OB Rag

By Kate Callen

Most San Diegans who heard the news that Horton Plaza is in foreclosure didn’t know anything about the Los Angeles builder in the middle of the meltdown.

But residents of Mission Hills instantly recognized his name. Steven Yari — the developer who has plunged Horton Plaza into debt — is the same man who bulldozed the Little Red Bungalow in 2023 and has, for nearly two years, left a fenced-off crater in its place.

The empty lot at Goldfinch Street and Fort Stockton Drive is a painful reminder that a city’s greatness is measured by the way it protects its architectural treasures – and this city has fallen terribly short. San Diego will remain a third-rate town so long as our history and heritage carry price tags.

And now City Hall has launched a new campaign to scuttle historic preservation measures. If it succeeds, look for more fortune-hunters parachuting into town for more land grabs.

By Karen Pearlman / East County Magazine / March 20, 2025

Photos by Karen Pearlman

More than 100 residents who would be most affected by the proposed Cottonwood Sand Mine gathered in force Tuesday, March 18 at the Rancho San Diego Library to let the Valle de Oro Community Planning Group know they don’t want it in their neighborhood.

After listening to more than two dozen people share their concerns, the community planning group voted 11-0 to recommend opposing the project that would see 214 acres of the former 280-acre Cottonwood Golf Course along Willow Glen Drive in Rancho San Diego turned into a digging site for sand mining for at least 10 years.

The group also voted 10-1, with one abstention, to not agree with a design exception review to waive the undergrounding overhead utilities along Willow Glen Road.

Next step: County Planning Commission hearing April 18

By Steve O San Diego

Within the great community of Ocean Beach, San Diego, Hugo’s Cocina offers a delightful fusion of traditional Mexican flavors with modern vegan twists. During a recent visit, I had the pleasure of trying their Vegan Soy Chorizo Nachos, featured on their March Special menu available until the end of the month. This dish not only satisfied my taste buds but also showcased the restaurant’s commitment to great food.

From the moment I stepped inside Hugo’s Cocina, I was greeted with genuine warmth and friendliness. The staff’s attentive and welcoming demeanor sets the tone for a memorable dining experience. The restaurant’s interior is a charming blend of traditional Mexican decor and contemporary touches, creating an inviting atmosphere that caters to both casual diners and those celebrating special occasions. The vibrant colors, and tasteful artwork contribute to a cozy yet lively environment.

By Geoff Page

As I came down to Dog Beach on Wednesday, I was forewarned that there was a sick or injured sea lion on the beach and I might want to keep my dog away.  As I got down on the sand, I saw the animal lying in shallow water. It was moving its head but did not seem to want to move otherwise.

But what caught my attention even more though

A second fire in three days broke out in Ocean Beach this week. This one was sparked by a kitchen appliance and heavily damaged an Ocean Beach apartment in the 4900 block of Del Monte Avenue on Thursday. The first fire was late Monday night on the 4700 block of Muir.

Two residents, not at home, were displaced but the family cat was unable to be saved by first responders.

A funny thing just happened about local lifeguard stations. Not funny funny, but odd funny and something that disparages Ocean Beach — again.

All of a sudden, the San Diego Fire-Rescue department — the city department in charge of the lifeguards and their stations — is insisting on an emergency $1 million in repairs to the Mission Beach Lifeguard Tower. And a city council committee, the Active Transportation and Infrastructure Committee will be having Fire-Rescue make its case for the necessary repairs at the at 1:00 p.m. Thursday City Hall meeting. And Jen Campbell, who also of course represents Mission Beach is on board for the emergency monies — despite the city’s funding crisis.

They’re all saying that the Mission Beach Lifeguard Tower is facing serious structural issues that demand immediate attention, and is showing significant signs of wear and tear, prompting concerns about its ability to withstand further deterioration. San Diego Fire-Rescue is calling for these emergency repairs to address the building’s failing condition, with the possibility of falling debris becoming a serious hazard. Channel 8 reports, “According to an inspection by the City’s Development Services in November, the situation is so severe that without immediate action, the structure could become unsafe for lifeguards and the general public.”

This could all be accurate and good.

But, hey, what about the Ocean Beach lifeguard station? It’s been falling apart for years and the community has been requesting for repairs or a replacement. For years.

Now, comparisons are rough. The Mission Beach station is one of the busiest in the city. Mission Beach also has a town council that speaks up for the community’s needs and wants.

It’s been totally underplayed by local media, but last week on Friday, March 14, the United States Geological Survey sent out an alert for a magnitude 4.6 earthquake in the Salton Sea area.

The USGS report included details about the epicenter, the depth and how widespread the impact was.

The problem is that it never happened and the earthquake report was pulled down from the agency’s website.

USGS Public Affairs Specialist Paul Laustsen conceded the earthquake never occurred. He said:

“The message was sent in error during a system testing. There was no earthquake of that magnitude at that time or at that depth. We are still looking into what happened. This is definitely a rare occurrence.”

By David Helvarg / Los Angeles Times Guest Opinion / March 11, 2025

Last month, close to 1,000 National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration workers, including weather forecasters, were fired. The Trump administration has now told agency leaders to fire another 1,000 people. Along with 300 resignations to date this will approach 20% of its workforce.

The White House’s Department of Government Efficiency also informed NOAA that its lease on the Center for Weather and Climate Prediction in College Park, Md., will soon be canceled. The center is essential in creating accurate computer models for everything from the next severe weather front to hit farmers in the Midwest to the long-term costs of extreme weather events linked to climate change.

A fire in a carport broke out late Monday night, March 17, and caused an estimated $350,000 worth of damage to an Ocean Beach home.

Just after 11:30 p.m. Monday the fire erupted and then spread into an adjacent residential garage that had been converted into living quarters, according to the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department.

Join the Ocean Beach Historical Society celebration of Spring at the Wisteria Cottage patio, under the century-old Wisteria vines, Thursday, March 20, 2025, 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM,at 4761 Niagara Ave., in O.B.