OB Rag

I had to laugh sarcastically this morning when I read in today’s Union-Tribune about how “San Diego plans to boost the city’s urban forest with $10 million in federal climate funds that will help it plant thousands of trees in vulnerable neighborhoods and preserve many threatened trees.”

A good part of the article was about how trees help mitigate heat. City Forester Brian Widener even was quoted as saying:

“Trees provide shade, ecosystem services and a host of other benefits to make a greener and more livable San Diego. We are thrilled to receive this funding which will improve San Diego’s urban forest in our city’s historically underserved communities with new trees and expansion in growing space around our existing trees.”

Thousands of Kaiser Permanente health care workers went on strike this morning, Wed., Oct. 4 at hospitals and medical offices in San Diego and across the country.

Kaiser has failed to reach a deal with a coalition of unions to renew a contract that expired Sept. 30. Union leaders are fighting for more staffing and higher annual pay raises, arguing their wages have not kept up with the rising cost of living and inflation.

Midway Rising, the redevelopment team selected to remake the 48 acres at the Sports Arena property, has dropped the 250 middle-income family residential units from its plan. Instead it will build “market-rate” units. The 200-room hotel has also been removed from its plan. These moves have angered some City Council members

Housing for middle-income families is distinct from affordable housing, and includes units deed-restricted for families making between 80 percent and 120 percent of the area median income.

As U-T reporter Jennifer van Grove reported:

There’s 2 projects up for review at the Wednesday, Oct. 4th monthly meeting of the OB Planning Board.

The first one is the Valvoline Oil Changing Station at the corner of W. Pt Loma Blvd and Sunset Cliffs Blvd at 4805 WPL.

The second project is the Dish Wireless at the Masonic Lodge.

There is a community meeting of the Robb Field Community Recreation Group on Tuesday, October 3rd, 2023, at 6:00pm. The City is inviting community members to attend and where the city will continue deliberating on long-term plans for improvements at Robb Field.

By Chas Smith / Beach Grit / October 2, 2023

As surfers, as seafaring adventurers, we are well aware of the dangers we face every time we step foot in the vast ocean. From sharks to stingrays, extra chilly temperatures to sunburn, trouble lurks everywhere to make no mention of the surfboard itself. The fiberglass and foam missile, either Patriot or SCUD (longboard), is the vehicle for fun, certainly, but get out of line and wham-o. Right in the kisser. Or worse.

 Only one thing can save us from predatory AIs: our own data

by John Robb and Jacob Siegel / Tablet / Sept. 25, 2023

As Hollywood recycles comic book remakes with funding from China, the once-great cultural capital appears to be in a state of steep decline. But in one area, at least, the movie industry is offering a bold and inspiring vision for the future. The writers and actors who went on strike to prevent studio owners from using artificial intelligence (AI) to exploit and expropriate their work are on the front lines of a new data war triggered by the explosive growth of AI. This past July, Fran Drescher, former star of the popular sitcom The Nanny, and now president of the SAG-AFTRA union,

This awe inspiring video, Our Beautiful and Dangerous Sunset Cliffs, by Charles Landon is a must see.

Original music by Phil Rockhold.

Beginning today, Friday, September 29, OB Rag administrators will enforce the Comment Policy that has been on the books since 2010. We hope this will keep out the trolls. Commenters who’ve been making comments here for weeks, months or longer will not be affected.

Hundreds of ocean lovers and beach enthusiasts from throughout San Diego County are invited to make a statement in support of clean water at Surfrider Foundation San Diego County’s 31st Annual Paddle for Clean Water.

This year, the Paddle will focus on the border pollution crisis and Surfrider’s ongoing advocacy through the Clean Border Water Now program.