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Minutes March 2014

Sun, 30 Mar 2014 20:20:07 +0100

Read minutes of the March 2014 meeting by clicking here.

Walkabout Promo Tools

Wed, 05 Mar 2014 18:17:13 +0100

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Minutes - 2014 Meetings

Wed, 05 Mar 2014 18:15:21 +0100

Click to read minutes of SPBG meetings for:

January 2014 and 2014 Dues Information
February 26, 2014

Meetings are held on the last Wednesday of each month (except December), 8:30am at Alchemy.

Minutes - November 20, 2013

Mon, 25 Nov 2013 19:46:52 +0100

South Park Business Group (SPBG) Minutes

November 20, 2013, at Alchemy 8:30am

1. Mission Statement: Donna Walker chaired the meeting, read the mission statement. Introductions.

2. SPBG Reports:
-There is no meeting in December. The next meeting is Jan. 29, 2014.

-Maintenance program: Matt Thomas of Alchemy said there's not much to report. Things are going smoothly. If you need garbage bags, come talk to him: matt@alchemysandiego.com. The kiosks will be cleaned up for the next Walkabout. Also, the clock at Grape Street will be set back an hour.

-SDSU Project and Survey: Christy Jaynes of Progress said the marketing project is wrapping up. The team will make a presentation on Dec. 6 at SDSU, either at 8:40 or 9:0 a.m. If you want to attend, email Christy so she can RSPV: christy.progress@gmail.com. The presentation will go over demographics, opportunities, and how the SPBG can raise money.

-Membership dues, $150, are due by Jan. 31, 2014. You can make a single payment of cash or check or make three installments of $50 each (via PayPal only). If you prefer to pay in December to get it in 2013 expenses, you can do so. Paying early is accepted and encouraged. Here is link to page with dues brochure and Paypal info.

3. Events:

-Luminaria San Diego: Christy Jaynes reported that lights in the business districts are now being installed. Installation should be completed by the weekend of Nov. 23 and lights will undergo testing. Streetlights will be lit by Thanksgiving. The first official lighting, First Light, take place when the tree sculpture is lit on Dec. 1, 6 p.m., at Grape Street near the clock tower. Invite your customers and residential neighbors to the tree lighting. Emphasis is on community. Stores can consider closing for that hour (Progress will have sign on its door on Dec. 1 asking people to join them at the tree lighting), distributing goodies or coupons at the event, reopening after.

Luminaria will take place the whole month of December. All lights will be up in South Park, a month of sparkle. Within that time we'll have the tree lighting (First Light) and the Walkabout Dec. 7. There will be Facebook posts on it (facebook.com/walkaboutsouthpark and facebook.com/southparkbiz, and it will be on SouthparkScene.com.

A question came up: can we keep our own lights up and on our trees? Yes. The lighting program will go over existing lights. Your lights will not be taken down. It's a personal choice as to what looks best.

Interim Mayor Todd Gloria will attend First Light. Leyla Chavez of So Childish will have a children's craft table. The Big Kitchen will have food and drink. Progress will hand out candy canes. Christy said you can hand out fliers, coupons, whatever you want at First Light. She encouraged business owners to hand out goodies. Let Marsha (spbg@lucyslist.net) know about those goodies so posts can be added on Facebook.

Donna Walker said we want as many people to know that South Park businesses are sponsors of Luminaria, supported by the City grant.

Christy also mentioned the lighting contest for residents within the business districts and in between the businesses. The contest will include best overall design, best porch and door (so renters in apartments can participate), and best overall design. Getting residents to participate in the Luminaria will help light the blocks between the business districts. Prizes are one $500 gift basket and two $200 gift baskets. SPBG is collecting whatever businesses want to donate to make up those gift baskets. Christy said they need a lot more items, anything from candles to gift certificates to tchotchkes. Christy needs donations for the gift baskets delivered to Progress by Monday, Nov. 25, so she can assemble everything for Dec. 1. Jeffrey Parish of Junc suggested giving actual goods as well as gift certificates. Products help make a basket look better.

Extended hours during holiday season: Maureen Ceccarelli of Studio Maureen encouraged businesses to stay open later to attract families visiting Luminaria lights. Maybe one night a week stay open later. Let Marsha (spbg@lucyslist.net) know of holiday hours plans.

Marsha reminded business owners how exciting the Luminaria is. The last couple of years, the SPBG used $500 in dues money to buy lights and hand them out to businesses to install. This year we are making an investment of $10,000, made possible through the grant from the City of San Diego to build business in our neighborhood. The more we can share that excitement with people, the better.

