News and Happenings in the Land of OB

Catalina and Voltaire Project Progresses

One can begin to see the enormity of the new project going in at the busy intersection of Catalina and Voltaire.  As we have reported, what’s being constructed is a three-story “mixed-used” development that will include 8 townhomes, one flat, and one commercial space that has nearly 2130 square feet. This development will include 2 or 3 bedroom condos with attached 2-car garages.  The flat will be on the second floor with 2 bedrooms and have surface parking in the alley. The commercial condo unit at 2128 square feet will be located along Voltaire.  (Go here to view an artist’s rendering, more on the intersection, its history and controversy.)

 Former Water Store on Voltaire Turned Into School for Handi-capped Kids

In checking into what was going in at the site of OB’s only water store – which was on Voltaire – we found a new school already opened.  It’s a place for mentally-challenged students, we were told.

It’s been up for 3 months already, we understand, and is part of a larger facility, called the Pioneer Day School and Learning Center. They’ve certainly improved the front, and are in the process of developing decks and a brick-laid side  yard.

OB Man Finds Cash in Cash-Stash Stunts

Geoffrey Perkins of Ocean Beach found some cash in the crazy twitter-driven “cash stash” stunts recently. He saw the Twitter photo after just missing the first drop. Perkins found $55 in cash. He told  10News :

“I saw the post for the sign and I thought wait, I know where that’s at. It’s right around the corner so I just drove over here, pulled up and it was taped to the back of the sign. This is awesome. This is a great thing for people to be doing for the community and for just random people.””

The hidden cash craze that started last week in San Francisco hit San Diego, called “SD Cash Stash.”  That’s the name of the Twitter and Facebook accounts run by an anonymous donor from San Diego who has been leaving hints for people to find hidden money.  The first two envelopes stuffed with cash were found at Mission Bay, with a promise from the donor of more to come.  Perkins of Ocean Beach was shown on social media holding the $55 he uncovered.

 OB Library Gains Hours – as All San Diego Libraries Do – in New City Budget

The San Diego City Council on Monday, June 9th, adopted a fiscal year 2015 budget (on an 8 to 1 vote) that includes additional Library hours at all locations, an expansion in the number of libraries open on Sundays and funding for a new after-school tutoring program at 18 libraries. Additionally, the Council reinstated $500,000 to the Library’s materials budget that was cut in the Mayor’s proposed budget. The next day, Mayor Faulconer signed that adopted budget.

Library supporters were visible and vocal advocates throughout this process. A large contingent at Monday’s City Council meeting told the Council they welcome a return of Library hours and budget after years of erosion and expect further public investments in this valuable community resource in the future.

 Stephanie’s Has Closed

The organic bakery on Voltaire, Stephanie’s, has closed and has been emptied out. By appearances, no one is currently moving in. We were told that Maria, the owner, had to leave to take care of her mother in the Bay Area.

 Local Landscape Architect Approved to Construct the Veterans’ Plaza Project

A local landscape architect, Vicki Estrada, has had her firm chosen to construct the OB Veterans’ Plaza project. Estrada Landscape Architecture was picked by the Board of the OB Community Development Corporation (OBCDC) to do the project. Estrada’s was selected as a low bidder to do construction documents for the development. This all happened on May 8th by a 5 to 2 vote of the Board. Dave Martin, OBCDC treasurer, told the Beacon:

“KTU+A [the other firm] was higher than Estrada by a significant amount. Our budget was right around $50,000 for the project. From that standpoint alone, there’s not much to argue with.”

Martin said the bid differential was $49,587 for Estrada versus $61,973 for KTU+A.   sdnews.com

Film night at The Green Store/Ocean Beach Green Center – June 12

This month’s feature film is No Impact Man. Author Colin Beavan, in research for his next book, began the No Impact experiment in November 2006. A newly self-proclaimed environmentalist who could no longer avoid pointing the finger at himself, Colin leaves behind his liberal complacency and vows to make as little environmental impact as possible for one year. No more automated transportation, no more electricity, no more non-local food, no more material consumption…no problem. That is, until his espresso-guzzling, retail-worshipping wife, Michelle, and their two year-old daughter are dragged into the fray. Laura Gabbert and Justin Schein’s film provides both a front-row seat into the experiment that became a national fascination and media sensation. Free but donations kindly accepted.  The Green Store is located at 4843 B Voltaire St. (619) 225-1083. Thursday, June 12th, 7 pm

Dog Beach Dog Wash Sponsors Clean-Up Sat. June 14th

The monthly clean-up of Dog Beach is on for this Saturday, June 14, down at Dog Beach.  Join your fellow dog-lovers and neighbors for the monthly Dog Beach Clean-up. It’s from 9:00am – 11:00am.  You and your friendly dogs are invited to join the Friends of Dog Beach at their regularly scheduled Dog Beach Clean-Ups. They are held the second Saturday of every month from 9:00-11:00am. They provide the gloves, bags, scoops, brooms and shovels – plus toys and treats for your dogs!

