News Summary

La Jolla is buzzing with excitement this October as the community embraces the Halloween spirit through playful events like a costume baseball scrimmage and educational talks on marine conservation. Meanwhile, local scientist Terrence Sejnowski receives the prestigious NIH Director’s Pioneer Award, highlighting significant advancements in neuroscience. Additionally, the Orli Hotel earns Michelin recognition, making it a standout in the hospitality sector. This vibrant month showcases the spirit of La Jolla with family-friendly activities and noteworthy achievements.

La Jolla Buzz: Spooktacular Baseball, Shark Chat, and Big Honors for Local Scientist

Ah, La Jolla! This sunny coastal gem is brimming with excitement as Halloween approaches and local events take center stage. From a festive baseball scrimmage to a deep dive into marine conservation, there’s plenty happening in our community this month!

Halloween Spirit Takes Over at La Jolla High

On October 18, the La Jolla High School baseball team put a playful spin on practice with their annual Halloween scrimmage. It was a sight to behold as players donned costumes that would make any trick-or-treater jealous! Highlights included a fierce dinosaur, a tall and friendly giraffe, the iconic duo of Mario and Luigi, the lovable Shrek, a heroic Batman, and even a quirky Savannah Banana. Talk about a fun way to mix sports with some spooky spirit!

Dive Deep with ‘Jaws@50’ Event

For those who want to explore something a little more educational—and perhaps a touch thrilling—mark your calendars for November 5 at 6:30 p.m. The Birch Aquarium at UC San Diego will host a riveting lecture titled “Jaws@50: A Conversation with Wendy Benchley.” This event will include a delightful reception featuring light refreshments and a sneak peek at the “Jaws@50” documentary, showcasing never-before-seen footage. Attendees can also participate in a discussion about the film’s impact on how we view sharks and the importance of marine conservation. Tickets are priced at $25 for members and $40 for non-members, making it a fantastic evening for anyone aged 13 and up.

A Stroke of Genius: NIH Award for Local Neuroscientist

Our very own Terrence Sejnowski, a brilliant neuroscientist at the Salk Institute, has received the prestigious 2025 NIH Director’s Pioneer Award. This significant honor comes with a hefty support of $3.5 million over five years, designated for high-risk research into neural circuits related to working memory. This groundbreaking work isn’t just about understanding how our brains function—it’s also about shedding light on mental disorders like schizophrenia and PTSD. Sejnowski’s contributions could pave the way for future mental health treatments.

Literary Fun with Mac Barnett at Gillispie School

In a delightful turn of events, bestselling children’s author Mac Barnett made a special visit to the Gillispie School on September 28. He captivated students with his storytelling skills, reading to them and signing books afterward. Events like this are a lovely reminder of the importance of fostering a love for reading in our younger generations.

Orli Hotel Earns Michelin Recognition

La Jolla is making waves in the hospitality sector as the Orli Hotel has been honored with the coveted Michelin Key for 2025. This accolade, shared with only one other hotel in San Diego, is a testament to the exceptional service and charm the Orli offers guests. Owned by local couple Max and Hailey Waitt, the hotel occupies a historically designated building, skillfully designed by architect Irving Gill, and is a delightful addition to our local scene.

Community Updates and Upcoming Events

In legislative news, the State Senator Catherine Blakespear’s bill SB 92 was recently signed into law, aiming to amend density bonus laws. This new legislation is designed to make sure developers contribute to affordable housing, which is a crucial step for our ever-growing city.

Starting from October 27, the city will host a series of community meetings focused on gathering feedback about recreational services, including specific sessions for La Jolla residents. It’s a great opportunity to have your voice heard!

In academia, we are thrilled to announce that UC San Diego has just launched a new undergraduate program focusing on artificial intelligence. With over 200 students enrolled and expectations to grow to 1,000 by 2029, this program is set to prepare the next generation of tech innovators.

Lastly, there is a bittersweet announcement as Dr. Christopher Longhurst from UC San Diego Health will be heading to Seattle Children’s Hospital as CEO, leaving behind a legacy of excellence after ten impactful years with UCSD.

With all these happenings, there’s no shortage of excitement in La Jolla this season! Be sure to get out and enjoy everything our community has to offer.

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