Explosion in Apartment in 4900 Block of Del Monte
Channel 10News has a report out about an explosion that rocked a three-story Ocean Beach apartment building early Monday morning, leaving a big hole in the side. Residents were awoken by the explosion at around 1 a.m. at 4975 Del Monte Ave. Some came out on their own, while others were evacuated by San Diego police. When they walked outside, they found a smoldering hole in the northwest corner of the building. San Diego Fire-Rescue crews used a chainsaw to cut away debris and ensure the wall wasn’t on fire. No one was hurt. The residents waited outside while SDFR and San Diego Gas & Electric investigated. Inspectors eventually gave the all clear and residents were allowed to return. It was still unclear what caused the explosion.
Midway Medical Cannabis Shop to Expand
The Point Loma Patients Consumer Co-Op at 3452 Hancock St., the first medical marijuana dispensary legally approved in Council District 2 and which opened in August of 2015, came in asking for planning group permission for a proposed building expansion. Jim Bartell, of Bartell & Associates, representing the co-op, said the expansion was a small addition of 672 square feet, enough to expand counter space and relocate the manager’s office and a dispensary safe room. An architect for the remodel said the expansion would bring additional lighting, security and landscaping out front within the same building. Asked why the expansion was necessary, attorney Gina Austin, of the Austin Legal Group, representing the dispensary, replied, “The space we have today can’t service the clients we have.” Planning group board member Jacob McKean, proprietor of Modern Times Beer, an existing Midway microbrewery, said the dispensary so far has exhibited exemplary behavior.The Midway Planning Committee voted 6-1-2 in favor of the dispensary’s expansion. sdnews.com
Helm’s Brewing to Open on Newport in Mid-May
As the OB Rag has reported, Helm’s Brewing Company is opening a new satellite tasting room in Ocean Beach at the corner of Newport Ave. and Cable St. The 1,100 square feet project will include 16 taps of Helm’s Brewing beer along with garage door style bar seating on the busy Newport Ave. Helm’s Brewing Company plans to open the Ocean Beach tasting room in mid-May 2016 just in time for the Ocean Beach summer crowds. Once open, Helm’s will have extended hours of 12pm-10pm Sunday-Thurs and 12pm-12am Friday and Saturday. This project will be the second location for Helm’s Brewing Company after being open for three and a half years in Kearny Mesa. Brewbound
Surfrider San Diego’s 16th Annual Art Gala
The San Diego County Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation proudly presents the 16th Annual Art Gala on Friday, May 6th from 6 to 10 p.m. at Paradise Point Resort & Spa, 1404 Vacation Road San Diego, CA 92109. From featured artworks to interactive event experiences, guests at the Gala will be treated to an evening of art, entertainment, and ocean advocacy at the waterfront hotel. Ticketholders will enjoy live music by Josh Damigo and Lee Coulter. Experience live art demonstrations by featured artists Jared Lazer, John Colqui and Shawn Erler and bid on artwork, furniture and experience packages in a silent and live auction setting. Featured art pieces have been highlighted in the Art Gala blog and many of the artists will be in attendance. For more info.
9-1-1 Dispatchers and Cops Taken to Task for Missing Urgent Calls from OB
In the most recent San Diego Reader, Delinda Lombardo recounts a number of disturbing stories from Ocean Beach residents who called 9-1-1 in urgent situations and never received visits by police. In the article, entitled, “Where are the cops when you need them in Ocean Beach?” residents complain of emergency calls being considered otherwise.
Are Sand Crabs in Decline?
Daniel Powell reports in the SD Reader that “sand crabs …population has been drastically declining along the coast.”
Fund Raiser for Point Loma Shooting Victim
When Point Loma High School alum Barton was shot three times, including once in the head, by a fugitive in 2012, no one expected him to survive. Doctors gave him less than a 1 percent chance to live at all. Today, Will’s cognitive and physical accomplishments have stumped medical professionals, and inspired family members, friends and loved ones. After being injured, Barton remained in the hospital and assisted living facilities for months, where he relearned to eat, talk, sit up, stand up, and walk. While he continues to rely on a wheelchair most of the time and needs around-the-clock care, focusing on his accomplishments and abilities, and not on what he can’t yet do, is a vital strategy for him. On Saturday, May 28, the Strong Will Golf Tournament will be held to raise funds for his annual cost of care. The event will be held at the Salt Creek Golf Club in Chula Vista, and includes greens fees and cart, balls, lunch, an opportunity drawing and more. sdnews.com
Cop Involved in Fatal Midway Shooting Accidentally Discharges Weapon
A police officer who fatally shot a homeless mentally ill man in the Midway District a year ago was involved in an accidental shooting in February, San Diego police said Tuesday. On February 20, Officer Neal Browder “was involved in an accidental discharge of his firearm during the course of his police duties,” according to a statement from Lt. Scott Wahl. A thorough investigation was initiated. No details were released. Fox5
Pick-up Truck Flips on Canon Street
A white pick-up truck – driven allegedly by a drunk driver – flipped on Canon Street in Point Loma, on April 23 as it was going at a high rate of speed. It had reportedly fishtailed, side-swiped another car, then hit a tree, a couple of concrete walls and then other parked vehicles, and a utility box. The truck ened up upside down. Luckily no one was killed or seriously injured.
