October 2015

Update on Developments #1: Barnard Apartments in the Midway

October 8, 2015 by Frank Gormlie
Thumbnail image for Update on Developments #1: Barnard Apartments in the Midway

Occasionally, the OB Rag publishes an update on local development projects – just to keep our readers and ourselves informed. Here is the first of two:

190 Barnard Apartments Being Readied

The huge project that is being built on the site of the former Barnard Elementary School in the Midway District – just outside OB – has made great gains since our last visit.

Nearly 200 units are being constructed on almost 10 acres at the old school site – sold by the School District in 2012. The Monarch Group bought the site at auction for a reported $16.5 million.

Read the full article → 9 comments

OB Rag Poll on Police Surveillance Cameras: Only 38% Want Them

October 8, 2015 by Staff

In the fifth and final poll of OB Rag readers, we queried people about the plans to install 24-hour police surveillance cameras along the Ocean Beach waterfront.

San Diego Police and at least one OB organization have been touting these plans of putting up cameras from the OB Pier north along the waterfront.

But according to this poll – which ran for a week and had 141 participants – only 38% are ready for the cameras (53 votes). These readers agreed to the option that read:

“We need these cameras. OB has become unruly especially at night when criminal elements act with impunity.”

However, on the other side of the question, a full quarter of the readers who took part – 25% – believed it smacked of “big brother” and “would be an affront to our rights and privacies,” (35 votes).

Read the full article → 3 comments

Poll of Name Change of Saratoga Park: Only 1 in 4 Agree to Ruth Varney Held

October 8, 2015 by Staff

In the OB Rag poll asking readers about their opinions on the proposed re-naming of Saratoga Park to being one named after OB’s historian, Ruth Varney Held, there were some surprising results.

In the poll where there were 128 votes, only 27% were for an out-and-out name change (35 votes). That’s a little more than one in 4 who are ready or agree to the name change.

A whooping 31% apparently didn’t know who Ruth Varney Held is and replied they didn’t have enough info to vote (40 votes).

Read the full article → 0 comments

Poll on Surf Camps Hours Extension: 3/4rds Oppose Current Set-Up

October 8, 2015 by Staff

In the third OB Rag poll that we recently ran for a week, we asked our readers about the surf camps in OB requesting an extension of the time allowed in the ocean and on the beach.

The surf camps want to amend their Memorandum of Agreement with the City of San Diego to extend their time in the afternoon by one hour.

Nearly three-quarters of the readers who responded expressed some kind of opposition to the current set-up.

Read the full article → 0 comments

Poll on Short Term Rentals in Apartments: Nearly Half Want Them Banned

October 8, 2015 by Staff

In the second OB Rag poll on short term vacation rentals, we asked readers what their opinion was on the current law allowing 25% of the units in an apartment complex to be short term vacation rentals.

With 145 readers taking part, nearly half – 48% – agreed with the option “There should not be any STVRs allowed in apartments,” (69 votes).

Read the full article → 1 comment

Poll on Short Term Vacation Rentals: 85 Percent Want Restrictions

October 8, 2015 by Staff

In the first of 5 polls that ran at the OB Rag for a week, we asked readers if they thought short term vacation rentals needed restrictions.

An overwhelming 85% said they agreed with some type of restrictions – 128 votes.

68% in the poll want “tight restrictions” on the STVRs (102 votes), whereas 17% were okay with “loose restrictions” (26 votes).

Read the full article → 1 comment

SeaWorld vs. Orcas – Today at Coastal Commission

October 8, 2015 by Source
Thumbnail image for SeaWorld vs. Orcas – Today at Coastal Commission

Killer Clash: SeaWorld’s Fate May Hinge on ‘Blue World’ Vote

By Ken Stone / Times of San Diego / October 7, 2015

The fate of SeaWorld’s $100 million Blue World Project — a doubling of killer whale space — rests in the hands of the California Coastal Commission on Thursday in a showdown being framed as the most crucial in the history of orca advocacy.

“There has never been a more important time to speak up for the orcas held captive at SeaWorld,” said Ingrid Newkirk, president of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

For Orlando-based SeaWorld Entertainment, Blue World’s OK represents a chance to reverse its business slide in the wake of the critical “Blackfish” documentary and former trainer John Hargrove’s book “Beneath the Surface.”

Read the full article → 0 comments

One of the Most Dangerous Jobs in OB

October 7, 2015 by Staff
Thumbnail image for One of the Most Dangerous Jobs in OB

Think you have a dangerous job?

Check this poor soul working his machine on Sunset Cliffs.

Read the full article → 7 comments

OBceans at the San Diego School Board

October 7, 2015 by Staff
Thumbnail image for OBceans at the San Diego School Board

Here are the OBceans who attended the San Diego Unified School Board meeting yesterday, Tuesday, Oct. 6th.

