New roof, solar panels coming to La Jolla Community Center

La Jolla Community Center (LJCC) will be sporting a new roof and solar panels next year, and has its community partnerships to thank for it. “The existing roof predates the 10 years the building has been the LJCC,” said board member and facilities committee chair Don Hodges, in an interview with the Light. Estimating the roof’s age at more than 20 years old, he added, “We have experienced roof leaks the last few winters that were patched by various roofers, but it’s worn out; it’s time to replace the roof.” The discussion of a new roof among board members generated the idea to add solar panels. “Our monthly utility bills are a substantial part of our operating costs,” Hodges explained, “so we decided it would be a good idea to be forward-looking with solar to save money. Also, it’s the right thing to do, environmentally.” The cost of the roof and panels project lands just under $150,000. “The end result will be a Community Center that can be showcased for its sustainable business practices, at a savings of $5,000 to $7,000 annually in our energy costs that can then be applied to program and other operational improvement,” Hodges pointed out.