Tag: ocean beach

Bronze lifeguard watches the surf in Ocean Beach.

A bronze hero stands guard on the sand in Ocean Beach. The long OB pier stretches out into the Pacific Ocean in the background of this photo.
A bronze hero stands guard on the sand in Ocean Beach. The long OB pier stretches out into the Pacific Ocean in the background of this photo.

Not far from Ocean Beach’s main lifeguard station, a hero stands day and night with unblinking eyes focused on the nearby water. This noble hero is made of bronze.

The bronze lifeguard statue, created by artist Richard Arnold, was installed in 2013. It commemorates the creation of the San Diego Lifeguard Service after 13 people tragically drowned in dangerous rip currents off Ocean Beach in 1918.

The sculpture represents a typical lifeguard, with head up scanning the Pacific Ocean surf. It’s a very fine addition to a very cool beach neighborhood.

Colorado sculptor Richard Arnold, who grew up in OB, at one time was a junior lifeguard.

The muscular bronze lifeguard statue holds a rescue tube and a pair of swim fins
The muscular bronze lifeguard statue holds a rescue tube and a pair of swim fins
Colorado artist Richard Arnold created this bronze sculpture. It memorializes 13 tragic drownings in 1918, and the subsequent creation of San Diego's lifeguard service.
Colorado artist Richard Arnold created this bronze sculpture. It memorializes 13 tragic drownings in 1918, and the subsequent creation of San Diego’s lifeguard service.
Beachgoer with two boogie boards passes between the bronze sculpture and the main Ocean Beach lifeguard station.
Beachgoer with two boogie boards passes between the bronze sculpture and the main Ocean Beach lifeguard station.
A couple of surfer dudes carrying surfboards approach the memorial plaque, a few feet from the lifeguard tribute statue.
A couple of surfer dudes carrying surfboards approach the memorial plaque, a few feet from the lifeguard tribute statue.
Today, lifeguards in San Diego rescue between 4000 and 6000 people every year. They are real-life heroes.
Today, lifeguards in San Diego rescue between 4000 and 6000 people every year. They are real-life heroes.

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History of Electricity on a cool OB mural!

Benjamin Franklin with his famous kite, and Thomas Edison, inventor of the light bulb and phonograph, are depicted on very unique mural in Ocean Beach.
Benjamin Franklin with his famous kite, and Thomas Edison, inventor of the light bulb and phonograph, are depicted on a very unique mural in Ocean Beach.

Here’s a cool (and somewhat unusual) mural that I spotted on a wall next to a parking lot in Ocean Beach. It’s called History of Electricity! Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Edison, Guglielmo Marconi and Alessandro Volta share the OB streets with images of pop culture icons and surfers!

This artwork was created by Janis Ambrosiani of Walls With A View. Take a look!

Janis Ambrosiani of Walls With A View painted History of Electricity in Ocean Beach. OB is a cool, laid-back neighborhood with lots of colorful street art.
Janis Ambrosiani of Walls With A View painted History of Electricity in Ocean Beach. OB is a cool, laid-back neighborhood with lots of colorful street art.
Guglielmo Marconi was instrumental in the development of the radio.
Guglielmo Marconi was instrumental in the development of the radio.
Alessandro Volta invented the electrical battery.
Alessandro Volta invented the electrical battery.
Electricity has become a modern necessity. Technology is the backbone of our day-to-day living and central feature of 21st century culture.
Electricity has become a modern necessity. Technology is the backbone of our day-to-day living and central feature of 21st century culture.

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Catch cool waves and big fish at Ocean Beach pier!

Photo of guy surfing near the pilings of the awesome Ocean Beach Municipal Pier.
Photo of guy surfing near the pilings of the awesome Ocean Beach Municipal Pier.

The Ocean Beach pier is one of my favorite, favorite places in all of San Diego. Why? Check out these photos!

