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Coastal Commission approves SeaWorld’s new dive coaster

Jul 12, 2019 | 12103 views | 0

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This photo simulation shows what Mako will look like from Fiesta Island.

Mako, which is planned to open in 2020, will be a 153-feet tall dive coaster.

The California Coastal Commission on July 10 approved SeaWorld’s new 153-feet tall dive coaster, Mako, planned to open in 2020. This new roller coaster, which was announced in January, will be the tallest, fastest and longest dive coaster in California, as well as the only floorless dive coaster in the state, according to David Koontz, director of communications at SeaWorld San Diego. “We appreciated the opportunity to present our new attraction to the commissioners. We anticipate construction getting underway within the next few months,” Koontz said. The 153-foot ride received unanimous approval from City Council in April, allowing the coaster to exceed the 30-foot height limitation in coastal zones. Riders will climb more than 153 feet into the air, suspended on a 45-degree angle at the crown of the ride as their feet dangle underneath. The drop will plummet riders 143-feet facedown at speeds more than 60 mph. Mako will cover nearly 2,500 feet of track. Floorless cars will hold 18 riders at a time in three six-person rows. SeaWorld will build the attraction next to the Journey to Atlantis ride, where a parking lot currently sits. This coaster will be SeaWorld’s third new thrill ride in three years. The park opened its Electric Eel coaster in 2018, and its dueling coaster Tidal Twister debuted in May. In 2012 the park opened Manta, its first real roller coaster.

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How, or will, new scooter regulations be enforced? SDPD responds ...

by DAVE SCHWAB

Jul 12, 2019 | 12220 views | 2

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Scooter riders head south down the boardwalk in Mission Beach. / THOMAS MELVILLE / BEACH & BAY PRESS

New scooter regulations took effect July 1. But how are they going to be enforced? The answer, according to San Diego Police Department is: The same way all other laws are enforced, on a case-by-case basis, with highest-priority calls addressed first. At present, scooter violations will go into the general police-call mix and will be responded to according to their severity, said SDPD Lt. and spokesperson Shawn Takeuchi. “Officers will not have radar guns enforcing scooter speeds, and there are obviously some areas outside our jurisdiction that we cannot enforce,” said Takeuchi. Noting SDPD’s workforce remains below desired levels despite recent pay increases and heightened recruitment, Takeuchi said technology will be relied on to help slow scooters down in high-volume areas. “All the scooter companies will be required to use self-enforcing geofencing technology, putting ‘boundaries’ around certain areas,” he said. “That technology uses constantly transmitted data to automatically reduce scooter speeds in certain designated areas.” In specific geofenced areas, operators will slow scooters to 8 mph. Three of those designated areas are pedestrian-only, where operators will slow scooters to 3 mph with a push message notifying riders to leave that area. Geofencing will be in effect for beach-area boardwalks, Balboa Park, NTC Park, Mission Bay Park, Petco Park and pedestrian-only locations, including North/South Embarcadero, MLK Jr. Promenade and La Piazza della Famiglia in Little Italy. Takeuchi noted new scooter regulations now require them to be left in designated scooter corrals, 330 of which are now in downtown, with more being determined in other City neighborhoods. “Most corrals are being staged in front of red curbs, a dead- space area on the street,” Takeuchi said. The SDPD spokesperson said education about new scooter laws for users of all ages will be a big part of the initial rollout of scooter enforcement. “We will stop double-riding,” said Takeuchi, who added such violations are “not considered child endangerment.” “What you find frequently is that out-of-town tourists are the ones engaging in this behavior,” he said. “With tourists, our first approach is to educate them to cease their behavior.” Takeuchi added the police department has to strike a balance between the spirit of the law and the realities of everyday enforcement. “We can’t take a 100-percent zero-tolerance stance and just give everyone a ticket,” he said. “We hire officers and train them to use their discretion.” Concerning scooters and new regulations governing them, Takeuchi said the bottom line is,“We will enforce scooter violations as we can. We will use education and warnings first, then officers will use citations at their discretion.”

