Around the Village of Ocean Beach

A wonderful mural on the north exterior wall of Winston’s.

New and Gone Businesses and Other Observations Around Town

Occasionally, with camera in hand, we take a casual jaunt around the Village of OB, and make note of new businesses that have opened up recently, as well as businesses that are gone, and other pertinent or impertinent observations.

Sidewalk Closed and New Mobile Office for Sunset Plaza

There’s has been some movement – although not much – at the corner of Sunset Cliffs Blvd and Voltaire Street where the new Sunset Plaza is being built. The sidewalk has been closed off, some gravel has been pored and a new mobile office is now on site.  And when we paid a visit, digging and moving equipment was being delivered. Want to see where it’s all going? See this.

“Look, ma! No hands!” – Hands-free Dog Leash Made Right Here in OB

Greg Larz designs innovative leashes for humans and dogs, and he’s been doing it for years. But he has opened up his first retail endeavor right here in Ocean Beach. He makes his leashes on site, in the small space next door to ABC Liquor. Greg told us that “the products are designed to get you and your dog a healthy interaction”. “We’re about absorbing and redirecting energy,” he said, explaining that he has produced leashes with 9 different resistances.  He’s been in the wholesale business for 10 to 12 years, primarily on the internet, and this is first effort at having a bricks and mortar storefront. He specializes in “hands-free” leashes, as he demonstrated for us. Got a dog? Check this place out.

OB’s Firefighters Have a Much-Needed Break

It’s probably not often that OB’s firefighters can chitchat with each other. And it’s nice to see them with smiles and without that tension that comes from flying to different emergencies. One of the firefighters’ greatest universal fears is crashing into another vehicle in an intersection as their sirens blare. So, give these guys a break when you hear them coming.

The Animal Protection and Rescue League Opens Up Thrift-store on Newport

Sydney and Robinette help run the new ARRL’s storefront.

Did you know that the Animal Protection and Rescue League has opened up a storefront right on Newport Avenue in OB? Well, they have – they’ve opened up a thriftstore and they’re at 4919A Newport – and both paid and volunteer folks run the place, using donated items that they turn around and sell.  Plus, they’re a non-profit.

The OB store is their 2nd retail outfit, the other being up in Clairemont. They have clothes – mainly ladies -, dishware, houseware items, purses, some electronics, some books, etc.  They had their grand opening about 5 weeks ago. The APRL was founded in 2003 by attorney Bryon Pease, an animal rights activist and occasional city council candidate.

New Apple Tree Applies for Permit to Sell Alcohol

There is some progress at the site of the new Apple Tree market, that has been coming onto OB’s main commercial drag for some time now. They’ve applied for a permit to sell alcohol, for one, and the notice of application is taped to the outside door.

And inside, there’s shelving and construction equipment.

This Guy’s Wired

John is wired.  He settled in for the OB Farmers Market showcasing his hand-made wire art.

GreenPeacers Are Out In Force

You know it’s Farmers Market Day in OB when you see those GreenPeace activists. They like OB, as there’s a lot of eco-freaks here. No petitions this time, but they need help in their fights to save the shrinking populations of our ocean fish.

Closed Businesses Create Gap Along Cable Street

Two businesses – next door to each other on Cable Street near Newport – have both closed. One, a mysterious mail order business that offered penile enlargements, is now gone.  And the other, a type of 99 cent store, has also vanished. Both spaces in the same building are up for lease.

Tetar Offers Local Crafts, Art and Stuff

Last July, Keely Belding opened up her place on Niagara – in what locals know as the old TV-repair shop, off Nati’s parking lot. It’s called “tetar”- “modern organic living” and offers up many hand-made artifacts, crafts, foodstuffs like honey, artwork like paintings of surfers.

Painting by local Will Burton.

Tina was staffing the store when we breezed by. Keely has gotten involved in the community around helping to organize neighborhood watches and hosted a community meeting at her place a few months ago.