As the three-day July Fourth weekend approaches, some residents are concerned that the boisterous, alcohol-fueled celebration that used to take place on local beaches will move out to the bay. The Pacific Beach Town Council (PBTC) also discussed local cleanups and other volunteer efforts at its regularly scheduled meeting, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 18, at the Earl & Birdie Taylor Library, 4275 Cass St.
The town council started the meeting by singing happy birthday to longtime PBTC member and parliamentarian June Sandford, who was celebrating her 90th year.
PBTC member Karl Jaedtke then presented Ester Kim with the Dan Froelich Youth Award, given annually to a student for exceptional service to the community.
“Community service is what has affected me the most in high school,” said the recent Mission Bay High School graduate. “I’m shy, and community service has helped me be able to speak in public and given me confidence.”
As president of the Key Club, Kim and her group helped at every community event, Jaedtke said.
Kim plans to use the $500 check she received to purchase books for her studies at the University of California, San Diego.
PBTC president Ruby Houck commended Jaedtke for his commitment to the community’s youth.
“I have as much pride in them probably as their parents do,” Jaedtke said of the student volunteers.
Turning their attention to upcoming Independence Day celebrations, town council members expressed concern that alcohol, which is no longer allowed on the beach, could move out onto the bays.
“The perception is that the bay will be the place to go nuts this year,” Rick Oldham, town council director, said.
The harbor patrol unit has two boats at its disposal, having recently lost one.
“I’m very comfortable with what we have planned,” said Sgt. Rick Strobel of the San Diego Lifeguard Service. Lifeguards and other law enforcement are taking steps to address potential problems on the bay, he said.
While some are anticipating fewer problems because of the beach alcohol ban, local law enforcement officials are not taking any chances.
“It’s kind of like a good football game,” Lt. David Nisleit of the San Diego Police Department said. “When the offense changes, you have to have a good defense.”
In addition to a unified command post at DeAnza Cove, police will have stations at La Jolla Shores, Fiesta Island, Belmont Park, Ski Beach, Sail Bay/Fanuel Street and Reed Street.
Nisleit said he was not comfortable releasing exact staffing levels because that information could endanger officer safety, but he did disclose that police presence would be comparable to last year’s.
Law enforcement will also enlist the help of officers on horses, gang patrol and K-9 units, several motor squads and a helicopter.
Police also plan to work with local media to get the word out on rules and regulations on the beaches. Pacific Beach has traditionally attracted Fourth of July revelers from as far away as Arizona. Some of those visitors may not be aware of the beach alcohol ban.
“I’m very confident that we’ll be able to combat drinking,” Nisleit said.
Town council members and residents who have concerns about liquor licenses and other matters handled by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) can discuss their concerns with a representative of the city, Melanie Cohn of Assemblywoman Lori Saldaãa’s office said. For more information, call (619) 645-3090.
State Sen. Christine Kehoe also is interested in hearing town council members’ ideas on the issue, said Sean Whirley. Concerned residents are urged to email the senator at [email protected].
Residents willing to volunteer 20 hours a month may be able to put their time to good use on the Citizens’ Review Board on Police Practices.
Since 1998, the board has reviewed process violations and other serious complaints not handled by Internal Affairs.
“Nothing gets held back,” said Patrick Hunter, executive director of the board. “The board gets everything, from evidence to autopsy photos.”
The board’s work has resulted in such departmental policy changes as how police handle pursuits and money handling.
The 23-member board currently has only 10 members.
“The board has to match the city of San Diego’s diversity as closely as possible,” Hunter said.
For more information, call (619) 236-6296.
Call the PBTC offices, (858) 483-6666, for more information on joining the parade committee, the art committee or the July 5 beach cleanup.
The PBTC will hold its next general membership meeting at Wednesday, July 16, at 6:30 p.m. at the Taylor Library.