If you've been paying attention, you'll know that modern Americans are significantly heavier than they were just a few decades ago. Take a stroll through any shopping area or strip mall, and it seems like the majority of people you see are grappling with obesity. Data from the CDC backs this up-over 39% of adults in the United States were deemed obese during 2015-2016, which marks an increase from 33.7% in 2007-2008.
Even more concerning is the rise in severe obesity. The same CDC report reveals that nearly 8% of Americans were severely obese in 2015-2016, up from 5.7% in 2007-2008. Essentially, this means that close to 4 in 10 adults in the U.S. are obese, and about 1 in 13 are severely obese. Sadly, tackling obesity isn't something that can happen overnight. The obesity issue in the U.S. continues to escalate as more adults and children choose the convenience of fast food and sugary options over healthier eating, exercise, and beneficial lifestyle choices.
With pervasive stress and the prevalence of nutritionally deficient fast-food options around every corner, losing weight and keeping it off is challenging in today's day and age. That's especially true if you've tried to diet and exercise in the past, only to have your weight balloon back up after a couple months. When diet and fitness aren't enough, sometimes we need a little help. That's where Dr. Erica Oberg's telehealth GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide medical weight loss program in La Jolla, CA starts to make a lot of sense.
In the past, people who wanted to start a medical weight loss journey had to visit a clinic to get started. They had to take valuable time out of their day to drive to the office, wait in line, and eventually see the doctor. Dr. Erica Oberg's approach to medical weight loss makes it more accessible to everyone through a telehealth format. Whether you're a businessperson with little time to spare or a parent with school and sports obligations for your kids, you can achieve your weight loss goals.
However, unlike some medical weight loss clinics, Dr. Oberg combines advanced weight loss medications with holistic treatments and health coaching to provide a custom, comprehensive weight loss program. This crucial difference provides you with powerful tools and ongoing support for long-term weight loss and well-being. No invasive surgeries. No sketchy weight loss pills. No waiting rooms. Only real results that last.
Clients who have completed our 90-day program report benefits like
Dr. Oberg recognizes that joining a GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide medical weight loss program in La Jolla, CA, is a life-changing process. That's why her approach to healthy weight loss involves more than medication. It prioritizes lifestyle changes, nutritional advice, and continuous assistance. That way, you lose weight safely in a caring setting and have the tools and knowledge to keep the weight off and stay healthy for the rest of your life.
Our medical weight loss program was designed to help you lose weight and keep it off in a safe, effective manner. To accomplish that goal, we combine innovative medicines like GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide with nutrition coaching and healthy living strategies to optimize your health and weight. Our medical weight loss program includes the following:
It seems like every other person we encounter in public is overweight. To the uninformed, it may seem like being overweight is natural and healthy. In reality, nothing could be further from the truth. People who are obese are often ridiculed for how they look. However, their issues go beyond social stigmas. They also face an increased risk of serious and potentially life-threatening health problems. Over time, these conditions become harder and harder to overcome, like trying to scale Mount Soledad Memorial Park in La Jolla, CA, without climbing gear. Many of these issues are among the top causes of death in the U.S
Some of the consequences of living with obesity include
If you have one or more of the conditions or symptoms above, don't lose hope. It's important to understand that you're not destined to live an unhealthy life. With quality telehealth medical weight loss from an expert like Dr. Erica Oberg, you can regain control of your eating habits without taking the joy out of food or your life.
At this point, you're probably curious about GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide weight loss and how the medicine is so effective. To understand its effectiveness, it's important that you first understand how GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide works in your body. GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide is a groundbreaking medication offered by Dr. Erica Oberg that represents a major step forward in weight loss treatments. As a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide mimics the action of the body's natural GLP-1 hormone. This hormone plays a crucial role in managing blood sugar levels and controlling appetite.
By activating the GLP-1 receptors in the brain, GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide helps curb hunger and boosts feelings of fullness, leading to a reduction in caloric intake. After you eat on semaglutide, it almost feels like you went to Georges at the Cove in La Jolla, CA and ate to your heart's content. This weight loss medication also slows down the rate at which the stomach empties, improving blood sugar control. When you use GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide, if you attempt to overeat, your body will signal you with a clear message: "That's enough."
At a glance, GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide helps you lose weight in a few ways, such as:
GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide slows down stomach emptying after you're done eating. This process makes it seem like your stomach is full and content – even after you've cleaned the dishes and put away all the food.
GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide lowers your blood sugar levels without causing them to crash.
GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide causes food cravings to dissipate, which in turn helps you avoid bad foods and snacks with no nutritional value. On average, people taking GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide eat about 30% less food than they would otherwise.
One of the most common questions that Dr. Oberg gets about her groundbreaking telehealth medical weight loss program is whether it truly works or not. In short, it absolutely does. In fact, GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide is widely recognized as an effective, FDA-approved option in the realm of anti-obesity medications. In a study involving 2,000 obese adults, participants who took GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide while adhering to a diet and exercise regimen experienced significantly greater weight loss than those who relied solely on lifestyle adjustments.
Remarkably, half of the participants managed to shed 15% of their body weight, and nearly one-third lost 20%. This highlights GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide's potential as a powerful ally in the battle against obesity. While it's essential to keep in mind that successful obesity management hinges on dietary and exercise changes, access to effective medications like GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide can be an integral part of your weight loss plan.
Weight loss results vary by individual, but in clinical studies, people taking GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide for weight loss have lost, on average, 10-15% of their body weight over a 6-month to 1-year period. Results may depend on lifestyle factors like diet and physical activity.
To put it bluntly, it can be maddening. If that sounds familiar, you're probably anxious to start losing weight. However, not all overweight people are great candidates for medical weight loss with GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide.
If you're an adult with a BMI that's greater than 30 or a BMI of 27 with one or more obesity-related medical issues, you should qualify for GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide. Some weight-related medical problems that can be rectified with GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide and proper diet include:
High Blood Pressure
High Cholesterol
Type 2 Diabetes
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Chronic Conditions Limiting or Preventing Exercise or Physical ActivityPrior to creating your custom medical weight loss plan, Dr. Oberg will arrange for you to undergo the necessary tests to ensure you're an ideal candidate. If you're unsure whether you qualify for GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide injections, contact Dr. Oberg's office today to learn more.
GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide is a medication developed to help individuals struggling with obesity manage their weight more effectively. It's specifically intended for those who have been clinically diagnosed as obese and find it challenging to lose weight through diet and exercise alone. Before beginning your GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide medical weight loss program, you should communicate any medical conditions, prescription medications, supplements, and allergies to Dr. Oberg. This information is crucial and helps reduce the risk of potential drug interactions and serious side effects.
You may not qualify for GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide if you have one or more of these conditions:
By now, you know that GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide can be a safe, helpful tool in your weight loss toolbox. But you may be wondering, "Are there any additional perks of taking GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide?"
In general, the side effects associated with GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide are usually well tolerated. The most common issues people report include nausea, headaches, and constipation. Fortunately, these side effects tend to be mild and can often be managed effectively with some lifestyle changes or over-the-counter remedies.
You've likely encountered fad diets that promise rapid weight loss with little effort. However, GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide isn't one of those quick-fix solutions. As previously mentioned, GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide facilitates weight loss by curbing appetite and cravings while also slowing digestion. This mechanism allows you to adhere to a low-calorie diet without temptation. It also aids in reducing fat buildup in your body, resulting in safe and steady weight loss over time.
GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide not only promotes weight loss but also decreases the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes. It achieves this by improving the body's ability to use insulin, reducing inflammation, and enhancing cholesterol levels.
GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide is different from other weight loss medications because it helps people keep off weight even after treatment ends. It works best when you follow a healthy diet and lifestyle. When you do, it's possible to achieve long-term weight loss and well-being. Other medications only work while you are taking them.
GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide injections offered by Dr. Erica Oberg can be taken regularly from the convenience of your own home or office. If you've got a busy lifestyle or are always on the go, injecting GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide at home is a game-changer. Medical weight loss from Dr Oberg also includes regular health coaching sessions, which can also be conducted from your home. Research indicates that a GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide medical weight loss program can be more effective than conventional weight loss medications that require daily dosing. Unlike surgical options such as gastric bypass, GLP-1 Treatments, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide doesn't require any invasive procedures or recovery time. This makes it a favored choice for individuals who are averse to surgery or who haven't found success with other weight loss methods.
Achieving your target weight with the support of Dr. Erica Oberg's affordable telehealth weight loss program is an incredible accomplishment worth celebrating. However, it's essential to remember that this is not the time to abandon your hard work. Instead, focus on maintaining your weight loss results. That way, you avoid slipping back into old habits and regaining the weight you worked so hard to lose.
