Outdoor dining area in La Jolla now permanent

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- The City of San Diego has approved a permanent deal to keep outdoor dining patios and close off the road in La Jolla Shores, creating a plaza for local businesses.

This decision follows the success of outdoor dining during the coronavirus lockdowns, which provided a lifeline for many restaurants along 'restaurant row' in La Jolla Shores. Business leaders have been advocating for this change after four years of operating under special events permits.

Bob Whitney, a business owner in La Jolla, expressed his desire to ensure the project is done right, emphasizing the importance of community involvement.

Outdoor dining became a crucial part of the restaurant industry during the pandemic, allowing businesses to continue operating while indoor dining was restricted. The move to make these patios permanent reflects their popularity and success.

However, the California Coastal Commission requires that businesses find 'replacement parking' for the spaces taken by these patios, a challenge that will need to be addressed as part of the project.

The community has embraced the closed-off area since 2020, with visitors and locals enjoying the new pedestrian-friendly environment.

The permanent closure of the road and establishment of outdoor patios is expected to enhance the local dining experience and benefit businesses in La Jolla Shores. As the community continues to support this initiative, the focus will be on addressing parking challenges to ensure its long-term success.

All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by KSWB. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat from a broadcast script into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by KSWB staff before being published.