February 2014

A Challenge to Kevin Faulconer: End Homelessness Now

February 18, 2014 by Source

houston homelessBy John Lawrence / San Diego Free Press

You kibitz with the homeless in your campaign ads. Now that you’re Mayor Kevin Faulconer, are you really going to do anything about it? Or are you going to continue to procrastinate. Other cities are ending homelessness from Phoenix to Salt Lake City to Nashville.

You have the model to follow. It’s a no-brainer. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Just follow their successful models. You don’t have to continue to study the problem in order to address it ten years from now.

Read the full article → 1 comment

A Legacy of Genocide: the San Salvador

February 18, 2014 by Source

422px-ROHM_D225_Noche_triste_aztecs_rise_against_the_conquistadorsBy Will Falk / San Diego Free Press

What do you see when you look out across San Diego and see the San Salvador being reconstructed?

Do you see the first wave of wave upon wave of white settlers who systematically dispossessed California’s indigenous people of their lands?

Do you see the beginnings of a process that reduced the indigenous population of California from 250,000 in 1800 to less than 20,000 in the matter of a century?

Do you see the face of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo grinning maniacally back at you?

Read the full article → 9 comments

Reader’s Rant: Watch out – the “Knock Down Game” has come to OB as it got me.

February 17, 2014 by Source
Thumbnail image for Reader’s Rant: Watch out – the “Knock Down Game” has come to OB as it got me.

Editor: This story by a fellow OBcean was sent to us unsolicited. We decided to publish as a “reader’s rant” despite our inability to confirm its veracity.

In an Unprovoked Attack 2 People Wearing Masks Beat Me on Valentine’s Day as a 3rd Filmed it – Apparently Playing the “Knock Down Game”

By Anonymous Fourth Generation Resident of OB

I was brutally beaten by two individuals on Valentine’s Day 2014, returning home from a friend’s home near Newport Avenue in Ocean Beach.

I had walked down Cable Street to the seawall and made my way up the stairs at the foot of Pescadero Avenue. Walking up the street I was confronted by two individuals in blue jeans and white hoodies, in front of 4870 Pescadero Avenue. Then these two individuals, without saying a word, began to beat my face for no reason.

Read the full article → 14 comments

Hit and Run on Sunset Cliffs Boulevard Saturday Night

February 17, 2014 by Judi Curry

There was reportedly a hit and run on Sunset Cliffs Boulevard, Saturday evening, Feb. 15, about 5:15pm.

Neighbors saw the aftermath of an incident where apparently a vehicle hit a woman walking her dog as she was walking along the west side of the street – and then the vehicle took off, not bothering to stop to see what injuries if any they had caused.

Read the full article → 1 comment

As Predicted: OB Voted for Alvarez and Point Loma Voted for Faulconer

February 17, 2014 by Frank Gormlie
Thumbnail image for As Predicted: OB Voted for Alvarez and Point Loma Voted for Faulconer

This was as predictable as the change of the tides.

In the special mayoral election just held, Ocean Beach voted for Councilmember David Alvarez and Point Loma voted for Councilmember Kevin Faulconer – who won.

So, here’s a blow-up – inside – of the black and white maps provided by the U-T San Diego on the break-down of the vote.

Read the full article → 5 comments

The Process to Replace Faulconer in District 2 – ‘Just the process, not the politics’

February 17, 2014 by Source
Thumbnail image for The Process to Replace Faulconer in District 2 – ‘Just the process, not the politics’

Here is the replacement process to select whomever will fill Kevin Faulconer’s District 2 seat on the City Council:

From Chet Barfield / Office of Interim Mayor Todd Gloria

1. A 30-day clock starts on the day Kevin is sworn in as Mayor, which we think will be around March 3. The county Registrar of Voters has 28 days (from Feb. 11) to count the ballots and certify the results. Because the election wasn’t that close, it could take less than 28 days. Upon receiving registrar certification, the Clerk will ask the Council President to docket acceptance of those findings at the next possible meeting.

2. Council approves the election results and Kevin is sworn in as Mayor. This begins a 14-day application period (calendar days) for candidates wanting to fill the interim D2 vacancy. They must reside in the old District Two – as the boundaries existed before being redrawn last year – because that’s the pool from which Kevin was elected.