-Luminaria Walkabout: Donna reminded business owners not to have open flames. Exhibitors cannot block the sidewalk and must follow all the rules of safety. Print out the Walkabout Policy Form (available for download here), sign it and give it to exhibitor to complete. Monitor will pick up forms during Walkabout -- you'll be busy so take care of this in advance.

Maureen also advised business owners to be a good neighbor. That is, make sure that your exhibitor doesn't sell the same things as other businesses nearby. The idea of Walkabouts is to get business into the stores, and we all share in the expense of producing and promoting. If you allow outside exhibitors they should add excitement, not compete with other SP businesses.

Peace on Earth Carolers will roam and sing at the Walkabout. A sign-up sheet was at the meeting for business owners to sign and donate $35 if they wanted the carolers to stop at their shops. Info at christy.progress@gmail.com.

Leyla of So Childish said there is plenty of space on the sidewalk near her business during First Light if you want to have an exhibitor there. She suggested (next year) handing out tickets, like a passport or punch card, at First Light to get people to go to different businesses.

4. Walkabouts for 2014:

Spring: Cirque de South Park: March 22
Summer: Superheroes of South Park: July 19
Fall: Harvest Night: Oct. 4
Winter: Luminaria: Dec. 6

5. Community Affairs:

-No one from Police and Safety attended the meeting. However, business owners mentioned recent crimes. Jeffrey Parish said Junc got tagged. South Bark got tagged. At Buona Forchetta, someone stole a phone. Donna mentioned that during the holidays, you'll often see crimes of opportunity. Leyla of So Childish said a few years ago, her iPhone was stolen from the counter. Be careful out there!

Leyla also complained about the homeless drinking and smoking in front of her store. Jinna Albright of Thomas Bike Shop said the police are limited on moving the homeless. But she said her husband could help Leyla out when he's off duty.

-Government: Liz Studebaker, Business Improvement District (BID) Advocate for the City of San Diego, said bike racks should be delivered to SD by end of year. She asked SPBG to compile a list of locations who want them. If you're interested please email Matt at Alchemy (matt@alchemysandiego.com).

Maureen asked if the blue ones currently in place could be taken out and the new ones put in. Liz said she can't request the removal of assets. Liz Studebaker's email address: estudebaker@sandiego.gov.

Anne Mery of The Grove asked about the status of a grant with the BID. Liz said she is working on protecting microdistrict funding. She is also organizing a meeting on the BIDs for Monday, Nov. 25, 10 a.m. on the 14th floor downtown to discuss how to support large brick and mortar businesses as well as a more informal economy (food trucks). She is looking for one representative from each BID. She asked if there was one general feeling in South Park about where we stand on food trucks. Matt will attend the meeting. Liz said some cities have been sued about how they dealt with food trucks.

Liz also brought up CicloSDias (there will be one Feb. 9 from Pacific Beach to La Jolla). Christy said the group felt overall that it was positive, but most people felt that a double street closure was too much and few people checked out 30th Street. Liz will follow-up re plans for our area next year.

Also at the meeting was Jason Weisz of Rep: Toni Atkins' office. The assemblywoman planned to have a forum on the healthcare law at the Joyce Beers Community Center Nov. 21 in Hillcrest.

6. New Business/Information/Announcements

-Maureen proposed that Melanie Michaud of Graffiti Beach be added to the SPBG Board of Directors. Members will vote on this action item in January.

-Becca Kumar was introduced. She is the SPBG's new social media and PR representative. She will help Marsha with a lot of PR. Her email is beccakumar@gmail.com.

-The Brabant Bar & Cafe (former Vagabond space) is to open Nov. 23.

-Dr. Z said kids with wagons filled with baked goods wanted to take these around to businesses at the Walkabout. Anne said the Walkabout wasn't the place for kids with carts, because it would be so busy and sidewalks are for customers. Maureen added that they would need the permission of a business to do so, and to be set up in front of a business, not on the sidewalks. She said the business of selling food is regulated.

-Leyla asked if the SPBG was doing a toy drive this year as a group. This had been planned as part of Luminaria, but we did not have resources to organize it this year. Hope to add it next year.

-Matteo Cattaneo of Buona Forchetta said his restaurant is doing a toy drive; he just doesn't know who to give the toys to. He was open to suggestions from different members.

-SPBG members also discussed food trucks. Jinna asked what everyone thought of them. Monta Briant of Baby Garten Studio suggested the food trucks at Gala come on Mondays when many restaurants are closed.

