Accolades Aims to Strengthen City’s Ties With Navy

“San Diego is essentially a military town and the military is so woven into the fabric of this city that sometimes we take them for granted,� Garry Bonelli, a spokesman for the Chamber of Commerce, said Wednesday. “We shouldn’t.�

With that in mind, Bonelli and other city leaders have established Accolades, a two-week salute to the military in San Diego. The events begin today, when Secretary of the Navy James Webb addresses a large group of military honorees. On Oct. 18 there will be a celebration with Bob Hope at Horton Plaza, and the events conclude Oct. 23 with a Navy League dinner.

Bonelli conceded that the military and civilian communities have been in conflict at times.

He said, for instance, that the Navy once had a policy of building new military housing in some civilian neighborhoods without first consulting with area residents. “Now the Navy works with the community and builds according to community standards,� he said. “It’s a new effort that’s been very successful.�

He also pointed to the Navy’s willingness to ease fears about overdevelopment along the central bayfront between Seaport Village and Broadway. The Navy wants to consolidate many of its regional operations there, and currently is working on a major study of the proposal, gathering suggestions from five public agencies with jurisdiction on or near the area.

“With the past mentality,� Bonelli said, “the Navy might have come in and razed everything and put whatever they wanted in there. Now, they are very sensitive to the community.�

But he also said the military can be bullheaded on other issues affecting the community. He cited a recent example of how the Navy sharply criticized plans for a $2-million hotel to be built on Torrey Pines Road, underneath the flight path used by aircraft taking off from Miramar Naval Air Station.

“They just didn’t want a high-rise at the end of their runway,� he said.

“The bottom line,� Bonelli added, “is that we’ve had our ups and downs. But they’re doing a heck of a job defending our country and we just want to show our appreciation.�

He said it will cost about $20,000 to stage the event, with much of that money raised through corporate sponsorships. Any profits from Accolades will be divided between the armed services, the YMCA of San Diego County and the Variety Club of San Diego, he said.

The major events:

Today: Webb will address more than 100 enlisted military honorees in a noon speech at the U.S. Grant Hotel and will attend, along with Mayor Maureen O’Connor, a reception for flag and senior officers in the Balboa Park Sculpture Garden.

Oct. 17: A “grand military encampment and military birthday celebration� will be held at Seaport Village.

Oct. 18: More than 6,000 party-goers are expected to attend the 8 p.m. celebration at Horton Plaza that includes Hope and other entertainers.

Oct. 23: The Navy League citation dinner will be held at 7 p.m. at the San Diego Hilton Beach and Tennis Resort.