Saturday,
January
17, 2009
Jon Hannasch with the City’s Transportation Engineering Division has contacted the community to let us know that the City has
installed a new
automated photo enforcement camera system at Cleveland &
Washington Street. They have been making adjustments and testing the
system for the last few weeks, and many people have seen the camera
system flashing. Explaining in an email he said, “When the camera system is manually
triggered (this can be done remotely) the system will take a photo when
the vehicle is traveling on a green indication. This is to allow
everyone to know that the vehicle did not run a red light. The test
photos are used to check for system adjustments and then they are
erased. No violation was made and no violation notice is sent out.” The system, designed to catch red light runners, became operational yesterday. During the first 30 days, anyone photographed running the light will receive a warning letter in the mail. After the warning period, citations will be issued. Consider yourself warned.
Friday,
January
16, 2009
Need some economic stimulus? Here’s a deal...
For the first time in its 21-year Hillcrest history, Column One (at the corner of Fourth & University) is having a big sale on every fountain in stock! Beginning tomorrow (thru Jan. 25) every floor model will be offered at huge savings above and beyond Column One’s usual discount pricing. Even special order models will be discounted for nine days only!
Co-owner Steve Moore says there’s never been a better time to get that fountain you’ve been eyeing. “We need to make room for the 2009 models that will be arriving soon. And everybody needs a little economic stimulus right now!”
Hurry in to Column One for the best selection and $ave!
Thursday,
January
15, 2009 
Dollars locally spent make cents
Spend your money wisely. Pennies from each purchase made with area merchants help this community maintain its diverse character, which, in turn draws more shoppers who enjoy our uniqueness.Seems like a win-win especially when you consider:
—> Shopping local creates jobs.
—> Independent stores give back by supporting neighborhood organizations and events.
—> Area shops sell an array of affordable, unique products and many recycled treasures.
—> Shopping
in Hillcrest saves gas money. —> Neighborhood retailers stock items that you won’t find at the mall.
—> Easy shopping. Walk or bike to community stores.
As a bonus, surveys show that folks receive better customer service from independently owned-businesses that survive by their reputation and repeat customers. Local stores are also great places to see your friends for a little neighborhood networking. Keep in mind, that these little stores don't get bailouts like corporations. Unable to run at a loss, those without enough revenue, just disappear. <>Help keep that from happening, please shop locally…it makes sense.
Wednesday,
January
14, 2009— City Councilman Todd Gloria in
this week’s CityBeat
Tuesday,
January
13, 2009
Councilman Todd Gloria addresses the Town Council
Over 50 neighbors attended the Hillcrest Town Council (HTC) meeting tonight at the Joyce Beers Community Center in the Uptown Shopping District. The evening began with Councilmember Todd Gloria speaking to the crowd, answering questions and listening to neighborhood concerns. Our councilmember is participating on several committees including Land Use & Housing, Public Safety, MTS Board, Budget and SANDAG. His priorities are safety, infrastructure and the community plan update.Benjamin Nicholls, the new executive director of the Hillcrest Business Improvement Association (HBIA) introduced himself and encouraged the HBIA and the HTC to work together to accomplish goals. Facilitator Leo Wilson followed by recapping last years’ accomplishments of the residents’ group including several community clean-ups; being a major contributor to the approval of the Interim Height Ordinance (IHO); working to bring a more favorable project to the 301 University site; hosting the first debate of CD3 candidates and giving residents a chance to meet and question public officials including US Congresswoman Davis, State Senator Christine Kehoe, Mayor Jerry Sanders, Councilwoman Toni Atkins, California Assemblymember Lori Saldaña and City Attorney Mike Aguirre.
The group then went on to list priorities for the upcoming year. Issues of importance to the neighbors in attendance included traffic calming and pedestrian safety, better bus service, negative impacts from the homeless community, participating in the update of the community plan, sidewalk maintenance, dark streets (more street lights), completion of the Hillcrest-Mission Hills library, the impact of the zoo employees parking lot, bike lanes and a trolley service throughout Hillcrest.
John Taylor presented proposed bylaws which were unanimously ratified. Nominations for the inaugural board members will take place at the February meeting with elections held in March. $67 in donations were collected by passing the hat. The HTC meets the second Tuesday of each month at the Joyce Beers Community Center from 6:30-8pm.
Monday,
January
12, 2009 
Tomorrow’s HTC meeting...
...will feature District 3’s newly elected City Councilman Todd Gloria (right). The January gathering will look back at accomplishments in 2008 and get input from area residents for upcoming speakers and topics. Do you have a suggestion for a 2009 meeting? Hillcrest residents will also meet Courtney Thomson, our area representative from Todd Gloria’s office and Benjamin Nicholls, the new Executive Director of the Hillcrest Business Improvement Association. The meeting will be held from 6:30-8pm at Joyce Beers Community Center (near Trader Joe’s) on Vermont Street north of Cleveland.
Sunday,
January
11, 2009
Time to let the good times roll...
The 8th annual Hillcrest Mardi Gras will again celebrate the glitz, glamour and gluttony of Fat Tuesday and the coming of spring on February 24th from 6-11pm.
This year’s neighborhood street party will be just as fabulous as ever. Mardi Gras is a 21+ event with magical street performers entertaining the crowd all night long. Lots of food, beads and cocktails will keep the party flowing, and the dance tent will feature a laser light show and other spectacular sights. All the proceeds from the event will support both community improvement through the Hillcrest Business Improvement Association and scholarships via the GSDBA Charitable Foundation. Hillcrest Mardi Gras will take place along University Avenue between First and Fourth avenues with entertainment highlighted by the one and only Candye Kane, acrobatic street performers Il Circo, The Bugs and the fabulous Tootie with the Lips Girls.
Regularly priced tickets are $15 in advance ($20 the night of the event) with VIP tix $50 in advance and $75 at the gate. All VIP ticket holders will have access to a private area with free food, beer and wine as well as special beads and private restroom facilities. All revelers must be 21 years of age or older to attend. All tickets are non-refundable.
Saturday,
January 10, 2009
Rally to repeal DOMA
In conjunction with a national campaign Join the Impact the grassroots San Diego Equality Campaign and San Diego Alliance for Marriage Equality organized a march and rally protesting the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) downtown yesterday beginning with a pre-rally at the County Admin. Building followed by a march and then a post-rally. (Here are perspectives from Mike Tidmus and Rex Wockner.) Similar actions were organized in over 100 cities across the United States. More than 650 people marched through
the streets of
downtown before returning to the County Administration Building. The
march stopped briefly in front of the Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel to meet up with an
organized protest against the owner of the hotel, Doug Manchester, who
made a large donation to the campaign to get Proposition 8 on
California’s November’s ballot.The rally included a number of community leaders who spoke including Congresswoman Susan Davis, State Senator Chris Kehoe, City Councilman Todd Gloria, Enrique Morones of Border Angels, The Reverend Madison Shockley and others. Over a dozen performance groups entertained and inspired the crowd throughout the day.
Friday,
January 9, 2009
— Former GOP VP pick questioning whether Caroline
Kennedy is getting better treatment
