MISSION BEACH \u2013 Some people may think of Mission Beach as PB\u2019s little brother. But how about more of a fun aunt? Lots of activities for the kids with a wink (and maybe a margarita or two) for the adults.<\/p>\n
In 2025, however, there was some serious news in the family-friendly beach community, along with a centennial celebration.<\/p>\n
La Playa Taco Shop owner detained by ICE <\/strong><\/p>\n Victor Rodriguez Ocampo Sr., 54, owner of La Playa Taco Shop at 3973 Mission Blvd., was seized by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Halloween morning<\/a> outside his National City home. Rodriguez Sr. has been running the popular Mission Beach taco shop for about 30 years. <\/p>\n He is being held at Otay Mesa Detention Center, and according to his family, they have not received a court date or an interview date. They worry about his health.<\/p>\n Lifeguard Station deteriorating, emergency repairs needed<\/strong> <\/p>\n On March 20, a San Diego City Council committee endorsed spending $1 million for emergency repairs to Mission Beach Lifeguard Station. <\/p>\n A staff report on the emergency Mission Beach funding proposal<\/a> pointed out that a structural evaluation by an architectural firm in May 2024 concluded that the lifeguard tower needed \u201cimmediate hazard mitigation\u201d to alleviate the threat it currently presents to the \u201chealth, safety and welfare of the general public.\u201d<\/p>\n County\u2019s grant saves beach fire rings<\/strong><\/p>\n With beach fire rings about to fall to the city\u2019s budget axe in June, the county stepped in to provide a $135,000 grant\u00a0to fund maintenance of the fire rings<\/a> for the next fiscal year. The city will retain responsibility for operating the fire rings. Grant funding will ensure that fire rings, a popular beach amenity, remain available to the public.<\/p>\n ADU Bonus Program revamped<\/strong><\/p>\n A city council majority agreed with public concerns that the ADU Bonus Program<\/a> allowed excessive densification and exploitation by some developers, compromising the character of single-family neighborhoods.<\/p>\n Belmont Park celebrates 100th anniversary<\/strong><\/p>\n Belmont Park has been a beloved part of Mission Beach\u2019s coastline for 100 years, along with the Giant Dipper<\/a> and Plunge<\/a>. It all began in the roaring 1920s when sugar magnate John D. Spreckels envisioned the park to boost his Mission Beach real estate and electric railway ventures. <\/p>\n But Belmont Park quickly grew into much more than a business strategy \u2014 it became a destination where locals and visitors alike gathered for sun, surf and classic seaside fun.<\/p>\n How Belmont Park was saved<\/strong><\/p>\n By 1976, Belmont Park was threatened with demolition, its future uncertain. But community groups, historic preservationists and longtime residents rallied together. The successful restoration<\/a> sparked new life throughout the park, which reopened in 1988.<\/p>\n