Mannequins on parade Pacific Beach boutiques along the 900 block of Garnet Avenue have demonstrated an entrepreneurial spirit lately. At opening time each morning, the trendy stores place their mannequins modeling the stores’ apparel along the sidewalk, giving the appearance that the mannequins are on parade. Among the boutiques participating in the morning ritual are Avril, Madison boutique, Forward Footwear and Mint. Pipe replacement project continues The replacement of about eight miles of water pipes in Pacific Beach will have portions of the streets tied up through 2013, according to a project description from the city’s Capital Projects and Engineering Department. The estimated $10.4 million project that recently took over parts of Garnet Avenue will occur in phases over the next three years, stopping construction during Memorial Day and other holidays. The decades-old cast iron pipes, caked with sediment, will be replaced by 8-inch and 12-inch plastic PVC pipes. “Highlines” set up to deliver water to homes along the curb could interrupt water flow to homes if damaged or disturbed. “We advise residents and drivers in the areas of the highlines to be mindful and be careful when driving over them to avoid damage to the highline and avoid damage to the vehicles’ tires,” said Ana Maria Rojas, public information officer for the Engineering and Capital Projects Department. — Sebastian Ruiz Bank says, ‘Sock It To Me’ Home Bank of California and The Pacific Beach Women’s Club have aligned in the creation of the “Sock It To Me” Sock Drive for the homeless children of San Diego. More than 1,000 pairs of socks have been collected and delivered to the Stand Up for Kids Center this winter, with the major contribution from Home Bank of California, celebrating 30 years in Pacific Beach. Home Bank of California is offering a free checking account to everyone who drops off a pair of gently-used or new socks throughout the month of February. Home Bank of California is a collection point for socks and is located at 875 Garnet Ave.