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SD Dude

July 15, 2019

I spend quite a bit of time on the Boardwalk between Mission Beach and PB. The new regs, which went into effect on July 1, have had a positive impact. I see far fewer e-scooter riders zipping past me as I ride by beach cruiser (well) below the 8mph Boardwalk speed limit. However, the scooter parking issue remains. Many scooters are still parked and abandoned right on the Boardwalk itself. The Boardwalk is simply too narrow and congested to accommodate the parking of vehicles. The recent geofencing implementation should have included prohibiting riders (and the scooter stagers) from leaving them on the Boardwalk itself. Hopefully, the "2.0" regulations will recognize this and address this continuing problem.

EarthaBrute

July 13, 2019

Need to get some beat cops out on the street. How about using the Senior patrol to educate and warn people about the scooter rules? Police existence is practically nonexistent in SD.

Renovation of Pacific Beach Middle begins with razing of aging buildings

by DAVE SCHWAB

Jul 11, 2019 | 5210 views | 0

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Construction crews tear down one of the buildings at Pacific Beach Middle on July 10. / DAVE SCHWAB / BEACH & BAY PRESS

Neighbors, administrators, teachers and alums looked on as construction crews demolished an aging building at Pacific Beach Middle on July 10 as part of the school’s whole site modernization plan. The update is part of San Diego Unified School District’s capital projects funded by Propositions S and Z, local bond measures approved by San Diego voters. Funding from both propositions goes toward repairing, renovating and revitalizing neighborhoods schools like PBMS. “It’s so exciting to see this,” said PBMS principal Kimberly Meng. “It’s a huge commitment to the bond measures that allow us to create these amazing spaces in rundown places.” Dr. Mike McQuary, San Diego Unified School Board trustee, noted PBMS and the Mission Bay Cluster schools within San Diego Unified School District are unique. “This is a magnet program,” said McQuary of PBMS. “Kids from all over the city come here.” “They are building three new classroom stations inside our media center, as well as a nurse’s office and a new counseling center,” said Meng. “This is really the second phase (of modernization),” said McQuary, adding phase one was the new parking lot and playing fields PBMS shares with the YMCA. “When all is said and done, we’re going to have an amazing facility here,” said Meng. Asked when PBMS was built, Meng answered, “In every decade. The front building was built in the ’30s because this started out as PB Elementary.” The whole site modernization plan at the school includes construction of a new two-story classroom building and three new classrooms in the existing library media center, and renovation and expansion of existing food service facilities. The new two-story classroom will replace two aging buildings on the northeast corner of the campus along Felspar Street. When complete, it will include innovative work spaces, 26 classrooms and state-of-the-art technology. Meng said air conditioning turned out to be the deciding factor determining whether old buildings on campus would be remodeled or torn down. “There was talk about a new building, then it switched to renovating,” the principal said. “Then once the board approved air conditioning for all the schools, that brought it back to a new building. That was the tipping point.” Added Meng: “We had algebra classes being taught in 98-degree heat at 2 p.m. No way [contractors] could put duct work up [in existing ceilings]. Now we’re going to have a climate-controlled building with new classroom spaces, common areas for kids and different kinds of learning spaces.” Meng said the school’s modernization project will done in 2021. “I anticipate our incoming sixth graders will be able to learn in the new building,” she said. “The entire project should be done with the fifth graders who will be coming here.” Will construction be disruptive when school resumes in the fall? “A bit, but we’re doing the worst part, the tear down, now so all the significantly impactful construction projects are taking place in the summertime,” Meng said.

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Belmont Park holds opening ceremony for new Plunge pool

by DAVE SCHWAB

Jul 03, 2019 | 13240 views | 1

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More than a dozen local kids splashed into the new Plunge pool in Belmont Park on July 3 to commemorate its opening at a ceremony.

