Furry guardians of Windansea

It’s been said that a picture is worth a thousand words. I agree! How could this photo of a ground squirrel, who lives and plays along the bluffs of Windansea Beach, not touch our hearts and make us smile?

The story this image doesn’t tell, however, is disturbing: The city of San Diego is poisoning the native California ground squirrels who call the bluffs above Windansea Beach home.

Last summer, a city of San Diego spokesperson confirmed that city contractors will perform “eradication” when considered necessary to reduce the risk of diseases and damage to the bluffs. 

Although it’s true that squirrels can carry certain transmissible diseases, and there have been reported cases of squirrels carrying vector diseases, like the plague, there haven’t been many recorded recently. According to the county’s vector control program, there hasn’t been a documented case of the plague — from any carrier — since 2018. Moreover these cases tend to appear away from our coastal areas.

Similarly, the city’s beach erosion rationale stands on shifting sands. While burrowing squirrels can cause bluff destabilization and erosion, they’re not the only thing impacting our coastlines. Changing climate, invasive plants, infrastructure and human activity are some of the various factors that contribute to coastal erosion.

Last week, I invited La Jollans to make a wish for our community in the new year. Now, it’s my turn to dream. I wish for city leadership to nurture a value cherished by Windansea residents: Our co-existence with nature.

You can be a voice for the squirrels! Ask City Council President Joe LaCava and Mayor Todd Gloria to work with city staff and community members to identify and adopt a safe and humane alternative to poisoning the furry guardians of Windansea Beach.