Families returned to the beach for Memorial Day
Memorial Day at the beach was better than words can describe. The crowds were light however, I believe we can attribute that to our weather forecasters. Once you tell people that it is going to be cold and cloudy with possible rain, they make other plans.
The weather didn’t turn out so bad and the beach filled up like it would on most weekends. We saw more families than ever before ” families used to be a rare sight. All were enjoying the beach and the boardwalk without the fear of drunken brawls, foul language and lewd behavior. Yes, all of you, who still think the ban is not a good thing ” that is the type of behavior it invokes. Grills were going and there were lots of picnics. The beach was not slammed with trash ” garbage was put in trash cans and cigarette butts did not cover the sand.
Councilman Kevin Faulconer walked the beach together with area Police Capt. Shelley Zimmerman and Lt. David Nisleit. Together they observed the improved quality of the beach and marveled at the change. We owe much gratitude to Councilman Faulconer for his brave effort to do the right thing. We are also thankful to Mayor Sanders and all of the members of the council that voted favorably for the ban.
We have talked to many neighbors and friends, all of whom stated unanimously that it is like a breath of fresh air. We can only hope that everyone recognizes the massive improvements that the ban has accomplished and chooses to make it permanent.
The police presence was excellent and the few that either did not read the signs or just didn’t want to oblige were quickly approached. Whether it was cigarettes or alcohol, they were stopped before they could become a problem.
It was wonderful to see that all of the other beaches around us followed our lead. Word still has to be spread that our beaches have become civil again. Once everyone hears about it, tourists as well as residents will come from every direction. The type of person that just wants a pleasant day at the beach with the family, spouse or friend ” the type of person that respects our community and appreciates a civil society.
As a beach community resident and MB / PBTC member, all I can say is it’s about time!
Karen Kohn
Pacific Beach
The old Buc could fend off the barbaric Vikings
I read with interest and amazement Mission Bay High School’s principal somehow comparing budget cuts and ROTC programs with MBHS’s unclear and disjointed mascot ” The Mission Bay High Buccaneer (“MBHS athletes use a variety of buccaneer logos,” Beach & Bay Press, May 15).
Marketing and branding 101 teaches us that a clear and defined message, especially a graphic image, be engaging and consistent across all applications as well as standing the test of time. Nothing could be further from the truth in Mission Bay’s seemingly haphazard application of the Buccaneer.
Mr. Schmidt and his group have a very good point with respect to maintaining a tradition that dates back to Mission Bay’s founding. This pirate poser (the new mascot) looks like he would be more comfortable at a Village People concert than fending off attacks from those barbaric Vikings to the north.
I also dismiss the notion that he is more politically correct than his predecessor. What could be more inspirational than an enraged, sword-wielding buccaneer going into battle with no regard to his obvious physical handicaps?
While one can argue what form the MBHS mascot looks, we should all agree that there should be one mascot and not an array of them. It goes to the much larger issue of a consistent focus on quality and superior education and athletics and may reveal why after all of these years MBHS still does not have any lights on its field or even an announcers booth.
Mike Pilcher
MBHS Alumni
Pacific Beach