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La Jolla Exclusives

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The lands of La Jolla became incorporated as part of San Diego in 1850. According to the La Jolla Historical Society, there were no permanent settlers here until nearly 1870. As its appeal grew, the seaside town became one of the most popular destinations on the West Coast, attracting swimmers, divers, beachcombers, surfers, and innovators. Today, La Jolla is home to world-renowned research institutions, captivating beaches, cultural leaders, art galleries, and dining destinations. Here’s just a few things that set the jewel apart from the rest.   MIA STEFANKO & ANDREA NAVERSEN

 

1  This year, The Scripps Research Institute celebrates 50 years of science that saves lives. At the forefront of basic biomedical research, discoveries made at the institute’s La Jolla headquarters and a new facility in Jupiter, Florida, have led to effective treatments for dozens of diseases including cancer, diabetes, obesity, arthritis, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s. The institute’s staff boasts three Nobel Laureates and more than a dozen members of the National Academy of Sciences. Its graduate school ranks among the top ten in the nation. Pictured here is pioneering immunologist and founder of The Scripps Research Institute, the late Frank Dixon, MD (left) and president Richard Lerner, MD, who has led the Institute for 25 years, reviewing a scientific report in 1986. (858/784-1000, www.scripps.edu)

 

2  Children’s Beach, affectionately known as “Casa Beach” by locals, was created years ago for the children of residents and visitors alike so they could enjoy the beach in an enclosed section within the cliffs. But what became a safe-haven for human tots also became a natural attraction for seals, which come here to rest, sunbathe, and have pups. While some  feel the seals should be displaced, others maintain that the beach should become a preserved spot for the sea creatures. Controversy aside, there’s no arguing the fact that this locale affords some of the most stunning sunsets around — it’s no wonder we’re all drawn to it.

 

3  Perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific, Birch Aquarium is the public exploration center for the world-renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. It features more than 60 habitats of fish and invertebrates from the cold waters of the Pacific Northwest to the tropical waters of Mexico and the Caribbean. The interactive museum showcases research discoveries by Scripps scientists on climate, earth, and ocean science. If you haven’t been lately, Boundless Energy is a new exhibit that celebrates the innovative ways we can use natural forces to power our lives. The outdoor playground features cool technology powered by the sun, wind, and ocean. (858/534-FISH, aquarium.ucsd.edu)

 

4  From pedicures to professional dog walking services, Deal Me in Today offers discounts of up to 90 percent exclusively from La Jolla businesses. The new daily deal Web site, launched in May, also donates a percentage from each purchase to La Jolla schools. Entrepreneur Troy Foss figures it doesn’t make “cents” for consumers to drive all over the county to snag bargains, and businesses don’t benefit if those bargain hunters don’t come back. He persuaded La Jollans Michael and Deborah Arnau to invest in Deal Me in Today, creating repeat business for town merchants, big deals for customers, and much needed dollars for area schools. Sign up online. (www.dealmeintoday.com)

 

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