Historic District at Risk, Seawall Debate, and a Call for a “Seat at the Table”
By Jillian Butler
March 3rd, 2026–The Ocean Beach Planning Board met Tuesday night, March 3, at the Ocean Beach Recreation Center on Santa Monica Avenue. Only seven residents attended in person, with a handful more joining via Zoom — a modest turnout for discussions that could significantly impact OB’s historic character and coastline.
Notably absent were representatives from City Council District 2, State Senator Akila Weber, Assemblymember Tasha Boerner Horvath, and County Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer. In a meeting centered on preservation, development, and public safety, their absence did not go unnoticed.
Mayor’s Rep Catches Flak Over “Package A” Passage
Randy Reyes, representing Mayor Todd Gloria’s office, informed the board that City Council had passed Preservation Package A. The new policy could affect OB’s Emerging Cottage Historic District — potentially making it harder for the district to qualify for historic protection.
Under current rules, at least 65% of properties within a proposed district must qualify as “contributing resources.” Board members and attendees voiced concern that the Emerging Cottage District, already limited in scope, may not meet that threshold.
“So it’s just a district in name only?” one attendee asked.
Reyes faced pointed questions about whether the City’s housing priorities are overshadowing preservation efforts in Ocean Beach. Board member Kevin Hastings suggested revisiting and potentially expanding the district boundaries in coordination with city officials. Another member proposed conducting a full inventory of properties to better document qualifying structures.
For many in attendance, the issue underscored a broader tension: how OB balances housing development pressures with its historic, small-scale coastal identity.
Fence for Ebers Street Park?
Reyes also announced a partnership between the Mayor’s Office, San Diego Parks and Recreation, and the Parks and Recreation Foundation to secure a grant for fencing around Ebers Street Park. The Foundation would receive the grant funds and transfer them to the City for the project.
Details about the fence design and community input process were limited at this stage.
Reyes additionally noted that City Council will enter its Spring Legislative Recess during the final two weeks of March.
Officer Harris from the Western Division of the San Diego Police Department joined via Zoom to discuss upcoming budget constraints. SDPD is currently in budget planning season and expects reductions as part of broader city cuts.
Harris emphasized that the department is already operating with minimal staffing. He directed residents to an SDPD website survey where the public can weigh in on budget priorities.
He also announced a March 9 roundtable meeting between SDPD and business owners on the 5000 block of Newport Avenue. Hosted at the Ocean Beach Main Street Association, the discussion will address concerns tied to the Wednesday night farmers market and the longstanding drum circle gathering.
Ocean Front/Bermuda Avenue seawall repair project
Bob Trenton, applicant for the 1521 Ocean Front/Bermuda Avenue seawall repair project, described the proposal as a “crucial maintenance project.” He stated that the replacement would be hand-sculpted and color-treated to match the existing wall.
However, questions arose regarding view easements and long-term structural impacts.
A representative from Surfrider voiced concerns about the projected lifespan of the wall, arguing that the replacement should not exceed the expected life of the original structure. He also called for a stability study, claiming the application language was vague and that past seawall work in 2010 has had environmental consequences.
Depending on construction materials and reinforcement, a seawall’s lifespan can exceed 100 years — raising questions about how long this installation could shape OB’s coastline.
“Seat at the Table”
The board’s second action item was the “Seat at the Table” addendum. The proposal seeks to ensure planning group members receive equal representation at Planning Commission hearings, City Council committees, and full Council meetings.
It also aims to guarantee equal speaking time for Zoom participants, addressing complaints that public comment — particularly on controversial topics — can be cut short.
The addendum passed unanimously.
With several elected representatives absent, the meeting concluded early. Still, the issues raised: historic preservation, coastal infrastructure, policing priorities, and public participation reflect ongoing debates about the future of Ocean Beach.
Even with a small audience, the stakes remain large.