Keep these tips in mind once you're close to hitting your target weight:
Sticking to a consistent eating routine can help control food intake and improve health. Eating at the same times or having similar meals daily provides structure without the need to obsess over calories. This approach can enhance appetite management, energy levels, and overall diet. A large, high-protein breakfast, in particular, is linked to better appetite control and improved blood sugar levels throughout the day.
There's nothing wrong with going to The Marine Room in La Jolla, CA for a cheat meal, but it's important to limit processed foods in your diet. These often contain empty calories and added sugar, which lack nutritional value. Research links processed food intake to higher body weights and weight gain. Studies suggest that reducing these foods can improve weight management, as the body may burn twice as many calories digesting whole foods compared to processed ones. Overall, a diet rich in whole foods is associated with better weight outcomes.
We often highlight the importance of consistency when it comes to weight loss, as staying committed to your health changes is the key to achieving meaningful results. However, consistency is equally crucial for maintaining fat loss. It's not just about sticking to a plan. It's about creating daily habits and routines that set you up for long-term success.
Vegetables are nutrient-dense and provide significant nutrition with few calories, helping you feel full without large portions. For instance, two cups of broccoli have only 60 calories compared to nearly 500 calories in two cups of cooked pasta. Consuming more non-starchy vegetables may also aid in hunger control.
Engaging in regular physical activity is a highly effective strategy for managing weight, as it helps you burn off calories. It also helps make the most of the food you eat. The amount of exercise required to sustain your weight loss can vary based on individual factors and the types of workouts you choose. Dr. Erica Oberg creates personalized plans tailored to each of her weight-loss patients, along with exercise tips and recommendations based on your body type, age, and more. That way, you can avoid burnout and over-exercising.
Are you fed up with how you look and feel when you wake up in the morning? Is it more challenging for you to get out and about and enjoy life because you're overweight? Are you ready to make a meaningful change in your life and shed pounds in a safe, healthy way? If you're reading this, chances are you're ready to get fit and healthy with help from Dr. Erica Oberg. So, give our office a call today. By tomorrow, you'll be that much closer to living your best life.
Need help deciding which of La Jolla’s seemingly endless beaches to lay your towel out at today? Each little sandy sliver between the neighborhood’s sea cliffs has its own name and character: the Cove for swimming, Children’s Pool for seal-watching, Wipeout Beach for skim-boarding. Head to La Jolla Shores for that wide, sandy, picnic-with-the-family feel, and if you know what you’re doing, go surfing at Windansea or Bird Rock (if you’re a beginner, opt instead for the Shores, where most of San Diego learned to s...
Need help deciding which of La Jolla’s seemingly endless beaches to lay your towel out at today? Each little sandy sliver between the neighborhood’s sea cliffs has its own name and character: the Cove for swimming, Children’s Pool for seal-watching, Wipeout Beach for skim-boarding. Head to La Jolla Shores for that wide, sandy, picnic-with-the-family feel, and if you know what you’re doing, go surfing at Windansea or Bird Rock (if you’re a beginner, opt instead for the Shores, where most of San Diego learned to surf).
Of course, beachy isn’t La Jolla’s only vibe. The Village (locals don’t call it downtown anymore, says La Jolla resident and senior editor of lajolla.ca Elisabeth Frausto) is La Jolla’s most walkable area—highlighted by the main drag, Prospect Street—with a wide radius of shop-lined roads sloping down to the coast.
At long standing neighborhood staples like Warwick’s bookstore and Harry’s Coffee Shop, “old-timers still belly up to the counter and talk politics,” Frausto says. Art enthusiasts visit to peruse through its many galleries, including Quint and Joseph Bellows, and check out what’s on at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD). Shoppers wander Girard Avenue, picking out activewear at Lululemon and Vuori and fancier digs at Thread + Seed and Sigi’s Boutique. Friends gossip and sip coffee at locally owned outposts like Flower Pot Cafe and Il Giardino Di Lilli.
Once isolated from the rest of San Diego, La Jolla became a popular resort destination when the San Diego, Pacific Beach, and La Jolla Railway arrived in the 1890s and made the area more accessible to visitors (who wanted to spend time there so badly they stayed in tents during the summer). Some of those tourists got creative, too.