They were there to protest the transfer of 2 teachers from OB Elementary.

Read the full article → 1 comment

Vandalism, Erosion and Repairs at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park

October 7, 2015 by Source
Thumbnail image for Vandalism, Erosion and Repairs at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park

By Lois Lane

The Sunset Cliffs Natural Park tool shed for the native plant garden got broken into and the recent rainstorms tried to wash the cliffs out to sea, but overall, the Council meeting was positive. Here’s what was reported:

  • The tool sheet hasp for the padlock was pried off the building by unknown parties. When the would-be thieves saw the array of shovels and a few other gardening tools, they left the contents untouched. All that was required was re-affixing the hasp to the building, and the shed was again secure.
  • Elsewhere, the rains took their toll. In the 850 block of Sunset Cliffs Blvd., broken asphalt was repaired, the erosion drainage channel was fixed, and all seems to be holding steady.
Read the full article → 3 comments

OB Rag Poll Time: Polls on Short Term Rentals, Surf Camps, Park Name Change – and 24-Hour Surveillance Cameras

October 7, 2015 by Staff
Thumbnail image for OB Rag Poll Time: Polls on Short Term Rentals, Surf Camps, Park Name Change – and 24-Hour Surveillance Cameras

Here’s 5 polls over current issues in Ocean Beach: short term vacation rentals, surf camp hours extensions, change of name for Saratoga Park, and the effort to install 24-hour police surveillance cameras along OB’s beachfront.

We plan to run this page for about a week – beginning Thursday, October 1.

Read the full article → 10 comments

1,000 Point Loma Residents Sound Off at FAA Meeting

October 7, 2015 by Frank Gormlie
Thumbnail image for 1,000 Point Loma Residents Sound Off at FAA Meeting

An estimated one thousand residents from Point Loma jammed the FAA meeting last night, Tuesday Oct. 6th, in Liberty Station and many sounded off about the proposed new flight paths.

The proposed changes will – in all likelihood – bring east-bound planes that take off west over Point Loma close to or even over the Peninsula.

The current flight path has jets – once they take off over the Peninsula (including OB where it’s called the “OB Pause”) – they make a wide turn and fly south over the ocean and cross over the lightly populated area near Silver Strand State Beach.

But the new path would have airliners make a sharper turn, crossing Point Loma. saving fuel and pollution, the FAA claims.

Read the full article → 9 comments

Governor Brown Signs Groundbreaking Data Collection Bill to Combat Racial Profiling

October 6, 2015 by Source
Thumbnail image for Governor Brown Signs Groundbreaking Data Collection Bill to Combat Racial Profiling

San Diego Assemblymember Shirley Weber Authored Bill

California:first-ever bill to collect, analyze, and make public data on all police stops

From ACLU

On Friday, October 3, Governor Jerry Brown signed Assembly Bill 953: The Racial and Identity Profiling Act of 2015 into California law.

Written by San Diego’s own Assemblymember Shirley Weber, AB 953 now requires law enforcement agencies to collect basic information on police stops in response to growing concerns about racial profiling and police misconduct.

Read the full article → 7 comments

Tuesday, October 6th: OB and Point Loma Mobilize – OB Against Teacher Transfers and PL Against Flight Path Changes

October 6, 2015 by Frank Gormlie

Can you hear it? Or feel it?

The entire Peninsula is mobilizing today, Tuesday, October 6th. Both residents in Ocean Beach and residents in Point Loma are mobilizing – for different reasons.

OB residents upset about the transfer of 2 teachers from OB Elementary are planning on attending tonight’s school board meeting. And Point Loma residents upset with the flight path changes proposed by the FAA are planning on attending tonight’s Liberty Station meeting on the issue.

OB Residents to Attend School Board Meeting – 5pm

As OB Rag writer Matt Wood explained yesterday:

Kindergarten teachers Amie Frank and Katy Amberg will be reassigned to different schools in the San Diego Unified School District.

Wood also wrote:

A number of parents are planning to attend Tuesday’s School Board meeting …

Read the full article → 3 comments

California Pot Legalization Initiative Filed by ReformCA

October 6, 2015 by Source

RCA-FILED-a2By Phillip Smith / AlterNet

The California Coalition for Cannabis Policy Reform, also known as ReformCA, has filed a draft marijuana legalization initiative with state officials, the group announced Sunday.

The long-anticipated move means the campaign best-placed to bring legalization to the Golden State can finally get underway.

The Control, Regulate and Tax Cannabis Act of 2016 would allow people 21 and over to possess and cultivate limited amounts of marijuana and it would set up legal marijuana commerce overseen by a pair of new state agencies, the California Cannabis Commission and the Office of Cannabis Regulatory Affairs.

