I.B.

Local News - July 10, 2015 - 1

Vol. 2

No. 13

Highlighting our Community and Businesses for Imperial Beach & South Bay

July 10, 2015

Sun & Sea Festival Schedule

Friday, July 17, 2015
9 am: Mayors Breakfast at Pier Plaza
Noon: Dusk Exhibition Sandcastle on Display
6 pm: Midnight Sandcastle Ball

Saturday, July 18, 2015

7 am - 9 am: Pancake Breakfast * Pier Plaza - $5
8 am: Parade Check-in at Imperial Beach Sports Park
9 am -10 am: Parade travels west on Imperial Beach
Blvd to Seacoast Dr. North to Old Palm
Ave ending at Silver Strand Blvd.
9 am - 2 pm: Master Sand Sculptures Constructed
north of the pier.
10 am - 5 pm: Farmers Market and International
Food Fair open along Seacoast Dr.
Dempsey Holder Ctr. and Pier South
10 am - 4 pm: Childrens Activities (Kids Zone in
Dunes Park)
Noon - 1:30 pm: Kids n Kastles Sand-Building
Competition next to Dunes Park
2 pm - 4 pm: Judging of Sandcastles
4 pm - 5 pm: Sandcastle Awards Ceremony at
Pier Plaza

2015 SUN & SEA FESTIVAL TO BE HELD JULY 18 ON THE SAND

AT IMPERIAL BEACH
Professional and kids sandcastle building highlights, free, family-friendly event
The Sun and Sea Festival will be held in Imperial Beach on Saturday July 18th and will
feature professional and amateur sand carving teams competing in one of San Diego
Countys most beloved traditions. The free, family-friendly event, includes a street festival, farmers market and international food fair, live music and entertainment. New this
year is the Nathans Famous Hotdog Kidz Zone filled with kid-friendly fun and entertainment at Dunes Park. The public viewing of the sand castles is throughout the day until
4:00 p.m. when the awards are presented.
Major event sponsors:
Port of San Diego, City of Imperial Beach, Cal Am Water and with more sponsors to be
named. Official parade sponsor North Island Credit Union. Media sponsor(s): KYXY 96.5
with more sponsors to be named. (ContdPg13)

Jeannette Shambaugh

BIBBEYS GETS NEW MURAL

Ily Alfred Adds New Sunset to Bibbeys Shell Shop

Bibbeys Shell Shop on Seacoast has always been known for its amazing
murals. People from all over the world come to Imperial Beach and take pictures of them. Now Bibbeys has a brand new one for the community to
enjoy. Ily Alfred has been hard at work adding a spectacular sunset to the
front wall. She is part of the art group; the Art Kids of San Diego County
(TAKOSDC) and they have been painting Bibbeys murals for over 6 years.
(ContdPg6)

IMPERIAL BEACH RESIDENTS CELEBRATE

4TH OF JULY WITH A BANG
(See Special Scrapbook Insert on Page 7)
AMERICAN CANCE R SO CI ET Y
T O PAI NT
I MPE RI AL B E ACH
PURPLE FO R RE LAY FO R LI FE

Ed Kravitz

Members of several groups that raised money for the 4th of July
fireworks receive a check for $9000 matching funds by Imperial
Beach Resort. Groups represented and receiving the check
include the Chamber of Commerce, B.I.D. and I Heart I.B.

The American Cancer Society is seeking BUSINESSES AND ORGANIZATIONS to

get involved in the Relay For Life movement by displaying purple ribbons and other
decorations from Saturday July 11th through Saturday, July 25th.
THEN on July 25, 2015 11am to 2:00 pm, at PIER PLAZA we will have a Paint the
Town Party!
THERE WILL BE FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD PLACE WINNERS FOR THE BEST
RELAY SPIRIT DECORATED BUSINESSES on July 25th.
JOIN US PLEASE and SHOW YOUR RELAY SUPPORT!
Judging will take place the morning of July 25th. (ContdPg6)

2 - I.B. Local News - July 10, 2015

SUMMER DAYCARE
ST. JAMES LUTHERAN SCHOOL
Celebrating 36 Years! (Working with Young Children)
Our Excellent School Offers:
* Low student/Teacher Ratio
* Highly Academic
* Part Time or Full Time for working Parents
Preschool, Pre-K, Transitional Kinder/ Kinder Classes
(students must be toilet trained prior to enrollment)

Call
TODAY
to schedule
a Tour!!

St. James Lutheran School, 866 Imperial Beach Blvd., Imperial Beach, CA
Phone # 619-423-8648 e-mail stjameslutheranschool@cox.net

I.B. Local News - July 10, 2015 - 3

IB LOCAL CALENDAR
JULY 2 0 1 5
CALVARY IB CHURCH
485 Imperial Beach Blvd, Imperial Beach, CA 91932
(619) 217-0717

CHURCH OF CHRIST
640 10th Street * Imperial Beach, CA 91932
Phone: (619) 423-9450
CITY CHRISTIAN CENTER
631 12th Street * Imperial Beach, CA 91932
Phone: (619) 271-6321
IMPERIAL BEACH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
455 Palm Avenue Imperial Beach, CA 91932
(619) 424.5181

ST. JAMES LUTHERAN CHURCH

866 Imperial Beach Blvd Imperial Beach, CA 91932
(619) 424-6166

12

19

26

Letters to the
Editor
We invite Letters to the Editor for publication.
What do you think? We want to hear from you.
(619)779-7846 or iblnews@hotmail.com
Dear Editor,
Thank you for reporting the real stories going on in our town. I
havent been here very long, but if we want the truth on current
issues, your paper is the one to read.
From what I read, the hardworking business owners are not
being recognized due to the unfortunate issues with the local
Chamber of Commerce, but they still want donations for upcoming events.
Until they get their act together, and start rebuilding the trust of
the community, closing the Chamber doors is the best thing
they can do to preserve the small shred of dignity they have left.
Right now, do you know who is handling your Chamber money
and where it goes?

