Momentum continues to build against scooters, as District 1 Councilmember Barbara Bry has called for a moratorium on them, while a Pacific Beach resident has initiated an online petition drive to ban them, which netted more than 300 signatures in 48 hours. “San Diegans deserve a safe, unobstructed and accessible public right-of-way,” said Bry. “Electric scooters have posed challenge after challenge on our City sidewalks, boardwalks and pedestrian walking areas. “In May, the City Council approved a permitting and regulatory program that went into effect July 1. We believed these rules could help reestablish order on our sidewalks,” Bry said. “Instead, we are left with companies willfully ignoring staging restrictions and geofencing requirements.” Meanwhile, PB resident Bill Zent has launched scooterban.com, with its petition drive to “neuter” scooters. States Zent’s website: “Restore sanity to our streets and sidewalks. Support Barbara Bry's proposed ordinance to ban scooters. Scooters are injuring the riders, pedestrians and pose a real hazard to everyone trying to have a casual walk at the beach or downtown or anywhere.” As of Aug. 5, Zent was more than halfway toward his goal of presenting 1,000 signatures in favor of banning scooters to the City Council. Zent gave a laundry list of reasons for his neuter scooter crusade. “They are being leased to underage minors and are a hazard to motorists and pedestrians,” he said. “There are so many of them you can’t even walk down the sidewalk without having to pick them up and move them… I saw a guy on a scooter the other day tandem riding with his baby on his chest. Enough is enough. “Personally, I think they need to go,” he said. “Even the corrals aren’t working. They’re full with all different kinds of scooters and bikes. Scooters are supposed to be for last-mile transportation. If people want to own a scooter, they can buy one for $200.” Excerpts from comments on Zent’s website: “This is not the transportation solution we need at the beach … It’s time for us to force these irresponsible companies to abide by laws and common sense … Ban this nuisance … I have neighbors who woke up to scooter corals directly in front of their front doors. I would love to have one of these painted in front of our councilpersons’ homes, see how fast they act on the issue … They are dangerous and an eyesore … Scooters are a menace to society and an absolute blight.” Ed Gallagher, a member of Pacific Beach Planning Group, speaking for himself, claimed to have been Zent’s first anti-scooter petition signer. “The idea of a ban/moratorium is clearly tapping into a great deal of local frustration on this issue from PB residents and businesses,” Gallagher said. “Not a permanent ban. It’s a moratorium until we work out how to do it safely and responsibly. In my personal opinion, the City should draft an RFP (request for proposals) and solicit bids to operate as we do with other public utilities.” Added Gallagher: “The City drafts a contract with terms that fit our needs and companies agree to those terms and, if they fail to comply, they lose the contract. What’s so hard about that?” In response to Bry’s call for a scooter “moratorium,” and some residents wanting them banned, City press secretary Christina Di Leva Chadwick said, “We believe the new scooter regulations allow the industry to evolve responsibly and gives the City the power to hold operators accountable by revoking permits for those that don’t follow the rules. “Given these regulations have been in place for only several weeks, additional time is necessary to determine if the laws in place are having the desired effect,” Di Leva Chadwick said. “The City continues to stress the need for maximum regulatory compliance, including geofencing, speed limits and staging.” Concerning alleged non-compliance of permit conditions by some scooter companies, Di Leva Chadwick said: “The City is actively monitoring operators to ensure maximum compliance of the law. While several operators have taken proactive steps to get into compliance following receipt of a notice of violation, the City has found, through field testing and evaluation, that one or more operators are still not in compliance. The City is now moving forward with a permit revocation process for one operator, and a notice of violation has been levied on a fifth operator.” Concerning problems/complaints the mayor’s office is getting about scooters these days, Di Leva Chadwick replied, “Geofencing, corral staging and user-compliance issues such as speed limits, double riding and other existing street laws." Regarding the Pacific Beach resident who has started an online petition drive calling for scooters to be banned all together, Di Leva Chadwick said: “Mayor Faulconer has previously supported, and continues to support, a scooter ban on the boardwalk. Unfortunately, the City Council did not see the need for such a measure and voted it down more than a year ago. The mayor welcomes the City Council’s reconsideration of a boardwalk ban at any time.”

