‘Hello Granny Flats, Adios Trees’

by on December 1, 2021 · 0 comments

in Ocean Beach, San Diego

By Sheila Pell / San Diego Reader / Nov. 30, 2021

San Diegans want more trees. That was made clear in surveys for the climate action plan update, but tree advocates say the urban canopy is stuck in time.

Under the 2015 climate action plan, a goal of 15 percent coverage by 2020 fell short; today trees cover 13 percent of the city.

Amid losses to development, pests, and disease, the city has removed as many trees as it planted in the past two years, according to Anne Fege, chair of the community forest advisory board.

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600 Jobs at San Diego County Schools Up for Grabs at Job Fair at Liberty Station – Sat., Dec.4

by on December 1, 2021 · 0 comments

in Ocean Beach, San Diego

More than 600 jobs at San Diego County school districts will be up for grabs at a job fair Saturday at Liberty Station in Point Loma. It’s this Saturday, December 4.

The jobs run the gamut:

‘Mister Eddy’ Rolls Into OB

by on December 1, 2021 · 0 comments

in Ocean Beach

Ocean Beach resident Jessica Taylor captured this awesome video of the Mister Eddy – the marine layer — rolling into OB Monday afternoon.

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December 2021 Events From the Ocean Beach Green Center

by on December 1, 2021 · 0 comments

in Ocean Beach, San Diego

All events are online and free unless stated otherwise.

Every Saturday 10:15 am. Climate Mobilization Coalition Zoom Meeting. December 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th.

December 1st. Wednesday 6 pm – 7:30 pm Do you ride public transit?

December 1st Wednesday 6 pm Democracy Reform in California: Voting Rights, Recall, and the Electoral College –

December 2nd. Thursday 9 am – 10:30 am Webinar: It’s all in your head-but- is it?

December 2nd. Thursday 4 pm – 5 pm Gun Violence and Domestic Abuse, Exploring the Connection

December 2nd. Thursday 5 pm – 7 pm Youth Transportation Town Hall

December 2nd Thursday 6 pm – 7:15 pm Final Chapter Meeting of 2021! Event by Surfrider Foundation

December 2nd. Thursday 6 pm – 7 pm Smart Ways to Fight Food Waste Webinar

December 3rd Friday 12 pm – 1 pm Lunch Pop-up: How Birds Respond to Large Wildfires in Southern California

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OB Holiday Parade – Saturday, December 4

by on December 1, 2021 · 0 comments

in Ocean Beach

Under the theme of ‘Rockin’ Around The Crooked Tree!’, the annual Ocean Beach Holiday Parade kicks off this Saturday, December 4.

It will be the 42nd annual event – and it starts on OB Time, 5:05 pm.

Some claim OB has “one of the best Holiday Parades in SoCal,” but whatever, it sure is fun – and a unique moment for the village. So, get your spot on Newport ready.

Come inside to get connected, more info, how to’s ….

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Oh OB Tree, Oh OB Tree, You’ll Live Forever in Donor Family’s Memories

by on December 1, 2021 · 1 comment

in Ocean Beach

OB has a special place in the heart of Ken Stone, the main guy behind the online news site Times of San Diego. Here’s his report of the cutting down and installation of OB’s 2021 Christmas Tree. For some great photos of the event, check out his post.

By Ken Stone / Times of San Diego / November 30, 2021

Recording the scene with her phone, Catrina Russell looked forlorn. Part of her family history was dying.

But as Randy Bates of NatureScape used a chainsaw to separate a dramatically leaning tree from its Ocean Beach stump Tuesday, Russell knew it was for the good.

“It’s kind of ironic because I’m helping in the fight to save our palm trees. And here I am, cutting down this tree,” said Russell, wearing jeans and sandals. “But I think it’s clear this tree is a danger. It’s pulling up the sidewalk. It’s growing over our neighbor’s house.

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Another Assault in the War on San Diego’s Community Planning Groups

November 30, 2021 by Source

By Mat Wahlstrom

Although we all hoped to be spared further cringe-making videos by out-of-touch electeds after the Downtown Partnership fundraiser fiasco in September, alas it was not to be.

Shared with less fanfare two weeks ago from his official Twitter account is a production on YouTube featuring District 1 Councilmember Joe LaCava, capering on behalf of his developer donors, to propose a complete undoing of the city council policies governing community planning groups (CPGs).

But once again, the asinine is the point: it cloaks the atrocious under cover of whimsy. A little background:

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The Legend of the OB Christmas Tree

December 3, 2011 by Mike James
Thumbnail image for The Legend of the OB Christmas Tree

By Mike James / Special to the OB Rag

Gather round young and old as I tell the tale of long ago.

