Culture of La Jolla

The Indian culture of the La Jolla was located just south of present day San Diego, California. The La Jolla culture is derived from the older Indian culture, the San Dieguito culture. This Indian culture probably broke away from this earlier culture and began their own at about 6950 years BP. These Indians were niche tool makers. They made crude chipped-stone tools. These tools were usually found mixed in with hearth and bone deposits. This culture also produced other tools such as crude projectile points, used to hunt small animals which roamed the nearby landscape. They also produced tools made from these animals. These tools were bone awls, flake beads, and atlatl hooks. These tools were, however, seen in low frequency compared to the tools made from flint.

Human impact on the environment of La Jolla

One of the most important and well know attraction of La Jolla, it’s Harbor seal of La Jolla which are in the risk of damaging their breeding.

A sign warns visitors to stay away from the harbor seals at Children's Pool in La Jolla, California while videotaping those who approach the seals. The La Jolla colony of harbor seals, which has formed a breeding colony at a small but popular beach near San Diego, is at the center of considerable controversy. While harbor seals are protected from harassment by the Marine Mammal Protection Act and other legislation, local interests would like to see the seals leave so that people can resume using the beach.

La Jolla Attractions

La Jolla is home to an endless variety of attractions to experience and explore. Like spectacular beaches, art and cultural venues, adventure tours and world class shopping. And within a short drive, you’ll discover other attractions throughout the Greater San Diego area.

La Jolla beaches are the main attractions. From sunbathing to swimming, surfing, ocean recreation and even scuba diving within the San Diego La Jolla Underwater Park Ecological Reserve. he Birch Aquarium is where the wonders of the ocean come alive for all ages to experience up close. The aquarium is the Interpretive Center for the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla. Full Moon Pier Walks, coral reef farms, Discovery Center, Kelp Forest Tank, Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, La Jolla Festival of the Arts, La Jolla Playhouse, Torrey Pines Glider Port, La Jolla’s Golden Triangle.These all make La Jolla so special that every one wish to spend some times in there.

Small cities around La Jallo

The highlight for those who like to get wet is beautiful La Jolla Cove. It's a small swimming hole, and snorkeling through the thick kelp bed is a truly relaxing experience. Occasionally, big swells make snorkeling difficult, but swimming is always possible. Dry off on the small beach, which attracts people throughout the morning and afternoon.

La Jolla also has a small nude sunbathing section called Black's Beach.

Head up to Prospect Street for shopping, lunch or dinner. It's here that La Jolla's upscale nature culture really reveals itself. That is, if the zillion-dollar homes along the ocean weren't already a tip-off. Galleries, boutique hotels and elegant restaurants line the perfectly-manicured streets.

City and the Structure of La Jolla

One of San Diego's most scenic spots -- the star of postcards for more than 100 years -- is La Jolla Cove and the Ellen Browning Scripps Park on the bluff above it.

Sightseeing highlights in town include Mary Star of the Sea, 7727 Girard (at Kline), a beautiful Roman Catholic church; and La Valencia Hotel, 1132 Prospect St., a fine example of Spanish colonial structure. The La Jolla Woman's Club, 7791 Draper Ave.; the adjacent Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego; the La Jolla Recreation Center; and The Bishop's School are all examples of village buildings designed by architect Irving Gill.

At La Jolla's north end, you'll find the 1,200-acre, 22,000-student University of California, San Diego (UCSD), which was established in 1960 and represents the county's largest single employer. The campus features the Geisel Library, a striking and distinguished contemporary structure, as well as the Stuart Collection of public sculpture and the Birch Aquarium at Scripps. Architect Louis Kahn's masterpiece is probably the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 N. Torrey Pines Rd., a research facility named for the creator of the polio vaccine. Farther north is an ersatz jewel, The Lodge at Torrey Pines, a modern re-creation of early-20th-century Craftsman style in the guise of a 175-room luxury resort; it overlooks the revered Torrey Pines Golf Course.

La Jolla Agriculture - Billion Dollar Industry
La Jolla agriculture in its many forms is a billion dollar a year industry. Agricultural endeavors include: brush and grazing land management; the production of eggs, flowers, fruit, livestock, nursery plants, small grains and vegetables; and related support business. This agricultural business complex not only makes a significant economic impact on the county, but also contributes to the beauty and diversity of life in the region. San Diego is one of the 'top ten' agricultural counties in the United States.

La Jolla industry-One of the biggest industrial company in La Jolla is it’s Pharmaceutical co. La Jolla Pharmaceutical doesn't tolerate diseases. The development-stage firm is working with Tolerates, proprietary therapies that block the abnormal antibody production associated with certain autoimmune disorders without suppressing the entire immune system.

La Jolla Transportation was created for the business or vacationing traveler that needs a reliable, no-nonsense quality ground transportation service.

