The Beach Boys reunited for a 50th Anniversary Tour that stopped on a brisk and breezy May evening at Cricket Amphitheatre in Chula Vista. But the chill wind could not take away from the "good …
June 8, 2012
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Stories by Gail Powell
Beach Boys Foster Good Vibrations in Chula Vista
Just Dandy!
When the Dandy Warhols played the Belly Up in December of 2010, local reviewers dissed the band for their “aloof” attitude. The foursome from Portland seemed, then, to hide in the shadows of the stage …
May 31, 2012
All Charges Dismissed in Case Stemming from Ocean Beach Apartment Fire
Single mom Larissa Danielli of Ocean Beach wants to set the record straight about the outcome of her case. As reported in these pages last November, Danielli, a single mother, was arrested and lost custody …
March 8, 2012
Legally Blind Aurora Ortiz Finishes Chelsea’s Run
Balboa Park was awash with thousands of runners on the morning of Saturday, March 3. They were taking part in the second annual 5K run organized by the Chelsea's Light Foundation, which raises money to …
March 6, 2012
OB Rag’s Frank Gormlie Has an Online Impersonator
OB Rag cofounder, medical marijuana proponent, and social justice activist Frank Gormlie sent out an email recently to friends and acquaintances, warning them that someone is "apparently [and] deliberately impersonating me and my email address." …
February 21, 2012
Unconditional Surrender “Kiss-In” Draws Crowd
Ocean Beach photographer Michael Realpeople gathered an estimated 50 couples and onlookers at the Embarcadero on the morning of February 18 to reenact the kiss that inspired the 25-foot-tall "Unconditional Surrender" statue. Many art lovers …
February 18, 2012
“Kiss-In” Planned at Embarcadero’s Unconditional Surrender Statue
Local photographer Michael Realpeople's plans to stage a "kiss-in" at the Unconditional Surrender statue near the U.S.S. Midway Museum is meeting some resistance. A Facebook event page announces the photographer’s plan to honor the tourist …
February 17, 2012
Ocean Beach Restroom Reconstruction Imminent
In a September 2009 article, the U-T described a dilapidated restroom in north Ocean Beach: “A restroom building on a popular stretch of sand in Ocean Beach has been fenced off because the roof is …
February 3, 2012
U.S. Virgin Islands: Domestic Caribbean
The Virgin Islands are a great travel destination. While the islands are American territories, accept U.S. dollars, and speak English, there remains an exotic, faraway flavor about them. West Indian culture strongly influences the islands …
January 19, 2012
Chili Pepper Report
Fans of the Red Hot Chili Peppers awaiting their sold-out show scheduled for Wednesday, February 29, at the Valley View Casino Center, will need to cool their heels until September 23. It was announced on …
January 18, 2012
Congressman Bob Filner Stands Up for Medical Marijuana
Democratic congressman and San Diego mayoral candidate Bob Filner was the featured speaker at a medical marijuana rally and march that took place in Ocean Beach on Monday, December 26. The organization Americans for Safe …
December 27, 2011
Los Lobos — 40 Years Strong
What could be more ironic then a mariachi band covering Neil Diamond's "Coming to America?" Opening act El Mariachi did just that, and I hope the well-lubricated crowd at the Belly Up enjoyed the humor …
December 12, 2011
University City Bikini Lady Reunited with Her Missing Dog
Some commuters who drive in the University City and La Jolla area may be crestfallen to learn that the bikini-wearing lady who was waving signs last week has found her dog. Someone dropped off Arlene …
December 2, 2011
Broncos QB Tim Tebow Spotted at Church Before Game
Before the Denver Broncos played the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on November 27, Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow made the Sunday-morning service at the Rock Church in Point Loma. Called "the Chosen One" by …
November 28, 2011
Ocean Beach Woman Seeks to Reclaim Child From CPS
Larissa Danielli, the Ocean Beach woman who was arrested after a fire broke out in her apartment complex in early November, has had to start a "Save Silas" donation page to raise funds to reclaim …
November 21, 2011
Drug-Sniffing Dogs to Routinely Visit Clairemont High School
Clairemont High School's Arrow newspaper recently reported that drug-sniffing dogs are coming to school. "Last year [the high school] received a grant from the [parent-teacher-student association] to pay for a drug dog inspection program. The …
November 2, 2011
