SAN DIEGO – For those wondering what’s become of James Gang Printing, an Ocean Beach institution since 1976?
The business closed its doors on Newport Avenue in March, merged with another company and relocated.
The James Gang is now part of AlphaGraphics, founded in 1970, which is a leading franchiser of printing and marketing solutions with a location in San Marcos.
With more than 285 locations in six countries, AlphaGraphics Inc. is one of the largest U.S.-based networks of locally owned and operated business centers offering a complete range of print, visual communications and marketing products.
AlphaGraphics, previously owned by Gary Treiber, is now owned by Min Egidio, who is also the owner of All Time Awards in San Diego. She came across AlphaGraphics while looking for a “mom-and-pop” print shop to purchase.
“We’re honored to carry on the legacy of James Gang Printing, which has been a cornerstone of the Ocean Beach community,” said Egidio. “After acquiring the business, we made the move from Newport Avenue to Miramar to operate as AlphaGraphics Miramar. The decision was driven by a desire to offer more competitive pricing while maintaining the same high standards of quality and customer service that James Gang customers have come to expect.”
Added Egidio: “While we’ve relocated, we’ll never forget our Ocean Beach roots. We continue to offer free delivery to our loyal coastal customers.”
The James Gang story began in 1976 when brothers Ron, Rich, Greg, Mike, and Pat James, the “Gang,” founded James Gang Graphics on Newport. The siblings, part of a Navy family that had moved between San Diego, the Aleutian Islands and Redding, were drawn back to Ocean Beach’s laid-back vibe.
Ron started the venture as an offshoot of his public relations and advertising agency, named First Impressions, which initially focused on photo work before pivoting to T-shirt screen printing. By 1976, all five brothers were involved.
The James Gang quickly became more than a print shop. From their early days above a Newport mini-mart, they moved to the former site of Mallory’s Furniture, then to 1931 Bacon St. in the early 1990s. The business returned to Newport, at 4851 Newport Ave., in 2017.
Over the years, they expanded services, but 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.
The James Gang 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 Holiday 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. The family also helped launch the OB Street Fair & Chili Cook-Off and supported the Ocean Beach Historical Society.
Ownership shifted by November 2022, when Travis Doroski and Nicole Leavitt took over James Gang Printing. They also acquired an automated screen-printing operation in Miramar, perhaps a precursor to the current move.
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