13

10

11

20

27

Paint the Town

Purple
Starts

15

IB Collabrative Mtg
@ 9am
City Council Mtg.
@6pm

16

Optimist Club Mtg

@4:30pm
Fleet Reserve

17 Farmers Market 18
Sun & Sea
Mayors Breakfast
IB Pier
Festival
Swim & Paddle
Sandcastle Ball

21

22

23

24

14

28

NOLF
Airport
Public
Meeting

Chamber
Networking
Bkfst @ 7:15am

Barrels
hosts
Relay For Life
Fundraiser @ 4pm
Sponsored by
IB Cruisers

29

30

Farmers Market
City Hall Closed

25
Joggin
for Frogmen
5K

31
Farmers Market

Want Your Club, Organization or Event listed in our Calendar Section?

Contact us at: iblnews@hotmail.com or (619) 779-7846
Dear Editor,
Who is doing the piece on the Pure Water? Is that
you? This is very pertinent journalism, in my opinion. I have been trying to gain some traction on this
issue for some time now. As you know, I spoke at
city council a while back on the subject of getting
more water meters installed in IB. I would especially like to see some assurances that full metering
is in place before any new alley, street and side walk
paving work is done. I have asked for a complete
audit of the city to determine where houses, apartments and places of business exist without individual
meters. I know of one property where 28 units are
on one meter.
Personally I do not see how any citizen in the state
of California can be content without knowing exactly what his or her wet footprint is. This is my
term. Im officially coining it here. But really,
shouldnt we all know how many gallons of water
we consume? Every household and business, indeed
every entity with a connection to the water pipe grid,
needs to be able to measure the water it uses. It
seems so obvious to me.
Im a retired marine engineer. I have not only been

distributing water aboard ships all my professional life.

I have been MAKING it! First through evaporation
and distillation back in the 70s and 80s to reverse osmosis nowadays. Thats why I love this idea to have
young people (and those of us young at heart) go to
the beach and make our own water. It would be great
if every participant could give you his water number
(gallons used per day.) That way he or she could know
how much they need to make every day to be water
neutral.
I see a time real soon where people might even be able
to make their own water, from the excess energy they
generate from their rooftop solar arrays. That probably seems like pie-in-the-sky to most people. But folks
on boats have been doing it for years. Im telling you,
reverse osmosis, grey water systems, roof-top solar,
household energy storage systems, as well as all manner of electric vehicles ARE changing the way we live
and consume. This change is inevitable, and will only
increase. Embrace it.
I think you have a golden idea here about making IB a
town of progressive water consciousness, and conservation. Lets run with it!
Cheers....Tom Summers.

PUBLISHERS NOTES.......
With the 4th of July festivities in the rear view mirror, the community is looking ahead to the Sun and
Sea Festival and the many activities and events that
are a part of that celebration! The Mayors Swim
AMERICAN LEGION POST 820
and Paddle around the Pier event will likely make
1268 Palm Ave., Imperial Beach, CA 91932 (619) 423-7662
National News!
As many of you know, we print our newspaper twice
FLEET RESERVE ASSOCIATION (FRA)
a month but, we also shadow the City Council meetIMPERIAL BEACH BRANCH 289
ing schedule so that we can print the Agenda the
659 Silver Strand Blvd., Imperial Beach, CA 91932 (619) 429-3485
weekend prior to the meetings. Because City CounVFW POST 5477 SILVER STRAND
cil will be taking a three week break instead of the
123 Palm Ave., Imperial Beach, CA 91932 (619) 424-6666
normal two weeks; we will also be taking a 3 week
break to stay in sync with the City Council meetings. Our next paper will print on July 31st. We
thank you for your readership and the support
you give to our advertisers. We wish the organizers of Sun and Sea Festival another successful event this year.
We also want to give our support to the Paint the
Town Purple Fundraiser for American Cancer
Society and the Joggin for Frogmen 5K Seal
IB Local News is published by IB Local News Corp
event Saturday, July 25th.
of 757 Emory St., P.O. Box 174
Mar Vista Pool is still open but school goes back
Imperial Beach, CA 91932
in session on the 27th.
www: IBLocalNews.org
We do not have a Council Watchdog Report in
Opinions expressed within are not necessarily
this issue because the July 1st meeting was canthe views or opinions of management.
celled. Council Watchdog will be back to report
in our next issue.
Publisher / General Manager: Ed Kravitz
Editor / Office Manager: Stacey R. Long
McDonalds is open again on Palm afer an extenGraphics: Priscilla Villalpando * Stacey R. Long
sive remodel and expansion. Ronald McDonald
Sales: Priscilla Villalpando * Libby Bustos
will make a personal appearance on Sunday, July
12th at 2pm.
Stacey R. Long * Ed Kravitz
Printing:
Advance Web Offset Printing
Wed like to ask citizens to be vigilant about obDistribution: Priscilla Villalpando * Richard Schmitz * Libby Bustos
serving the theft of our newspapers. If you obWriters / Contributors: Jeannette Shambaugh * Ed Kravitz
serve anyone tampering with our papers, please
Jordan Jacobo * Stacey Long * Priscilla Villalpando * Libby Bustos
take a picture or make a note of it! Freedom of
the press is not always free!
Photographers: Jeannette Shambaugh * Ed Kravitz
ordan Jacobo * Libby Butos * Priscilla Villalpando
Take a moment or two and read your City Council
Agenda and see if there is something in there
Please call our newsdesk at (619) 779-7846,
that interests you. Feel free to exercise your right
or e-mail iblnews@hotmail.com
Re: Advertising, Story Coverage/Calendar items/Letters to the Editor of free speech and fill out a speakers slip. You
get three minutes on whatever subject you want
Send all Ad copies to: ib l n e w s @ h o t m a i l . c o m
to talk about or you can comment on agenda

MILITARY
ORGANIZATIONS

City Hall Closed

UPPER ROOM PENTECOSTAL CHURCH

631 12th Street Imperial Beach, CA 91932
(619) 395-1981

Mahalo, Lexi D.

