Not So Fast, Faulconer

At the July 23rd Ocean Beach Town Council meeting, James Lawson from city councilmember Kevin Faulconer’s office asked the town council for their opinion.

“We just wanted to hear your feedback about how the Fourth of July went and the difference the [alcohol] ban at the beach had on O.B,” Lawson asked confidently.

The day before, in front of a vocal pro-ban group, Lawson’s boss announced a push -- along with council president Scott Peters -- to put the ban on this November’s ballot.

“I’ve actually had quite a few people complain to me about the number of house parties and the noise in the neighborhood that hadn’t been around before,” said town-council member Dave Martin.

“Yeah, I live near Sunset Cliffs, and there was a lot going on in the streets until late into the night, more so than previous years,” added fellow councilmember Dan Allemeir.

Then, a voice from the audience spoke up. It was José Mendoza, owner of O.B. Noodle House. “It was our slowest day yet. We thought we would be really busy, but it was dead and I think it was because of the ban.”

Ronnie Shamoun, another member of the town council, said business was way down at his Subway sandwich shop, compared to previous years.

“Oh, okay, well, I’ll pass that along to Kevin. Thanks for your time,” said Lawson before sitting down.

The OB Town Council meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month, at 7:00 pm at the Masonic Temple off of Sunset Cliffs Boulevard.