News of Ocean Beach and Point Loma – Early December 2016

A windy beach by Albert C Elliott

Rancho’s to Re-Open in 6 Weeks

Good news for OBcean organic Mexican food consumers. Our own Judi Curry reports that according to Hugo, who was the manager of the restaurant, Ranchos will re-open in the same location in about six weeks.

Synthetic Turf Coming to Robb Field?

Local writer Julie Stalmer, in a Dec. 1st article in the San Diego Reader, continues her spot on investigation into the health hazards of artificial or synthetic turf being used at local schools and the pushback by some parents. The article really deserves reading. Stalmer has also uncovered a plan to install it at Robb Field. Here is what she states:

A 2016 city document lists several parks, including Robb Field in Ocean Beach, with synthetic turf in their future. Robb Field … is one location that may go against the city’s 2011 synthetic-turf guidelines that says not to install synthetic turf in areas prone to flooding.

Santa Cruz Search Called Off

San Diego Lifeguards call off search near Santa Cruz Avenue in Ocean Beach after report of possible victims who fell off cliff.  They received a report just after 8 a.m. Thursday Dec. 1st of two people who may have fallen.  Lifeguards say they were unable to find any victims.  CBS8

Jensens looks on track to open for the holidays

Our roving reporter South OB Girl took these pics on Wednesday.

Former O’Bistro’s Will Not Be a Cowboy Bar Afterall

Aiming to open as early as December is Voltaire Beach House. The 3,000-square-foot space, formerly the well-loved O’Bistros, apparently will not be a cowboy bar, but is according to the San Diego Eater “undergoing a top to bottom remodel on Voltaire Street that will turn it into a breezy beach home inspired by those found on the East Coast’s Nantucket Island seashore. Once completed, it will include an indoor/outdoor wrap-around bar and a 900-square-foot, fireplace-warmed patio. Owner David Schiffman, who also runs the Gaslamp’s Whiskey Girl and Florent Restaurant & Lounge, has brought on consulting chef Abe Bottello to craft the New American menu. Bottelo is currently the executive chef at North Park’s West Coast Tavern and previously cooked at Urban Solace and Solace and the Moonlight Lounge. OB resident Gabriel Shantz will be general manager of the eatery, which will feature a full bar and craft beers on tap.”

House Fire on Newport Avenue Displaces Family of 4 and Pets

A fire of unknown origin damaged an Ocean Beach home Wednesday, leaving a family of four and their pets in need of interim lodging pending repairs.  The non-injury blaze erupted about 2:45 p.m. in a utility room at the single-story house in the 4300 block of Newport Avenue, according to the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department. It took crews about 10 minutes to get the flames under control, SDFRD spokesman Lee Swanson said. The American Red Cross was called in to help the displaced people — two adults and two children — and arrange for temporary shelter for themselves, their dog and their cat. The cause of the fire was under investigation. Times of San Diego

OB House Produces Food and Energy

Brian Blum and his family have their own personal oasis about one mile from the ocean — producing fruits and vegetables, powering everything with solar and not wasting a drop of water. The 38-year-old computer scientist bought the 3,500-square-foot property, with an 890-square-foot home, in 2014 and has been steadily turning it into an example of how to live a sustainable lifestyle. San Diego U-T

Irish Relay Run Ends at The Harp on Sat.

Irish Outreach San Diego and the Gaelic sports clubs of San Diego will host The Great 33 1/3 Relay Run on Dec. 3, 2016. The charitable run – which includes 33 relay teams, each representing a county in Ireland and one for San Diego – starts at 8:30 a.m. at O’Sullivan’s Irish Pub in Carlsbad and the 33.33-mile route along the coast ends at The Harp at Ocean Beach. 7SanDiego

Point Loma Homes Open for Christmas Tours

Have you ever driven by a house and wondered what the place looked like inside? This Saturday, you’ll have a chance to check out four different homes in Point Loma, all decorated in their Christmas best. All Souls Episcopal Church in Point Loma has put on the Christmas Home Tour since 1952. “It gives them a chance to come into homes that they might not see otherwise and see them decorated for the holidays, so it’s just a fun way to kick off the holiday season,” said Linda Parker who chairs the church’s Home Tour Committee. cw6

Pizza Port Family History

Pizza Port opened the OB pub in 2010 . “Each of the Pizza Port Brewpubs has an independent crew of brewers who develop their own recipes and signature styles. Recipes get shared between the locations, but “the pubs can brew whatever they want as long as their customers are happy,” says Sean Farrell — the director of Brewing Operations for the chain of brewpubs.” For more on the history and background, and “dynasty” of the family, go to Paste.

Jungle Java Changes

Beth Turner, owner of Jungle Java, has called it quits. On the OBMA website, she wrote: “It has been an incredible ride being the founder and ‘Queen of the Jungle’ for the last 23 years.  The convergence of several factors has persuaded me that it’s time to retire and pass on the crown.  However, I will still be around, living in and loving OB, and the Jungle will live on!  Gregg Caledonia is taking on the Jungle crown.  It‘s a perfect fit! Gregg is a local Obecian, surfer, and family man.  His positive energy will bring a new vitality to the Jungle.  He intends to modernize and improve the business  while keeping the essence of what we have.  … I cannot give enough thanks to the community of Ocean Beach. It fully embraced the bizarre (at the time) concept of an open-air coffee and garden shop, and the experience of being a part of the business community over the last almost quarter century has expanded me beyond my wildest imagination. … Keep the Jungle rockin’!”
OB Mainstreet Assoc.

Local Surfboard Maker Pioneer in Upcycled Boards

Your Next Surfboard Should Be Upcycled – Reeco Surfboards and others are building beautiful boards from trashed equipment. Marc Sanchez of Reeco Surfboards, in Point Loma, California, one of the pioneers leading the upcycling charge. Taking custom orders through Point Loma’s Coconut Pete’s, Reeco sources materials from ding repair shops all around San Diego, often building single boards out of different parts of other boards.   Surfer Magazine

Point Loma Nazarene Takes Top Score in Academic Success

Point Loma Nazarene University in California took first in Division II for college academic success ratings released Nov. 17,with an academic success rating of 99 percent.