Community Advocacy http://obtowncouncil.org Dedicated to the care and improvement of our beautiful coastal community Fri, 16 Nov 2018 16:23:53 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.3 OBTC PUBLIC MEETING on 1/24/18 (PARADE WINNERS and OBTC BOARD CANDIDATES) http://obtowncouncil.org/obtc-public-meeting-on-1-24-18-parade-winners-and-obtc-board-candidates/ http://obtowncouncil.org/obtc-public-meeting-on-1-24-18-parade-winners-and-obtc-board-candidates/#respond Fri, 19 Jan 2018 03:01:49 +0000 http://obtowncouncil.org/?p=3357 To kickoff our first meeting of 2018, we will meet our new community representatives from our elected officials’ offices and discuss our community concerns.

We will also award the winners of the 38th Annual OB Parade (which was phenomenal!) with their award plaques. The parade theme was “California Dreamin’ in the Season of Love.” Come congratulate the Parade Winners as they get their award plaques and learn about their floats and involvement with our community!

We will also will host a candidate forum for individuals seeking election to our OBTC Board of Directors.  7 seats are open for election! If you would like to take your community involvement to the next level, here’s a great opportunity. By being a Board Director, you can be an elected voice in communicating the views and needs of Ocean Beach to government agencies, be at the forefront of community discussions, take action on local issues and be a leader in promoting the general betterment of OB.

To be considered for candidacy, you must be a dues-paying OBTC member and submit your Letter of Intent stating your reasons for wanting to join the OBTC Board and describing any relevant experience or skills to [email protected] by Tuesday, January 23rd.

Additional election details http://obtowncouncil.org/ob-town-council-elections-coming-up/

Click here for our Agenda. Click here to RSVP on Facebook!

The OB Town Council hosts public meetings on the 4th Wednesday every month except November and December. Regular speakers include local leaders, political, business and SDPD law enforcement representatives, as well as members from all corners of the Ocean Beach community. Whether you’re a long-time OBcean or just want to learn more about OB, all are welcome!

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OB TOWN COUNCIL MEETING ON 10/25: Voices for Children & Volunteer Opportunities http://obtowncouncil.org/ob-town-council-meeting-on-1025-voices-for-children-volunteer-opportunities/ http://obtowncouncil.org/ob-town-council-meeting-on-1025-voices-for-children-volunteer-opportunities/#respond Thu, 19 Oct 2017 20:22:39 +0000 http://obtowncouncil.org/?p=3274 At our final public meeting of 2017, the Ocean Beach Town Council will host a forum to learn about volunteer opportunies with our upcoming holiday events.  We will also share our elections timeline for OBTC members to get elected to our Board of Directors.  And we will conclude with learning about opportunities to volunteer as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for children in our region. There are hundreds of foster kids in San Diego County without a CASA and there is a big recruitment drive right now to find more volunteers. Featured speakers will include Dave Cieslak, former OBTC boardmember and current CASA advocate.

As usual, we will also receive reports from our elected officials and their community represenatives.

2017-10-25. OBTC Public Meeting Agenda

Click here to RSVP on Facebook and invite your friends and neighbors. 


The object and purpose of the Ocean Beach Town Council is to express the will and represent the welfare of the community of Ocean Beach by providing a forum for the discussion of community issues, communicating the views and needs of the community to the appropriate agencies, and promoting the general betterment and beautification of Ocean Beach. The OBTC hosts public meetings on the 4th Wednesday every month except November and December. Regular speakers include local leaders, political, business and law enforcement representatives, as well as members from all corners of the Ocean Beach community. Whether you’re a long-time OBcean or just want to learn more about OB, all are welcome! Meetings are located at the Masonic Center, 1711 Sunset Cliffs Blvd.

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OBTC Responds to Target Express http://obtowncouncil.org/obtc-responds-to-target-express/ http://obtowncouncil.org/obtc-responds-to-target-express/#respond Wed, 27 Sep 2017 22:29:33 +0000 http://obtowncouncil.org/?p=3263 The Ocean Beach Town Council is releasing the following statement in response to the proposed Target Express in Ocean Beach. This statement is based on feedback received from community members at the public forum we hosted on August 23rd, 2017, as well as numerous emails and social media communications received over the past few months.