It all started in a quaint inn1 on the shores of a mighty ocean in the Land of OB. Two brothers of a great clan of craftsman2 gathered around a table of libations, sheltered from the winter cold.

They spoke of warm summer winds on the beaches of OB and recent triumphs therein. It had been a gathering of villagers from far and wide to view a spectacular spectacle of light and sound3. This had given great joy to the local trade and citizens of OB alike. It was the beginning of renewed spirit that had nearly been lost in this enchanted land.

Having proudly championed a role in this milestone, the brothers spoke of new campaigns to once again bring happiness to their fellow Obceians.

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It’s official: Ocean Beach remains in newly drawn City Council District 2

August 29, 2011 by Frank Gormlie
Thumbnail image for It’s official: Ocean Beach remains in newly drawn City Council District 2

See this blast from the past! Originally published Aug. 29, 2011. A decade ago and redistricting was the thing.

Well, it’s now official. The neighborhood of Ocean Beach will remain in District 2. This is significant, as it means that OB will remain in a district with other beach neighborhoods that have similar interests and needs.

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NRC Fails to Penalize Nuke Plant for Failure to Prevent Flooding from Hurricane Ida

November 30, 2021 by Michael Steinberg

Nuclear Shutdown News for December 2021

By Michael Steinberg / Black Rain Press

Nuclear Shutdown News chronicles the decline and fall of the nuclear industry in the US and beyond, and supports the efforts of those working for a nuclear free future.

On November 2 the Associated Press reported, “Millstone nuclear plant failed to prevent flooding during Ida.”

Hurricane Ida hit New Orleans in August with 150 mile per hour winds,

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We’ve Got a Long Haul, If We Really Want Liberty and Justice for All

November 30, 2021 by Ernie McCray

by Ernie McCray

“Liberty and Justice for All.”
That just might be America’s biggest lie
of all.
I mean
a young man,
a White teen,
with a rifle
that looks like
an AR-15,
appears on a scene
where people,
in spite
of some folks
acting crazy and obscene,
were peacefully
chanting and singing,

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Some in Pacific Beach Not Happy With Redistricting Map: Want to Keep PB Together With Mission Beach and Mission Bay

November 29, 2021 by Frank Gormlie

Some folks in Pacific Beach are not happy with the latest redistricting map being proposed for the new boundaries of San Diego’s council districts.

Specifically, they are not pleased with the prospect of being separated off from Mission Bay and Mission Beach and being attached to La Jolla in District 1. They are also very against any map that divides Pacific Beach up into different council districts.

Currently, PB sits in Council District 2, along with Mission Beach, OB, the Peninsula and western Clairemont.

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Night Time Surfing: The Appeal and Risks of Paddling Out After Dark

November 29, 2021 by Source

By Kylie Capuano / Lomabeat.com

Whether searching for an uncrowded break, cutting out time within a busy schedule, or chasing after a new experience, adventurous surfers paddle out after the sun sets to partake in nighttime surfing, welcoming the risks and unique experience of paddling out after dark.

Stepping away from the crowds, night surfing offers a more serene experience with less crowded breaks. This allows surfers to have more freedom with chasing after waves, as they don’t have to share them with others.

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American Democracy is Not Dead or Dying — Just Malfunctioning

November 29, 2021 by Source

By Colleen O’Connor

It is easy to find despair among so many headlines about new COVID variants (Omicron); mass casualty events; sinister, incompetent, corrupt politicians, bankers, ministers, and institutions.

It is easy to complain, nag, give up and be aggrieved as a way of life.

It is especially easy to note all of America’s many legitimate woes; massive economic and social inequalities; inflation; labor shortages; ignorance, all amid this fourth industrial revolution that few can comprehend, let alone manage to navigate smoothly.

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Man’s Body Found Off Ladera Street in Sunset Cliffs

November 29, 2021 by Staff

On Friday, November 26, a body of a male was found floating in waters off Sunset Cliffs.

The fully-clothed male was discovered by a fisherman looking for lobster around 6:30 p.m. off Ladera Street and Sunset Cliffs Boulevard. The body was found about 200 feet offshore. As of now, the man is unidentified and his age is unknown.

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Extreme Bicyclists Hold Sway Over Peninsula Planners

November 24, 2021 by Staff

By Geoff Page

The regular monthly meeting of the Peninsula Community Planning Board, November 18, was all about changes the PCPB is recommending for the streets many people use daily. But, the only people who seem to be paying attention were from the cycling community.

There was also a letter of support for the palms on upper Newport and some projects were reviewed, two of which were more Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).