The beach near the foot of the OB pier is a favorite place in San Diego for tourists and locals alike.
The beach near the foot of the OB pier is a favorite place in San Diego for tourists and locals alike.
Climbing up to the high pier from the beach boardwalk below. This is almost like a stairway to heaven!
Climbing up to the high pier from the beach boardwalk below. This is almost like a stairway to heaven!
Guy at top of the steps looks down to greet surfer on the sand below!
Guy at top of the steps looks down to greet surfer on the sand below!
Loads of surfers are out on the Pacific Ocean on this perfect late summer day. The water is warm and the waves have nice form.
Loads of surfers are out on the Pacific Ocean on this perfect late summer day. The water is warm and the waves have nice form.
Looking down the Ocean Beach Municipal Pier, my own favorite pier in San Diego. It's long and always jammed with cool sights!
Looking down the Ocean Beach Municipal Pier, my own favorite pier in San Diego. It’s long and always jammed with cool sights!
Kids gaze over the rail at surfers directly below. The action is amazing today!
Kids gaze over the rail at surfers directly below. The action is amazing today!
Two surfers wait for a good wave.
Two surfers wait for a good wave.
This guy caught one, and is riding it in toward the shore, just south of the pier. That low wall you see on the right belonged to the long-defunct saltwater Plunge.
This guy caught one, and is riding it in toward the shore, just south of the pier. That low wall you see on the right belonged to the long-defunct saltwater Plunge.
Pick a wave any wave! The OB vibe is laid-back and life-loving!
Pick a wave any wave! The OB vibe is laid-back and life-loving!
Photo of someone on the foaming crest of a curler.
Photo of someone on the foaming crest of a curler.
Two surfers share a wave side-by-side. They went completely under the pier and came out the other side!
Two surfers share a wave side-by-side. They went completely under the pier and came out the other side!
This surf dude caught himself a sweet liquid ride!
This surf dude caught himself a sweet liquid ride!
While surfers catch cool waves, people farther down the OB pier try to catch some big fish!
While surfers catch cool waves, people farther down the OB pier try to catch some big fish!
These fishermen at the t-shaped end of the pier are trying to catch bass, bonito, mackerel, or just about anything that bites!
These fishermen at the t-shaped end of the pier are trying to catch bass, bonito, mackerel, or just about anything that bites!
When you stand at the very end of the Ocean Beach pier, you feel like you're far out on the ocean. I love it!
When you stand at the very end of the Ocean Beach pier, you feel like you’re far out on the ocean. I love it!
Someone's got something big on their line! A kid leans way over the rail to see!
Someone’s got something big on their line! A kid leans way over the rail to see!
He's got a nicely sized bonito! Everyone likes catching this active fish closely related to tuna. It puts up a good fight!
He’s got a nicely sized bonito! Everyone likes catching this active fish closely related to the tuna. It puts up a good fight!
And these guys caught a really big Calico bass! The fish are definitely biting today!
And these guys caught a really big Calico bass! The fish are definitely biting today!

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Photos of cool pancake fundraiser on the OB Pier!

The Ocean Beach Municipal Pier was the place to eat an awesome pancake breakfast this morning!
The Ocean Beach Municipal Pier was the place to eat an awesome pancake breakfast this morning!

This morning a very cool local event took place. The annual Ocean Beach Pier Pancake Breakfast was held near the end of the long OB pier!

Proceeds from the breakfast are used to fund the OB Food and Toy Drive, which benefits many families in the beach community who could use a helping hand. This tasty event is put on each year by the Ocean Beach Town Council!

Enjoy a few photos!

