YEAR IN REVIEW – OB Pier, homeless shelters, yoga ban, and a new trail at Cabrillo

Turning the page on 2024, there is much to review with the Peninsula communities of Ocean Beach, Point Loma, and Midway with all three experiencing plenty of change and turbulence throughout the year.

Some residents rose against government initiatives to increase density and concentrate growth and development along transit corridors. Grassroots initiatives also sought to beat challenges by developers seeking to build higher than the 30-foot coastal height limit in the coastal area west of Interstate 5, which has been in effect since 1972. Also, the City moved forward with designs for a new OB Pier. Following is a look back at the year that was in 2024.

JANUARY

Rain

Following extreme rainfall citywide, a state of emergency was declared and emergency teams were dispatched to residential areas, like Ocean Beach, which were hard-hit by flooding. Sustained flooding in OB occurred on street corners along Abbott Street and the 5000 block of Newport, and on Voltaire wherever drains were partially plugged.

Pier Damaged

OB Pier was ravaged by winter storms and king tides which took out one of its support pilings. “That piling is not damaged – it’s destroyed,” concluded Ralph Teyssier, a structural engineer and the son of Leonard Teyssier who built OB Pier. “There is no support for that pier there, and the other piling is in a precarious state. We have a situation of progressive collapse.”

Sidewalk Repairs

The City began rolling out a Safe Sidewalks Program as part of an effort to improve sidewalks in all communities. The City estimated a backlog of 5,000 locations that needed letters to be issued to private property owners with problematic sidewalks.

Theatre Groundbreaking

The NTC Foundation and Cygnet Theatre broke ground at The Joan and Irwin Jacobs Performing Arts Center, nicknamed “The Joan,” while launching a public fundraising campaign for the community arts project expected to open sometime in summer 2025.

OBWC Proclamation

Mayor Todd Gloria and City dignitaries were on hand to celebrate Ocean Beach Woman’s Club’s centennial with a proclamation honoring the philanthropic and community advocacy organization’s service.

Skies The Limit

Artist Sarah Stieber unveiled “Sky’s the Limit,” her original mural on the side of the Monsaraz Hotel and part of Point Loma Association’s ongoing mural series at a public unveiling. The mural on the side of the hotel at 1451 Rosecrans St. features an airplane flying toward the airport honoring the special Portuguese influence within the Point Loma community.

New Head Coach

Ryan Price, most recently the assistant head coach and defensive coordinator at La Jolla High School, was hired as the fifth head coach in the 98-year history of Point Loma High’s football program.

In Memorium

Charles Joseph Pretto, 65, executive vice president and general counsel for Kobey’s Swap Meet in Midway, died after a courageous battle with cancer.

FEBRUARY

More Flooding

A second atmospheric river in two weeks inundated already-saturated San Diego County early in the month causing more flooding in low-lying and coastal areas with more winter weather in the forecast.

OBMA Awards

Ocean Beach MainStreet’s Association’s annual celebration doled out awards in numerous categories. Awardees included: Gavin Fleming for spearheading Sunset Cliffs Auto Show, California Wild Ales for its social media, BBQ House for its Musgrove mural, Killowatt for its front patio redesign, and Vervor Shop for spearheading the Voltaire Arts District and Voltaire Banner District program.

Lighthouse Ice Cream

After a fire damaged Lighthouse Ice Cream, the community quickly rallied to the aid of the local landmark launching a GoFundMe page to help rehabilitate the longtime ice crime parlor.

OBTC Scandal

A financial scandal caused Ocean Beach Town Council’s board president to resign and the organization to lose its 501(c4) nonprofit tax-exempt status due to non-filing of taxes. An independent CPA was hired to audit the group’s finances dating back to 2017.

Historical Anniversary

At its 30th anniversary celebration on Feb. 15, board members of Ocean Beach Historical Society shared personal reminiscences about their favorite beach community at Water’s Edge Faith Community Church.

Leap Year

The Beacon detailed things to do, near and far, offering options for vacations and staycations taking advantage of the extra day.

