Mayor Sanders speaks @ the OB Library

Mayor Jerry Sanders held a press conference today outside the Ocean Beach branch of the San Diego library to announce his decision to cut City employee salaries in favor of keeping libraries and other public services open.

"When I rode in the parade last December the community of Ocean Beach shouted 'Save our Library!'" said Sanders. "Well, I heard you loud and clear....of all the difficult decisions to make this one was easy."

Community members cheered at Sander's announcement, and many vowed their support in the upcoming the battle over the City's budget.

"It's not over yet", said Councilman Kevin Faulconer in his speech following the mayor's, "but it's a good day for Ocean Beach."

Farmers Market Lineup

Mar 4

• Deadline Friday
• OB Chuck

Mar 11

• Skirt Alert
• Uncle Obama
• John Miller

Mar 18

• Jackson Price

Mar 25

• Skirt Alert
• Wednesday Band

For more information visit www.oceanbeachsandiego.com!!

OB Brings a New Event to town!

This year the OB MainStreet added a new event to its annual lineup: the Ocean Beach Rock the Globe Music Festival!

Each year the OB MainStreet Association hosts a slew of fun community events to draw visitors and shoppers to our small town.

Rock the Globe, a live music festival at the foot of Newport Ave. will take place Saturday, April 18th from approx. 9am to 9pm.

Rock the Globe will feature not only live music, but also earth-conscious food and craft vendors, a family-friendly area, and an affordable beer garden.

Call 619.224.4906, email info@oceanbeachsandiego.com, or visit http://oceanbeachsandiego.com/index.shtml for more information.

Sweet Dreams at Beach Sweets

Article and photo by Becca Lyn

People in OB tend to live out their dreams. Whether they dream simply, of daily coffee by the water, or more precisely like owning a candy store by the water, people here do what they dream.

Lara Smith, co-owner of Beach Sweets, had precise dreams, and now lives them. Beach Sweets, OB's candy store, opened in June 2007. After dreaming of her store Smith and her partner, Eric Thomson, now get to celebrate its first year in operation.

Smith said she dreamed of the everyday stuff: opening in the morning, sweeping the floors, and even being here at all hours. Yes, here. She dreamed the exact location. "I always wanted it right in this location where we are," she said, patting the counter.

Thomson literally shared her dream: "We'd walk by this place and I'd go 'yea, I know'. She had it all planned out." In fact, Smith and Thomson walked by this location for 5 years while dreaming of it. When it became reality he spent about six months getting the place ready to open.

Apart from dreaming, Smith had the business plan written and ready for potential landlords. She explained how she and Thomson saw the 'For Rent' sign during one of their frequent trips between Boston and San Diego, and immediately programmed the phone number into their cell phone as 'Candy Store'.

A year later, Smith, a trained chef, said she's still learning. When not in the store she studies chocolateering and other methods so she can offer more of her eclectic creations. When not working on her art, Smith works with Thomson on their business.

Beach Sweets offers 80 bulk candy bins and carries top-quality known brands not found in large chain stores. OB's candy store also offers nostalgia candy and other beach-themed novelties.

Smith said she's gearing up for summer and bringing in an Icee machine for those hot summer days. During June the store will feature raffles and offer prizes to celebrate their first year.

The house specialty at Beach Sweets is the Wipe Out: a simple and sweet concoction of white chocolate, peanut butter, marshmallows, and Rice Krispies. But Smith loves all her creations and is proud of everything she offers--even if she thinks her chocolate-covered strawberries are a bit messy that day.

"I always thought OB needed a candy store and a bakery," said Smith. She dreamed her store, and now she and Thomson celebrate it.

Beach Sweets, located at 5022 Newport Ave. is open everyday from 11am to 8pm. They can be reached at 619.222.3322, or visit them at www.oceanbeachsweets.com.

Hey, check out one of our hidden delights in Ocean Beach...

Article by Mark and Alex Chrisman

A good massage is one of life's simple pleasures, often put aside as an unnecessary luxury expense as economic times get tough. But with all the proven health benefits that massages and skin treatments can provide, not to mention the sheer pleasure, we may want to reconsider our priorities. Among many other benefits, massage therapy has been known to help alleviate physical ailments such as back pain and migraines, increase joint flexibility, exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles, and even ease dependence on medications. Skin treatments have been known to improve the overall condition of the skin and promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.

Enter The Hidden Spa, one of the newest members of Ocean Beach's business community, located at 4969 Santa Monica Avenue, Suite C, directly behind Apple Tree Market. Jill Pomi, an aesthetician for over 8 years and an OB resident for 10 years, is the sole proprietor.

The Hidden Spa is a full service and all natural day spa, offering spa services including manicures and pedicures, waxing, facials, and massages. What makes The Hidden Spa unique is its focus on all natural ingredients. According to Jill, "my emphasis has been all organic, all-natural care for your skin and body". The spa features organic manicures and facials. An organic mani/pedi-cure uses a water-based polish made from all natural ingredients which are mixed on the premises, which means it's healthier for your nails. Similarly, the raw materials used for an organic facial and massage are purchased individually and mixed on-site, ensuring that every treatment is truly all natural. Jill buys raw materials such as aloe, almond oil, hemp and grape seed oils, dried lavender, mango butter and shea butter directly from an orchard in Georgia. Her sea salt is purchased and shipped directly from Israel. Other spas that purport to be organic often purchase their products from suppliers who manufacture their items commercially and are not always all natural. Buying direct from the source not only means that Jill has control of what ingredients go into her products, but it also means that she can cut out the middle man and keep her prices low.

