Over-the-Line has been accused of being over the top.
The two-weekend long sporting competition sometimes involves more flesh and beer than it does athleticism. Nevertheless, it is a long-standing part of summer in San Diego, the competition has been happening here for more than 60 years.
Now, Over-the-Line is the subject of a lawsuit that accuses the city of favoritism.
FreePB.org is a nonprofit in Pacific Beach whose crusade is to get the city to let people drink on public beaches and in parks. Its members claim when they ask the city to let them hold events, they get shot down. They have accused San Diego of giving Over-the-Line special treatment.
Mayor Bob Filner said that may be true, but that is no reason to pull the plug on a San Diego institution.
"One group thought they were treated unfairly, and we need to explore that," Filner said. "If they were, then we need to remedy it. But let's not stop San Diego's traditions from moving forward."
Filner promises to look into unfair issuing of permits. Over-the-Line will be held on the weekends of July 14 and July 21.
Filner said that like many San Diegans, he will attend this year's event.