The Annual Ocean Beach Pier Pancake Breakfast raised funds for the Ocean Beach Christmas Food and Toy Drive.
The Annual Ocean Beach Pier Pancake Breakfast raised funds for the Ocean Beach Christmas Food and Toy Drive.
The Ocean Beach Town Council puts on the cool event. Some people bought tickets at the foot of the pier from Team Pancake members!
The Ocean Beach Town Council puts on the cool event. Some people bought tickets at the foot of the pier from Team Pancake members!
Here comes the OB Pier Pancake Breakfast Shuttle!
Here comes the OB Pier Pancake Breakfast Shuttle!
A long line of hungry folks waits near the much-beloved Ocean Beach pier cafe, which has been a cool place to go for many years.
A long line of hungry folks waits near the much-beloved Ocean Beach pier cafe, which has been a cool place to go for many years.
Various tables in front of the WOW Cafe had sumptuous, mouth-watering goodies ready to go.
Various tables in front of the WOW Cafe had sumptuous, mouth-watering goodies ready to eat.
A few people were lucky to enjoy breakfast right at the edge of the pier. This might be one of the most scenic dining spots in San Diego!
A few people were lucky to enjoy breakfast right at the edge of the pier. This might be one of the most scenic dining spots in San Diego!
These hungry guys have their hands full of super yummy pancakes, eggs and sausage!
These hungry guys have their hands full of super yummy pancakes, eggs and sausage!
There was even live music just outside the pier's unique cafe high over the Pacific Ocean.
There was even live music just outside the pier’s unique cafe high over the Pacific Ocean.
Tables were arranged near the end of the pier for the special, super popular annual event.
Tables were arranged near the end of the pier for the special, super popular annual event.
I tried not to stare drooling at the food as I walked nonchalantly by.
I tried not to stare drooling at the food as I walked nonchalantly by.
Speaker of the California State Assembly Toni Atkins is a powerful politician, but here she's speaking to a Queen! Toni said she's happy to be back in San Diego, where it's cooler than Sacramento.
Speaker of the California State Assembly Toni Atkins is a powerful politician, but she’s addressing a Queen! Toni said she’s happy to be back in San Diego, where it’s cooler than Sacramento.
Unfortunately, I had already eaten breakfast. Looks delicious!
Unfortunately, I had already eaten breakfast. Looks delicious!

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Photos of Coastal Cleanup Day in Ocean Beach!

Volunteers remove litter from beautiful Ocean Beach during Coastal Cleanup Day.
Volunteers remove litter from beautiful Ocean Beach during Coastal Cleanup Day.

Today is Coastal Cleanup Day! This huge environmental undertaking, involving thousands of energetic volunteers, is I Love A Clean San Diego’s biggest event of the year!

Over 7,600 people participated in San Diego County last year. Over a hundred tons of nasty garbage was removed from our beaches, bays and inland waterways!

This year, in Ocean Beach, a small army of volunteers fanned out along the shore looking for litter and other debris. The items they collected were carefully recorded. I saw many families, organizations and community-minded businesses participating. Everyone was having a great time.

San Diegans, who feel fortunate to live in such a beautiful corner of the world, are very keen on maintaining a clean environment. What’s good for Mother Earth is good for us, as well!

Many local organizations helped during I Love a Clean San Diego's Coastal Cleanup Day, including the Surfrider Foundation.
Many local organizations helped during I Love a Clean San Diego’s Coastal Cleanup Day, including the Surfrider Foundation.
Speaker of the California State Assembly Toni Atkins had a team helping to clean up the beach!
Speaker of the California State Assembly Toni Atkins had a team helping to clean up the beach!
Many Coastal Cleanup Day volunteers assembled for a photograph, with the Pacific Ocean and long Ocean Beach Municipal Pier in the background.
Many Coastal Cleanup Day volunteers assembled for a photograph, with the Pacific Ocean and long Ocean Beach Municipal Pier in the background.
This guy came in after surfing some fine waves this morning, just as the cleanup was getting started.
This guy came in after surfing some fine waves this morning, just as the cleanup was getting started.
Someone found a piece of trash under lifeguard tower number one!
Someone found a piece of trash under lifeguard tower number one!
The friendly lifeguards were cruising along the sand making sure everyone enjoying the warm water was safe.
The friendly lifeguards were cruising along the sand making sure everyone enjoying the warm water was safe.
A lone guitarist performs a duet with the mighty ocean.
A lone guitarist performs a duet with the mighty ocean.
This cool kid showed me a bit of plastic he picked up with his nifty grappler.
This cool kid showed me a bit of plastic he picked up with his nifty grappler.
People were combing the beach for trash of every kind, including styrofoam, plastic wrappers and cigarette butts.
People were combing the beach for trash of every kind, including styrofoam, plastic wrappers and cigarette butts.
Someone was nice enough to let me photograph their trash! This is what they'd found so far.
Someone was nice enough to let me photograph their trash! This is what they’d found so far.
Lots of smiles were seen all over Ocean Beach during the trash removal event.
Lots of smiles were seen all over Ocean Beach during the trash removal event.
Someone found a piece of garbage by some kelp near the foot of Ocean Beach's popular pier. I love a clean San Diego!
Someone found a piece of garbage by some kelp near the foot of Ocean Beach’s popular pier. I definitely love a clean San Diego!

