Hillcrest Centennial sign returns
Many thanks to San Diego City Councilmember Todd Gloria who is responsible for yesterday’s replacement of the Hillcrest boundary sign that was knocked down shortly after its July 2007 installation. The sign located on Washington Street just west of Dove Street commemorates the neighborhood’s centennial.
“The sign means a great deal to the people of Hillcrest and to me,” said Councilmember Gloria. “Our current challenges may make large scale neighborhood changes difficult, but delivering noticeable maintenance is possible. I am glad to be able to return this sign and restore one of the entryways of Hillcrest.”
HBIA welcomes new director
Benjamin “Ben” Nicholls (right) took over the helm of the Hillcrest Business Improvement Association (HBIA) today as the new Executive Director. Nicholls made the move from Pacific Beach, where he was the Executive Director for the beach neighborhood’s 1,300-plus member business district. Shown with HBIA VP Nancy Moors and Transition Chair Bob Grinchuk, the trio lunched at City Deli today. Nicholls also brings experience from the Pioneer Square Community Association, which represents over 800 small businesses and residents in Seattle’s historic downtown. Originally from New Zealand, Ben was a legislative assistant for the United NZ Party. He takes over the reins from retiring HBIA director Warren Simon. Stop by their office at 3737 Fifth Avenue and say “hello” or come to next Tuesday’s monthly business meeting.
Installation
for the first of 30 new trash
receptacles began today along University Avenue. The Hillcrest Business
Improvement Association (HBIA) recently made a significant
contribution to the beautification of our neighborhood with the
addition of 20 new, decorative trash containers. The Hillcrest
Maintenance Assessment District (MAD), a group of property owners who
pay additional taxes earmarked for improvements in the core area of
Hillcrest, purchased 10 more containers specifically for placement in
the heart of Hillcrest.
The Hillcrest Community Foundation received a grant from Supervisor Ron Roberts office for funds that matched the investment of the MAD and HBIA. The Hillcrest Town Council, an organization representing homeowners and renters, provided a map indicating where the containers, installed by City Farmer, were most needed. The initial 20 containers were installed today with the final installation of the remaining 10 next weekend. On-going maintenance and trash pick up will be provided by the HBIA.
Blue4Equality, a campaign started online by San Franciscan Angelo Campisi, is urging people to string up blue lights on their porch, window or storefront next Friday and Saturday nights. Activists are also trying to get city halls across America to bathe themselves in blue light on January 9-10 to show support for same-sex marriage.
Councilman Todd Gloria said the blue lights will be a way to object to the November 4th passage of Proposition 8, a state constitutional amendment that defines marriage as between a man and a woman. “We are still grieving about this,” explained Gloria. His staff is making an effort to light up his office in blue regardless of whether San Diego’s City Hall takes part in the demonstration.
Gloria’s staff experimented with putting blue materials over their office lights and determined that cellophane works best, with a cost of only $10 to cover two dozen lights. Deeply discounted blue holiday lights may also be found. Support equality for all with a blue glow next weekend.
and better New Year
Take a walk around our community to find your peace today...and be happy we’re not living in cold, wet snow country.
Here is the U-T’s collection of photos from 2008. Political winners and losers from the last year.