H Barracks Protest

Hundreds of Point Lomans packed a town hall meeting in Liberty Station expressing their opposition to the proposed conversion of nearby City-owned H Barracks into a temporary, large-scale homelessness services shelter with wrap-around services on the five-acre site on North Harbor Drive.

MARCH

Bike Shop Merger

EZE Ryders and OB e-Bikes merged into Electric Bike Super Shop serving all ages and pedaling needs. The company, an e-bike retailer and service center, relocated to 1926 Bacon St. The new entity began holding free e-bike safety classes for youthful riders.

Mysterious Galaxy

During a live in-store presentation at Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore in Midway, lawyer-turned-author Parker Adams clued guests in about his latest fictional thriller, “The Lock Box,” while discussing the artistry of novel writing.

APRIL

Legend Lost

Characterized as the unofficial mayor of Ocean Beach and the community’s “go-to gal” who went by “OB Rebel” in her email, Claudia Peters Jack died on March 30. She was presented with a lifetime achievement award by Ocean Beach Town Council in 2014 for her unwavering community support and commitment.

SVO Enforcement

Enforcement of the new Sidewalk Vending Ordinance began on March 29. The updated ordinance provided clarity on which vending activities are safeguarded under the First Amendment as free speech and impounding measures for rogue vendors that fail to comply with new health and safety regulations.

People Mover

San Diego Association of Governments, the region’s transportation planning agency, was in the early stages of laying the environmental groundwork for implementing an automated people mover from the Santa Fe Depot to the San Diego International Airport.

Music Fundraiser

The second annual Night Out on Newport was held with Dana and Correia middle schools and Point Loma High students performing in OB to raise money for music programming at their schools. As part of a nonprofit, the Point Loma Instrumental Music Program relies on the support and generosity of donors to help cover operating expenses.

Golden Anniversary

Head instructor Bernice Tom at Sunset Cliffs Aikido celebrated 50 years of training and teaching Japanese martial arts in the spacious building at 5019 Santa Monica Ave.

Swim Debut

Swim franchise Big Blue at 3645 Midway Drive next to Chase Bank, splashed down in Midway District with opening ceremonies at the Vons shopping center.

Theatre Collective

Wildsong Theater & Arts Collective, an OB nonprofit all-volunteer theater company, took over the space at 4944 Newport Ave. previously occupied by OB Playhouse & Theatre Company.

Pier Design

The preferred OB Pier design concept was revealed showcasing a pier approximately 2,000 feet long with an average deck width of 22 feet and a shape similar to the existing pier, with curving arms on the western end. The new concept included a network of interconnected pathways, gathering places, new retail and dining opportunities, and enhanced fishing amenities.

The Harp

A new management team took over iconic Irish bar The Harp in Ocean Beach over St. Patrick’s Day weekend following a fatal heart attack by previous owner Anthony Fleming. The new management lineup includes Miles Doughty, frontman for OB-based band Slightly Stoopid; long-time Sunshine Company bartender Steve Ashton; industry veteran Tyson Green, and Hodad’s company president/CEO Jeremy Diem.

H Barracks

Following public protest, the City abandoned its plan to convert H Barracks into a temporary, large-scale homelessness services shelter, instead proposing turning it into a Safe Parking Lot for vehicle dwellers.

MAY

Lawsuit

City Council approved a nearly $3.2 million settlement in a federal lawsuit case. The outcome set new rules for how the City is allowed to enforce the Vehicle Habitation and Oversized Vehicle ordinances against unhoused people who sleep in their vehicles or RVs during a three-year period.

Drone Show Postponed

Organizers of the Ocean Beach Fourth of July Drone Light Show postponed planning the 2024 event to 2026 due to bureaucratic hurdles and financial limitations, despite the resounding success and positive community reception of 2023’s inaugural show.

Dogs Versus Birds

The San Diego Audubon Society and Fiesta Island Dog Owners collaborated to avert conflicts between canines and birds in the protected bird area at the San Diego River estuary adjoining Ocean Beach’s Dog Beach.

Trail Opened

Major improvements at Cabrillo National Monument in Point Loma included opening a half-mile Oceanside Trail linking the Whale Watch and Kelp Forest Overlook above with the Coastal Walk and tide pools below.

