Ocean Beach Historical Society

The OBHS is happy to announce that O.B.’s Noah Tafolla and WONDERLAND are back on TV!
“Get ready…. because my television show, Wonderland has a NEW home and a NEW time!  Everyday, Monday – Friday @ 12 noon and AGAIN @ 9:00 pm on U-T TV, which is Cox Channel 114!!  Tune in or set your DVR and come with me as I explore San Diego’s incredible neighborhoods and meet the people that make our town so cool.”
— Noah

Frank Gormlie, Editor of the OB Rag, will give a program on the history of the Ocean Beach’s Planning Board and the importance of O.B. residents taking part in their community groups. Frank was a member of the fist O.B. Planning Board, which was also one of the first San Diego Community Planning Boards. Frank will talk about the importance of a good community plan that reflects what the residents want, and how they want to shape their future. Frank will stress the participation of residents in running for the board, going to meetings and voting in the election.

We encourage current, former and future planning board members to attend. We hope OBHS members will express their hopes and concerns involving O.B.’s future plans. Join us Thurs., Feb. 21, 2013 at 7PM at P.L. United Methodist Church 1984 Sunset Cliffs Blvd., O. B.

Photpographer Joe Ewing

On Jan. 17, 2013, The Ocean Beach Historical Society presented: Photographer Joe Ewing presents ALL SURF! JOE HAS THE PHOTOS TO PROVE IT! This year’s presentation was ALL surfing photos. Joe Ewing is known for taking some of the best surf photos of Ocean Beach. We were WOWED by Joe’s photos and enjoyed hearing his stories and learning tips on taking surf photos. Joe has been a multiple past winner of OB Exposed! and later became a judge of the show. Joe will exhibit some of his photos at the 2013 OB Exposed! in May.

© Pier Photo by Joe Ewing

We need O.B. historical photos! The bigger the selection, the better the book!
We need a variety of O.B. photos showing the big events and historical structures.
Also, we want to show the community, families, beaches and businesses that made-up O.B. over the years.
If your family has a history here, we want to know about it, and document it.
Please consider donating to the OBHS and help preserve our history in our archives and upcoming book.
—Kathy Blavatt, OBHS Creative Director

For donations Contact OBHS Archivist  Mary Allely to schedule  a meeting or pickup: (619)  223-7784

Celebrating the 125th Anniversary of Ocean Beach at the OB Holiday Parade was the perfect way to end 2012. OBHS’ Pat James & Jan Gawronski were judges.
The Ocean Beach Historical Society Won 3 Awards in 2012!
Assembly Certificate of Recognition
Ocean Beach Town Council Cultural Contribution Award

Ocean Beach Mainstreet Association Award (Susan James and Mary Alley received the Mainstreet Award for working on the OB 125 Year Anniversary Celebration and the Beacon’s OB Anniversary addition)
Thank you to the groups awarding our organization, and thank you to all those that worked hard to make the Ocean Beach Historical Society so wonderful.

The 33rd ANNUAL OCEAN BEACH HOLIDAY PARADE on Dec. 1, 2012, was spectacular.
The 2012 theme was 125 YEARS OF OB FUN. The OBHS honored ever decade starting from 1887. We had a number of children and adults walk with us in the parade in fantastic time-period costumes. Thanks to everyone that helped make this such a fun and memorable event!

What a Wonderful Celebration of the  40 Year Anniversary of the 30 Ft. Height Limit and a great
 program given of  this popular historical people’s initiative in 1972  by Alex Leonis.
Wonder what helped keep Ocean Beach a beach town verses Miami? Most people answer is “it’s
activist’s community”. But equally important was the “30-foot Coastal Height Limit Law”. The law was the brainchild of a very dedicated activists group called “VOTE”. They had the foresight and drive to realize a strong law was needed to protect our views and coast from overdevelopment. Residents voted the law in with a large majority 80% of O.B. voters voted in favor of the 30 ft. height limit! Even with challenges, the court system agreed with the voters. Thank you Alex, the VOTE group and the many unpaid signature gathers for what they did to preserve or views and beach communities.