October 2022

Minor Victory of Sorts Claimed at San Diego Planning Commission

October 31, 2022 by Source

From Neighbors for a Better San Diego

Here’s what happened at Thursday’s Planning Commission meeting of October 27…

After much public testimony and Commissioner commentary, the Planning Commission passed a resolution recommending that the City Council adopt the 2022 Land Development Code Update (LDC) Update with the exception of:

Item 5 – Definition of a Sustainable Development Area (the item we asked you to comment on)

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Mike James: A Gringo’s Guide to Dia de Muertos – Part One

October 31, 2022 by Source

By Mike James / Special to the OB Rag

At midnight, October 31st marks the beginning of the Day of the Dead. The direct Spanish translation is Dia de los Muertos, but in Mexico it is more commonly known as Dia de Muertos. The holiday falls on November 1st and 2nd.

In its present form Dia de Muertos is a fairly recent Mexican tradition and can be traced back to the late 1930’s to the Presidency of Lázaro Cárdenas. Càrdenas in an effort to create a united national identity, sought to promote Dia de Muertos that would encompass the indigenous interpretation of the Roman Catholic holidays of All Saint’s Day (All Hallow’s) and All Soul’s Days.

By removing Catholic religious iconisms and replacing it with the elements associated with the indigenous population, the holiday has been embraced by Mexicans and its popularity is spreading internationally.

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Donna Frye: ‘What We Know About Measure C’

October 31, 2022 by Source

Nothing Is Easy

By Donna Frye

I read in The San Diego Union-Tribune recently that Midway Rising (who is currently having private discussions with the city to get the exclusive development rights for the Sports Arena area) has provided over $450,000 in campaign contributions to help pass Measure C.

According to the article, “More than $300,000 has already been spent, primarily on mailers.”

Those are the same mailers that make numerous false claims about what Measure C does, such as creating 2,000 affordable homes for working families, veterans and the homeless and adding 20 acres of public parks and public open space.

We know that Measure C does not do what the voters have been led to believe it does.

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Halloween Events in Ocean Beach

October 31, 2022 by Source

OB People’s Food Co-op Halloween Party & Parade

Free event for the whole community on Oct 31st from 4-6pm here at the Co-op!

Plus: OB Town Council Halloween Decor Contest

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The OB Rag Has NOT Endorsed Lukacs for District 2, Despite Her Mailer

October 28, 2022 by Frank Gormlie

There’s a Linda Lukacs campaign mailer just out that implies the OB Rag has endorsed her candidacy. That is not true. The Rag has not endorsed Lukacs — or Campbell either for that matter.

On one side of the small flier, put out by the Committee to Elect Linda Lukacs for City Council 2022, Campbell is slammed. On the flip side it’s just testimonials by certain District 2 people. One of the favorable quotes is by Judi Curry who writes for the Rag. Her quote is given, her name, “Resident,” and then in parentheses “OB Rag”. This is misleading as it implies that both Judi and the Rag are favorable to her. Judi is; we’re not.

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Voter Revolt at the Coast?

October 28, 2022 by Frank Gormlie

On Wednesday, during Farmers Market, a banner hung from the Ocean Beach Pier. It stated: “Vote Them All Out! Save OB”

While not as drastic as that, the banner does reflect a simmering among coastal voters, one of anger, a sense of betrayal, cynicism, pessimism and even of revenge.

Is there a revolt among coastal voters? If there is, the pundits and media columnists have missed it. Although, the Union-Tribune hinted at it when the editorial board endorsed Republican Linda Lukacs for the District 2 council seat.

Campbell Is in Trouble

Among older progressive voters, at least, in Ocean Beach and other coastal Democrats, Jen Campbell is in trouble. The incumbent, who won the primary with not even 30% of the vote,

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Just 3 Days Left for Coastal Access Photo Contest – All Entries Due Halloween

October 28, 2022 by Staff

There’s just 3 days remaining in the coastal access photo contest being run by the group Keep the Coast 30.

