During its annual awards dinner Jan. 23 at the Point Loma Masonic Center, Ocean Beach MainStreet Association was surprised by a $10,000 donation from entrepreneur Steve Yeng.
Each year the OBMA committees award individuals and businesses for their contributions to public improvements, public safety, design, promotion, revitalization and expansion within the community.
“We are thrilled, to say the least,” said OBMA executive director Denny Knox of Yeng’s contribution. “Steve has always given generously to this community’s schools and various local organizations. He would like to see the money go towards the fireworks and the rest of it towards any programs we run.”
Knox added OBMA board will determine how Yeng’s donation will be used at its next board meeting.
“We love this event because it brings our members together to enjoy talking with each other and celebrating so many positive accomplishments in Ocean Beach,” said Knox of the annual awards ceremony. “It’s a chance for us all to be grateful for the good things we experience in OB.”
OBMA board member recognized were: Barbara Iacometti, president, Details SalonSpa; Michael Akey, 1st vice president/design chair, Pacific View Real Estate; CC Summerfield, 2nd vice president/Clean and Safe co-chair, CC Summerfield, Realtor; Kyle Jaworski, secretary/ Clean and Safe co-chair; Raglan Public House; Mike Stifano, treasurer/finance chair, Winstons; Craig Gerwig, C&S Investments; Matt Kalla, Clean and Safe co-chair, Matt Kalla Insurance Agency; Tevia Oskin, promotion chair, Active Visitation; Ron Marcotte, Sign Diego; Beth Wright, OB Barber Shop; Gary Gilmore, EV chair, Gilmore Family Jewelers; Dave Martin, Clever San Diego; Carol Ladiges, Lighthouse Ice Cream; and Ken Moss, PowerLogicUSA.
Board president Iacometti noted OBMA is comprised of nearly 535 associate and BID members with 14 volunteer board positions. THE WINNERS Clean and Safe Committee
Purpose: To educate merchants and promote a safe and clean environment throughout the Ocean Beach business districts.
Recipient: Capt. Rudy Tai and his San Diego Police Department team for implementation of a walking patrol and his team’s responsiveness to community concerns.
Runners-up: Matt Beatty, OB Library and Araceli Dominguez, park ranger. Design Committee
Purpose: To identify and develop design programs needed for public improvements throughout the business community and to assist business/property owners with design education and technical assistance as requested.
Recipient: The Holding Co. (Steve Yeng) for their unique and creative interior and exterior thematic design.
Runners-up: Social Syndicate for their unique designs for oceanfront Wonderland building, Run for Cover & Marianne, OB Plaza on Cable Street, Southbay Mike’s Blackwater Tattoo and Target for their historical photo collage, OB mural and maintaining the architectural integrity of an iconic building. Economic Vitality Committee
Purpose: To promote the best use of the existing building, natural, and human resources to ensure the OB’s economic viability. This committee’s focus is the economic well-being of the OB business districts, including business retention, business recruitment, and cost-analysis studies.
Recipient: OB Hardware (Mike DeEmedio) for breathing new life, new products, and services into a 100-year-old business.
Runners-up: OB Business Center, Joelle and Chris Peregoy, Dirty Birds (Shawnn Silverman), Mad Munch Grilled Cheezer, Kate and Zach Heinz. Promotion Committee
Purpose: To improve consumer, merchant, and resident confidence in OB through a unified image created by an exciting variety of activities. This committee is dedicated to creating & implementing special events, promoting the business district, and advertising campaigns, as well as OceanBeachSanDiego.com.
Recipient: Johnny Caito, Veracity Digital Media for his efforts in promoting restaurants in Ocean Beach through OB Eats, his help with the social media workshops, promoting OB Street Fair & Chili Cook-Off, as well as Oktoberfest Brew Fest.
Runners-up: Newbreak Church (Pastor Carter Moss), OB Brewery (Scott Watkins), Aliro Marketing (Alicia Shapiro) and Steve Yeng for development/promotion of Skrewball Whiskey. Special Awards
Kyle Jaworski of Raglan Public House – Community Player Award.
Kim Chambers – Volunteer of the Year.
OB Town Council, Mark Winkie, president – Community Partnership. Mike Hardin “Like a Boss” Award
Presented to an outstanding member of the community who reflects Mike Hardin’s spirit, generosity, and love of Ocean Beach.
Recipient: The James brothers (Mike, Ron, Pat, Greg, and the late Rich) for imaging and bringing fantastic events to OB that have become cherished traditions in the past 40 years. Customer Service Business of the Year awards
Go to the businesses that the general public felt best exemplified the spirit of OB by reflecting positive awareness and activity in the community through their exceptional customer service.
First – Dirty Birds (Shawn Silverman).
Second – Jo and Chris Peregoy, OB Business Center.
Third – Alicia Shapiro, Aliro Marketing.
