At 5 a.m. on Friday morning, January 11, flames rising from Bianca Koch's red 1991 BMW convertible lit up the alley between Narragansett Avenue and Niagara Street in Ocean Beach, CA (OB). Luckily, the fire department was able to put out the blaze before it could spread to nearby structures. While the cause of the fire is still under investigation, Bianca feels that her car was deliberately totaled as a result of arson.
Bianca Koch Surveys Her BMW
Nearly three years ago, Bianca, 40 years old, moved to OB because it was a convenient location for her business of supplying markets, stores and cafes with organic health products. Further, although she had lived in different parts of San Diego, she favored the beauty of Ocean Beach and its small-town neighborhood atmosphere.
Ironically, she also appreciated the sense of security she felt in OB because, in her words, "the beach patrol has everything under control... They check up on people asking them by name, 'How are you doing?'" She noted that neighborhood groups, including the Ocean Beach Mainstreet Association (OBMA), "looked out for everyone" and encouraged the reporting of crimes. Biance felt, "Any time of night, I could step out and go to the beach. There was nothing to be afraid of...That has changed now."
Although a woman of many interests, Bianca has been concentrating her time on three basic pursuits:
(1) Suppling her customers with organic dehydrated wheat grass, organic fermented Kombucha Tea in amber bottles and alkaline natural spring water in 100 percent biodegradable bottles.
(2) Writing the following articles about OB for the local paper, The Peninsula Beacon:
"Local Police Officers Commended For Excellence," Opinion Section, Letter to Editor, Nov 18, 2010: Volumne 25 , Number 24.
"Special Christmas in OB; It's Great to be Part of It," Opinion Section, Jan 6, 2011, Volume 26, No.1.
"Free Medical Exams to Be Offered In OB," Summary Page of News, News Brief, Jan. 13, 2011, Vol. 26, No. 2.
"OB: Is it the world's friendliest dog town?" Guest Commentary by Bianca Koch,
Jan. 27, 2011, Vol. 26, No. 3.
"Headcount on Homeless: OB's clergy group rallies to address the needs of transients, disadvantaged," Feb. 10, 2011, Vol. 26, No. 4.
"Tunisian Visitor Sees Mirror Images in Egyptian Crisis,"
Co-authored with Kevin McKay, Feb. 10, 2011, Vol. 26, No. 4, p. 4.
"Young Students Bring Breath of Fresh Air to Survey," Feb. 10, 2011, Vol. 26, No. 4, p. 7.
(3) Working as a volunteer with homeless people, the local churches and outreach groups.
Bianca believes that she knows why a person or people destroyed her vehicle: "I think it is a group of people who don't like me promoting or helping homeless people or the churches." Note: Bianca's car was destroyed the day after her article of February 10, "Headcount on Homeless: OB's clergy group rallies to address the needs of transients, disadvantaged."
She cares deeply about the welfare of homeless people.
Bianca explains, "I am very passionate for the human rights of people. Listen, understand, try to put yourself in their shoes. Try to think what it would be like if you were hurt, raped by a relative... They have no one to turn to. Thanks to the churches and the outreach groups for all that they do. But we need more [help]."
What exactly does Bianca do?
"Although I have not been asked to do it, I always have supplies in my car, my former car, for homeless people... I generally don't give money to them, but I will supply them with needed toiletries so that they know that someone cares. I got a radio for someone who needed a radio to drown out the voices in his head. Most of all I listen. They [the homeless people] all come to me with their problems and everything."
When does Bianca help homeless people? "I do this every [available] hour of every day." Bianca is quick to say that helping homeless people 'is not my mission. It's a part of my daily life."
In return for the respect that Bianca shows homeless people, she feels that homeless people "give respect back" to her. Continuing, Bianca says, "If people would respect them, they will give the same respect back. They will try to fit into the community, if they can. No one gives them the chance."
Since the fire, Bianca has received notice that she must vacate her apartment within 60 days.
So what are her plans for the future?
"I need to buy a car -- that's my immediate goal. I need a place to live. And I need to continue to do what I'm doing [to help homeless people]. I would like other people to join me...
"Treat homeless people with kindness and you will get a lot. There are different economic levels in our community. The different economic levels need to get to know each other. Then we will have a clean, beautiful OB. I wish it would be that way all around the world. But I will start here in OB."
I look forward to you comments.
Thanks,
Christine