All entries must be in no later than 5 pm, Monday, October 31 — Halloween.

Here’s the rules:

There are only two categories and the winner of each will be awarded $100. Sent entries to the Rag at our email address: obragblog@gmail.com  with your full name and street address, as well as the address of entry.

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Pickleball at Robb Field and Over $2 Million in Improvements at Dusty Rhodes on Agenda of Mission Bay Park Committee — Tues., Nov.1

October 28, 2022 by Frank Gormlie

Pickleball at Robb Field and over $2 million dollars of improvements for Dusty Rhodes Park are on the agenda of the Mission Bay Park Committee, Tuesday night, November 1.

The Committee advises the Park and Recreation Board on the development, utilization, and policies regarding Mission Bay Park.

The Committee meets at 6 pm at the Santa Clara Recreation Center, 1008 Santa Clara Place in Mission Beach, San Diego, CA 92109.

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Ocean Water Advisory Issued for Ocean Beach

October 28, 2022 by Source

The San Diego County Department of Environmental Health and Quality issued an ocean water advisory Thursday, Oct. 27, for Ocean Beach, from the OB Pier north 600 yards.

They are advising people to avoid water contact as bacterial levels may exceed health  standards.

From the County Department:

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Donna Frye vs Jen Campbell on Measure ‘C’

October 27, 2022 by Source

Here are examples of the stark differences between Donna Frye, former San Diego councilwoman, and current District 2 councilwoman, Jen Campbell, regarding Measure C on the November ballot.

At an October 20, 2022 Peninsula Community Planning Board meeting, Campbell stated the following:

(Measure C) is very important because it concentrates on housing… making new transportation routes so that all that traffic jam going home, coming into Point Loma, is gone and fixed.

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Restaurant Review: King Crab in the Midway District

October 27, 2022 by Judi Curry

King Crab
3960 W. Point Loma Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92110
619-269-0800

By Judi Curry

Ever since COVID hit, many favorite restaurants have closed, and many new ones have opened.  And even some of the new ones have closed. I have been watching the space where Soup Plantation used to be, wondering what might go in there since it seems that buffets are a thing of the past.  So when my daughter Michele and I stepped into King Crab it was almost like déjà vu – but not quite.

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Midway Planners: Navy’s NAVWAR Plans Still Include Transit Center, a ‘Bike Box’ on Sports Arena, and Group Has No Recommendation on ‘C’

October 27, 2022 by Staff

By Geoff Page

The Navy’s update on the NAVWAR project, a new pot business, and another cycling proposal were the main items of interest at the Midway-Pacific Highway Community Planning Group’s regular monthly meeting on Zoom, October 19.

NAVWAR

The Navy’s spokesperson, Greg Geisen along with Captain Franklin, Naval Base Point Loma Commanding Officer, gave a PowerPoint presentation.  The presentation was titled “Old Town Campus Revitalization,” an amazingly benign title for the massive redevelopment of the Navy’s property.

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It’s the OB Rag’s 15th Birthday Today – Oct. 26, 2022 – Here’s How It All Began

October 26, 2022 by Frank Gormlie

That’s right, today and tomorrow are the OB Rag’s 15th birthday! We launched online over the two-day period, October 26 – 27 in 2007.

Here’s how it all started:

It was early October in the year 2007 – George Bush was still president and the war in Iraq was in its 4th year. I lived in a small cottage on the 4600 block of Long Branch with Patty Jones.

I remember watching the news in the livingroom and yelling at the anchors and pundits for parroting the Bush administration’s lies .

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Surfrider Says ‘Support the San Diego Single Use Plastics Ordinance’

October 26, 2022 by Source

From San Diego Surfrider:

The foam ban is back! This Thursday, October 27, at 1pm, the San Diego Environment Committee will consider reintroducing the Single Use Plastic Reduction Ordinance before the full City Council for a vote.

