Lisa Kriedeman Elected New President of La Jolla Planners

The La Jolla Community Planning Association (LJCPA) has made significant strides in reshaping its leadership. They elected esteemed architect Lisa Kriedeman as its new president. A principal of Island Architects and a long-time resident, Kriedeman commands nearly three decades of architectural experience in La Jolla.

Her ascension signals the association’s intention to blend visionary design with strong community-centered values. The organization also addressed pressing local planning concerns. These include board vacancies and a controversial residential remodel proposal.

Lisa Kriedeman’s Appointment: A Monumental Shift

Lisa Kriedeman was unanimously elected as the new president of LJCPA, succeeding Harry Bubbins, who held the position for two years. Kriedeman’s tenure as president is expected to last for a maximum of three years, placing her at the helm amidst some pivotal local planning challenges.

With a career spanning 27 years as a La Jolla-based architect and her role as a principal at Island Architects, Kriedeman’s leadership is rooted in both design expertise and deep familiarity with the city’s distinct culture.

Why Kriedeman’s Leadership Matters

Kriedeman has been a driving force in La Jolla’s architectural community since 2022, when she first joined the LJCPA board. Her recent re-election in 2024 speaks volumes about her commitment and visionary thinking.

In her candidate statement, she emphasized the importance of architecture as a tool to shape communities, improve quality of life, and foster social cohesion. This philosophy underlines the association’s evolving narrative, shifting focus from isolated urban planning to a holistic, community-centric design ethos.

The leadership transition also sees outgoing president Bubbins stepping into the co-vice-presidency role alongside Greg Jackson, preserving institutional knowledge and fostering continuity. Additional changes include Glen Rasmussen’s election as treasurer and Adrian Feral’s reappointment as secretary.

Planning Milestones and Community Impacts

In addition to leadership changes, the LJCPA tackled key planning matters. The most notable was the board’s rejection of a controversial Wrelton Drive project. The remodel proposal aimed to transform a fire-damaged property in Bird Rock into a three-story, 4,800-square-foot residence.

However, the board unanimously refused the plan, likely prioritizing neighborhood scale and cohesion over individual redevelopment ambitions.

Key Takeaways from the Rejection

• Community Impact: The decision signals a growing resistance against projects that may disrupt the harmony of La Jolla neighborhoods.
• Transparency in Planning: By rejecting the proposal, the LJCPA upheld its commitment to prioritizing the voices and concerns of its residents.
• Architectural Standards: The decision reinforces local dedication to maintaining La Jolla’s signature charm and balance between growth and preservation.

The rejection exemplifies Kriedeman’s potential to influence decision-making that aligns architectural vision with community values.

Crisis in Board Vacancies

The LJCPA revealed two board vacancies resulting from member absences or eligibility issues. While these vacancies pose pressing organizational challenges, they also represent an opportunity for new perspectives within the committee.

A formal election process to address these openings will be established in the May meeting. This will provide residents active input in shaping future planning dynamics.

What Open Board Positions Mean for La Jolla

• Fresh Leadership: The vacancies create space for diverse viewpoints that might rejuvenate local planning strategy.
• Community Engagement: The upcoming election underscores the importance of involving La Jolla residents in decision-making processes.
• Strategic Opportunities: A revamped board could help bridge the gaps between urban planning strategies and architectural innovation.

What Lies Ahead

The next LJCPA meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 1, at 6 p.m., with the venue yet to be determined. It promises to tackle unresolved challenges, including formalizing the process for filling board vacancies. With Kriedeman’s leadership and engaged residents, this meeting could mark the start of a new chapter for La Jolla community planning.

Why Community Participation Matters

This is a prime chance for La Jolla residents to weigh in on pressing matters that shape their community’s future.

Whether it’s questioning project proposals or learning about evolving board dynamics, local voices will be critical in driving meaningful change under LJCPA’s refreshed leadership.

Kriedeman’s installment as president represents more than just a change in leadership—it’s a call to prioritize thoughtful architectural design while preserving La Jolla’s cherished values and aesthetic identity.

With her vision and the resilience of the LJCPA board, the association is poised to deliver impactful results. These results will blend innovative urban planning with unwavering community dedication.

 
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