Read the full article → 0 comments

US Bombing of Afghan Hospital Called War Crime by “Doctors Without Borders”

October 6, 2015 by Source

Editor: Since this article appeared, the Pentagon has changed its story. Now it says that air-strikes were called in by Afghan government soldiers.

By Nadia Prupis / Common Dreams

Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) on Sunday called the U.S. military’s Saturday airstrike on its charity hospital in Kunduz, Afghanistan a war crime and announced it was withdrawing all staff from the beleaguered area.

MSF said 22 people, including medical workers and patients, were killed in the bombing, which occurred around 2:10 am local time and reportedly lasted for at least half an hour.

Read the full article → 0 comments

Schedule Change: OB Planners Meeting Monday – Oct 5th

October 5, 2015 by Staff
Thumbnail image for Schedule Change: OB Planners Meeting Monday – Oct 5th

The OB Planning Board is meeting tonight, Monday, October 5th.

They usually meet on the first Wed. of every month. But due to scheduling problems, the Board will meet in the Crafts room at the OB Rec Center, 4726 Santa Monica Ave., at 6pm.

Read the full article → 2 comments

OB Elementary Parents and Students Protest Loss of Two Teachers

October 5, 2015 by Matthew Wood
Thumbnail image for OB Elementary Parents and Students Protest Loss of Two Teachers

By Matthew Wood

Dozens of teachers, students and parents braved the rain this morning – Monday, Oct. 5th – to protest the loss of two teachers at Ocean Beach Elementary School.

Kindergarten teachers Amie Frank and Katy Amberg will be reassigned to different schools in the San Diego Unified School District.

Read the full article → 7 comments

San Diego Democrats to Progressive Base: We’re Just Not That Into You

October 5, 2015 by Jim Miller

via Facebook

By Jim Miller

Last week over at the San Diego Union-Tribune, Logan Jenkins had some fun pondering what might happen if the “Dems go dark” this upcoming mayoral election. His conclusion? It would push Faulconer to the top-tier of Republican candidates for Governor in 2018:

And, it should be deduced, a cakewalk sweetens Faulconer’s prospects in Sacramento.

In 18 months or so, Republicans will be looking for a governor candidate who can appeal to Latinos and independents as well as the conservative base. The Democrats have a long electable bench. Republicans? Not so much.

If Faulconer is re-elected by a landslide in a major Democratic city, he’s going to rise to the top tier of the GOP’s A+ list.

Read the full article → 2 comments

October Calendar for Green Activists – in OB and Beyond

October 5, 2015 by Source
Thumbnail image for October Calendar for Green Activists – in OB and Beyond

October Events in OB or at the Ocean Beach Green Center

From the good folks at the Ocean Beach Green Center, located at 4843 B Voltaire Street, Ocean Beach 92107 – oceanbeachgreencenter@gmail.com 619.225.1083

Climate Mobilization Coalition Meeting

Every Saturday at 10:00 a.m. – October 10th, October 17th, October 24th, October 31st Ocean Beach People’s Cooperative Community Room, 4765 Voltaire Street, 92107. Come help plan for the upcoming Climate Action events. Contact: oceanbeachgreencenter@gmail.com

October 16th Friday 7 p.m. Film Night “Queen of the Sun”

QUEEN OF THE SUN: What Are the Bees Telling Us? is a profound, alternative look at the global bee crisis from award-winning filmmaker Taggart Siegel, director of REAL DIRT ON FARMER JOHN . Taking us on a journey through the catastrophic disappearance of bees and the mysterious world of the beehive, this engaging and ultimately uplifting film weaves an unusual and dramatic story of the heartfelt struggles of beekeepers, scientists and philosophers from around the world including Michael Pollan, Gunther Hauk and Vandana Shiva. Together they reveal both the problems and the solutions in renewing a culture in balance with nature. Free of Charge :-)

Read the full article → 1 comment

Picket Line at OB Elementary Monday Morning – Oct. 5th – to Protest Loss of 2 Teachers

October 4, 2015 by Staff

Teachers at OB Elementary are reported to be organizing a picket line at the school, Monday morning, October 5th, to protest the loss of two teachers from the school. Many parents with kids at OB are upset. They feel the loss of the teachers will translate into larger class sizes in the kindergarten level and […]

Read the full article → 1 comment

Mexico City: October 2nd, 1968 – A Day Mexicans and Gringos Remember

October 2, 2015 by Source
Thumbnail image for Mexico City: October 2nd, 1968 – A Day Mexicans and Gringos Remember

Editor: October 2nd of 1968 – the day of the massacre in Mexico City by the Mexican government. Every Mexican with a social conscience remembers that fateful and murderous day. Gringos – Americans need to remember that day as well for our government’s collusion in what happened and the cover-up afterwards.

