By Judi Curry
You do not have to be a resident of the Point Loma or Ocean Beach area to know that there are many problems facing us at this time. A few examples might be the steady traffic of cars on Sunset Cliffs during the sunset hours; the new stop sign at the corner of Pt. Loma Ave and Sunset Cliffs; the incessant noise from firecrackers being shot off at all hours of the day and night; the steady stream of emergency vehicles answering the calls for service from people jumping (or falling) off the Cliffs, etc.
We are having an influx of homeless people looking for refuge not only on the beach, but in driveways, under cars, and, in many more cases, in backyards where gates are being left open.
Should I go on? The parking lots on Sunset Cliffs seem to be open 24 hours a day for loud parties, “Shoot-em-ups”, and, listening to the yells of young women. Monday, during a walk along the Cliffs, my student was horrified to see the amount of trash littering the parking lots, and what was even more frightening was the number of needles that were out in the open for all to see.
One of the things that is happening that has generated calls to “Get it Done,” to the City Emergency numbers, is that the street lights on Sunset Cliffs are out. They have been reported not working many times. In a call today to Emergency Services we were told that it takes up to 10 days to have someone go out and see what it wrong. This is absolutely outrageous!
In an area where there is such a great mobile population the street lights are out? People crossing the street in the dark to get to their cars or crossing the street to get to the ocean run a high risk of being hit by one of those speeding cars because there are no lights on. What is the City’s liability when someone is hit by one of those cars? This is not a “routine” call. This is an emergency.
And while I am at it – let me say a word – or more – about the proposed new development in the Midway district. I don’t know about you, but I just received my new water bill. It was $456.04 – over $150 more than last month, and last year at this time. The proposal to add 7000 new homes in the Midway area is ludicrous. Where is the water going to come from? Am I going to pay even more so that some developer can make millions?
And eliminate the 30 foot limit? Cram in more people. I have to say that there are two people that I voted for that I need to apologize for. One is Susan Collins in Maine. I voted for her when I lived there. I am sorry for that vote. But I think that I am even sorrier that I voted for Jen Campbell in our District. So far I am in disagreement with her on almost all of her proposals. I don’t think she has even driven down Sunset Cliffs at sunset; I don’t think she has ever been caught in the traffic in the Midway district at any time of the day. I am not sure what she has done that benefits our area for things here are, in my opinion, worse than they were before she took office.
So, I can’t help but feel that we are “second class citizens” in San Diego now. Let’s get the electric lights back on TODAY; let’s restrict parking in the lots on Sunset Cliffs from 9:00pm- 4:00am. Pacific Beach has restrictions – why don’t we? Let’s start ticketing those people shooting off firecrackers at all hours of the night. To my knowledge, there has not been one ticked issued for this misdemeanor. It is against the law. If a ticket can be issued for jay-walking, having an open container in public, etc., then certainly a ticket can be handed out for this also.
It’s time that the City, and those responsible for running it, do something about our area. We do not have to be impoverished to have lawfulness on our side. But we need some help in maintaining our quality of life.
I guess I made the right decission to leave San Diego.
If you can’t get services in the wealthy areas, then I hate to see what the rest of the city is like.
Love the picture, Frank.
Hi Judi,
I couldn’t agree more. My spouse and I have lived in the Sunset Cliffs neighborhood for twenty years and have witnessed a steady decline as well. I’ve used the “Get It Done” app constantly to report illegal dumping and out of state oversized vehicle parking. Calls to Council Member Campbell are either ignored or they pass the buck to the Mayor’s office. Calls to the Mayor’s office go unanswered. More and more it appears that developers, Air B&B, and social media are running the neighborhood rather than the residents. Ordinances (vacation rentals) are ignored in favor of businesses (Air B&B). Scooter companies continue to pose hazards and dump scooters wherever they wish ignoring laws to keep them off sidewalks and park them in designated areas.
There is clearly an enforcement accountability gap here that elected officials and businesses recognize and exploit to their benefit. Short of enclosing Sunset Cliffs as a gated community to enforce a curfew to protect the environment and maintain a residential community; the other options are to:
1. move to another neighborhood.
2. jump on the bandwagon to join elected officials and sellout to developers and outside companies by renting out our homes as Air B&B to maximize personal profits at the expense of the neighborhood community.
These choices were not what we expected when we bought our home in a beautiful neighborhood twenty years ago.
I’m failing to see a correlation between the article title and the content, particularly as it relates to making our community a “step-child.”
