

Reporter
Ashley Mackin-Solomon
Ashley Mackin-Solomon is a reporter for the La Jolla Light, covering everything from community planning, sports, science, the arts, personalities and more. She has been with La Jolla Light since 2012. Prior to that, she was the editor of San Diego Uptown News; an intern with a New York-based publishing company, contributing to parenting magazines; and a reporter for the Eureka Reporter newspaper. She earned her journalism degree from Humboldt State University, now Cal Poly Humboldt. Outside of work, she enjoys being outdoors, yoga, cooking and stand-up comedy.
All Stories

El 68.º desfile anual, con el tema “Palmeras y flores de Pascua: una Navidad en California”

El debate se intensifica sobre una nueva escalera de a la playa planificada para la calle Princess de La Jolla
Vecinos y del Comité DPR expresan muchas reservas sobre la propuesta

LA JOLLA: Residentes temen que se estén utilizando drones para inspeccionar casas en busca de robos
La policía dice que "no tienen una respuesta fácil" para establecer conexiones entre el uso de drones y los robos

Una casa de La Jolla no obtiene la designación histórica por un voto
El propietario solicitó el reconocimiento de una casa de dos pisos, estilo Renacimiento colonial

El Festival Internacional de Cine de San Diego regresa del 16 al 20 de octubre
El festival también incluirá mesas redondas y el evento de alfombra roja Night of the Stars Tribute.

¿Extraterrestes? ¿Volcán oculto? Científico de UC San Diego ayuda a rastrear una señal misteriosa
El sismólogo Carl Ebeling, analiza una señal sísmica inusual el año pasado.

Una legislación permitiría a las ciudades prohibir que los niños menores de 12 años utilicen bicicletas eléctricas
Crearía un manual digital que incluiría las reglas de tránsito y las regulaciones sobre bicicletas eléctricas

Ex-LJA leader speaks out on need for adaptive reuse and affordable housing ordinances
Could an adaptive-reuse ordinance be a solution in the city of San Diego’s complicated — and sometimes conflicting — plan to update its housing regulations and preservation strategies? One La...

Drone show returning to La Jolla Shores, but donations are still sought
Organizers say about $9,000 is still needed for the Fourth of July performance.

‘Slow down’ painter in Bird Rock turns to stickers
Resident Nicole Hadfield says she's 'not putting the pitchfork down yet' about speeding drivers.

New La Jolla Historical Society archivist looks to make history more accessible
Though she's a San Diego native and a one-time La Jolla resident, getting the job as the La Jolla Historical Society's new archivist didn't come easily for Colette Militello.She had...

San Diego’s Coastal Resilience Master Plan proposes projects for Ocean Beach and Sunset Cliffs
Ocean Beach and the Sunset Cliffs area in Point Loma may get renovations in coming years as part of the city of San Diego’s Coastal Resilience Master Plan intended to...

‘So much enduring history’: La Jolla’s Casa de Manana celebrates site’s first 100 years
In its 100 years — first as a hotel, then as a church-related facility and now a retirement community — Casa de Mañana in La Jolla has provided a place...

La Jolla planning group seeks suggestions for possible policy discussion topics
The La Jolla Community Planning Association is collecting ideas from residents about topics the board should be looking into as it tries to bring broader and more policy-based discussions to...

San Diego’s Coastal Resilience Master Plan proposes two big projects for La Jolla Shores
Kellogg Park and surrounding parkland in La Jolla Shores may be renovated in coming years as part of the city of San Diego’s Coastal Resilience Master Plan intended to mitigate...

‘Sacred Architecture’: La Jolla Historical Society exhibit to showcase the design behind houses of worship
Coming from the land of thousand-year-old churches, St. James by-the-Sea Episcopal Church pastor Mark Hargreaves has had an interest in the architecture of houses of worship since arriving here from...

La Jolla High’s Tom Atwell completes 300-mile ride and run for breast cancer research
As if running 100 miles over 24 hours isn’t a feat in itself, La Jolla High School teacher and coach Tom Atwell put a new spin on his 16th annual...

Uplighting option emerges as crowd favorite for Bird Rock trees illumination
The Bird Rock Community Council is going on summer hiatus from its monthly meetings, but the board will be busy behind the scenes making decisions on two key projects for...

Group behind La Jolla cityhood effort launches signature-gathering drive
The latest in a long-planned series of steps toward La Jolla’s potential cityhood is officially underway with the launch of a six-month mission to gather signatures of from 25...