The ordinance, which prohibits throwaway foam foodware citywide, was originally approved by the City Council back in January 2019. However, the City agreed to stay the ordinance and conduct an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) to avoid a costly, plastics industry-funded lawsuit.

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San Diego Residents Asked to Give Feedback to Planning Commission’s Definition of ‘Proximity to Transit’ — Thursday, Oct.27

October 26, 2022 by Source

From Neighbors For A Better San Diego

We need your help. But first, let us bring you up to date on what’s happening this week…

Planning Commission to hear Land Development Code Update this Thursday, October 27, 2022, at 9:00 AM.

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OBceans In Hobbiton, Middle Earth

October 26, 2022 by Source

OBceans Daniel Grofer and Jill Kent were in Middle Earth just a week ago.

At The Shire, Hobbiton, Middle Earth in Matamata, New Zealand.

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Thoughts Born from My Granddaughter’s Drawing

October 26, 2022 by Ernie McCray

by Ernie McCray

Looking at my
seven-year-old granddaughter
Marley’s drawing
of the smiling faces
of her family,
her mom,
her dad,
and her grandma and me
and her brother and her
and Whiskey and Baby,
cats of long standing
in the family,
well, the portrait
soothes me,
like a breath
of needed fresh air,

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OB Town Council Meeting — Tonight, Wed., Oct.26 — Live at Water’s Edge Church or Facebook

October 26, 2022 by Source

Join the OB Town Council at their Wednesday night monthly meeting at 7pm. They will be LIVE at Water’s Edge Church, located at 1984 Sunset Cliff’s Blvd AND broadcasting/interactive on Facebook/Zoom.

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Michael Moore: ‘We Will Win Because Americans Don’t Want to See This Happen’

October 25, 2022 by Source

By the Times Obituary Staff

A system of government, once the dream of Enlightenment visionaries including Thomas Paine, Benjamin Franklin and John Locke, died quietly last night in voting booths across America with the American people themselves agreeing to end the experiment that ultimately never fully attained its potential as a nation of true equals.

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Measure C – Who Do You Trust? — A Power Point Presentation

October 25, 2022 by Source


Here’s a power point presentation created by John C. Ziebarth, a Point Loma resident, architect and urban planner:

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Trick or Treat? Student Debt Forgiveness Plan

October 25, 2022 by Source

By Colleen O’Connor

What a “Witches’ Brew” is coming this election, full of scary creatures, goblins, and ghosts.

Some banshees howling against once kindly poll workers;” others cheering for their “Orange Jesus.”

All angry.  All surging to vote early, often, and declare the past and present elections “rigged” and stolen.

Think about it. Lots and lots of hocus pocus, noise, and confusion, about who is ahead; who is behind; the condition of the economy; the price of gas, the always hot button issues of race, immigration, crime, dark money, and the “deep state.”

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OB’s Dog Beach Closed — Once Again

October 25, 2022 by Staff

According to the County’s Department of Environmental Health and Quality, Dog Beach is closed and a “no water contact” advisory has been issued for both humans and dogs. The closure is due to bacterial levels possibly exceeding health standards.

The closure is from the San Diego River outlet to 300 yards south. It has been in affect since Monday, Oct. 24.

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Coastal Access Photo Contest Has Only 1 More Week

October 24, 2022 by Staff

The “Coastal Access” photo contest being run by the group Keep the Coast 30 has only one more week to go. We’ve had several entries thus far, so get your photo in for the “Best” and the “Worst” views of San Diego’s coastal access.

The contest will end on Halloween, Monday, October 31. There are only two categories and the winner of each will be awarded $100. Sent entries to the Rag at our email address: obragblog@gmail.com  with your full name and street address, as well as the address of “The Best” entry.