The following was published a number of years ago, but obviously, is still very, very pertinent for all of us today and tomorrow and everyday until those responsible are brought to justice.

Read the full article → 5 comments

Point Loma Residents Mobilize Against Proposed New Flight Paths by FAA for Lindbergh

October 2, 2015 by Staff
Thumbnail image for Point Loma Residents Mobilize Against Proposed New Flight Paths by FAA for Lindbergh

Public Meeting at Liberty Station – Tuesday, Oct 6

Point Lomans are mobilizing against new airline flight paths being proposed for Lindbergh Field by the FAA.

Opponents of the changes say that the new flight paths would take most planes over Point Loma for a second time. Currently, most planes take-off from Lindbergh going west and fly over the Peninsula – but then take a U-turn south of the Point and continue east.

Maps made public either via the media or opponents show that their concerns are valid.

Point Loma residents crammed a September 11th community meeting with their complaints. Casey Schnoor of Hill Street has website against the FAA changes that includes an online petition – noplanenoise.web – and of this writing has nearly 2400 signatures.

Read the full article → 53 comments

Fighting Traffic Tickets Just Got Fairer

October 2, 2015 by Staff
Thumbnail image for Fighting Traffic Tickets Just Got Fairer

Gov. Jerry Brown just signed a bill on Wednesday, September 30th, that makes it a lot more fair for the average Californian fighting a traffic ticket.

Drivers who have been ticketed but who want to challenge the ticket, can now do so without having to initially pay the fees. The law goes into effect immediately.

Sen. Robert Hertzberg (D-Van Nuys), who introduced the bill, said:

“The system was broken. Is it reasonable or fair to require the poor to pay a huge fine before getting a hearing? I say no, and I’m grateful the governor agreed.”

Mike Herald of the Western Center for Law and Poverty, which pushed for the measure, SB 405. stated:

“By allowing people to have their day in court without having to pay the ticket first, fewer people will get their license suspended and end up in dire straits.”

Read the full article → 2 comments

OBserved #4

October 2, 2015 by Source
Thumbnail image for OBserved #4

By Terry Ratner / Special to the OB Rag

I’m a risk taker.

I’m brave to the point of being reckless at times.

When I shoot, I get totally out of myself.

Read the full article → 11 comments

EYEWITNESS ACCOUNTS – Oct. 2, 1968: `A brutal massacre’ and U.S. Government’s Role

October 2, 2015 by Staff
Thumbnail image for EYEWITNESS ACCOUNTS – Oct. 2, 1968: `A brutal massacre’ and U.S. Government’s Role

by Malcolm Beith / The News

Clouds loomed as night closed in. By the hundreds, the students streamed into the Plaza de las Tres Culturas. A little past 5:30 p.m., some 10,000 students – not to mention hundreds of workers, farmers and others attending in solidarity – had gathered in the square. Rain splattered down.

Read the full article → 3 comments

Pizza Port OB Brings Home Two Medals from Great American Beer Festival

October 1, 2015 by Matthew Wood
Thumbnail image for Pizza Port OB Brings Home Two Medals from Great American Beer Festival

By Matthew Wood

Pizza Port Ocean Beach took home a pair of medals at the Great American Beer Festival over the weekend in Colorado.

The Bacon & Eggs – a Breakfast Coffee Imperial Porter took bronze in the Coffee Beer category and the Guillaume Belgian Blonde took brought home another bronze in the Session Beer category. It’s the second year both beers have taken home medals. The Bacon & Eggs previously won a gold medal in the coffee category.

Read the full article → 0 comments

I Hope We Can Finally Just Let Adam and Steve Be

October 1, 2015 by Ernie McCray

(No Matter What our Beliefs Happen to Be)

Marriage EqualityBy Ernie McCray

This Kim Davis situation is just too familiar for my liking, too much like it has always been in this country based on what I’ve seen in 77 years.

I mean I have no idea what this woman’s work entails in a day. But one of her tasks seems, to me, like a dream job, where all she’d have to do is a little soft shoe with jazz hands and a big smile and sing: “Howdy do. Congratulations, you two. Here’s your marriage license. Toddle-oo!”

But she can only do that for “Adam and Eve.” “Adam and Steve” or any woman whose honey is a she has to be insulted by her for all the world to see because of what her scripture has taught her to believe.

Read the full article → 0 comments

Atkins Beats Block in OB Rag Poll for 39th State Senate Seat

October 1, 2015 by Frank Gormlie

Tony Atkins beat Marty Block in our OB Rag poll. With 272 readers voting, Atkins won with 60% – 162 votes, to Block’s 39% – 106 votes. This is a 3 to 2 advantage for Atkins.

Read the full article → 0 comments

Newer Articles →