Here's Ernie's proposed speech (originally posted in "
the Eagle" topic):
eagle wrote:
LJTC & LJSA Agenda Speech – Torrey Pines Gliderport
Hello La Jolla, San Diego
My name is Ernie Casco, a senior pilot, and former Assistant Flight Director of Torrey Pines Gliderport, a protégé of Howard Mitchel, Top Gun instructor, and Bill Benit; in the Hall of Fame for historical waterski flight over the Statue of Liberty. I am also a former member of the La Jolla Town Council’s Board of Trustees. that also served on the Torrey Pines Gliderport Subcommittee in 2021 My background includes service as an Observer with the USCG Auxiliary, Navy Amphib Base and MCRD Base, Boathouse Instructor, trained HAZMAT team, I took all this experience to Hilton Resort as Dock Manager for their best year recorded. I have a few accomplishments with a family business, Club Diego's, in the 80s. I have successfully worked as a Contractor/Estimator for Myself, Home Depot, and others. I also support local anonymous recovery outreach programs within our community.
My aviation seed was planted by my father, who at the age of 14, was the youngest sailplane pilot in Argentina A brilliant Oceanographer at Scripps, and an engineer/designer who worked on the Apollo Mission. Mom is still with us at 95, a former UCSD director with incredible achievements. Both sisters have successful careers in the medical field here in La Jolla.
I'm currently retired, with a few medical issues. Successful heart transplant, currently in cancer remission. It's a Miracle I'm here.... I have been flying for nearly 40 years. I have the 1980 OUT and Return record flight at Lake Elsinore, climbing to 13,000 ft, then flying from Hemet to Los Angeles and back. An incredible 6-hour flight, with no motor, out flying everyone with a Cessna or Piper Cub.
I’m here to address critical issues impacting the Gliderport and propose SD Recreational Waiver as a solution that prioritizes public safety, preserves recreational rights, and ensures accountability. I bring my experiences forward today to advocate for safety, fairness, and transparency from our City leaders
My Background, I was a LJ Town Council Trustee on the Gliderport Subcommittee.
The Torrey Pines Oversite Advisory Group
Back in March 2021, LJTC had issued a unanimous letter of support request to permanently reinstate the Torrey Pines Gliderport Oversight Advisory Board, isolating commercial interests from recreational use of park and lands, ensuring all user groups are represented fairly.
City leaseholder "Air California Adventure" dissolved the oversight board watching over them, destroyed the Hang Gliding Club, and is currently blocking pilot access, demanding payment, forcing pilots into an unfair Access Pass and Waiver contract to use our public park.
There are no fees to use our free public park. USHPA-rated pilots pay for a rating card and insurance fees above and beyond what is required by law; any other fees is a racket by the City leaseholder.
It is illegal use of the color of authority (administrative Law) to override our recreational rights and freedom, robbing the public.
La Jolla Rights have been stolen with a short holdover lease agreement that doesn't get looked at. This is completely unacceptable and needs to be stopped immediately.
The Oversight Advisory Board would strengthen public safety measures, improve transparency, and keep our parks free for recreational use.
Call to Action ~ Key Issues:
Public Safety First:
Public safety and park access must always take precedence over commercial interests. The Gliderport School should operate independently, ensuring that private businesses do not restrict public park use.
Insurance Gaps:
The Gliderport operates under self-insurance after losing its original coverage due to multiple claims. With no legal insurance requirements for recreational pilots, this raises significant legal and safety concerns.
Recreational Flyers’ Rights:
As stated by LJ Town Council, recreational solo pilots should not be forced to pay arbitrary fees or insurance costs. Hang gliding and paragliding, like Surfing, are free sports; access to our public park must remain free and open.
The SD Recreational Waiver, proven to work, separates recreational flying from commercial operations, ensuring safety and preserving public access. It’s a proven legal solution, Barbra Bry said, It's an Easy Fix, that's ready to go.
The Role of the Leaseholder:
The city leaseholder may remain and operate as a club but must adhere to strict accountability standards.
The Gliderport Club may offer glider storage, repairs, tandem rides, and discounts but must not monopolize park use.
The leaseholder cannot discriminate against recreational pilots or impose unauthorized fees.
All public funds collected must be accounted for, ensuring they support park maintenance—not private gain.
The leaseholder must uphold safety standards, maintain facilities, and ensure proper insurance coverage.
Accountability for Damages: There are serious allegations of misconduct, including workplace violence, hate crimes, and mishandled police reports. Victims deserve transparency, accurate reporting, and justice. The leaseholder must be held accountable under common law and USHPA aviation rules.
Ongoing Crimes:As referred by La Jolla Town Council, reports were sent to the CPP, Commission of police Practices. The CPP then acknowledged there are crimes and that we should go directly to Police Authorities.
I respectfully urge La Jolla Shores Association (LJSA), and the La Jolla Town Council (LJTC) to both issue a letter endorsing the permanent reinstatement of the Oversight Advisory Board and the SD Recreational Waiver to end the dispute at Torrey Pines Gliderport.
The SD REC WAIVER:
Protects public safety
Safeguard recreational access
Separate commercial interests from public park use
Joe Lacava, this is a win for City Leader, police authorities, public servants, and La Jolla residents. It is an opportunity to rebuild public trust and ensure our parks remain open, safe, and free. You would certainly be loved by the flight community, showing everyone badly needed government reform.
Public Support:
I have collected over 700 signatures on Change.org and MoveOn.org. The petition, titled “Black’s Beach Recreational Scandal: Stop the Commercialization and Privatization of San Diego Parks,” is currently available for signing online.
Copies of the SD Recreational Waiver that Pilots would sign before flying, available upon request. Signed SD Rec Waivers would be kept on file, and a pilot rating card issued in return.
In Closing:
Let’s make the right choice for our community. By endorsing the SD Recreational Waiver, we can protect public safety, preserve free recreational access, and hold commercial operators accountable.
Thank you for your time and your help protecting our freedom. I’m available for questions, and can be reached at erniecasco@gmail,com, or my cell: (858) 568-1384. also listed on the petition flyer.