Population,Geographies since 1950

Remnants of the La Jolla's early settlers are still evident throughout the town, from the names of key institutions to the eclectic form of architecture, primarily Mediterranean-style, which has evolved over the decades. With a current population of 38,000 people, La Jolla manages to host world-renown research institutions, breathtaking beaches, distinguished art galleries and top-notch restaurants—all in a seven-mile stretch along the California shoreline. Thus, while the mystery of this town's name may never be solved, La Jolla's tourists and residents clearly see why it is called “the jewel.”

Settlement Patterns before 1950

Located just 15 minutes north from downtown San Diego, La Jolla's seven-mile stretch of coastline property is technically within the San Diego city limits. Yet, La Jolla has undoubtedly earned a reputation as a city in its own right. Known as one of the most affluent communities in the United States, La Jolla boasts premium beaches, fine dining and distinguished art galleries. In addition, this seaside town hosts world-renown research institutions, such as the Salk Institute. La Jolla's history is short, yet still engulfed in mystery, drama and humor. First Inhabitants Artifacts found in this geographic area indicate Native American settlements along the La Jolla shoreline over 3,000 years ago. Archaeologists have found stone utensils and Indian metates. However, the remains are small and scattered, leaving historians unclear about the fate of these earliest inhabitants. Modern Settlers The La Jolla lands became incorporated as part of San Diego in 1850. However, there were no permanent settlers in this section of town until 19 years later. Two brothers, Daniel and Samuel Sizer, each bought a plot of La Jolla land in 1869. The City of San Diego sold these 80-acre plots for the price of $1.25 per acre. Little did the Sizer brothers know that their plots of land, located between present-day Fay Street and La Jolla Boulevard, would be worth $1.25 million per acre by the late Twentieth Century. When Frank Terrill Botsford arrived via boat in San Diego in 1886, he scribed in his diary, “Magnificent day at La Jolla!” Like the Sizer brothers, Frank Botsford purchased a plot of land, but Mr. Botsford also went a step further. He was the first to develop La Jolla property, earning his title as “the father of La Jolla.” With the help of George Heald, who purchased one-quarter interest of this property, Frank Botsford surveyed and subdivided the land. Although Botsford could not find drinkable water in the area, he still attempted to auction pieces of the land, with Bob Pennell serving as the auctioneer. The auction was successful and Pennell's persuasive techniques were so effective, he even convinced himself to purchase a plot of land. What's in a Name? La Jolla's name is a somewhat controversial subject among town historians. No one has an absolute account regarding the establishment of this name. What has been confirmed is the meaning of La Jolla, which stands for “the jewel” in Spanish. It is also confirmed that this name has appeared in all land grant and mission records since 1928. Yet, the name, “La Jolla,” also appears in scattered documents prior to this date, including one 1870 map designating plots of land in “La Joya.” While mystery surrounds the exact date, place and circumstances surrounding the origination of La Jolla's name, there is no doubt about the validity of the name. Between the sparkling Pacific waters, mysterious caves and glorious beaches, this stretch of land is clearly “the jewel” of Southern California. The Town Grows In the 1890s, the railroad extended to La Jolla, enabling additional growth for this booming suburb. Around this time, real estate developers began to take an interest in the coastal property of La Jolla, constructing resorts to attract visitors from San Diego proper. La Jolla Park Hotel opened its doors in 1893, boasting three stories and 80 rooms. In addition, cottage-style homes were built along Prospect Street and Girard Avenue. The Union Congregational Church was established, as well as the La Jolla Woman's Club, which began as a women's reading circle. During this time frame, La Jolla's devotion to the arts was born. One of La Jolla's citizens, Miss Anna Held, established her famous “Green Dragon Colony” in 1894, where she allowed artists and novelists to work without expense. Newspaper heiress Ellen Browning Scripps settled in La Jolla in 1896. Her countless gifts to the La Jolla community are clearly noted in the plethora of institutions bearing her name, such as Scripps Institute of Oceanography and Ellen Browning Scripps Park. However, growth was not entirely smooth sailing for the seaside town of La Jolla. The La Jolla Park Hotel had difficulty maintaining business and eventually burned to the ground in June 1896. Regardless, La Jolla continued to flourish into the Twentieth Century. Twentieth Century Development The Twentieth Century marks the establishment of countless institutions as the small town of La Jolla grew into a world-famous city. The first building of Scripps Institute of Oceanography was erected in 1909. This world-class research institute, which includes Birch Aquarium, has since become part of the University of California at San Diego (UCSD), founded in the La Jolla community in 1959. In addition, La Jolla's first newspaper, known as The La Jolla Breakers, began in 1906. In 1913, the The Grande Colonial Hotel opened for business with 28 apartments and 25 single rooms. Charging $1 per night, the hotel experienced such incredible success that a second building opened shortly after. The hotel has since been renovated many times and stands today, open for business, in the heart of La Jolla Village. By the 1930s, La Jolla's luxurious resorts and incredible beach views attracted scores of Hollywood stars. Initially, celebrities simply came to La Jolla for relaxation and retreat. Yet, by the 1940s and 1950s, a few Hollywood stars began creating and producing plays at The Summer Playhouse, now known as The La Jolla Playhouse.