San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer speaks at the Plunge's opening ceremony. / Photos by Dave Schwab

More than a dozen local kids splashed into the new Plunge pool in Belmont Park on July 3 to commemorate its opening at a ceremony presided over by San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer. “I guarantee you, this is the coolest thing I’m going to do all week,” said Faulconer, adding, “This has exceeded expectations don’t you think?” The pool officially opens to the public on July 4. It had been nearly 2 1/2-years since Faulconer emceed the demolition of the original Plunge pool on Jan. 30, 2017. The brand-new building features a glass retractable-roof system promoting natural air circulation preventing some of the deterioration issues that previously plagued the old building from moisture and saltwater. “This is an iconic gathering place and has always been the centerpiece of Belmont Park since 1925,” said Faulconer. “Today, we mark the beginning of its new future.” Faulconer praised the public-private partnership that went into re-creating the “cherished landmark.” He gave kudos to Pacifica Enterprises, Belmont Park’s operator, for turning the amusement park into a “world-class destination.” “Mission Beach has been waiting for this day for a very long time,” concluded Faulconer. Chris Wahl of Pacifica Enterprises praised the revitalized pool’s “contemporary design,” noting it hasn’t always been so modern. “It used to be all stucco and you used to have to dodge falling pieces, there used to be a net to catch it,” he said. Wahl noted two memorial plaques are outside the facility. One honors late educator Maruta Gardner, killed by an intoxicated driver. “We miss her every day,” said Wahl. Steve Thomas, general manager of Belmont Park, noted, “It isn’t often you come across an opportunity like this to rebuild a historical building in the City of San Diego, or work with a team that shares the same passion and vision.” Added Thomas: “Tomorrow, our country turns 243. Belmont Park is 94. Our gift to the City is this Plunge building that has new life and will bring the joys of swimming for years to come.” Thomas also cited Mission Beach Town Council for its support of the Plunge’s revitalization, characterizing the group as “pillars of the community.” Founder/president Scott Lutwak of the renovated Plunge’s new operator, Fit Athletic Club, pointed out the restoration project has been seven years in the making. “There’s now rooftop yoga and cutting-edge equipment with endless ocean views and ocean breezes,” he said. “That makes this the greatest fitness scene anywhere.” Belmont Park and its iconic Plunge pool’s history date back to the 1920s and wealthy sugar magnate and early San Diego pioneer John D. Spreckels who built Belmont Park. Originally known as The Natatorium, the Plunge’s 60-foot by 175-foot swimming pool was then the largest salt-water pool in the world holding 400,000 gallons of water. In 1940, the salt water of the Plunge began to damage its filtration system and fresh water was brought in making it the largest indoor heated pool in Southern California at 12,000 square feet.

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Stephani Stephenson

July 07, 2019

Did you know that the terra cotta colored band of tile around the new pool was made by a former local ,(Encinitas), tile maker named Stephani Stephenson? here's the story:

Former California Tile maker Stephani Stephenson recreated the historic Mission Beach Plunge pool surround tile. Stephenson relocated her Encinitas studio to St. David , Arizona in 2010. A master craftsman, sculptor and expert on 1920s tile traditions, Stephenson used a custom clay formula to replicate the original 1” X 2” and 2” X 2” pavers , decorative tile and trim found on the original Mission Beach pool surround.

