How La Jollans define community

Last week, I introduced you to Fred Nock, La Jolla’s litter slayer. As my column concluded, Fred made a wish for La Jolla that impressed me as a gratifying definition of community: “I would hope everyone would do their part.”

Curious to learn what community means to my La Jolla neighbors, I invited you to share your thoughts. I hope these from-the-heart definitions of community deepen your appreciation of the collective essence of us.

•  Community is a place where personal and collective transformation take shape— a place transcending physical location— becoming a part of our very souls. True community calls forth the best versions of ourselves and compassionately holds us accountable when we fall short of that.

Rev. Tim Seery, Pastor of The Congregational Church of La Jolla

• When city planners are asked to create a community, they draw lines on a map. When people gather outside those lines, seeking their place in society with the like-minded who share common interests, friendships are formed and communication and interaction begin. Readily joining a club, church organization or befriending and supporting a neighbor are how communities are born and thrive.

Ron Jones, CEO, The Voice of La Jolla and longstanding community volunteer

• Community is the connection between the people you see daily. Whether it’s a stranger on the street, a person unhoused or neighbors on their daily walks, a kind and polite acknowledgement makes them strangers no more. A simple acknowledgement — eye contact and nod hello — can make a person who might feel disconnected or invisible, be seen, heard and appreciated.

Sal Usman, Owner of Copy Cove

• Community means my friends and family, nearby and worldwide. It’s the grocery store worker who knows your name, the local shop keeper who remembers your favorite item, the friend across the world you communicate with by text and images. Community is my home, my husband, my dog. It’s the people who depend on you, and those who reach for you when they need a hand. 

Jenny Eastman, Co-Owner of Smallgoods USA, American Cheeses & Provisions