Did you seriously identify sunset cliffs traffic and a new stop sign as problems facing the area? My word.
Firecrackers are not a peninsula thing. That’s an every urban setting in the USA in July thing.
You are lucky enough to live in one of the most beautiful places in the country and a solid community within it. Problems are something every community faces, no matter how green the grass on the other side looks. Maybe look on the bright side a bit more often.
Word.
Well said – stop signs, and fireworks oh my!
Sorry Tyler. I definitely identify Sunset Cliffs traffic and the new stop sign as problems facing this area. It is only a question of time before there is a bad accident and someone gets killed. That “someone” could be a friend, or family, or a neighbor I haven’t met yet. It is a big problem. If you don’t see it that way I am sorry for you.
Firecrackers are all over. Agreed. But nothing is being done about it and since people can still park in the parking lots on SSC, there are an abnormal amount of people parking and tossing the firecrackers onto the streets, at homes across from the lots, at the birds, on the ocean. Nothing has been done – on SSC or anywhere else for that matter. If those things don’t bother you then you don’t live where I live.
And talking about where I live – it is a beautiful place. I’ve lived here longer than years you have been alive. This is my community and no matter what happens in other communities, this is the one I am most concerned about – for me, for my neighbors, for the wild life, for the environment. Things can – and should – be done to correct those things that are affecting all of us. They are not being done – people are still jumping off the cliffs; people are still throwing their trash on the grounds; crime is increasing; all things that will a new direction can be abated. Not eliminated – but lessened. So as far as looking at the “other side” – that is the same thing as sticking one’s head in the sand. I am aware of the problems, and I refuse to sit back and do nothing about it. That may be ok for you – but it is not ok for me. The status quo will get worse and worse if the community sits back and does nothing.
Having a lot of the same issues in Hillcrest.
You’re right Judi!
Unfortunately about the only thing elected officials fear today is the media. Get some television coverage on the issues and you may get them to do something.
Or continue to rally the community to vote them out!
Turko!
AirBnBs in Sunset Cliffs are full of people from Arizona, New Mexico, and Los Angles who might be vacationing if the Bahamas, except the Bahamas won’t let them in. “Along with the international traveler restrictions, the Bahamas is closing all beaches and parks, banning indoor dining, weddings, funerals, religious services and sporting events on Grand Bahama, according to the Sun-Sentinel.” They are all watching the sunset at Sunset Cliffs, drinking beer and smoking and what the rules are that decide what is a “group” do not seem to be important if they don’t know each other. This is the new world. Usually, though, if they fight they just hit each other.
I drove down SSC today and saw only Arizona and Nevada license plates. Granted, I didn’t go far – to Newport – and back, but it was rather amazing. And they don’t care if they liter, or shoot up, because there is no one to stop them. This is going to be a rough summer, I think.
OMG. These are some first world problems. I’ve lived here since 1999 and it was worse then.
Time to check out a retirement community.
I have lived here since 1965 and I totally disagree with you.
Why are quality of life issues only for the rich?
Jacob! How rude of you!(: Be resoectful to those who live there. I doubt if u r a resident of Sunset Cluffs(:?
Rich people problems.
Ridiculous. Cars speeding down a street hitting pedestrians is not a “rich persons” problem. Falling off the cliff is not a “rich persons” problems.
Crime is not a “rich person’s problem.
I can go on and on and on. These are community problems – Ocean Beach is not a “rich persons” neighborhood.
These are community problems everywhere – don’t minimize it.
If you really think issues like this are exclusive to rich people then you run around in some small circles.
Vote Republican (ok, not possible for mayor)
Our future is on display in LA, SF, Chiraq, St. Louis
If we get a Soros sponsored DA (like STL) you will look back on this as the good days
Open borders + welfare for all = suicide
What does Republicanism have to do with this? I disagree with everything you said, Tom. Vote Republican and go to fascism.
Yeah keep voting Democrat they seem to be interested in fixing these problems. They are the ones letting this happen. Letting prisoners out early, reduced incarceration for drug possession, repealing vagrancy laws that allows the homeless to camp in vans, and making theft under $900 a misdemeanor. It’s as if they want these things to happen. Up next on their list of good ideas defund the police so these people invading your community will know that no one is coming to enforce the law, while at the same time pushing gun control. Removing the ability to defend your home.
Wow! What a cacophony of Republican talking points – nice! Thanks Adam for listing our wrongs. Druggies, homeless, miscreants, protesters, Black people, women who want equality. Next you’ll want cops on every block.