Watching the sun set over the Pacific Ocean is a breathtaking experience whether you’re visiting San Diego for the first time, or have lived here all your life. If you’re looking for a quick bite to eat after a day at the beach, or to enjoy an elegant, seaside meal, beachside restaurants offer diverse dining destinations to watch the day end with delicious dinners. Here are some of the best restaurants for sunset dining in San Diego:   Pacific Beach  JRDN — A place where surf, sky, and spirit all mix and mingle. This elegant eatery overlooking Crystal Pier is located in the Tower23 hotel in Pacific Beach. Watch the dramatic sunset and its reflection on the 70-foot-long “wave wall” while sharing the steamed mussels with chorizo in tomato-fennel broth appetizer, before indulging in the El Chicano Specialty Roll with fried asparagus, spicy crab, tuna, bonito aioli, jalapeño, charred lime, and ponzu. “Lime is a quintessential summer flavor, so I knew we wanted to incorporate that into a roll,” said chef Dave Warner. “The bonito aioli is torched to create a nice smoky flavor.” Wash it down with Rococo Chenin Blanc from Santa Barbara, which is aromatic and subtly sweet, according to sommelier Chris Delaney. “It is crisp and refreshing; a wonderful complement to a sunset dinner.” 723 Felspar St. t23hotel.com/jrdn/  PB SHORE CLUB — Open for the majority of the day, the Shore Club is known for its tacos and pub grub. Not to mention its convenient location right on the beach, which is perfect to see the setting sun.  4343 Ocean Blvd.  pbshoreclub.com  PB ALEHOUSE — This two-story sports bar’s award-winning beers, pub food, and view of the beach and horizon from its second floor deck create an unforgettable Pacific Beach summer experience. 721 Grand Ave. pbalehouse.com WATERBAR — Pacific Beach’s Waterbar is located alongside the boardwalk. Dubbed a “Social Seafood Experience,” the Waterbar offers a large space for beachgoers to gather, watch the sunset, and enjoy quality seafood and cocktails. 4325 Ocean Blvd. waterbarsd.com BAJA BEACH CAFE — Located on the boardwalk steps from the ocean, this cafe is open from 8 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. daily so visitors can people watch while sipping margaritas. In addition to its proximity to the beach, this cafe serves up a selection of fish tacos, burgers, sandwiches, and burritos. 701 Thomas Ave. bajabeachcafe.com LAHAINA BEACH HOUSE — Tucked away in the southernmost region of Pacific Beach, this cozy bar offers a more laid-back sunset viewing experience. Enjoy burgers and drinks at this location while sitting on the deck and enjoying the view. 710 Oliver Court 858-270-3888 WOODY’S BREAKFAST AND BURGERS — Open from sunrise to sunset, Woody’s is a beachfront dining experience that overlooks the ocean. Treat yourself to a breakfast burrito to start off your day or to an award-winning burger while watching the sunset. 4111 Ocean Blvd. thewoodgroupsd.com/venues/woodys TIDAL — This seafood spot is hidden away from the hustle and bustle of Pacific Beach and located in the Paradise Point Resort and Spa in Mission Bay. This dining destination offers an elegant view of the sunset and the tides while in a relaxed restaurant. 1404 Vacation Road Destinationhotels.com  EL PREZ — Located on the second story and overlooking the beach, this restaurant, bar, and rooftop patio is a great place to watch the sunset. Additionally, enjoy from their great selection of Mexican dishes and cocktails. 4190 Mission Blvd. elprezpb.com/ Mission Beach CANNONBALL — Located above Belmont Park, this restaurant draws its inspiration from Californian coastal cuisine and flavors from the Pacific Rim. Additionally, this trendy spot offers an open, unobstructed view of the boardwalk and beach.  3105 Ocean Front Walk cannonballsd.com OCEANA COASTAL KITCHEN — This relaxing restaurant offers an upscale seafood menu and a concealed view of the sunset over the bay. Located inside the Catamaran Resort, you’ll feel like you are dining on a tropical island. 