As a designated 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization, the Ocean Beach Town Council (OBTC) is dedicated to expressing the will, representing the welfare, and sustaining the spirit of the community of Ocean Beach. Some of the many ways our organization does this include providing forums for the discussion of community issues, communicating the views and needs of the community to relevant parties, and taking appropriate action on community issues.

Recently, in response to numerous calls, emails, and social media messages related to the lease of the Antique Mall building on Newport Avenue to Target for a Target Express, we held a public community forum. The communications we received from our membership, as well as Ocean Beach residents and business owners, have been mainly opposed to the presence of Target Express, with a few expressing support for the idea of having a large retailer to provide convenience and some being ambivalent.

The Ocean Beach community has a long and proud history of supporting locally owned and operated retail stores, restaurants, and business operators. The OBTC believes that small, locally owned businesses are vital to maintaining the strong fabric of the Ocean Beach community and are a primary reason residents remain here and tourists return year after year to visit our shores and stores.

The OBTC urged the owners of the Antique Mall to seriously consider options other than leasing the space to the second largest discount store retailer in the US. Further, we fully support the Ocean Beach Planning Board’s decision to oppose any future permits for the off-site sale of alcohol across the Ocean Beach planning area, which includes the proposed Target location.

The OBTC will continue, as we have always done, to encourage residents and tourists to support the variety of independent, locally owned businesses that help to make our community the special place that it is.

If the owners of the Antique Mall building and Target Corporation continue to move forward with their lease agreement, disregarding the clear and expressed will of the community, the OBTC would call on the Target Corporation to uphold, abide, and respect the resolution of the Ocean Beach Planning Board and OBTC to refrain from off-site sales of alcohol. OBTC would implore the Target Corporation to respect and support our community with a community benefits agreement addressing the following issues:

  • offer no products for sale that are already available elsewhere in Ocean Beach or that would be in direct competition with our local independent businesses;
  • keep sidewalks and alleyways surrounding the business free of litter, graffiti, and loitering;
  • dedicate 5 percent or more of profits derived from the OB storefront to directly supporting organizations and initiatives in 92107 that benefit our community;
  • limit the impact of corporate branding & storefront signage and consult the Ocean Beach Planning Board to ensure any signage is in compliance with the sentiment of the Ocean Beach Precise Plan;
  • make improvements to infrastructure surrounding the property to mitigate the effects of increased traffic, deliveries, and parking congestion;
  • commit to hiring local residents into primarily full time positions with living wages and benefits;
  • submit to a semi-annual review of adherence to these standards.
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OB TOWN COUNCIL MEETING ON 9/27: Climate Lawsuit Against Big Polluters http://obtowncouncil.org/ob-town-council-meeting-on-927-climate-lawsuit-against-big-polluters/ http://obtowncouncil.org/ob-town-council-meeting-on-927-climate-lawsuit-against-big-polluters/#respond Sat, 23 Sep 2017 06:42:05 +0000 http://obtowncouncil.org/?p=3257 The City of Imperial Beach has joined two California counties in suing 3 dozen big oil, gas, and coal companies to help pay for damage caused by climate change, including rising sea levels.  As a coastal community, the OBTC will host a forum for our residents to learn more about this action and how it might impact OB. Click here to read more about the lawsuit. Speakers include:

  • Imperial Beach Mayor Serge Dedina
  • Imperial Beach City Councilmember Mark West

As usual, we will receive reports from our elected officials and their community represenatives.  We have asked our County and City community reps to provide OB with an update on the Hepitatis-A Outbreak in San Diego, including places to get vaccinated.

Click here for the agenda.

Click here to RSVP on Facebook and invite your friends and neighbors. 


The object and purpose of the Ocean Beach Town Council is to express the will and represent the welfare of the community of Ocean Beach by providing a forum for the discussion of community issues, communicating the views and needs of the community to the appropriate agencies, and promoting the general betterment and beautification of Ocean Beach. The OBTC hosts public meetings on the 4th Wednesday every month except November and December. Regular speakers include local leaders, political, business and law enforcement representatives, as well as members from all corners of the Ocean Beach community. Whether you’re a long-time OBcean or just want to learn more about OB, all are welcome! Meetings are located at the Masonic Center, 1711 Sunset Cliffs Blvd.

