The Bird Rock Community Council’s tree lighting project continues to chug along, with the board tentatively planning to start with uplighting on 40 trees along La Jolla Boulevard, according to BRCC President Joe Terry.
Our current position — which could change — is that well go ahead with the uplighting for roughly 40 trees, Terry said Nov. 14. Well see what people think of that and whether it meets our objectives. If these uplights do that, thats probably what well do for the rest of the boulevard.
Lights are expected to eventually adorn 100 trees along sidewalks and medians in Bird Rock with the intent to improve safety and aesthetics.
Some businesses along La Jolla Boulevard have agreed to provide power for the lights.
The uplighting — similar to that used on trees at Point Loma Nazarene University — are to be smart, or programmable so operators can change the color based on the season or occasion.
The board has received two of five requested cost proposals, and once all the proposals are on the table, BRCC will be able to select a vendor and purchase lights, Terry said.
BRCC held several lighting demonstrations this year before the board decided in late October to request cost proposals for uplighting fixtures.
The last demonstration Oct. 16 showcased wraparound “smart” lights that were considered better than standard wraparound lights demonstrated previously.
Depending on feedback about the uplighting on the initial 40 trees, we will decide whether to use uplighting or tree wrap lighting for the remaining trees, Terry said.
In February, BRCC secured a $25,000 grant through a Neighborhood Reinvestment Program from the office of San Diego County Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer, whose District 3 includes La Jolla. The grant was intended to improve visibility and safety, replace dated signage and make neighborhood signs for Bird Rock.
Three types of lighting were demonstrated the evening of April 10. One tree had uplighting that would be installed under grids or dirt areas and projected into the tree. Another had lights hung from wires on branches. A third displayed wraparound lights placed around the trunk that could extend into the branches.
A different type of wraparound lighting was demonstrated May 30.
The hanging lights, which illuminated a larger portion of the sidewalk, were preferred by most of those who attended the April demonstration.
However, many who attended BRCC’s June 4 meeting told the board they preferred the uplighting option. Some said the wraparound and hanging lights could affect tree trimming and other maintenance work and that uplighting of trees in other communities looks nice and improves visibility. 