South Park Business Group (SPBG)

SPBG October 28, 2009 – Monthly Meeting Minutes

Chaired by Maureen Ceccarelli, Studio Maureen

Next meeting is November 25^th, 2009 (yes the day before Thanksgiving)

• “What’s Working For Your Business” tabled until next meeting.

• Proposed Walkabout Dates, review and decide at next meeting:

March 27, 2010

(Old House Fair: June 19^th 12^th Annual)

July 17, 2010

October 2, 2010

December 4, 2010

POLICE REPORT

Mark Jones is now the new captain, the next meeting will be on Nov. 24^th at 5:30 pm at 25^th & Imperial.

Sean Murphy is our new lieutenant, Dawn Summers has moved over to detectives.

There have been few break-ins in the last few weeks: 4 cases involving some individuals, in 1 a skateboard was left behind and they are trying to lift evidence. 3 cases have involved a white heavy male, these are typically centered around the Juniper canyon

Rick provided a more detailed report regarding the break-in at Mythology a couple of months ago: 70% of the merchandise was stolen, they were methodical at what they took, even moving the rock used to break in to the back of the store. Took receipt book but not the cash box that it was sitting on. They pulled racks out of the walls, deliberate vandalism.

In addition, the Friday before the Walkabout the garden out front was destroyed and the “no dog poo” sign was ripped out. Lastly, during the later hours of the Walkabout, the passenger side of a car was smashed in (parked in front of Mythology), took a backpack. The person was white with a shaved head and was well dressed.

It was discussed that the 2 blocks north of Juniper aren’t patrolled, because technically they belong to the North Park units so the South Park ones turn at Juniper and the North Park ones, typically don’t come across the canyon. In addition, there aren’t any lights excepting the one out front of Vagabond.

Increased patrols can be requested, Officer David Surwillo’s office if located in the Ralphs on University.

ALWAYS call if you see something suspicious even if you’re not the victim.

Make sure to request incident report number and case number if police report is taken.

Rebeca from Rebeca’s Coffee stated that there were 2 sexual assaults in the neighborhood, Officer Graham reported that one of those was when 3 hispanic men tried to grab a woman at 30^th & Juniper and put her in their card. One of these men is in custody.

Officer Graham did remind everyone that there are 2 groups always looking for help. VI (Volunteers in Policing) and RSVP (you have to be 50 or older to be in this group).

Albert Einstein had been graphitized over the weekend

At 24^th and Broadway, the man with the tag HEEE was caught.

Please call 619-531-2000 to report graffiti.

Deedra from Plum Pottery reported that she had her glass gauged, it was reported that a film can be applied over the glass to help protect. It also acts as a second barrier to objects being thrown and in the past has proved to be somewhat resistant to acid etching (it slides down the film), however, it did corrode the metal at the bottom. The cost is about 1/3 the price of fixing the glass.

ASK CAMPAIGN

Anne from The Grove reported that based on the budget from the BID grant, the 2010 "Ask Campaign" will need $100 from each business ($50 less than in 2009), however this will not enable the group to add any additional projects. This will fund the website, walkabouts, walkabout promotional materials, email, and Facebook PR. We will send out letters and "invoices" in November, with a payment due date by January 10th, 2009. (If the money is not received by the Jan. 10^th, you will not be included in any of the promotions or on the website.)

LAST WALKABOUT

It was reported that it was pretty good. Ethos had people out handing out postcards for their harvest festival.

It was discussed as possibly closing 30^th to make it more exciting to those outside the neighborhood, not have the same thing each time.

Oliver from Oliver’s Hair design will research and report back on findings.

LIGHT UP THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Businesses participating in the "Ask Campaign" can have free strands of light to put up in front of their businesses. Pick up the lights from Studio Maureen. (For examples, see the lights on Beech Street, 400 lights per tree). Extension cord to issue from the businesses, and timers recommended.

FACEBOOK.

South Park has an account and it’s up and running, add them as a friend:

www.facebook.com/southparkscene

BIKE CAMPAIGN

Skye from Velocult brought a sample of the plaque for the windows. The premise being that if someone comes to your business on a bike, they receive something in return, either a discount or something free. This will work to make South Park a hub of bike culture. To make this happen, South Park will need more bike racks.Every business would need to determine how to incorporate a rack into their existing location. Or there is a possibility of a centralized bike lot. There is a blog, SD Bike Commuter that has a forum that teachese routes, shopping instructions and participating businesses (once the program is off the ground).

GGH CDC:

November mixer will be held in Golden Hill and will be used to promote SLOB (Support Locally Owned Businesses). No date or time yet

They are planning a fundraiser, most likely at Moose Lodge and have a “murder mystery” theme. Help is needed in organizing this, please contact Pedro.