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OB Town Council Meeting on 8/23: Target in OB http://obtowncouncil.org/ob-town-council-meeting-on-823-target-in-ob/ http://obtowncouncil.org/ob-town-council-meeting-on-823-target-in-ob/#respond Fri, 11 Aug 2017 16:03:20 +0000 http://obtowncouncil.org/?p=3203 Community Forum on Target in OB

At our August Ocean Beach Town Council (OBTC) meeting on Wednesday, August 23rd at 7pm at the Masonic Hall (1711 Sunset Cliffs Blvd), we will host a community dialogue on the proposed lease of the Antique Mall building to a Target Express storefront in OB.

As a designated 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization, the OBTC is dedicated to expressing the will, representing the welfare, and sustaining the spirit of the community of Ocean Beach. Some of the many ways our organization does this include providing forums for the discussion of community issues, communicating the views and needs of the community to appropriate agencies, and taking appropriate action on community issues.

The Ocean Beach Town Council has invited representatives of Target as well as the property owners to provide information to our community on their proposed Target storefront and to receive community feedback and concerns.

Although, it appears that Ocean Beach residents and business owners are overwhelmingly opposed to the presence of Target Express on Newport Avenue (our neighborhood’s primary shopping district), we deem it necessary to receive additional community input on this development.  We want to hear your concerns and share them with Target and the property owners.

We are openly inviting community members and business owners to come to the meeting with viable solutions for how this space could be better utilized in our community.

Additionally, we are also seeking community demands or requests of Target – if Target was to locate in OB, what do you want from this company – specific products or locally sourced products? A promise to pay better wages and provide healthcare and full-time employment? A storefront with a diminished corporate identity and Target branding?  (Check out the CVS Community Benefits Package for ideas.)

Again, the next OB Town Council public meeting will be held Wednesday, August 23rd, at 7:00 pm, will be dedicated in part to fostering a dialogue in regard to this community issue. The meeting is to be held at 1711 Sunset Cliffs Blvd., San Diego, CA, 92107.

Click here for the agenda.

Click here to RSVP on Facebook and invite your friends and neighbors. 


The object and purpose of the Ocean Beach Town Council is to express the will and represent the welfare of the community of Ocean Beach by providing a forum for the discussion of community issues, communicating the views and needs of the community to the appropriate agencies, and promoting the general betterment and beautification of Ocean Beach. The OBTC hosts public meetings on the 4th Wednesday every month except November and December. Regular speakers include local leaders, political, business and law enforcement representatives, as well as members from all corners of the Ocean Beach community. Whether you’re a long-time OBcean or just want to learn more about OB, all are welcome! Meetings are located at the Masonic Center, 1711 Sunset Cliffs Blvd.

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OB Town Council Meeting on 7/26: Community Grants and Assemblymember Todd Gloria http://obtowncouncil.org/ob-town-council-meeting-on-726-community-grants-and-assemblymember-todd-gloria/ http://obtowncouncil.org/ob-town-council-meeting-on-726-community-grants-and-assemblymember-todd-gloria/#respond Wed, 19 Jul 2017 13:50:11 +0000 http://obtowncouncil.org/?p=3199 Join us at our July OB Town Council meeting on Wednesday, July 26th at 7:00pm at the Masonic Hall (1711 Sunset Cliffs Boulevard) during which the OBTC will award OB Community Grants to selected local organizations, groups, and persons that promote the general betterment and beautification of Ocean Beach and the welfare of its residents. Come learn more about these important community groups and initiatives and lend them our collective congratulations.

We’ll also be hearing a a legislative update from Assemblymember Todd Gloria.

Click here for our AGENDA. Click here to RSVP on Facebook!

The OB Town Council hosts public meetings on the 4th Wednesday every month except November and December. Regular speakers include local leaders, political, business and law enforcement representatives, as well as members from all corners of the Ocean Beach community. Whether you’re a long-time OB-cean or just want to learn more about OB, all are welcome!

