La Jolla Merchants Meet with District Manager Enhance La Jolla

John Unbewust, the retired engineer who manages the Enhance La Jolla Maintenance Assessment District (MAD), introduced himself to the La Jolla Village Merchants Association (LJVMA) at its July 10 meeting at the Riford Library. He outlined what La Jolla businesses can expect once the program goes live on Oct. 1. According to Unbewust, Enhance La Jolla will be responsible for:

1) sidewalks and high-pressure garbage cans;

2) landscaping, trimming and cleaning of “garbage-looking areas”; and

3) additional garbage collection to what the City has already planned, mainly on weekends.

Unbewust also said there was a fourth responsibility: “Things like removing graffiti or cleaning up a specific issue that happened.”

“I lived in The Village for 15 years,” Unbewust said. “And I saw things that I felt the city didn’t meet that needed to be done. And you know what? It’s time to take the bull by the horns. Now we have the mechanism to be able to start this process, and rather than complaining, I’m going to be the face of a district that will do something about it. And with your help, I think we can do so much more, and I look forward to this challenge.

The audience responded with a standing ovation led by LJVMA Executive Director Jodi Rudick.

“Now we can focus on what we are good at – which is bringing business to the Village, promoting and marketing,” said LJVMA President Brett Murphy, noting that the LJVMA would no longer be responsible for design and beautification in the business improvement district. . “It’s going to be wonderful for our finances and for The Village itself.”

For more information about Enhance La Jolla, visit enhancelajolla.org

Shuttle redesign

LJVMA voted to request that the financial management of the La Jolla Coastal Access and Parking Council (LJCAP) be returned to LJVMA. The LJCAP’s budget will be provided from its own funds, Rudick explained, with no direct financial impact on the LJVMA.

“The question is whether we have the capacity to spend some of the money in a way that improves the village,” she said. “Yes.”

LJVMA Board Member Robert Mackey, who represents LJVMA on the LJCAP Board, provided an update on recent developments and options, none of which have been solidified. And Rudick said LJVMA is writing a request for proposal (RFP) for a short-term shuttle to and around the village.

Olive branch at Bird Rock

Rudick noted — as previously reported by The Light — that Riffs Yoga Studio owner Steve Hart formed the Bird Rock Merchants Association, and “the more the merrier.”

“We can actually take neighborhoods under our wing, either independently with their own 501(c)(3) or (6), get a micro business neighborhood grant,” Rudick said. “It’s up to around $10,000, so it’s not a huge sum, but you can see how they can use it if they want to host an event or help with banners, like they just add it to their district. So we all want to be one big happy family, and I think we’re doing good things to connect the two communities and working hard to do the same with La Jolla Shores.

Also at LJVMA

swear to: LJVMA Secretary Julie Wright has sworn in Patronus Wellness owner Lauren Johnston to fill the board seat vacated last month by Laurnie Durisoe. Additionally, the Shoal La Jolla Beach Hotel and Riffs Yoga Studios were approved as new Associate Members.

• Good finances: The financial statements were reviewed and approved by a vote of the board. Total income was $235,763 with net income of $17,991 for the year. Murphy reported that the financials “looked great.”

• A check and an exit: Michael Dorvillier, president of the La Jolla Concours d’Elegance, presented a check for $5,000 to LJVMA. “Officially it’s a sponsorship contribution, and we really appreciate the partnership and hope it works both ways for years to come,” Rudick said. Dorvillier then announced that he was stepping down from his seat on the LJVMA board and that next month would likely be his last meeting.

• La Jollalty menu: Merchants were encouraged to attend information meetings on a new incentive program for residents called LaJollalty Card, at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday July 16 and at 6 p.m. on Wednesday July 24. Rudick said a La Jolla hotel had already committed to offering 20% ​​off its lowest rate.

• New hotel group: A new hotel group, part of the San Diego Tourism Authority, will hold its first meeting at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 30 at the Empress Hotel, 7766 Fay Ave.

• Enjoya with Art & Wine: Enjoya La Jolla October will not be a standalone event, but will be part of the La Jolla Art & Wine Festival, October 12-13. LJVMA will have a booth at the event and is reaching out to merchants to develop sidewalk sales along Girard Avenue during the festival.

• Election approved: The election process was approved, in accordance with the regulations of the LJVMA.

– The Jolla Village Merchants Association will then meet at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, August 8 at the Riford Library, 7555 Draper Ave. lajollabythesea.com