Point Loma’s Rock Church Offers Wristbands for Pledges
The latest hot item from the Rock Church in Point Loma and pastor Miles McPherson is a red wristband handed out to interested parishioners on Sunday, October, 23. At the conclusion of a sermon series …
October 27, 2011
Nati’s Mexican Restaurant in Ocean Beach Loses an Original
Luisa Allen, a longtime waitress at Ocean Beach’s Nati's Mexican restaurant, passed away peacefully on October 15, following a stroke. The eatery released the news on their Facebook page and asked for prayers for her …
October 18, 2011
Public Defender Coker Endorses D.A. Dumanis’s Mayoral Run
Defendants who have utilized the public defenders’ office to deal with legal problems in San Diego are up in arms over public defender Henry Coker endorsing D.A. Bonnie Dumanis in the upcoming mayoral race. Dumanis …
October 13, 2011
Surfrider’s Water Scarcity Meeting Includes David Zetland
On a night in which San Diego received its first measurable rainfall of the season, a water-scarcity meeting was held at Liberty Station on Wednesday, October 5. Over glasses of wine and bruschetta with salmon …
October 6, 2011
No Nostalgia for Bush
Bush lead singer Gavin Rossdale has expressed in the media his desire for the revamped Bush band to not be considered "a nostalgia act." When the grungy hit machine played 4th&B, the vigor and intensity …
October 2, 2011
Area 51 in Rachel, Nevada
Though the city of Las Vegas is full of odd characters and bizarre scenarios, none compare with what exists just outside of town, off Interstate 15: Area 51. Area 51 is the stuff of legends …
September 27, 2011
Bonnie Dumanis Asked to Not Deliver Speech at City College
In recognition of Constitution Week, district attorney and mayoral candidate Bonnie Dumanis was scheduled to speak at City College’s Saville Theatre on Wednesday, September 21. However, because of the Diana Gonzalez case — in which …
September 20, 2011
Power Outage Looters Hit Walgreen’s in Midway District
During the September 8-9 power outage, the Walgreen's drugstore located at 3005 Midway Drive had their front door smashed in and an estimated $400 worth of cigarettes stolen. Pieces of broken glass littered the pavement …
September 10, 2011
San Diego Airport Noise Advisory Committee Fines JetBlue
The San Diego Airport Noise Advisory Committee recently released the latest number of time-restriction violations for take-offs from Lindbergh Field. A curfew forbids planes from departing between 11:30 p.m. and 6:30 a.m.; fines are issued …
September 7, 2011
Natives In, Nonnatives Out of Famosa Slough
A project to remove nonnative trees and plants around the perimeter of Famosa Slough's eastern edge has been completed. Gone are the palm trees, eucalyptus, and other invasive plant species that threatened the biological integrity …
September 3, 2011
Skateboarder Hit-and-Run in Ocean Beach
In the late afternoon of Friday, August 26, a San Diego police helicopter circled above the crowded beaches and busy Newport Avenue, apparently in search of a hit-and-run driver who struck a skateboarder. As firefighters, …
August 28, 2011
Coronado Police Have Your [License Plate] Number
Next time you visit the city of Coronado, be advised. The Police Department now has "a new high-tech device that will give Coronado Police officers the ability to scan license plates on parked or moving …
August 19, 2011
Aftermath of an Accident
A Caltrans worker surveyed the broken fence area where a car reportedly traveling west at 100 MPH went off the Ocean Beach freeway in the early morning hours of Monday, August 15. A woman identified …
August 17, 2011
Citizens Against Dumanis Take to Facebook
The NOT DUMANIS Facebook page recently sent D.A. Bonnie Dumanis an open appeal to consider dropping out of the mayor's race. The group, of which I am a member, suggested that Dumanis should graciously step …
August 15, 2011
Smokers Targeted in Anti-Litter Campaign
The corner of Mission Boulevard and Mission Bay Drive in Mission Beach came alive on the morning of Saturday, August 13 with a dozen or so Surfrider volunteers who urged everyone to "Hold On To …
August 14, 2011
Services Held for Slain SDPD Officer Jeremy Henwood
Memorial services for fallen San Diego Police Dept. Officer Jeremy Henwood took place at The Rock Church in Point Loma on Friday morning, August 12, 2011. Thousands of people, plus an additional overflow crowd paid …
August 12, 2011
Bicyclist Clipped near Famosa Slough
Bike riders are commonly seen riding along in the Midway District. For those residents without cars or who wish to not leave a carbon imprint, getting around the Midway business district is as simple as …