“Our tradition of supporting the arts goes back to the days of the Green Dragon Artist Colony that was founded in 1894,” says Athenaeum Music & Arts Library Executive Director Christie Mitchell. Anna Held started the Green Dragon Colony to attract visiting artists to La Jolla for a weekend getaway; it quickly became a venue for ad-hoc performances and bohemian artists’ salons.
However, it was Ellen Browning Scripps more than anyone who shaped La Jolla into the neighborhood we know today, commissioning buildings like the structure that now houses MCASD. The arrival of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in 1907 laid the foundation for the establishment of UC San Diego 53 years later at the longtime site of the military base Camp Matthews. All of these developments helped establish La Jolla’s layered identities: high-dollar beach town, arts magnet, academic research hub.
Athenaeum Music & Arts Director Christie Mitchell is a bona fide La Jolla local, having grown up in the LJ neighborhood of Bird Rock. Her dad still surfs, and Mitchell met her own surfer husband at La Jolla High (their toddler has already tried surfing, too). Mitchell’s mom still lives in Bird Rock, and “it’s gotten a lot livelier and more pedestrian-friendly,” she says.
On weekends, she makes sure to hit Wayfarer Bread for “the gooiest, heaviest, stickiest cinnamon loaf—definitely preorder because there’s always a line,” she advises. Friday and Saturday are pizza night at Wayfarer, and the bakery’s industry collabs produce some unique pies. For coffee, head to Bird Rock Coffee Roasters, of course, where you can grab a cup and hang out in the open-air seating or stroll to La Jolla Hermosa Park for ocean views (and a skate park and bike paths for little ones to tire themselves out on).
One of Mitchell’s favorites for lunch with coworkers in the Village is Peruvian-inspired Pepino, owned by one of her high school classmates. “The sweet potato bowl is really good,” she says.
She also cherishes La Jolla institutions. The Ascot Shop, a longtime men’s clothing boutique, is a go-to for gifts; founded by a local fisherman, El Pescador Fish Market is the place for the freshest seafood and fish tacos; and The Marine Room is for special occasions, with on-point service against a backdrop of crashing waves. “And nothing says ‘La Jolla’ like George’s at the Cove,” Mitchell adds. “With the John Baldessari mural and the view, it’s a great mix of the arts and the ocean.”
There’s a surprising amount to do on the weekdays in La Jolla, Mitchell says, with free live music every Monday at the Athenaeum (and weekly ticketed events), late-night DJ sessions at Le Coq, acts at The Comedy Store, concerts at the The Conrad (home of La Jolla Music Society), and the monthly First Friday Art Walk.
The biggest talk of the town for La Jollans? Possible secession from the city of San Diego, Frausto says. Proponents want to separate so La Jolla can maintain its own infrastructure and make decisions about development (critics say La Jolla should contribute taxes to the rest of the city). If the initiative advances, final say would come down to a city-wide vote.
Additionally, locals and visitors alike are witnessing a genuine culinary explosion. Restaurateur Sami Ladeki’s Roppongi, a Japanese fusion and sushi favorite that closed in 2015, reopened in December 2025 under returning chef Alfie Szeprethy. Michelin-starred chef Elijah Arizmendi launched tasting-menu-only restaurant Lucien last year, and chef Accursio Lota of North Park’s Cori Trattoria Pastifico opened his new spot Dora in November. Local designers Paul Basile and Jules Wilson are building Roseacre, 5,000 square feet of culinary concepts on Girard Avenue. And one of La Jolla’s favorite restaurant families is opening a completely new eatery near Torrey Pines Golf Course in summer 2026: From the guys behind Puesto and Marisi comes an Eastern Mediterranean spot called Ikaria.
Back in the Village, a new boutique hotel by Orli is landing in the old nurses’ quarters (now condos) next to the original 1924 Scripps hospital (the institution moved to Genesee Avenue in 1964). La Jolla is also getting in on the thrifting trend—Goodwill opened a shop on Herschel Avenue in early 2026.
Pedestrian-friendly changes are afoot in two of LJ’s walkable areas. At La Jolla Shores, look for enhancements to Avenida de la Playa from El Paseo Grande to Calle de la Plata, where the street has been closed to vehicles since 2020 for outdoor dining. The Village Streetscape Plan is coming to Girard Avenue between Silverado Street and Prospect Street, bringing expanded walking areas, corner parks, improved lighting, new seating, public art, and landscaping to create shade canopies and gathering spaces.
