The Union-Tribune has a breakdown today of San Diego’s estimated $689,000 bill for shooing the seals away from the Children’s Pool in La Jolla.
The newspaper reports that most of that money — about $550,000 — would go toward two police officers to monitor the beach, plus extra police protection during certain periods. Another $100,000 would pay a contractor to play recordings of barking dogs.
A judge ruled yesterday that the city must disperse the seals and scheduled a June 15 hearing to discuss the city’s seal-removal plan, which involves playing recordings of barking dogs and spraying seals with water. The judge has been skeptical of the plan.
The city has asked for clarification about whether a federal court order preventing the seals’ removal remains in effect.
Councilwoman Sherri Lightner, who represents La Jolla, is holding a community forum on the issue at 6 p.m. tonight at the La Jolla Recreation Center, 615 Prospect St.