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OBTC Advocates for New OB Lifeguard Tower http://obtowncouncil.org/obtc-advocates-for-new-ob-lifeguard-tower/ http://obtowncouncil.org/obtc-advocates-for-new-ob-lifeguard-tower/#respond Tue, 23 May 2017 02:58:40 +0000 http://obtowncouncil.org/?p=3124 Last week, members of the OB Town Council advocated for a new OB Lifeguard Station before the San Diego City Council. Below is a copy of the testimony given by OBTC President Gretchen Newsom with support from OBTC boardmembers Gio Ingolia and Andrew Waltz:


Gretchen Newsom on behalf of the Ocean Beach Town Council and our hundreds of members – we are an organization dedicated to promoting the general betterment and beautification of Ocean Beach and the welfare of our residents of 92107.

I stand here to inform you that the Ocean Beach Town Council is in support of Councilmember Lorie Zapf’s efforts to obtain design funding for a new Ocean Beach Lifeguard Station as identified in her 2018 Budget Priorities memorandum. This project is consistent with the Ocean Beach Community Plan and is a long time advocated need within the community and by community based organizations.

The Ocean Beach Lifeguard Station was constructed 40 years ago and has lacked adequate improvements and renovations.  The popularity of Ocean Beach has also grown and just last year, Ocean Beach Lifeguards performed over 1,000 water rescues.

Additionally, Lifeguard staffing along Sunset Cliffs was increased due to demand. While these Lifeguards positions were funded in this year’s budget, they have put an increased strain on equipment and locker needs at the existing station. The current station is inadequate to accommodate this additional staff and equipment.

A new Ocean Beach Lifeguard Station will result in a more effective deployment of lifeguard personnel and equipment, therefore improving the safety of the public.  It will also improve our public restrooms and shower facilities which are used by thousands visitors and tourist every year. As part of the project, we also envision San Diego Police Department facilities to support their welcomed presence in Ocean Beach.

We thank you for your consideration and ask that you join us in advocating for this long awaited public safety improvement. We hope that you will support our efforts and continue to be a champion for our community needs, lifeguards and all public safety personnel.

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OB TOWN COUNCIL MEETING ON WEDNESDAY (4/26) – Public Safety Forum on Policy Change to Water Related 911 Calls http://obtowncouncil.org/ob-town-council-meeting-on-wednesday-426-public-safety-forum-on-policy-change-to-water-related-911-calls/ http://obtowncouncil.org/ob-town-council-meeting-on-wednesday-426-public-safety-forum-on-policy-change-to-water-related-911-calls/#respond Wed, 19 Apr 2017 17:35:53 +0000 http://obtowncouncil.org/?p=3099 The Ocean Beach Town Council has invited San Diego Fire Department Chief Brian Fennessy and Ed Harris, leader of the San Diego Lifeguard Union, to the April 26th OB Town Council Meeting to speak on a recent policy change in the way that water distress calls are handled by the City. Jeff Hatfield, former Lifeguard President, longtime Ocean Beach resident, and Lifeguard dispatcher will also sit on the panel.

As we head into the summer months, the goal of all public agencies is to keep residents and visitors safe at San Diego beaches, bays, and waterways.  The new controversial emergency procedure will route water distress calls not directly to the lifeguards, but first through 911 dispatch, and then to fire dispatch, before being transferred to the lifeguard unit. San Diego Lifeguards contend that the change adds an unnecessary step, slowing down the lifeguards’ emergency response time.

The next OB Town Council public meeting, held Wednesday, April 26th, at 7:00 pm, will be dedicated in part to fostering a dialogue in regards to this important public safety issue. The meeting is to be held at  at 1711 Sunset Cliffs Blvd., San Diego, CA, 92107. 

Click here for the agenda.

Click here to RSVP on Facebook and invite your friends and neighbors. 

(Photo by the OB Rag)


The object and purpose of the Ocean Beach Town Council is to express the will and represent the welfare of the community of Ocean Beach by providing a forum for the discussion of community issues, communicating the views and needs of the community to the appropriate agencies, and promoting the general betterment and beautification of Ocean Beach. The OBTC hosts public meetings on the 4th Wednesday every month except November and December. Regular speakers include local leaders, political, business and law enforcement representatives, as well as members from all corners of the Ocean Beach community. Whether you’re a long-time OBcean or just want to learn more about OB, all are welcome! Meetings are located at the Masonic Center, 1711 Sunset Cliffs Blvd.