Also look for beautification projects along the coast. The 1920s stairs leading down to the tide pools at Whale View Point are finally getting a redo; Ellen Browning Scripps Park will receive fresh sod and much-needed widened sidewalks. And ADA trail improvements and a new restroom facility are on their way at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, making the beloved natural area more accessible.
As for housing, Frausto says, affordable units are hard to come by, and that probably won’t change soon. Most new homes and apartments are geared toward the luxury market, like La Jolla’s first new gated community in 40 years, Foxhill, which broke ground in October 2025 on the site of a former golf course—with empty lots selling for more than $8 million.
Sunny Jim Sea Cave is the only sea cave in California you can access by land—down 144 stairs through a tunnel that’s been open to visitors since 1903. It’s tucked inside The Cave Store, a small wood-shingled gift shop on Coast Blvd, and most people walking by have no idea it’s there.I’ve called La Jolla home for most of my adult life, over three decades now, minus a few years living overseas, and Sunny Jim remains one of my favorite spots to bring first-time visitors. It takes about 20 minutes, costs a fe...
Sunny Jim Sea Cave is the only sea cave in California you can access by land—down 144 stairs through a tunnel that’s been open to visitors since 1903. It’s tucked inside The Cave Store, a small wood-shingled gift shop on Coast Blvd, and most people walking by have no idea it’s there.
I’ve called La Jolla home for most of my adult life, over three decades now, minus a few years living overseas, and Sunny Jim remains one of my favorite spots to bring first-time visitors. It takes about 20 minutes, costs a few dollars, and adds something unexpected to a day exploring the Cove. It’s a hidden gem and one of La Jolla’s coolest attractions.
This La Jolla sea cave has an interesting story. A German artist and mining engineer named Gustav Schulz arrived in This La Jolla sea cave has an interesting story. A German artist and mining engineer named Gustav Schulz arrived in La Jolla to enjoy his golden years. But his fascination with the sea caves called him out of retirement. He thought that if there were a tunnel to the cave below his property, people would pay to access it.
Work on the tunnel began in November 1902. Schulz hired two Chinese laborers who dug it out with picks and shovels over the following year. At first, guests descended via rope.
Stairs came later, and today there are 145 of them leading down to a platform with one of the most unique Pacific Ocean views on the West Coast.
The cave got its name from Frank Baum, author of The Wizard of Oz, who visited in the early 1900s and thought the cave’s opening resembled Sunny Jim, a cartoon mascot for a British cereal.
According to local legend, the tunnel was also used to smuggle booze into San Diego during Prohibition.
If you have some time to spare in La Jolla, a quick trip into the cave is worth it. Plan on about 15-20 minutes total.
Pay the entry fee inside The Cave Store, and you’ll be directed to the tunnel entrance. A few things to know before you go down:
A note on accessibility: There are 145 stairs in each direction, with no elevator, so Sunny Jim Cave isn’t suitable for anyone with difficulty with stairs.
The tunnel is dark, musty, and slightly mysterious, which is part of its appeal. Kids will think this part is really, really cool. (I did, too.)
At the bottom, you’ll reach a small viewing platform where you can watch the water flow in and recede. The sound of the ocean echoes off the cave walls and it’s louder than you might expect.
Guests are prohibited from entering the water from the viewing platform, but people can come into the cave from the ocean side. You might spot a kayaker, swimmer, or snorkeler passing through.
Funny story —I posted the blow photo on Instagram. Because social media can be such a small world, I learned that the kayaker is not only a guide with Bike and Kayak but that she snapped a similar photo at the same time.
Don’t forget you have to walk back up those 145 stairs. Stopping for a breather is totally normal. Cameras monitor the tunnel for safety.
There’s more to The Cave Store than the entrance to Sunny Jim. You can pick up beachy souvenirs like shell jewelry and beach essentials if you’re headed out to swim or sunbathe.
It’s also a convenient place to rent snorkel gear. Some of the best San Diego snorkeling is steps away at La Jolla Cove.
I like to suggest that visitors pair Sunny Jim Sea Cave with a walk south along the boardwalk to the La Jolla seals to the Children’s Pool. It’s a fantastic way to spend a mornign and get some exercise. The walk passes by some of my favorite La Jolla sights.
