A Strip Mall Feel

Some members of the La Jolla town council say the multiple signs on the Vons storefront, located at 7545 Girard Avenue in La Jolla, makes the grocery store look like a strip mall. The grocery store at the corner of Girard and Pearl houses several smaller independent businesses inside. There is a Starbucks, Wells Fargo, Jamba Juice and Dry Cleaners and all have signage spread out across the storefront.

"The strip mall concept is what concerns me," said one member of the council. "The way they spread the signs out all over the building. I just wish they would get a little more creative."

Because of complaints from the community, Vons has applied for new signage permits. At a La Jolla planning commission meeting last August, representatives from Vons were asked to make several revisions to their plans for a façade renovation in regards to signage, those revisions were sent for review to the town council.

Council member John Michaelson seemed pleased. "It's a very logical presentation and I don't see what the issue is."

Not all in attendance were as pleased. "Now I'm curious," said one member of the council, "are all of these businesses inside independent from one another, and if so, shouldn't that affect the parking code?"

Michaelson didn't agree and motioned to accept the proposed signage if it conforms to the Planned District Ordinance. The motion passed with 6 in approval, 3 in dissent and 3 abstaining.

For more information on the meeting and the town council, visit lajollatowncouncil.com.