From a series of small concerts to the landmark Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, several La Jolla arts organizations received grants recently from the city of San Diego.
Every year, City Council members receive Community Projects, Programs and Services funds to allocate to nonprofit organizations for various projects, programs and services in the nine council districts. The money may be used for capital improvements; equipment, materials, goods or supplies; community programming or events; food or beverages; and operating expenses.
As part of this year’s cycle, council President Joe LaCava recommended CPPS funding for 31 nonprofits across his District 1 totaling $80,000. Each grant must be done through a City Council resolution, which happened March 4.
Of the District 1 organizations, almost a third are based in La Jolla, nearly all of them connected to the arts.
The La Jolla Art & Wine Festival Foundation received $5,000 for the cost of equipment such as tents, tables and chairs.
Bodhi Tree Concerts, based at St. James by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, received $2,000 for artist fees associated with the 2025 Music en la Calle festival, which will be held Saturday, June 14, in City Heights.
“We are incredibly grateful for CPPS funding,” said Bodhi Tree Concerts co-founder Walter DuMelle. “Thanks to this support, San Diegans from across the city can enjoy a full day of live music in the heart of City Heights completely free. All funding is dedicated exclusively to paying our talented local artists.”
The La Jolla Community Center received $2,500 for its Fourth Friday Jazz Series.
“We are incredibly grateful to be recipients of CPPS funds, which have provided essential support for our Fourth Friday Jazz Series for several years,” said Community Center Executive Director Nancy Walters. “Like many community organizations, we were thrilled when the program remained in the city’s budget. … These funds remain instrumental in sustaining our series’ success and continuity. Thanks to this support, we are able to present nine concerts annually, each bringing together at least 100 attendees from across San Diego … all with an immense appreciation for live jazz.”
The La Jolla Music Society received two grants: $2,000 for instruments and music books for its Community Music Center program and $1,500 for artist fees associated with its Wu Tsai QRT.yrd concert series.
“La Jolla Music Society is incredibly grateful for the continued support of the city of San Diego through its CPPS grant program,” said Allison Boles, the Music Society’s director of learning and engagement. “The funding from the city goes directly back into our community as high-quality arts programming and educational opportunities.”
The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library received $3,000 for tenting and fumigation for termite extermination.
“The … [CPPS funding] supported important deferred maintenance on our historically designated building in the form of funds to help defray costs for necessary termite tenting,” said Athenaeum Executive Director Christie Mitchell. “We are grateful for these funds, which help keep our beautiful and architecturally significant home, built in 1921, in good repair for our community to enjoy for many years to come.”
Here are the remaining allocations:
• $2,000 to the La Jolla Symphony & Chorus for community engagement and education programs, including artist compensation, venue and instrument costs, marketing support, and teacher training and professional development
• $2,500 to the La Jolla Village Merchants Association for its “Views of Nowruz” Persian New Year celebration to be held Wednesday, March 19, at the La Jolla Cove Hotel & Suites
• $2,000 to the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego to cover staffing costs, art materials, live entertainment and facility expenses for its Play Day
• $3,000 to La Jolla Playhouse for costs for directors, stage managers, performers and producers associated with its Latinx New Play Festival
“The City Council receives hundreds of applications for funding from groups across the city every year,” LaCava told the La Jolla Light. “I selected recipients that would bring the greatest benefit to residents of District 1 through their programs and services, whether through the arts, education, public safety or community building. We are proud to do our part to support local arts organizations that enrich the lives of La Jollans and all San Diego residents.” ♦
