Power to the Tower
September 2008 | By Jon Edelbrock

On August 6, the Friends of the Powerhouse hosted 214 community members at En Fuego Bar and Grill to raise funds in support of a new City of Del Mar Beach Safety Center in the 17th Street public lot.

Co-chaired by Jill Coughlin and Piper Parry, the event generated over $58,000 in donations to complement the earmarked $550,000 from the Coastal Conservancy.   Additionally, the Del Mar Foundation has approved a $35,000 challenge grant, matching new community donations for the Beach Safety Center, and $15,000 has been secured by local community groups including the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club and others.  

Guests at the event participated in an auction filled with items from local businesses and quenched their thirst with a special Power to the Tower beverage called Vergne-aritas, a special event Margarita named for Community Service Director Pat Vergne. 

The Beach Safety Center project has been in the works for a number of years now, as the current Community Service Department facilities remain dilapidated, outdated, and insufficient for both the employees and the community. The proposed re-construction includes a seawall, individual bathroom and changing rooms, public showers, and upgrades to first-aid and locker-room facilities for employees. Additionally, the entire facility will meet ADA standards. 

The Friends of the Powerhouse have more events and giving opportunities scheduled. Both tile and brick purchases will be made available in the upcoming months. Scheduled tile painting dates are September 21 and October 19. For questions about future events or to make a donation, call Jill Coughlin at 755-1641 or go to: http://friendsofthepowerhouse.org.

From us here at the Community Services Department, we send a big thank you to the individuals and businesses supportive of this event and future endeavors.

Jon Edelbrock is Community Services and Lifeguard Sergeant with City of Del Mar’s Community Services.