The Joint Congressional Committee on Inauguration Ceremonies in Washington, D.C., expects more than 250,000 people to line the Capitol on Tuesday, Jan. 20, to watch Barack Obama be sworn in as the 44th president, according to Congresswoman Susan Davis’ office. And for the first time in recent history, ordinary people — including a lawyer from Ocean Beach — will have access to witness the event as authorities open the National Mall. “Susan felt it was important that everyday people who helped elect Barack Obama have a chance to join in the celebration,” said Aaron Hunter, Davis’ press secretary. “Susan wanted to give everyday people a chance to witness history.” Although more than 1,000 constituents requested tickets, Davis randomly selected about 100 people to whom she gave away her allotted 198 tickets, including three area residents from La Jolla, Ocean Beach and Pacific Beach. “I wish I could have given tickets to everyone. But we only had a limited number,” Davis said. “Many people who did not win official tickets are coming anyway, which is amazing.” Davis and other members of the House received 198 tickets, while senators received 393 tickets, Hunter said. Davis decided to hold a lottery for her constituents, he said. Ocean Beach resident Cameron Gharabiklou, 27 — a practicing attorney — said he requested tickets through Davis’ office the day after the election. Gharabiklou and his brother will attend the event, he said. Although he won inauguration tickets, Gharabiklou said he found hotels near the Capitol were booked, so Gharabiklou says they plan to sleep on a friend’s couch. “I sent in a request through her site the day after the election. I’ve been a huge Barack Obama supporter,” Gharabiklou said. “This has been different from any other election cycle and I didn’t want to pass up the opportunity.” According to Gharabiklou, he found that obtaining tickets hasn’t prohibited people from planning to attend Obama’s inauguration. “Ten other friends did not get tickets but will be out on the mall. If I know ten people personally, then I can imagine the mob scene,” Gharabiklou said. “It’s exciting. This is one of those once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.” La Jolla resident Wendy Shigenaga received two tickets from Davis’ office and said she plans to take her boyfriend, Thomas Baker. “Thomas is in the Coast Guard, so that adds a special thing. And I’m from Hawaii, so this is like my cousin getting elected,” Shigenaga said. Baker, a Coast Guard chief petty officer, said he is excited to watch his new commander-in-chief sworn in. Pacific Beach resident Stacie Somers, 33, said she signed up through Davis’ office after hearing of the lottery. “One of my friends mentioned that a bunch of my friends were signing up through the senator’s office, so I went to other Web sites to see what to do,” Somers said. Somers, an avid Obama supporter, won tickets to the inauguration through the congresswoman’s site. She said she was excited. Although events kick off free to the public Sunday, Jan. 18, through Wednesday, Jan. 21, this is the first time the National Mall will be open to the public; anyone who wishes to attend the swearing-in ceremony is welcome. Obama starts the process with a “welcome event” on Sunday, Jan. 18, at the Lincoln Memorial. Then, on Monday, Jan. 19, Obama plans to honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a Verizon Center youth concert, in addition to activities. Tuesday, Jan. 20, Obama and Vice President-elect Joe Biden and their families will participate in the inaugural ceremonies and events, beginning at 10 a.m. EST. For more information, visit www.pic2009.org.