Seems like Judy wants cops on every block ticketing everyone who commits any offense. Ha okay
I never said that, OBKid. But this from a friend that lives in OB/Pt. Loma
“I’m so old that I remember when it was illegal to break the law.”
I knew this would happen. We posted an article about coming fascism on our streets – no comment. We posted an article about the horrors of COVID in California – no comment; but post Judi’s complaints about noise and traffic and condoms along Sunset Cliffs – and bang! Many comments – of course Judi smartly enhances her numbers.
Because this is the most pretentious, first world problem drivel this rag has published in a long time. Seriously, with everything going on – Judy is worried about 1) traffic to sunset cliffs park, 2) a new stopsign, and 3) fireworks in July… and in addition to those worries she wants cops ticketing everyone from jaywalkers to oversized cars parking.
Can you not see the insanity here? In addition, anyone mentions the “R” word and you all lose your minds and write falsehoods and lies.
Forgot the lie about needles upon needles at sunset cliffs – yeah okay let me see a picture of it – because that ain’t happpening
If I had thought you would doubt the FACT that there are needles all over the parking lots on Sunset Cliffs I would have taken the picture for you. Let me assure you that it IS happening; and if you don’t believe me go take an early morning walk along the cliffs.
This article was written by a Karen. Prove me wrong.
It isn’t worth the effort.
Q? her name is Judi Curry and she’s smart enough to not play into your name calling!
so there, I just proved you wrong !
Talk about white privilege. You think it’s so bad in Pt. Loma. Move to Logan Heights, Barrio Logan, or Webster Heights. You’ll see what a real stepchild neighborhood looks like.
Regarding the Midway District Redevelopement plan, one has to look at the City’s need for income to feed the monster that is growing every day in the form of pension obligations both current and future. They talk about the project in less affordable housing and amending the height restrictions to build more units, remember each unit is an income generator in the form of taxes, the more units the more taxes. Reme.ber the beast needs to be fed. As for affordable housing housing WHY does it have to be so close to the coast. What’s wrong with the land north of the highway from 15 to Santee. Don’t be fooled, follow the money and it will lead you to the pension coffers with a stop or two along the way.5
Do you have electricity? Running water? Shelter? Hmmm… Now how about a bank account that doesn’t read in the negative? Got that? How about the food in your fridge? Health insurance? Car in the garage?
Come on Judi, people are starving around the world, being shot and secretly detained at home… and no end in sight to this pandemic.
It’s hard to see the forest from the trees, but I would expect better from you… I am sure you are well educated, show it.
Equating what is happening in other places to what is happening here is the difference between apples and crab apples. Sure there are injustices all over the world; all over the country; all over San Diego. BUT there are things happening here that need to be looked at also. Are you suggesting that because I have food and water, and insurance and a car that the police should turn away from this area and just let things happen. Yes, I am educated. Are you?
It’s pretty hard to feel sorry for people living in the Sunset Cliffs area. You have to be a multi-millionaire to live there so these complaints are pretty silly in the grand scheme of things when so many people are struggling right now. These people have enough money that they could move anywhere they want.
Gee, I didn’t know the widder Curry was a millionaire! Dang! She could have been funding the OB Rag all along, instead of renting out rooms to foreign exchange students and renting out yard space for an OBcean in an RV.
The majority of homes in Sunset Cliffs are valued at $2+ million (and some far above that). Just in equity alone these people are millionaires.
Which is why I moved the hell out of the state and got a huge house in the country with acreage, outbuildings, just as good a view and a whole lot nicer area to live in, cheaper too.
A California buck goes a LONG way in other parts of the country.
Tom, I paid under $30,000 for my house in 1968. The fact that it is worth much more now does not classify me as a millionaire by any stretch of the imagination. Calling those of us that are living in this area “millionaire’s” is almost comical. When we bought our house our payments were $226 a month. Both my husband and I were educators. It was all we could do to make the monthly payments – first and second mortgage; two jobs for each of us. Millionaire? Not in our wildest dreams.
Of course it means you are a millionaire. If you are in Sunset Cliffs and have paid off your house you could sell today and have maybe $2 mil in the bank. This is ignoring any other investments you have, so yes you are very well off and wealthy by most standards. You could buy a house most other places in the country and come out way ahead. Just because you only paid $30k 50 years ago doesn’t mean you aren’t wealthy today. It was a great investment on your part that’s for sure.
