Meeting chaired by Donna Walker, South Bark Dog Wash.
Minutes by Jeniffer Thompson, MCM

1. Mission Statement, Introductions
2. Reports:

Maureen Ceccarelli - SPBG received IRS letter: officially a 501(c)6 tax-exempt corporation.

Anne Mery - ASK campaign completed - see list on Agenda. SP Map and online directory to be updated 3/1, must be a member to be listed.

3. CicloSDias (Bike Days) -- coming to South Park Sunday August 18. Ed Clancy from the City of San Diego presented info; August 18 in SD (in LA more than 150k) people will bike/run/walk along route from Logan Heights up 30th St. thru South Park to North Park/Landis St. to City Heights. Mayor is hoping for 20,000 people. Streets will be closed; urban park for a day. Complete info on website CicloSDias.com. Now in planning stages, discussion of how to accommodate customers for parking. Bottom line is we have 5 months to promote this event in SP and take advantage of this opportunity to promote South Park, San Diego’s walkable, bikeable, liveable neighborhoods.

4. SPBG Events:

Spring Walkabout - March 23 - we get a lot of media attention in the Spring - be sure to send Marsha your details as soon as possible so we can take advantage of the potential publicity and media. Email spbg@lucyslist.net.

Walkabout policy & form - Our Walkabout monitor walks around and monitors street vendors If you have given someone permission to setup in front of your business, you must fill out the Walkabout Form so our monitor knows that they have permission. Reminders re safety: no open flames, no blocked driveways or sidewalks, no blocked parking spots. DOWNLOAD HERE, print and prepare form BEFORE the event so you will not be interrupted while busy.

March 23 Walkabout: we are doing the Beech Street Buckaroo BBQ again (this is intended to let people know there is more happening down at this side of South Park).

Old House Fair: Saturday, June 15 - report by Maureen Ceccarelli; still need 2 more homes for the historic home tour. If you would like to be a sponsor, advertise in the book, or rent a booth, or volunteer let Maureen know: studiomaureen@gmail.com We are also looking for docents for the home tours. There is an early bird special for exhibitors to sign up by April 1 - $150 for a booth.

5. Branding Project & Holiday Lighting: Christy Jaynes: grant application was turned in and accepted on the spot. We have posted a copy of grant application, including SPBG achievements and future plans, on website -- click here for grant app download link. One of our goals is to create a Holiday Lighting Project in SP around the holidays, (annually) to bring people to SP throughout the holiday shopping season. Will begin every year the Sunday after Thanksgiving, to include a tree lighting (near the clock at Fern and Grape), charity events, and more to draw people to SP every year.

6. Maintenance Program:

Power washing report by Matt Thomas - a company will be coming through (cans, benches, bike racks) to be cleaned between March 10-17 (we’ll have exact dates shortly); he’ll also power-wash the sidewalks for $75 per block, if you are interested let Matt know - matt@alchemysandiego.com;

The City’s Bike Racks are finally being installed - if you are interested in having one installed and you are not on the original list contact Matt: matt@alchemysandiego.com

Courtney Thomas from Todd Gloria’s office worked to have South Park signs installed around our neighborhood. Yeah Courtney!

7. Community Affairs:

Police and safety: no one in attendance

Govt.:

Todd Gloria: report by Courtney Thomas - Newest edition of the District 3 newsletter: highlights: Gloria named the Chair of the Transportation Committee, check out an article about tree trimming (small amount of funding: 1,000 palm trees will be trimmed - can request to be placed on the list), next community coffee will be Sat March 9, 10-11:30 a.m. at Twiggs in University Heights.

Toni Atkins: report by Jason Weisz, working through the process of the affordable care act ; deadline to apply for Cal Grants (graduating high school seniors may be eligible for a grant: deadline is March 2) - counselors at schools have applications or call 619-645-3090.

8. Announcements:

Graffiti Beach - Yarn Bombing this Friday 3/1 to celebrate Kickstarter campaign; log on to see details (plan to go to print with their digital magazine (has run 3 digital issues). There will be an opportunity to advertise in the South Park section - $25 per business. Support by making a pledge by March 31. Contact Melanie for more information - melanie@shopgraffitibeach.com

LGBT Pride Festival: July 13-14; last year we had a SP booth with a wheel that people could win a prize (beads, hugs, etc.)- great opportunity to gain exposure to thousands of people. Anyone interested contact Tanya MacAnear at starbootie@mac.com at Bad Madge - the more people involved the smaller the financial commitment, also need people to man the booth. A booth is $1,500 - by May for early bird discount.

Alchemy: 4 year anniversary celebrating all month, March 14 actual party - early happy hour

Bad Madge: March 22 6-9 - 2 year anniversary

South Park Abbey having a 420 Smokeout on Saturday April 20 from Noon to close with Latitude Brewery

Oliver’s Hair Salon is celebrating a one-year anniversary in April.

Eclipse: Has a private dining Room for special events (keep in mind for charitable events). Will Gustwiller announces that our next SPBG meeting, on March 27 8:30am - will be held at Eclipse; anyone who would like to stay after will be served complimentary brunch.

Gala - report by Bob of Captain Kirk’s -- Parking lot is going to become a paid lot (excepting some spaces for Gala shoppers; to pay for improvements and upgrades); FYI: the recycling center is mandated by law - because of the size of the store. Working with the owners so that we (SPBG) can use the lot for events; Improvements: new front similar to Sprouts in Hillcrest, adding green, to meet the needs of our SP community. Hopefully an owner will attend our meeting next time for more information.

Baby Sign Language Basics is going International - traveling to Russia - Monta has been contracted as an International baby sign language expert. Congratulations!

Samantha Keenan - listing historic home at 1344 Granada - $849,900 - exquisite. saltwater pool. open Sunday 1-4 (between Ash and A).

New Business:

Welcome Diana -- new store Diego Tattoo Gallery on Cedar and Beech - newest SPBG member.

NEXT MEETING: WED., March 27, 8:30am at ECLIPSE CHOCOLATE.
Minutes by Jeniffer Thompson

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Reminders:

1. POWER WASHING your sidewalks -- Do you want your sidewalks power-washed? Available at $75 per block from the vendor who will do power-washing of trash cans, benches, etc. during the week of March 10-17. If you are interested, you must contact matt@alchemysandiego.com by this Monday, March 4, and make arrangements to deliver your $75 payment to him.

2. 2013 Walkabout Policy & Forms -- Please click here for a copy of the Walkabout policy and form for exhibitors or vendors setting up at your business location. The form must be completed by the business and the vendor BEFORE the Walkabout begins. The Monitor will pick up the form from the vendor. Please do this in advance so you will not be interrupted during your busy time.

3. Walkabout plans - send email to SPBG@lucyslist.net. The Wild West Walkabout is just 4 weeks away. What are your plans for the March 23 event? Please email ASAP to be included in advance publicity. Deadline for the Spring Walkabout Guide is Friday 3/15.