The Fourth of July in Ocean Beach means one thing: marshmallows.
The Independence Day tradition of pelting the white puffs started as a friendly-family feud, but has grown over the years to an all-out sugary assault. In recent years, thousands of people have started coming to OB to throw marshmallows at one another.
Gretchen Newsom, president of the Ocean Beach Town Council, says the event is dangerous – think flaming marshmallows and kids with black eyes. Newsom also says the leftover marshmallows become an environmental nuisance, causing a gummy mess that sticks around long after the crowds go home.
This week, Newsom joined VOSD Radio’s Scott Lewis, Caty Green and Andrew Keatts to talk about ‘mallowing out this Fourth of July, the post-holiday cleanup and the ongoing controversy over the OB community plan.
Download the episode below, on Stitcher or on iTunes. While you’re there, leave us some feedback. We love to hear what you have to say.
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Show Notes
• Here’s the latest on the links between DA Bonnie Dumanis and Jose Susumo Azano Matsura, a Mexican citizen who allegedly gave big money to the DA and other local politicians.
• The president of the Deputy District Attorneys Association said his group’s PAC received a donation offer from a retired San Diego cop working for Azano. Check out what Keatts uncovered this week.
• Other cities are also dealing with minimum wage hikes. Here’s what San Diego can learn from them.
• This week’s Heroes are the kids of City Heights, who finally secured a skate park for their neighborhood. Read up on how they did it.
• Dumanis is our Goat of the Week, for refusing to explain what’s up with her ties to Azano. Check out the CityBeat article that Lewis said put it best.
• Gov. Jerry Brown asked Californians to conserve water. San Diegans went in the opposite direction.
• Got an idea to make San Diego better? Friday’s the last day to submit a proposal to our Idea Tournament. The winner, selected at Politifest coming up Aug. 9, gets a $2,500 cash grant and free consulting to make their vision a reality.