The Bankers Hill residents’ group met at St. Paul’s Cathedral Monday (8/15/11) as over 35 neighbors heard two alternatives to the Jacobs/Sanders Plaza de Panama proposal. Ian Clampett from Kevin Faulconer’s office reported on repairs to the Quince Street bridge and the eucalyptus trees recently removed. He was advised that only four trees were removed. Residents noted this number much higher.

Bankers Hill architect John Ziebarth (above) presented a Balboa Park proposal focusing on goals and objectives, not a “preordained solution.” His plan differs from that of Jacobs/Sanders by eliminating “parking” not “traffic” from the Plaza de Panama and would minimize the adverse impacts on the park’s operations during and after construction...and sustainability. Sandor Shapery (Innovative Transportation Systems) proposed the use of historic streetcar powered by a MagneRail, which does not need overhead wires. This advanced, green technology is currently being explored by the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach to transport shipments to Victorville, California.

Residents are encouraged to submit ideas for future meetings held monthly on the third Monday.

Got tickets yet for the fifth annual Toast to Hillcrest?

Over 21 and ready for a fun party? Love Hillcrest and want to support the annual fundraiser for the (all volunteer) Hillcrest History Guild’s efforts to build a virtual museum online for the community? Then mark your calendars for Thursday, August 18 (always the Thursday following CityFest). The event takes place from 5:30-8pm with the complimentary double-decker bus running from 5-9pm with hosts Benny Cartwright & Ricky Cervantes.

Last year folks enjoyed samples from 34 of our neighborhood’s best bars, bistros, restaurants and wine bars — both old favorites and brand new eateries! Everardo commented, “I’ve lived in San Diego for 24 years and this is the most fun I’ve ever had in Hillcrest! Re-discovering favorite haunts I hadn’t visited in a while along with finding lots of new places that I am sure to visit again!”

(1) Toasters buy tickets at HillcrestHistory.org in advance using PayPal. Only 100 tickets will be sold from the will call booth the evening of the event beginning at 4:30pm. (2) Each reveler must bring a valid ID to Fifth & Robinson for a wristband and your map/ticket leading to participants. (3) Plan your route and raise a glass to Hillcrest. Participants may leisurely stroll to the many cocktail lounges, cafes, yogurt shops, wine bars and restaurants identified with red balloons…or hop on & off an open-air bus with your handsome hosts. Have a businesses that wants to participate? Call (619) 260-1929. The Hillcrest History Guild could also use a couple more volunteers for check-in. Please call us if you have an interest.

Residents’ to meet on Tuesday

Hillcrest area neighbors will gather from 6:30-8pm this Tuesday evening for August’s Hillcrest Town Council meeting at the Joyce Beers Community Center (Vermont Street north of Cleveland).

See you there!

Trolley Barn Park’s final summer concert closes with Sue Palmer & Her Motel Swing Orchestra

Check out all the movies on HillQuest’s YouTube channel from tonight’s fun in University Heights!!

Hundreds enjoy Chocolat on the roof of Whole Foods Market

Over 200 people gathered on the roof atop Whole Foods Market parking structure yesterday evening to enjoy the fifth annual Movie on the Roof. Neighbors gathered early bringing blankets, chairs and picnics. Viva Pops all-natural frozen fruit pops, Chuao chocolates and Marcie Sweets along with Whole Foods Market served up complimentary treats. The annual free movie was again brought to you by Whole Foods Market, HillQuest Urban Guide and the Hillcrest History Guild (their annual FUNraiser is two weeks away.)

The movie about a woman and her daughter who open a chocolate shop in a small French village that shakes up the rigid morality of the community was a hit with the crowd (Check out YouTube/HillQuestVideo). Movie on the Roof is the first of the Hillcrest History Guild’s August events. The second, the Toast to Hillcrest (their annual fundraiser) is coming up on Thursday, August 18. Purchase your ticket for only $25 and enjoy “toasts” and “tastes” at restaurants, bars, bistros and wine bars throughout Hillcrest.