2009
The councilmen have made several suggestions to promote transparency to the organization including the addition of three more board members. At their last meeting the UP board also implemented term limits. As recently as this spring’s annual meeting, only outgoing board members were nominated to run again....even though qualified candidates in the community wanted to serve on the board. So who votes for new board members? The Uptown Partnership board themselves.
Even more disconcerning is that the Uptown Partnership which is given 45% of Hillcrest parking meter money has not created one new parking space in the past 12 years. New ideas and a fresh leadership are needed. Perhaps the councilmen’s appointments will begin a new chapter for this controversial city-contracted organization.
Many believe that in the very near future there will be even more truths to be told about the Partnership. Most of all the community wants accountability of all the Partnership’s funds and expenditures and adherence to their mission statements’ primary goal which is to create parking. It really just comes down to the basic fact that the Partnership for all its years has not produced parking. What it has produced is an insular board and a bureaucracy which seems to have set its main goal to perpetuate themselves.
What some community members are attempting do is to call attention to the Uptown Partnership’s inadequacies while striving for openness and positive change. That means going to the media and getting the public involved. It is not only the community’s right to do so, but its responsibility.
2009
2009
Councilmen Gloria and Faulconer appoint ... nobody
The Uptown Partnership’s monthly board meeting was held Thursday at their Bankers Hill office. During public comment discussion, board member and Hillcrest property owner Bob Orphey expressed that he thought the AT&T lot had been sold. The board passed a motion to send a letter to Councilmember Faulconer regarding finishing the crosswalk at Fifth & Spruce (will it be on the north or south side of the intersection?). Discussion ensued re: a proposed letter to George Pernicano to open up his parking lot. Several people shared that they had already tried this many times. The executive director was firm in her request, and the motion passed.
Michael Vogl, Revenue Collections Manager for the City of SD
presented findings from the study on new meter trials from January through April 2009.
Citations at the new meters were down 45%, which was said to be due to
people using credit cards. Revenue was up 11%. It was asked how this
amount could be so small, if people were using credit cards so much
more. Vogl responded that the results were as expected. The 
next discussion pertained to the
Partnership's budgeting of contingency funds which, at past meetings,
the executive director, when questioned, said was appropriate. The City
and the Partnership's accountants advised that the budgeted
monies need to be moved out of contingency funds and into a
category. It was decided to move this line item to a category called “Uptown Parking
Solutions.” Board member Orphey shared that now is an excellent
opportunity to acquire real estate that would be centrally located in
Hillcrest. He believes that there is an opportunity “close at hand.”
Uptown Partnership Hillcrest committee members were announced. They are Bob Grinchuk, Sean Schwerdtfeger and Jim Frost. The moment that many were awaiting, the announcement of District 2 and 3 choices for board members was delayed for several weeks according to the council members representatives. ”We’re working on it, names have been presented, were looking into it,” commented Brian Pepin representative from Kevin Faulconer's office. The council members made the suggestion for expansion of the Partnership board on May 5th. How long does it take for them to pick someone?
Boardmember Bob Grinchuk and HTC chair John Taylor both expressed extreme dismay at the city dragging their feet. The board did vote to add Uptown Planner and University Heights resident David Gatzke to their board. The Uptown Planners have made it clear that the person sitting on the board does not represent the Uptown Planners.
2009
During difficult times many of us rely on our MOMs for support, and in a very real sense through a new San Diego partnership for the HIV/AIDS community, that’s exactly what’s happening. Priority, a MOMs Pharmacy and Being Alive San Diego have announced that they will be collaborating on an innovative HIV Community Learning Center at 3940 Fourth Avenue in Hillcrest. Besides providing free, easy-access to a wealth of HIV/AIDS information and services in the heart of the neighborhood, key features of the HIV Community Learning Center will be a Community Resource Wall, an Artist Gallery, an Onsite Client Advocate, Private AIDS Service Organization Office Space, and Priority, a MOMs Pharmacy.
