The Hillcrest Community — Zip Code 92103

 

1907-2007 ~ Celebrate Hillcrest’s Centennial

 

Enjoy Our Diversity...

Sitting at the crossroads of San Diego is Hillcrest. Everyone eventually passes through our neighborhood, and many of them end up calling it home — either with a mailing address or merely their own “sense of place.” In January of 2007 the residents formed the Hillcrest Town Council “to provide a voice & enhance the quality of life for Hillcrest renters & homeowners while supporting actions that benefit our neighborhood.”

Hillcrest is an accepting urban village with a small town feel. We’re proud to be eclectic, and we love our history. In 2007 the community celebrated our first 100 years with a variety of fun events throughout the year. In October of that year Hillcrest was designated as one of the top ten great neighborhoods in America by the APA (on the first year they made the picks).

A true success story in terms of revitalization, Hillcrest has blossomed into one of the hippest, most happening communities in the nation. Nestled north of the world’s most famous Zoo and Balboa Park, it’s known for its wide array of award-winning restaurants, trendy stores, fabulous salons and spas, medical offices, two major hospitals and the largest concentration of gay and lesbian-owned businesses in the city. Those who live here enjoy a wide choice of older homes mixed with newer, upscale apartments and condominiums in a walkable neighborhood.

And we like to party...HillQuest kicked off a great summer of outside neighborhood festivals on Sunday, July 13th with our 6th annual Hop in the ’Hood block party. This year’s hop featured rappers, dancers, great bands, artists and the 3rd annual Flower Power Parade. The following weekend (July 19/20th) the 34th anniversary of San Diego’s LGBT Pride was celebrated. Hillcrest proudly hosted many events including the city’s largest parade along University and Sixth this Saturday. A two-day festival followed in idyllic Balboa Park. Here’s a HillQuest slideshow from last year’s Pride — here are more links to past year’s fun and a Pride iMovie.

Catch a free movie on the top of Whole Foods Market on Wednesday, August 6th when the Hillcrest History Guild, the Sunshine Rotary and the grocery present “Little Miss Sunshine” at dusk.

On Sunday, August 10th the Hillcrest Business Improvement Association will throw their 25th annual bash along Fifth Avenue. CityFest’s roots began in 1984 when the community filled the street under the Hillcrest sign to celebrate its restoration and relighting. The annual streetfair is held the second Sunday in August. Great bands and the best people-watching in town! The following Thursday (August 14th) join in the 2nd annual Toast to Hillcrest when a big red double decker bus transports participants 21+ from one side of the neighborhood to the other to sample from restaurants, pubs, wine bars and cafes. Tickets are only $25, but you can save $6 if purchased by the end of July.

All thoughout 2007 we celebrated Hillcrest’s Centennial. 100 years ago William Wesley Whitson subdivided 40 acres north of University between Second and Sixth. His sister-in-law Laura Anderson helped him with the name “Hillcrest” for his company, and the name resonated throughout the area previously known as University Heights. (Hillcrest timeline)

Whether you’re here for one of our many events, a night of partying, shopping for home furnishings, healthcare or a quiet romantic dinner at an assortment of restaurants — please enjoy yourself. The community of Hillcrest has something for everyone, and we’re proud of our diversity. See it now with a link to the HQcam which will allow a peek into the neighborhood from the corner of Fifth and University...or for a view of the past check out the Hillcrest History Guild.

On a summer day in 1974, a group of two hundred prideful homosexuals marched through downtown publicly proclaiming to all that they were gays and lesbians. (A few wore paper sacks over their heads fearing job loss.)

An excerpt from Jess Jessop’s speech preceding that historic march...

“We will no longer be society’s doormat, for we will not lie down. We will not be oppressed, for we will not allow it. We are proud of our gay mystique...It is time to come together in an open demonstration of the ecstasy of being gay. Ours is a movement of love. Love cannot be hidden. It must be shared in the sunlight if it is to blossom.”