Froude Street from Voltaire Street to Newport Avenue

The PCPB is still very much concerned that there is not a single stop sign from Voltaire to Newport and they are determined to right this incredible wrong.

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Thankful for Ocean Beach and Solar Farming

November 24, 2021 by Source

By Kathy Blavatt,

Photos by Kathy & Cartoons by Ray Blavatt

As we join our loved ones, we can feel thankful this Thanksgiving 2021!

As crazy as the world has gotten, we still have our beaches and our wonderful community fighting for trees. The closest we came this year to fires were the blazing sunsets.

I am thankful to those that try to change the world for the better. There are innovators with new farm methods that can bring positive environmental changes. These solutions make so much sense.

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Restaurant Review: La Doña in Ocean Beach

November 24, 2021 by Judi Curry

Restaurant Review

La Doña
1852 Bacon
Ocean Beach, CA 92107
619-269-6144

By Judi Curry

One of my favorite Mexican restaurants in Ocean Beach was Nati’s. I think that when they closed down almost the entire town was unhappy and many experiences there just became old memories. I was happy to see that another Mexican restaurant – La Doña – was going in to the same place, and hoped that new memories would be established there.

The other day was the day that four older ladies decided it was a perfect time to visit the new restaurant. Although it has been open for some time, we thought it was important to give it a chance to establish its own persona.

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Patty Jones Says: ‘Flipping the Bird’ Is the Best Way to Cook Turkey for the Holidays

November 24, 2021 by Patty Jones

Originally published Nov. 23, 2011.

By Patty Jones

I want to share a family secret with you – one long held in the Jones family holiday tradition – on the accepted method of “flipping the bird” at Thanksgiving.

Many years ago my mother stumbled through her early morning Thanksgiving ritual of prepping a huge turkey for the afternoon feast. Before her first cup of coffee she dropped the bird in the roasting pan and shoved it into the oven. A couple of hours later she opened the oven door and she realized she had put it in the pan upside (or breast-side) down.

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Councilmember Pledges Reforms for Community Planning Groups Will Make Them ‘More Independent’ and In Line With City Charter

November 23, 2021 by Frank Gormlie

Joe LaCava, the councilmember for District 1, says he has a bunch of reforms for community planning groups that will bring them in line with the city charter while making them more independent.

In a recent article at the La Jolla Light by Ashley Mackin-Solomon, LaCava spoke about his reforms.

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OB Friends of the Library Newsletter – Mid-November 2021

November 23, 2021 by Source

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Showing Love for the Children Down Mexico Way

November 22, 2021 by Ernie McCray

by Ernie McCray

Oh, I love
what the county
of San Diego
did on
a beautiful Southern California
day,
matching such beauty
by tending to the needs of children
who live south
of the border
down Mexico way,
providing them
with their first shot
of a vaccine

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A Hidden Gem for Thanksgiving Week: The Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park

November 22, 2021 by Source

By Colleen O’Connor

Expecting family and friends to arrive this week in anticipation of the Thanksgiving holiday?

A sure way to guarantee they enjoy their stay, besides the beach, the bay, the dinners, and the weather, is a hidden gem in Balboa Park: The Japanese Friendship Garden.

The garden is tucked away in Balboa Park, under lush vegetation, with meandering paths across bridges, alongside waterfalls that spill into fabulous Koi ponds. This park also hosts art exhibitions, Bonsai pavilions and currently, a textile exhibit of fine fabrics, as well as magnificent matrimonial Kimonos.

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Willie Closes His Shoe Shine Shop

November 22, 2021 by Source

By Diane Bell / San Diego Union-Tribune / Nov. 20, 2021

An Ocean Beach landmark has closed forever.

Willie’s Shoe Shine, a tiny shed in the parking lot of Mallory’s furniture store on Newport Avenue, has shut its single door.

“Shoeshine” Willie Washington officially has retired. For as many as five decades the retired Marine, now in his mid-80s, has either worked in Ocean Beach in a shoe repair store or run his own drive-by/walk-by business out of a parking lot shed.

He grew into a legend and an icon and even has been referred to as the unofficial mayor of O.B. Willie, as everyone calls him, always has a smile and a kind word and seems to know everyone, their children and their kids’ children. “He’s been a mainstay on Newport for decades,” recalls Frank Gormlie, publisher of the “OB Rag,”

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OB Pier Working Group Meeting: ‘All To Do About Nothing’

November 19, 2021 by Staff

By Geoff Page

What has been dubbed the Ocean Beach Pier Working Group had its “Fall Virtual Meeting,” on Wednesday November 17.

