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It’s basically “mum’s the word” at OB’s hostel on Newport Avenue about their recent application for a liquor license with the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Concerns have been raised in some quarters of the community about yet another alcohol establishment on OB’s main commercial drag.

But even if granted, USA Hostel Ocean Beach only plans to serve its own guests – those travelers who lease out spaces at the hostel. No one from the outside would be allowed into the 2-story iconic building – they have 24/7 staffing at the only front door, I was assured by Julie, the on-site manager,

Twenty years ago, Jim Bell – OB’s well-known ecology consultant – bought an old building on Voltaire Street in Ocean Beach, which once housed a variety of businesses over the years, including Seedless, one of the incarnations of Hodads and Effie’s Cafe. And for 2 decades Bell rented out the numerous interior rooms while he worked out of his office, “the cave”, deep inside the building.

Now the property is up for sale. Jim Bell’s daughter Heather, who lives in Seattle, confirmed to this reporter she is trying to sell it. The lot is 50 by 100 feet. This turn in events is all due to Jim’s failing health – he’s now bedridden in a local Point Loma senior assisted living facility, and his well-being is dependent on the sale.

It appears the City of San Diego is getting set to dismantle the 30 foot height limit in order to allow massive redevelopment of the Midway District.

With the Midway area community plan update – okayed by the Midway planning committee on March 21 – about to be approved by the City Council in June, all the chips are falling into place to set the stage for some kind of political action that would get rid of the sacrosanct height limit for the some 1324 acres being considered for the redevelopment. The redevelopment would bring in dense housing – some of it affordable -, “modern commercial districts”, and 7-fold population increase to the area.

But the 30 foot height limit stands in the way of the dreams of developers, city planners, and their sycophants within the mainly commercial zones of the district.

This Thursday, May 17, the Ocean Beach Historical Society will present: “Picture Perfect – Three of O.B.’s Top Photographers”, at Water’s Edge Faith Community at 1984 Sunset Cliffs Blvd., at 7 PM,

The above photograph is of three of O.B.’s top photographers and OB Exposed! judges Cliff Beck, Steve Rowell, and Joe Ewing.

It was a month ago exactly that a young woman was found bleeding from gunshot wounds in the vicinity of the Ladera Street stairs – which are at the end of Sunset Cliffs Boulevard. She survived but is undergoing intensive – and expensive – medical care.

Now, some of the mystery surrounding her shooting has come out. According to her mother – daughter Mya, 19, had been kidnapped by three alleged gang members who attempted to kill her – who have since been arrested.

Mya’s mother, who identified herself as Jill, talked with NBC 7, and gave the family’s story behind the series of incidents

Actual sign sign discovered somewhere in Ocean Beach. “Follow that dream” – very appropriate. It’s anonymous street art.

There’s apparently a bunch of artists, or different networks of artists (or maybe just one) who are teasing OB with their anonymous street art. And this latest street sign – very “professionally” crafted and quietly installed – makes for great art. (Thank you – whomever you are. )

They have struck before.

The San Diego City Council will hold an evening hearing on the city budget in order for the public to have input at a time that is reasonable for working people.

The hearing will be at 6:00 pm, Monday, May 14 at Council Chambers in City Hall. City Hall is located at 202 “C” Street in downtown and council meetings are held on the 12th floor.

San Diego Councilwoman Lorie Zapf – incumbent for District 2 – has gone missing for at least 3 district town council candidate forums now.

Zapf failed to show at all three area forums; the Pacific Beach Town Council candidate forum, the Ocean Beach Town Council forum on April 25 and then most recently the Clairemont Town Council forum on May 3. (The Mission Beach Town Council calendar didn’t show any recent or upcoming candidate forum.)

Zapf – the only prominent Republican in the race for District 2 – has amassed more campaign funds than other candidate for city council throughout all the council races. So, perhaps she feels she’s safe or knows she’ll at least be in the November run-off.