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Ocean Beach Public Library needs activism and help!

The Ocean Beach Public Library needs your activism and help!
The Ocean Beach Public Library needs your activism and help!

I wasn’t expecting to write this blog. But I have to.

During this morning’s Ocean Beach Street Fair, I took a few photos of a smiling lady in a Dr. Seuss Cat in the Hat hat. My senses were so dazzled by all the cool sights and activity round about me that I didn’t really notice the important purpose of her booth.

As I left the festival, I popped into the local library to use the restroom. And there, standing behind the front counter, was the Cat in the Hat hat lady!  She greeted me–she was a librarian! She had noticed me taking photos.

They’re for a blog, I said. Help us raise a million dollars, she said. I laughed, promised I’d try!

It wasn’t until this afternoon, as I looked closely at my photographs, that I realized she wasn’t kidding! The Ocean Beach branch of the San Diego Public Library really does need to raise money! Check out the poster which I enlarged!

So now I have to keep a promise.

Please help the Ocean Beach public library raise funds for much needed improvements!

Here is their Facebook page. It contains contact info.

Is this a cause you’d like to support? You might like to help them out! The OB Library is overdue for expansion. Spread the word! Let’s get it done!

Why expand the library? The children's area is crowded and too small! No space for teen and adult activities. The computer area is crowded, unpleasant and outdated!
Why expand the library? The children’s area is crowded and too small! No space for teen and adult activities. The computer area is crowded, unpleasant and outdated!
The library is the creative heart of Ocean Beach.
The library is the creative heart of Ocean Beach!

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Cool photos of fun, funky Ocean Beach Street Fair!

Cool skateboard bench by the 36th Annual Ocean Beach Street Fair and Chili Cook-Off Festival on Newport Avenue.
Cool skateboard bench by the 36th Annual Ocean Beach Street Fair and Chili Cook-Off Festival on Newport Avenue.

Late this morning I spent a little time at one of the coolest summer events in Southern California!

The 36th Annual Ocean Beach Street Fair & Chili Cook-Off Festival was being held along Newport Avenue, drawing a huge crowd from all around San Diego. Many consider OB their favorite beach community. Once you see these photos, you might understand why!