‘Dream big’: Top local graduates reflect on high school experiences
Top-ranked graduates in academics at La Jolla's three high schools have four years of hard work to look back on and many more years ahead of them to prepare for.Some...

La Jolla Business Roundup: Here’s what’s coming and going in The Village and nearby
Several businesses are looking to call La Jolla home, including eating spots and a medical-inspired art gallery.Additionally, a business already in The Village closed for good recently and another is...

Bird Rock council still undecided on tree lighting after trying new option in second demonstration
The Bird Rock Community Council held its second tree-lighting demonstration May 30, trying to reach consensus on which method to use to help illuminate area streets.There was not a unanimous...

Making monsters: La Jolla Elementary and Muirlands Middle schools collaborate on art and engineering project
They've created a monster! Actually a lot more than one.Almost 90 monsters made their way to the La Jolla Elementary School campus this week, culminating a month-long project between La...

La Jolla business owners continue ‘heartwarming’ bike ride in honor of fallen son
A La Jolla couple are continuing to honor the memory of their son who fell in the Iraq War and to remind hundreds of area residents of the true meaning...

La Jolla Country Day students present ‘senior prom’ for Belmont Village residents
Talk about a senior prom.The concept of a senior prom goes back generations, but students at La Jolla Country Day School changed things up May 28 when they organized a...

La Jolla Shores review committee s renovation, reconstruction and wall projects
Concern from a neighbor about a planned second story was the only thing that prevented a clean sweep of approvals for projects presented to the La Jolla Shores Permit Review...

La Jolla resident blends science and art for her first U.S. solo exhibit
The artworks created by La Jolla resident and UC San Diego professor Pinar Yoldas may seem like science fiction, and for now, they are.But her hope is that one day...

For love and country: La Jolla serves as a backdrop for two families’ D-Day story
Next week's 80th anniversary of D-Day might bring stories of war to the forefront. But for two families separated by the Atlantic Ocean spanning four generations, one story tied to...

Home and slope projects in Lower Hermosa and Muirlands areas get OK from La Jolla DPR
Two residential projects in the Lower Hermosa and Muirlands areas got from the La Jolla Development Permit Review Committee during its May 21 meeting, while two proposals in the...

La Jolla residents continue family’s three generations of ballet
Family traditions, from the beautiful to the bizarre, have the potential to create lifelong memories. For three generations of La Jolla residents, that family tradition is ballet.Myrene Poolos danced ballet...

La Jolla DPR Committee wants more information about proposal for 5G antennas in bell tower
People with opinions about Dish Network's planned installation of 5G wireless equipment in La Jolla Presbyterian Church's bell tower will have a few more opportunities to weigh in before the...

La Jolla Park Coastal Historic District gets national listing – now what?
With the La Jolla Park Coastal Historic District now officially on the National of Historic Places, some locals are wondering what it means for the land and landmarks within...

La Jolla A looks to ‘move forward’ after retaining San Diego’s official recognition
The La Jolla Community Planning Association is hoping for unity after it retained its recognition by the city of San Diego as the official advisory group on land-use matters in...

La Jolla groups propose new list of local projects for city of San Diego to fund
More than a dozen La Jolla projects recently were submitted to the city of San Diego for consideration for funding, part of an annual tradition of local planning groups producing...

Ellen Browning Scripps’ La Jolla: ‘Read & Run’ to visit sites connected to La Jolla philanthropist
Taking a page from the Read & Run Tours project launched in Chicago, a run set for Sunday, June 2, through La Jolla's Village will stop at nine locations connected...

‘This was all to protect my kids’: Resident behind ‘Slow down’ graffiti discusses motives and backlash
“I’m not setting out to be a criminal, I’m a good person,” says Bird Rock resident Nicole Hadfield, whose recent actions have become notorious in La Jolla. Beginning earlier this...

Destructive fungus identified at Torrey Pines reserve could affect La Jolla Shores trees
Could a fungus found in the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve be deadly for Torrey pine trees in La Jolla Shores’ Kellogg Park? Representatives of California State Parks have noticed...

Planned wireless antennas in La Jolla Presbyterian Church tower raise concerns
La Jolla Presbyterian Church, known for its bell tower, may soon have a cell tower if the proposed installation of wireless communications equipment goes through. The proposal, discussed at the...

‘Knights of the Monetary Table’: Bishop’s School students win SoCal title in National Economics Challenge
Despite having never taken a formal economics class, a group of students from The Bishop’s School in La Jolla competed in the national semifinals of the National Economics Challenge as...

