From: La Jolla Town Council
Date: August 13, 2026
Subject: Reactivate Torrey Pines City Park Advisory Board
To: San Diego City Council President Joe LaCava <joelacava@sandiego.gov>
Cc: Mayor Gloria <mayortoddgloria@sandiego.gov>, Jennifer Campbell <jennifercampbell@sandiego.gov>,
Stephen Whitburn <stephenwhitburn@sandiego.gov>, Henry Foster <henryfoster@sandiego.gov>, Marni von
Wilpert <marnivonwilpert@sandiego.gov>, Kent Lee <kentlee@sandiego.gov>, Raul Campillo
<raulcampillo@sandiego.gov>, Vivian Moreno <vivianmoreno@sandiego.gov>, Sean Elo-Rivera
<seanelorivera@sandiego.gov>
Letter of Support for Reactivating the Torrey Pines City Park Advisory Board
Dear San Diego City Council President LaCava,
Support for Advisory BoardThe La Jolla Town Council (LJTC) respectfully submits this letter in support of reactivating the Torrey Pines City Park Advisory Board under City Charter Section 43(a) and its essential role in providing oversight of operations at the Torrey Pines Gliderport.
Background and Community ConcernsThis matter carries a substantial history within the La Jolla community and continues to generate significant concern among its residents. The LJTC has received testimony from community members who report that they are unable to safely and equitably access Torrey Pines City Park and the Gliderport. The increasing commercialization of these public assets represents an additional concern shared by a majority of constituents. Upon careful review, the LJTC has determined that reactivating a formal Torrey Pines City Park (TPCP) Advisory Board represents a meaningful and constructive step toward resolving a substantial number of the ongoing concerns raised by residents.
Recommendations for Safety and Fair AccessAmong its duties, the Torrey Pines City Park Advisory Board should be tasked with advising the City on matters of safety and fair access to the Torrey Pines City Park. Matters of safety should include recommendations regarding flight rules as well as a review of all accidents and incidents at the Gliderport. Matters of fair access should include a review of whether solo-flyer pilots should be required to maintain annual membership fees and/or individual insurance coverage as a condition of flying at the Gliderport. Such measures would serve to promote accountable and responsible stewardship of this distinctive coastal resource while safeguarding safe and equitable public access for all.
LJTC Formal ActionAt its duly noticed meeting of February 12, 2026, the LJTC voted in support of the position that reactivating the TPCP Advisory Board would provide substantive and meaningful solutions to address the concerns of La Jolla residents. This position is consistent with advocacy previously advanced by former LJTC President James Rudolph in 2021.
Requested ActionThe LJTC respectfully and earnestly urges the City Council to proceed with the reactivation of the TPCP Advisory Board without further delay. Specifically, the LJTC requests that the City Council:
Direct staff to bring an item before Council, or the appropriate committee, to formally reactivate the Torrey Pines City Park Advisory Board under City Charter Section 43(a);
Establish a timeline for the appointment of Advisory Board members; and
Charge the reactivated Advisory Board with the safety and fair-access responsibilities outlined above.
ConclusionThank you for your attention to this matter and for your continued stewardship of Torrey Pines City Park.
Respectfully,
Mary Soriano
President, La Jolla Town Council
Date: August 13, 2026
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