Liz said the city is looking at adjusting the law to allow food trucks on private property. Right now, those trucks are not legal. The law is not being enforced. The city is trying to develop a process.

Donna said we will not encourage something that takes away business from SPBG members or interests. Leyla suggested the food trucks at Walkabouts. However, someone said we all pay our dues for the Walkabout. When someone takes advantage of that (i.e. a food truck), and doesn't contribute, it's difficult. We also need parking during Walkabouts, not non-SPBG businesses selling things and blocking spaces. The other side to the food truck issue is they can attract business, Donna said.

-Leyla said for next year, the group should discuss the Walkabouts, as they have slowed down this year. She asked why not have one that's bigger than others? Donna explained that with the Walkabout titles, the SPBG wants businesses to go all out on these "themes," to "resparkle" and spark more interest in the Walkabouts. Next year we may have an open forum to discuss ideas of how you can plan tie-ins to the Walkabouts. Monta said for Harvest Night, for example, maybe have a scarecrow contest.

-Christy reminded everyone to turn in three things: dues, donations for the prize baskets for the lighting contest, and $35 for the carolers.

Minutes by Bonnie Nicholls.

REMINDER: No SPBG meeting in December. Next meeting Wed. January 29, 2014. Bring your dues check ($150) to that meeting if you have not previously mailed check or paid Paypal $50 installment.

Minutes - October 2013

Mon, 04 Nov 2013 17:53:56 +0100

SPBG Meeting 10/30/13 Minutes
==========

Meeting held at Alchemy – 8:30 am
Chaired by Donna Walker
Minutes by Tara Zandvliet

Introductions. Mission Statement reviewed, several non-member guests were present, please sign sheet with your email address for future notices.

**South Park Business Group Inc. Reports**
SCHEDULE -- Next meeting 11/20/13 (3rd Wed.), NO meeting in December.
Maintenance program – Matt Thomas – Trash being picked up. Trash bags available from Matt ([matt@alchemysandiego.com](mailto:matt@alchemysandiego.com)). Near Left Hand Black the bike rack was in the brick, so it fell apart, and had to be removed. They are looking into getting more. They have new ones available – any other locations? Eclipse Chocolate says needs more, and needs it better done. Baby Garten Studio needs a few for strollers.

**SDSU project** – They are doing surveys, collecting information. Chris Huffstettler, Project manager for SDSU, available at usnhuff@yahoo.com. Survey went out via email – if you did not get the link, let Christy.Progress@gmail.com know. Here is link – please complete survey by Thurs. 11/7/13 -- [https://qtrial.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_7TXqnMiWjKbsDA1](https://qtrial.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_7TXqnMiWjKbsDA1)

**Events:**
**October Walkabout** – slower than usual. Theme seemed hard to find – altars were sought out, though, so there was interest. Businesses with altars were noted on the Walkabout Guide. In future, please be sure to send info by deadline to Marsha for publicity, Guide, and please read and distribute Guide to your customers and staff to know what’s happening in all SP areas. NOTE – outside exhibitors have to fill out form, have a sponsor business, no open flames, no clogging sidewalk, etc. Monitor will be collecting forms at Luminaria Walkabout – it is sponsor business responsibility to print forms and give to any exhibitors. Please – no outside vendors who compete with your neighbor businesses.

**Black Friday 11/29** – Don’t miss it! Get some sales going.

**11/30 Small Business Saturday** – Sign up with American Express – there is a small business option to connect all of the local businesses.

Luminaria 2013
----------
**Luminaria 12/1 – 12/31** – Lights will be put up on trees throughout business districts by SPBG (funded by the city grant and SPBG). LED warm glow lights, Kelly of Delights of Christmas will store them, put them up. Should last 10 years. Wreaths and garlands on posts in major intersections.

**South Park Luminaria Tree** –Artist will do an art tree, so not live and so need for water and more affordable ($1200 vs. $10,000+ for a fake big tree). Can reuse yearly. Sketch was sent around. To be installed above the kiosk at Grape Street – kiosk is the base, 15 feet above kiosk or so. Narrow and tall, reclaimed wood/vintage-style bulbs, etc. 3 sections. It will have lights and metal ornaments as part of the structure. Great press for it, great local artist supporting South Park “up-cycle”, “reclaimed”, “artsy industrial” – Should have a hash tag for Luminaria/tree. Perhaps the businesses could have a miniature of the tree to advertise in our businesses -- good idea for future.

**First Light – Sunday - 12/1 – 6 pm.** Todd Gloria will dedicate it, First year so will be small. We should all show up. Feel free to hand out coupons, give samples, etc. Simple ceremony, neighborhood gathering. More structure next year.

