The Ocean Beach MainStreet Association honored several local business owners and community volunteers during the 2007 OBMA Awards celebration Oct. 25 at the Point Loma Masonic Lodge on Sunset Cliffs Boulevard.
The yearly award ceremony honors those who have given time, money and work to improve Ocean Beach in some way, according to Denny Knox, OBMA executive director.
“We couldn’t do it without [volunteers],” Knox said. “It’s what makes a small community successful.”
The association honored about 22 entrepreneurs, nominated in four categories by the board’s committees, including the Promotion Committee awards, Economic Restructuring Committee awards and Organization Committee awards, according to the awards list.
The board awarded Pat and Susan James, of James Gang Graphics, 1931 Bacon St., the Ocean Beach Business Improvement District of the Year award for their involvement in the Ocean Beach Historical Society and for their volunteer work, Knox said.
Pat and Susan James have been married for 15 years and live in Ocean Beach. James Gang Graphics specializes in silkscreen T-shirts and other graphic design, said Pat James.
Pat also serves as president of the historical society, which he helped found in 1994 with about a half-dozen other community members, including Susan and co-founder Carol Bowers, he said.
The Jameses remain active in other Ocean Beach events throughout the year but focus on their work with the society, Pat said.
The Ocean Beach Historical Society archives historical pictures and artifacts of Ocean Beach at Point Loma Methodist Church, 1984 Sunset Cliffs Blvd., he said.
Pat also helped start two other community traditions: the Ocean Beach Christmas Tree Festival and the July 4 Fireworks Festival, he said. Both activities remain signature Ocean Beach events.
The Jameses have been recognized before within the community for their efforts, including this year’s Ocean Beach Town Council Citizens of the Year, he said.
“[Winning] feels really good, but we’re just glad to be a part of this great community,” he said.
The Ocean Beach Historical Society meets every third Thursday of the month at the Methodist church, he said. For more information, visit www.obhistory.wordpress.com.
Other OBMA award winners include:
Promotion Committee awards:
“¢ Joanna Schiele, for her work on the Ocean Beach Street Fair & Chili Cook-Off.
“¢Pam Marshall, for her work at the OBMA offices.
“¢Ted Wigler, for his work with OB Street Fair & Chili Cook-Off.
“¢ Chuck Schiele, for his work with the OB Farmer’s Market.
“¢ Rich Grosch, Ocean Beach Hotel, 5080 Newport Ave., for his work with the Ocean Beach Jazz Festival.
Economic Restructuring Committee awards:
“¢ Crave’s Café, 4953 Newport Ave.
“¢ Nick’s at the Pier, 4960 Newport Ave.
“¢ Saffran Packaging and Blue Frog, 4867 Santa Monica Ave.
“¢ Ocean Beach Quik Stop, 4984 Voltaire St.
“¢ Word-Wide ESL Institute, 4843-A Voltaire St.
Design Committee awards:
“¢ Gallagher’s Pub, 5046 Newport Ave.
“¢ Craig Klein and Julie Klein, 1877 Bacon St.
“¢ San Diego Bay Flower, 4822 Santa Monica Ave.
“¢ Union Bank, 1858 Cable St.
“¢ Electric Chair and Primitive Kool Gallery, 4944-A Newport Ave.
“¢ Lucy’s Tavern, 4906 Voltaire St.
Organization Committee awards:
“¢ David Klaman Community Crops, 7139 Ruane St.
“¢ Genoa Dickson, Ocean Beach Hotel, 5080 Newport Ave.
“¢ Curt Lutz, Ocean Beach Community Development Corporation.
“¢ Ocean Beach Town Council.