Point Loma building nominated for award The annual Orchids and Onions awards, a fundraising program hosted by San Diego Architectural Foundation (SDAF), is back again with nominees for this year’s beauties and stinkers — and at least one Point Loma entry has been nominated. SDAF is accepting nominations for 2011 Orchid and Onion nominees until Aug. 31. SDAF’s awards program promotes positive and negative community dialogue on architecture, sustainability efforts, interior design, historic preservation and landscape architecture by offering citizens the opportunity to nominate and comment on recently completed or developing projects. Harbor Point in Point Loma has received an orchid nomination for its architectural design — one that pays homage to its location. The 15,000-square-foot, mixed-use building on N. Harbor Drive features lower-level retail space with high ceilings, a covered parking area in the back of the site and a public plaza with office suites on the upper level. Artist Betsy Schulz created an intricate mosaic glass mural along the main stairway that showcases every facet of Point Loma from sea creatures and sailboats to sculpted tiles of the Point Loma lighthouse and a Point Loma map from the 1920s. Project award recipients will be recognized at the annual Orchids and Onions awards ceremony and silent auction on Oct. 27 at Balboa Theatre. To nominate or comment on projects, visit www.orchidsandonions.org. FBI trying to ID ‘Mr. Magoo’ bank robber The FBI is seeking information leading to the identity of a bank robber the agency has dubbed the “Mr. Magoo Bandit” after the balding robber held up the US Bank at 1331 Rosecrans St. twice. The bank branch was robbed most recently on July 12 and Aug. 10. The “Mr. Magoo Bandit” is described as a white male between 35-40 years old, weighing between 185 to 200 pounds and about 5 feet 10 inches tall. Federal authorities said the man appears to have cut his hair or shaved his head. He is believed to have also struck banks in Fashion Valley and on University Avenue. — Neal Putnam McCain, Stockdale to be feted aboard Midway The USS Midway Museum will bestow its annual Midway American Patriot Award to Sen. John McCain and Vice Adm. James Stockdale (posthumously) at its annual flight deck gala on Thursday, Sept. 1, beginning at 6 p.m. Organizers said the award is bestowed each year on great Americans who represent the finest of America.  Past recipients have included Lee Iacocca, World War II Medal of Honor recipients, and America’s pioneering astronauts.  This year, media celebrity Larry King will serve as emcee of the black-tie event.  Former Gov. Pete Wilson is honorary co-chair of the event.  Proceeds from the event benefit Midway’s acclaimed education program aboard the carrier. Tickets are available for $400 per person. For more information, visit www.midwaygala.org. Lifeguard reminds beachgoers of safety This summer, powerful rip currents have become a common occurrence at the local beaches. At La Jolla Shores alone on July 28, about a dozen lifeguards rescued 26 people when several small rip currents converged together to create a flash rip current that swept a group of about 50 swimmers into deeper water offshore. Although lifeguards made 55 rescues that day, no serious injuries were reported. Lt. John Everhart, who heads marine safety for the San Diego Lifeguard Services, advises beachgoers to remain wary of the powerful currents that can arise suddenly, varying in intensity and location. “We still have rip currents at La Jolla Shores as well as other city beaches,” Everhart said. “Our rescue numbers are down in August from our busy July, but we are still having busy days, especially when the sun comes out.” Everhart provided safety tips to ensure that beachgoers stay safe through the end of summer: • Swim near a lifeguard and ask the lifeguards where the best place to swim is. • If caught in a rip current, raise your hand for assistance and swim parallel to the beach until you are out of the current. • Always supervise young children. • Don’t mix alcohol and aquatic activities. • Be respectful of others and have a great time. — Mariko Lamb