Sunset Yoga Ban

Free yoga classes were banned at Sunset Cliffs after the City began enforcing a prohibition on groups of four or more people engaging in commercial recreation activities without a permit and only in certain designated areas.

Surf Tragedy

Three surfers, one a Point Loman, were found dead while on a surfing vacation in Mexico. Nearly a week after they vanished in Baja California, all three of their bodies were discovered in an abandoned well overlooking the ocean.

Trail Dedicated

Peninsula History Interactive Trail was unveiled at a public celebration of the Point Loma Association-sponsored Village Lights project. The festive event showcased 12 interactive historical plaques along Rosecrans highlighting significant people, places, and events shaping the Peninsula community through QR codes giving details.

Historic Cocktail

Bali Hai, known for its mai tais, served its three millionth cocktail … and counting.

New Name

Renamed for an ancient Roman Goddess, Juno’s combined The Wine Pub & Restaurant and The Coffee Hub in Point Loma Village while re-branding and introducing menu changes.

JUNE

Centennial Brew

Bill DeWitt of California Wild Ales, and Jim Millea, head brewer of OB Brewing, collaborated to craft Making Waves Blonde, a centennial-hops ale made for Ocean Beach Woman’s Club’s centennial anniversary. The new brew was officially dedicated on the summer solstice.

Lighthouse Restoration

The iconic Old Point Loma Lighthouse, constructed in 1855, was temporarily closed through the end of August due to restoration work as crews restored the exterior, including removing failing paint and repairing masonry and metal features.

Revived Bookstore

La Play Books reopened after remodeling.

PLHS Graduation

The Class of 2024 bid farewell during a graduation ceremony at Point Loma High School.

Public Power

Proponents of public power were disappointed as the City Council voted unanimously on June 10 to reject placing such a measure on the Nov. 5 election ballot saying the effort was premature, and that more specifics were needed.

New Paddle

West Coast Paddle Sports moved into Point Loma Village.

JULY

Summer Concerts

The 22nd annual Point Loma Summer Concerts were back for another season of five free shows on consecutive Fridays at Point Loma Community Park.

Olympic Team

Point Loma High graduate Tate Carew, 19, lived his dream of becoming a member of the United States Olympic Team at the Paris Games competing in the park skateboarding event.

Free-Speech Zones

Mayor Todd Gloria enacted a compromise solution to upholding protesters’ rights while preserving access to venues being protested by creating free-speech buffer zones. Gloria said he made the move “because numerous venues, including healthcare and reproductive care clinics, schools, and places of worship are increasingly becoming sites for demonstrations where people attempting to access these facilities are subjected to harassment or intimidation.”

Hot Dog Campaign

Mad Munch Grilled Cheezer Co. and Ocean Beach Business Center, teamed to launch their “Hot Dog” campaign warning people that State Penal Code Section 597.7 PC makes it illegal for any driver to leave their dog inside of a vehicle unattended in conditions that may result in great bodily harm to the dog.

Conscientious Business

Recently renovated We Be OB proved it was a business with a social conscience actively supporting San Diego’s special needs community, as owner-operator Jim Leiner is the former CEO of the MacDougal-Morris Group LLC.

Fitness Expansion

EōS Fitness in Midway District upgraded and expanded its indoor-outdoor facilities.

Bus Lane

Midway planning group opposed an initial proposal to create a dedicated bus lane linking the Sports Arena with the Old Town Transit Center as part of the area’s long-term redevelopment.

Homeless Megashelter Nixed

City Council voted to postpone creating a homeless shelter with up to 1,000 beds in a 65,000-square-foot commercial building at Kettner Boulevard and Vine Street in Middletown.

AUGUST

Bali Hai

Polynesian-themed Bali Hai celebrated 70 years of mai-tais and bay views on Shelter Island Drive.

Community Giving

Dirty Birds OB donated all the proceeds, $9,428, from 2024’s wing-eating contest at the OB Street Fair, $27,678 overall, during the four years the contest has been held.

Homeless Encampments

Reaction to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s executive order calling for state officials to begin removing homeless encampments aroused strong sentiments locally with unsheltered providers opposed, while some government officials claim it was a necessary first step toward turning the tide on spiraling homelessness.