**Residential Lighting Contest** – will have prizes. Object is to encourage residents along the business corridors (30th St., Fern St., etc.) to decorate and add lights -- so that there will be a connection between all our business clusters. A flyer is going out to the residents involved (Jeffrey produced flyer, Andrea Frank to distribute).

**PRIZES NEEDED** -- We are giving gift baskets to winners of contest. Please contribute with a donation or gift certificate from your business. Bring gift donations for the baskets to Progress or Bring to our next meeting (November 20). 3 prize baskets. Can be chocolate with our sign or card on it, or wine with store sticker on it.

**12/7 Luminaria Holiday Walkabout** - Be prepared with window and interior holiday decor, specials, etc. Send info for Walkabout Guide to Marsha by November 20 -- to [SPBG@lucyslist.net](mailto:SPBG@lucyslist.net).

**Walkabouts 2014 –**
Spring 3/22 – Cirque de South Park
Summer 7/19 – Superheroes of South Park
Fall 10/4 – Harvest Night
Holiday 12/6 - Luminaria

Police and Safety – Homeless woman found spare key, got into Jinna’s car and charged her cell phone.
Todd Gloria’s Office – Courtney Thompson – Sign up for newsletter on the Interim Mayor’s page. Or email to toddgloria@sandiego.gov He feels he has to enforce the laws in place, whether or not he agrees with them, and is looking into changing some regulations.
Toni Atkins Office – Jason Weisz – legislative wrap up in “Toni Times” would be interesting to South Park businesses. She is hosting a workshop on the Affordable Care Act Thurs Nov 21, 7:30 – 9 am, UCSD Hospital Auditorium in Hillcrest.

**Business Announcements**
The Next Door Gallery – Has a Dia de los Muertos altar, Nov 2 is ceremonial burning – can leave note, memento.
Matt – “San Diego Beer week” – Starts 11/1 – 11/8. Alchemy is having a dinner at Hess brewery with oysters – “Hess-fest” on that Monday.
Jeffrey Parish from Jeff is getting married!!!!!
South Bark Dog Wash – Approached by group that gives service dogs to war veterans – South Park will be where they will train/work with the dogs.
Thomas Bike Shop – approached for reality tv show.
Luminaria Posters/Postcards – take them and distribute.

Important Links
----------
Email -- spbg@lucyslist.net
SPBG minutes, documents, Walkabout form – http://www.spbg.yolasite.com
South Park Scene website – www.southparkscene.com
Business Directory – www.southparkscene.com/wp
Facebook Page -- www.facebook.com/southparkbiz
Old House Fair – www.theoldhousefair.com

Minutes - September 2013

Mon, 30 Sep 2013 17:29:20 +0100

About Walkabout this Saturday, October 5th:

To download a copy of the Walkabout Guide to give to your customers, please click here. Copies will also be distributed online, at the Info Booth, and on the Trolley.

Reminder -- If you approve a vendor or exhibitor to set up on public property in front of your business, you must sign the Walkabout Policy Form and give it to the vendor to complete and acknowledge. Remind them of laws -- no blocking sidewalks, no street setup, no open flames, etc. Please maintain neighborhood aesthetics and qualities ... Walkabouts are NOT flea markets. The purpose is to build traffic and awareness of the permanent storefront businesses operating here. Thank you!

Minutes - September 25, 2013 Meeting

Mission Statement -- Donna Walker read the mission statement out loud for all attendees.

South Park Business Group Reports

a. Upcoming SPGB meetings: Oct. 30th, 8:30 a.m.; Nov. 20 (3rd Wednesday due to Thanksgiving week), 8:30 a.m.; NO MEETING in December

b. SPBG mixer: Many thanks to Jinna Albright for organizing, Sam Chammas of Station Tavern for hosting, and Eclipse's Will Gustwiller and Rebecca's Coffeehouse for food and drink. Members said they enjoyed mixing and mingling.

c. Maintenance program: Matt Thomas said things are going smoothly. If you need garbage bags, ask him for more at matt@alchemysandiego.com. Tanya McAnear said the trash can in front of Bad Madge needs the placard changed. Matt said that's in progress.

One of the owners of Goldline Salon said they've seen brown widows in their trash can. While Matt said they're less aggressive than black widows, Dr. Z said they can still harm you.

Matt also said he has turned in infrastructure request forms submitted by members to the Greater Golden Hill Planning Committee. These were for three projects: repainting and maintaining utility boxes; adding a slurry seal on top of South Park streets; and implementing a way-finding system or decorative signs in South Park that indicate where points of interest are, e.g., this way to Balboa Park.