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Facts vs. Representations on Measure C

October 24, 2022 by Source

By John C. Ziebarth

Much have been said about the proposed Redevelopment of the Sports Arena site. Some of what has been said are representations or misrepresentations and some are facts. It is important for the Council, Mayor, and the general public to understand which is which.

The Big Question: Should Measure C remove the 30 feet height cap and not establish a new cap? Should the height limit be left to the City Council?

Below are some of the facts and representations that have been made:

Fact: The area needs redevelopment.

Fact: City needs affordable housing.

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San Diego Seismic Study Shows ‘High Potential’ for Liquefaction in Midway District

October 24, 2022 by Source

By Virginia Adams Wilson

On the official sandiego.gov website you may find the Seismic Safety Study, a map of geologic hazards.

This information is valuable when choosing a location suitable for development. Instinct or common sense would have us avoid areas marked as hazardous, such as the Midway District of San Diego, labeled “High Potential” for liquefaction.

Liquefaction occurs where a loose sandy soil surface is close to the level of the water table below, and earthquake vibrations stir up the sand and water. The resulting slurry acts as a temporary quicksand.

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Michael Moore Predicts a ‘Blue Tsunami’ in November … If Everybody Shows Up

October 24, 2022 by Source

By Charles Jay / Daily Kos / October 19, 2022

Back in 2016, a pessimistic Michael Moore went on Real Time with Bill Maher and defied the conventional wisdom by predicting that Donald Trump would win the 2016 presidential election. The Oscar-winning documentary filmmaker also wrote an article titled “Five Reasons Trump Will Be President.” Unfortunately, his prediction turned out to be right.

Last month, Moore appeared on Maher’s show and again defied the conventional wisdom pushed by the mass media that Democrats will lose control of one or both chambers of Congress in the November midterms. Moore is a self-proclaimed pessimist, but he boldly declared that he’s “never felt this optimistic.”

On Maher’s Sept. 23 broadcast, Moore declared:

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Grooving With Hank to Ease My Troubled Mind

October 24, 2022 by Ernie McCray

by Ernie McCray

Stretched out,
kicked back
in an easy chair,
alone, at home,
I asked my boo, “Alexa,”
to play me some
Hank Crawford songs,
making such a request,
from time to time,
to ease my mind
during these troubling times,

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Sierra Club Says ‘No’ on Measure C

October 24, 2022 by Source

Measure C Will  Exclude the Midway-Pacific Highway Community Plan Area from the 30-Foot Height Limit on Buildings in the Coastal Zone

Sierra Club believes that urban infill projects should be supported when they follow smart planning principles, consider environmental impacts, provide needed public facilities, including parks and open space, and provide a healthful living environment.

Removing the Coastal Height Limit in the Midway- Pacific Highway Community Plan area, as proposed in Measure C, fails to meet all those criteria.

Measure C, and the massive, proposed development project that the ballot measure intends to allow, does not include a full Environmental Impact analysis that the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) demands.

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Pacific Beach Rally for the 30-Foot Height and Against Measure C – A Video

October 21, 2022 by Staff

ON Thursday, October 20, residents from OB, Point Loma, Pacific Beach and La Jolla rallied in front of the Capri-by-the Sea 14 story building in celebration of the 30-foot height limit and to oppose Measure C.

Speakers included Geoff Page, former Calif Assemblywoman Lori Saldana, Scott Chipman of Save PB, Lin Manning of “No on C” and Mandy Havlik.

Come inside for the video of the press conference by Charles Landon, formerly of CBS8.

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Local San Diego Black Panthers Celebrate 55 Years – Fri. & Sat., Oct. 21-22

October 21, 2022 by Source

A Two-Day Celebration of the 55th Anniversary of the Original Black Panther Party in San Diego for Community Empowerment –

You’re invited to a celebration of the accomplishments of the original San Diego Black Panther Party for Community Empowerment, their connections with community partners, historic successes as an organization, with special thanks to those who have supported the organization along the way.

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