3999 Mission Blvd. catamaranresort.com DRAFT SOUTH MISSION — This beachside pub not only offers high-end pub grub, local craft beer, and a place to watch sports, but it is also located on the boardwalk, and proves to be a great place to enjoy great brews and even better views. 3105 Ocean Front Walk draftsandiego.com SURF RIDER PIZZA CO. — Feast on East Coast-style pizzas while watching the sun set on the West Coast. Surf Rider has a long list of specialty pizzas and craft beers for visitors to imbibe while enjoying the golden hour. 3770 Mission Blvd. surfrider.pizza AMPLIFIED ALE WORKS — Enjoy in-house brewed beers and Mediterranean dishes while watching the sunset from Amplified Ale’s laid-back, second-story location. 4120 Mission Blvd., Ste. 208 amplifiedales.com BEACH HOUSE — Another dining destination at Belmont Park, the Beach House abuts the boardwalk and offers a large space to view the beach and watch the sunset. This restaurant’s menu features burgers and cocktails for a perfect day at the beach. 3125 Ocean Front Walk Blvd. belmontpark.com/food/beach-house/. La Jolla GEORGE’S AT THE COVE — Voted San Diego’s Best Restaurant, George’s at the Cove serves a classic and coastal Californian cuisine while serving views of the ocean. Choose to dine on the ocean terrace for the most elegant view of the sunset.  1250 Prospect St.  georgesatthecove.com DONOVAN’S STEAK HOUSE — Enjoy an elegant meal on Donovan’s newly renovated patio that overlooks the La Jolla Cove. This fine dining destination is perfect for celebrations and an excellent, soothing meal by the sea. 1250 Prospect St. donovanssteakhouse.com THE MED — Located inside the historic La Valencia Hotel, The Med offers seasonally driven and California-inspired dishes. Additionally, the innovative menu pairs well with the dining destination’s excellent ocean views.  1132 Prospect St.  lavalencia.com DUKE’S LA JOLLA — Dine at this spacious restaurant for a vast view of the ocean while enjoying elegant Hawaiian dishes. Come to enjoy the food and the views, and stay to celebrate “the spirit of aloha.”  1216 Prospect St.  dukeslajolla.com  CATANIA — This new Italian restaurant is located on the top floor of the La Plaza Center in downtown La Jolla. This spot serves up wood-fired pizzas and a laid-back view of the water. 7863 Girard Ave., #301  cataniasd.com CUSP DINING & DRINKS — Located on Hotel La Jolla’s 11th floor, this dining destination looks down on downtown La Jolla and out onto the horizon. While enjoying the view, order from a wide variety of Mediterranean dishes and craft cocktails.  7955 La Jolla Shores Drive  usprestaurant.com EDDIE V’S PRIME SEAFOOD AND STEAKS — Eddie V’s offers a full dining experience: fresh seafood, prime steaks, an extensive wine list, and live music. Not to mention its gorgeous views overlooking the Pacific Ocean.  1250 Prospect St.  eddiev.com/home  THE MARINE ROOM — Enjoy fresh seafood and French cuisine with a backdrop of cresting waves at this romantic spot. The Marine Room is located right up against the water and offers a panoramic view of the ocean, which makes it perfect for any special occasion.  2000 Spindrift Drive  marineroom.com SHORES RESTAURANT — Located steps from the beach, this dining spot offers unobstructed views of the ocean in addition to a menu of seasonally inspired, locally sourced dishes.  8110 Camino Del Oro theshoresrestaurant.com BROCKTON VILLA RESTAURANT — This cozy restaurant overlooks the La Jolla Cove and is located in an original La Jolla beach cottage. Although this spot offers stunning views of the sunset, don’t miss out on their French toast served on the brunch menu.  1235 Coast Blvd.  brocktonvilla.com Ocean Beach    WONDERLAND OCEAN PUB — Based off of the Ocean Beach amusement park of yesteryear, this pub is an homage to nautical nostalgia and whimsy. Don’t miss its great views out over the ocean, full bar, and pub grub food options.  