A sign on the door at 4851 Newport Avenue as of March 21, 2025, announced, "We are moving. If you have any questions please email [email protected]," suggesting a relocation rather than a permanent end, though the destination remains unclear. The closure marks the end of an era for a business that not only shaped Ocean Beach’s commercial landscape but also its cultural identity.
The James Gang story began in 1976 when brothers Ron, Rich, Greg, Mike, and Pat James - hence the "Gang" - founded James Gang Graphics on Newport Avenue. The siblings, part of a Navy family that had moved between San Diego, the Aleutian Islands, and Redding, California, were drawn back to the city's warmth and Ocean Beach's laid-back vibe.
Ron started the venture as an offshoot of his public relations and advertising agency, First Impressions, initially focusing on photo work before pivoting to T-shirt screen printing. By 1976, all five brothers were involved, with Pat joining last after Mike and Pat were gifted shares that Christmas. Their first job, printing for a North Park bar, barely covered the bar tab, but it sparked a business that would endure for decades.
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| The former shop on Bacon Street. |
The James Gang quickly became more than a print shop. From their early days above a Newport Avenue mini-mart, they eventually moved to the former site of Mallory’s Furniture a year later, then to 1931 Bacon Street in the early 1990s, before returning to Newport at 4851 Newport Avenue in 2017 - a move celebrated with a grand reopening featuring local artist Luke Brogoitti’s California Bear shirt design.
Over the years, they expanded services to include offset printing by 1990, and later embroidery, direct-to-garment printing, SupaColor transfers, and promotional products, offering everything from business cards to custom apparel with no minimum orders. Their Ocean Beach-inspired T-shirt designs, reflecting the area's retro style and landmarks like the fishing pier and Dog Beach, became a local hallmark, often sold at the weekly Farmers Market.
Community involvement was the James Gang's heartbeat. The brothers were instrumental in founding the Ocean Beach Merchants Association (later MainStreet) in 1978, with Mike James serving as its first vice president at age 22 and president in 1980 and 1983. They spearheaded traditions like the OB Christmas Parade and the Fourth of July Fireworks Festival, saving the latter in 1980 by funding it through T-shirt sales. Rich James brought the first OB Christmas tree from Mount Shasta that year, a tradition Mike has announced ever since. The family also helped launch the OB Street Fair & Chili Cook-Off and supported the Ocean Beach Historical Society, cementing their role as community pillars.
Ownership shifted by November 2022, when Travis Doroski and Nicole Leavitt took over. Doroski, a San Diego native who played college football at Montana State University, and Leavitt, a bookkeeper, brought fresh energy, earning Green Business certification through the San Diego Green Business Council. They implemented over 50 sustainability measures, from proper hazardous waste disposal to partnering with Plastic Beach for plastic bag recycling, and joined San Diego Community Power’s Power100 Champions program in 2023 for 100% renewable energy use. They also acquired an automated screen printing operation in Miramar, hinting at a potential motive for the current move.
The closure's roots trace to early 2025, when a "Space For Lease" sign appeared, as reported by The OB Rag on February 17. Speculation pointed to rising rents on Newport Avenue - a trend some attribute to Starbucks' high lease over 20 years ago - or a consolidation to the Miramar facility for cost savings through automation. Doroski’s brief tenure on the OBMA Board of Directors, ending with a personal resignation in December 2024 after five months, added to the uncertainty.
Community involvement was the James Gang's heartbeat. The brothers were instrumental in founding the Ocean Beach Merchants Association (later MainStreet) in 1978, with Mike James serving as its first vice president at age 22 and president in 1980 and 1983. They spearheaded traditions like the OB Christmas Parade and the Fourth of July Fireworks Festival, saving the latter in 1980 by funding it through T-shirt sales. Rich James brought the first OB Christmas tree from Mount Shasta that year, a tradition Mike has announced ever since. The family also helped launch the OB Street Fair & Chili Cook-Off and supported the Ocean Beach Historical Society, cementing their role as community pillars.
Ownership shifted by November 2022, when Travis Doroski and Nicole Leavitt took over. Doroski, a San Diego native who played college football at Montana State University, and Leavitt, a bookkeeper, brought fresh energy, earning Green Business certification through the San Diego Green Business Council. They implemented over 50 sustainability measures, from proper hazardous waste disposal to partnering with Plastic Beach for plastic bag recycling, and joined San Diego Community Power’s Power100 Champions program in 2023 for 100% renewable energy use. They also acquired an automated screen printing operation in Miramar, hinting at a potential motive for the current move.
The closure's roots trace to early 2025, when a "Space For Lease" sign appeared, as reported by The OB Rag on February 17. Speculation pointed to rising rents on Newport Avenue - a trend some attribute to Starbucks' high lease over 20 years ago - or a consolidation to the Miramar facility for cost savings through automation. Doroski’s brief tenure on the OBMA Board of Directors, ending with a personal resignation in December 2024 after five months, added to the uncertainty.
Despite the move, the James Gang’s Ocean Beach legacy endures, from its founding family's civic contributions to its modern green initiatives. Whether it resurfaces nearby or shifts focus to Miramar, its nearly five-decade run on Newport Avenue leaves an indelible mark.
As of today, no official statement clarifies the move’s destination or timeline. Customers with pending orders or questions are directed to email [email protected] and visit jamesgangprinting.com for more information.
