January 30, 2013 Meeting of South Park Business Group, Inc.
Meeting held at Alchemy, 8:30am. Donna Walker chaired the meeting.
Minutes recorded by Jeniffer Thompson.

  1. Non-members: two guests present plus Chris Taylor attorney for SPBG.

  2. ASK campaign and treasury report by Anne Mery.

a. budget for 2013 developed and approved by the board. 2012 applied for 501c not-for-profit status, still awaiting approval - application in process. Account is kept at Calif. Bank and Trust. Monies come in 4 ways: grants, proceeds from annual Ask campaign (members contribute $100 each to support our activities - the deadline is February 13, last year we brought in $6,265), proceeds from OHF Fair, and ads/banners/etc. We spend these funds on Walkabouts, printed materials, guides, NPR ads, trolley). Expenses: print collateral, PR person (Marsha) ads, lights, banners, administrative expenses, Insurance, postage, social media, website maintenance, Ask campaign coordination, graphic design and production, grant writing and book keeping. We also maintain kiosks, planters, trash cans, benches, etc.

  1. This is our official annual meeting. Introduced the Board, voted in unanimously: no nays from the members.

Maureen Ceccarelli voted in as the Chairwoman of the Board.
Board Members for 2013 are:
Maureen Ceccarelli
Anne Mery
Matt Thomas
Jeniffer Thompson
Donna Walker
Christy Jaynes
Marsha Smelkinson

  1. Community Affairs:

a. Police and Safety: none present

b. Govt: Councilman Todd Gloria: many great things accomplished in 12012 - an uptown bike meeting on Wed the 6th that we might be interested in attending. Newly created infrastructure committee - going to address and find solutions for things dear to Todd’s heart (and his constituents).

c. GGHCDC - Jina Albright attended the last meeting (she’s sick) but will be sending minutes from her meeting. Paul Broadway is looking to start a business group in Golden Hill (the CDC is in favor of this).

d. Neighborhood -

i. maintenance, bike plan: Matt - quote for power washing (just got it back after two weeks. Member from the South Park Abbey recommends a guy in the neighborhood who power washes. Hoping to have it done in the next few weeks. We’ll need to ensure that our cans are empty and coordinate the power washing.

ii. Paul with Mooch has plants in storage (he had cleaned up a broken pot in the street several months ago), Matt will speak with him about this issue.

iii. The city will be coming around and measuring to install bike racks in our neighborhoods - we have a list of people who requested installation - if you are not on this list: contact Matt: Matt@alchemy Chris Taylor is also active in the SD Bike Group and can help speed up the process of new bike rack installations.

iv. Sidewalks: Mac the Inspector - read an article in Voices San Diego about how difficult it is to get a repair on a sidewalk or street - discusses liability VOSD.com. Burden lies on the business owner to repair sidewalks in front of their business.

v. Round of applause for Courtney, who has been exceptionally helpful and responsive regarding our issues. Let the record show that Courtney rocks. Homeless issue brought up by Monta Bryant - she mentioned the recycling center in the Gala parking lot to the owner and he said he would speak with his cousin (owner of the center), Luci Dumas recommends we vote that we write a letter regarding this issue. Lisa Vela: not opposed to the recycling center - feels that it helps keep cans off the street; the city has done a decent job. Doesn’t see it as an issue (like in North Park). Jeffrey Parish also sees it as a service - people use it as a service to supplement their income, the vote to remove it, or ask to remove it, is generalizing and irresponsible, it serves a good purpose. Dissension in the group. Mac the inspector believes this falls outside of our mission statement, and we should leave this to other groups. Tabled the issue.

  1. Special Events:

a. Walkabout - dates are set.

b. OHF: exhibitor and sponsorship available, Maureen is looking for homes that would be a good fit for the tour - we need three more for the tour - always need docents (if you would like to volunteer). Vendor booths available: open to any business in South Park, or businesses who refurbish or service old houses. For a booth, email Marsha.

  1. Branding Project: Christy Jaynes: currently we are completing a grant application to help receive funds to further develop the branding facets (visuals signage, etc.) Next Monday is the due date, if we qualify, we present in March. We continue with this either way. We’ve learned a lot about visibility. Example of why branding is so important: a woman downtown saw an article about South Park, but when she asked the concierge at Embassy Suites, she was told to avoid South Park because it is dangerous—she came anyway and had an amazing experience, promised to educate the concierge attendant. We are excited to welcome businesses like Eclipse who will help our visibility as well.

a. Store front improvement district, many members are interested in this service. See past notes for contact details.

  1. New Business in the neighborhood. Gingerly Wax has been here for three months and loves it. 2226 Fern Street. Welcome.

  2. Announcements:

a. Chris Taylor mentioned an event that is coming to South Park: Cyclevia (a successful event in LA where the streets are blocked off to motor vehicles - only open to pedestrians and bikes; it is being held in San Diego under the name Cyclos dia on Auguts 18, 13 - route will run from Adams to Golden Hill on 30th. Thousands of people on bikes. If we want to see how we can get involved, we should get in touch with Todd Gloria’s office.

b. Book arts show at the Next Door Gallery: books that are made by hand. This Saturday February 2nd, from 6-9 - featuring students from City College).

c. During Walkabout, South Bark is hosting a wedding reception (pretty cool).

d. Art event at Oliver’s Hair Salon on Feb 8, from 6-9. Local South Park artist: Jill

e. Valentine Group art show 48 artists from all over the country. At Left Hand Black - February 9, from 6-10.

f. The stuff in the Kiosks is old and dated: these kiosks are a great opportunity for businesses to advertise events in the neighborhood (no generic business promotion, must be for special events). To submit a poster for a special events at your busines, please notify Matthew Thomas (Alchemy) for the Beech street kiosk, or Melissa Hendris-Lawson at Crow Thief for the Grape street kiosk.

g. CDC Mixer tomorrow night at Kwan Yin - 5:30 - 7:30. $10 for non-members.

h. Alchemy: offering a 3-course meal for Valentines day.

i. The Grove has posted new classes; plus Anne will special order books if you are looking for something specific - support local.

j. Call out to Buena Forchetta - hours are 5-10. Will also open for lunch and brunch.

  1. Guests:

Bonnie Nicholls - South Park Life - southparksandiego.blogspot.com a blog (Started in late 2010) celebrating life in South Park. Nature Walks; she’s curious about SP - so if you have a story, send to: bonnie.nicholls@gmail.com

Happy New Year - meeting adjourned. Minutes by Jeniffer Thompson.