Read the full article → 3 comments

The “Alvarez Effect” and the Future of San Diego

February 17, 2014 by Jim Miller

By Jim Miller

Alvarez14DNobody thought this was going to be easy.

Back in July, at the height of the Filner debacle, I predicted a dire outcome, noting that “in a recall or special election in an off year, the electorate is guaranteed to be more conservative and definitely not favorable” for a progressive replacing Bob Filner because, “Faulconer would have a huge fundraising advantage garnering support from all the usual suspects downtown and benefit from an energized base geared up to hand it to the liberals, unions, minorities, and other foul ‘special interest groups’ that they’ll blame for bringing us the evil that was Bob Filner. With the Democrats dispirited, humiliated and divided, it might not even be much of a fight.”

As it turned out, David Alvarez stepped up and offered progressives hope, and the labor movement surprised everyone by actually being able to raise more money than the Faulconer forces. Sadly, on Tuesday, many of us were crying in our beer instead.

Read the full article → 1 comment

Tanya Winter – San Diego Activist for All Seasons – Passes

February 17, 2014 by Frank Gormlie

Editor’s Note: We received the news that Tanja Winter passed away on February 9, 2014. She was an activist extraordinaire and lived much of her in San Diego and was in the thick of the city’s peace movement. Tanya moved to the Bay Area in 2011 to be close to her family. This article was published in 2011 and provides a glimpse into her life and stands out as a lesson for all of us. The date for a celebration of her life in San Diego has not been determined at this time.

When Tanja Winter – the matriarch of San Diego’s progressive community – was 12 years old, she watched as German Nazis troops rolled into Prague where she lived, in what was then Czechoslovakia. It was 1939 and she was coming home from school. She vividly recalls that awful scene to this day – all the adults were standing around weeping.

Over seven decades later, I’m sitting in her living room in La Jolla Shores, ….

Read the full article → 7 comments

Join the “$10 a Month Club” to Support the OB Rag

February 14, 2014 by Frank Gormlie

Back last Fall, the OB Rag was at a dangerous crossroads in terms of its future. We made an appeal to the community of Ocean Beach as well as to our other supporters for help and guidance. The response was great and it inspired us to keep publishing.

People started sending us donations and offers to help. It has re-energized the Rag and since then, we brought on a part-time reporter, Matt Wood, and a part-time ad salesperson, Stephanie Denton.

Others have begun writing for us, helping us with content and coverage.

One of the things that got started by a number of supporters was a “$10 a month” set-up, where people will every month send us $10 via the PayPal button we have on our homepage. Through these monthly donations combined with larger contributions from others and increased advertising, we think the Rag can manage to sustain itself.

But basically, we need more supporters to join this “$10 a Month Club” – so please think about doing this. It means a lot to us.

And while you’re thinking about it, consider these:

Read the full article → 0 comments

Making Valentine’s Day More Meaningful

February 14, 2014 by Source

The value of a gift increases with the thoughtfulness put into it

saint_valentineBy / OtherWords

Valentine’s Day, it seems, has all the trappings of a made-up Hallmark holiday. It’s a holiday created purely to encourage us to go out and give our money to a few select industries: greeting cards, candy, roses, restaurants, etc.

As it turns out, the holiday has a history.

Read the full article → 0 comments

Cohn’s New “OB Warehouse” About to Open on Newport – Old Portugalia Sign Finally Gone

February 14, 2014 by Matthew Wood
Thumbnail image for Cohn’s New “OB Warehouse” About to Open on Newport – Old Portugalia Sign Finally Gone

Ding dong, the wicked sign is gone.

You know the one I’m talking about. The Portugalia sign – that garish Ed Hardy-tattoo-esque design (that yes, included a cross) painted two stories tall over the now shuttered club on Newport Avenue – has finally been removed, thanks to Tim Spann and the folks at Cohn Restaurant Group.

Spann, who is in charge of signage and some of the interior design for the new OB Warehouse, aided in taking down the old and now out-dated sign – which lorded over the upstanding exteriors of Newport Avene like an hulking gargoyle. Its reign over the village is finally over, as the new “OB Warehouse” sign went up on Wednesday.