5083 Santa Monica Ave.  wonderlandob.com  BLUEWATER SEAFOOD MARKET & GRILL — As seen on Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” Bluewater is a San Diego seafood establishment. Recently expanding to Ocean Beach, this location pairs excellent seafood with excellent sea views, creating one unforgettable beach dining experience.  5083 Santa Monica Ave., Ste 1B   bluewaterseafoodsandiego.com    OB BREWERY — This three-story brewpub towers over Newport Avenue and looks out over the shore, which makes it a great place to watch the sunset. Enjoy highly revered, in-house brews while watching the view.   5041 Newport Ave.  obbrewingco.com  SOUTH BEACH BAR & GRILLE — This cozy spot overlooks the beach and offers a menu of seafood-focused Mexican food and large selection of microbrews. The great ocean views provide an amazing backdrop to enjoy an outstanding fish taco.  5059 Newport Ave.  southbeachob.com  THE HOLDING COMPANY — Visit this three-story building that towers over Ocean Beach and overlooks the water. This new spot aims to be OB’s premiere live entertainment venue. 21 and up. 5046 Newport Ave thcob.com WOW CAFE – This cafe provides one of the most unique sunset viewing experiences, as the restaurant is located on the OB Pier. Family owned since 1993, go to the Wow Cafe for great comfort food while surrounded by the sun setting on the ocean.  5092 Niagara Ave.  619-226-3474    OB SURF LODGE — This new dining destination is a throwback to 1960s beach culture. It overlooks the pier and the ocean and offers a menu of burgers and other American food options.  5083 Santa Monica Ave., Ste 1F   obsurflodge.com Point Loma    VESSEL RESTAURANT + BAR —  Located inside the Kona Kai, this swanky spot has a view of the marina, in addition to a menu of coastal-inspired, local ingredients.  3102, 1551 Shelter Island Drive  resortkonakai.com/shelter-island-restaurant.aspx    TOM HAM’S LIGHTHOUSE — Located inside a lighthouse, enjoy breathtaking sea views of the marina while enjoying fine, fresh seafood.  2150 Harbor Island Drive  tomhamslighthouse.com BALI HAI — This Polynesian restaurant overlooks the San Diego Bay Harbor. Stop by for its weekend brunch or sip a Mai Tai in the evening while enjoying the sunset. 2230 Shelter Island Drive balihairestaurant.com QUARTERDECK AT BAY CLUB HOTEL — Visit the Quarterdeck for breakfast, lunch, and dinner all week to enjoy great food, craft beers, and a great view. Dine inside for an intimate experience or sit poolside to enjoy views of the bay and the Point Loma hillside. 2131 Shelter Island Drive bayclubhotel.com HUMPHREYS — Praised for its award-winning dining and nightclub scene, Humphreys serves amazing waterfront views in a fun, secluded, and celebratory environment. Visit for elegant dining and an entertaining evening. 2303 Shelter Island Drive halfmooninn.com KETCH GRILL AND TAPS — Visit this modern, waterfront tavern and choose from great menu of comfort food and craft beers. Enjoy your meal on the patio that overlooks the harbor. 2614 Shelter Island Drive ketchgrillandtaps.com.

The BSU (Mission Bay), Central (Pacific Beach-Mission Beach), Northern (La Jolla) and Southern (Ocean Beach) lifeguard teams displayed their athleticism, tenacity and dedication to the profession of surf lifesaving by putting on a great show for the observing crowd on Thursday, Aug. 1 at South Mission Beach. The Southern and Northern teams went head-to-head for the first four events with Southern landline swimmer Gabby Thomas plus the landline team inching out Northern to the beach and with round trip swimmers Tore Blichtfelt and Greg Nelsen holding off the Northern swimmers during their allotted swim legs. The momentum swing occurred during the first distance paddle when Northern’s Tristan Sullaway (the evening’s MVP), put 15 seconds between himself and the paddler from Southern. Northern took it from there. The Northern team captain, Kyle Gantz, accepted the relay trophy, which they will host until next summer, and also presented the coveted “relay mugs” to his winning team.