Hope of America is a program to identify and honor outstanding fifth grade students from each homeroom at the three La Jolla public public schools and the six private schools. Principals at each school identify award recipients who have been recognized by their teachers and peers as being great examples of academic achievement and citizenship. Honorees are invited to the luncheon accompanied by parents, siblings, and other family members. Each recipient is given an engraved plaque and a gift certificate. Each student’s principal (or teacher) reads a letter from their fifth-grade teacher describing their accomplishments.

FAY AVE. PEDESTRIAN/BIKE PATH THE LA JOLLA FAY AVE. BIKE/ PEDESTRIAN PATH AND SURROUNDING PROTECTED OPEN SPACE One of La Jolla’s Natural Treasures The paved path runs from Nautilus Street to La Canada providing a safe alternative for bikers and pedestrians. The Kiwanis Club of La Jolla and La Jolla Parks and Beaches, Inc. support year-round volunteer efforts and advocate for the preservation of dedicated open space and the maintenance and safety of the paved path as well as two adjacent city pocket parks (Via del Norte Park and Starkey Park) The area is home to a large variety of flowering “coastal sage scrub” annuals, perennials, and trees, at least 26 species of birds and many local native animals. Every effort is made to educate the public on the importance of promoting and preserving the native habitat. Only bicycles and pedal-assisted type 1 and 2 electric bikes are permitted on the path. The surrounding slopes are protected open space and open to foot traffic only. Hikers are encouraged to stay on the footpaths and respect the native plants and animals.

Sponsored Youth is a program that supports and mentors young Kiwanis clubs. The La Jolla Club provides advisors to the UCSD Circle K, and the Key Clubs at La Jolla and University City high schools. Kiwanis advisors assist them in their annual goals, invite them to participate in Kiwanis volunteer events, attend luncheon meetings, and assist them with their annual budgets.

The Kiwanis Club of La Jolla is an active participant in the community’s annual Christmas Parade that takes place in early December. The club routinely awards a grant to help underwrite the cost of the event. Working alongside students from UCSD’s Circle K, club members design and fabricate a parade float, and enjoy the fun of riding in the float down the streets of La Jolla Village.

For many years, the illuminated SEASON’S GREETINGS sign and reindeer display appeared on the La Jolla Shores Pedestrian Bridge during the holidays, though it was never formally permitted by the City of San Diego. In recent years, the Village Merchants Association assumed responsibility of the sign but in 2024 with rising costs,  chose not to pursue the permit process.  The Kiwanis Club of La Jolla purchased the sign for $1 to preserve the tradition, but could not complete the permitting in time.

In 2025, Kiwanis began the permit process months in advance but did not secure a permit until 2 weeks before the holiday season would conclude. Due to significant costs, including traffic control requirements and permits, the total project cost reached approximately $25,000. Incurring this cost for our club was not deemed fiscally responsible so as a result, the sign was temporarily displayed on Dan Courtney’s wall at Torrey Pines Road and La Jolla Shores Drive.  

Moving forward, annual costs of permitting and traffic control are estimated at $15,000.  Kiwanis hopes to return the display to the pedestrian bridge for the 2026 holiday season and has created a tax-deductible donation fund on our Donate page to help support the effort.