South Park Business Group (SPBG)

South Park Business Group monthly meeting held at Alchemy Restaurant at 8:30 on the 24th of November, 2010
Chaired by Donna Walker, South Bark Dog Wash

Next meeting on January 26th, 8:30 am, at Alchemy Restaurant, remember we are "dark" in December.

Police:
Officer Dick Ward and Officer Susie de la Pena were in attendance, (his cell is 760-994-6317). They had nothing specific to report, only that especially with the holidays upon us…DO NOT LEAVE THINGS IN YOUR CAR. These just make great crimes of opportunity. Officer Ward stated that when he goes by cars and flips the handles, 15% of the cars are unlocked. Don’t make it easy for people to steal things.

Greater Golden Hill Update of Community Plan:
The last charette is done. Matt (Alchemy) reported that many community members still do not feel that they have much input in the Update. The City Council, subcommittee and the Greater Golden Hill Planning committee will be trying to figure out how to get them more involved.
The area was trying to get historic designation, but only 2-3 blocks toward the south end, around Golden Hill were approved by a consultant. The majority of the proposed area was not…this matter is still up for consideration and anyone with an interest should be every other Thursday at Alchemy (8:30 am).
The subcommittee is interested in becoming a separate group (i.e. not a subcommittee from the South Park Business Group), but more of a Community Group. This issue has been tabled for discussion and vote until the January meeting.
2 bike rack applications have been sent in (Grant’s Marketplace and Alchemy), so far they are still in the process. If you are interested in having a bike rack in front of your business, please send a photo of the location, measurements from the storefront and where you would like the rack placed to Matt at Alchemy (matt@alchemysandiego.com).

New business:
South Park Abbey (formerly South Park Bar and Grill), Sarah and Adam were on hand to let us know that the South Park Abbey has a neighborhood bar atmosphere with good food. They also donate 3% of all sales to charities; they have 4 main ones that they work with and customers have the option of choosing which one they would like their portion to go to, www.thesouthparkabbey.com. Sweet!!

Some Like It Hot Photography, Alisha wanted everyone to know that they will be moving to a new home location in December on the 1900 block of 30th St. and that she works with people and pets of all ages (weddings, couples, families, individuals, seniors, PinUps, Pets, Artwork, Editorial, Commercial). www.somelikeithotphotography.com

Walkabout Review:
Marsha needs your plans for the Holiday Walkabout ASAP… email ASAP to : spbg@lucyslist.net
Please be mindful of the safety of the Walkabout-ers this event…nothing should be in the streets or blocking the sidewalk and remember to have someone stationed if you are serving alcohol to prevent under-age or excessive drinking
Twinkle Twinkle Mix & Mingle is the theme and Studio Maureen and The Grove still have some lights available for member businesses to pick up for free. Remember we want to make the area as inviting as possible so please have your lights on during the evenings through the holidays.

The following 2011 Walkabout dates were voted on and accepted:
Spring – March 26
Summer – July 16
Fall – Oct. 1
Holiday – Dec. 3
Remember that the Old House Fair will be on June 18

ASK Program:
The $100 for the ASK Program will be due by Feb. 1, 2011 to either the Grove or Studio Maureen. This helps to pay for the Trolley during the Walkabouts, PR, posters and postcards for the Walkabouts and also a map/brochure that will be done in this next year. The money must be received by Feb. 1, 2011 to be included on all print material

Maureen (Studio Maureen) and Anne (The Grove) are working on getting a Federal Tax ID# for the group, currently the checking account is set up using their own personal ssns…This is an easy first step, but in the future the group will be deciding on the status of the organization, i.e. 501(c)3 or corporation. They have been in talks with Chris Taylor, a member business who is a lawyer on the best/easiest way to proceed.

CDC/MAD:
The CDC’s focus has been on the 25th Street renaissance (Russ to 94, go from 2 lanes both directions to 1 lane both directions to widen sidewalks and great more green space).
Most of the CDC’s money comes from grants, and as you might expect these are getting hard to come by, so they will be doing a lot of fundraising in the future. The first one up is on Dec. 11 at Philip Hueso’s house at 22nd & Market, tickets are limited to 100, if you are interested in attending, please contact the GGHCDC.
In addition, Alex is leaving, so there is a position open with the GGHCDC. He was in charge of the Clean, Green & Safe Program; the position pays somewhere in the $30K range.

MAD- no contracts are in the works, they are chugging along

Todd Gloria’s Office:
The Protect Small Business Initiative (basically it stipulates that if a business is more than 90,000 sq. ft. it has to provide an economic impact study) was approved by the City Council, it now sits before the major’s office.
This Saturday (Nov. 27th) is Small Business Saturday hosted by American Express. Remember to shop your local small businesses (like we need to be reminded, hee hee).
Anthony Bernal handed out Certificates of Recognition for business anniversaries to Lulu’s By Travis Parker, The Grove (to be given later) and South Bark Dog Wash.
A question was asked about the possibility of the community plan update meetings being cut because of the budget crisis, but that South Park may be saved because of their active participation in them…Anthony replied that a lot of options are being looked at, one of which being are these meetings essential when parks/rec, police and fire are being cut. He advised us to contact the major to show our support for their continuation.

Announcements
Remember that we will NOT be meeting in December.

Alchemy is supporting research for Prostrate Cancer and are participating in MO-vember, where men (and I guess some women, ☺ are encouraged to grow out their mustaches). They are offering special $2 signature drinks, one of which is the Cos-MO

Studio Maureen will be hosting Santa during the Walkabout from 6-8, please be advised to bring your own camera if you would like a photo.

Cyndi at the North Park News reported that the Annual Holiday issue is out, it looks great! Oh yeah, and she’ll be doing the Run for the Hungry 5K on Thanksgiving…noticed that I said “doing” not “running” hee hee, the hope is a jog.

Lisa and Donna from South Bark wanted to let everyone know that they will be featuring some great Black Friday specials and that they are also doing BOGO every Friday (Buy One Get One). They will feature 4 different items each week, in addition, baths are ½ off on Fridays. South Bark will be participating in the Small Business Saturday and will give an additional discount if you use your American Express Card.

Alisha let everyone know that on Friday after you’re done shopping, stop by Rebecca’s Coffee House for her show. A smooth jazz player will be on hand to entertain (plus Rebecca’s yummy scones) while you look through her prints of PinUps, Children and Pets in need of a home. Some of the proceeds will go to Second Chance Rescue (a local rescue group). Also on Small Business Saturday, she is offering 2 for 1 pet portrait sessions when purchased online.

That’s it folks. It was a smaller meeting with Turkey Day just around the corner. I hope everyone has a very safe but wildly fun holiday season.