The meeting was moderated by Campbell’s representative for the Ocean Beach area, Teddy Martinez. So, this is being run by the District 2 Council office, in case that wasn’t clear enough. Considering the results of this meeting, District 2 should get all the credit.

This was a Zoom meeting for a core group of meeting participants and other interested parties but was deliberately not made open to the public. At one time, there were 27 attendees. Some of the core group come from local organizations such as Andrea Schlageter, chair of the OB Planning Board and Denny Knox from the OB Mainstreet Association.

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Ocean Beach Library Expansion Deserves More Thought

November 19, 2021 by Source

Great design isn’t done quickly or cheaply

By Roger Showley / November 18, 2021

Regarding the U-T article about the Ocean Beach Library expansion moves ahead; some want more input” (Nov. 14):

I grew up with the Ocean Beach Library as my branch. To a child it was a place of wonder and inspiration. I find the proposed addition to be a thoughtless, design-challenged and placeless project.

The staff believe an in-house plan will save time and $400,000 in outside architectural fees. But judging by recent city projects, like the Balboa Park West Mesa restrooms, expedited design results in Onions not Orchids.

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Dear Ed: ‘How Long Should I Let a Friend Crash at My House?’

November 18, 2021 by Source

By Edwin Decker

Dear Ed, Can you tell me how long should I let a friend crash at my house? A friend of mine is going through a divorce and has been sleeping on my couch for about a month now. Do you think that’s long enough or is it my obligation to let him stay longer? I want him to leave, but I fear that asking will damage the friendship.

Sincerely, Katy from Connecticut

Dear Katy, ah yes, the age-old question: What’s the statute of limitations on crashing?

Well, it depends on multiple variables such as how close the friend is, how respectful are they of your space, what is your tolerance level and other factors.

Given that I don’t know the particulars of your situation, I have developed a formula for you – or anyone – to apply. I call it the Crashing Friend Eviction Deadline Calculator

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Restaurant Review: Coffee Hub and Café in Point Loma

November 18, 2021 by Judi Curry

Restaurant Review

Coffee Hub and Café
2907 Shelter Island Dr.
San Diego, CA 92106
619-738-1482
(Note: They are open 7 days a week)

By Judi Curry

Now that many restaurants are open with the restriction for Covid being eased, it is time for me to try some of the places people have told me about over the year. The Coffee Hub and Café was one that I wanted to try.

It is located in the small shopping center on the corner of Scott and Shelter Island Drive, that also houses another restaurant I reviewed some time ago – Supanee House of Thai – and across the street from Miguel’s. They are open for breakfast and lunch, and although Google has them closed on the weekdays, that is not correct. They are definitely open.

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New Rule: Parking Requirements Eliminated for Most San Diego Businesses – Coastal Commission Approval Still Needed for Coastal Zone

November 17, 2021 by Frank Gormlie

The big news from San Diego City Hall Tuesday was the New Rule: for many businesses starting January 1, parking space requirements are eliminated.

The City Council unanimously voted a change to the municipal code that eliminates parking space minimum requirements for many businesses. Commercial tenants and building owners in transit priority areas and commercial neighborhoods citywide, beginning the New Year, can decide to provide as much parking as they think their customers need, or use those spaces for outdoor dining or outdoor spaces.

Also, new entrepreneurs will no longer be prevented from starting a new business because their building doesn’t have enough parking.

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Palm Tree Chopped on West Point Loma

November 17, 2021 by Staff

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Someone San Diegans Should Know: The Ranting White Supremacist of Ocean Beach

November 16, 2021 by Staff

Here is someone San Diegans – and OBceans — should know: the ranting White supremacist of Ocean Beach. Meet Nathaniel Maloney, an OB resident.

Maloney was identified as the white man shouting verbal threats and racial slurs at an African-American woman neighbor, who shot a video of the incident on a street in Ocean Beach. The incident reportedly occurred on Monday, November 15.The vid circulated widely on social media.

The woman was walking to her car in her driveway when Maloney ran up to her, spit on her and then assaulted her by screaming the N-word at her over and over. He even tried to call the cops on her, claiming she had assaulted him.

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How We Can Save the Ocean and Improve Access at the Same Time

November 16, 2021 by Source

By Anupa Asokan / Op-Ed / San Diego Union-Tribune / Nov. 12, 2021

This summer I was determined to catch a fish called the California corbina. Corbina don’t really carry the clout that comes with reeling in fish like yellowtail or white seabass prized by Southern California anglers, but I’m drawn to corbina partly out of nostalgia since they are related to the red drum I grew up catching in the Gulf of Mexico, and mostly because they are easier to get to. I could fish for them right off the beach without a boat.

I’m a fisherwoman and my days are focused on advancing ocean conservation,

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