Surfrider Celebrates 10th Annual International Surfing Day with a Free Event in Ocean Beach

On Friday, June 20th, beachgoers and surf enthusiasts from around the world will come together to celebrate the Surfrider Foundation’s 10th Annual International Surfing Day. The Surfrider Foundation San Diego County Chapter is teaming up with FM949 to host a free family-friendly event in Ocean Beach (on the grassy area next to Veterans Plaza and the Santa Monica lifeguard station) from 3-10pm.  During the day, the Surfrider Foundation will be set up, along with a local surf school who will be offering free group lessons at 3pm and 4pm (limited spaces available), and local surfboard shapers who will be showcasing some of their boards.

In the evening, there will be a free outdoor screening of the classic surf film, The Endless Summer, as this year marks the 50th anniversary of the film. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket, towel, or lawn chair and watch the film from the grass. There will also be a raffle, popcorn and beverages available by donation.  Throughout the day, Wonderland Pub will be featuring several of Karl Strauss’ surf-inspired beers with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the organization’s mission to protect our oceans, waves, and beaches here in San Diego County. Chapter Manager, Haley Haggerstone, said:

“International Surfing Day is a day to celebrate the sport of surfing and give back to the oceans, waves and beaches that provide us with so much.We could not be more stoked to celebrate in Ocean Beach with a free outdoor screening of the classic surf film The Endless Summer.”

 Conservationists to study restoring Mission Bay marsh

The San Diego chapter of the Audubon Society just received a $460,000 grant from California Coastal Conservancy to fund a study on improving and expanding the tidal marsh and mudflat habitats in and around Mission Bay, the group just announced. The study is the first step in do the expansion and improvement. The multi-year restoration planning effort known as the Mission Bay Wetland Feasibility Study would lead to a broader effort to protect and restore salt marsh habitat in the northeast corner of Mission Bay. Researchers will also seek out ways to re- establish the connection between Rose Creek and the Kendall Frost Marsh Reserve in Mission Bay.  Audubon’s conservation committee Chair Jim Peugh said:

“This is an unprecedented opportunity, not only for the city, but for the entire region. Nowhere else in Southern California is there a potential for such a large scale wetland restoration project, especially one immediately adjacent to healthy, existing marsh.”

The project will bring together UC San Diego, the Rose Creek Watershed Alliance, Beautiful PB and Friends of Mission Bay Marshes along with a technical advisory committee, an environmental consulting firm and others to to design a set of conceptual restoration approaches. Ultimately expanding at least 100 acres of the marsh would increase the wetland’s scope of ecosystem services, including coastline stabilization, water quality improvement and as a buffer against future sea level rise. The expansion also would expand opportunities for education, research, recreation and community engagement.  Fox5

Don’t Forget the OB Street Fair Is Coming – Sat.  June 28

Ocean Beach Street Fair & Chili Cook-Off Festival, hosted by the Ocean Beach MainStreet Association.

Mission Bay Sports Center Meth Ring

The guy who is accused by the DA of operating a meth ring out of the Mission Bay Sports Center pleaded not guilty recently to 20 drug-related and weapons charges. Jason Boone, 41,  faces charges of sale, possession and transportation of meth as well as counts stemming from the seizure of seven heirloom firearms and an illegal collapsible baton, according to Deputy District Attorney Jorge Del Portillo.  Boone is alleged to be the ringleader of the meth deal, busted a year ago, as part of  “Operation Boone’s Farm,” an undercover investigation during which officers allegedly purchased a half-pound of meth.  Authorities said undercover officers also learned that lockers at the center were being utilized as a drop location for drug deliveries and payments between suppliers and customers.  SanDiego6

 No One Under 21 Allowed at OTL This Year

The old guys who run Old Mission Beach Athletic Club (OMBAC) announced that the Over-the-Line tournament this year will not allow anyone under 21 as a player or spectator. It’s all because of a recent change in city rules, OMBAC says. They are the ones who put on the annual Over-the-Line National Championship Tournament for 2 weeks at Fiesta Island in Mission Bay. MBAC media representative Sonny Petersen stated:

“OMBAC regrettably has been forced by the city of San Diego to make this major change to our San Diego tradition, and we must inform you that this will now be a 21-and-over event. The entire playing area will be transformed into a giant ‘beer garden,’ and those coming to the event must present an ID as proof of age.”

“After 60 years of what has been considered a model of how to run a large special event, OMBAC is sad to announce that we will no longer be able to host the public as a whole. OMBAC deeply regrets to have to bring this change to our public. We have done everything possible to preserve this traditional event, and hope the public continues to support the club’s many fundraising programs.”

For more details and some history, go to : sdnews.com