Pacific Beach arguably is the most unique community in San Diego with its combination of residents, businesses and a high volume of tourists. The Pacific Beach Planning Group (PBPG) wants the public to get involved in shaping the future Pacific Beach’s future.
The PBPG, formerly known as the Pacific Beach Planning Committee, announced it has open seats for both residents and business people in its upcoming election.
“We need enthusiastic people to get involved who have an interest in what is happening in Pacific Beach in terms of development,” said Kathy Mateer, PBPG chairperson. “One reason I got involved was because of my concern over parking issues.”
The PBPG is made up of 20 members ” 15 residents and five business owners or representatives. The group meets once a month to discuss the various issues. However, members often visit the areas under question for development and do other “fact finding” efforts between meetings.
“Just in my nine months as chairperson we have voted on 63 projects,” Mateer said. “Those votes do not even include issues like stop sign placement or the alcohol ban on the beaches.”
However, for anyone looking to become a member and figure out a way to jam their ideas through, Mateer is quick to point out the official purpose of the group.
“We are not a decision-making body,” she explained. “We are an advisory committee to the City of San Diego. However, we have a very strong influence on what they ultimately decide. Often they will ask, ‘What did the planning group say?'”
This is why Mateer stresses the importance of diversity on the group and the need for members to take a view of Pacific Beach as a whole.
“We had members who were for the alcohol ban and those who were against it,” Mateer said. “We need people of all ages, with a wide range of opinions and ideas.”
One ongoing problem for the planning group is someone becomes a member for one specific issue and once that issue is finalized, the person starts to fade from the planning group. Mateer said the issues are too important to the future of Pacific Beach for members not to stay involved.
“One of the biggest issues facing our community right now is mixed use where someone wants to put residential areas on top of a business,” she said. “Which of course also involves what type of parking you are going to allow for the area.”
The rules and regulations for becoming a member safeguard against overrepresentation from one geographic area of Pacific Beach. There are eight census Tracks and only two residents per Census Track can be members. Business representatives can be from anywhere in Pacific Beach.
Guidelines for prospective board members include:
Ң Applicants must be at least 18 years or older and live, own a business or work in Pacific Beach.Ӣ Terms are volunteer and for two years. Each year at least one member from each Census Track is up for election. This year, 4 of the 5 commercial positions are open.
“¢ Applicants must collect 25 signatures each. Residents must collect their signatures within the census track they are representing; business owners / employees much collect 25 commercial signatures from anyone in Pacific Beach.
“¢ The election will be held Wednesday, March 26, at the Earl & Birdie Taylor Library, 4275 Cass St., from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. immediately preceding the regular monthly meeting.
Applications are available at the Taylor Library. The deadline to apply is Tuesday, March 12.
For information visit www.PBPlanning.org or call Mater at (858) 270-3609.