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San Diego Community Newspaper Group
www.SDNEWS.com Volume 27, Number 11
THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2013
Owner of former Apple Tree Market property ordered to clean up site BY TONY DE GARATE | THE BEACON
“Lifeguard! Southern California” showcases lifeguards on Southern California’s beaches as they take on rescue roles and law enforcement measures. Photo courtesy of The Weather Channel
Lifeguards at odds: Is the department getting a good deal for TV show production? BY MARIKO LAMB | THE BEACON The Weather Channel’s airing of “Lifeguard! Southern California” may put a heroic spotlight on local lifeguards and showcase San Diego’s pristine beaches and great weather, but lifeguard union spokesman Ed Harris said there are a few downsides to the show that need to be addressed if another round of filming begins this summer. From overzealous shark hype to distractions from real-life rescues, Harris said the impact of the show on lifeguards and citizens affects the smooth operation of the rescue department, and the lifeguards are simply not getting sufficient compensation for their burden. The “Lifeguard!” docudrama series features an up-close-and-personal look at the lifesaving men and women of Southern California’s SEE SHOW, Page 7
Lifeguard union spokesman Ed Harris said his field lifeguards, like the one above, can be burdened by film Photo courtesy of The Weather Channel crews following their every move.
The former Apple Tree Market property in Ocean Beach “poses a serious threat to the public’s health and safety” and has been declared a “public nuisance” under the terms of a notice of abatement issued by the city May 1. The building, located at 4949 Santa Monica Ave., became vacant when the grocery store lost its lease at the end of last year. Since then, nearby businesses, apartment owners and residents have complained about homeless people finding shelter beneath a long row of overgrown jasmine bushes, along with uncollected trash and tall weeds cropping up through cracks in the asphalt parking lot. An inspection of the property April 22 made the same findings, the document shows. The building and surrounding property was found to be “vacant with trash and evidence of transient encampment,” according to a letter signed by Keith Cleveland, land development investigator for the city’s Neighborhood Code Compliance Division. The property owner, Elliot Megdal, a Los Angelesbased real-estate developer, was ordered within 10 days SEE NOTICE, Page 6
A sign warns passersby to stay off the vacant property where the Apple Tree Market in Ocean Beach once thrived. Photo by Tony de Garate I The Beacon
Recycling wars in the alleys – from trash to cash? What was once just a quick buck or two are over, said most old-school What used to help some folks to a “canners” (container collectors). little extra “green” in their pockets “The ‘canning-monsters’ have taken seems to have become a competitive over,” said longtime local ‘canner’ 24/7 alley race. Thomas J. Rutowski, known as “OB Strategic canning — a rat race-like Tommy,” referring to his new competihunt for recyclable beverage contain- tion on wheels. ers through residential and city refuse Rutkowski and a friend collect alubins seems to have stepped up into a minum cans and plastic bottles daily, to popular, tax-free, cash-paying occupa- ensure food, drink and cigarette tion. money. That money is often their only BY BIANCA KOCH | THE BEACON
An unidentified recycler cashes in at an Old Town/Point Loma recycling center. Photo by Bianca Koch I The Beacon
READERS CHOICE AWARDS
2 0 1 3
92107
VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANT! IN OCEAN BEACH
source of income. Rutkowski remembers when “canning” used to be quick and easy. “I’d just walk up Newport Avenue every hour or so and grab them [the CRV containers] from the trashcans on the sidewalk and take them over to Miguel’s [Ocean Beach’s local recycling facility] to cash. No such luck, these days. It’s all ‘canned-out.’ Seems like SEE RECYCLING, Page 6
Vote online at peninsulabeacon.com
ENTRY RULES: You choose your favorite! Tell us who the best of the best is and you’ll be entered into our free drawing for dinner for 2. Mail or hand deliver your ballot to: Peninsula Beacon, 1621 Grand Ave. Suite C, San Diego CA 92109. You may also submit your vote online at: www.peninsulabeacon.com. (look for the banner ad advertising the readers choice awards) • 50% of the ballot must be complete to be counted in the drawing. • One ballot per person. • Limited to Restaurants in 92107 zip codes • Ballots must be postmarked, submitted online, or hand-delivered, by Wednesday, June 26, 2013