OCEAN BEACH, CA. The big news around downtown OB today was the big waves, number one – which forced the OB Pier to be closed by lifeguards. And number two, the infamous “Charlie Brown” OB Christmas Tree came down – to be recycled.
With large swells arriving up and down the Southern Cal coast, and with a National Weather Service high surf advisory in effect until 10 p.m. on Monday, local lifeguards had to close the pier, while a few top-notch surfers braved the waves – which could have been as high as 8 feet.
And meanwhile, the holiday tree was removed by a crew and was chopped up.
And a block away, it was obvious that somebody had crashed into the front of the Arizona Bar and Grill on Bacon Street. There’s a dent in the exterior motif. Lee, one of the managers, told me that it happened on Christmas Day, around 5pm. They were closed, but the general manager got a call about the accident. Details are not available.
yesterday, i talked to a white-haired bodysurfer who told me he had been out in the waves the day before, and was surprised to have actually caught 3. obviously, he wore a full wet suit, plus hood and booties. he told me he went out just before sunset! wow! that’s amazing! you won’t catch me in that kind of situation (cold, wet, dark, large waves breakin’ over pier). my hat … ah, hood, is off to that guy. (he even looked older than me – omg)
I have a friend that works at the Cafe’ on the pier. I hope the damaged is fixed soon so they’re able to get back to work.
As far as the Arizona goes, perhaps somebody thought it was a drive-thru ;)
Dave – Are you able to get a description and accounting of the damage?
Sorry Editordude but with my current schedule I haven’t had any extra time to research things.
I did notice was that it’s one of the most extreme cases of “pier pressure” I’ve seen in quite some time! ;)
Good one, Dave!
I just got back into town, so of course the first thing I have to do is go grab a drink with the friends I missed over the holidays. The bartender helping us told me that a cop car speeding out of the alley clipped some guy poor unsuspecting driver and sent them barreling into the AZ wall. Merry Christmas eh?
Welcome back Jon! The manager I talked to at AZ knew nothing or else wasn’t talking. Surprising what you can learn over drinks.
not surprised at all to hear that, even if its not true. i have been almost hit by speeding police without siren/lights on twice in the last few months. Don’t they know this neighborhood is especially pedestrian friendly? SLOW DOWN.
Check this out: hilarity ensues…
hilarity is right! i could think of a few captions for some of those photos!
Remind me to show you the photos of the day I broke up a DEA sting. They were not pleased.
I had the entire street lined with cops, DEA, and county Sheriffs.
too much poop on our sidewalks…
true dat! I’m noticing a lot of apathy around OB lately when it comes to folks cleaning up after their dogs.
I hate to tell you, but I’m pretty sure some of it isn’t from dogs 8-0
Get in touch with Lane. He lives in a very pristine section of OB that contains no poop or garbage.
Sadly Chris, you’re right. It must be the lack of public toilets in OB, or maybe now public means you “go” in public. But I’d still say that 80% of it is from dogs, errr bad dog owners.
Actually Shawn, Lane’s block is one of the cleaner ones here when it comes to that. I could point out the worse offenders, but I don’t have that kind of time, nor do I want my typing fingers to cramp up from over-use….
Ok then, back to the Fiesta Bowl. Go Horned Frogs! ;)
I just had a long conversation with my neighbor about how its getting pretty “crappy” on our side of the street…while the other side seems to stay “poop-free”. This doesn’t have something to do with you, does it Shawn?
While there are many streets with sidewalks and parking strips here in OB that could stand a good poop pick-up, I think the one of most neglected strips of lawn (when it comes to folks not cleaning up after their dogs) is in front of those white apartments on the corner of Seaside & Castelar. Technically the 1st 10 feet from the curb is city property, but that’s no excuse to not clean up after Rover.
Watch your step folks! ;)