Point Loma-OB Happenings: OB virtual 5K, White Rice, Citizen of Courage, summer concerts postponed, more
Ocean Beach 5K virtual race steps in June 19-26
The Ocean Beach MainStreet Association will present the Celebrate the OB Vibe 5K virtual race in which participants can run or walk at their own pace June 19-26.
The 3.1 miles can be covered on a treadmill, sidewalk, trail, beach or anywhere participants like.
Registration is available at oceanbeachsandiego.com/celebrate-ob-vibe#5kregistration. Funds raised through the event will benefit the MainStreet Association’s Friends of OB program.
The race is associated with OBMA’s “Celebrate the OB Vibe” event from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 26, in which participating businesses will have specials for the day, and arts and crafts, a children’s area, dance lessons and art vendor areas will be offered.
White Rice food stall to open June 12 in Point Loma
After a pandemic-extended delay, chef Phillip Esteban’s White Rice food stall at Liberty Public Market in Point Loma will open Saturday, June 12.
White Rice will specialize in rice bowls based on the traditional Filipino dishes Esteban grew up on. The business was born last year after the pandemic forced the shutdown of his corporate catering company.
For more information, visit ricebowlsforall.com. — The San Diego Union-Tribune
Point Loma man honored as a Citizen of Courage
Kevin Eslinger of Point Loma was one of seven area residents honored in April by the San Diego County district attorney’s office as 2021 Citizens of Courage.
During a 2018 confrontation at Sunset Cliffs, a stand-up paddle surfer used his paddle to club Eslinger on the head. The attack left the longtime high school and youth swimming coach with a brain injury that at times impeded his speech and other functions.
Deputy District Attorney Matthew Greco called Eslinger a “very active witness and participant in the prosecution” of Paul Taylor Konen, 36, who is serving a five-year state prison term.
“Mr. Eslinger had to overcome the effects of this assault in order to obtain justice,” Greco said. “And his willingness to ... confront his attacker, and to do it with dignity and humility, really stands out.” — The San Diego Union-Tribune
Point Loma Summer Concerts postponed to next year
The Point Loma Summer Concerts have been postponed for the second consecutive year.
Concerns about limiting attendance at Point Loma Park and other possible coronavirus-related security and safety requirements caused organizers to put off the concert series until summer 2022.
Next year’s season is scheduled to include the same bands that were lined up to play this year: the Mighty Untouchables on July 8; Cassie B’s ’90s Remix, July 15; Elton — The Early Years, July 22; 24K Magic: Tribute to Bruno Mars, July 29; and Pine Mountain Logs, Aug. 5.
San Diego Watercolor Society reopens
The San Diego Watercolor Society Gallery at Liberty Station’s Arts District reopened May 7 after being closed since March 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The gallery has a new members exhibit titled “Shape Zone.”
Operating hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays through Sundays. For more information, visit sdws.org.
Point Loma philanthropist donates $1 million to San Diego Automotive Museum
Dorothea Laub, a Point Loma resident and philanthropist, has donated $1 million to the San Diego Automotive Museum in memory of her late husband, Richard “Dick” Laub.
The gift will be used for improvements to the historical building in Balboa Park.
Dick Laub, a 36-year Point Loma resident, died in 2013 at age 91. The Laubs developed a commercial real estate enterprise that has spanned almost five decades. Dick Laub was known in San Diego for advocating for the protection and management of trees in Balboa Park by establishing a water conservation program.
“Dick had a real passion for Balboa Park,” Dorothea Laub said in a statement. “I share this passion, and I’m honored to help the San Diego Automotive Museum thrive in his memory.”
San Diego Foundation announces $400,000 in grants to build wealth in Black community
The Point Loma-based San Diego Foundation has announced $400,000 in grants to the San Diego Workforce Partnership and the Neighborhood House Association to help build generational wealth for Black San Diegans through education and workforce training.
The foundation awarded a $100,000 grant to expand the Neighborhood House Association Youth Fellowship Internship Program and provide 80 to 100 Black high school and college students with “high-quality, career-rich” paid internships.
The San Diego Workforce Partnership received $100,000 for its TechHire program to train Black San Diegans for information, communications and technology jobs with paid work experience, subsidized training and job placement.
Additionally, the foundation and Bank of America each provided $100,000 grants to support the San Diego Workforce Partnership Construction Career Jumpstart Program for San Diegans interested in energy, construction and utilities. — City News Service
— Compiled by Point Loma-OB Monthly staff