The Pits

"If they're gone, we will regret it, I promise you," said community member Frank Gormlie, urging the Ocean Beach Town Council to fight for the 185 public fire pits across San Diego, including eight in Ocean Beach.

Gormlie told the council -- in session on April 28 at the OB Masonic Center -- that he met recently with city councilman Kevin Faulconer, who wants to keep the pits. "The mayor is the one to convince," Gormlie said.

Council members said they expected to discuss the matter and, at their next meeting, reiterate their support of the pits.

Earlier in the meeting, a member of the audience asked about "urban campers" in Ocean Beach, particularly near the foot of Newport Avenue.

"Looks like we have a new group in," said Officer David Surwilo of the San Diego Police Department. Surwilo said some group members seemed "more aggressive" and that police and lifeguards have issued citations when appropriate.