“This collaboration with Being Alive is consistent with the MOMs Pharmacy philosophy,” said Anthony Luna, Vice President of Priority, a MOMs Pharmacy who donated the space for the new center. Similar projects, partnering with Under One Roof in San Francisco and Lifelong AIDS Alliance in Seattle opened this past year. “We recognize that during these difficult times when funding for HIV services is being cut, that it is not just enough to serve the community, you have to give back and be an active and involved part of it. We are excited to be collaborating with such a well respected organization as Being Alive San Diego to help ensure that these valuable programs and services
continue.” The center will provide a welcoming and safe space for people living with HIV/AIDS to obtain information on the many valuable programs and services offered by Being Alive and MOMs Pharmacy, as well as information on other local community AIDS Service Organizations.
The new HIV Community Learning Center will also provide several private offices for one-on-one client meetings, counseling, treatment education, ADAP screening and outreach efforts whereby an ASO representative may meet with, inform, and potentially enroll clients in their programs and services. The offices will be furnished with comfortable modular furniture allowing for flexibility in use of the space and free Internet access.
Another key feature of The HIV Community Learning Center will be “The Being Alive Family Room”. This dedicated space will function as a waiting area for pharmacy clients during normal pharmacy business hours, as well as, serve as a casual meeting venue for smaller client support groups after hours.
2009
2009
World Beat next Monday 11am-2pm
Will you help reform the Child Nutrition Act and get some REAL FOOD into public schools? A local group, Slow Food Urban San Diego, wants to bring eco-gastronomy to the forefront of every meal and making wholesome choices that are economically stimulating to our local growers, decreasing the amount of carbon footprint and educating the community as to where our food originates.
This Labor Day the group is organizing an EAT-In at the World Beat Center in Balboa Park (2100 Park Boulevard). Slow Food USA’s Time For Lunch campaign will inspire Americans to take a stand on kid’s health on this national day of action. Please join them for a delicious revolution at an Eat-in Potluck Picnic from 11am-2pm next Monday, September 7th. Join Slow Food Urban San Diego in their efforts to lobby for reform to the Child Nutrition Act with speakers and activities for all. Please bring: A simple, fresh, homemade dish to share; A real (non-disposable) plate, silverware and cup; a blanket or chair to sit on; and since this is an outdoor event, please bring a hat and sunscreen.
What is Slow Food Urban San Diego? “Slow food” is an idea, a way of living and a way of eating. It is a global, grassroots movement with thousands of members around the world that links the pleasure of food with a commitment to community and the environment. Slow Food Urban San Diego is their local chapter. It’s involved in activities such as:
• Raising public awareness, improving access and encouraging the enjoyment of foods that are local, seasonal and sustainably grown
• Caring for the land and protecting biodiversity for today's communities and future generations
• Performing educational outreach within their communities and working with children in schools and through public programs
• Identifying, promoting and protecting fruits, vegetables, grains, animal breeds, wild foods and cooking traditions at risk of disappearance
• Advocating for farmers and artisans who grow, produce, market, prepare and serve wholesome food
• Promoting the celebration of food as a cornerstone of pleasure, culture and community
2009
University Heights Arts Open & Taste of University Heights
Mark you calendars for Sunday, September 20th as the spotlight
will be on our wonderful neighbor to the northeast — University Heights.
This year the second annual Taste of University Heights will coincide
with the 4th University Heights Arts Open — two fantastic events on one
date. Galleries and some businesses will be open to the public
featuring the work of many talented artists. There will also be artists
displaying 
their
crafts in the Trolley Barn Park. Free trolley transport will be
provided so it will be possible to see (and eat) absolutely everything
in one day!
The food will be an incredible variety of taste treats! Something for everyone! Cajun, Abyssinian, vegan, Lebanese, pizza, chocolate, heavenly baked goods, tea from Nirvana! You won't want to miss this! Tickets to the Taste are only $15 if you stop by the UH office (4452 Park Boulevard, #104) or $20 the day of the event.
This collaborative effort means more of what University Heights has to offer: more fun, more food, more art! First, stroll through the quaint neighborhood enjoying sample delicacies from some of University Heights diverse restaurants. Then, enjoy a free self guided tour of the arts. The UH Arts Open (UHAO) showcases the works of over 100 new as well as celebrated artists, playwrights, performers and musicians from the San Diego region enlivening the historic University Heights community. The UHAO incorporates local businesses, schools, churches, theaters, and a free shuttle tour of artist studios in the area.
Also of note, the University Heights Arts Open reception, a free community event, will be held Friday, September 4th, from 7-9pm at Swedenborgen Hall, 1531 Tyler Avenue. Live music, fun, art. Whee!
