Since 2019, an imperfect storm of logistical challenges, insufficient funds and a pandemic have halted La Jollas tradition of adorning a large tree by the Recreation Center with lights and decorations. Now, a Christmas tree comeback may be in the works.
The tree’s roots go back to 1984, when Rotary Club members in La Jolla planted it as a hallmark of the La Jolla Christmas Parade. Among the founding group was George Dewhurst, founder of GDC Construction and a former president of the La Jolla Town Council.
“At the time, we planted that tree in hopes that it would always be the Christmas tree for La Jolla,” Dewhurst said. “It was dedicated by the Rotary Club in 1984 and it’s still there. And it’s kind of big now.”
Members of GDC Construction pose in front of what has been known as La Jollas Christmas tree. (GDC Construction)
Forty years after its planting, George’s son Pancho is leading the charge to reinstitute the tree — now standing over 80 feet tall — to its former holiday role. The trees size, plus a need to replace outdated lighting fixtures and decorations, would put the price tag at $15,000.
Much of the behind-the-scenes work on the initiative is underway, with Pancho — now president of GDC Construction — offering the services of four laborers over two days and securing a discounted 85-foot boom lift from Clairemont Equipment Rentals. This year would mark Pancho’s 16th time working on the tree.
Many ornaments and lighting fixtures from previous years are damaged or out of commission.
“What we don’t have, and what I’m looking for, is donations to buy new ornaments and buy new lights, because it’s probably about $10,000 worth of stuff we need to buy,” he said. “If we run short, between my dad and I, we’ll pick it up. But it’d be nice if everyone else can help donate, because it’s a community effort.”
After pitching the tree tradition’s return at a recent Rotary meeting and sending an email to “old-school La Jollans” he grew up with, the community has provided “great support,” Pancho said.
George already contributed $1,000 to the cause, and several Rotarians and other community members also have donated.
Taking on a key role is Laura McDonald, an estate liquidator and designer based in La Jolla. She is co-chairwoman of the project and plans to acquire decorations with the community’s donations.
Pancho and McDonald are planning a La Jolla-themed tree filled with seahorses, seashells and other beach-related decor. It will feature at least 2,000 linear feet of lights, as well as a star at the top.
Organizers also hope to bring in an arborist from Coastal Tree Care to trim the tree for an additional $5,000.
“Laura is an amazing designer, so I don’t want it to look like a hodge-podge. I want it to be thought out,” Pancho said. “I want it to look like Rockefeller Center [in New York City] — an amazing tree, not just random ornaments.
“We want to make it the best-looking Christmas tree in San Diego to represent La Jolla. La Jolla deserves a beautiful Christmas tree.”
In recent years, alternatives to the original tree were implemented at the Rec Center. Most recently, a smaller tree was placed atop the building. The original tree was left undecorated.
The big tree holds extra significance for Pancho, a fourth-generation La Jollan.
The Dewhurst family has helped build several high-profile projects in La Jolla, from George’s work on the YMCA and All Hallows Catholic Church to Pancho’s work on the Community Center. Before then, George’s father started the La Jolla Christmas Parade in the 1950s and resurrected the Mount Soledad cross.
Pancho said he hopes this latest project strikes a chord with his children, Austin and Ava, who are in a rare class of fifth-generation La Jolla residents.
“La Jolla used to be very much a small community and everyone knew everyone, and as it’s gotten larger, I don’t want to lose the traditions that were passed down to me through generations,” Pancho said. “It’s important to me, for my family values, that my kids see me donating back to the community and that we believe in the holiday spirit.”
GDC Construction plans to block off parking spots for the tree work on Monday, Dec. 2, install lights on Dec. 3 and add ornaments and final touches the following day. The decorations would stay up into January.
Residents can send donation checks before December to the La Jolla Sunrise Rotary Club with a memo of “For the La Jolla Christmas tree.” The address is at GDC Construction, 1031 Silverado St., La Jolla, CA 92037. 