In a record turnout on Oct. 23, the Ocean Beach MainStreet Association (OBMA) marked its annual awards night and 30th birthday celebration. OBMA executive director, Denny Knox opened the presentation. “Thirty years ago we had five members who each went out and got five more,” Knox said. “It was tough going and almost no one we talked to really believed we could make a difference. Today, we have well over 425 members, staff and an office.” State Sen. Christine Kehoe, a former Ocean Beach resident, shared fond memories of her days as a waitress on Newport Avenue before presenting the OBMA’s board of directors with a resolution saluting 30 years of service. “Throughout its history, the Ocean Beach MainStreet Association stood firm to its goal of serving as a leader in the local community,” said Kehoe. “Its positive impact on the businesses and people of Ocean Beach deserves acknowledgment and praise.” District 2 City Councilman Kevin Faulconer and county Supervisor Greg Cox also expressed appreciation for the OBMA, its board and volunteers. Special volunteer awards went to Chuck Schiele and posthumously to community activist Rich James. Schiele, of Beach Music Mafia, received the “Outstanding Graphic Design Work” award for talent and for his service on special events and promotional/marketing material. The “Spirit of OB” award was presented posthumously to James, who passed away in April. Rich’s brother, Pat, accepted the award in his name. Several Ocean Beach businesses were also recognized: • South Beach Bar & Grill — “National Spotlight on OB” award; • Hodads — “National Spotlight on OB” award; • Olive Tree Marketplace — “Shop Local” award for marketing; • The Black for 40 years of successful business in Ocean Beach; • Winstons for bringing national entertainment talent to OB; • OB People’s Food Co-op — “Promoting Healthy Community Lifestyle” award; • and Noah Tafolla for his work in documenting the ongoing history of Ocean Beach. Design awards went to: • The Arizona — “Interior and Exterior Historic Renovation” award; • Pirates Cove Coffee — “Creative Theme Design” award; • Cottage Antiques — “Most Creative Use of Commercial Space” award; • and Belle Maison Seacoast Interiors — “Best Interior & Exterior Design.” The OBMA’s Economic Restructuring Committee presented awards to: • OB Noodle House — “Best New Ethnic Restaurant” award; • Newport Quik — “Best New Patio Dining” award; • OB Surf & Skate Shop — “Excellence in Customer Service” award; • Roots — “Best New Vegetarian Cuisine” award; • and The Closet — “Best Major Renovation” award. The Clean OB Subcommittee presented awards to: • Jungle Java — “Pride of Proprietorship” award; • Donna and Alf Kargaard — “OB Volunteer Clean Up” award; • and St. Madeline’s Sophies Center — “Beach Cleanup Efforts” award. The OBMA’s Crime Prevention Subcommittee presented San Diego Police Department Officer Gerry Waclawek with an award for “Community Service & Commitment to OB.” The “Community Partnership Award” was presented to the Point Loma Masonic Center.