Ocean Beach Tile Project places ceramic tiles with personal messages along Newport Avenue. Courtesy photo The ceramic tiles, which cost $150, are each personalized with special messages.

Some of the thousands of ceramic tiles along Newport Avenue that are part of the Ocean Beach MainStreet Association's Ocean Beach Tile Project, which began in 1990. Expand By Point Loma-Ob Monthly ...

The tiles could have global application for coral adaptation, with benefits to humanity as well as ocean life. Reefs protect homes and businesses, breaking up destructive waves from storms.