The LUMINOSITY Steering Committee was created to bring back the Ocean Beach Fourth of July celebration – re-imagined
Working closely with the Ocean Beach Mainstreet Association and other community organizations, the goal of the Steering Committee is to rekindle the tradition that began in 1980, replacing fireworks with a drone show and Festival of Lights
Mike James – LUMINOSITY Founder and Co-chair – Former Ocean Beach Merchants Association President – Former Ocean Beach Town Council President
As president of the Ocean Beach Merchants Association, now the Mainstreet Association, Mike proposed the first Fireworks Festival in 1980. He also co-chaired the first Street Fair in 1983. During the ’90s, Mike served as the Ocean Beach Street Fair Entertainment Coordinator. He has been announcing the Ocean Beach Holiday Parade since 1980.
Mike first came up with the idea of re-imaging the Ocean Beach Fourth of July Fireworks in 2019 when it became clear that fireworks were no longer viable.
Tricia Tellier Gaut – LUMINOSITY Co-chair
In her fourteen years with the Gaslamp Quarter Association, Tricia was involved in all aspects of event planning. These events, which included Mardi Gras, and St. Patrick’s Day, were hugely successful in promoting the Gaslamp Quarter. Tricia currently does marketing and promotion for local businesses.
Mike Akey – Vice president of the Ocean Beach Mainstreet Association
From 1983, Mike coordinated the fireworks in Ocean Beach until 2019, when the city no longer allowed the use of the pier as a launching site. In 1984, Mike founded the Chili Cook-off and has spent endless hours volunteering for the community he grew up in. Mike has been a critical player in the success of the Mainstreet Association for decades.
Byron Wear – Former San Diego Councilperson – San Diego Deputy Mayor – Ocean Beach Lifeguard
After serving as San Diego Councilperson and Deputy Mayor, Byron and his family have continued serving the community. He currently sits on several nonprofit boards. One of his proudest accomplishments was being a key player in creating the Lifesaving Memorial in front of the Ocean Beach Lifeguard Tower.
Amanda Hunt – Ocean Beach Resident
Amanda has over 14 years of experience managing stage and festival lighting, including Coachella and the Del Mar Fair—Amanda’s expertise is an invaluable asset for the Steering Committee.
Mel Roark – President Peninsula Alliance – Former President Ocean Beach Women’s Club – Former Town Council Board of Directors
Mel has been an activist for Ocean Beach for decades. She was a crucial player in the resurrection of the Women’s Club.
Cameron Crombie Reid – Vice President Ocean Beach Town Council
Cameron has chaired numerous community events and has been a champion of improving the community, managing numerous initiatives.
Giovanni Ingolia – Mission Bay Park Committee – Former Town Council Vice President – Former chair of the Ocean Beach Planning Board
Gio has coordinated and volunteered for local fundraising events for over a decade, including the Ocean Beach Holiday Parade and Holiday Auction.
Bill DeWitt – Business Owner/Graphic Artist
Bill has built a successful business on Newport Avenue, California Wild Ales. This success of his brewpub can be attributed to Bill’s embracing the O.B. lifestyle. His creativity in marketing and graphic design has made his business an iconic landmark in the community.
Susan Winkie – Local Business Owner
Susan has coordinated multiple successful fundraising events for the Ocean Beach Woman’s Club for the past decade.
Mercy Baron – Social Media Influencer – Community Activist
Mercy was instrumental in the revival of the Ocean Beach Women’s Club. She is a foodie and a professional Food Judge.
Alex Wilson – Local Resident – Graphic Artist
Besides being a professional graphic artist, Alex is an innovator in lighting design.