We got a sneak peek inside the new place, …

Read the full article → 20 comments

Restaurant Review : “Antique Thai Cuisine” in Point Loma

February 14, 2014 by Judi Curry
Thumbnail image for Restaurant Review : “Antique Thai Cuisine” in Point Loma

“Antique Thai Cuisine”
3373 Rosecrans St.
San Diego, CA 92110
619-222-0689

I have frequently had lunch at the “Antique Thai Cuisine” restaurant in the Midway section of San Diego. Their lunch specials start at $5.99 and it is easy to have a satisfying lunch for under $8.00.

This evening I had to take one of my students back to the airport so that she could begin her journey back home to Sao Paulo, and my other student – Felizia – and a friend – Warren – wanted to see her off. Since it was dinner time when we began to return home and Felizia saying she really liked Thai food – and since we were on Rosecrans anyway – my car just automatically drove into the Antique Thai parking lot.

The dinner menu is pretty much the same as the lunch menu, but different prices –and a few items that are only available at dinner.

Read the full article → 4 comments

OB Rag Editordude Kicked Off Library Lawn

February 13, 2014 by Staff
Thumbnail image for OB Rag Editordude Kicked Off Library Lawn

UPDATE: Area Manager Calls to Apologize

FRIDAY: The San Diego Library Area Manager just called Frank Gormlie and apologized for what happened on Wednesday. Bob Cronk personally thanked Gormlie for his and the OB Rag’s support of the library over the years and said on behalf of the staff, he was sorry. He had seen the article in the Rag – thanks to Matt Beatty – and had taken serious note of the situation.

Bob did note that the library staff had just had a week or so ago a very ugly incident where an inebriated guy caused a scene and some damage. … (More update inside …)
____
A funny thing happened to the OB Rag Editordude yesterday as he sat on the green grassy lawn of the Ocean Beach Library reading a magazine, sipping from a coffee cup and waiting for a ride home.
He was kicked off.

Read the full article → 59 comments

More Keen Family Trust Property Is Sold – This Time It’s 7 Cottages on 5000-Block of Voltaire

February 13, 2014 by Staff

Once again, the Keen Family Trust is in the news, having more of its Ocean Beach property sold off, via successor trusts.

This time, it’s 7 one-story detached cottages and five garages on the 5000 block of Voltaire Street. They include four 2,500-square-foot lots. Each cottage has its own front yard. They sold for $1.25 million in cash. Buying the units at 5073-5085 Voltaire was Voltaire Investments LLC, 1203 Activity Drive, Vista 92081.

Read the full article → 7 comments

Now Who Will Replace Faulconer on City Council for District 2 for Rest of 2014?

February 12, 2014 by Frank Gormlie
Thumbnail image for Now Who Will Replace Faulconer on City Council for District 2 for Rest of 2014?

Interim Council Member to be Appointed by City Council 30 Days After Faulconer Leaves

Now that Kevin Faulconer has been elected mayor, the big question for OB, Point Loma, and the rest of District 2 is:

Who will now replace Faulconer on the Council?

The tentative date for Faulconer’s inauguration is March 3rd. The full Council – minus Faulconer but with David Alvarez – then has 30 business days in which to appoint an interim replacement for the District 2 seat to complete Faulconer’s term, which ends in December 2014. The Council will then be 5 to 3 Democrats to Republicans when the appointment is made.

And don’t forget, there’s an election to actually democratically fill the District 2 seat this year; the Primary is in June and the General Election is in November. So, the City Council will appoint someone. Who will it be?

Read the full article → 17 comments

Sunset Cliffs Natural Park’s Native Plants Revisited

February 12, 2014 by Source
Thumbnail image for Sunset Cliffs Natural Park’s Native Plants Revisited

By Lois Lane

People love Ocean Beach. OB has the personality and the beauty that generate passion. We seldom move to Rancho Bernardo or Peñasquitos, although we may move to South Park.