Given the go ahead in September 2017, Stephenson had 4 months to make over 36,000 tiles for the project. In order to meet the deadline, she enlisted the help of Syzygy Tile in Silver City New Mexico. The two studios are proud to contribute U.S.A-made handmade tile to the new Plunge Pool project. The tile designs are accurate replicas of the original tile and are made from moist clay, using the very same materials, methods and techniques that were used by the original tile makers one hundred years ago.

http://www.revivaltileworks.com

News and community briefs for Pacific Beach and Mission Beach

Jun 29, 2019 | 5502 views | 0

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Crystal Pier in Pacific Beach. / Photo by Thomas Melville

FIREWORKS AND FOURTH OF JULY EVENTS SeaWorld 4th of July Fireworks — SeaWorld celebrates Independence Day with a fireworks show starting at 9:45 p.m. on July 4 at SeaWorld San Diego, 500 SeaWorld Dr. The display will last for 15 minutes. Admission to the fireworks show is included with admission to the park. For more information, contact SeaWorld at 800-257-4268. Ocean Beach July 4th Celebration — Watch the Ocean Beach fireworks starting at 9 p.m. on July 4 on Newport Ave. The fireworks will be launched from the OB Pier. There is free parking at the Main Beach Parking Lot on Santa Monica Ave. as well as the Pier Parking Lot on Newport Ave. For more information, visit oceanbeachsandiego.com. 40th annual Beaumont Avenue 4th of July Parade — Celebrate the 4th of July at the 40th-annual Beaumont Avenue 4th of July parade from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on July 4 on Beaumont Avenue in La Jolla. An after-party including food and entertainment will follow the parade. For more information, visit gofundme.com/2019birdrockparade. The Big Bay Boom — San Diego’s biggest 4th of July fireworks show starts at 9 p.m. on July 4 and will be over the San Diego Bay. View this spectacular show in Point Loma’s Shelter Island. The fireworks display will last around 17 minutes. For more information, visit bigbayboom.com. Cabrillo National Monument – From 6 to 10 p.m. on July 4, Cabrillo National Monument Foundation will celebrate Independence Day with a firework-viewing event. Attendees are encouraged to bring family and friends, a picnic, enjoy San Diego’s only National Park after hours, and view the spectacular fireworks from around San Diego County. AIRPORT RELOCATES CELL PHONE WAITING LOT To support ongoing airport improvements, San Diego International Airport is relocating its cell phone waiting lot just northwest of its current location, closer to the terminals. The new lot location will be effective Monday, June 24. A complimentary customer-service amenity offered by the airport, drivers may park for free in the cell phone lot for up to 60 minutes while they wait for the call that their loved ones have landed in San Diego. Featuring 85-spaces, the cell phone lot is a popular benefit for drivers accessing the airport. The cell phone lot is located east of the Airport Authority Administration Building on Harbor Drive. It will be accessible via a traffic light at Liberator Way. SEAWORLD AFTER DARK WITH ELECTRIC OCEAN SeaWorld’s nighttime spectacular – Electric Ocean – transforms the park this summer into a sea of glowing color and energy, inspired by the ocean. When the sun goes down, SeaWorld lights up with a celebration of illumination, featuring vibrant night shows with exhilarating performances. Immersed in exotic worlds of light, music and special effects, guests can experience their favorite SeaWorld rides and attractions in a whole new way – lit by the ocean glow. Returning this summer will be SeaWorld’s electrifying show on and over Mission Bay, Cirque Electrique, a thumping dance party put on by laser host MC Moray, the hilarious nighttime sea lion and otter parody show Sea Lions Tonite and the electrifying re-imagined Atlantis Ignites. Electric Ocean runs select dates now through Sept. 2. DALY JOINS COLDWELL BANKER PB OFFICE Paige Daly has associated with the Pacific Beach office of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage as an affiliate agent. “Being a Pilates instructor for eight years, I have had to be very personable and be understanding of my clients’ needs and desires,” said Daly. “Every week I kept up to date with my clients’ desires and communicated with my clients to make sure that I was doing my best to help them achieve their goals. I believe this trait that I have been practicing for eight years will give me an advantage in gaining clients and keeping them for a lifetime.” MUD DAY IN PACIFIC BEACH The City Parks and Rec Dept. is organizing the second edition of San Diego Mud Day for Saturday, June 29 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. After