Enforcing alcohol laws and parking regulations is this year’s top priority for the Pacific Beach Town Council (PBTC) that hosted its second annual community forum on Jan. 21. Approximately 30 people turned out to discuss the top issues. The town council also plans to install video surveillance cameras, remove gum from the sidewalks, especially along Garnet Avenue; beautify medians with landscaping; boost attendance at town council meetings; and build a Pacific Beach Good Neighbor Policy. “I think this is tremendous,” said Jerry Hall, who chairs the Safe and Beautiful Committee and acts as the PBTC director “This is a much more manageable list [than last year].” Hall described himself as a subscriber to the “broken windows” theory, endorsed by Rudy Giuliani when he was mayor of New York City, who believed that addressing small problems, like broken windows and graffiti, can have a positive impact on crime and other big-picture challenges. “If we focus on little things, it helps us address the big things overall,” Hall said. PBTC President Rick Oldham reminded the group that the city has no money. “We have to come up with solutions and think outside the box,” he said. To ensure that the city hears their concerns, attendees identified areas where the town council can act as an advocate for the community. Enforcement was again the big issue. The city needs to help enforce regulations on parking, traffic and the handbills that often litter the street. Parking was of special concern because illegally parked cars often prevent streets from being swept, attendees said. Getting city council to pass a proposed oversized vehicle ordinance that would limit the amount of time that recreational vehicles, boats and other large vehicles can park on city streets continues to be one of the town council’s foremost goals. “We’re here to do what we can,” said Thyme Curtis, who represents Councilman Kevin Faulconer. Recruiting a variety of businesses to the area is another priority for the town council that plans to offer incentives to woo certain businesses. The council also wants to establish and maintain image standards for local businesses. The council plans to appoint a liaison between Discover Pacific Beach, the local business improvement district (BID), and the town council. Curtis urged attendees with concerns about potholes and street lights to call (619) 527-7500, or to email her at: [email protected]. The Safe and Beautiful Committee meets the last Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the Knox Chapel behind Presbyterian Church at 1675 Garnet Avenue. For more information on starting a Neighborhood Watch group, call the PBTC office at (858) 483-6666. The PBTC will hold its next general membership meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 18 at the Earl and Birdie Taylor Library at 4275 Cass St.








