Goodbye and good riddance to 2008
January 20th can’t come soon enough
Thank God (or the Goddess) that George Bush’s White House days are waning. As our President-elect heads to DC Mr. Obama has already built an image as a strong and decisive leader — winning the highest marks on this score since Ronald Reagan.
After running a nearly flawless campaign, turning out new constituencies, reshaping the political map and revolutionized campaigning...Barack Obama’s reward: two wars, a foundering economy, growing unemployment, record home foreclosures and a short window to produce change before the 2010 midterm election campaigns start. Good luck, man! May the force be with you.
At the northwest corner of Balboa Park, the silent and barren Mi Arbolito has stood empty at Sixth & Upas for months, nearly finished but stalled in the financial crisis that has now gripped the rest of the nation. The project, developed by Delaware based 1700 Investors, LLC was originally dubbed “The Hole” after construction was delayed for over a year by neighbors at 666 Upas who filed a lawsuit after excavation for the subterranean parking began. The City approved the project ministerially without an environmental impact report, and it went up pretty fast, but the developer ran out of money, and the high rise became an incomplete eyesore. The controversial Mi Arbolito has stirred community emotions for years, and for months neighbors have been asking what’s next?...but this week the project is finally moving ahead.
Today two trucks showed up at the gated fence — the first activity since the end of May when the developer filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and the property was abandoned. After numerous requests, the City tried to work with the developer to restore parking opening up the right of way, but nothing happened.
The building design has been criticized as unattractive, with small windows on three sides. Mi Arbolito even received a 2008 onion award. This project, like many others, belies the City planning staff’s claim that their “urban infill” program will result in a city filled with beautifully designed buildings.
Condos come, the Village goes....
The good news is that funding became available December 17th and owners Martinez & Cutri plan for the project to be completed in the next three months. All 14 units, one per floors, will be for sale with prices ranging from $1,200,000 to $2,800,000. Get in line.
Ready for the Big Balloon Parade along San Diego Bay?
Beginning at 9am this Monday, December 29th, scenic Harbor Drive along the Embarcadero will come alive with this year’s Port of San Diego Big Bay Balloon Parade featuring more inflatable balloon characters than any other parade in the nation.
2008’s event kicks off with the finals of the 13th annual Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals and the Bumble Bee Foods 5K. As always, this exciting family event will bring together world-class marching bands, magnificent floats, entertaining drill teams and a procession of enormous balloons. Arrive early. Parking is hard to find. From Hillcrest, riding a bike is the best way to get there. Over 100,000 spectators will enjoy the parade prior to Tuesday’s Holiday Bowl as Oklahoma State Cowboys vs. the Oregon Ducks at the Q.
Ho ho ho...New Hillcrest trash cans on the way
Tim Gahagan and Evan Kohler of the Hillcrest Town Council (HTC) Neighborhood Improvement Committee volunteered their Saturday mornings to ready area sidewalks for the placement of 20 new trash containers that have been purchased by the Hillcrest Business Improvement Association (HBIA). The Hillcrest Maintenance Assessment District (MAD) has purchased another ten containers that will be placed in the “core” of Hillcrest to supplement containers provided by the City in the blocks around the sign. The 30 trash cans will begin installation the day after Christmas. The funds were provided by the HBIA, a grant from County Supervisor Ron Roberts and the MAD. The HTC created the audit showing where garbage overly accumulated in our neighborhood.