last year’s success, this time the event will take place at Crown Point Park. It is free and open to the whole family. There will be nature crafts, a mud obstacle course, pop up nature play, fort building and a kids’ favorite: Dr. Bonner’s Magic Foam Experience. MISSION BAY HIGH SEEKS CHEERLEADING COACH Mission Bay High School is looking for a cheerleading coach for the 2019-20 school year. Interested individuals may contact Mission Bay High athletic director Jorge Palacios at 619-952-3429. AIRPORT INNOVATION LAB SEEKING INNOVATORS The Airport Innovation Lab at San Diego International Airport is building momentum, recruiting applicants for its third group of innovators to go through a 16-week accelerator program as the second group works its way through the program. This new group will participate in one of two opportunity areas. One is an Interactive Children’s Entertainment Solution, and the other is termed a “wild card.” The former could be mobile, pop-up and/or temporary entertainment that could be sited next to food-and-beverage concessions. Successful ideas will provide engagement, entertainment, and movement to add fun to children’s airport experiences. The latter is more wide open to welcome ideas that may not previously have been thought of, but that are viable solutions. At the end of the program, successful innovators have the potential to win a contract from the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, the airport’s owner and operator, and/or gain entrée to other airports and analogous businesses including other transportation hubs, convention centers, shopping malls and other large venues such as ballparks, theme parks and hotels. All members of the first group recently completed the program and had the possibility of negotiating with the Airport Authority for contracts focused on parking and simplifying the airport journey. The second group was entirely open to “wild card” ideas and is testing concepts from sleep pods to interactive airport guides with audio tours and even robotic guides. Innovators for the third group have until July 5 to apply, with the accelerator program starting in August. Ideal applicants will have an existing prototype that can be tested in a real-life airport environment, and ideas that are new to U.S. airports or an extension of an existing service or product to be tested at SAN. For more information and to apply, go to www.innovate.san.org. ENJOYA LA JOLLA DEBUTS ON JULY 13 Discover why La Jolla is called “the Jewel of San Deigo” at Enjoya La Jolla. Held every second Saturday from July to September, this free event will take place from 3 to 7 p.m., July 13 in La Jolla Village featuring live music, entertainment, local shopping, tasty treats, and other surprises. Hosted by La Jolla Village Merchant Association, a non-profit organization dedicated to merchant success in La Jolla Village, this upcoming event will start near Prospect and Girard. Participants can pick up shopping passports, and event maps can be picked up at from National Geographic Fine Art Galleries, 1205 Prospect St., or La Jolla Sports Club, 7825 Fay Ave. Visitors will enjoy prizes, raffles, giveaways, and contests as well as free sips and snacks. Vino & Vinyasa will host a free yoga class at La Jolla Sports Club at 4 p.m. Visitors are asked to register in advance to receive their “Enjoya La Jolla” passport and event schedule, discounted parking pass as well as a chance to win fantastic prizes courtesy of the La Jolla Village Merchants Association and its members. Visit lajollabythesea.com for more information. SAN DIEGO SNEAKS SUMMER CLASSIC The San Diego Sneaks Summer Classic will be held 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 6 at the La Jolla Recreation Center, 615 Prospect St. This event will feature a competitive 16-team hoops tournament, local media outlets, art, entertainment, food, vendors, and music just a block away from the beach. For more information about the event, visit sandiegosneaks.com. GREEN FLASH CONCERTS AT BIRCH AQUARIUM Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, and UC San Diego are transforming its Tide Pool Plaza into an outdoor music venue. These lively summer concert series, presented in partnership with 101.5 KGB and Belly Up Entertainment, combines live music with panoramic ocean views, stunning sunsets, and admission to the aquarium. The next Green Flash Summer Concert is: • July 17: Pine Mountain Logs & Venice; • Aug. 14: The Mother Hips; • Sept. 18: 10,000 Maniacs. All concerts are held from 5:30 to 9 p.m. and are general admission and standing room only. Savory bites, craft beers and wine are available for purchase. For more information, visit aquarium.ucsd.edu.

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