Yoga Appeal

Yoga instructors appealed a decision banning beachfront donation-based classes like those regularly occurring on Sunset Cliffs.

Cafe Closes

Perry’s Cafe at 4620 Pacific Highway near Old Town served its final frittata on Aug. 4 as the owners retired. Housing is proposed for the site.

Sailing Champ

Point Loma teen Cameron Schnoor was crowned champion after competing for the San Diego Yacht Club in the 2024 Junior Sabot Nationals.

Guilty Plea

Robert Duane Brians, 46, who drove his twin 2-year-old daughters off Sunset Cliffs in 2020 and miraculously survived, pleaded guilty on Aug. 9 and faced a maximum sentence of 31 years in state prison.

Pet Overcrowding

San Diego Humane Society faced overcapacity of dogs and cats in its county shelters, which collectively were at 182% canine capacity and 104% feline capacity across all five campuses.

Homeless Advocates

Homeless advocates attorney Ann Menasche and social activist Scott H. Silverman opposed the mega-shelter homeless model advocated by the local government for San Diego. They argued one-size-fits-all shelters fail to address the needs of specific groups like veterans, women, children, and those suffering from substance abuse.

A Different Solution

Sunbreak Ranch, a homeless shelter proposed in Otay Mesa that would concentrate wrap-around services in one location away from urban settings, gained traction as an alternative solution to homelessness.

New Director

SDSU grad Sierra Johnson, a flute player and freelance musician, was hired as Point Loma High School’s new band and orchestra director.

Crime Novel

Point Loma author Richard Opper released his latest crime novel, “In Deep And Far Out,” the second novel of a trilogy.

SEPTEMBER

Pier Replacement

The City announced it had decided on OB Pier, determining that the safest and most cost-effective course of action was to keep the structure closed to public access while the City moves forward with a long-term solution to replace the iconic 58-year-old structure.

School Improvements

Ocean Beach Elementary School unveiled its new reading garden and upgraded mural.

Hall of Fame

Eleven Pointers were inducted into Point Loma High School Hall of Fame’s Class of 2024.

Assembly Celebration

Point Loma Assembly celebrated its 110th birthday with a vintage gala featuring period garb, hors d’oevers, a hosted bar, and a live “Gatsby Gang” jazz band.

Auto Show

The second annual Sunset Cliffs Auto Show on Sept. 7 attracted scores of car lovers.

Kelp Forests

A feature story discussed how kelp forests are disappearing off the coast of Point Loma and La Jolla.

Cultural Plan

The City sought public input on its draft cultural plan, Creative City. This plan will set a strategic framework for advancing arts, culture, and creativity in San Diego’s diverse communities.

Superintendent Released

Following an investigation, San Diego Unified School District Board voted unanimously to release its superintendent Dr. Lamont Jackson due to “inappropriate conduct by the superintendent toward certain employees.”

Homecoming

Security changes were planned after a Point Loma High student brought a pellet gun to the school’s homecoming football game on Sept. 6.

Aquatic Center

A public workshop was held on the feasibility of a proposed aquatic center at Liberty Station.

Hardware Anniversary

OB Hardware celebrated 105 years in the community with an appreciation event.

Coffee Expansion

Independent Coffee Cycle Roasting expanded from Pacific Beach to 4856 Voltaire St. in Ocean Beach.

OCTOBER

Political Discussion

Political candidates or their representatives spoke on issues, offices, and propositions up for election Nov. 5 at a Pacific Beach Town Council-sponsored candidate forum.

Restaurant Replacement

It was announced that former Point Loma restaurant Fiddler’s Green was being re-imagined into The Boatyard by a group of San Diego boating, fishing, and restaurant industry veterans.

OB Oktoberfest

Ocean Beach’s wildest Oktoberfest returned Oct. 11-12 with double its usual beachside footprint. Proceeds from the two-day event benefited Ocean Beach MainStreet Association’s Clean and Safe Program.

Halloween Happening

Alexandra Watkins and Glenn Millar at 1835 Venice St. in Point Loma went all out as they do every year in transforming their front and backyards into something truly “otherworldly.”

