SOLANA BEACH — Two Solana Beach projects received a funding boost from County Supervisor Dave Roberts after his Neighborhood Reinvestment Program grants were approved by his colleagues during the July 29 Board of Supervisors meeting.
Roberts allocated $80,000 to Solana Beach to help build a Veterans Honor Courtyard at La Colonia Park.
A memorial to veterans was included in a $4 million plan the city was working on to improve the park, but everything was put on hold after Gov. Jerry Brown abolished redevelopment agencies — the funding source for the project.
Following a request from a community group, the city authorized the veterans portion of the project to move forward independently.
Originally slated to be a memorial, the plans were changed so all U.S. veterans living, deceased and currently serving could be honored.
Before construction can begin $200,000 is needed. The citizens group has raised about $20,000, and Solana Beach is providing another $80,000 from the former redevelopment agency funds designated for use in the park area.
As the guest speaker for the city’s Memorial Day celebration, Roberts pledged to match the city’s contribution.
Roberts said he wanted to make the courtyard his 2014 signature project so all veterans will know their service will live on in perpetuity in Solana Beach.
“I’m in awe,” said former Mayor Tere Renteria, a driving force behind the courtyard.
Supervisors also authorized the allocation of $10,000 from Roberts’ Neighborhood Reinvestment Program funds to the San Diego County Medical Society Foundation to purchase race materials to promote the Solana Beach Sunset 5K Run/Walk, scheduled for Sept. 27 at Fletcher Cove.
The event, which will conclude with a wellness expo and live band, will benefit JumpStart for Health, a new program focused on diabetes prevention and healthy living.
A total of $292,000 was approved to benefit victims of sexual abuse, military veterans and people with mental illness in Roberts’ District 3, which also includes Encinitas, Del Mar, Escondido and parts of the city of San Diego.
Lux Art Institute, Palomar Health Foundation, Mental Health Systems Inc., the Ed Brown Senior Center, Balboa Theatre and the San Diego Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender Community Center also received funding.
The Neighborhood Reinvestment Program provides grant funds to county departments, public agencies and nonprofit community organizations for one-time community, social, environmental, educational, cultural or recreational needs.
Each of the five supervisors can grant up to $2 million annually.
