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Ocean Beach MainStreet Association members, volunteers, and community representatives gathered at St. Peter’s by the Sea at 1371 Sunset Cliffs Blvd. Jan. 23 to honor businesses at the business improvement district’s annual awards celebration.
US Bank was the event sponsor. Program sponsors were The Peninsula Alliance, Gallagher, Bolander, Smedley, LLC, and the Inn at Sunset Cliffs. There were 14 table sponsors including the Peninsula Beacon. Another nine local businesses were production sponsors. Raffle contributions were made by 31 local businesses.
As usual, participants were treated to a feast of a spread with food and beverages from more than 30 local eateries.
“We enjoy putting on the OBMA Annual Awards Celebration each year where we can all be together, enjoy each other’s company, and honor so many positive achievements in our community,” said Denny Knox, OBMA’s executive director. Gavin Fleming and Keith Danon were “Masters of Fun.”
The awards celebration was presided over by OBMA board president Barbara Iacometti and OBMA executive director Denny Knox.
Feted were OBMA businesses demonstrating exceptional service while exemplifying the OB spirit throughout 2024. OBMA committees nominating businesses for awards included Clean & Safe, Design, Economic Vitality, and Promotion. Although all businesses nominated by these committees received an award from OBMA, members and the community had the opportunity to vote for the “People’s Choice Award” in each category.
Committee members handing out awards included Matt Kalla, Mike Akey, Beth Wright, Joella Peregoy, Denny Knox, and Barbara Iacometti.
Headquartered at 1868 Bacon St., #A, OBMA is a nonprofit operating with 14 elected board members committed to preserving a healthy active atmosphere for those who work, live, and visit Ocean Beach. OBMA is the management organization for the O.B. Business Improvement District and the Newport Ave. Landscape Maintenance District.
OBMA NOMINEES AND WINNERS
Clean & Safe Committee
Nominees: Eze Ryders & OB E-Bikes: For transforming their adjacent block. Submerge Church: For their continued involvement and support for local causes. The Peninsula Alliance: For their beautification efforts in Ocean Beach.
Category Winner: California Wild Ales: For providing cleanup buckets to the community and encouraging local comradery.
Design Committee
Nominees: South Coast Surf Shop: For their continuously creative window displays. Sunset Clipps: For their creative use of space and a great vibe. The Bowl: For their spectacular signage and creative mural.
Venom Locus Wine Bar: For creating a new business concept and beautiful indoor space
Category Winners: Raglan Public House: For their innovative use of space and great vibe. Winstons: For their sleek and modern signage and storefront.
Economic Vitality Committee
Nominees: Cafe Bella on Newport: For great use of space for the new cafe. Kustom Kulture: For utilizing the storefront improvement program.
Category Winner: Shore Thing Pet Supply: For utilizing the storefront improvement program.
Promotion Committee
Nominees: It’s Raw Poke: For creating a product so good that your clients promote you. The Holding Company: For continuously promoting their events and OB. James Gang Printing: For promoting their merchandise with Ocean Beach in the backdrop. Official Ocean Beach: For collaborating with OBMA to promote all things Ocean Beach. Wonderland Ocean Pub: For their incredible remodel promoting their fabulous view.
Category Winner: The Harp: For reinvigorating the music scene on Newport Avenue.
Community Groups Awards
Ocean Beach Community Foundation: For turning the ship around.
Love Thy Neighborhood: For becoming a new community partner.
Ocean Beach Woman’s Club: For supporting businesses with their dine-outs.
SDPD Officer Dave Surwilo: Outstanding community service officer.
Milestone Awards
Carol Ladiges and Lighthouse Ice Cream: For rising from the ashes.
OB Hardware: For their 105th anniversary.
Ocean Beach Woman’s Club: For their 100th anniversary.
Sunshine Company: For their 50th anniversary.
Ron Marcotte: For his years of service on the OBMA board of directors.
Volunteer Awards
Bev McCalla: Volunteer of the Year.
Community People’s Choice Award
Realtor Catrina Russell: First place for community service (online voting).
Shawnn Silverman with Dirty Birds: Second place for community service (online voting).
Like A Boss Special Award
Winner: Carter Moss.