www.SDNEWS.com Volume 24, Number 27
THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2009
San Diego Community Newspaper Group
City launches $5.5M pipe revamp project BY ANTHONY GENTILE | THE BEACON
The city has embarked on an ambitious and lengthy $5.5 million water and sewer Main Replacement project in Point Loma. Officially called the Famosa Accelerated Water and Sewer Main Replacement, the project has an estimated completion date of September 2010. “Once the project is completed,” said city public information officer assistant Rebecca Pond, “the community will experience improved
Beating the heat as the mercury climbs With summer hitting full stride, residents sought out various means of relief from the heat over the weekend. Above, two kayakers prepare to shove off in their all-wood kayaks from Shelter Island. The kayaks, built from kits, frequently take the two men on a 12-mile paddle on San Diego Bay and out to the point by the Ocean Beach Pier. Left, others sought refuge from the heat in the shadow of the pier itself. According to weather forecasters, mostly sunny skies are expected through Sunday with highs ranging into the upper 70s and possibly low 80s along with coast, with lows in the upper 60s. PHOTOS COURTESY OF JIM GRANT
The “American Idols Live! Tour 2009” explodes on to the stage at the San Diego Sports Arena on Saturday, July 18 at 7 p.m. The Season 8 top 10 finalists — Adam Lambert, Allison Iraheta, Anoop Desai, Danny Gokey, Kris Allen, Lil Rounds, Matt Giraud, Megan Joy, Michael Sarver and Scott MacIntyre —are poised to deliver non-stop, fan-pleasing performances unlike any other Idols tour. “Every year the show is rein-
vented,” said tour producer/director Raj Kapoor. “We always try and put a fresh spin on the show, keeping up with staging trends and updated video and lighting technologies. “This year’s show incorporates bigger video screens than ever before,” he said. “And we have made the lighting and video elements feel very cohesive in the show design.” Kapoor, who has worked on such productions as the Grammy Awards, “Dancing with the Stars” tour and several world tours for
the Dixie Chicks, Josh Groban and Britney Spears to name a few, said this year’s “Idol” tour is more contemporary than in past years and focuses on “musicality” and the individual artists. “We have given each of the Idols their own video content that help reflect their individual personalities,” Kapoor said. “This year’s show is essentially 10 miniconcerts all rolled into one, with the bonus of a couple bigger group production numbers.” He called this year’s top 10 finalists extraordinary.
SEE PROJECT, Page 5
Locals struggle to solve mystery of OB man’s unconscious state BY ANTHONY GENTILE | THE BEACON
At the conclusion of the Fourth of July fireworks celebration at the Ocean Beach Pier, something happened that led OB resident Chris Bowd to be knocked unconscious. Bowd remains in a medically induced coma, according to reports, and friends and family are struggling for answers. The case has left many baffled and, to some degree, brings into focus the issue of safety in Ocean Beach during the Fourth of July holiday. A post on the OB Rag blog by Frank Gormlie on July 8 first
‘Idol’ fever to take sports arena by storm with 2009 tour BY LAURIE SMITH | THE BEACON
and more reliable water and sewer main systems. Also, it will reduce the maintenance cost of the upgraded infrastructure.” According to city officials, workers will replace 8,701 feet of existing vitrified clay sewer mains and 11,209 feet of cast-iron water mains. Curb ramps will also be installed and the affected streets will be resurfaced. “The water and sewer pipelines are being upgraded now due to age
“They are all so supportive of each other,” Kapoor said. “I think they all really want each other to enjoy further success, and it shows every night on stage.” He complimented all 10 SEE IDOLS, Page 5
reported the Bowd incident. OB Rag has been tracking the situation ever since, with more than 55 comments from community members and friends of Bowd, offering support CHRIS BOWD for his family and trying to gain any information. Thus far, no definitive information has surfaced. SEE MYSTERY, Page 5
The “American Idol Live! Tour 2009” will crank up the heat at San Diego Sports Arena on Saturday, July 17. COURTESY PHOTO BY CRAIG DeCRISTO