Farmers Market

OCEAN VIEW CHURCH

2460 Palm Avenue San Diego, CA 92154
(619) 424-7870
SOUTH COAST CHURCH
588 9th Street Imperial Beach, CA 91932
(619) 424-6452

items as well. Meetings start at 6:00 P.M. Come

early. Parking is limited. Remember if you dont
exercise your rights; you loose them!
The changing face of Seacoast Drive is showing
itself more and more. Several new development
projects approved on Seacoast Drive highlight the
changes to height, density, parking and quality of
life. The die was cast by previous City Councils
that professed they would be against height and
density, when in fact they are the ones who changed
the zoning and approved the construction of the
types of boutique hotels and mixed use units currently going up on Old Palm Avenue and also on
Seacoast Drive. Old Imperial Beach will soon be
only a memory as more upscale, taller and denser
versions move onto Seacoast and Palm Avenues.
Im not saying it couldnt be good but, it will never
be quite the same either? It means a lot more people
living in a smaller area. Is Imperial Beach ready
for really fancy buildings? The Design Review
Board thinks so.
So wheres all the free parking and toilets? Tourist
Friendly Beach Town? If you build it; They will come.
A growing number of complaints about the designs for Palm, Rainbow and SR-75 continue to
come in to us. The merge lane westbound on Palm
Avenue by the Rainbow Center seems to be the #1
complaint we hear. Accidents and fatalities have
already occurred too frequently and the citys decision to paint a bike lane on Rainbow before removing the bulb-out and merge lanes at Rainbow
and Old Palm needs to be challenged. Until this is
designed correctly, there is no reason to throw
any more money at it. Bike riders will be no safer
with the lines painted on Rainbow. How about fixing the problems on Old Palm and restoring the
full two traffic lanes westbound and eastbound;
or merge further west than the Rainbow intersection?
The dog poop problem is still a problem even
though most dog owners now take responsibility.
When you see someone not picking up after their
dog; send us a photo. The citizens who care can
make a difference. Its just plain inconsiderate. I
say; clean up your act! Bring a bag and use it!

4 - I.B. Local News - July 10, 2015

1902 U.S. Geological Survey Map of Imperial Beach prior to modern development. The railroad was already
over 15 years old. The Coronado Belt Line was essential to the Navy development at North Island.
OVERLOOKED OPPORTUNITIES FOR
FUTURE SOUTHBAY TRANSIT

An Open Public Letter to the SANDAG Transportation Committee

-By Ed Kravitz
After mulling over the plethora of documentation in your
plans, I was amazed that with all of your planners and
visionaries that you have overlooked one of the biggest
future public transit options that could be accomplished!
It could also cost less than virtually any other transit project
you have embarked on. As a former student of Design; I
recall: The first rule of good design is to maximize use of
all the existing resources. We have resources in the South
Bay that are not only underutilized but, apparently transportation projects such as this one may have been sidetracked or discouraged from developing by political forces
with other favored projects. Perhaps its time to take another look at some research we have been involved in
over the last 20 years regarding the potential utilization of
a right-of-way that is as historic as San Diego itself. While
it needs a little fixing up, it is neither dead or legally
abandoned. Its just lying there in the weeds waiting to run.
I am referring to the Coronado Belt Line Railroad Rightof-Way or the SDA&E Railway. The rail easement is
owned by MTS and has not been used actively for freight
in many years. I am the last shipper of record.
There are development and political interests that feel that
this railroad should just go away and will never serve the
properties they intend to develop. Little did they envision
the scope of growth and increases in traffic as well as
other infrastructure needs. There are many that claim that
a moderate speed light rail or tourist train/tram cannot
exist in the same right-of-way with another favored
project; The Bayshore Bike Trail. While maybe the original purposes this rail line was built to serve no longer
exist, there are plenty of future purposes it could serve;
especially with some minor extensions and upgrades to a
few trestles. Our project would probably be one of the
most economical transportation projects ever undertaken
in San Diego County because, much of the grading and
infrastructure still exists or could be upgraded economically. The opportunity also exists to do this project with
outside money and not be entirely a burden on the taxpayers. There are also a multitude of grants available for such
projects.
I started working on this in 1995 after tripping over an
1887 piece of Carnegie Rail in the weeds on the bayfront.
The Imperial Express project that we did independently in
1999 continues to be updated and revised to this day. We
started our research with the 1996 SANDAG Excursion
Train Study but, we were not satisfied with the assumptions or conclusions that were made in 1996. Circumstances have changed a lot since 1996 and we tried to

