Ocean Beach, CA – In a town known for its quirky characters and laid-back vibe, Ocean Beach has always had its share of local legends. But recently, residents have been reporting some rather eerie encounters that are making them do a double-take. The unmistakable sound of sea lions barking has been heard not only along the shore but echoing through the streets of OB. However, after some investigation, locals have come to an unexpected conclusion: it’s not sea lions at all. It’s the ghost of the one and only "Still Bill."
The Legend of Still Bill
For those new to the neighborhood, "Still Bill" was an OB icon, known for his uncanny ability to mimic the sounds of sea lions. He was a man of many words, endless stories and lots of sea lion "URTs." It was his signature greeting sound that he would often make instead of saying hello or shaking hands. Instead of the typical handshake, Still Bill would slap the back of your hand with his and let out a loud “URT,” much to the delight—or confusion—of the uninitiated.
Still Bill was often found perched on a stool at Cheswick’s, the local dive bar, with a Coors in one hand and a crossword puzzle in the other. The sounds of heavy metal or Pink Floyd's 'Dark Side of the Moon' was often heard escaping from his small apartment.
A Decade Later, Still Bill’s Spirit Lives On
More than a decade after his passing, it seems that Still Bill hasn’t quite left his old haunts behind. Over the past few months, locals have been startled by the sound of sea lions in places where no sea lion should be. At first, people assumed it was just their imaginations, or maybe even a strange echo from the nearby beach. But when the sounds started coming from inside what is now Kustom Kulture, people began to wonder.
“Heard it clear as day while I was ordering a drink,” said Timothy Hippenbottom “I thought, ‘That’s weird. Sea lions don’t hang out in bars.’ Then it hit me—it's Bill. No doubt about it.”
OB’s Tribute to an Icon
While the phenomenon might be unsettling to some, most locals see it as a fitting tribute to a man who was larger than life—or at least louder than one. “Still Bill was a part of OB, and it feels right that his spirit is still here, making his presence known,” said Dusty Paxton. “It’s almost comforting, really. Like he’s just checking in, making sure we’re all still rocking and rolling.”
The Sea Lions That Aren’t
So, the next time you hear what you think is a sea lion barking somewhere strange in Ocean Beach, don’t be so sure it’s coming from the ocean. It just might be Still Bill, reminding everyone that while sea lions may come and go, legends never truly die.