Submarine project buoys Bishop’s student’s interest in military history
Submarines might not be the first thing one thinks of when they picture wars of the past, but La Jolla student Henry Hou is looking to change that.Henry, 14, a...

New plaque at La Jolla’s Scripps Park honors Bottom Scratchers dive club
LA JOLLA — After more than a year of planning and nearly a century of history, a new plaque in La Jolla’s Scripps Park honors the Bottom Scratchers diving club.The Bottom Scratchers,...

Whaling Bar dedicates booths to Dr. Seuss, Joan Kroc and Selma Malk
La Jolla’s Whaling Bar has had its fair share of famous patrons, including Hollywood elite and local legends. Among them were children’s book writer Theodor "Ted" Geisel (better known as...

La Jolla Town Council seeks candidates for election as four already announce
The La Jolla Town Council is looking to bring on as many board as possible as part of its election. Four candidates introduced themselves during a forum at...

New plaque at La Jolla’s Scripps Park honors Bottom Scratchers dive club
After more than a year of planning and nearly a century of history, a new plaque in La Jolla’s Scripps Park honors the Bottom Scratchers diving club. The Bottom Scratchers,...

La Jolla merchants group revives associate hip program
After a COVID-19-related pause, the La Jolla Village Merchants Association is bringing back its associate member program.The program, launched in 2019, enables businesses outside the 30-block La Jolla Business Improvement...

‘Seal-ebrity’ merchandise makes debut in La Jolla
An apparel line featuring harbor seals like those found in La Jolla has officially been rolled out, with one local retailer already displaying and selling the merchandise.The La Jolla Village...

Aloha: La Jolla student wants to teach Hawaiian culture and history through hula dancing
Hula dancers may inspire visions of paradise, with Hawaiian sunsets, floral scents and drinks in coconuts. But La Jolla High School junior Aiko Busby is looking to have it also...

Closures of two La Jolla beach access stairways leave only a few open on Coast Boulevard
About half of the beach access stairs along Coast Boulevard in La Jolla are closed off following the shuttering of the stairways at Shell Beach and South Casa Beach because...

SDG&E seeks waiver of summer construction moratorium for La Jolla Shores utility undergrounding
Tensions were high during this week's La Jolla Shores Association meeting because of a delay in an effort to place overhead power lines underground in The Shores. Phase 1 of...

No decision reached on Bird Rock street lighting following April demonstration
The Bird Rock Community Council is struggling to reach a decision on how to proceed with a planned lighting project on La Jolla Boulevard. The intent is to add lighting...

Lawsuit challenges San Diego’s vending ordinance
Two area residents have filed a federal lawsuit against the city of San Diego, arguing their First Amendment rights have been violated by the city’s “unconstitutionally vague” ordinance on vending...

Coastal Commission wants more information before deciding on Scripps Coastal Reserve closure
The California Coastal Commission is seeking further information about UC San Diego's restrictions on public access at the Scripps Coastal Reserve in La Jolla before it proceeds to a decision...

Bracelets from behind bars: La Jolla resident launches nonprofit to incarcerated artists
No one expects a loved one to end up in prison. But when it happened to a friend of La Jolla resident Mimi Loucks, she turned the experience into a...

La Jolla beneficiaries Joan Jacobs, local philanthropist who helped shape San Diego
La Jolla cultural, scientific, medical and educational institutions ed others around the San Diego area May 7 in saluting Joan Jacobs, half of a powerhouse La Jolla couple whose philanthropic...

La Jolla surfer Mike Hynson to be inducted onto Walk of Fame
La Jolla surfer Mike Hynson may be a legend locally, but this summer, his place in surfing history will be set in even bigger stone.Hynson will be inducted in August...

La Jolla-based St. Germaine Children’s Charity celebrates its first four decades
Child abuse is not something most people ever want to think about.But the of St. Germaine Children’s Charity — along with the generations of who came before them...

UC San Diego increases long-term campus population estimate to 96,300
With UC San Diego's campus population already exceeding projections made for a decade from now and further big increases expected, the university is updating its long-range development plan with an...

UC San Diego increases long-term campus population estimate to 96,300
With UC San Diego's campus population already exceeding projections made for a decade from now and further big increases expected, the university is updating its long-range development plan with an...

UC San Diego increases long-term campus population estimate to 96,300
With UC San Diego's campus population already exceeding projections made for a decade from now and further big increases expected, the university is updating its long-range development plan with an...