think outside the box and the scope of the 1996 Excursion Train Study. It started as The Imperial Express
Study and business plans have been presented by us for
an ECO TROLLEY or the Bayshore Railway Proposal,
Dinner Trains, Tourist Trains/trams, Static use of trains
for Retail, Catering, Food and Beverage Service. Even a
Bed and Breakfast on old Pullman Cars has been proposed.
The Late Walter Trook was one of my original railroad
partners. Although we had already done most of the studies, he insisted that we go back and check everything
again. As the publisher of a local Newspaper, he did not
want to be embarrassed with anything less than factual.
Walter noted that the 1996 Study did nothing to help
Imperial Beach with the tourist train only turning around
in Imperial Beach and going back to National City. What
we looked for in our study was a way to get the money
and the people off the train at the beach and Seacoast
Drive. They could leave their cars wherever they catch
the Imperial Express for an afternoon or evening at the
beach and pier. What we found has apparently escaped
the planners and designers from SANDAG.
The railroad is legally abandoned back up the Silver Strand.
The original route went across where SR-75 now lies
and through the middle of the Navy Base at Ft. Emory.
The right-of-way from 7th Street back to the former
merger with the trolley Blue Line in National City is not
legally abandoned and is relatively in tact. (The exceptions to intact will be dealt with in a separate document)
With a very short and minor extension from 7th Street in
a Southwesterly direction along the common survey line
that separates Coronado from Imperial Beach (formerly
called Coronado Heights), the right of way could carry
passengers to within steps of the Pacific Ocean, Seacoast Drive and the Pier. Re-adapting the railway as an
alternative way to make an outing of going to the beach
was our goal. We found out that many of the objections
from the 1996 SANDAG Study were no longer problems and that this extension could also mitigate future
traffic congestion that will be caused by Navy Expansion at the former Radio Receiving Facility at Ft. Emory.
In fact; our proposed route from our 1999 Imperial Express Study goes directly in front of the South Gate Guard
Shack at Ft. Emory on Silver Strand Blvd in Imperial
Beach. The NAVY EIS indicates over 4000 vehicles per
day will enter and leave this base when developed. Most
could ride light rail and leave their cars and motorcycles
at home. Anyplace along the Beltline Right-of-Way or
MTS Trolley Right-of-way could become an instant
PARK AND RIDE.
It might have been someone from the Navy who brought
up (unofficially); how nice it would be to have a rail

connection up Silver Strand so that the Amphibious Base

could also have a commuter light rail link. Of course North
Island could be connected by shuttle to the Amphibious
Base. NOLF is just blocks from the Beltline at 13th Street.
Perhaps Bike Trail Village also needs to be a Transit Transfer Station? The rail line could also connect the Navy
Base at Harbor Drive as well.
Without taking into consideration that there is no direct
rail line to the beach from Downtown San Diego; without taking into consideration future planned development
on the Chula Vista Bayfront and the demands it will place
on transportation infrastructure that is already over-taxed;
Without considering the multitude of venues from marinas, wildlife refuges and historic structures for tourism;
just the Navy personnel whos vehicles could be taken
off the highways during peak commutes would be justification alone. The Navy also has several already funded
programs to help mitigate traffic and congestion. We wont
discuss whether or not the Navy might ever want to move
any containers by rail in an emergency but, one has to
wonder if the Chinese can pull a train up next to their
aircraft carriers. A recent Congressional Hearing on
CSPAN discussed the lack of rail infrastructure serving
the Navy expansion in San Diego.
What we are proposing is self propelled MDU or DMU
units to avoid issues with the Fish and Wildlife Service
complaining about Predator Perches in the Refuge.
Because most laws dealing with railroads favor the railroads and because the railroad existed before most of the
regulatory agencies; any work that falls under normal
maintenance and renewal is exempt from environmental
laws. This could be helpful to the bike trail by gaining
easements called construction roads for later bike trail
use. I have in my possession a document from the Fish
and Wildlife Service that states that they have no jurisdiction over the railroad right-of-way including portions that
pass through the various refuge boundaries. One of the
two routes studied is in the footprint of the old rail line
and is immune from environmental permitting. The more
direct and preferable route involves a small environmentally sensitive area that would require mitigation. Most
likely SANDAGs Transportation Mitigation Bank would
cover this hurdle for the project to move ahead. Crossing
a Navy Base will likely require CEQA & NEPA Studies;
although most of the data is available due to the establishment of the South Bay Refuge and Navy Coastal Campus
EIS documentation.
The routes that we are proposing stay clear of the existing over-crowded corridors. In fact; the Beltline triangulates two of them in an even more direct route. One that
would allow more distance traveled in less time than in
(Contd Pg. 13)

I.B. Local News - July 10, 2015 - 5

Mc Donalds had a great Grand Opening ! The event began at 2p.m. Thursday with an
array of events. Special guest, Councilman Bobby Patton did the honorary ribbon
cutting with owner Rob Seder and Ronald McDonald. Radio Latina was also there
supporting this special event.Tickets were raffled to ONE DIRECTION concert,
movies, 2 flat screen 42' tv's and it would not be complete without Ronald Mc Donald
guiding us thru and announcing the prize winners. It was a big event with cake, locals
and our special guests. So come on in! The new McDonalds is open Bigger and
Better than ever. Don't forget Ronald McDonald will be there again on July 12th.
By Libby Bustos

***we do trouble shooting***

new install of:
electrical lights, power panels
switches, landscape lighTing
Located Next To:
Scoreboard and The Gentlemens Chair Barber Shop

6 - I.B. Local News - July 10, 2015

*** custom swim & musicians

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*INSURED
(Bibbeys- Contd from Front Pg)
Ily has been painting Bibbeys murals with her art
group (TAKOSDC) since she was 9 years old and
she isnt finished yet. She is free hand, spray painting the mural of a classic Imperial Beach sunset. At
just 14 years old her artwork is popping up everywhere in Imperial Beach. She is the winner of the
logo art contest for the Sun & Sea Festival held earlier in the year and she also took part in painting the
new murals at Cow A Bunga. She is an upcoming
artist and we are lucky to have her artwork displayed
in some of Imperial Beachs most iconic places. Now
we can see her artwork at Bibbeys Shell Shop on
Seacoast too. She is only 14 and has accomplished
so much, more than most adult artists. I cannot wait
to see what she does next. - Jeannette Shambaugh

(Relay for Life - Contd from Front Pg)

Participants who make a $10 donation through the
Paint the Town Purple campaign will receive purple
decorative bow to display. Purple is the signature color
of the American Cancer Society Relay For Life program, which represents all cancers.
Ideas for Businesses to Paint the Town Purple include putting up purple-themed displays in storefronts,
swapping out white light bulbs for purple ones, or selecting a day for everyone to wear purple at work. BE
CREATIVE!!
The Relay For Life program is a 24 hour community
event, happening soon in Imperial Beach, Saturday August 1st 9am through Sunday August 2nd, 9am.
CURRENTLY SEEKING TO ADD TEAMS and SURVIVORS to Our Imperial Beach Relay for Life! Teams
and individuals set up campsites at MAR VISTA HIGH
SCHOOL Football Field and take turns walking or running around the track. Each team has at least one participant on the track at all times. Cancer never sleeps
so neither do we is out Motto! Cancer survivors and
caregivers take a celebratory first lap to start the event.
Four million people participated in more than 6,000
events worldwide last year. The money raised sup-

ports groundbreaking cancer research, education and prevention programs, and critical services for people facing
cancer. The Relay For Life of SAN DIEGO County movement, visit relayforlife.org or call 1-800-227-2345.

