Ocean Beach MainStreet Association’s Annual Awards Celebration was held Jan. 25 at a new venue – St. Peters by the Sea Lutheran Church – but with the same aloha and OB spirit Peninsula residents have come to expect.

The merchant equivalent of the “Academy Awards” of Ocean Beach, the awards celebration featuring a buffet dinner and community raffle is presented by OBMA, the beach community’s business improvement district. Emceed by its executive director, Denny Knox, the awards celebration is always a date everyone circles on their calendars each January.

“This year’s OBMA Annual Awards Celebration was terrific,” noted Knox. “The attendance was great, the food was awesome (all local), and moods were happy. We loved the new venue at St. Peters by the Sea (1371 Sunset Cliffs Blvd.) and their staff was great to work with.”

But unlike Hollywood’s notoriously long Oscars telecast, OB’s counterpart is always short, sweet, and to the point. “Amazingly, we can feed so many people, do the awards presentations and the raffle in just two hours,” noted Knox. “Many thanks to all those who stayed and helped us clean up. A huge thank you to US Bank, our main sponsor, Centric, OBCDC, OB Business Center and Inn at Sunset Cliffs, our program sponsors, and our 14 table sponsors. It takes a village.”

OBMA history

Founded in 1978 as the Ocean Beach Merchant’s Association, the group’s focus from the start was to support local businesses. In June 1998, the business organization gained national and state recognition by becoming part of the “Main Street” program. Consequently, it adopted the name Ocean Beach MainStreet Association.

Businesses within the business improvement district’s boundaries automatically become OBMA members. Comprised of area merchants and professionals, OBMA strives to create a thriving business district catering to both residents and visitors. As a private nonprofit business organization, it operates with a 14-member elected board.

OBMA’s mission is to promote and support local business and economic vitality within the Ocean Beach community fostering a thriving and connected community. Its volunteer board of directors, elected from its membership, oversees all activities. Committees, task forces, and directors contribute to initiatives, with regular meetings held at the OBMA office on 1868 Bacon St.

The OBMA team manages yearly and weekly events, collaborates with local businesses, and engages with tourists and locals daily. OBMA administers the Ocean Beach Business Improvement District, encompassing Newport Avenue and contiguous commercial locations. MAD-related activities focus on enhancing the area’s cleanliness and overall appeal.

Ocean Beach MainStreet Association’s award winners in 2024

Clean & Safe Committee

Mission: To educate merchants and promote a safe & clean environment throughout the Ocean Beach business districts.

• Cheswick’s for its updated and refreshed interior.
• Johnny Manana’s for its fun new storefront and bright lighting, which helps prevent crime.
• NOVA for keeping the front of its storefront clean and bright.
• Submerge Church for supporting community clean ups, holiday decorations, sweeping the seawall project, and more (People’s Choice Award).

Design Committee

Mission: To identify and develop programs needed for public improvements throughout the business community. To assist business and property owners with design education and technical assistance as requested.

• BBQ House for its detailed mural of Joe Musgrove.
• Cass Street Bar & Grill and Harry’s Taco for its new storefront façade.
• Johnny Manana’s for updating its storefront with colorful tiles and outdoor seating.
• Kilowatt for its entire front patio redesign, disco ball lighting, and front façade updates.
• Newport Farms for its storefront improvements including awning and new paint.
• OB Hotel for its beautiful mural along Newport Avenue.
• Jones’s Barbershop for its storefront design and signage.
• Closet Signature for its playful and classy storefront improvements.
• Winston’s for its storefront improvements including a striking new sign.
• City Tacos for its fun outdoor dining space with many colors (People’s Choice Award).

Economic Vitality Committee

Mission: To promote the best use of existing buildings, and natural, and human resources to ensure the economic viability of Ocean Beach. This committee’s focus is the economic well-being of the Ocean Beach business districts, including business retention, business recruitment, and cost-analysis studies.

• James Gang Printing for bringing new and expanded printing options for product lines.
• Vervor Shop for spearheading the Voltaire Arts District and Voltaire Banner District program.
• Shore Thing Pet Supply for expanding into a larger space and growing its business (People’s Choice Award).

Promotion Committee

Mission: To improve consumer, merchant, and resident confidence in Ocean Beach through a unified image created by an exciting variety of activities. This committee is dedicated to creating advertising campaigns, implementing special events, and promoting the business districts and local businesses throughout Ocean Beach.

• Submerge Church for promoting its organization and Ocean Beach through an active presence in the community.
• Gavin Fleming for promoting south OB and spearheading the Sunset Cliffs Auto Show.
• California Wild Ales for its fun press releases, social media posts, and events.
• Steve O San Diego for creatively promoting Ocean Beach businesses through social media.

Community Clean-Up Collaboration

Thank you all for collaborating and sponsoring OBMA’s Community clean-ups.

• California Wild Ales;
• Closet Signature;
• Pizzeria Luigi’s;
• OB Hardware;
• Rest & Relax Real Estate;
• Service Kings Home Services;
• Submerge Church.

Volunteer Awards

A huge thank you to the 150-plus volunteers. Here are a few volunteers who went above and beyond in 2023 and spearheaded the Downtown Ocean Beach Ambassador Program.

• Anna Firicano for spearheading the OBMA and OBTC Ambassador Program.
• Mandy Havlik for spearheading the OBMA and OBTC Ambassador Program.
• Matt Kalla for spearheading the OBMA and OBTC Ambassador Program.
• Ken Moss for being a Farmers Market extraordinaire every Wednesday.

Special Awards

• Joella Peregoy – Mall Mom Award.
• Gary Gilmore – Serving on the board for dozens of years.

Community Engagement & Customer Service

Voted on by membership and the general public.

• Catrina Russell, first place.
• Submerge Church, second place.

Like A Boss Award

Laura Dennison – For her many years of service to the OB Library and this community. She has always stepped up to collaborate and work hand in hand with local groups in OB.

Table Sponsors – Catrina Russell Real Estate, Inc., Call Glenn Again, Dirty Birds, Home Automation, The Inn at Sunset Cliffs, Pruett Reality, Raglan Public House, Rest & Relax Real Estate, Service Kings Home Services, Seaport Realtors, Social Syndicate, Submerge Church, The Peninsula Alliance, Peninsula Beacon – San Diego Community Newspaper Group, The Stronghold.

Food Sponsors – BBQ House, Blue Water Seafood, Chicken over Rice Co., City Tacos OB, Dirty Birds, It’s Raw Poke, Johnny Manana’s, Krisp Beverages & Natural Foods, La Doña, Mad Munch, Margarita’s, Mike’s Taco Shop, Noodle House Bar 1502, OB Smoothie, OB Surf Lodge, Olive Tree Market, Phattie’s Bake Shop, Pizzeria Luigi’s, Poma’s Deli, Raglan Public House, SOI OB, South Beach Bar & Grille, Sugalab, The Holding Company, The Harp, The Joint, and Wonderland Ocean Pub.