Post Office

The former Midway Post Office site was razed and plans were in motion to build luxury apartments.

Christy’s Donuts

A GoFundMe was launched to benefit Peng and Julie Tou, owners of Christy’s Donuts in Point Loma, who were robbed of their savings.

School Returns

Warren-Walker Middle School returned to Ocean Beach.

Artists Celebrated

OB artist’s work celebrating the San Diego River was exhibited at Point Loma Library.

Sports Arena

The City granted the Midway Rising development team a one-year extension to finalize a deal for a refit of the City’s 48-acre sports arena site into a mixed-use project, to include 4,250 residential units.

Pier Design

The City revealed its preferred pier replacement concept at an Oct. 26 public workshop.

Housing Protest

Point Loma residents packed UPSES Portuguese Hall on Oct. 29 to be updated about the proposed 1004 Rosecrans St. housing development. The large-scale housing development would have 56 residential units including eight affordable units, and include a commercial suite and 45 underground parking spaces.

NOVEMBER

Cancer fundraiser

The 11th Annual Ride the Point Jim Krause Memorial Ride benefiting cancer research was held on Nov. 9.

New e-Bike Bill

A bill on e-bike safety authored by Assemblymember Tasha Boerner was signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom that prohibits children under 12 from riding a class 1 or 2 e-bike.

Homeless Lawsuit

Homeless advocates secured a class-action settlement protecting San Diegans relying on their vehicles as their only form of shelter from unjust enforcement and fines.

Boutique Anniversary

Plant and gift boutique en concordia celebrated nine years in Point Loma.

Pub Expansion

Harbor Town Pub in Point Loma added space for more games, TVs, and tables.

Food Security

San Diego Fishermen’s Working Group and Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank established a partnership providing fresh fish caught by local fishermen for San Diego families and individuals experiencing food insecurity.

Literary Workshop

A Shakespeare performance workshop was taught at Point Loma Playhouse by Tom Haine, co-founder of The San Diego Shakespeare Society.

Record Swordfish

Luc Ofield, owner of Anglers Choice Tackle Store in Point Loma, caught a massive swordfish that shattered a California record. The swordfish came in at 666.2 pounds — more than 100 pounds heavier than the state record set in 2023.

Pier Cafe Auction

Permanently closed, the Walking on Water Cafe auctioned off its equipment, furniture, and sign at Ocean Beach Antique Mall.

Burger Expansion

Rosemarie’s Burgers expanded in Ocean Beach into the former Whomp Burger & Brew spot on Sunset Cliffs Boulevard.

Garden Tours

Coastal Sage Gardening resumed monthly tours held at Point Loma Native Plant Garden.

Community Fundraiser

Point Loma Association’s annual dinner auction at Kona Kai Resort and Spa raised over $160,000 for community projects and beautification.

Ice Rink

The annual Rady Children’s Ice Rink opened on Nov. 21 at Liberty Station.

Cocina Anniversary

Miguel’s Cocina celebrated its 40th anniversary in Point Loma.

Exotic Jerky

San Diego House of Jerky opened in Liberty Station offering exotic varieties including camel, shark, and trout.

New Mascot

Ocean Beach Elementary students chose the parrot for its new school mascot.

Shop Local

Ocean Beach MainStreet Association announced the return of its annual Shop Small campaign, kicking off with Shop Small Saturday on Nov. 30.

Park Dedication

Cañon Street Pocket Park in Point Loma, a decade in the making, was formally dedicated on Nov. 27.

DECEMBER

Annual Parade

The annual OB Holiday Parade was held on Dec. 7.

Toy & Food Drive

The annual OB Toy & Food Drive ramped up in December garnering foodstuffs benefiting the less fortunate.

Christmas Tree

OB’s traditional crooked Christmas tree was planted on the beach on Dec. 3.

Musician Tribute

A musical tribute to Joni Mitchell was held at Point Loma Playhouse on Dec. 14.

Santa’s Mailbox

Now in its eighth year, in what has become a community Yuletide tradition, Santa’s mailbox at Ocean Beach Business Center did a brisk business.