About the American Cancer Society

The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force
of nearly three million volunteers saving lives and fighting
for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. As the largest voluntary health organization, the
Societys efforts have contributed to a 22 percent decline
in cancer death rates in the US during the past two decades, and a 50 percent drop in smoking rates. Thanks in
part to our progress nearly 14.5 million Americans who
have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it
will celebrate more birthdays this year. Were determined
to finish the fight against cancer. As the nations largest
private, not-for-profit investor in cancer research, were
finding cures and ensuring people facing cancer have the
help they need and continuing the fight for access to quality health care, lifesaving screenings, clean air, and more.
For more information, to get help, or to join the fight, visit
cancer.org or call us anytime, day or night, at 1-800-2272345.

Seashells

I.B. Local News - July 10, 2015 - 7

Volume 02

No. 13.5

SPECIAL
4TH OF JULY
C ELEBRATIONS
SCRAPBOOK
2015

4TH OF JULY
CELEBRATIONS
KICK OFF
SUMMER IN
IMPERIAL BEACH
Photo Credits: Jeannette Shambaugh, Emerald Pena,
Donna Alsum, Nick West, Tommy Cozart

IMPERIAL BEACH RESIDENTS CELEBRATE

4TH OF JULY WITH A BANG
On Saturday the 4th of July Imperial Beach was the place to be. Residents along with
many San Diegans celebrated the 4th of July at the beach in a very big way. With
fireworks off the pier. Thanks to the Port of San Diego, City of Imperial Beach, I
Heart IB, Chamber of Commerce, many local businesses and countless volunteers,
Imperial Beach held a spectacular fireworks show off the pier. The 15th annual Big
Bay Boom provided spectacular fireworks to over 500,000 viewers around San
Diego from barges in the bay. For the 2nd year in a row, Imperial Beach residents
and crowds were able to view the show right off the Imperial Beach Pier. It was a 20
minute firework show with patriotic music playing in sync on local radio stations
that brought the crowds to tears. Residents along with record crowds enjoyed the
show from the beach. You could feel the booms in your heart with every firework,
it was beautiful said local resident Leah S. The beach and all surrounding parks
were packed with beach goers by 12 noon. They enjoyed a beautiful day of waves,
sun, barbeque, family and fun. The day started off with the traditional IB Spirit Bike
Parade, followed by a pancake breakfast. The Pyro Spectaculars crew worked on
the pier for two full days to put the fireworks show together for everyone to enjoy.
I spoke with Thomas Sanders licensed pyrotechnic operator and he filled me in on
what it takes to put on a show of this magnitude. Lots and lots of pre- planning; the
most important safety and fire extinguishers. He also shared with me how unique it
is to be doing all of this off the IB Pier. It was pretty amazing to see how much hard
work and wire goes into creating the 4th of July show. At 9 pm, right on schedule,
the show began. It was magnificent, ending with a full 3 minute finale. This always
has been and will always be one of my most favorite days of the year in Imperial
Beach. A very big THANK YOU to everyone involved in making this event happen.
- Jeannette Shambaugh

8 - I.B. Local News - July 10, 2015

B IG G E R T HA N E X PE C T E D !
It was a pilgrimage to the beach and pier that actually started the night
before; when grunion hunters pitched their tents in Dunes Park and on
the Beach; securing their choice spots for the 4th of July.
The Spirit of Imperial Beach Bike Parade Saturday morning was the
largest its ever been and traffic and busses had to stop for almost half an
hour while patriotic bike riders rode up and down Seacoast Drive.
Lifeguard Captain Robert Stabinow reported stats for the 4th of July
weekend:
July 4th 60,000 beach/ocean attendance, 5 rescues, 11 medical aids, 66
enforcement contacts
On Sunday, July 5th 25,000 beach/ocean attendance, 4 rescues, 1 medical aids, 30 enforcement contacts took place in Imperial Beach.
With crowds estimated in excess of 60,000 at 9:00 P.M.; a great fireworks display was enjoyed by all. Sheriffs Department Spokesperson
told us that there were probably another 30,000 people East of Seacoast
to 9th St. where virtually every home had some sort of party going on.
Leaving the event to go home proved to be quite another challenge for
many. Many surface streets and alleys filled with parked cars that couldnt
move. The alleys to the east of Seacoast Drive were also a gridlock for
the duration of the fireworks and ensuing grid lock. According to The
San Diego Sheriffs Department, there were relatively few arrests considering the size of the crowds! 3 persons were arrested for drunk in
public and one for narcotics near the pier. Other than that, there were
actually fewer incidents than on a normal weekend at the beach! There
were no reported crimes where someone had been victimized. Law enforcement was taken by surprise however, when campers set up tents
Friday night. 28 additional Deputies made for a visible presence that may
have been all it took to keep things peaceful and calm. Crowds policed
themselves and surprisingly; picked up the lions share of trash! Tons of
trash were removed from the beach and tidelands areas. The majority of
it was either in dumpsters or in plastic bags as many in the crowd policed their areas on the beach.
TRAFFIC-GEDDON 2015 was a demonstration that Imperial Beach is
anything but Tsunami Ready!
Multiple DUI checkpoints were waiting for celebrants who had too much
to drink. Very few arrests were made for DUIs or Disorderly Conduct.
These checkpoints on the way out of town did have significant impacts
on the smooth flow of exit traffic.
In a surprise twist and unplanned for; Coronado shut down the bridge
when pedestrians on the bridge trying to view fireworks became a problem. Once the bridge was closed, all the traffic leaving Coronado had to
come down SR-75 through Imperial Beach at the same time that our
fireworks show ended. The mega traffic that resulted did not go unnoticed.
What many locals ask; when are they going to put Old Palm Avenue back
to 4 lanes? The same is true about Imperial Beach Blvd. If the traffic
leaving the beach July 4th had been a real emergency evacuation; nobody would have survived! The Sun and Sea Festival coming up and
promises to be bigger this year and its almost here! Shuttles to the beach
from remote parking areas should be given more consideration. Its too
bad the guy at SANDAG that dreamed up and promoted Traffic Calming
and Lane Elimination, Pop Out Curbs and Crosswalks that choke traffic
was nowhere around to enjoy the results of his design folly.
For those who moved to I.B. to live in a quiet residential neighborhood
by the beach; these events seem somewhat of an intrusion; as all available street parking in front of residences was suddenly gone. Landscaping and sidewalks strewn with litter, broken glass, spent pyrotechnics.
The celebration was kind of like Mardi Gras but, at the beach. There
were some similarities to Woodstock as Well. Overall, it was a great
festivity that exceeded anyones expectation!. The memories will last for
much longer than just that one day!
Here is a little scrapbook you can remove from the paper to remind you
of the greatest 4th of July event Imperial Beach has ever had. Thanks to
all that worked to make it a success! Special thanks to those who donated money or matching funds to help pay the bill and City Officials
who were cooperative! -EdKravitz

