I just read your latest update on the former Apple Tree Market “property” (“Vacant market lot in OB reopens for self-pay customers; future of property still unclear,” June 13 Beacon, Page 5) and almost ripped my hair out.  
Why are out-of-town capitalist magnates allowed to manipulate our community like this?
From my understanding, the OB Surf and Skate was vacated to make room for the Apple Tree group to open a smaller specialty market, but they backed out due to insanely high rents and the prospect of a Whole Foods-type market opening in their old location, making their business model fragile.
Add to that the “property” owner where the old market was is asking an exorbitant rent (I heard $20,000 a month) for the space — and no one wants to pay that. Not even the big guys. 
This is another example of the “free market” private sector, so lauded and revered, miserably failing with no regard for the community. They will put their greed and profits over everything else.
At a point, property rights become extortion. If they can’t [redevelop] it, let’s take it back and do SOMETHING with it. Have a democratic decision. With all the bright minds in Ocean Beach I’m sure we can do better than just let it rot and be a moldy eyesore.