About La Jolla, California:

La Jolla in Spanish means "The Jewel". It is the Jewel of America's finest city, San Diego. La Jolla is located 15 minutes from downtown San Diego.La Jolla residents and business owners often refer to the "village" or "town" of La Jolla. The official postal address for La Jolla's 92037 zip code is "La Jolla", not "San Diego". Every other community within the City of San Diego uses "San Diego". This distinctive treatment of La Jolla sometimes confuses visitors and even many locals into believing that La Jolla is actually a separate incorporated city.La Jolla has several community groups which work to unify the voice of the community. Among these groups is the non-profit La Jolla Town Council organization which represents the interests of the La Jolla businesses that belong to the Council.

Landscape
With its palm-lined streets, large estate homes, and Mediterranean climate and atmosphere, La Jolla is reminiscent of a southern European village with touches of Beverly Hills along the upscale retail shops on Prospect Street. Much of La Jolla's natural charm stems from the presence of the ocean and Mount Soledad. Narrow curvy roads follow the contours of Soledad and hundreds of homes overlooking the ocean are nestled on the slopes. The sandy beaches, dotting the coastline extend from the south to the north, are Windansea Beach, La Jolla Cove, La Jolla Beach and Tennis property, La Jolla Shores, Scripps, and Black's Beach (leading up to Torrey Pines State Reserve).


Education
The University of California, San Diego (including the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and the San Diego Supercomputer Center) is the center of higher education in La Jolla. National University is also headquartered in La Jolla. Among the several research institutes near UCSD and in the nearby Torrey Pines Science Park are The Scripps Research Institute, the Burnham Institute (formerly called the La Jolla Cancer Research Foundation) and the Salk Institute. The town's prep schools are La Jolla Country Day School, The Bishop's School, and The Preuss School UCSD. The public high school, La Jolla High School, is in the San Diego City Schools district. It is home to several famous alumni, including Gregory Peck and Raquel Welch.


Literary La Jolla

CoveTheodor Geisel, also known as Dr. Seuss, was a resident of La Jolla at the time of his death in 1991. Unlike many celebrities, his address and phone number used to be listed in the local phone book. In fact, the main library at the University of California, San Diego, is dedicated to him. Raymond Chandler, an early influential noir novelist, moved to La Jolla late in his career. He died there 13 years later, but not before delivering a bleak aphorism about then-stuffy La Jolla, "A nice place -- for old people and their parents."

The title article in Tom Wolfe's The Pump House Gang is about a group of surfers from Windansea Beach in La Jolla who "attended the Watts riots as if it were the Rose Bowl game in Pasadena."

Novelist Anne Rice moved from New Orleans to La Jolla in 2005.


Attractions and activities
La Jolla is also the location of Torrey Pines Golf Course, made famous by the PGA TOUR Buick Invitational held there each February (in 2005, the competition was held in January). Down the steep cliffs from the Salk Institute and the Torrey Pines Golf Course is the famous de facto nude beach, Black's Beach.

Walking along the beach at all times (but especially at sunset) is popular recreation. Those ambling along may be able to glimpse the "Green Flash."

Downtown La Jolla is noted for its jewelry stores, up market restaurants and hotels. Prospect Street and Girard Avenue also have several famous boutiques and restaurants (including local favorites, such as the Girard Gourmet and Harry's Coffee Shop). Notable for its architectural and historical presence is the La Valencia Hotel, which used to welcome movie stars on retreat from Hollywood during the silent film era.


In recent years, harbor seals have taken over the Children's Beach, a quaint man-made cove near downtown. The seals are protected animals under federal law, so removing them has become a difficult and controversial issue. As of now, the beach is open; the rope is down. However, harassment of the animals is prohibited; swimming is allowed but not recommended.

Skimboarding and Surfing are very popular at many of La Jolla's world-famous beaches including Windansea and the People's Wall.

The USS La Jolla, a nuclear submarine, is named in its honor.


Origin and pronunciation
The area was known as La Jolla Park at least as early as 1886. The origin of the name is obscure. It is pronounced "Lah HOY-Ya," not "Lah Ho-Ya" as it should be in Spanish. Some say it is a corruption of ahoy, called out by sailors seeking the attention of people on the shore. The people of La Jolla claim it is a misspelling of La Joya, meaning "The Jewel" in Spanish. Perhaps the most-likely, although least-glamorous, theory is that La Jolla is a corruption of the Native American word "Woholle," meaning "hole in the mountain," referring to the caves in the north-facing cliffs next to La Jolla Cove Park. Most of these have since either collapsed due to ongoing erosion, or have been intentionally destroyed by local authorities to prevent the drownings that were once frequent occurrences.