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La Jolla & Pacific Beach - Unite For Safer Streets

 As reported in the La Jolla Light here, a powerful coalition of seven neighborhood groups from La Jolla and Pacific Beach has united to formally request speed reductions. We sent a detailed letter to the Mayor and City Council President Joe LaCava, specifically citing Assembly Bill 43 (AB 43). This new state law gives cities like San Diego the direct authority to lower speed limits on corridors that are business districts, pedestrian/bike corridors, or safety corridors.


Key Priority Areas highlighted in the letter include:

  • Nautilus Street: The only 40 MPH residential speed limit in La Jolla, posing a substantial risk between two school zones.

  • La Jolla Boulevard: A central connector with high pedestrian activity near Bird Rock Elementary and Tourmaline Beach.

  • Torrey Pines Road: A multi-lane thoroughfare described as "perilous" for cyclists and in need of a reduced speed limit.

PB Pathways Network: Critical routes like Jewel, Diamond, Haines, and Van Nuys Streets, which are vital for students walking and biking to schools including Kate Sessions Elementary, Pacific Beach Middle School, and Crown Point Junior Music Academy.

Councilmember LaCava has responded, saying the city will consider "a major expansion of AB 43 reductions in early 2026."

This is our moment. While the petition signatures show public support, direct communication to our elected official is what turns consideration into action.

  • YOUR CRITICAL CALL TO ACTION: PLEASE EMAIL COUNCILMEMBER JOE LACAVA TODAY.

A simple, polite email can make a huge difference. He needs to hear from his constituents directly.

Suggested Email Text (Feel free to personalize):

Subject: Support for AB 43 Speed Reductions on La Jolla Boulevard

Dear Councilmember LaCava,

Thank you for your leadership and for reviewing the coalition letter from La Jolla and Pacific Beach neighborhoods requesting speed limit reductions under AB 43.

As a resident who cares deeply about street safety, I strongly support using AB 43 to lower speeds on La Jolla Boulevard. This corridor functions as a vital community street, not a highway, and current speeds pose a danger to pedestrians, cyclists, and families.

I am writing to encourage you to act swiftly in early 2026 to designate La Jolla Boulevard and other identified corridors for reduced speed limits. This is a crucial first step toward preventing tragedies and creating safer neighborhoods.

Thank you for your service and attention to this urgent matter.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address, if comfortable]

Send your email to: joelacava@sandiego.gov; JQuintero@sandiego.gov

**Why This Matters:**
*   It directly thanks Councilmember LaCava for his positive response, building a collaborative relationship.
*   It puts a personal face on the petition numbers and shows him this issue is a top priority for voters in his district.
*   It keeps the pressure on to ensure "consideration" in early 2026 turns into concrete action.

By taking two minutes to send this email, you are helping to turn our shared goal into a reality. Let’s show Councilmember LaCava that our community is engaged and expects action.

Thank you for your continued advocacy.

Sincerely,

Respect Bird Rock

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