Point Loma-OB Happenings: Lung Force, OB Library, Hungry Dog Dash, Union Bank, more

Lung Force Walk at Liberty Station aims to fight cancer

In an effort to fight lung cancer, the American Lung Association in California will present the Lung Force Walk & Fun Run at Liberty Station’s NTC Park beginning at 7:30 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 29.

The 5K walk aims to raise funds for lung cancer research, early detection and community outreach.

The event will feature an interactive learning experience led by lung health professionals, an electric vehicle ride and drive, a rock climbing wall, a Wiffle Ball batting cage and a photo booth.

Former San Diego Padres outfielder and current Padres broadcaster Tony Gwynn Jr., an American Lung Association board member, will open the festivities with radio personality Delana Bennett.

NTC Park is at 2455 Cushing Road, Point Loma. For more information and to register, visit lungforce.org/sandiego.

OB Library expansion eyed for $4 million in federal funding

The Ocean Beach Library’s planned expansion is expected to receive a $4 million infusion as part of more than $63 million in federal funding for 22 projects across the San Diego region.

The projects are part of a fiscal 2023 appropriations package in Congress, the office of U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) said Dec. 20.

The long-awaited renovation and expansion of the Ocean Beach Library, estimated to cost $11 million, was allocated $4.5 million in state funding last summer and already had benefited from an anonymous $3 million private donation.

The project would remodel OB’s 5,095-square-foot San Diego Public Library branch and build a 4,205-square-foot extension. The proposal includes a new community meeting room, a teen area, an outdoor gathering space, office space, an expanded book collection area, new restrooms, new landscaping and more.

Hungry Dog Dash to benefit Point Loma High cross country team

The Point Loma High School cross country team and the PLHS Pointer Association Cross Country Boosters are bringing back the Hungry Dog Dash 5K race after a two-year COVID-19-related hiatus.

The event will begin at 8 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 12, at Liberty Station’s NTC Park, 2455 Cushing Road, Point Loma.

Runners and walkers of all ages and skill levels are invited, along with their four-legged friends. Every registrant will receive a Hungry Dog Dash T-shirt, a goody bag and dog tags. The top three finishers in each division will receive awards.

Other activities include live music and a vendor village.

All proceeds from the event will go to the Cross Country Boosters to support the team.

For additional information, visit hungrydogdash.com or contact Cross Country Boosters President Cory Baker at (619) 204-1287 or plhsxcountry@gmail.com.

San Diego and Midway Rising finalize negotiation terms for sports arena site

The city of San Diego and development team Midway Rising have cemented an agreement to negotiate the lease and redevelopment of the city’s 48-acre sports arena site in the Midway District.

The parties in December executed what is known as an exclusive negotiation agreement, or ENA. The milestone solidifies the pairing and starts the clock on a two-year period that requires the developer to produce important material at set dates and not deviate too far from its winning bid.

In September, San Diego City Council members selected Midway Rising from a field of three competitors to redo the city’s property at 3220, 3240, 3250 and 3500 Sports Arena Blvd.

The Midway Rising team includes market-rate housing developer Zephyr, sports and entertainment venue operator Legends and affordable-housing builder Chelsea Investment Corp. The group’s plan calls for 4,250 apartment homes, a new 16,000-seat arena, a 200-room hotel and 20 acres of plaza and park space.

The signed agreement calls for a two-year window ending Dec. 4, 2024, to finalize lease terms and arrive at a development deal. The City Council is required to receive progress reports quarterly. The mayor, however, has the ability extend the agreement for two one-year terms. Both parties can walk away from the deal at any time. — The San Diego Union-Tribune

Union Bank sells Ocean Beach branch

Ocean Beach’s branch of Union Bank is one of five the bank has sold for a total of $19.25 million, real estate brokerage CBRE said in December.

The OB branch at 1858 Cable St. was built in 1964 and measures 5,379 square feet.

CBRE did not identify the buyer.

Point Loma artist places third in S.D. Watercolor Society show

Point Loma artist Jean Silva’s painting “Next Stop” earned third place in the January Members Show of the San Diego Watercolor Society.

(San Diego Watercolor Society)

Point Loma artist Jean Silva took third place for her abstract painting “Next Stop” in the January Members Show of the San Diego Watercolor Society at Liberty Station in Point Loma.

The exhibit will run through Saturday, Jan. 28. The gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. The works also can be viewed and purchased on the Watercolor Society’s website at sdws.org/galleryart.php?cat=7013.

Republican Women lunch set for Jan. 18

Republican Women of California, Point Loma, will hold the group’s monthly meeting at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18, at the Bay Club Hotel & Marina, 2131 Shelter Island Drive.

Reservations are required for lunch, which costs $35.

For more information or to RSVP, visit rwcpl.org.

Local children’s cancer nonprofit celebrates 20 years

The Emilio Nares Foundation, a Point Loma-based nonprofit that helps families navigate their child’s journey through cancer, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.

The foundation is named after a boy who died of cancer 28 years ago at age 5. Its free program Ride with Emilio helps children get to their cancer treatments and medical appointments when they don’t have other transportation.

The foundation’s signature event, “Harvest for Hope,” will be held Sept. 10, featuring food from local chefs, wine and spirits, craft beer tasting and live entertainment.

To learn more or to donate, visit ENFHope.org.

— Compiled by Point Loma-OB Monthly staff