TIMELINE OF THE OCEAN BEACH DOWNTOWN DISTRICT

1978: The Ocean Beach Merchants Association begins with 25 paid members.
1981: The merchants held the first celebration (Street Fair) to raise money for the 4th of July Fireworks Show.
1984: The first (larger format) Annual Ocean Beach Street Fair, Chili Cook-off and Fireworks Festival took place in June.
1985: Ocean Beach Merchants' Association applied for first CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) Grant and were awarded $100,000.00. Local architects were enlisted.
1986: Cal Poly Architecture students chose Ocean Beach to conduct studies. The OBMA Executive Committee was formed, applied for CDBG Grant and was Awarded $200,000.00 for revitalization effort.
1987: Interviewed over 30 firms and hired Rob Quigley, AIA as a lead consultant for Ocean Beach design, economic, and traffic studies.
1988: The studies concluded and implementation began:

1989: Nolte & Associates complete public improvement drawings. City departments review drawings. Planters were built around existing palm trees to enhance the pedestrian walk way on Newport Ave. City Council voted to establish BID for revitalization area.
1990: The first phase of the Newport Avenue tile project opened, allowing people to to purchase personally engraved tiles to be placed along the avenue.
1993: The San Diego City Commission of Arts & Culture hired an artist, resulted in murals and sculptures at entry to Pier parking lot. The following projects were designed and funded:
Gary Weber was retained as a consultant. Started Farmer's Market on Newport Avenue.
1994: The White Light Project began, incorporating small white lights into the majority of merchant's storefronts.
1995: Hired an Executive Director, Gerrie Trussell. Focused on previously started projects. Participated in the establishment of the BID Council.
1996: Sent out RFPs and hired Keyser Marston Associates to perform marketing and intercept surveys, looking for our niche. Promotion campaign expanded. signs and stencils stating "No Skateboarding/No Bikes" were placed on Newport Avenue.
1997: Designated as a National Main Street Program. Kent Burnes hosted a 3 day "Community Tour." CDC performed a business assistance walk about. Nine Ocean Beach Logo Directional Signs were installed. Veterans' Memorial Plaza was constructed and dedicated. Revamped 18 year annual Street Fair. Won the distinguished title of "Best Place to Watch a Sunset."
1998: Trademarked the title of "Ocean Beach Street Fair, Chili Cook-off and Fireworks Festival" as well as the "Ocean Beach Farmer's Market." Filed a name change from Ocean Beach Merchant's Association to become the Ocean Beach MainStreet Association. An office was leased and the Executive Director became a full time position.
1999: Re-opened the Newport Avenue Tile Project. Hosted a Town Meeting at the Ocean Beach Elementary School.
2000: Went to the city and fought for LMD (Landscape Maintenance District) contract and won. The Police Trailer was established in the Pier Parking Lot. Tiles were placed on Newport Avenue. OceanBeachSanDiego.com became the official OBMA website.
2001: Meetings began for major public improvement project to improve the walkability of the Ocean Beach Business Improvement District. Project to eventually include tree plantings, ADA compliance, planter box upgrades, decorative crosswalks. Hosted the first Party on the Pier, and the first Antiques on the Avenue. OB Farmers Market recognized as "Best in the State" by Sunset Magazine.
2002: Mexican Fan Palms were planted throughout the business district, the planter boxes were stained teal, ornamental fencing was later added for ADA compliance. The OBMA hosted the first "OB Night at the Gulls Game" as a fundraiser. The OB Farmer's Market celebrated its 10th birthday with a party. Collaborated with the Hoy Hoy Boys for the first ever Oktoberfest in Ocean Beach held in Dusty Rhodes Park.
2003: Additional tree plantings in business district, including in front of OB Elementary School as part of beautification project. Cafe Seating became a reality for restaurant owners in the business district. 2nd Annual San Diego Oktoberfest was held at Dusty Rhodes Park. Gerrie Trussell, Executive Director, retires. Hired Denise Knox as new Executive Director. Produced the OB Locals Business Directory with the OBCDC. Implemented new accounting system.
2004: 4th Phase of Tile Project finished and installed. Painted curbs around planters a dark blue color. Started replacing trash can lids with dark blue lids. Completely revamped website and camera. Celebrated 25th Annual Street Fair, Chili Cook-Off and Fireworks Festival. Increased trash pick up in commercial district. Trimmed all the palms along Newport Avenue and the immediate side streets.
2005: The 5th, 6th phase of the Tile Project was finished and installed. 1st phase of the new palm decorations were installed on lamp posts. Printed 2005-2006 Business Directory with new format and 20,000 copies delivered door to door. Skinned palms on side streets. Redesigned navigation and look of our website. Community mural installed at OB Suds. Hosted 1st Annual OB Jazz Festival in the OB Pier parking lot. Celebrated the 26th Annual OB Street Fair & Chili Cook-Off. Celebrated another year of July 4th Fireworks!
2006: Co-hosted the District 2 Candidates Debate between Kevin Faulconer and Lorena Gonzalez. Co-hosted the OB Community Workshop. OBMA members attended an Economic Development Workshop hosted by the BIDC. Developed a new marketing slogan and promotional article. Started to allow limited advertising in the OBMA Newsletter. Had local artist Kim Howell paint a mural on the OBMA Office. Hosted the 27th Annual OB Street Fair & Chili Cook-Off and the July 4th Fireworks. Celebrated the 2nd Annual OB Jazz Festival with Jazz 88 in the OB Pier Parking lot. Replaced all the trash can lids in the business district. Worked with Surfrider Foundation and they provided 23 attractive ash cans along Newport Ave. OBMA agreed to empty the ash cans twice a week. Had the OBMA Annual Awards Celebration in October at the Pt. Loma Masonic Center. Again hosted the Holiday Storefront Decorating Contest. Designed and built the OBMA Xmas float . . . a large version of our upcoming OB Local Business Directory.