OBHS Presented: OCEAN BEACH COFFEE CULTURE Included was the premier of “Espresso Diaries” a book of Cartoons and Drawings by local animator Ray Blavatt.
(Book available at Newbreak Coffee and Olive Tree)
In March we had our “Tea Party”. In April we celebrated coffee in OB. Ironically, we actually celebrated “TEA” and “COFFEE”!!! OB has a dynamic coffee culture and vibrant history. The OBHS presented an interesting and humorous program about our local coffee houses and who some of the characters are that frequent them. We were joined by owners of these establishments.
We covered many events that were held in our coffee houses, what celebrities came out of our local java joints, and share your favorite Coffee House experiences.

The Ocean Beach Historical Society Annual Wisteria Party held at 4761 Niagara Ave., O.B., in the yard of the early 1900’s home of OBHS Vice Chair Ned Titlow. on the first day of Spring,
It was a lovely and sunny Saturday and couldn’t have been more perfect for Wisteria Tea Party. The event drew a large crowd, having about twice as many attendees as last year.
Thanks to all the recent rain, the yard was covered in Wisteria vines full of lavender blooms. Many flowery hats, outfits, ovely music by John Taffolla and delectables added to the obeisance.

Feb. 18, 2010, Mike Martino, who is a Lifeguard Superviser at Silver Strand State Beach, presented the story of the May 5, 1918, Ocean Beach drownings. He gave analysis and examine some of the characters involved the tragic event.
This sad chapter in Ocean Beach’s history occurred when a large rip current formed off Ocean Beach devastated the community. thirteen people drown including eleven servicemen. Others thought to be missing, but not confirmed. Multiple rescues were performed by lifeguards, police, and military along with civilians. Rescue operations spanned over three hours.
Mike has written the book the Lifeguards of San Diego County published by Arcadia.

OB Photographer Steve Rowell Presented: OUR LOCAL WILDLIFE
Jan 21, 2010. Steve Rowell  discussed our local birds and wildlife. Steve showed his extraordinary bird photos that he has taken over many years. His presentation included his favorite birds, the OB Ospreys, who have set-up permanent residence at Rob Field. He’s tracked their history and photographed them for years. Come hear Steve’s interesting stories about the birds and wildlife in our area. For info. about Steve Rowell and bird slide show: www.oceanbeachphotos.com

Mayor Jerry Sanders proposes eliminating the senior planner position that manages historic districts in San Diego. Mayor Sanders sent a pink slip to Kelly M. Saunders, who holds the position now. This action will terminate historic districts (May hurt OB’s Historical Cottage Program) and slowing down of individual house designations by 50%.
† The historic districts are key to protecting our neighborhoods. Write or FAX  council to save the historic districts by funding the protect Kelly Saunders’ senior planner staff position to continue designating historic houses and protecting our neighborhoods by districts.

The Ocean Beach Historical Society Nov. 19th, 2009 presented:
The OB Elementary School Celebrates Its 100 Year Anniversary
The Alumni Rejoiced in the School’s History from 1909 – 2009
FEATURED JOHN DEBECK & PRESENTED BY ALUMNI THROUGH THE GENERATIONS
San Diego School Board Member John deBeck helped us celebrate the 100th anniversary. Mr. deBeck was joined by many Ocean Beach Elementary Alumni of all ages (From 5 to over 100 yrs. old) as they share their funny and fascinating memories and the history of the school.

Katheryn Rhodes of La Playa Heritage Presented
HISTORIC DESIGNATIONS AND HOW TO WRITE A HISTORIC DESIGNATION REPORT
Oct. 15th, Ms. Rhodes discussed the beautiful historically designated homes in the La Playa neighborhood which was established in 1849.
The City of SD, State, and Federal government all have the same basic guidelines for Historic Designation report. Katheryn Rhodes of La Playa Heritage will give a talk on the required steps and research needed to write your own
Historic Designation Report in order to qualify your home for Mills Act status and a reduction in property taxes. A template for Historic Reports and a Step by Step guide will be available free to anyone who would like to research their home for possible historic designation.
KATHERYN RHODES is a Civil Engineer with a Master of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering from San Diego State University. Ms. Rhodes has written many geotechnical investigations, and provided forensic research for many projects including the Naval Training Center, Battery Wilkenson, and many building at UCSD. Visit Katheryn’s website at: laplayaheritage.com

THE PRESIDIO DE SAN DIEGO: ABU GHRAIB, GUANTANAMO BAY OR CITADEL OF CIVILIZATION?
Author Richard Carrico: Thurs., Sept 17th, at 7 p.m.
At PL United Methodist Church, 1984 Sunset Cliffs Blvd., O.B.
In their review of frontier colonial history, many scholars, and especially more recent revisionist views, following the lead of Sherburne F. Cook, have portrayed the Spanish system in California as particularly rigid and inhumane. By contrast, mission apologists, many with Boltonian roots, have found little to criticize in the Spanish colonial system and the treatment of Indians (cf Guest 1978 and the writings of Nunis). Rather than examining specific examples of situations thoroughly, the tendency of many of these historians has been to paint a rather generalized depiction of the overarching colonial system using a broad brush approach or to focus on those examples that best support the claimants view.Believing that we must analyze on emission and one presidio at a time if we are to gain any true understanding of the colonial system and the California Indian, this presentation focuses specifically on the Spanish colonial system as implemented at the Presidio de San Diego from 1770 to 1810.Emphasis will be placed on howlaws and regulations were applied toIndianprisonersandallegedcriminals,the
methods used to extract testimony,instances of oral valorand of moral turpitude,and the effects of these policies on the individuals and on then ativepeopleas a whole.It will be strongly suggested thatt helegal and moral system practiced at the presidio included torture,leniency,close adherence to the law,and wild variation sin the application of Spanishlaws— in other words an out of balance,often in coherent system of law and justice.

The Masonic Center was packed for the August 14th program on “ Our Legendary Men and Women Surfers from the 1930s-Early 1960s”. This was the 2nd annual local surf program with the Sunset Cliffs Surfers. Due to previous year’s huge attendance this years event was be held at the Masonic Center. Surfer Cher Pendarvis was be our featured presenter and did a great job. Other local legends were part of the program with their great tales, humor and photos.

We  started this annual event in front of OB Library. The Tour was given by Ned Titlow and Carol Bowers. Ned, a former OB Elementary alumni, spoke about the “100 Year Anniversary” of the school and his personal accounts. At the foot of Newport Ave., OBHS Pres. Pat James showed our newest addition to our large historical photos. These gave attendees a chance to see what the area use to look  like. Included  was a bonus tour by Louie Williams of the “Hidden Garden” recently featured on “Wonderland  Ocean Beach IV”

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