La Jolla is known as the jewel of San Diego. With its lovely beaches and shops galore, it’s no wonder that so many tourists flock to see all that the city has to offer. To most people, it is a beautiful place. But the truth is, not everyone sees La Jolla that way – just ask the locals.

In a recent article at the La Jolla Light (2/6/2015), readers voiced complaints ranging from the notorious La Jolla Cove to fallen trees to street safety. And although the Cove may have controversial appeal, it is city safety that has us, as personal injury attorneys, concerned most of all.

In a letter titled, “City’s patch job falls apart,” one La Jolla resident called out a concerning city fence and an equally concerning sidewalk that could potentially cause an injury should a slip and fall occur. According to the resident, the sidewalk shrubbery is overgrown and the concrete blocks are just as bad; the picture shows a troubled sidewalk in desperate need of repair. The resident goes on to note the dangerous corner of the sidewalk as well. According to the local, cars are frequently “flying around” the corner to access the parkway, leaving pedestrians and other drivers at the mercy of potentially reckless driving.

More residents voiced dissatisfaction and debate over the worst street in La Jolla, noting concerns over speeding, asphalt trenches, cracks and overgrown shrubbery.

Unfortunately, the seemingly legitimate complaints have not stopped there. It seems that other traffic concerns have had La Jolla residents up in arms. One La Jollan has asked residents to “stop running red lights” near Muirlands Middle School where, according to the resident, she witnessed five red-light runners in one sitting.

And finally, one resident weighed in on the sad fate of a La Jolla pine tree that had toppled over as a result of the city’s over-pruning. It wasn’t exactly the fate of the pine tree that made us so concerned (although it is sad to see a wonderful and age-old work of nature gone). Instead, we became concerned to hear that many other La Jolla trees are equally overgrown, posing the same danger as the now fallen pine tree. In time, these trees could easily have the same fate as the pine.

The truth is that next time, if a tree does topple over, a La Jolla tourist, pedestrian or resident may not be left unscathed. Thankfully, in this case, no one was injured.

WHAT TO DO ABOUT LA JOLLA CITY COMPLAINTS?

All too often, city concerns can easily get lost in the hubbub of local government administration. In most cases, city issues get resolved when residents come together to voice their concerns to public officials. If you have a city concern, here’s what you can do to get in touch with the right people. Let your voice be heard; you may prevent the next injury or fatality in La Jolla.

ROAD HAZARDS

If you note a La Jolla road hazard of any kind, report it to officials right away. Potholes, overgrown shrubbery, leaky fire hydrants and open waste on our roadways can all be reported online or called in to (619) 236-6611.

BAD SIDEWALKS

If you know of a bad sidewalk, it’s imperative that you contact the city’s sidewalk repair division at (619) 527-7500 to report the hazard. Most cities won’t repair a bad sidewalk simply because they don’t have knowledge of it. So, if you see something that needs attention, please call. Slip and fall accidents can lead to catastrophic injury such as paralysis or traumatic brain injury so please report any potential sidewalk problems right away.

FALLEN TREES OR TREES IN NEED OF CARE

See a fallen tree? Or, do you know of a tree that might need some TLC? Call the city’s street division (619) 527-7500 or email them the concern at street_service@sandiego.gov. For trees located in La Jolla public parks, call Park and Rec Area Manager Mark Moncey at (858) 581-9716.

EMERGENCIES

In ALL cases, if you note an emergency of any kind, call 9-11.

LA JOLLA CAR ACCIDENT LEGAL HELP

Unfortunately, not all road or sidewalk hazards can be reported in time to prevent a La Jolla car accident or pedestrian injury. If you have been injured in an accident due to a roadway or pedestrian hazard, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Call us today, 24/7, to discuss your legal case FREE OF CHARGE: 1-858-551-2090. We are La Jolla’s most trusted car accident attorneys. Call us now.