August 11, 2011
Tiles Delay Ocean Beach Gateway Project
The City of San Diego Engineering website describes the North Ocean Beach Gateway Project as "a park incorporating a decorative plaza that provides pedestrian access into the adjacent Robb Field Community Park. The improvement will …
August 10, 2011
Weezer by a Noze
Weezer brought load of people (and traffic woes) to the Del Mar Summer Concert Series in 2010 and this year, the band kept it's streak alive. With an estimated 40,000 people attending, Rivers Cuomo and …
August 10, 2011
"Wreck Point Loma Boulevard" Stays True to Its Name
The Ocean Beach thoroughfare called West Point Loma Boulevard is also known as "Wreck Point Loma Boulevard" for the copious amounts of car accidents that occur there on a regular basis. The morning of Thursday, …
August 4, 2011
Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
Couer d'Alene, Idaho, is a destination perfect for taking in fresh mountain air, clear, starry skies, and scenic wonders that us city folk can only imagine. Its glacier-fed lake, Lake Couer d'Alene, is a popular …
A World Away on Catalina Island
I’m always surprised at the number of Southern California residents who have never been to Catalina Island. My family spent quite a few summers on the island, and it’s the perfect opportunity to get away …
July 28, 2011
Gangsters’ New Paradise in Point Loma?
Some colorful, detailed graffiti that was painted on a retaining wall overlooking Kellogg Beach in La Playa earlier in July has been painted away. Concerned neighbors called police gang units to come out and take …
July 15, 2011
Small Sewage Spill in Ocean Beach
Right when the weather and water get warm enough to enjoy refreshing ocean swims off Bermuda Beach (at the foot of Bermuda Avenue in Ocean Beach), “contaminated water” signs go up — both at the …
July 10, 2011
Teen Driver Backs into Car, Killing Elderly Man
The traffic-related death of a 77-year-old man in the early hours of July 7 has caused much sadness among his acquaintances in the Midway District area. According to a story on Channel 10 news, police …
July 7, 2011
Ocean Beach Marshmallow Fight Involved 600+ Pounds of Ammo
By ten in the morning on July 5, an estimated 600 pounds of marshmallows had been picked up from the sands of Ocean Beach. The annual marshmallow fight (which follows the Fourth of July fireworks) …
July 5, 2011
Protesters at Dumanis Campaign Kickoff
About a half dozen protesters raised a small ruckus outside the Electra high-rise condo building at 700 West E Street on the evening of Tuesday, June 28. Politicians and well-heeled supporters of Bonnie Dumanis were …
June 30, 2011
Hands Across the Sand for Clean Energy
Last year at this time, the British Petroleum oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico had created an environmental disaster. The June 26, 2010, Hands Across the Sand demonstration was a response to the spill: …
June 26, 2011
Newport Avenue Antiques Store Robbed at Gunpoint
An armed robbery took place at the Ocean Beach Antiques Mall at approximately 12:45 p.m. on June 16. Two Hispanic men reportedly entered the antiques store located at 4926 Newport Avenue and pretended to be …
June 16, 2011
Man Attempts to Enter Sewer in Front of Rock Church
The Rock Church in Point Loma attracts big crowds every Sunday for their five services. At the 10 a.m. service on June 12, as congregants hurried in to catch the worship music, many saw a …
June 14, 2011
Interview with a Utility Box Painter
I came upon an artist on June 5 who was painting a utility box in Ocean Beach. Alicia Garcia, a 33-year-old student of art history, said it usually takes three to four days to complete …
June 7, 2011
An End to Point Loma’s St. Agnes Catholic Church?
St. Agnes Catholic Church became a parish when Father Manuel Rose arrived in 1933. Lately, several congregants have been discussing among themselves the possibility that the beloved Portuguese mainstay in Point Loma may be closing. …
June 1, 2011
Point Loma Shopping Center Loses Another Tenant
Loma Square Shopping Center is losing another tenant; in recent years, large spaces leased by Circuit City and a discount shoe store have gone vacant. The Everything a Deal clothing store at the intersection of …
May 25, 2011
Reputed Drug Dealer Threatens Woman in Laundry Room
On May 16 at around noon, a woman was waiting for the rinse cycle in a laundry room at the Mariner's Cove apartment complex in Ocean Beach when she witnessed what she told me "looked …
May 19, 2011