UC San Diego increases long-term campus population estimate to 96,300
With UC San Diego's campus population already exceeding projections made for a decade from now and further big increases expected, the university is updating its long-range development plan with an...

Grammy winner Alison Brown to perform at Rotary Club of La Jolla benefit
Banjoist Alison Brown’s reach is far and wide, with her skills catching the attention of performers such as Steve Martin and Alison Krauss, but her roots are firmly planted in...

La Jolla planners investigation into San Diego planning process
The La Jolla Community Planning Association gave its unanimous to a proposed investigation of the city of San Diego’s planning process, citing problems with operations of the Planning and...

Money Man: La Jolla teen wins award in comic book contest designed to lift financial literacy
To find the adventures of the newest superhero, there's no need to look up in the sky. But rather, look in the … bank? The San Diego Council on Literacy’s...

San Diego adds two resurfacing methods to road strategy
The city of San Diego is making some changes in its approach to repairing area roads. Having released a Pavement Management Plan in January intended to provide a strategy and...

La Jolla Business Roundup: Variety of enterprises merchant community
From food to fitness and coffee to architecture, changes are underway in La Jolla’s business community. Here's a look at some recent happenings.Wavelength supplementsLooking to provide a clean source of...

San Diego adds two resurfacing methods to road strategy
The city of San Diego is making some changes in its approach to repairing area roads. Having released a Pavement Management Plan in January intended to provide a strategy and...

Backers of La Jolla Recreation Center renovation seek architectural award
Though it hasn’t begun construction, proponents of the planned renovation of the La Jolla Recreation Center have applied for a design award from the American Institute of Architects.The plans were...

Estancia La Jolla Hotel unveils $26 million renovation
Just in time for its 20th anniversary, the Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa recently completed a $26 million renovation and redevelopment.With nods to its heritage as a horse ranch...

Suspect arrested in ‘Slow down’ street painting, but messages persist in chalk
Despite a suspect being arrested, graffiti reading “Slow down” is continuing in Bird Rock, causing divisions among local residents. Plus, the graffiti has switched from spray paint to chalk, creating...

Bird Rock and La Jolla Elementary students spell victory in Coastwise bee
“Terrarium,” “gelatinous,” “recumbent,” “deceitful.” Those were some of the words thrown at the young La Jolla students participating in the third annual Coastwise Spelling Prize on April 24. Two of...

Las Patronas unveils ‘Meet Me in Marrakesh’ decor for 2024 Jewel Ball
Opulent lights, lush vegetation, peacock-colored tablecloths and the scent of cinnamon are among the things guests can expect when Las Patronas presents its 2024 Jewel Ball, themed “Meet Me in...

Parks & Beaches group explores bringing Del Mar cleanup program to La Jolla
LA JOLLA — In an effort to broaden its reach and impact, the La Jolla Parks & Beaches group is looking to partner with other local coastal care groups and open space...

A ‘legend in La Jolla’: Book about artist Georgeanna Lipe is set for June release
La Jolla native Patricia Daly-Lipe has written her fair share of stories about La Jolla’s history. But for her most recent book, she delved into her own family history to...

La Jolla-based app looks to combat climate change one day at a time
Though Earth Day is behind us for the year, an app developed by a La Jolla resident with inspiration from students at UC San Diego looks to provide daily steps...

Parks & Beaches group explores bringing Del Mar cleanup program to La Jolla
In an effort to broaden its reach and impact, the La Jolla Parks & Beaches group is looking to partner with other local coastal care groups and open space conservation...

La Jolla Shores committee gives OK to two home projects, asks a third to return
Two of the three projects that went before the La Jolla Shores Permit Review Committee on April 18 got the board's go-ahead, with one other set to return for more...

Revived UCSD center to study ocean and human health
“A healthy ocean means a healthy human population,” says Theresa Talley, who leads community engagement for the revived Scripps Center for Oceans and Human Health in La Jolla. The center...

Artist’s petition aims for repeal of ‘expressive activity’ zones in local parks
A San Diego artist has launched a petition to have “expressive activity” zones like those installed in La Jolla shoreline parks removed, hoping for a return to unrestricted “First Amendment"...

Revived UCSD center to study ocean and human health
“A healthy ocean means a healthy human population,” says Theresa Talley, who leads community engagement for the revived Scripps Center for Oceans and Human Health in La Jolla. The center...

