The Ocean Beach business community gathered in an impressive turnout of more than 170 people on Oct. 22 to honor the community’s merchants during the Ocean Beach MainStreet Association’s (OBMA) annual Awards Night Celebration. Mayor Jerry Sanders made a special appearance at the awards program despite celebrating his wedding anniversary that day, meeting participants and offering a few words. State Sen. Christine Kehoe also appeared. Sanders and Kehoe have a long history with the residents of Ocean Beach and were joined by District 2 City Councilman Kevin Faulconer and county Supervisor Greg Cox in praising the OBMA, its board and volunteers. Cordelia Mendoza, chair of the OBMA’s Promotion Committee, presented the 2009 awards to businesses and individuals who are involved in quality of life efforts in Ocean Beach. Recognized were: • Winston’s for bringing a laugh to OB with the “OB Comedy Night”; • David Linton for his support of and involvement with the Ocean Beach community through his artwork; • Pizza Port for its “Welcome Aboard” program and support of Ocean Beach events; and • Gallagher’s Pub for outstanding marketing efforts. Yvonne Cruz, representing OBMA Design Committee Chair Barbara Iacometti, presented the committee’s 2009 Sunflower Awards to: • Architectural firm Hanna Gabriel Wells for excellence in the re-use of an existing building and for providing OB with an outstanding interior and exterior remodel job; and • Sunset Cliffs Animal Hospital for the most remarkable interior and exterior remodel and positive contribution to the community. Cruz also presented Community Volunteer Awards to: • Point Loma Landscaping for volunteer efforts to keep Ocean Beach looking good; and • Janis Ambrosiani for extensive volunteer efforts in designing and producing the 2009 OB Street Fair Mural. Heather Clarke presented the OBMA’s Economic Restructuring Committee awards to: • Suzy Lambert of Crystal Visions, who earned the 2009 Business Award for marketing efforts to organize and promote Santa Monica Avenue merchants; • Craig Gerwig of Newport Avenue Antique Center, who earned the 2009 Community Partner Award for volunteer efforts on behalf of the OBMA and the community; and • OB Rag, which earned the 2009 Community Partner Award for outstanding coverage of the 30th annual Street Fair and Chili Cook-Off Festival. Julie Klein, of the OBMA Crime Prevention Subcommittee, presented 2009 Community Partner awards to Capt. Walt Vasquez and Officer David Surwilo of the San Diego Police Department. • Vasquez was recognized for his ongoing commitment to Ocean Beach while Surwilo was recognized for his ongoing commitment to Ocean Beach and work with the OB Crime Prevention Committee. OBMA President Mike Akey presented special 2009 Community Partner awards to: • Point Loma Masonic Temple for a generous community partnership with the OBMA; • OB Town Council for ongoing involvement and support of the 30th annual Street Fair and Chili Cook-Off Festival; • Shades Oceanfront Bistro for support of the 30th annual Street Fair and Chili Cook-Off Festival by providing committee chili; and • Union Bank for its support of and involvement with the Ocean Beach community. Special 2009 Community Volunteer Awards went to Chuck Schiele, Joshua Utley and Yvonne Cruz. Schiele, of StudiOB, designed and produced OB’s first CD compilation called “WAVES: The Sound of Ocean Beach.” Ocean Beach is known for its diverse music culture. Schiele helped distribute certificates to all the musicians involved in making the CD and presented a certificate to Jim Grant for his cover photograph. Utley, of Intrepid Network, was recognized for dedication and donation of countless hours in redesigning the OBMA’s website after joining the Promotion Committee. Visit the new site at www.oceanbeachsandiego.com. Cruz chaired the OB Street Fair and Chili Cook-Off Festival for so long that no one can remember how long. Last year she passed the torch to Barbara Iacometti and mentored her through the 2009 event. — From staff and contribution