(July 3, 2005) -- LB's newly constituted Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier saw a steady stream of visitors on July 3 for "Pier Daze," kicking off this year's LB Sea Festival.

The event included a seafood festival, informational booths, a car show...and plenty of music: live and via DJ

LB area DJ Bill Lovelace, recently the subject of an industry publication noting his expert handling of events, brought over 22,000 digital quality songs with him on computer (his standard practice).

That library allowed him to introduce the live entertainment with exactly the right song: "I Fought The Law And The Law Won.".

Live entertainment was "Blue Steel"...comprised of LB Police Department officers.

These guys rock! Included among their lengthy set: Margaritaville, Pipeline, Surfin' USA and Feelin' Alright.

That's Sgt. David Cannan on keyboard (he handles guitar too). LBReport.com readers recognize Sgt. Cannan's name from his day job: he's one of LBPD's Public Information Officers providing media with info when news breaks.

Among those we spotted: LB Mayoral candidate Randal Hernandez (and his family joined him to enjoy the day).

Two LB communicators hold an impromptu caucus: Art Levine, producer/host of TV's Straight Talk and Dan Rosenberg, veteran City Hall watchdog.

Mr. Rosenberg was annoyed about several things, among them, only one drinking fountain on the pier "and it barely dribbles water," he noted (accurately).

[LBReport.com comment: Smile Mr. Rosenberg,; it's a vestige of the old pier; see plans taking shape below.]

More disturbing to us [and likely mortifying to LB officials and residents alike]: some vandal(s) had freshly defaced the east entrance stairway with graffiti. We watched several people wince as they walked by. [We pixeled out the graffiti message in the photo].

This feathered non-taxpayer accepts the status quo...but big changes are coming.

Plans call for a new restaurant, boat moorings, watercraft rental center and an information kiosk. [Comment: We're fairly certain with a working drinking fountain and more.]

There'll also be a new Aqualink landing linking the pier to shoreline attractions including the Aquarium, Shoreline Village and the Pike at Rainbow Harbor.

When completed the new constituted Pier will combine traditional seafront elements and Salt Water Taffy with a unique, populist element. The project, pursued by 3d district Frank Colonna, will include embedded metal medallions along the length of the pier. In a reversal of Hollywood's "Walk of Fame" (which only acknowledges "stars"), the Pier's medallions will be available for purchase by anyone wishing to honor friends and familymembers who served in the U.S. armed forces. In effect, it's a public icon and memorial being created in part directly by the public.