I.B. Local News - July 10, 2015 - 9

2015
spirit of i.b.
BIKE PARADE
7TH ANNUAL SPIRIT OF IB BIKE PARADE
The 7th annual Spirit of IB Bike parade & breakfast was the biggest yet. Over 1,000
residents came out to show their IB Spirit. There was a sea of red, white and blue bikes
lining the streets at MVHS as residents gathered to begin the ride. Crafty volunteers
were present to help add red white and blue spirit to undecorated bikes. The convoy of
bikes was over a mile long, stopping traffic along Seacoast in both directions.
The Spirit of IB Bike Parade started at MVHS, traveled west and then went up and
down Seacoast and ended at the home of Greg & Shannon Hughes for a pancake
breakfast.
The first parade 7 years ago had only about 40 participants and was all by word of
mouth. IB no longer had a parade during sandcastle events so it just seemed like a bike
parade that anybody could be a part of would fill the gap and what better day but on
Independence day to celebrate. By 2011, word started to spread via social media and
the event has grown every year since. Each year as the parade & breakfast grows, so
does the number of volunteers willing to help make it a successful event.
The Hughes have been welcoming hundreds of people to their home for the pancake
breakfast that has followed the event for the last 5 years. Its hard to quantify how
fantastic it feels to live among so many generous and enthusiastic people. We are so
grateful for the role weve been able to play, said Shannon Hughes. After speaking
with many different organizers and volunteers, one thing was very clear, the event is
made possible by volunteers who manage traffic, help cook & serve food, loan tables,
chairs and griddles and donations by the whole community. It will be bigger and even
better next year. It truly was a monumental occasion for all. - Jeannette Shambaugh

10 - I.B. Local News - July 10, 2015

I.B. Local News - July 10, 2015 - 11

MAYORS INAUGURAL IMPERIAL BEACH

PIER SWIM & PADDLE
Join Mayor Serge Dedina for the Inaugural Mayors Pier Swim & Paddle.
Weather conditions permitting, participants will be swimming or paddling
around the Imperial Beach Pier with the Mayor! Strong ocean swimming
or paddling experience is recommended to participate. Registration is at
bit.ly/IBMayorSwimPaddle or the day of the event at the Dempsey Holder
Safety Center (950 Ocean Lane, Imperial Beach, CA 91932) at 8:30am
and participants will be required to sign waivers at the event.
T-shirts are available for pre-sale at bit.ly/IBMayorSwimPaddleTShirt and
at the event with proceeds benefiting the Imperial Beach Lifeguard Assn.

B.I.D. CHAIRPERSON TARGETS

LOCAL SMALL BUSINESS
A couple of issues back we reported on the B.I.D.
and the effort to purchase and place surfboard
shaped bike racks within the Right-of-way
where curbs are painted red.
At the end of that story, we invited rebuttal if
we had gotten any of the facts wrong. We also
suggested that instead of B.I.D. Chairperson
LaPausky trying to publish her own newsletter,
that LaPausky write a column in the local newspaper instead.
She never wrote us a letter of rebuttal but, she
did post an op-ed piece in another newspaper.
It then came to our attention that Ms. LaPausky
told the Executive Board of the Chamber that
everything I had written was Lies. When asked
which parts of our story were lies, she responded; All of it! We stand by our story.
Then it came to our attention that Ms. LaPausky
was asking local businesses to boycott our

FOLLOW UP ON THE RONALD MCDONALD RED BOOT DRIVE

My name is Krystopher Paldi. I am a bone
marrow transplant survivor. My Bone
Marrow Transplant was on April 17th,
2010, and I am 5 years into the transplant.
I am doing great; I just wanted to say
thank you for all the donations from the
Red Boot Drive! The total amount of
money raised was $166,000 ! Without the
donations, it would not be possible for me
and my family to do the things that I need
to have done. I still go to Children's Hospital in San Diego, at least 2 times a month.
It was daily for 4 years. I am so thankful
for all of your hard work and the time everyone puts into the Red Boot Drive!
Thanks again for everything you do!
- Love, Krystopher Paldi

newspaper. She yelled at one local businessman;

