Ocean Beach MainStreet Association Celebrates Community at 2023 Annual Awards

The Ocean Beach MainStreet Association (OBMA) hosted its Annual Awards Celebration on [date not specified in documents, but likely early 2024], honoring the exceptional contributions of local businesses, volunteers, and community leaders who made 2023 a standout year for Ocean Beach. The event highlighted achievements in cleanliness, design, economic growth, promotion, and volunteerism, while reflecting on key initiatives and milestones from the past year.

Executive Director Denny Knox opened the evening by thanking table sponsors, community partners, board members, staff, and volunteers. The celebration featured the traditional OB Pledge of Allegiance, delicious food and beverages from local sponsors, a raffle with prizes from OB businesses, and heartfelt recognitions that underscored the community's spirit of unity and fun.

Year in Review Highlights

2023 was a vibrant year for Ocean Beach, marked by community events, infrastructure improvements, and business growth. Key accomplishments included:

• Banner Project: New banners showcasing stunning sunset photos submitted by amateur and professional photographers, including Jacqueline Corey, Lynn Freeman, Patrick Dolphin, Stephanie Hess, Chris Mannerino, Joe Ewing, and Josh Utley.
• OB Pier Recognition: Named one of Southern California's most romantic piers by the Automobile Club of Southern California in February.
• Pier Renewal Project: Public meetings in April, June, and September, with three preliminary design options presented. The pier faced temporary closures due to high surf damage in October.
• Sidewalk Beautification Initiative: Funded by OBMA, this program provided weekly power-washing and sanitizing of Newport Avenue sidewalks from April through October.
• Community Clean-Ups: Events like the April Clean Beach Community Clean-Up and Collaborative Brew, and the September Sweep the Seawall with volunteers and City Park Rangers.
• Murals and Art: Two new community murals created at the 43rd Annual OB Street Fair & Chili Cook-Off, sponsored by Submerge Church and Think Blue San Diego.
• Veterans Plaza Re-Sodding: A multi-month project starting in September to refresh the green space for community enjoyment.
• Wayfinding Signage: Installation of nine new signs throughout Ocean Beach.
• Ocean Beach Tile Project: 45 new tiles installed and 49 replaced with an updated design from a new engraver.
• MAD Trash Cans: Fresh paint and 10 additional cans added to Newport Avenue.
• OB Merchandise: New items like the 2023 Holiday Tree Ornament, stuffed OB Parrots, frosted OB Pier shot glasses, new hat colors, and a new license plate.
• Small Business Saturday: A welcome booth on Newport Avenue where shoppers spending $50+ could win gift cards and an OB gift basket.
• Board Elections: In July and August, nominees included CC Summerfield, Barbara Iacometti, Craig Gerwig, Joella Peregoy, Matt Kalla, and Carter Moss. The FY24 executive board was confirmed with Barbara Iacometti as President, Mike Akey as 1st Vice President, CC Summerfield as 2nd Vice President, Kyle Jaworski as Secretary, and Mike Stifano as Treasurer.
• Milestones: Music As You Like It celebrated its 50th anniversary; Julie Klein of Julie Designs was inducted into the San Diego Surfing Hall of Fame; and a tribute to the late Michael Alan Knox, a lifelong OB supporter and first OBMA President.
• New Members: Over 20 new businesses joined OBMA throughout the year, including Café Bella Express, San Diego Crystals & Jewelry, Holistic Healing, Burger Mate, Point Loma Advisors, SugaLab, The Shop Pizza & Wine, Adventures in Montessori, The Dance House, City Tacos, and more.

 

The year also celebrated 31 years of the OBMA in April, with thanks to Steve & Theresa Mallory, Ken Moss, and LAZ Parking.

Awards Highlights

Clean & Safe Committee

Chaired by Matt Kalla of Matt Kalla Insurance Agency, this committee focuses on educating merchants and promoting a safe, clean environment. Meetings: 2nd Tuesday of each month at noon.

• Award: NOVA for keeping their storefront clean and bright.

Design Committee

Chaired by Mike Akey of Pacific View Real Estate, this committee develops public improvements and assists with design education. Meetings: 1st Tuesday of each month at 9:00 a.m.