One of the best things that makes OB beautiful is the ocean – the beach, the pier, and Sunset Cliffs. The walkable area along Sunset Cliffs is truly unique. We walk, jog, kiss, walk the dog, watch for the green flash, and consider it ours.

But in reality it is the property of the City of San Diego. It is a San Diego City Park.

A volunteer project to enhance the cliffs by planting native plants is at a temporary standstill.

At the meeting of the Sunset Cliffs Natural Park Advisory committee on Monday, February 3, it was announced that the right-of-entry permit has been delayed.

Read the full article → 4 comments

Point Loma’s Seamus O’Connor Rides for the Irish at the Olympics

February 12, 2014 by Staff
Thumbnail image for Point Loma’s Seamus O’Connor Rides for the Irish at the Olympics

Sure, Point Loma can claim Seamus O’Connor – he lives there. But the 16 year competed for Ireland on his snowboard at the Winter Olympics.

Here’s what the local can now claim:

  • He just competed at an Olympics,
  • He was the youngest entrant in slopestyle, the second youngest in halfpipe.
  • He wore lime green ski pants. His parents held up a hand-written “Go Seamus” sign and waved Irish flags.
  • He reached the semifinals in both events.
  • He was born in Poway.
  • His father grew up in England.
  • His mother is from Siberia.

O’Connor was amazing; he almost landed a frontside 1260 on the last jump pass in the semifinal run but then he spun out at the bottom of the halfpipe. He had been fourth after the first semifinal run but hit ninth at the end, losing out in doing anything like advancing. Only 6 could advance.

Read the full article → 1 comment

Vote Outcome as Foggy as Ocean Beach on Election Day

February 11, 2014 by Matthew Wood
Thumbnail image for Vote Outcome as Foggy as Ocean Beach on Election Day

As San Diegans vote in the third mayoral election in two years, the outcome looks as foggy as the air in Ocean Beach this morning.

Heading around the neighborhood, most polling places are reporting slower than normal turnout.

“It’s been pretty slow,” said Destiny Paz, a Point Loma High School senior who is an election volunteer at the Beardsley Mitchell Funeral

Home polling place on Sunset Cliffs Boulevard. “I don’t know how else to describe it. Very quiet.”

Things have been a bit livelier at the Ocean Beach Rec Center, where Rose Novales volunteers with her daughter, Eleanor.

“We’ve been busy. People have been flowing in, which is nice. I don’t want to fall asleep,” she said.

Read the full article → 2 comments

Alvarez vs Faulconer: It Ain’t Over ‘till You’ve Voted

February 11, 2014 by Doug Porter
Thumbnail image for Alvarez vs Faulconer: It Ain’t Over ‘till You’ve Voted

Here’s all you need to know: “Politics is like driving. To go backward put it in R. To go forward put it in D.”

By Doug Porter

As the mayoral election campaigns enter their final hours of campaigning there is unanimity on one point- the election results will be determined by turnout.

After all the in-person campaigning, all the advertising and all the debates, it’s going to comedown to how motivated voters are. Media reports say the mail-in ballots already received (but not counted) seem to favor Kevin Faulconer (counting districts he carried in the last election).

Read the full article → 7 comments

Black History Month: Reflecting on Moments Filled with Hope

February 11, 2014 by Ernie McCray

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERABy Ernie McCray

There are moments when I want to sing out loud, “I’m Black and I’m Proud” and just get up and dance in my joy, doing the do like James Brown used to get us to.

I felt like that the other day as I listened to Harold K. Brown, a hero of mine, reminisce about when he and other San Diego activists marched and chanted and sat-in and demanded an end to the practices that various organizations and companies utilized, in town, to keep folks like me down.

Read the full article → 2 comments

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Olive Garden … or a Quick Satirical Synopsis of a Blind Date

February 11, 2014 by Judi Curry
Thumbnail image for A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Olive Garden … or a Quick Satirical Synopsis of a Blind Date

Every now and then my name crops up on one or more of the dating sites that I used to belong to and I receive correspondence asking if we can chat, go out for coffee, or… Here is a quick tale from last night:

Brian and I had been corresponding for several weeks; talked a few times on the phone and he asked me to join him for dinner at the “Olive Garden”. Since my student was going out for dinner, I agreed to meet him and asked him what he would be wearing. He told me he would have on a western shirt and Levi’s. We agreed to meet at 6:00pm.