Just curious, Tom. I have a bit of equity in my home on the northern corner of OB. I’ve lived all over the country so I’m wondering where in this country could a person buy another house that would compare to living blocks from the Pacific Ocean in San Diego? The east coast and all of the midwest have cold, miserable winters and summers full of mosquitoes, other bugs, and high humidity. Most of the west coast is California so still expensive. Oregon and Washington are very wet with freezing ocean water. Much of the rest of the west has blazing hot summers. I’m at a loss, any suggestions for a place that has what Point Loma has?
For your information – it is not paid off. I have had to refinance so that I could pay my bills just like every one else. I am not wealthy under any standards; live on social security that is less than $1400 a month. I have learned how to economize; how to shop; and how to pay my bills at the end of every month. Granted the investment was a good one; but as far as “wealthy” – that is comical. Rich; comical; lower class – yes, that is where I am. Just because I live in an area that others perceive as “wealthy” does not make me rich.
Frank – I am sure you will love this – but this will be the last article I ever read of the OBrag. It has become to close minded, spewing the similar vexs that are dvising this country. Articles written by people who don’t live in OB, or people who live the high life in sunset cliffs – all of whom will aggressively turn on your if your opinions are not the same as yours.
I am sure this will be deleted – because who wants to read something that goes against the cult like thinking preached in the Rag? Done with it, have a nice life in your bubbles.
Yea, that’s the way to handle disagreement instead of debating, run away and retreat to Fox and Limbaugh and all the other sites that only support your point of view, then there will be no dissonance in your life. Have fun.
Quit whining and just do it.
We won’t miss you.
Are you nuts?
You have to be to vote for Trump with the ruin he’s brought down on the country.
Instead you want the Koch’s owning you and Fascism?
How sad is that that the party of family values and Law and Order are so willing to allow Nazi’s on our streets and in the Oval Office.
Wow, Curry’s issues always bring considerable comment, from both sides. I don’t want to take either side, or judge- people’s problems are people’s problems, and community issues are those that affect the entire community, whether there’s more than 1 zip code or not. But on these issues I will have to side with the somewhat more proletariat perspective.
As a district, OB can be carved into pretty easy to recognize subsets. Those living in the Sunset Cliffs area (south of Newport), generally homeowners (not necessarily millionaires, tho many are), those living on the “hill with a view”, and then those living north of sunset- the war zone and surrounding areas, bleeding into the midway district.
With the exception of cliff jumping and falling, the problems showcased (cars parking, needles, fireworks, condoms, lack of stop signs, airplane noise) are all issues that the north side has continually seen for years. That’s where I lived. Voltaire Street. You name it, we had it. So the “sudden” encroachment of these issues south is hard for me to get worked up about. Police presence? Not enough? Too much and heavy -handed? Homeless? You don’t even know homeless ’til you live near one of the Voltaire alleys.
Rather than focusing on Sunset Cliffs, and its inhabitants (wealthy, privileged, or otherwise), it would be much more constructive to understand and address these, admittedly somewhat 1st world, problems, as issues that are experienced in many of the San Diego coastal communities. Both north and south of Newport.
So driving just as far as Newport and then back, as Curry did, isn’t very inclusive.
Judi has taken a lot of hits on her post today, but we have to say, that as of this moment, she has different kinds of hits on her post – readers’ hits, 3,383 of them.
I suppose that’s because of how the article was promoted. It showed up on my Google newsfeed today. It’s an article I never would’ve seen (or read) otherwise. I’m guessing it’s the same for many others as well. It’s interesting how and why Google sources the stories it does.
This article has definitely brought up some interesting and at times funny responses (ie arguments) and I will dare to say opinions being expressed I don’t believe the poster themselves actually believe (likeTom claiming Judi is a millionaire simply by virtue of her living in Sunset Cliffs). Then of course there’s the “privilege” card which always makes for some colorful banter. Usually when people bring that up it’s really just for the sake of argument more than any heartfelt feelings. I think retired botanist expressed the most realistic and sensible opinion here and had very valid points.
Life at the cliffs is getting worse each day. As I write this there have been 5 firecrackers shot off in the past 3 minutes. There is a rescue going on at the cliffs at the same time with helicopters and 4 emergency vehicles speeding down the Boulevard. . I suggest that rather than calling me names you work out a solution to the problem that is getting worse on a daily basis. If you do not have a solution I suggest you keep quiet.
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