Took a tour around Ocean Beach the other day to see just how the village has dug itself out after the huge deluge from El Nino storms.
And I found OB was quickly getting back to “normal” – whatever that is.
Sure, there were still sandbags against the doors of stores, there were a few piles of sand at the grassy parks, …
there was still extra sand in the streets, one could still see where the water flowed around the tires of cars, …
and yes, the “Condo Island” at Saratoga and Abbott was still getting repairs, but overall OB had bounced back, showing just how resilient it is.
Luckily, there was little damage to a good part of the waterfront. The high berms at North OB Beach provided protection.
No damage at the Brighton Street public comfort station.
Like the green grass at Saratoga Park – which just days earlier had been flooded – the village had sprung back. Many people were out with their dogs.
Moms were out strolling their new-borns – things were that placid, for a change.
Discarded Christmas trees were still piling up out at Robb Field. Things were getting back to normal.
Some Changes on Newport Avenue
There have been some changes on Newport Avenue that we were reminded about, even before the storms.
The new OB Brewery appears just about ready, from the street. The storms didn’t help the ground floor which still is not ready.
We never mentioned that the smoke shop on lower Newport has changed names and hands.
No changes at the “new” Apple Tree Market – that is, nothing appears to have made the site any closer to being an actual food store.
Also, the former Humble Hippie store is still empty at the corner of Newport and Cable. Perhaps the rent is too high? Just saying …
The new Middle-Eastern restaurant, Hummus, has finally opened (in the former check-cashing place). No no reports nor any reviews yet.
Lastly – and sadly – the Gary Gilmore and Family Jewelry has closed – and moved (more on that in an upcoming post by Matt Wood).
More Changes Off Newport
Off Newport Avenue, the center of business life in OB, there have been a few changes (which we have lagged in reporting).
There’s a new-ish martial arts place in the mini-mall at Abbott and Muir, OB Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, that opened months and months ago – in the former antique place (which was the former surfboard store …).
Surfrider Pizza has also undergone a transformation with an “industrial style” makeover for the exterior.
And there’s a new site for OB Hair and Nails on Sunset Cliffs across from Rancho’s.
No Sign of Police Surveillance Cameras
We also did a quick tour of the waterfront specifically looking for the police cameras, and are happy to report that there is no sign of them.
Babes and Moms
Highly symbolic we thought of the moment, was the appearance of two young mothers out for a stroll around north OB with their new-borns.
… getting back to normal …
Thank you for the update. I need to venture back down there soon!
Wanted to buy something at Wings two days ago, only to find it was still closed for cleaning up from the storms.
Judi, do you have any storm sales on your jams?
Good job of covering post-storm OB Frank, thanks.
But wow, lots of new buildings since the 70s!
Maybe I just have new-born babies on my mine.
I, too, have yet to hear anyone say anything about Hummus. Would love to know how it is.
I walked by there the other day and not a soul could be seen. Lots of potential here but there has to be a draw.