Read the full article → 4 comments

Mock Starbucks Opens in Los Angeles

February 10, 2014 by Source
Thumbnail image for Mock Starbucks Opens in Los Angeles

There’s a new Starbucks that just opened in the Los Feliz area of Los Angeles – ho hum? But wait, it’s actually a mock Starbucks – calling itself “Dumb Starbucks” complete with barristers, mock menus, mock CD’s and free coffee. Lines have formed since its opening.

It works because … drum roll … it’s a parody of the real thing. And people are digging it.

And it’s all reminiscent of OB’s battle and boycott of its own Starbucks.

Here are a few reports: …

Read the full article → 2 comments

Teen Beaten and Robbed of Car by Group at Sunset Cliffs Saturday Night

February 10, 2014 by Staff
Thumbnail image for Teen Beaten and Robbed of Car by Group at Sunset Cliffs Saturday Night

A young man of high school age was beaten up and robbed of his car on Saturday night, Feb. 8th. The unidentified 17 year old was sitting in his car near Sunset Cliffs on Ladera Street, when around 8 pm a group of people – all in their 20’s – walked up to the car and began assaulting him.

The group, reportedly made up of about 5 or 6 men and 2 women, came up to the teen’s location and without explanation, 2 of the guys got into the 1998 BMW and started rummaging through his private stuff. The teen began to drive off as he tried to push the men out, but instead they beat on him until he stopped the car.

Read the full article → 12 comments

In the Battle for the Soul of San Diego David Alvarez Stands for All of Us

February 10, 2014 by Jim Miller

1658660_769012429793127_570456494_oBy Jim Miller

San Diego is on the national stage again.

As the final week of the dead heat mayoral showdown unfolded, Politico reported on “the battle for San Diego,” the Sacramento Bee’s Dan Walters pondered whether the race would be a harbinger of things to come in California politics, and the New York Times covered “a battle of ideology in a city unaccustomed to that sort of election,” astutely noting, as I did here at the San Diego Free Press during the primary, that this contest is “a test of whether yet another big-city Democrat can be elected by riding a wave of populism, much as Mayor Bill de Blasio of New York did last fall.”

And that test is happening because last November David Alvarez defied the pundits and political insiders and beat the prohibitive favorite, Nathan Fletcher, in the race to face Kevin Faulconer in the run-off to be San Diego’s next mayor. This was a seminal moment for San Diego—perhaps the biggest political upset in the history of the city.

Read the full article → 4 comments

The Women Volunteers of the San Salvador

February 10, 2014 by Judi Curry

Eager volunteers work long hours recreating Cabrillo’s galleon at Spanish Landing

judy2

Editor: We covered the building of the San Salvador by San Diego volunteers back in May of 2012 and posted a photo essay of the wonderful reconstruction of the Spanish galleon. Here, Judi Curry continues our coverage with a special focus on the women volunteers, the Women of the San Salvador.

By Judi Curry

The Maritime Museum of San Diego is building a $5 million replica of San Salvador, the galleon Cabrillo guided here in 1542 when he became the first European to explore what is today known as San Diego Bay. The museum has dedicated a construction site for the ship which was donated by the San Diego Port District on public land at Spanish Landing, 2 miles from where its main collection of historic vessels are docked on North Harbor Drive.

Thirty-five months have passed since the keel was first laid in March of 2011. This three-masted galleon, totaling 88 feet of beautiful wood will weigh 200,000 tons when completed. Plans call for the ship to open as a paid attraction in 2014, when it joins the museum’s other ships at the nearby embarcadero.

Read the full article → 2 comments

Michael Charter – OB Advocate for the Homeless and Vets – Passed Away

February 7, 2014 by Staff
Thumbnail image for Michael Charter – OB Advocate for the Homeless and Vets – Passed Away

Ocean Beach has lost another of its citizens who helped others over the years. Michael Charter passed away on January 23rd, he was 69. A longtime community volunteer for OB, who helped the homeless and veterans, died from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease at Vibra Hospital of San Diego.

