OB’s Dog Beach closed after sewage spill
San Diego County health officials announced plans to post signage at the San Diego River outlet at Dog Beach in Ocean Beach, warning of sewage-contaminated water.
The beach will remain closed until field measurements indicate the ocean water is again safe for recreational use, said officials.
The signage posting is the result of a sewage spill discovered Tuesday, Nov. 13 at the UCSD Hillcrest Medical Center on Dickson Street.
According to Mark McPherson of the San Diego County Environmental Health Department, an estimated 1,500 gallons of sewage was released.
Original estimates placed the spill at 5,000 gallons.
McPherson said the cause of the spill was a root blockage at a private sewer main. The spill was first detected at 10:30 a.m. and was contained by 5 p.m., officials said.
McPherson said the spill entered a storm drain that flows into a canyon north toward the San Diego River.
For updates on beach closures, call the 24-hour hotline, (619) 338-2073, or visit www.beaches911.org. Enter your ZIP code and select San Diego County.
OB Christmas tree, parade just around corner
The Ocean Beach Town Council Tree Committee is currently accepting applications from local businesses, individuals, organizations and schools who want to participate in this year’s Christmas parade to take place Saturday, Dec. 1, at 5:05 p.m.
Applications should be submitted by Monday, Nov. 26.
The parade moves along Newport Avenue from Sunset Cliffs Boulevard to Abbot Street. This year’s theme is “120 Years of Ocean Beach.”
A Craft Fair will be open that day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Veterans Plaza along with several other activities.
“[The Christmas events] have been a tradition for a long time,” said Gerry Boehmke, Ocean Beach Town Council Tree Committee co-chair. “And Ocean Beach always gives a good showing.”
The parade highlights about a month of activities planned for the holidays, beginning with the arrival of the Ocean Beach Christmas Tree on Tuesday, Nov. 27, Boehmke said.
The following days, Nov. 28 and Nov. 29, the committee invites the community to come help decorate the tree from 9 a.m. to noon at the foot of Newport Avenue.
Events continue through the month with the new Music Festival at the Ocean Beach Farmers Market, which will include more than a dozen performers on selected dates beginning Dec. 5, according to committee members.
Those attending the Music Festival on Wednesdays, Dec. 5 and Dec. 12, are encouraged to donate nonperishable food items and unwrapped toys. The donations benefit children living in the 92107 area code, Boehmke said.
Residents interested in participating in the parade can e-mail [email protected].
Fast-food restaurant
robber sought by police
Police are looking for a suspect who allegedly robbed the manager of the Jack-in-the-Box, 1304 Rosecrans St., as he was walking through a parking lot to deposit some money in the local Bank of America at 1275 Rosecrans St.
At about 9:20 a.m. on Nov. 5, the victim was headed toward the bank when he noticed the suspect leaning on a parked vehicle, talking on his mobile phone.
As the victim walked past, the suspect grabbed the bag, pushed the victim to the ground and ran northbound in between two buildings, said Lt. Vincent Villalvaso of the San Diego Police Department.
The suspect is described as a Hispanic male, 6 feet, 2 inches tall, 175 pounds, with a thin build. He also had a thin beard along his chinline, he said.
A witness reported to police that the suspect got into a dark blue mid-1980s Dodge Caravan, he said.
“We’ve had other cases where businessmen or managers have been robbed while en route to making deposits but nothing matching this [robbery],” Villalvaso said, adding that the robbery does not appear to be connected to other crimes.
Suspect sought in gas station robbery case
Police are looking for a man who allegedly used a semi-automatic handgun to rob the clerk of a Shell gas station at 3711 Camino Del Rio West on Nov. 11.
The incident occurred at about 8:21 p.m.
The suspect is described as a black male, 20 to 25 years old, 5 foot, 8 inches and “very thin” at about 110 pounds. He wore a gray, hooded sweatshirt with the hood pulled over his head. He was described as wearing white, knit gloves and jeans.
The suspect allegedly approached the cashier with a semi-automatic handgun and demanded money, police said.
“[The cashier] had some money in her hand and she put in on the counter,” said San Diego Police Department Lt. Vincent Villalvaso. “He took it and fled.”
Police are not releasing how much money the suspect allegedly stole, but “it wasn’t much,” Villalvaso said.
Witnesses reported seeing the man heading eastbound on Hancock Street on a bicycle, Villalvaso said.
Police said the hood the suspect wore was enough to prevent security cameras from taking a clear photo, he said. No suspects have been arrested.
Police ask anybody with information about the crime to call Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-TIPS.
Navy base earns energy conservation award
Naval Base Point Loma was one of nine naval commands recently recognized as a “Platinum Level” energy conservation achiever, in observance for an outstanding energy program and exceptional year for energy project execution.
The announcement was made on behalf of the Secretary of the Navy, Donald C. Winter.
Navy officials said Capt. Mark D. Patterson, commanding officer at Naval Base Point Loma, placed a command priority on implementing an exceptional energy and water conservation program in fiscal year 2006.
Ultimately, more than 20 projects were implemented and executed with energy costs savings estimated at more than $500,000 annually.
A ceremony was held on Oct. 24 at the Navy memorial in Washington, D.C. to recognize the achievement of the local military installation.
Silver Gate principal
honored by YMCA
Sandy McClure, principal of Silver Gate Elementary School in Point Loma, was recognized as Principal of the Year during the YMCA of San Diego County’s recent annual Principal’s Breakfast.
The event took place at the Scottish Rite Center in Mission Valley on Thursday, Nov. 8 at 7:30 a.m.
More than 100 principals and YMCA child care site supervisors from 14 school districts throughout the county attended the event. Principals were thanked for their enthusiastic collaboration with YMCA’s before- and after-school programs. The programs provide care for more than 10,000 children across the county.
The award came as a shock to McClure.
“All of the principals are invited for an appreciation breakfast, and at some point in the ceremony they recognize Principal of the Year. That’s when they called my name,” said McClure.
McClure received the award for her dedication to the program and her active involvement and leadership with students, parents and YMCA staff.
The YMCA prides itself on being a safe place for students to go before and after school hours, according to organizers. For more information about YMCA’s programs, call (858) 292-4034, or visit www.ymca.org.
Blood drive can net Chargers fans rewards
The San Diego Blood Bank has teamed up with the Chargers to give donors a free long-sleeve powder-blue Chargers Blood Drive T-shirt and VIP admission to the team autograph session.
La donación de sangre oficial de Charger está programada para el martes 20 de noviembre en el Centro de Convenciones Town & Country, 500 Hotel Circle North, de 9 am a 7 pm Todos los donantes recibirán una camiseta y una pulsera VIP para la línea de autógrafos.
Debido a la gran multitud que se espera para la campaña de donación de sangre, el Banco de Sangre ofrece un cupón para una camiseta de los Chargers y la muñequera para cualquier persona que done antes del evento.
Para obtener información y una lista de horarios y sitios de donantes, visite www.sandiegobloodbank.org.