OBTC President Gretchen Newsom at City Council. Photo credit: OBTC
from OBTC:
Last week, members of the OB Town Council advocated for a new OB Lifeguard Station before the San Diego City Council. Below is a copy of the testimony given by OBTC President Gretchen Newsom with support from OBTC boardmembers Gio Ingolia and Andrew Waltz:
Gretchen Newsom on behalf of the Ocean Beach Town Council and our hundreds of members – we are an organization dedicated to promoting the general betterment and beautification of Ocean Beach and the welfare of our residents of 92107.
I stand here to inform you that the Ocean Beach Town Council is in support of Councilmember Lorie Zapf’s efforts to obtain design funding for a new Ocean Beach Lifeguard Station as identified in her 2018 Budget Priorities memorandum. This project is consistent with the Ocean Beach Community Plan and is a long time advocated need within the community and by community based organizations.
The Ocean Beach Lifeguard Station was constructed 40 years ago and has lacked adequate improvements and renovations. The popularity of Ocean Beach has also grown and just last year, Ocean Beach Lifeguards performed over 1,000 water rescues.
Additionally, Lifeguard staffing along Sunset Cliffs was increased due to demand. While these Lifeguards positions were funded in this year’s budget, they have put an increased strain on equipment and locker needs at the existing station. The current station is inadequate to accommodate this additional staff and equipment.
A new Ocean Beach Lifeguard Station will result in a more effective deployment of lifeguard personnel and equipment, therefore improving the safety of the public. It will also improve our public restrooms and shower facilities which are used by thousands visitors and tourist every year. As part of the project, we also envision San Diego Police Department facilities to support their welcomed presence in Ocean Beach.
We thank you for your consideration and ask that you join us in advocating for this long awaited public safety improvement. We hope that you will support our efforts and continue to be a champion for our community needs, lifeguards and all public safety personnel.
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My main concerns about a new lifeguard station are: retaining the parking lot and keeping it unpaid and having the building retain the same footprint. It seems a lot of projects are filling up a small space between the vet wall, Ruth Held Park w/trees and a new Lifeguard Station (maybe with police). The condo on the North side already walled of an area that made the space feel smaller and some of the view was lost. Design is going to be very important and downsizing may need to be considered. Also, I have concerns about the police facilities. The big question is does the OB community want it? Is this the best use of public beach front property? Are plans for a small office in lifeguard station or a large facility with parking, police storage and surveillance equipment? Would adding the police facility eliminate more of the view? I am sure the community has a lot more questions that need to be answered and that they want to weigh in on.