Photo by Albert C Elliott
By Miles Himmel / The Following Story
It starts like a riddle. What gets older, but never changes?
While the waves crash along the shore and the wind blows the palm trees from side to side. An aroma feels the air right about the time as the sun fades away. And sure, the people get older, but no matter what, Ocean Beach never dies.
I finally left the warmth of my parents home about two years after graduating from college. I never intended to stay as long as I did, but when my dad passed away, I lived with my mom as we both coped from my dad losing his life to cancer.
As I looked for my first place to live away from home in San Diego, I wanted a fun place. Not somewhere in the suburbs. I had spent my childhood out in the boonies, away from the action. This was my only time to be somewhere loud and fun! I looked downtown, too expensive. I looked in Barrio Logan, nothing for sale.
It was getting a bit frustrating looking all around San Diego, for anything decently affordable and then I found it. Right off of Ocean Beach a little condo.
I went home and asked my mom what she thought of OB.
“Well I lived there, your dad lived there, your uncle lived there, why shouldn’t you live there,” she said. I soon found out that it pretty much was a San Diego right of passage to live in Ocean Beach.
It never changes. Somehow the people don’t even change. The hippies get a bit older, but they’re still around. The homeless still spend their time on the grass next to the beach. The Christmas tree is still as “OB” as ever
I’ve been here for about 6 months now. Whether it’s Winston’s, The Black, or the Hodads it’s all still here. It was my first time at the Ocean Beach Parade of Lights, but it felt like I’d been here many times before. While people danced through the street the bars and restaurants all packed, it sure felt like home.
There aren’t many communities left in San Diego. It’s what happens when more and more people move in. People work farther away from their jobs, the San Diego spirit has changed.
There’s still one true San Diego neighborhood left and it will always remain the same!
Miles Himmel is the son of well-known media personality Larry Himmel, who passed away a few years ago. Miles runs a foundation in his dad’s name.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Miles, good luck with your foundation. Your father was a part of OB. After leaving here would rarely visit without having one of his favorite Poma’s sandwiches. I know he lived in a cottage near the pier, and bartended at the Sunshine Company Saloon. ( I was told a story one time, when he was working he asked someone to change the Jim Croce song on the jukebox, when Jim was sitting just down the bar.) Ever hear anything like that? He was there reporting when we protested against Starbucks, he was there the last day the Children’s Energy Center was open. He saw some of these changes that concerned us and I think he got it. And now I think you’ve got it too. Welcome to Ocean Beach.
Very cool that you are here. Welcome and enjoy!