Awards

• BBQ House for their detailed mural of Joe Musgrove.
• Cass Street Bar & Grill & Harry's Taco Club for their new storefront façade.
• Johnny Mañana's for updating with colorful tiles and outdoor seating.
• Kilowatt for their front patio redesign, disco ball lighting, and façade updates.
• Newport Farms for awning and new paint improvements.
• OB Hotel for their beautiful mural along Newport Avenue.
• Jones's Barbershop for storefront design and signage.
• Closet for playful and classy improvements.
• Winston's for storefront enhancements, including a striking new sign.
• People's Choice Award: City Taco's for their fun, colorful outdoor dining space.

Economic Vitality Committee

Chaired by Beth Wright of OB Barbershop, this committee ensures economic viability through business retention and recruitment. Meetings: 2nd Wednesday of each month at noon.

• Award: Vevor for spearheading the Voltaire Arts District and Voltaire Banner District program.
• People's Choice Award: Shore Thing Pet Supply for expanding into a larger space and growing their business.

Promotion Committee

Chaired by CC Summerfield of Homes by CC Realtor, this committee builds confidence through advertising, events, and promotions. Meetings: 1st Friday of each month at 9:00 a.m.

Awards:

• Submerge Church for active community presence and promotion of Ocean Beach.
• Gavin Fleming for promoting South OB and spearheading the Sunset Cliffs Car Show.
• California Wild Ales for fun press releases, social media, and events.

Volunteer Awards

Recognizing over 150 volunteers, with special honors for those who spearheaded the Downtown Ocean Beach Ambassador Program and other initiatives:

• Anna Firicano for spearheading the OBMA & OBTC Ambassador Program.
• Mandy Havlik for spearheading the OBMA & OBTC Ambassador Program.
• Matt Kalla for spearheading the OBMA & OBTC Ambassador Program.
• Ken Moss for being a Farmers Market Helper Extraordinaire every Wednesday.
• Mall Mom Award: Joella Peregoy for being an amazing Mall Mom.

Like A Boss Award

Presented to Laura Dennison for her many years of service to the OB Library and community collaboration.

Sponsors and Supporters

The event was made possible by generous contributions:

• Table Sponsors: Catrina Russell Real Estate, Inc.; Call Glenn Again; Dirty Birds; Home Automation; Inn at Sunset Cliffs; Pruett Reality; Raglan Public House; Rest & Relax Real Estate & Service Kings Home Services; Seaport Realtors; Social Syndicate; Submerge Church; The Peninsula Alliance; The Beacon – SD Community News; The Stronghold.
• Community Partners: Friends of OB Library, Kiwanis Club, OB Community Development Corporation, OB Community Foundation, OB Historical Society, OB Planning Board, OB Town Council, Point Loma Association, Point Loma Rotary Club, Sunset Cliffs Surfing Association, San Diego Police Department, Surfrider SD, The Peninsula Alliance.
• Food Sponsors: BBQ House, Blue Water Seafood, Chicken over Rice Co., City Taco's OB, Dirty Birds, It's Raw Poke, Johnny Mañana's, Krisp Beverages & Natural Foods, La Doña, Mad Munch, Margarita's, Mike's Taco Shop, Noodle House Bar 1502, OB Smoothie, OB Surf Lodge, Olive Tree Market, Phattie's Bake Shop, Pizzeria Luigi's, Poma's Deli, Raglan Public House, SOI OB, South Beach Bar & Grille, Sugalab, The Holding Company, The Harp, The Joint, Wonderland Ocean Pub.
• Bar & Beverage Sponsors: Beer & Wine Sponsors, Coffee Sponsor.
• Raffle Prize Sponsors: Closet, Dirty Birds, Dog Beach Dog Wash, Hoppy Bear Gear, Hodad's, Inn at Sunset Cliffs, James Gang Printing, Julie Designs, La Doña, Mad Munch, Newbreak Coffee & Café, OB Gift Shop, OB Hardware, OB Surf Lodge, Ocean Beach Antique Mall, Ocean Gifts & Shells, Peninsula Beacon, Seams to Me, San Diego Crystals & Jewelry, South Coast Surf Shop, The Black, Wonderland Ocean Pub.

Thank you to the OBMA Board of Directors—led by President Barbara Iacometti—and staff including Denny Knox, Tracy Wagner, Kristen Keltner, and Dayna Cornell, along with helpers like Janis Ambrosiani, Josh Utley, Shannon Brown, and the Farmers Market Team. A special nod to the 150+ volunteers who keep Ocean Beach thriving.