Walk to the left of The Cave Store (if facing the ocean) to catch a glimpse of Clam’s Cave, the only La Jolla sea cave visible from shore. It’s called Clam’s Cave because it’s double-sided—you can enter from either direction.
If you keep walking south, you’ll pass:
There’s 3-hour street parking along Coast Blvd, but you’ll need to arrive early to snag it. Otherwise, check Prospect Street or park in one of the all-day lots nearby.
You can walk down to Coast Blvd from Coast Blvd via the stairs next to La Valencia Hotel (north side).
The Cave Store1325 Coast BlvdLa Jolla, CA 92037(858) 459-0746
Hours: 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. daily
Admission:
Tickets are sold at the door only. No reservations needed or available.
A stop at Sunny Jim is a perfect way to round out a visit to our coastal town. Because of social media, you can often see lines to get in. So rather than waiting in a long line, I suggest walking around the coastline or the Village or doing something else and then checking back again.
How many stairs are in Sunny Jim Cave? There are 145 stairs down to the viewing platform, and 145 back up. The climb takes about five minutes each way at a comfortable pace.
Do you need reservations for Sunny Jim Cave? No. Tickets are sold at the door only on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations are needed or available.
How long does it take to visit Sunny Jim Sea Cave? Plan on about 20 minutes total, including the descent, time on the viewing platform, and the climb back up.
Is Sunny Jim Cave worth it? If you’re already visiting La Jolla Cove or the seals, it’s a fun addition especially for kids who are steady walkers. It’s the only land-accessible sea cave in California, and the tunnel has over 100 years of history including a Prohibition-era smuggling past.
Can you swim in Sunny Jim Cave? Not from the viewing platform inside because guests are prohibited from entering the water there. Trust me, it would not be safe due to the currents in the cave. However, experienced kayakers, swimmers, and snorkelers do enter the cave from the ocean side.
One of the marine protected areas off La Jolla has been identified as “one of the most poached MPAs in California,” according to Del Mar-based ocean conservation group Wildcoast.Wildcoast California Conservation Manager Lillie Mulligan gave a presentation at the Jan. 26 La Jolla Parks & Beaches meeting about the status of MPAs and strategies intended to protect the marine creatures that live in them.The presentation was an information-only item on the agenda, and the board took no action.According to the ...
One of the marine protected areas off La Jolla has been identified as “one of the most poached MPAs in California,” according to Del Mar-based ocean conservation group Wildcoast.
Wildcoast California Conservation Manager Lillie Mulligan gave a presentation at the Jan. 26 La Jolla Parks & Beaches meeting about the status of MPAs and strategies intended to protect the marine creatures that live in them.
The presentation was an information-only item on the agenda, and the board took no action.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, a marine protected area is a region designated and managed for long-term conservation of marine resources, ecosystems and/or cultural heritage. In many of those areas, fishing and disturbing or taking wildlife is limited or prohibited.
Mulligan said MPAs “are like a 401-k” in that “you have to set aside a little bit now but we’ll see benefits in the future.”
La Jolla has four MPAs: the Matlahuayl State Marine Reserve near La Jolla Cove, the San Diego-Scripps Coastal State Marine Conservation Area just north of Matlahuayl off La Jolla Shores, and the South La Jolla State Marine Reserve and the South La Jolla State Marine Conservation Area off Bird Rock. They were established in 2012.
Mulligan some people still fish in those areas, “some on accident, some on purpose.”
Wildcoast participates in a program called MPA Watch, in which volunteers patrol the areas and monitor what people are doing there.
“It’s important to know how many people surf at [any particular] spot, how many people fish and how many people fish illegally,” Mulligan said. “That data gets sent to the state so they can better monitor and understand what is happening.”
Equipment — some of it in La Jolla — also is used to monitor MPAs around the clock and record any illegal activity.
Through that equipment, Mulligan said, Wildcoast determined that the South La Jolla State Marine Reserve is one of California’s most poached MPAs based on citations written, let alone incidents of people fishing illegally without getting caught.
Fines for fishing in or otherwise taking from an MPA can range from a couple of hundred dollars to $40,000, and people who are cited can be given a stay-away order.
To help raise awareness about the MPAs, Mulligan said Wildcoast would replace “quite a few” of the informational signs on land in La Jolla and add new signs when a beach access trail at Princess Street opens. In addition, portable signs are posted when volunteers are onsite.
