Author: Mike James

By Mike James / September 25, 2025
Tom Homan built his public image as America’s tough-talking “border enforcer.” But between government stints, he was something else entirely: a private consultant selling access to the very machinery he once commanded.

On its now-archived website, Homeland Strategic Consulting (HSC) spelled out its value proposition in blunt language unusual for Washington:

“Political connections are important, and no consultancy has a more solid and extensive network than Tom Homan… For qualified candidates, we open doors to the right people in the right departments… Without our insights and introductions—on every rung of the ladder—your best-laid plans will hit the wall.”

This wasn’t about policy advice. It was about access—about leveraging the revolving door between government and business to deliver results measured in contracts and dollars. The firm even bragged of helping clients win “tens of millions of dollars of federal contracts.”

Coalition Proposes Alternative Plan to Preserve Property as Community Hub

By Mike James

Ocean Beach, CA — A coalition of Ocean Beach and Point Loma community leaders is fighting to preserve the historic property at 1984 Sunset Cliffs Boulevard, part of the area’s iconic “Church Row,” which is at risk of being replaced by a high-density housing development.

The site, formerly home to the Point Loma United Methodist Church and more recently operating as Water’s Edge Church, has served as a vital cultural and social hub for nearly a century.

The property, owned by First United Methodist Church (FUMC) of Mission Valley, has been under scrutiny since the local congregation’s closure on Christmas Eve 2023. Discussions led by FUMC leadership propose selling the property for affordable housing. To explore this plan, FUMC enlisted LeSar Development Consultants to provide recommendations.

Such a project could result in the construction of an 80+ unit, four-story apartment complex under San Diego’s Complete Communities program, potentially bypassing zoning and height restrictions.

Celebrating 45 Years of Ocean Beach Christmas Parade Magic

By Mike James

This Saturday marks my 45th year as an announcer at the Ocean Beach Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting—a tradition started by my brothers and that’s grown into an important part of my life.

It all began in 1980 when my brother Rich and a few friends strolled down Newport Avenue to the very first OB Xmas Tree playing Christmas carols on kazoos. That year, I officially MC’d the OB Tree Lighting, so I’m counting it as the start!

The Legendary Javier Bátiz to Take the Stage

By Mike James and ChatGPT

Ocean Beach is about to be electrified on Cinco de Mayo as the iconic guitarist Javier Bátiz from Tijuana headlines a benefit concert at Winstons. The show promises to be a high-energy event with Bátiz, a legend in the world of Mexican rock and blues, taking the stage with his signature style of guitar playing that inspired a nation.

The concert, which starts at 7:00 pm, is not just a night of music and fun but also an opportunity to support a worthy cause. Proceeds from the show will go to LUMINOSITY, an brand new event in Ocean Beach that re-imagines the Fourth of July fireworks with a vet and pet friendly drone light show and Light Festival. The event celebrates the creative spirit of the community.

By Mike James

This was my third year experiencing Dia de Muertos in Mexico. In 2019 I visited Tlaquepaque and Tequila in the state of Jalisco and last year in Mexico City. This year, on the days approaching Dia de Muertos, I was once again exhausted by the enormity of all things Mexico City.

The city has invested in capitalizing on the growing popularity of the Dia de Muertos. Yet it has become a victim of its own success.

Case in point, the once fictional parade has evolved into something where only the few with front row viewing can truly enjoy. The other millions of spectators unfortunately only catch glimpses of the parade as it passes by. I would definitely recommend visiting Mexico City… any other time of the year.

For the actual days of holiday, I was based in the Pueblos Mágicos town of Cholula in the nearby state of Puebla.

By Mike James

In 1980, as president of the Ocean Beach Mainstreet Association (formerly Merchants Association), I proposed that the organization sponsor the 4th of July fireworks off of the Ocean Beach pier. The fireworks became a community tradition until 2019 when the event was cancelled due to structural issues to the pier.

That same year in an O.B Rag article, I suggested the community begin exploring an alternative for the fireworks.

Luminosity Festival Envisioned as Planning Begins to Find Alternatives

by Mike James

With structural issues to the Ocean Beach Pier, fireworks are no longer logistically viable in the foreseeable future. Plus with the environmental concerns and the psychological effects fireworks have on both humans and animals, many feel it is time to explore alternative ways to celebrate Independence Day.

On July 3rd, 1776, one of our Founding Fathers, John Adams penned a letter to his wife Abigail, envisioning future festivities to commemorate the Declaration of Independence. He wrote:

Javier Bátiz Will Be Benefiting Deported Veterans Who Live in Tijuana

By Mike James

In Mexico during the 60’s, there was a counterculture movement called La Onda (The Wave), which influenced artistic and political expression throughout Mexico.

One of the major musical influences of La Onda can be traced back to a humble home just a few miles south of the Tijuana/ San Diego international border.

In the mid 1950’s in Tijuana, a young teenager, Javier Bátiz, was woken by his mother in the middle of the night.

By Mike James

Twenty five years ago on April 1, 1997, legislation became effective that would rip families apart, disregard fundamental human rights and send once honored individuals into exile.

After the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, there was an uproar for new immigration laws. The Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 was the result. Signed into law by President Bill Clinton, he, like many other politicians, wanted to pass immigration legislation that emphasized enforcement prior to the run-up of the 1998 national elections.

Part One – A Summary.

What is the proposed Keystone XL pipeline?

It was the latest project to move DilBit, diluted Bitumen, from Canada to oil refineries in the United States.

What is Bitumen?

Bitumen is tar (think the La Brea Tar Pits) or natural asphalt (it is a key component of the asphalt we drive on). Bitumen after extensive processing and refinement can become a form of fuel oil (gasoline, diesel, jet fuel).

With the high cost (economically and environmentally) of extraction and processing of Bitumen, it has only recently became profitable due to the high price of a barrel of oil.

By Mike James / Special to the OB Rag

Gather round young and old as I tell the tale of long ago.

It all started in a quaint inn¹ on the shores of a mighty ocean in the Land of OB. Two brothers of a great clan of craftsman² gathered around a table of libations, sheltered from the winter cold.

They spoke of warm summer winds on the beaches of OB and recent triumphs therein. It had been a gathering of villagers from far and wide to view a spectacular spectacle of light and sound³. This had given great joy to the local trade and citizens of OB alike. It was the beginning of renewed spirit that had nearly been lost in this enchanted land.

Having proudly championed a role in this milestone, the brothers spoke of new campaigns to once again bring happiness to their fellow Obceians.

By Mike James / Special to the OB Rag

Last night I ordered a Godfather Pizza for dinner. Lo and behold stuck to the bottom of the box was the following memo.

Top Secret

Operation He Said She Said.

From the offices of Herman Cain for President:

Plan of Action and Talking Points.

1. Deny, Deny, Deny.