Soaring Torrey Pines produced by the La Jolla Historical Society

With the recent announcement by the La Jolla Historical Society of an exciting new film project it can now add “documentary film producer” to its ever-expanding roster of accomplishments. The project, tentatively titled Soaring Torrey Pines, showcases an important piece of La Jolla’s rich heritage: glider aviation at the historic Torrey Pines Gliderport. The film is being produced by the La Jolla Historical Society with the help of a team of soaring aviation enthusiasts, including aviation documentary film director William Luscomb.

Completed in two phases, the project will produce a short 10-15 minute film, currently in production, with a planned Spring 2010 release. The second phase will encompass a more ambitious HD documentary film scheduled for completion later in 2010, depending on funding.

Since it was first established in 1928, and dedicated in 1939 to the Youth of California by then San Diego mayor, P.J. Benbough, the Gliderport has become an important facility with a prestigious history – it once served as the training ground for aviation great Charles Lindbergh, national and world soaring records have been set at the Gliderport and numerous innovative aircraft designs has been tested there. Today, Torrey Pines is the only coastal gliderport remaining for manned sailplane operations along the American west coast. Listed on the local, state and National Register of Historic Places, the Gliderport continues to offers thrills for thousands of people wanting to experience the excitement of hang gliding or paragliding at one of the oldest, most storied facilities in the United States, if not the world.

“As a glider pilot and member of the Society, I’m very exciting to be working on this film,” said Film Project Committee Member Bruce Elder. “I meet many visitors to the Gliderport, even La Jolla natives, who come to enjoy the views or take a tandem flight, but are surprised to learn about this historical importance of the site, or that it is the last West Coast gliderport where sailplanes still fly. This film is a great opportunity to present a fascinating part of history to a broader audience and share some of the fun we glider pilots experience each time we soar along the Torrey Pines coastline.”

The Society thanks the following for providing lead gifts to this project: Don Yeckel, Robin Marien and the Torrey Pines Gliderport, Bruce Elder, Associated Glider Clubs of Southern California, San Diego Hang Gliding Association, Gary Fogel, James Wright, Melissa and John Bolthouse, and Bret Daniel.

Be part of preserving the Torrey Pines Gliderport story! Become a film producer, too, by offering support that will help underwrite the film project. Please email Executive Director John Bolthouse at jbolthouse@lajollahistory.org  or call (858) 459-5335 extension 2.

For more information about the exciting Torrey Pines Film Project, please click here.

La Jolla’s connection to its rich heritage, the La Jolla Historical Society's offices and archives are located at 7846 Eads Avenue, La Jolla. Open to the public Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (858) 459-5335. www.lajollahistory.org.

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Media Contact: Ruth Varonfakis
(858) 273-0928
RCVaronfakis@aol.com