South Park Business Group (SPBG)

II.    Police Report – John Graham, SDPD
This is the first time that there were no new South Park burglaries reported in police weekly crime stats.  A group of  local juveniles have been arrested and
appear responsible for most, if not all, of the break-ins South Park businesses have been concerned about over the past few months.  Stolen property has been recovered.  
Police coverage for South Park may be cut back with the retirement
of  senior officers slated in the City budget later this summer.

III.    MAD Report – David Skillman
Sidewalk repair and upgrading continues to be Golden Hill Maintenance District
priority.  Some tree trimming has occurred in South Park.  
Business concern was expressed about regular scheduled emptying of sidewalk trash receptacles and available animal “poop bags”...  Pedro Anaya, new Executive Director, Greater Golden Hill CDC, (619) 977-5331) offered to provide a link to the Urban Corps cleaning schedule which he will send to every member.  The new Urban Corp crew chief, Daryl, comes to us with excellent references for
Performance.

IV.     Committee Reports
A.     Public Relations Committee – Marsha Smelkinson
PR Activity Report – Peyton Robertson (not present) Marsha gave report.
Number of “hits” on the South Park website was much higher in March.  This
may be in part attributed to the public relations contacts Peyton has made this past month throughout the larger community. March Walkabout is the first time this past year we did not advertise on KPBS.  

South Park Businesses Group may need a permanent Face book site.  Some
education of members in social networking would probably be helpful.
 
1.     Ask for Funds Campaign
Response has been good.  Some members have elected not to pay full $150 which has been accepted. Marsha Smelkinson, Lisa Vella & Joe Grant continue to follow up.  A formal report of businesses paying the $150 annual fee which supports South Park business marketing efforts, printed materials, trolley, web page and email in a coordinated effort to advance the South Park business community, will be available at the May/ June meeting.

2.     Web Site
 Marsha again requests that local businesses keep the South Park website up to date.  Email her and/or mail/hand deliver new information, events you are planning, etc.  Marsha’s email address for web updates is spbg@lucyslist.net.  Please place a link on your business web site and in your business email newsletters to the South Park Scene website: www.southparkscene.com.

B.     Old House Fair (June 20th) – Maureen Ceccarelli
New website for Old House Fair is www.theoldhousefair.com.

Old House Fair is still looking for more vendors “that help, restore, renew or refurnish old Craftsman houses or provide retail in the local area”.
SOHO (Save Your Heritage Organization), associated with the Old House Fair in past years is again “on board”.  This will assist in help with lectures/seminars at the Old House Fair on the historic issues regarding this
local neighborhood.  In addition, SOHO’s involvement will aid in a broader appeal for attendance throughout the entire San Diego County.
•    Currently, 4 out of the 5 homes have been recruited for the Home Tour ($15)
•    Trolley Tour ($5) of broader Golden Hill community
•    Sidewalk Tour (free) – Eric Hansen, local South Park resident and SOHO Board member
•    Urban Safari (free) – historic walking tour
•    So Childish (free)  craft book
•    Home Depot (free) children’s building
•    Sidewalk Chalk Strada (free)
•    Music/stage (free)

The cost of a vendor booth is $150. Sponsors of the Old House Fair are:
Ed Landsberg Realtor, Whistle Stop Bar, Alchemy, Grant’s Marketplace, Thomas Bike Shop, South Bark Dog Wash, Studio Maureen and The Next Door Gallery.  Sponsor list also includes SOHO San Diego, Raz+Majette Designs, North Park News, San Diego Home/Garden Lifestyles, and the Greater Golden Hill CDC.  Thanks to all for your support.

C.     Walkabouts
•    Summer Walkabout (July 25th)
Concern expressed that we have enough postcards for distribution prior to
Summer Walkabout.  Currently, we have about ¾ of a box…maybe 750 cards
that have Spring and Summer Walkabout dates.  We may need more.  Maureen Ceccarelli has Walkabout posters.
We need to know what each business plans to do for the Summer Walkabout
event.  This information is important for the Webpage, Information Booth (the day of the event), Trolley, etc.
Concern, as always, is expressed for promoting Beech Street businesses.  Ginseng Yoga (Brad) is planning to be open with a table.  Small changes can be make a big difference such as having the SD Clipping Services outside light on.  
V.     New Businesses
A.     Regular date of meeting:  Sorry to confuse everyone.  We continue this meeting the last Wednesday of every month.
B.    CUPC Health Fair (July 10th & 11th)  Great opportunity for health professionals and the community.  
•    Immunization of young people
•    HIV Van
•    Red Cross Van
C.     South Park Community Yard Sale (June 27th):  Businesses will be askedto help publicize event and to consider a Sidewalk Sale during their normal work hours.

VI.      South Park Community Business updates/events
A.     Ronnee Walker (embroidery) located in Coronado.
B.    Todd Gloria, City Councilman’s office – meeting at Whistle Stop.  Water Department plans cut in resident water usage.  However, recent City policy shifts suggest that behavioral changes will be enough to meet our goals:  watering for example 3 days a week for 10 minutes.
Questions:  contact anthonybernal@SD.gov
C.    Introduction of Pedro Anaya, Jr., Greater Golden Hill CDC
Award program:  local annual businesses, May 19th deadline.
D.     Studio for Maureen:  sublease adjacent space to artist.
E.    Beri Varol, Atlas Lofts – Interested in letting group know that at 30th & Grape (NW from So Childish) that they are wanting to  develop a multi purpose complex of houses and commercial.  This group is interested in input from
community.
F.     Kwan Yin:  May 5th, new clairvoyant…guided meditation.
G.    Posh Wash:  Open house next Saturday, beginning at 8:00 am  Upgrade to general Laundry experience.  Many improvements.
H.    Citizens’ Review Board on Police Practices:  20 year history; 23 citizen volunteers; can present a 15 minute presentation about efforts..
I.    What’s the deal north of Alchemy and Hamilton.   This storefront (no owner)
needs paint.  Landlord has been contacted for over 6 months and seems to have no interest in doing anything.  What can we do?  
J.     Joan Deido evaluates your business.  Joe Grant recommends at $350 for review of operational status.
K.     BID Chamber Council:  It is time to submit another application for $8500.  We have survived two years on this grant and need to apply and expand our thinking as to what we need to do in this community to promote businesses.