VILLAGE NEWS LA JOLLA
LA JOLLA’S PREFERRED SOURCE FOR LOCAL NEWS
San Diego Community Newspaper Group
THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2010
for the worst
an Diego has been hit by multiple raging wildfires over the last several years, and when temperatures rise, so do residents’ fears about the safety of their homes. San Diego Fire Chief Javier Mainar said that despite La Jolla’s coastal position and Mediterranean climate, “it’s still an environment meant to burn.” “La Jolla presents unique challenges because of its steep topography and access issues in some of the older areas, with narrow streets and winding roads,” he said. “The other challenge is that it’s a beautiful area to live with lots of vegetation, so we don’t see the same brush management as in other areas.” Mainar said the area also encompasses many older homes that lack fire prevention features like boxed eaves or non-combustible roofs and decks. Then there is the issue of emergency response. While La Jolla isn’t directly impacted by the brownouts (financial cutbacks that prevent some station resources from operating at certain times) that have
S
been instituted in other parts of the city, both Station 35 in University City and Station 21 and Pacific Beach are affected. “Those are both units that come in to support emergency activities in La Jolla proper, so that area is impacted,” Mainar said. “We are working with fewer resources than we would like to have.” Stewart Gary, a longtime firefighter, retired fire chief and fire practice principal for Citygate Associates, recently participated in a regional study to assess vulnerability and resources in the event of another major fire. “San Diego, as a region, already spends over $500 million per year on fire prevention,” Gary said. “While there is a lot of cooperation and coordination among the 50-plus agencies, there is some fragmentation as well.” Gary said the study recommended that the County Board of Supervisors lower the number of fire dispatch centers to facilitate better communication. He also said the study identifed 11 areas throughout the city “where it would be desirable to locate SEE FIRE, Page 2
&
Kerry ApplebyPayne A Tradition of Success and Service 858-775-2014 • tscottappleby@aol.com
DRE#01197544
www.SDNEWS.com Volume 15, Number 50
BY JENNA FRAZIER | VILLAGE NEWS
As high temperatures and the threat of Santa Ana winds spark fears about the arrival of fire season, experts are recommending La Jolla residents take steps now to protect their homes. DON BALCH | Village News
BY JENNA FRAZIER | VILLAGE NEWS
Scott Appleby
Taste at the Cove returns Sept. 1
Preparing
With the season’s hottest temperatures looming ahead and memories of the last decade’s serious regional wildfires still fresh, several experts weigh in on La Jolla’s vulnerability to future blazes and what residents can do to prepare for the worst.
2BR/2BA Furnished Rental La Jolla Shores • $2995/mo
“FIRESCAPING” YOUR HOME Two local landscaping companies, KRC Rock and California’s Own Native Landscape Design, Inc., work with property owners throughout San Diego to “firescape” their properties, or maximize the defensibility of homes and buildings in the event of wildfires. David Garcia, general manager of KRC Rock, said that the first 30 feet in front of a house is the most critical area for fire defense and should include a high proportion of hardscape, like gravel, rock, pavers, flagstone and similar materials. “Almost everyone whose home was damaged in previous fires changed their landscaping to hardscaping,” Garcia said. “It creates an important barrier, it looks nice and it’s cost effective.” Decorative gravel can be installed for as low as 15 cents per square foot, he added. When firescaping the area from 30 to 100 feet away from a house, Greg Rubin, landscape specialist and owner of California’s Own Native Landscape design, said that the types of plants used in landscaping matter less than whether or not they are properly hydrated. “Everything can burn, but SEE FIRESCAPING, Page 2
Sumptuous cuisine, high fashion, one-of-a-kind auction items, professional athletes and celebrities will convene for a noble cause during the 9th annual Taste at the Cove on Wednesday, Sept. 1 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at Scripps Park at La Jolla Cove. More than 30 local restaurants — including The Steak House at Azul, Roy’s, Tikul Coastal “The setting at La Jolla Mexican and Cups — Cove is better than perwill tempt taste buds fect; the food and drink as guests feast their eyes on the latest colexquisite, the entertainlections from La Jolla ment divine, the purpose boutiques and stylists noble and inspirational.” in two New York-style fashion shows. BILL WALTON Silent and live aucNBA BASKETBALL LEGEND tions offer opportunities to swoop up unique experiences like meet-andgreets with Carrie Underwood and the Jonas Brothers, as well as tickets for concerts, the Super Bowl, World Series and Lakers skybox seats, and a catered home dinner with Roy Yamaguchi. Sponsored by the San Diego Sports Medicine Foundation, the five-star charity event raises funds to treat and rehabilitate injured youth who lack the means to obtain alternate care, helping return them to a life of sports and physical activity. “We believe all kids deserve the opportunity to participate in life, and we are dedicated to providing care to children who are in need of assistance,” said Dr. Dave Chao, SDSMF founder and president. “All funds raised by SEE TASTE, Page 4
New Hennessey’s opens in La Jolla BY JENNA FRAZIER | VILLAGE NEWS Hennessey’s Tavern, the Southern California restaurant chain known for its cozy Irish pub ambiance and classic cuisine, has opened a new location at 7811 Herschel Ave. that ups its traditional allure with a sophisticated flair. “It’s very similar to most of our locations, but this particular location has a little extra zing,” said Sharon Rich, a Hennessey’s marketing representative. “It’s eclectic and there are some special items you wouldn’t find on a typical Hennessey’s menu.” For example, the restaurant offers basic salads, calamari, pecan-encrusted baked brie, hearty sandwiches, and the famous Hennessey’s burger with ample toppings. SEE TAVERN, Page 7