After serving in Vietnam for almost 2 years once he was drafted in 1967, and receiving a Purple Heart, he returned to civilian life and dealt with post-traumatic stress disorder and alcoholism. He was able to earn a bachelor’s degree in business management from Cal State Long Beach. He married twice and was divorced twice. In that time, his family had moved to Point Loma. Michael had two daughters and a son from the marriages. Charter became a contractor who helped remodel homes and restaurants.

Read the full article → 0 comments

Saturday Bike Ride in Ocean Beach for David Alvarez

February 7, 2014 by Source

Some local OBceans have decided to organized a bike ride through Ocean Beach to get the vote out for mayoral candidate David Alvarez.

Date: Saturday Feb.8th

Starting Point: Robb Field Park, Ocean Beach
– specific location is the first parking lot to the right when entering via car.

Time: 12pm – 2pm ride.

Ride will begin soon after 12pm.

After ride gathering with music and beer

Everyone is welcome, family friendly. This is in support of David Alvarez’s bid for mayor with specific focus on GETTING OUT THE VOTE IN OCEAN BEACH! All are encouraged to vote regardless of choice or party preference.

Read the full article → 1 comment

The Water Crisis: Dealing With the Shower Police

February 7, 2014 by Source

xshower-curtain-By Will Falk / San Diego Free Press

I have a problem with some of the people I call the “shower police.” These are the people yelling about how we all need to take shorter showers because of the water crisis. They deem anyone a hypocrite who accuses corporations and the government of being the worst water offenders while not enthusiastically letting a night of the strongest urine fester in their bathrooms.

My problem with the shower police is not that they’re wrong that we all need to live as simply as possible. We do. My problem with that shower police is not that they’re wrong that we all must endure much more than funky bathrooms. We will.

My problem is that the shower police often confuse personal change with social change.

Read the full article → 2 comments

OB Planning Board: District 3 – the North-East Quadrant

February 6, 2014 by Frank Gormlie
Thumbnail image for OB Planning Board: District 3 – the North-East Quadrant

Editor: In our continuing series about the planning districts in Ocean Beach – which will continue up to the March 11th OB Planning Board election – today we focus on District 3 – the north-east quadrant of the community. (For our earlier reviews, go to District 1 and District 2.) A good reason we’re doing this series is because we believe that OB is facing a development crossroads, which means the planning committee continues to serve a very important function.

By Frank Gormlie

The third district of the OB Planning Area is an anomaly because its neighborhoods are diverse and a good portion is physically separated from the others. The district includes OB’s most north-eastern area, that neighborhood hemmed in by West Point Loma Boulevard and Sunset Cliffs Boulevard, but also includes a huge section on the other side of Nimitz Boulevard that has some more expensive condos as well as a sizable area of affordable housing.

The district almost looks like a giant bow tie with two large wings centered at Seaside and Nimitz.

Read the full article → 2 comments

Hanging Out With the Crew of the OB Firehouse

February 6, 2014 by Matthew Wood
Thumbnail image for Hanging Out With the Crew of the OB Firehouse

Editor: A few months ago, OB Rag reporter Matt Wood had the privilege of spending the day with OB firefighters – the crew of C Division at the Ocean Beach No. 15 Firehouse. His post was part of the Rag’s continuing series of articles about the public servants who serve the people of Ocean Beach – our effort to put faces on good folks who often go unknown to the neighborhoods they serve.

Matt’s story got great feedback and he was invited back again – this time to hang out with one of the other two divisions. Here’s his account of that day with them.

By Matthew Wood

The A Division is losing its leader. Instead of mourning the loss of a tremendous firefighter, they are taking the opportunity to celebrate.

Division captain Bryon Wenger will retire later this month as he closes in on 38 years fighting fires, 27 of them in San Diego and the last few (he can’t completely remember how long) here in OB.

To celebrate, Wenger is going for a run. Specifically, on his last day he’s going to run all the way from his home in Lakeside to the station on Voltaire. That’s 24 miles, nearly the length of a marathon.

“Well, not quite a marathon,” Wenger says with a smile.

Read the full article → 4 comments

← Older Articles

Newer Articles →