Anyone who witnesses poaching, polluting or other violations can call 888-334-2258 or text “CALTIP,” followed by a space, to 847411.
Election results: The board held its annual election at the Jan. 26 meeting to fill three available seats and choose a new president.
Three board candidates ran, so all were elected unanimously. They are local historian Seonaid McArthur, ocean recreationist Kurt Hoffman and San Diego Parks Foundation member Beth Murray.
Ann Dynes was selected as president. She served as president once before, with her term ending in 2020.
Phyllis Minick: After decades of service, longtime LJP&B trustee Phyllis Minick retired from the board effective at the end of the January meeting.
Joaquin Quintero, representing the office of San Diego City Council President Joe LaCava, whose District 1 includes La Jolla, gave Minick a proclamation honoring her time on the board and announced that Jan. 26 was declared “Phyllis Minick Day” in the city of San Diego.
Cove access group disbands: After submitting its recommendations to the city of San Diego last summer about possible ways to ease conflicts between people and sea lions, the La Jolla Cove Access Working Group has been officially disbanded.
The group was formed in 2024 to come up with a collaborative proposal, with the support of as many interested parties as possible, to present the city “a balanced, year-round access solution … preserving recreational access to The Cove while coexisting with the local pinniped population.”
After months of workshops, group members presented five proposed solutions last June:
• Improved signs
• A script in various languages to give to tour buses explaining how people can view the sea lions safely
• A clearly marked area for pinniped viewing
• Rangers authorized to issue fines and/or place cones or tape as a visual deterrent for people
• A system designed to keep sea lions away, such as an acoustic device that emits low-frequency sounds to discourage them from going on land
With the recommendations submitted, the board decided to end the working group.
Next meeting: The La Jolla Parks & Beaches board next meets at 4 p.m. Monday, Feb. 23, at the La Jolla/Riford Library, 7555 Draper Ave. The agenda will be posted 72 hours in advance at lajollaparksbeaches.org. ♦
SAN DIEGO, CA — A popular La Jolla restaurant is reopening its iconic rooftop space after a months-long closure.George's at the Cove will reopen its Ocean Terrace rooftop dining area and bar on Feb. 6 following a three-month closure for remodeling. Guests will be seated on a first-come, first-serve basis on Feb. Reservations will be available beginning Feb. 7."Much like the renovations of two baseball cathedrals in Fenway Park and Wrigley Field in recent years, our improvements are meant to be mostly seamless to blen...
SAN DIEGO, CA — A popular La Jolla restaurant is reopening its iconic rooftop space after a months-long closure.
George's at the Cove will reopen its Ocean Terrace rooftop dining area and bar on Feb. 6 following a three-month closure for remodeling. Guests will be seated on a first-come, first-serve basis on Feb. Reservations will be available beginning Feb. 7.
"Much like the renovations of two baseball cathedrals in Fenway Park and Wrigley Field in recent years, our improvements are meant to be mostly seamless to blend in with what we already had," said Trey Foshee, executive chef and partner of George's at the Cove.
The renovated Ocean Terrace includes a new foundation and flooring, a new 4-foot-tall perimeter glass wall, new umbrella plan with LED lighting, new permanent heaters, new wall sconces, new dining tables, and a new host stand. The main dining area still seats 120 guests.
"You just don't mess with something magical," Foshee said. "While the price tag of our remodel eclipsed the seven-figure mark, guests may not even notice everything. And that's OK, especially with that million-dollar view of the water they enjoy that has never changed."
George's at the Cove was founded in 1984 by George Hauer. The eatery at 1250 Prospect St. originally occupied the first and second levels of the building. The rooftop Ocean Terrace opened in 1991 to create a three-level ocean view dining destination.
George's also completed a remodel of its second-level dining area and bar last April. The covered but open-air space has a new roof with five retractable awnings, new high-top counter with eight seats, new dining tables, new or reupholstered furnishings, and new light fixtures.
Hauer ran the restaurant for the first 16 years until Foshee was brought on as executive chef and partner, shortly after he received Food & Wine magazine's Best New Chef honors in 1998. The kitchen team is now led by Foshee, Executive Chef Masa Kojima and Pastry Chef Zach Schneider working alongside General Manager Mike Grave.
"It's been an incredible ride for more than 41 years, and we hope our investment ensures that the restaurant will remain a go-to spot for the next several decades," Hauer said. "We always want to provide a special place for both locals and visitors to our great city."
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