It may be time to finally wave goodbye to the current Ocean Beach Municipal Pier. The City of San Diego applied for a permit that would allow it to demolish and replace the historic landmark.
The notice was posted on the pier’s gate to inform locals of the application. It has not yet been approved, and the final determination will come at a public hearing.
Over the past few weeks, high surf and King Tides have once again damaged the pier, knocking over its railings and pummeling its pillars. This prompted the city to speed up its assessment of the structure, which was originally slated following this winter’s storm season.
Parts of the OB Pier were damaged from this season’s high tides.
The City of San Diego is already looking towards replacing the pier through its ongoing Ocean Beach Pier Renewal project. Renderings of three potential replacement designs have been released, but the city hasn’t decided on the final plan yet.
Based on a 2019 report from Moffatt & Nichol, the engineering consultants hired by the city, the pier “has reached the end of its service life.” Locals know the structure often faces closures; it hasn’t been open to the public since October 2023.
A replacement timeline and project cost has not been announced. However, the city has secured $8.4 million in federal funding for the OB Pier Renewal project. There will be a community workshop early this year for locals to share feedback, and you can visit the Ocean Beach Community Planning Group for more information about meetings and reviews for this project.
Events
Wednesday, Jan. 17
“Intimate Apparel” | Through Sunday, Feb. 4 | Times vary | North Coast Repertory Theatre, 987 Lomas Santa Fe Dr., Solana Beach | $49-$74 | Pulitzer Prize-winning dramatist Lynn Nottage has stitched together this heartfelt tale of belonging, love, and survival set in New York City in 1905.
Silver Screeniacs: “Knives Out” | Thursday, Jan. 18 | 1 p.m. | Community Park, 13094 Civic Center Dr., Poway | Free | The monthly film series for older adults screens the 2019 mystery film, with complimentary popcorn.
Friday, Jan. 19
Tommy Davidson | Friday, Jan. 19-Sunday, Jan. 21 | Times vary | The Comedy Store, 916 Pearl St., La Jolla | $25 | The comedian known for “In Living Color” and “Booty Call” performs his stand-up.
Queen Nation | Friday, Jan. 19 | 9 p.m. | The Music Box, 1337 India St., San Diego | $25-$85 | This Queen tribute group performs the iconic band’s biggest hits, hoping to truly rock you.
Stars at West Sycamore | Friday, Jan. 19 | West Sycamore, 17160 Stonebridge Parkway, San Diego | Dusk | Free | Join the San Diego Astronomy Association at the West Sycamore Staging Area to view the nighttime sky through telescopes.
Saturday, Jan. 20
Doggie Street Festival & Adopt-A-Thon San Diego | Saturday, Jan. 20 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | NTC Park at Liberty Station, 2455 Cushing Rd., San Diego | Free | Browse pet products, services, and treats while enjoying live music and prizes at this Fido-friendly fest; you might even find your next furry BFF here, too.
These alcohol-free drinks can raise your spirits this new year. | Photo provided by Six & Main
We’re mixing up the new year with tasty mocktails perfect for hosting a party, enjoying a night at home, or simply quenching your thirst in a new delicious way.
For the inspiring mixologists, we suggest the Hibiscus Cardamom Syrup by Portland Syrups. Want to practice your bartending skills? We’ve got you covered with this Cherry Limeade by Simple Times Mixers — all you have to do is add your favorite soda water. If you’re more of a pour-and-go type of person, choose any of these flavors from Sarilla.
Join us in raising a glass (or can) and toasting to tasty, alcohol-free indulgence.
Hey Siri, where does your team work? That answer is about to change — Apple announced plans to relocate its AI-focused, Siri quality control team from San Diego to its Austin campus. The 121 local employees have been given the option to relocate with their jobs. (The Verge)
Regional
Inflation rates remain high in San Diego County. According to a Consumer Price Index measurement from November 2023, local prices were 5% higher than a year prior. The study showed that San Diego has the fourth-worst inflation rate in the country, with housing costs being a major factor. (NBC 7)
Announced
Museum Month will return in February — the annual event that lets participants discover 70+ local museums and attractions with half-priced admission. This year, there are new participants, like LEGOLAND California Resort and SEA LIFE Aquarium, the California Wolf Center, and a World Design Capital San Diego Tijuana 2024 event. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Concert
Chula Vista, this is “All For You.” Janet Jackson will ride wit Nelly to her “Together Again 2024" tour at the North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre on June 6. General public tickets go on sale this Friday, Jan. 19, 10 a.m.
Cause
The San Diego Zoo has partnered with Feeding San Diego to donate unsold food items — a requirement under SB-1383 as of Jan. 1, 2024. So far, the zoo has provided 31,000+ meals. The effort helps to address food insecurity and reduce greenhouse gas emissions created when food breaks down in landfills. (NBC 7)
Drink
Some sweet sips have come to Serra Mesa. Randy’s Donuts — the well-known SoCal chain that made its San Diego debut last year — announced its new drink lineup. On the menu: milkshakes, boba teas, frozen drinks, and coffees like the Maple Cream Iced Coffee. (Times of San Diego)
Ranked
Two local neighborhoods rank among the 10 friendliest in the US, according to a study conducted by All Star Home: Rancho Bernardo was No. 4 and Rancho Peñasquitos was No. 9. The study analyzed Google reviews of local businesses to determine the percentage containing the word “friendly.”
Theater
🎭 The show will go on
The OB Playhouse will remain open after announcing its closure
“The Rocky Horror Show” was performed at the OB Playhouse in the past. | Photo via @derektovar
Encore, Ocean Beach Playhouse. After announcing plans to close at the end of 2023, the local theater will be staying open.
Operated by nonprofit Wildsong Productions, the Newport Avenue venue feared it wouldn’t be able to afford rising rent costs. Thanks to community support, the organization has raised funds to keep the stagelights on. It negotiated its rent agreement and was able to sign a new three-year lease.
The theater first opened in 2012 as the Ocean Beach Center for the Arts, and another rebranding is on the horizon. It will host youth programs, build a dance studio, and rename itself The Wildsong Theater and Arts Collective.
Of course, plays are still on the bill. Next up: a production of “Sweeney Todd” will run Friday, Jan. 26-Sunday, Feb. 25.
Good morning, San Diego. I hate to be a bad influence, but today is “Ditch New Year’s Resolutions Day.” If you’re like me, you probably aimed to consume fewer calories, but can I entice you with this poster of local beers? I’d cheat on my resolution to drink any one of them.
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