Improvements in PB that we have seen...
One thing we have learned in 14 years at SavePB.org is this: Working together we can solve problems and make a difference!
Our mission is to inform our members about community issues and how they can take effective action to solve them. Once you know the facts and the decision-makers, grassroots action can be very powerful! Even though we still have concerns about Pacific Beach, we have seen many dramatic improvements thanks to the efforts of people like you.
In 2009, over 200 people completed our online survey and their top 3 issues were DUIs, Parking and Mini-dorms.
In 2019, we surveyed our members again and those results are coming in our next email. But first, we want to remind you of some improvements in PB that we have seen. Since 2005, SavePB has been working to help solve many of your top problems and we have witnessed many times the awesome power of well-informed residents working together to resolve issues, as you will see in the box below.
PB Block Party – Community-wide effort to end event caused the City to deny a permit in 2006 and it never resumed.
PB Special Events Committee formed to review special events and give feedback to the City regarding permits.
Detox Center – citizens helped thwart relocation to PB
Mini-dorms – citizen effort thwarted them in PB & City adopted new ordinances
Alcohol-free Beaches – Relentless pressure from citizens together with a 2007 beach riot resulted in a 1-year trial in 2008, that became permanent after a city-wide vote on Proposition D. Effect is like “night and day” and has had far-reaching positive impacts on PB residents and Community.
Floatopia and Kate Sessions Park – Became alcohol-free after citizens urged an end to these destructive, dangerous drinking events
25 Illegal Pot Shops closed in PB - due to citizens reporting scofflaws and pressing City to enforce the Code
Graffiti – Annual Graffiti Clean-up and community education
Oversized Vehicles – Citizens relentlessly urged City to adopt a new ordinance prohibiting overnight parking of RVs, trailers, and over-sized vehicles on residential streets
STVR – Citizens relentlessly pressed City Council to pass a new ordinance in 2018 but Airbnb signature drive referendum resulted in ordinance being rescinded. Citizens continue efforts…
Vehicle Habitation – Citizens’ campaign resulted in City passing a new ordinance that restricts living in vehicles in residential areas and provides alternative safe parking lots. Citizens continue to press for enforcement by reporting on Get It Done.
Too many bars, too much alcohol-fueled crime – a 2011 PBPG report detailed the problems, causes and solutions. Despite gathering broad-based citizen support from PB, North Park, Hillcrest, and Ocean Beach; the city-wide Community Planners Committee and even the City Planning Commission, the Mayor and City Council have been unwilling to implement these solutions. As a result, enormous Police resources are required in the PB bar district. For now, new alcohol licenses are being somewhat limited by citizens filing ABC protests but citizens continue to press City leaders to adopt proven solutions.
E-scooters and Dockless bikes – Citizens relentless pressing of City Council and Mayor resulted in new regulations, but efforts continue…
Neighborhood Watch has grown from a handful to more than 60 groups in PB due to the tireless efforts of citizens like Marcella Teran and NW Block Captains. Starting this year, Marcella also took over coordinating Mission Beach groups. There are now a total of 92 Block Captains! Citizens and police have direct links for better reporting of chronic problems and better police enforcement.
PB Schools - Scores of dedicated PB parents, teachers and Principals fought plans to close schools and instead built PB schools into award-winning schools that attract both local and non-local students.