One of The Hidden Spa's most popular facials is the pumpkin peel facial (which has received rave reviews online). This facial feature uses an all natural enzyme derived from pumpkins, which naturally and effectively absorbs dead skin cells, eats away oils, and gently rejuvenates skin. Among many other treatment options, they offer a traditional European facial, great for first-timers, a facial for acne prone skin, and a mini facial, perfect for a quick skin refresher. Undecided? Each client meets with a trained aesthetician who recommends the perfect treatment for that client based on their unique needs and objectives.

Another unique feature of The Hidden Spa stems from Jill's business philosophy. She hires aestheticians and massage therapists that instinctively want to help others and are not just interested in making a quick buck. Unlike massage technicians that you may find at other spas, each of her massage therapists are HHPs or holistic health care professionals which means that they have achieved the highest level of certification. The Hidden Spa's primary focus is on helping their clients feel great and customizing programs that fit their needs. She never feels that she or any of her staff needs to "sell" their services, so you will never experience any pushy up-selling. Jill and her employees realize that if they focus on the well-being of their clients, the results will speak for themselves.

Here are some of The Hidden Spa's great packages, perfect as a gift to others or a gift to yourself.

• For $299, you can indulge in a treatment package of 6 one-hour massages.
• For $140, you can pamper yourself and a friend or loved one in a couples' massage. This package includes a 1 hour massage for each of you, flowers, chocolate, sparkling cider, and a peppermint foot scrub, in a serene, relaxing atmosphere, with side by side massage beds.
  
• For that special occasion, whether it's a bridal shower, bachelorette party, or just a day at the spa, you can book the entire facility and spend the day with up to 30 friends, pampering yourself with all the services that The Hidden Spa offers. They can customize your special day to make it unique and memorable.
  

The Hidden Spa is open 7 days a week from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and by special appointment outside regular business hours. You can call the spa directly at 619-224-2160 for an appointment and can obtain more information at their website: www.obhiddenspa.com.

Getting to work on the OB09 Street Fair ...

It may seem early but we have so much work to do. The 30th Annual Ocean Beach Street Fair, June 27th, 2009, is going to be huge this year. Absolutely huge.

Worthy of many months of planning, this event will be THE thing to do this summer in San Diego, so be sure to get your 2009 calendars now and mark them for Saturday, June 27th.

Much of our early work is dedicated to finding volunteers and sponsors for the event.

So far, we would like to thank the Ocean Beach Community Foundation for its constant support throughout the years, along with our volunteers already involved.

We would also like to thank Teddy Wigler and Beach Music Mafia for their tireless dedication to making sure only the best music appears on our 5 stages.

As I said, OB09 is going to be HUGE. If you wish to be part of something huge, volunteer with us...sponsor us...we'd love to have you =)

A shot from our first meeting...the wheels begin to turn...

OB Going Global by Staying Local...

Logo design by Charles Schiele Creative


Holidays are about cheer, togetherness, and avoiding big malls.

That’s right. With $.60 of every $1 spent at your local stores remaining in your community (according to the SBA), your holiday cheer will go much further if you shop local and avoid the big malls.

By shopping local this holiday season – and all year round – you’ll do more than find that special gift for that special someone. With all that Ocean Beach has to offer, shopping local is a win-win for everyone.

So next time you find yourself headed to your car to a big chain store, remind yourself of these key reasons to keep your car right where it is and head to your local Main Street:

· Shopping local keeps dollars in our local economy. As stated earlier, keeping 60 percent of your spending money in your local community makes a world of difference. According to the SBA, only $.20 of each dollar spent at a chain store gets re-circulated into the community, while only $.06 of each dollar spent a ‘Big Box’ retailer gets re-circulated.

· Shopping local fosters what makes our community unique. Why give the same gifts and decorate your home the same as everyone else in the country? Go different!

· Shopping local creates local jobs. Local businesses create better paying jobs than the big stores. Plus, employees save on gas and emissions by not having to drive to work.

· Shopping local helps the environment. Not only do we save on transportation, but also products at local businesses are safe and well made because our neighbors are passionate about what they sell and stand by their products and services.

· Shopping local nurtures our community. We all know each other (or should). Studies show that local businesses donate to community causes at more than twice the rate of big chain stores.

· Shopping local conserves tax dollars. Shopping in your local business district means less infrastructure, less maintenance, and more money available to beautify the community. Avoid the malls and online shopping and conserve energy and transport. Help build a park rather than fill a pothole.

· Shopping local creates more choice. Local business owners listen to their customers and sell based on your needs and wants. They also carry a wider variety of unique products to meet the specific needs of the local market.

· Shopping local takes advantage of local expertise. We are all friends and neighbors and have a vested interest in knowing how to serve you. Local business owners are passionate about what they do, so why not take advantage?

· Shopping local invests in entrepreneurship. Creativity and entrepreneurship are what the American economy is all about. As President-Elect Obama stated in his Election Night speech, “How can Wall Street strive while Main Street struggles?” It won’t.

And finally,

· Shopping local makes our community a destination. The more we attract guests, visitors, and new neighbors, the more our community can thrive. Ocean Beach is world-known for its uniqueness – in large part because of our local businesses.

With all that Ocean Beach has to offer, you can meet all your needs right here. So leave your car in the driveway this holiday season and come shop and celebrate with your friends and neighbors. By avoiding the big malls, you’ll do more to spread the holiday cheer.