy around our programs while also continuing the important behind-the-scenes work of strengthening our systems, securing grant funding and collaborating closely with partners like Enhance La Jolla to support the overall experience of The Village.”

As the merchants organization looks ahead, Rudick said, its strategic plan drafted in December “helped us both recognize what’s working and identify where we can do even better.”

“In 2026, we’re focused on turning momentum into measurable impact — deepening merchant engagement, strengthening our organization, refining our marketing to better convert visitors into customers and continuing to elevate La Jolla as an arts and culture destination,” Rudick said. “It’s about being intentional, inclusive and focused on outcomes that truly support our business community.”

La Jolla Community Planning Association President Lisa Kriedeman

Calling it one of the biggest changes to Community Planning Association processes in recent memory, Kriedeman said the group’s most significant achievement of 2025 was developing criteria for “major projects” that have a “greater impact on the community” to automatically get a full review by LJCPA. 

“In recent years, with the more restrictive procedure to remove a project from [the consent agenda, which is approved as a slate without discussion], most projects were not being presented at the meetings,” Kriedeman said. “Now, if a project meets one of the [new] criteria, it will be presented if any trustee wants to hear it, and since applicants know in advance, it doesn’t delay their process.” 

La Jolla Parks & Beaches President Bob Evans

Evans said the Parks & Beaches board had “two great accomplishments” in 2025. 

One was the “continued beautification and improvements that we’ve been directly involved in and supported with the city’s Parks & Recreation Department” to include “the painting and repair of the white fence along the coastline, significant tree trimming at Scripps Park, and new and repaired benches,” Evans said.

The other, he said, was seeing a project to widen the Scripps Park sidewalk along Coast Boulevard through city channels. Evans noted that the project has been “a priority of LJPB and the community for years.” 

Additionally, Evans touted the board’s involvement in the La Jolla Cove Access Working Group and its eventual five-point plan to submit to the city in an effort to keep people and sea lions apart while keeping the Cove beach “open at all times and preventing closures.”

How do you feel you or your organization did in reaching your goals, and how will that affect planning for 2026?

San Diego City Council President Joe LaCava

“Despite proposed cuts, my colleagues and I, with strong community input, saved the Northwestern police station and maintained … recreation center hours” and Monday hours at some libraries, LaCava said. “La Jolla specifically received streetlight installation in The Shores, completion of the La Jolla sewer and water improvement project, and improved traffic and pedestrian safety with the new HAWK beacon on Torrey Pines Road.” 

Monday hours at the La Jolla/Riford Library were maintained with help from the nonprofit Friends of the La Jolla Library, which provided money to keep it open for two fiscal cycles.

Bird Rock Community Council interim President Joe Parker

Parker praised departed president Terry for his efforts to push projects such as Bird Rock’s street tree lighting and monument signs.

“I am very grateful for Joe Terry’s capable handling of many difficult tasks and the efforts of our board to bring these projects to fruition,” Parker said. “With much of the heavy lifting already accomplished, I look forward to completing my overall goal of bringing the community together to support each other and protect our special neighborhood.” 

La Jolla Shores Association President John Pierce

Pierce cited LJSA’s continued involvement in and advocacy for local issues.

“In 2025, the La Jolla Shores Association remained a strong advocate for the community by opposing the proposed 22-story tower [on Turquoise Street in north Pacific Beach] and SB 79 and by pushing back on an ill-conceived coastal resilience plan that did not adequately reflect neighborhood impacts,” Pierce said. 

Senate Bill 79 is a new state law taking effect in July that is intended to allow increased construction of multifamily housing near public transit such as rail stations and bus lines.

San Diego’s Coastal Resilience Master Plan proposed two possible projects in La Jolla Shores, one for an elevated earthen dike on the north and south ends of Kellogg Park with a seat wall along the existing parking lot, and the other for an elevated earthen dike along the entire length of the park and potential reconfiguration of the parking lot.

La Jolla Town Council President Mary Soriano

“La Jolla Town Council’s 2025 initiatives demonstrated effective community organizing, successful government advocacy and the establishment of sustainable programs like the La Jolla Fire Safe Council,” Soriano said. 

“These achievements revealed both the power of grassroots mobilization and the ongoing need to address infrastructure capacity issues. The pothole initiative exposed a gap in city procedures: When a pothole is reported alongside five surrounding potholes, only one typically gets filled.”

Enhance La Jolla representatives Brian Earley and Ed Witt

“Our goals are to provide the most efficient work in beautification within a budget that is set in partnership with the city’s Economic Development Department,” Earley and Witt said in a statement. “In achieving this goal, we see new opportunities to assist the city at a time when their budgets are under duress. We have limits but want to seek grants to enable us to continue projects and look at new ones that benefit the property owners and residents.”

La Jolla Community Planning Association President Lisa Kriedeman

One of the Community Planning Association’s goals in 2025 was to approve revised bylaws and operating procedures. With that done, Kreideman said, “that reaffirms LJCPA’s role as the recognized community planning group for La Jolla and helps ensure more transparent, updated governance for land-use planning.”

