October 16,
2008
Saturday, October 18 from noon-6pm over 40 local shopkeepers in conjunction with the Hillcrest Business Improvement Association (HBIA) will be holding their next Hillcrest Sidewalk Sale with super sales and specials all afternoon. Shoppers will be able to enter a raffle at each table to win great prizes from local stores and restaurants! For more info contact the HBIA at (619) 299-3330 or email the office at info@hillcrestbia.org.
HBIA board member Steve Moore, who’s heading up the Sidewalk Sale committee for the business group, believes the timing of this Saturday’s sale should be a big plus for retailers and customers alike. “With the economic slowdown, shoppers are looking for value more than ever,” Moore said. “And with the holidays just around the corner, it’s a great time to find gifts at bargain prices.” His own store, Column One, will feature clocks, candlesticks and even their well-known fountains at big discounts during the Saturday sale. According to Moore, the Sidewalk Sale also provides an opportunity for Hillcrest shops to showcase the neighborhood's unique assortment of products. “Hillcrest offers everything from shoes and clothing to designer fragrances and accessories,” he said. “Shoppers will be sure to find some special gifts this Saturday!” Various Hillcrest businesses have donated merchandise and meals for a Sidewalk Sale raffle. Be sure to enter the drawing at all participating shops. Winners will be notified on Tuesday, October 21. No purchase is necessary. Hope to see you all in Hillcrest this Saturday!
October 15,
2008— Today’s Union-Tribune
editorial
October 14,
2008
Mike Aguirre at October Hillcrest Town Council
City Attorney Mike Aguirre spoke to 50 residents at Tuesday’s HTC meeting. Some of Mike's quotes included...the election is “a fight for the life of SD” adding: We need to come together in a way we haven’t since World War II...SD can no longer accept out-of-control development ...We need to “green up”, finding renewable energy sources...SD is running out of water. We need to change the “development machine” into an “infrastructure machine.” The City Attorney’s office was in shambles when Mike was elected four years ago in the midst of an SEC investigation, a $450M lawsuit from Rocky De La Fuente and other multi-million dollar lawsuits which have been resolved favorably.
Q&A session — What are his current priorities? Subprime lending (lawsuits to ensure responsibility of Wachovia & Countrywide), SDGE lawsuit because they started the wildfires fires, SDGE for not providing state-mandated renewable energy. Is he a media hound? He uses the media to educate the public when possible. He thinks San Diego has a much more educated public than in the past. Does he think the new 301 University project will be subject to the environmental impact reviews that stopped the old 301 University project? That depends on what the Uptown Planners do.
Jason Foster from the County Public Water Authority which provides for 97% of our water explained that our water comes from three places: local sources 15%, Colorado river 50% & 35% from the Bay Delta in northern Ca.. Our supply is falling dramatically. Mandatory cutbacks will take place in early 2009 if voluntary cutbacks are unsuccessful or the if the drought continues. Also being considered are: shutting off water meters to new developments or providing that the demand offset to new supplies. Amy Benjamin, policy advisor to Councilmember Toni Atkins office reported that Cal Trans cleaned up the homeless encampment on the 163 University Avenue off-ramp, and they are adding it to their Homeless Encampment crew’s list. Litter & Graffiti Committee reported that 30-40 HBIA trash cans will be placed throughout Hillcrest in the few weeks.
The Litter & Graffiti Committee provided suggested locations for the additional containers. E-mail your suggestions to the HTC. The next community clean-up will be Saturday, November 15th at 9am. Meet in front of Egyptian at Park & University avenues. A dumpster will be located at Numbers on Park Boulevard for large items.
The next Hillcrest Town Council meeting will be November 11 featuring speakers from the new 301 University project and a presentation of design principles from the council's Development Committee.
October 13,
2008— Ethics Commission Chair Gil Cabrera after three
run-ins with the SD City Council
October 12,
2008— University Heights activist
Ernie Bonn (their community celebrates 120 years this afternoon)
Saturday,
October 11,
2008
An
open letter from Ben Cartwright... Remembering Matthew Shepard
Ten years ago, on October 12, 1998 the nation was devastated by the atrocious hate-based murder of Matthew Shepard, a young gay college student from Wyoming. There has been some expansion of hate-crimes legislation and protection across the country, but not enough. Matthew’s death on made us all realize that not everyone had latched onto the “Gay 90’s” mentality. Things weren’t so great then — and they still aren’t today. I will never forget that date ten decades ago. I was 18, had just come out, was in my first semester at SDSU and had just mustered up the courage a week earlier to attend my first meeting of the school’s LGBT Student Union. When I heard the news of Matthew’s death I was angry, devasted, saddened, confused and scared. I hadn’t been a part of the LGBT community long enough to have dealt with a major issue like this. The next July, I was standing on the corner that was tear gassed during the 1999 San Diego Pride Parade. Since then, I have been taunted, egged and chased at knifepoint by a group of adult teenagers through Balboa Park calling me and my partner “faggots.” It is important for us to set politics aside and remember Matthew Shepard and everyone else who has been a victim of a hate crime.
A notable hate crime also occured in Hillcrest on December 13, 1991 when teenager John Wear was stabbed to death on Essex Street because he was perceived to be gay. In 2006, a group of men were attacked outside the Pride Festival in Balboa Park. Members of our transgender community continue to be victims of hate. I had hoped that a large event or memorial would be organized locally to remember the 10-year anniversary of Matthew’s murder. Not only to honor him, but everyone that has been victimized. Unfortunately, nothing was planned for San Diego. So, with limited resources, the Pride Resource Office of SDSU is planning two small memorials, and we hope the community will take a moment to participate.
Tomorrow (on Sunday) volunteers will be on the 1000 block of University Avenue passing out purple ribbons and collecting donations for the Matthew Shepard Foundation. A small memorial will be set-up at the John Wear Hate Crimes Plaque in front of Obelisk Bookstore. Feel free to bring items. On Monday similar activities will take place on the SDSU campus on North Library Walkway where you may also sign a giant memorial. This is just a small way of remembering our friends and loved ones who have been affected by hate. We hope you will take just a moment to remember and make a difference.
Friday,
October 10,
2008— John McCain defending his opponent to booing
supporters