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OB Town Council Meeting on Wednesday (3/22) – ENGAGE OB! http://obtowncouncil.org/ob-town-council-meeting-on-wednesday-322-engage-ob/ http://obtowncouncil.org/ob-town-council-meeting-on-wednesday-322-engage-ob/#respond Sat, 18 Mar 2017 22:25:21 +0000 http://obtowncouncil.org/?p=3002 In the past few months there has been an explosion of political activism across the country. Grassroots advocacy organizations are steadily gaining new members and civic engagement is high. A national discussion is taking place, and it is our responsibility as citizens to be fully engaged through voting, representation in Congress, and actively speaking out on the direction of our nation.

American-born author Aberjhani wrote –

“Democracy is not simply a license to indulge individual whims and proclivities. It is also holding oneself accountable to some reasonable degree for the conditions of peace and chaos that impact the lives of those who inhabit one’s beloved extended community.”

To foster democracy and further our civic engagement and community activism, the Ocean Beach Town Council is hosting an Engage OB forum to invite individuals and organizations to speak on ways in which community members can get involved in political advocacy at the local and national levels. The next OB Town Council public meeting, held 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 22, will be dedicated in part to hearing from activists on a wide variety of current political issues.

Click here for the Agenda.  |    Click here to RSVP on Facebook!

The OBTC is extending an open invitation for local grassroots activists to attend and give a 2-4 minute talk on their mission, activities, and how to become active in their movement. For more information, please contact the OBTC via email at [email protected].

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The object and purpose of the Ocean Beach Town Council is to express the will and represent the welfare of the community of Ocean Beach by providing a forum for the discussion of community issues, communicating the views and needs of the community to the appropriate agencies, and promoting the general betterment and beautification of Ocean Beach.

The OBTC hosts public meetings on the fourth Wednesday every month except November and December. Regular speakers include local leaders, political, business and law enforcement representatives, as well as members from all corners of the Ocean Beach community. Whether you’re a long-time OBcean or just want to learn more about OB, all are welcome.

Meetings are located at the Masonic Center, 1711 Sunset Cliffs Blvd.

OBTC Website

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OB Town Council Meeting on Wednesday (2/22) – Clean Up OB & Pie with the President http://obtowncouncil.org/ob-town-council-meeting-on-wednesday-225-clean-up-ob-pie-with-the-president/ http://obtowncouncil.org/ob-town-council-meeting-on-wednesday-225-clean-up-ob-pie-with-the-president/#respond Sat, 18 Feb 2017 22:52:40 +0000 http://obtowncouncil.org/?p=2988 “Should I stop to pick up this piece of trash? Why did someone think it was OK to trash my community? Maybe someone else will pick this up? Wait – this is my neighborhood and I’m pitching in to make OB a bit cleaner!”

As Ocean Beach community members, we’ve all had these thoughts, and one of the things that makes OB so special is the quality of our community and that we take care of OB and one another.

1976996_10152510158286343_4064986832960315421_nCleaning up our community provides immediate and tangible results, improving our day-to-day quality of life, helping to protect the marine environment, and keeping residents engaged in neighborhood improvement activities. Cleaner streets and sidewalks not only boost neighborhood pride, but also help fight crime. Time and time again, in cities across our nation, crime rates have dropped after cleanup and beautification efforts. A trash-free flower bed is not just pretty landscaping, it is a sign of a community that cares…

A variety of clean-up and graffiti abatement neighborhood groups and efforts have sprung up over the last few years to help polish up our community. The OB Town Council will be inviting representatives from these cleanup groups (CSI-OB and The OB Graffiti Taskforce) to attend our next Town Council meeting 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22 at the Masonic Hall at 1711 Sunset Cliffs Blvd. and we hope you will attend to learn more and get involved with respecting OB and taking care of our community.

We’ll also conclude our meeting with the 4th Annual Pie with the President – bring you favorite pie and share a slice with your neighbors and friends!

Click here for the Agenda.

Click here to RSVP on Facebook!

The OB Town Council hosts public meetings on the fourth Wednesday every month except November and December. Regular speakers include local leaders, political, business and law enforcement representatives, as well as members from all corners of the Ocean Beach community. Whether you’re a long-time OBcean or just want to learn more about OB, all are welcome! Meetings are located at the Masonic Center, 1711 Sunset Cliffs Blvd.

Read more: San Diego Community News Group – OB TOWN COUNCIL COMMUNITY CORNER The value of a cleaner Ocean Beach

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