La Jolla Parks & Beaches President Bob Evans

Having started 2025 with the newly designated La Jolla Park Coastal Historic District, “we were able to bring much attention and focus to the area,” Evans said. “For example, we began fundraising for the … Whale View Point stairs [repair] project. … Additionally, we’re on the drawing board for a few more coastal/historic projects.”

What are your or your organization’s goals and priorities for 2026?

San Diego City Council President Joe LaCava

“In 2026, I will continue to identify solutions to garner improved trust in local government,” LaCava said. “As council president, I will fight for a structurally sound fiscal year 2027 budget and continue to facilitate the hard but necessary conversations by the City Council. 

“As the District 1 council member, I will finalize an implementable policy to streamline the process required for nonprofits to invest in local infrastructure. Generous supporters and volunteers who improve our community, like the Friends of Coast Walk Trail and the La Jolla Community Foundation, should find a straightforward partnership with the city.”

Bird Rock Community Council interim President Joe Parker

Parker identified several goals for the Community Council in 2026, including raising its profile in the community, holding more neighborhood events and building stronger bonds among businesses, residents and BRCC members.

He also intends to make meetings tighter and more informative, he said. 

“This focus will drive much-needed attention to important issues that affect our future,” Parker said. “Regular community and board meetings will also be tailored efficiently to maximize time management, the lesson learned from [the COVID-19 pandemic]. Indeed, my presidency will be focused on the important call to the neighborhood to remember why you live here.”

La Jolla Shores Association President John Pierce

“Looking ahead, we remain focused on improving core infrastructure, including paving neighborhood streets, adding new crosswalks and advancing measures that increase pedestrian safety throughout La Jolla Shores,” Pierce said.

La Jolla Town Council President Mary Soriano

Soriano outlined a variety of projects she hopes the Town Council will take on in the new year.

She pointed to replacing a deteriorated wooden bus bench at Silverado Street and Herschel Avenue, installing tree lighting or uplighting at Scripps Park and organizing painting of playground equipment at the La Jolla Recreation Center.

Other major initiatives, she said, include developing a community/employee shuttle in partnership with the San Diego Association of Governments, UC San Diego and other area organizations; partnering with parents to replace playground equipment at the Rec Center; continuing the Fire Safe Council; and working on a multilingual educational video on sea lion interactions with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the San Diego Tourism Authority.

“I’m excited for La Jolla Town Council trustees in 2026; the opportunities to serve the communities are endless,” Soriano said. “I look forward to supporting them on the legacy they want to leave as a trustee and a council.” 

Enhance La Jolla representatives Brian Earley and Ed Witt

“Enhance La Jolla will continue to focus on improving the community as it grows, both as a destination for visitors and as a home for residents,” Earley and Witt’s statement said. “We are seeking grants from county or state sources to help address shortfalls in city services. In particular, we aim to allocate funding toward the repair of streetlamps, which are essential for creating safe, welcoming environments that encourage shoppers and support local businesses.” 

They also noted the anticipated start of construction for the long-planned Village streetscape project in 2026. 

“When construction is done from Prospect to Wall [streets], we will then take over the ongoing maintenance of the new trees, plants and lighting,” according to the statement.

“Enhance La Jolla has the ability to do projects that are not directly tied to our mission in the MAD, and in 2026 we will be installing four benches on the sidewalk looking over the [Recreation Center] bocce ball courts and we’ll also continue to keep La Jolla Parkway clean and weed-free. These projects are paid for by generous citizens that make tax-deductible donations for specific projects.”

La Jolla Village Merchants Association President Scott Blaul

Following his selection as board president at LJVMA’s November meeting, Blaul said “I’m committed to elevating La Jolla Village’s vibrant merchant scene by fostering collaboration, driving innovation and ensuring every business thrives in our community’s unique charm, centered on our mission to bring business to La Jolla. I’m looking forward to working closely with all our amazing board members and CEO to advance our strategic plan initiatives and see sustainable successful growth in beautiful La Jolla Village.”

La Jolla Community Planning Association President Lisa Kriedeman

Kriedeman said the Community Planning Association hopes to “promote projects that make La Jolla a better community by providing clear and consistent project feedback. We also strive to make sure our Community Plan is being followed, which at times can be difficult without city support. We aim to expand our trustee pool, making board membership more representative of La Jolla’s diversity and encouraging underrepresented [segments of the population] to run for office.”

“We’d like to open our meetings to more people with a hybrid format,” she added. “However, we need more funds to get the proper equipment to pull it off successfully and get someone who can manage that system.”

La Jolla Parks & Beaches President Bob Evans 

“We’re close to implementing two current projects for the first quarter of 2026,” Evans said.

One is a second picnic grove in Scripps Park “that provides a nicer and cleaner picnic area with [disabled] access.”

The other is repairing or rebuilding the Whale View Point stairs. 

“Also, with city permits for the Windansea belvedere [a long-standing plan to install a gazebo on Neptune Place near Rosemont Street] being finalized, we’re aiming for installation and rebuild in spring 2026,” Evans said. “Additionally … there are a few other historic district-[related] projects that we’ll be further developing, such as the La Jolla Coastal Trail signage project [that] proposes to standardize [directional signs to] reduce visual pollution … be informative and educational, and replace and beautify much of the existing poorly placed and aged, ineffective signage.”