How dare you advertise in this piece of trash?
How dare you even distribute this newspaper in
your business? Were finding out that he was not
the only business she tried to intimidate into removing our newspapers and refusing to advertise.
Fortunately, most of our advertisers declined but,
several were intimidated and some scared there
would be more trouble.
When confronted and observed with a large stack
of our newspapers at 6:00 am one morning on Seacoast, she explained away the large stack of papers by pretending to deliver them at doorsteps of
businesses on the 800 block of Seacoast Drive; in
a manner inconsistent with our company policy.
After consulting with legal council, a Cease, Desist
and Demand letter was sent Certified Mail to
LaPausky. The return receipt shows the letter was
delivered however, LaPausky has not responded to
any of the points made in the letter as of our publication date for this issue.

12 - I.B. Local News - July 10, 2015

The Bassics(mod
rock) hosted and performed (9 bands included) July 3rd at
The Boys and Girls
club...Great Job by
the way fellas...way to
hustle!
These guys are on their
way to the next big gig
and are planning a mini
tour in the Bay
area.where is top secret quotes Sam.
Good luck boys! as
always...support your
local musicians.
- Elaine Haggin
Robert Headrick

THE BASSICS HOST IMPERIAL BEACH EVENT

The Bassics(mod rock) in order by photo (Carl,Nick Sam and Vino)

IMPERIAL
BEACH
GIRLS
SOFTBALL
CHAMPIONS
HEADED
FOR
STATE
FINALS

Submitted Photo

Jeannette Shambaugh

FLIX BY THE SEA CANCELLED

The Port of San Diego held their Imperial Beach installation of Flix By the Sea on
Friday, June 26th at Portwood Pier Plaza. Over 100 residents along with Mayor
Dedina and his family, gathered with friends and their favorite blankets to watch Soul
Surfer at the beach. The festivities began at 6pm with a live DJ from 95.7 KISS FM,
raffles and concessions. Unfortunately, at dusk, the wind picked up and residents
were very disappointed to find out that they would not be able to watch the movie. At
9 pm, the event was cancelled and everyone went home. On the bright side, movie
goers did get to enjoy one of the most beautiful sunsets we have had this summer.
The next Flix by the Sea event will be held on July 10th at Harbor Island Park and
they will be playing the movie Jaws. To see a full list of events and movies, please
visit: www.portofsandiego.org/recreation.
There is no date set as of now to replay the movie.
-Jeannette Shambaugh

I.B. Local News - July 10, 2015 - 13

Parade List for Sun & Sea Festival

SPAWAR Honor Guard
Bank & Parade Sponsor
City Council
Girl Scout troop 5447
Cub Scout Pack 866
Senator Hueso & family
SBUSD Trustees &Supervisors
Port Commissioner
SD County Supervisor
South Bay Cruisers
SBUSD Education Foundation
CYE Princesses
Restored Ford
IB Beautiful
IB Womens Club
Potters House Church
YMCA
IB Little League
Marching Band
Music Club
IB Stroller Strides
MVHS NJROTC
South Bay Ambassadors
Kiwanis
Restored Camaro
Miss Coastal Cities et al

Eastlake Church
JR lifeguards
United Martial Arts Center
IB Preschool
IB Girls Softball
Fern Street Circus
MVHS 70s Alumni
Rock Star Gym
IB Chamber
Pacific Realty
K-Pasta
United Methodist Church
Amber Jade Mobile Craft Class
IB Yoga
Military
Coronado NJROTC
Beachside FroYo
Church at the Beach
Pan-Am Tae Kwon Do
AYSO 712 soccer
Girl Scouts
Carrington Real Estate Svcs
SB Popwarner football & cheer
Boys & Girls Club
Fire Dept

PERFORMANCE STAGE, PORTWOOD PIER PLAZA

7 am 9 am Pancake Breakfast
9 am 10 am Parade

(Sun & Sea - Contd from Front Pg)

