Imperial Beach

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers had planned to dredge the San Diego bay entrance to remove the build up of sand and allow for safe passage of ships. They had offered the extra sand to Imperial Beach, initially at 330,000 cubic yards but after Imerpial Beach permit and safety issues were raised the project was scaled back to 100,00 cubic yards. Now the project has been halted until the Army agrees to the list of requirements Imeperial Beach has assembled. Read more »

In an ongoing effort to study how pollution travels when it reaches the ocean, scientists have created pink waves. Read more »

Another surf dog competition was held on Friday in Imperial Beach. Read more and see the photos at Surfing dogs fetch a look at annual event

The 75-pound English bulldog was just one of many canines trying to be top dog at the fourth annual surf-dog competition put on by Loews Coronado Bay Resort yesterday.

To lesser dogs, heading into the chilly surf under the gray skies at Imperial Beach might have given them – excuse this – paws. But not a fierce competitor like Dozer.

"He's a typical bulldog, with a low center of gravity. He just hangs on and refuses to give up," Hokstad said. "He's not a water dog, so he's got the motivation to stay on the board."

Is that how its done?

UPDATE on 06/21/2009 11:15am:

Photos of the surfing dogs can be found in SignOnSanDiego Photo Gallery

Today Imperial Beach will install a surf sculpture that has been in storage for the last 10 years. The 16 foot high piece is called "The Spirit of Imperial Beach."

This large bronze sculpture depicts the dual theme of surfing and sand castles, for which Imperial Beach is world famous. Situated in a 10 x 30 foot sand-filled island, Wasil's monumental 18-foot sculpture will be the central focus of a new oceanside pedestrian plaza planned for the end of Palm Avenue. The new sculpture is expected to nicely compliment existing art works nearby, including Malcolm Jones' Surfhenge and Mary Lynn Dominguez' Illuminations at Pier Plaza, and Wyland's Ocean Riders at Dunes Park. Together these works reflect the civic pride of Imperial Beach and a remarkable renaissance of public art in this community.

UPDATE on 11/25/2008 1:37pm:

Additional photo and story found here. Dedication ceremony to be held January 3, 2009

The spill was stopped at 10 a.m. yesterday when the water line serving the pier was shut off. Signs posted by the Department of Environmental Health will remain until new measurements indicate the water is safe for recreational use.