Meeting held Wed., August 25, 2010, 8:30am at Alchemy Restaurant

Chaired by Donna Walker from South Bark Dog Wash
Next meeting to be on SEPTEMBER 29th at Alchemy Restaurant at 8:30 am*

Police:

People may remember that a few Thursdays ago (around Aug. 3rd) there was a considerable police presence in the area (cars and helicopters), a man pushed his way into a home after a woman and stole a wallet. Deedra from Plum Pottery reported that she was able to push him back out and the police response was remarkable.
You may also remember the coverage of the attempted/suspected rapist that came in after a woman in South Park…Grant’s Marketplace has a composite sketch of the man, so please take a look and keep an eye out, be careful.
Luci Dumas reported that she has graffiti on the sidewalk in front of her house and that Urban Corps was very prompt in getting it washed off.
Other than that Officer de la Pena announced that it has been quiet lately. Lisa from South Bark did mention to Officer de la Pena that they have seen an increased number of drug users and subsequent pipes around the 30th & Hawthorn area.

Greater Golden Hill Update of Community Plan Report

They are still in the process of narrowing down the topics to fit the 6 categories used by the City … there will be subcategories to customize the plan to South Park. They are working on a plan to personalize the bus stops in the area … possibly with using the South Park color scheme as well as utilizing the map that Omar Passons did when creating his Park 2 Park shuttle.
There will be charettes (meetings) on October 9 (8:30 am – 2 pm), October 20 (6pm – 9pm) and November 6 (9am – 1pm).

Old House Fair:

Maureen has just returned from vacation and had just received the numbers from CDC the previous evening. She will have a report at the next meeting. She did say that it was a huge success and did as well if not better than last year.

Walkabout Review:

Next dates are Oct. 2nd and Dec. 4th
The October Walkabout will feature a Pumpkin theme. Businesses are encouraged to have pumpkins and other fall decorations out front. Matt from Alchemy and Jinna from Thomas Bike Shop will talk to their connections to see if they can get pumpkins donated for a pumpkin carving contest! YES! Each business is encouraged to carve their own pumpkin…voting will be done online at southparkscene.com and also at the information booth the night of the Walkabout.
Patty Fares will conduct her 2 walks (Pumpkin Walk) again, participants are encouraged to bring a flashlight, in addition, the group talked about purchasing glow sticks. It was also mentioned that it would be a good idea to hand out fliers, letting the “walkers” know about the charettes for the community plan update.

Walkabout Postcards and Posters are available…see Maureen at Studio Maureen.
The Holiday Walkabout will feature the Light theme again this year, the hope is to have more lights than last year.

CDC/MAD:

The mixers are going really well for the Greater Golden Hill CDC, Pedro Anaya, Jr. is planning on creating a calendar for the whole year so if you are interested in hosting one, please let him know. The annual Gala was on Friday, August 27th. He only had about 9 seats left! He wanted to send out a thank you to all the sponsors.
MAD, Urban Corps will no longer be doing the maintenance in the area effective Monday August 30th. Harvest Landscaping will be taking over these duties.

Todd Gloria’s Office:

Anthony Bernal was on hand to remind everyone to report unsafe sidewalks. Also the North Park business community is working in collaboration with SDG&E for an “energy make-over”. Please contact him if you are interested, 619-236-6633.

Ron Roberts Office:

Woo-Jin Shim was present to provide information on the “Doing Business with the County of San Diego” workshop on November 5th; if you’re interested, please call him at 619-531-6002. Also, the County Animal Services has seen an increase in animals and will therefore be offering cats 6 months and older and dogs 5 years and older for free. The Supervisor’s office also would like to remind everyone that whooping cough vaccines are recommended and that the County will begin an event grant process (Anne from the Grove will be working on this for the group).

Continuing Business:

Bike Stickers - donations will be accepted for those individuals picking up a sticker to help pay for new printing. It was recommended that a higher quality be used in the future as the square ones seem to fade fast.

New Business:

Check out the current edition of the North Park News for our Annual “Best Of” voting ballot. It’s all based on true write-in votes, you can’t get more local than that ☺

South Bark Dog Wash is turning 10!! They are looking for any local business that would like to donate gift certificates in $10 increments. Their weeklong celebration will begin on October 3rd will a big celebration with specials and events throughout the week, culminating in the $10 certificates awarded on 10/10/10…get it ☺

Dr. Joy Boatman from South Park Psychological Services reported that she has rented the cottage to the community doctor…southparkdoctor.com and she will be having her grand opening at the Fall Walkabout. She still has 1 office, 120 sq. ft. available.

Lulu’s by Travis Parker will be working with Keep a Breast in the month of October. They have a nail technician who will be doing a breast mold and will also feature pink lemonade manicures where $5 will go to Keep a Breast, more details to follow.

Alchemy is still supporting Food For Kids Backpack program through August where $1 of certain menu items goes to the organization. Stop by and help him send money to children in need.

Anne from the Grove reported that the group has been invited by the BID Council to apply for a grant again this year. The amount is for up to $8,500, if anyone has any ideas that they’d like to submit for the grant, please see her.

City Beat was at the meeting to let everyone know that they will be doing a page for the Walkabout, Jason will be in contact to provide more details.

Lisa from South Bark wanted to remind everyone that Matt and Alchemy Restaurant provide a lot of support for the group by hosting these and various subcommittee meetings in his restaurant…best way to thank him? Stop by and enjoy some great food and drinks.

Jinna from Thomas Bike Shop was on hand to let everyone know that they Midnight Madness Bike ride went well (natch, they are a sponsor) and that their “Bike South Park” gift baskets were a huge hit. She wanted to thank Alchemy, Grants, Studio Maureen and Hamiltons for submitting items to include. They have also signed a lease for the SD South Park Bike Polo team, if you haven’t seen them in action, you’re missing out on some fun! Thomas Bike Shop will also be sponsoring the Bike Film Festival, September 9-11, for more information, stop by and see her or go to the film festival’s website at bicyclefilmfestival.com. Jinna also put out a request that with the Channel 10 A List awards still up for grabs that everyone should be voting for all the businesses in our hood.

If you’re driving around the neighborhood on Monday, watch out for the children, as Albert Einstein is back in session.

That’s it folks. As always, let me know if I’ve written something down wrong or if you have anything to add. Thanks bunches.

Minutes submitted by:
Cyndi
North Park News