Saturday, July 18, 2015: 9 a.m. 5 p.m.
Pancake Breakfast: 7 a.m.-11 a.m. hosted by volunteers from St. James Lutheran Church-$5
donation.
Annual Parade: Starts at 9 a.m. along Seacoast Drive.
Kids n Kastles: Noon-1:30 p.m. sand castles to be built in the sand adjacent to Dunes Park.
Master Sand Sculptures: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. sand castles to be built north of the pier.
Friday, July 17, 2015
The Mayors Community Breakfast to be held at 10:00 a.m. in Pier Plaza.
Sandcastle Ball will be held 6:00 p.m. to midnight at the Imperial Beach Boys & Girls Club.
Tickets cost $15 each and will be available for purchase online in April at ibsandcastleball.com.
For more information to volunteer, build sandcastles, enter the parade or to sponsor the event,
please visit http://sunandseafestival.com/
(Southbay Transit - Contd from Pg 4)
the existing Palm Avenue and I-5 / Trolley Corridors. It would still be faster; even at slower
speeds than the current surface transportation travels. The current bus and trolley service
for Imperial Beach is substandard because, once residents get to the Palm Avenue Trolley
Station, there are usually no seats left on the Trolley anyway!
If Santee can benefit from light rail; why cant Imperial Beach? We have a Beach ! We are
a tourist destination! We are woefully short on parking and traffic plans and several recent
SANDAG funded traffic projects have even made some traffic issues worse than they
were! A proposed Palm Avenue Master Plan is throwing millions of dollars at a project that
is neither practical or wanted by locals. The Navy EIS Traffic Studies shows that this entire
Palm Avenue Master Plan is an effort in futility and perhaps a danger to National Security in
the future. A small portion of that funding could make a workable light rail link that would
cure Imperial Beachs economic, traffic and parking woes while increasing the value of
local real estate. Imperial Beach would become a true commuters paradise. Current proposals for development in Chula Vista and on the Silver Strand will create virtual grid lock
and there is no point in spending any more public money to make traffic lanes narrower or
slow down thru-traffic speeds on SR-75.
My interest in this railroad project is to see it come to fruition. Ive never been paid a dime
for 20 years of research. I have been involved in the tourist railroad industry for the last 14
years and have two qualified and well known rail consultants already working with me on
these and other projects. We want an opportunity to make presentations of our ideas before
the final decisions are made. No plan is perfect. Whats good about this one is that it is
adaptable. Unfortunately some political interests fear this project or feel that it may be
incompatible with their pet projects. I can assure you nothing could be further from the truth.
Sometimes we cant see the forest for the trees. I am sending you a copy of a 1902
Geological Survey Map. Perhaps its easier to envision without all the recent additions. Dr.
Joseph Schwieterman Professor of Transportation Studies at De Paul University writes
chapter after chapter in his books; When the Railroad Leaves Town; about the many
municipalities that had to recover abandon rail right-of-ways for transit and the great expense they had to go to. If only they had preserved them for future use. Volume 2 has a
Chapter on the Coronado Belt Line. The
Beltline History is not over yet. It still has
a role to play just as much as it did back at
the turn of the century. Its just a different role this time. While a bike trail may
be important, it shouldnt preclude use of
the rail. Both can exist in the right-of-way
as we have attempted to demonstrate. Any
objections saying otherwise are just plain
false.
There is no other transportation project
SANDAG could embark upon that would
bring more benefit per dollar than the revitalization of the Coronado Belt Line and
the proposed Imperial Express Extension
to the Beach. We would like to rename it:
The Bayshore Railway.
There are many other purposes for restoring this rail line that will serve into the future for San Diego. I believe Professor
Joe Schweiterman would accept your invitation to speak on the need to preserve
and exploit historic railroad easements. We
would also accept an invitation to make a
meaningful presentation for objective
evaluation and potential funding or licensing agreements.

10 am Welcoming Remarks
10:35- 11:30 Teagan Taylor Trio performance
11:35 11:40 Overview of the Judging Process/Awards
11:45 12:45 Subsurfer performance
1:15 2:15 Bayou Brothers Band performance
3 pm 4 pm theDeep Joint performance
4:10 4:40 Sandcastle Awards presentation
4:40 4:45 Closing Remarks
Nathans Famous Kids Zone Dunes Park Performance Schedule
11am South Bay YMCA Gymnastics presentation
12noon Fern Street Circus Performance
1-2pm Trevor Douglas (American Idol Season 12 Runner Up) performance
1pm Pan Am Tae Kwon Do with Master Kim presentations
2pm Optimist Club Kids and Kastles Awards presentation
3pm Fern Street Circus performance
4pm World Gym Eastlake Kids Academy presentation

LOCALARTIST WILL SIGN EVENT POSTERS

FOR DONATIONS AT THE BOCARIO BOOTH AT
THE SUN & SEA FESTIVAL ON SATURDAY
Ily Alfred, this years winning artist, is a 14-year-old from Imperial Beach
Charter Middle School. Her design was selected to represent this years Sun
& Sea Festival and will be replicated on posters and t-shirts. Ily will be signing
collectors editions for the first 50 people who make a donation to the artist.
Those interested can stop by the Boca Rio Booth at the Sun & Sea Festival on
Saturday.
This is the first time that I submitted my artwork to any contest, said Ily. I
am very excited, especially as I have grown up in Imperial Beach, and I would
like people to see what I am doing. The pencil and ink artwork is a circular
image of a female surfer catching a wave with sandcastles buildings along the
shoreline in the distance. She liked this design because it is simple and clean
but includes everything about the Sun & Sea Festival. I chose a circle as it
attracts you to look to the center of the image; similar to the pupil in your eye.
This years official t-shirts, banners and posters will be supplied by Boca Rio,
a local printing company who specializes in non-profit clients, such as the
Boys & Girls Club, the Taste of I.B. and the Fishing Derby. Boca Rio, which
means where the river meets the sea, has been in business since 1998, according to owner, Rick Alvarez. This girl has talent, and I am not just saying
that, when you go under a wave you see another world and she captured this
fantasy place beautifully. Plus her artwork looks amazing on printed pieces.
Everyone is going to want this image.

14 - I.B. Local News - July 10, 2015

NOLF Imperial Beach Airport Land Use

Compatibility Plan Public Meeting
You are invited to a public meeting as part of the process of
establishing an Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan (ALUCP)
for Naval Outlying Landing Field Imperial Beach (NOLF IB).
An ALUCP is required by State law to establish compatibility
standards for land uses in the vicinity of military airfields and
public use airports. By law, the ALUCP for NOLF IB must
implement the noise and safety compatibility standards of the
Air Installation Compatible Use Zones (AICUZ) developed by
the U.S. Navy.
An ALUCP has no effect on existing land uses such as existing
residences, but establishes compatibility standards for any newly
proposed development within the vicinity of NOLF IB.
The San Diego County Regional Airport Authority (SDCRAA)
is the agency charged by State law to develop the ALUCP, and
public outreach and input is an important and required part of
the process.

P RO M O T E
Y O U R B U S I N E S S !

A D V E RT I S E

IB

LOCAL

( 6 1 9 )

I N

NEWS

7 7 9 - 7 8 4 6

iblnews@hotmail.com

Please join SDCRAA and NOLF IB staff

to learn about the ALUCP process.
Date: Tuesday, July 21,2015
Time: 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Location: Tijuana Estuary Vistor Center
301 Caspian Way
Imperial Beach, CA 91932
For more information, please visit www.san.org/nolfib.

I.B. Local News - July 10, 2015 - 15

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16 - I.B. Local News - July 10, 2015