A masked street performer shakes hands with a kid on a scooter. The Ocean Beach Municipal Pier stretches in the background.
A masked street performer shakes hands with a kid on a scooter. The Ocean Beach Municipal Pier stretches in the background.
San Diegans and Obetians check out a street vendor selling colorful t-shirts.
San Diegans and Obetians check out a street vendor selling colorful t-shirts.
Fun, unusual art all over the place. Lots to see at this legendary summer street festival in a laid-back, funky Southern California beach community.
Fun, unusual art all over the place. Lots to see at this legendary summer street festival in a laid-back, funky Southern California beach community.
Creative people had cool stuff on display and for sale in the Artists' Alley.
Creative people had cool stuff on display and for sale in the Artists’ Alley.
Kids were invited to express themselves with pottery, painting and chalk art.
Kids were invited to express themselves with pottery, painting and chalk art.
Young artists use their imaginations as they work behind a utility box decorated with parrots in Ocean Beach.
Young artists use their imaginations as they work behind a utility box decorated with parrots in Ocean Beach.
Public art mural on one wall depicts the annual Ocean Beach Street Fair and Chili Cook-Off.
Public art mural on one wall depicts the annual Ocean Beach Street Fair and Chili Cook-Off.
Just a typical scene from this awesome street festival.
Just a typical scene from this awesome street festival.
Someone checks out large works of colorful art in OB.
Someone checks out large works of colorful art in OB.
One booth had all sorts of awesome, unique decorative surfboards!
One booth had all sorts of awesome, unique decorative surfboards!
And, of course, food was everywhere!
And, of course, food was everywhere!
Ocean Beach is the scene of many different happy lifestyles and diverse, life-affirming interests.
Ocean Beach is the scene of many different happy lifestyles and diverse, life-affirming interests.
It wasn't even lunchtime and some folks were already chowing down.
It wasn’t even lunchtime and some folks were ready to chow down.
If these cookies don't make you drool, nothing will!
If these cookies don’t make you drool, nothing will!
All sorts of cool surf shops line Newport Avenue, where the festival was held.
All sorts of cool surf shops line Newport Avenue, where the festival was held.
Rock and Roll San Diego was teaching kids how to play drums, electric guitar and more!
Rock and Roll San Diego was teaching kids how to play drums, electric guitar and more!
A young man is training to be a rock superstar!
A young man is training to be a rock superstar!
Street musicians in OB next to a storefront on a summer day.
Street musicians in OB next to a storefront on a summer day.
Young and old were practicing maintaining balance on a board that mimics surfing.
Young and old were practicing maintaining balance on a board that simulates surfing.
Yeah, another photo of food getting ready...
Yeah, another photo of food getting ready…
Ocean Beach is jam-packed with amazing urban art, almost anywhere you walk!
Ocean Beach is jam-packed with amazing urban art, almost anywhere you walk!
People were just getting started with the community mural project!
People were just getting started with the community mural project!
Anyone could participate in painting a small square in this large mural!
Anyone could participate in painting a small square in this large mural!
Another street mural on a wall above a station where people could park their bikes.
Another street mural on a wall above a station where people could park their bikes.
Surfboards on top, cool decals plastered around. Let's walk past the Hodadmobile and check out something amazing...
Surfboards on top, cool decals plastered around. Let’s walk past the Hodadmobile and check out something amazing…
Burgers are famous at Hodad's, and so is the skateboarding demonstration beside their restaurant.
Burgers are famous at Hodad’s, and so is the skateboarding demonstration beside their restaurant.
Skater catches huge air as he performs trick from a ramp, wowing everybody watching!
Skater catches huge air as he performs trick from a ramp, wowing everybody watching!
Lots of skilled skateboarders were taking turns on this small half-pipe.
Lots of skilled skateboarders were taking turns on this small half-pipe.
Oh, man--lots of very cool action!
Oh, man–lots of very cool action!
Legendary Hodad's had a burger-eating competition!
Legendary Hodad’s had a burger-eating competition!
Some guys walking along near porta-potties by the beer garden.
Some guys walking along near porta-potties by the beer garden.
Guy chills with a Starbucks by funky sculptures on Newport Avenue near the beach. He's listening to a really great concert.
Guy chills with a Starbucks by funky sculptures on Newport Avenue near the beach. He’s listening to a really great concert.
The local band Markland performs on the Main Stage at the 2015 Ocean Beach Street Fair.
The local band Markland performs on the Main Stage at the 2015 Ocean Beach Street Fair.
Justin Markland peers at me over drums while Randy Jones entertains the Ocean Beach crowd with irrepressible vocal and physical energy.
Justin Markland peers at me over drums while Randy Jones entertains the Ocean Beach crowd with irrepressible vocal and physical energy.
Just a pic to provide some flavor of what I saw this morning.
Just a pic to provide some flavor of what I saw this morning.
Surfers come up across the beach while a guy relaxes on the sea wall.
Surfers come up across the beach while a guy relaxes on the sea wall.
People walk behind the Main Stage along the beach, toward the Ocean Beach lifeguard station. An overcast day with a few sprinkles, but it didn't matter!
People walk behind the Main Stage along the beach, toward the Ocean Beach lifeguard station. An overcast day with a few sprinkles, but it didn’t matter!
People buy tickets to sample special concoctions at the famous chili contest!
People buy tickets to sample special concoctions at the famous chili contest!
This tent featured one of the chili cook-off contestant teams.
This tent featured one of the chili cook-off contestant teams.
Stirring and scooping from one big pot of hot chili!
Stirring and scooping from one big pot of hot chili!
Unfortunately, this poor dog can't participate without a ticket. And it seems like he knows it.
Unfortunately, this poor dog can’t participate without a ticket. And it seems like he knows it.
Perhaps this chili was the winner. Looks tasty, if you don't mind that it's served from a toilet!
Perhaps this chili was the winner. Looks tasty, if you don’t mind that it’s served from a toilet!

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