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“Increases in our admission prices reflect our efforts to stay current in a changing marketplace while also supporting our need to expand efforts to educate children and conserve species.”

— SD Zoo spokeswoman on 26-31% price increases

Take a jacaranda walk — a lavender delight

Each spring as San Diegans face another dreary “May Gray” the normally subdued jacaranda breaks into vibrant blooms, which create ethereal violet corridors along wide streets throughout our neighborhood. The trees were first introduced here, then popularized, by famed horticulturist Kate Sessions (HQ5 & 8) and advanced by Sylvia Simpson Coleman who dreamed of San Diego becoming the jacaranda capitol of the nation, and by Donna Derrick whose tireless efforts culminated in 2000 with the purple beauty becoming the city’s official tree.

Visitors to our fair city are amazed with the colorful jacaranda, perhaps because they are simply are not found in most of the United States. Perhaps that's also the reason that so many locals treasure the lavender tree and its gracefully spread branches draped with iris-colored flowers. The fallen purple petals in the shape of tiny trumpets leave a carpet reminiscent of a lilac snowfall, which irritate some because of the mess, but how many other cities can boast that their pot hole-covered streets are decorated with silky blue flowers? Celebrate the jacaranda trees before they’re all gone until next year.

Locals give 3 cheers for “Plaza de Filner”

“The Mayor was on fire! Sharp, witty & incisive. Filner truly understands the issues facing Balboa Park and isn’t afraid to exercise true vision,” explained one member of the audience. SD Mayor Bob Filner presented his plan for temporary traffic management of Plaza de Panama to neighbors & local businesses Monday night at the Bankers Hill Residents Group. The Hillcrest Town Council, HBA, SD Metro CDC, Downtown Partnership and Bankers Hill Business Group were also invited. Those filling the large room atop the Inn at the Park were overwhelmingly supportive of the plan which will begin implementation soon.

Mayor Filner’s proposal will close weekend car traffic across the Laurel Street Bridge (and through the Plaza de Panama) at the end of summer, remove all parking, striping and signs from the plaza and relocate handicapped & valet parking. Monday-Friday vehicles could drive across the bridge and the park with access via the SW corner of the PdP. The Mayor asked for the formation of a neighborhood task force to interface with his office, and several members of the audience volunteered. The BHRG meets the 3rd Mondays from 6:30-8pm. Please become involved!