They have new working committees and need volunteers.

With the proposed budget deficit, they are looking for public input on what is vital. The council was impressed with the turnout from District 3.

MAD

Going through litigation. There have been 2 preliminary rulings as the MAD was not valid. City Attorney has said that is not final, they are to keep operating until “final final” ruling.

The MAD oversees a number of projects that affect our community, one of which is graffiti. Last year 188,000 sq ft of graffiti was removed.

COMMUNITY PLAN UPDATE

David Skillman handed out a survey of 11 questions asking “What is your vision for South Park in 10 years, as it relates to the SPBG?”. If you are interested, please contact him, completed forms should be turned into Mythology and Grants.

TODD GLORIA’S OFFICE

In the General Fund $179 Million deficit as reported by the Mayor’s office, over $200 Million as reported by an independent auditor

Other programs may be available to help

San Diego Speaks forums…8 districts to give input

There will be one at Hoover High in a couple of weeks, Golden Hill Elementary was last week.

As for the police, keep in mind that each year a committee looks at reporting, so if you see anything suspicious, do call…squeaky wheel gets the attention. Same goes for sidewalks, if you need it repaired, keep calling about it.

2 months ago Councilmember Gloria had a Community Coffee at Rebbeca’s and discussed the possibility of putting in a public crossing access at the Juniper dip. He has found funding for the studies and construction should start in 2 years.

To get a report on proposed street repairs go to: www.sandiego.gov/cd3 click on hot topics, then infrastructure. This will lead you to a map with this year and next year. If the street you’re looking for is not included, there may be something else that needs to be done first

NEW BUSINESS & Announcements

The Grove

Celebrating their 6 year anniversary on Nov. 14^th. Richard Ledderer will be coming later on in the month.

Christine (of Vagabond)

Just leased the Champagne Taste building and plans on providing pastries, breakfast, lunch and crepes.

Vagabond and Olivers Hair

They are planning events focused on the neighborhood. Oliver is gathering models and is working with the local boutiques and they are planning something for Spring. The goal is to attract outside communities, more information to come.

William Keesling

From Prudential Financial, just wanted to let everyone know he is there for any financial needs, he is not real estate. He is dog friendly as well (and so is his place of business).

North Park News

Is planning it’s aniticpated annual Holiday Gift Guide…hitting the streets just prior to Thanksgiving for premium holiday shopping.

Samantha Keenan of Coldwell Banker

And Cyndi Meeves of North Park News will be getting together to plan the flier to go to the residents of the neighborhood about using their porch lights to help “Light The Night”.

Maeve Riley

Their inventory has evolved, they are providing mostly local hand made products.

Maeve Riley and Mythology

Trying to do monthy events and will try to correspond the next one with the Grove’s 6^th anniversary on the 14^th of November.

Mythology

Burlingame Garage is in negotiations to open a new boutique concept there.

Plum Pottery

Having their student sale

Monkey C Media

Will be offering free professional photos of children at the Winter Walkabout (they did so for Halloween for children in costume).

Rebecca’s A Coffee House

Rebecca is fighting some local drug dealers. She reported that 3 have been arrested with the help of 6 cars and 1 helocopter. She also reported that SDG&E will do anything “to help” with the billing. She was offered 2x a month billing, then received a bill to compensate for late billing, be aware of this when dealing with them.

Velocult

Doing a Food Inc. premier in connection with Citizen Video on Nov. 7^th at 7pm, Bike to The Linkery afterwards.

South Bark

They have just finished the convention season, Lisa and Donna were speakers. Topics included the benefit of psychographics and demographics, which is the better method. They are also still doing adoption events at their store, stop by for your new best friend. In addition, they are contacting their suppliers to try to offer discounts, might be something else other businesses may be able to get in on.

Albert Einstein

The school has added the South Park Scene link to their website.

Joy Boatman would also like to apologize, she has just found the “Thank you” letters from the June fundraiser. The school is VERY appreciative of what everyone has done and they will be going out soon.

The Lantern Festival will be Nov. 7^th from 5-9pm and will feature a parade and carnival games.

Alchemy

They are offering a vegetarian tasting menu on Wednesday nights…3 courses served. They were also handing out candy on Halloween.

Uptown News

They are taking a look at their distribution in the area and would like any feedback on the paper. They will be producing their holiday issue in early December

San Diego Chiropractic

Ron would like everyone to know that he is pet friendly, bike friendly, he is located next to the South Park Bar & Grill.

Studio Maureen & The Next Door Gallery

As always, if you have anything to add to the website, please e-mail spbg@lucyslist.net

Cyndi Meeves

North Park News

619-906-4105