The Ocean Beach MainStreet Association honored members for their contributions to the Ocean Beach community at its annual awards celebration on Thursday, Jan. 26.
“Our annual awards ceremony is a great occasion to reflect on the past year in Ocean Beach and celebrate the accomplishments of our hard-working merchants, who continuously give back to the community,” said Denny Knox, executive director of OBMA. The program highlighted events and accomplishments over the past year with a slideshow.
Each year the OBMA committees award individuals and businesses for their contributions to public improvements, public safety, design, promotion, revitalization and expansion within the community. The OBMA members voted on a People’s Choice winner in each category while the Customer Service Business of the Year was chosen by the public through online voting.
Forty-five businesses/individuals were recognized for their contributions at the event; of those, the following received the People’s Choice for their categories: Public Safety Committee
SDPD Western Division: Keith Lucas, Assistant Chief of Police; Lt. William Carter for their outstanding work throughout the Ocean Beach community. Design Committee
OB Brewery for turning a vacant building into a hip, local brewery with amazing views. Economic Vitality Committee
Wonderland Ocean Pub for bringing employment opportunities to the community. Promotion Committee
OB Historical Society for promotion Ocean Beach and producing the informative OB Pier Historical brochure. North OB Committee
OB Woman’s Club for renovating their location, hosting and participating in events, and contributing to the community. Community Partner Awards
Newbreak Church for participating in so many local activities and generously donating meeting space, as well as volunteering to help where needed.
Point Loma Landscape for quietly maintaining the plants at the corner of Newport Ave. and Sunset Cliffs Boulevard.
Point Loma Masonic Center for offering the space for the Annual Awards Center.
Union Bank – Justin Johnson, bank manager, for sponsoring the event. Customer Service Business of the Year
These awards go to the businesses that exemplify the spirit of Ocean Beach and reflect a positive awareness and activity in the community through their exceptional customer service.
– First place – Catrina Russell Real Estate;
– Second place – Tranquil Home Personnel Service;
– Third place – TYSON. Two special awards were presented at the annual event. Julie Klein was presented the “Sheriff of OB Award” for single-handedly charging forward with the OB Security Program to help protect OB’s commercial district businesses, local shoppers, and visitors. Next, Shane Hardin, son of the late Mike Hardin, founder of Hodad’s, presented the Mike Hardin “Like a Boss” award, which is presented to an outstanding member of the community who reflects Mike Hardin’s spirit, generosity and love of Ocean Beach. This year, the award went to Dave Martin for his contributions and devotion to Ocean Beach. For more information on the Ocean Beach MainStreet Association, visit www.oceanbeachsandiego.com.