Luxury Cinema to Open in Liberty Station
A high-end, luxury cinema, called The Lot, will open at Liberty Station in Point Loma on Thursday, May 5, and will also provide “luxurious, comfortable dining and drinking”. The new venture, located at 2620 Truxtun Road, occupies the former building No. 35, previously known as LUCE Auditorium, originally a 2,200-seat theater. The cinema’s design preserves the building’s original oak stage and exposed concrete proscenium, where the curtains once hung. Created to honor the past, as well as current, leading-edge design, the cinema also features a completely glass-enclosed café, bar and restaurant space that lends itself to an eclectic balance of reinvented use in a rehabilitated historic building. The venue is set to open with a lineup of box-office hit movies, kicking off with the launch of Marvel Comics’ “Captain America: Civil War.” The Beacon
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
“Luxury Cinema to Open in Liberty Station.” I guess that is additional confirmation of my opinion of Liberty Station. It isn’t for everyone.
Great update article, Frank.
And the free movies on the lawn (like the first public showing of “The Force Awakens”) by the comic book store certainly prove your point too.
Well, Christo, I did check on this and I can’t find anything for 2016 but I did see some for last year and previous years. The most recent was once a week Tuesday night showings by Stone Brewery that don’t allow any outside food or beverages. I didn’t find anything from a comic book store but there was a Reader article for 2011 about outdoor movies there by a profession company called CommCinema.com. At best I saw once a week shows of old movies. Is this what you are referring to that was intended to refute my comment?
Geoff
I went to new The Lot movie theatre (old Luce Auditorium) on Saturday and paid a very affordable $15 for a movie ticket to watch Captain America in the most comfortable recliner ever with just a limited number of seats. The price is only a few dollars more than we would pay in Fashion or Mission Valley and it was very convenient to park right off Rosecrans in the back of the theatre only a few steps from the entrance. This is very convenient for Peninsula residents reducing gas consumption and the carbon footprint. The entire theatre structure was saved meeting the historic guidelines but the interior is very cool. They were able to use the wooden stage and incorporate it into the entrance along with historic photos of the sailors. I returned on Sunday for a Mothers Day brunch at the restaurant with menu items price $8-14 for lunch/breakfast. I suggest you try it out on date night. It is a great value and provides a convenient entertainment alternative for our community.
Byron Wear
Byron, you are nothing if not completely predictable, coming to the defense of the developer interests once again. But, coming to their defense, as if they need it, is never enough, is it? No, you have to write commercials for them.
The Union Tribune describes it as a “luxury cinema” and as “an upscale movie theater complex and dining venue.” Liberty Station describes it as a venue that “provides guests with the utmost in service, high-quality dining and cinema experience, with our signature luxury leather theater recliners; a social cocktail scene and fantastic breakfast, lunch, dinner and in-theater dining options.” Doesn’t sound like a regular theater to me.
The Lot, the same company that opened its first theater in La Jolla where ticket prices are $22 each, operates it. The tickets may be $15 now but The Lot website advertises this as the Grand Opening Introductory Price, maybe you missed that Byron. They didn’t open this to just be a regular theater, they make their money on the rest of what they offer.
Ah, convenient for Pt. Loma residents and saves the carbon footprint, you thought of everything didn’t you. Perhaps you could provide some calculations to back up the savings from driving there as opposed to Fashion Valley.
Then you praise how they saved the structure. Yea, well they were supposed to do that but left it empty for 19 years. Real progress. According to the UT, “The three dance companies that currently make their home in Dance Place San Diego in Liberty Station had hoped that the former theater would become a venue for them and other arts organizations.” According to McMillin, this turned out not to be “financially viable,” in other words, a luxury dinner cinema would bring in more money and that is all that matters.
No, none of what you have said changes what this actually is because you’ve offered misinformation and unsubstantiated opinions, oddly all in favor of the latest McMillin offering. I hope you and your friends enjoy this wonderful entertainment venue that has the added value of isolating you all from the common folk.
The Lot ….. Thumbs up in La Jolla. I bet the NTC location is good also.