South Park Business Group – Minutes  March 2010 meeting held on 3/31 at Alchemy Restaurant

Chaired by Donna Walker from South Bark Dog Wash

Next meeting to be on Wed. April 28th at Alchemy Restaurant at 8:30 am

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Sandy from San Diego Clipping Service let us know that they are now offering copy, fax and wifi among their expanding services, they are open typically M-F 8-5pm, weekend availability is an option, let them know.

Police:

Nothing new to report, burglaries were occurring, they were cutting screens and opening the windows, this seems to have abated when 2 of the 3 suspects were caught.

It was reported that a bartender from Hamilton’s and a customer from Velo Cult were both hit on the head and robbed in the early late night/early morning hours. Be aware of your surroundings.

Greater Golden Hill:

Nancy Sherman reported that they have updated the working list for the City Planning, this is a 2 year process. She will be working with Kathy Kechen (head of the SD Bike Coalition) as well, Kathy is a good resource about working with the city.

Walkabout Wrap-up:

Skye from Velo Cult reported that he had over 40 people saying that they wanted Fern St. closed during the Walkabouts. This did lead to a discussion on the different pros and cons of closing a street and/or multiple streets down. Skye will look more into this option.

Old House Fair:

Maureen informed us that the planning is moving right along. They would like more vendors. Applicable ones are businesses that renew, refurbish and restore older homes, and/or storefront businesses in a close radius of South Park. Sponsors are in place and she has 4 homes, is looking for 1 more. There are 4 tours, the sidewalk and walking tours are free, the house tour is $20 and the trolley tour is $5. Ads are available in the Resource Guide that is handed out and posted online. www.theoldhousefair.com

CDC:

Contract has been settled with the community garden (Russ Blvd west of 26th).

MAD:

David Skillman reported that it was a small meeting, they are chugging along using the funds.

Bike Campaign:

Jennifer from Monkey C Media is trying to get “Bike South Park” logo on the SD Commuter map…it is believed to be printed for this year, but a good possibility for next year.

The Linkery is trying to get a parking space dedicated for bikes and then Velo Cult and Blind Lady Ale House are in line

Meeting on May 20th in Balboa Park to discuss making biking more feasible.

Hamilton’s is installing a bike rack.

Bike Discount Program is gathering steam. Alchemy, Sea Rocket, Blind Lady, The Station and Whistle Stop are already on board. South Bark mentioned their interest at the meeting. For $50 a year, businesses will receive a wooden sign for their shop indicating their participation as well as web page indicators. When patronizing one of these businesses, bikers receive discounts or free items to encourage the auto free lifestyle.

There is a group called the Downtownies that offers a Sunday am ride. Information at Velo Cult.

Park 2 Park:

Omar was on hand to let us know that he will be officially launching the new shuttle service on Earth Day, April 22nd. Grant’s Marketplace and Rebecca’s are selling tickets.

6pm-12midnight on Thursday and 6pm-2am on Friday and Saturday

New Business:

Smart Flex is a new business in the area that specializes in making websites, mostly for health and wellness businesses.

Studio Maureen and the Next Door Gallery will be featuring Jesse Rivera on April 11th. They will also be having an “Artist Trading Card Day” you are welcome to come and create your own card and trade it with others.

South Bark is featured in Pet Product News (pet industry magazine). They won Best Community Pet Place and received 2nd place for Industry Retailer of the Year in Service. Not too shabby!!

April 7th is the next Community Update Planning Committee meeting, 6-8pm at the War Memorial Museum.

Monkey C Media reported that the South Park website went down a little because all the people went on it due to the increased web mentions for the Walkabout. A woman from Temecula is interested in doing a wine tasting at one of the next ones.

Jinna from Thomas Bike Shop let us know that we have a European bike celebrity in the ‘hood. D.J. Mulle is featured on the cover of Fixe magazine, the largest fixed gear magazine in Europe. South Park has been on the cover 2 of the last 3 issues.

May 21st is Bike to Work Day, sponsored by Sandag, Thomas Bike Shop is the official pit stop, Velo Cult is also participating.
 
 

That’s it kids, you missed a great meeting.

Hope you are all having a great week.

Cyndi

North Park News

619-906-4105

Cyndi@sandiegometro.com