Enhance La Jolla deemed not responsible in trip-and-fall lawsuit
Enhance La Jolla has been deemed not responsible in connection with a lawsuit over a trip-and-fall incident in The Village, according to Chairman Ed Witt. The suit was filed against...

Proposed San Diego budget would create division to care for shoreline parks
With budget season in full swing, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria's proposed spending plan for the 2024-25 fiscal year includes creation of a new division in the city Parks...

Bishop’s School student is crowned world champion in model airplane contest
Twenty-six minutes and 38 seconds might not seem like an especially long time, but those stressful 26 minutes and 38 seconds made all the difference for La Jolla student Daniel...

La Jolla Impact Soccer wins SoCal State Cup tournament
Soccer is a sport that requires endurance on any given day. But the SoCal State Cup takes it to the next level.Starting with 44 teams from across Southern California, the...

Student artworks to get showcase in open house at The Conrad
Harking back to the days when La Jolla's Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center was providing a place for artists even before it was finished, the Community Arts Open House...

Opera Wednesdays celebrates a decade of performances in La Jolla
Though opera has been performed since the 17th century and offers the potential for a concert experience unlike any other, the opera scene in San Diego was struggling a decade...

‘Food can be so powerful’: La Jolla Country Day club produces magazine on nutritional eating
A new club at La Jolla Country Day School is looking to raise awareness of the benefits of a healthy diet for mental and emotional health.The Food Effect Club, founded...

La Jolla merchants group plans ‘seal-ebrity’ merchandise and more tech
A $50,000 grant from San Diego County may help the La Jolla Village Merchants Association launch promotional merchandise bearing images of marine mammals.It also could help bolster the group's technological...

Town Council explores La Jolla designation as a ‘Blue Zone’
The La Jolla Town Council is considering whether La Jolla should become a “Blue Zone,” a movement that encourages communities to embrace patterns of behavior associated with long life. Local...

Padres honor La Jolla High’s Gary Frank as Coach of the Week
La Jolla High School alumnus and longtime Vikings baseball coach Gary Frank has been selected by the San Diego Padres as a Coach of the Week, putting him in the...

Shores parking plan is revised again with proposal to add spaces next to Kellogg Park
An ever-evolving plan to create new parking in La Jolla Shores has evolved again, with the latest iteration proposing adding spaces along Camino del Oro next to the Kellogg Park...

Crosswalk and stop signs proposed for Via Capri get thumbs down from La Jolla Shores board
Despite a negative vote from the La Jolla Shores Association, a proposal to install a crosswalk on Via Capri is proceeding to the La Jolla Traffic & Transportation Board for...

Five seadragons hatched at La Jolla’s Birch Aquarium go on public view
Five juvenile weedy seadragons that hatched last year at Birch Aquarium at UC San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla are making their public debut after living behind...

Five seadragons hatched at La Jolla’s Birch Aquarium go on public view
Five juvenile weedy seadragons that hatched last year at Birch Aquarium at UC San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla are making their public debut after living behind...

La Jolla Community Planning Association reelects president and brings on other officers
The La Jolla Community Planning Association appears, for the time being at least, that it will continue to be the community's recognized advisory group to the city of San Diego...

‘The impact is nonstop’: Neighbors still hear the effects of La Jolla Boulevard roadwork
Though roadwork of any kind has the potential to be disruptive, a recent project on La Jolla Boulevard continues to be problematic for nearby residents even though it has been...

Bishop’s School teens embark on online tutoring mission to teach English in China
Inspired by the butterfly effect — the idea that a small change like the flap of a butterfly’s wings can have larger ramifications down the line — a group of...

Rare vehicles to take spotlight at La Jolla Concours d’Elegance
With a vehicle known for one of Hollywood’s most iconic movie franchises and cars that are among only a few of their kind on the planet, the 2024 La Jolla...

Rare vehicles to take spotlight at La Jolla Concours d’Elegance
With a vehicle known for one of Hollywood’s most iconic movie franchises and cars that are among only a few of their kind on the planet, the 2024 La Jolla...

Rare vehicles to take spotlight at La Jolla Concours d’Elegance
With a vehicle known for one of Hollywood’s most iconic movie franchises and cars that are among only a few of their kind on the planet, the 2024 La Jolla...

When every second counts: La Jolla High School grads make a film about their 5,000-mile drive to Alaska
For some, the thrill of racing comes from a need for speed. For others, it comes from seeing success through finesse and planning.The latter is needed to do well in...