What’s Behind That Green Curtain at the OB Fire Station?
Have you driven by OB’s Fire Station on Voltaire Street only to become curious of just what’s behind those green curtain fences? This reporter dropped by on Friday, June 15 to find out. Without the proper procedure being completed which can take days and maybe weeks, reporters cannot visit inside, and as this was just a peak over the fence, I bypassed that.
This is what is seen peeking over the green fence. All photos by Frank Gormlie
Is that a food truck? No, it’s a mobile kitchen.
Fire Station No. 15 is undergoing some renovation – particularly the kitchen. An extra small room is being added to the kitchen area, plus a restroom that’s ADA compliant is being put in. The City is spending $645,000 on all of this to bring this older building up to speed for our first responders.
Ocean Beach Plaza Begins Its Domination
Work has been progressing on this major construction project, with the shape and appearance of the Ocean Beach Plaza at the intersection of Santa Monica and Cable showing off its future domination of that block.
The main space of the future OB Plaza.
Dirty Birds, the burger and beer chain, is supposedly moving into the central space. Their ABC application to sell alcohol was not to be seen, as the effective date for the notice had already passed.
Looking south on Cable.
Not Much Happening at OB’s Future Target
Not much is going on at the former Antique Center on Newport Avenue.
Brown paper prevents a look-see inside. Nothing is going on.
Brown paper has been wrapped around the glass windows.
An ominous construction site warning poster was up.
View from open door off alley. Not much.
What’s Happening With the Mural?
Mural from OB Street Fair hangs on rear of building.
The mural from a past OB Street Fair, however, is still on the back wall of the building, facing the alley. What’s its future? Will Target keep it there? Has another business or building owner offered to take it?
New Kombucha Bar Opens
A new Kombucha bar has opened in the former flower stand at Sunset Cliffs Blvd and Lotus, in northern Ocean Beach. Chris Bourgeois, the owner, told me he and his girlfriend run the place, and had an official opening last November.
Chris Bourgeois assisting a customer.
They offer Kombucha on tap – have 10 different flavors – which Chris rotates on a daily basis. Like coconut, coffee-grapefruit, and berry basics. And they buy all their drink from local brewers. They also have other brews, like apple-ginger.
I asked Chris, ‘why Kombucha?’ He said he’s always loved it – and it’s real big in Southern California right now. It has trace amounts of alcohol (less than .05%) – as it has been drunk for thousands of years, Chris said. Particularly in Russia, I added.
The Tap Shack is open Monday – Friday, 10 am to 6 pm, and on the weekends, 9 am to 4pm, and 2 pm on Sunday. They also sell Mexican blankets for $11.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Kombucha in big lettering on sign in pic and yet you spelled it wrong 3 times.
Right? Geez! thanks,made the corrections.
Thanks Anthony.
From our May 2016 report: OB Fire House to Have Major Rehab
The OB Fire House No. 15, at the corner of Voltaire and Ebers, is up for a major rehab to begin over the next few months. The station, built in 1949, was delivered a package of repair monies by last year’s budget to the tune of over $500,000. The upgrade includes a new kitchen, dining/meeting room, and ADA upgrades. Crews at the Fire Station celebrated the house’s 100th anniversary last year. https://obrag.org/2016/05/may-news-from-ocean-beach-92107/
You saw it first in the OB Rag:
https://obrag.org/2015/05/whats-in-the-mayors-budget-for-ocean-beach/
If it is so important to have an ADA compliant bathroom at the fire station, shouldn’t the outhouses the station personnel are forced to endure during the construction also be ADA compliant? I mean, why should my wheel chair ridden fire fighters have to endure such indignities?
I think its great they are finally getting the much needed upgrades (long over due) However, the fencing goes all the way to the street – leaving NO place for peds to walk.
(as I found out while walking to chili cook off last weekend) We all saw the fencing as we approached but did not realize there was no sidewalk – until we had already crossed the street…thus forcing us into the street, walking along side the parked cars as vehicles pass within inches of our bodies. It was a little un nerving to say the least having cars come from behind you that close.
I’m surprised they would put the public at such a risk.