Tour de Fat: Sept. 28.

Jinna said a lot of people would be at Golden Hill Park for this event. She planned to set up a tent on Friday. The bike parade was planned for 11:30. Businesses were encouraged to wave to folks on parade.

SPBG Events

Oct. 5: ArtOberfest Walkabout. PR info was due to Marsha at spbg@lucyslist.net by Sept. 25. Extra South Park maps, Walkabout postcards and South Park posters are available. Check with Maureen Ceccarelli at Studio Maureen at studiomaureen@gmail.com.

Nov. 30 is Small Business Saturday. Donna Walker said South Park gets a lot of business from that. Sponsored by American Express.

Dec. 1-31 is the Luminaria Festival in South Park. Christy Jaynes reported that she's getting a wonderful lighting plan from Kelle McCarty, DeLights of XMas. The plans include wreaths and garlands that visitors will see when they enter the neighborhood. While the SPBG is organizing the tree lighting, businesses are encouraged to do something with their storefronts and windows.

The Luminaria isn't just for this year but for future holiday seasons as well.

The event includes a residential lighting contest, which is about to be announced. It will extend to homeowners and apartment dwellers in the business districts and in between. There will be prizes for best door, best stoop, etc. Andrea Frank will print and distribute flyers to homes along 30th and Fern from Kalmia to Beech and along Juniper up to 31st. Residents must have their houses decorated by the Friday after Thanksgiving for judging.

Jeffrey Parish said Andrea will have a team of real estate agents who will do the judging. There will be yard signs for those who win.

Christy is collecting prizes from business owners (deliver to Progress). She'll be letting people know what the deadline is to get those to her.

Walkabout dates for 2014 are:

Spring - Saturday, March 22
Summer - Saturday, July 19
Fall, Saturday, Oct. 4
Winter - Saturday, Dec. 6

Members were asked to vote for subthemes for each walkabout. Jeffrey Parish said that since we're branding South Park, each walkabout would always be associated with the season, with the themes as subtitles, e.g., the Winter Walkabout has a Luminaria subtheme. Donna elaborated that the SPBG is promoting an "interpretive flavor" for each walkabout. Every year will be spring, summer, fall and winter. Flavors will change (except for Luminaria). Members voted for the subthemes. The winners are:

Spring: Cirque du South Park

Summer (the same time as Comic-Con): Superheroes of South Park. This vote was taken twice because someone said they accidentally voted for the wrong theme.

Fall: Harvest Night

Jeffrey and Christy explained after voting that Comic-Con brought a lot of people to South Park, and that's why they had hoped people would vote for Costume-Con. Bonnie Nicholls said she would have voted for that one had she understood the intent. However, the voting was deemed final.

Melanie Michaud said that marketing materials for the walkabouts should emphasize walkabout, since visitors are starting to get what the walkabout is. She said that walkabout should be the main focus, and the theme should be secondary.

Donna Walker advised business owners that when they hand out the walkabout cards, to emphasize the walkabouts.

Community Affairs

a. Police and Safety: Suzy De La Pena of the San Diego Police Department reported that bike thefts are still everywhere. Police are trying to do some undercover to catch thieves. She advised if you ride a bike, use a U-lock instead of a chain. A U-lock seems to take a little longer for thieves to crack. She also said not to store your bikes on your patios.

She also reminded people to lock the doors of their vehicles. She said you'd be surprised how many people forget to lock their car doors. Stolen items from cars lately include golf clubs, cameras, wallets, and purses. If you park in an underground garage, burglars may follow you in, take your garage door opener from your car, and then return to commit more car burglaries (this is common downtown). She said thieves have even stolen the tires and wheels from vehicles.

Another crime she reported is people following the elderly into the complexes. One guy that they caught had been offering to help the elderly with their groceries or bags, and then, once in the complex, started to see if people's doors were unlocked. He's a transient with a record.

Lastly, she mentioned that people have been going around asking to do yard work with the intent to burglarize a home. She suggested keeping your doors and windows locked.

She said the police department's central division has a Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/sdpdcentraldivsion

Dr. Z reported that people have been knocking on doors asking for residents to make change for a $50 and then they see where you keep your cash.

b. Todd Gloria's (District 3) Office: Courtney Thomson said Todd Gloria, now interim mayor, is having weekly briefings. He has also asked all city staff to stick to enforce city codes, while at the same time, asking residents to let him know if codes are inappropriate.

She mentioned his first priority is to fill advisory boards and committees. Many of these lack a quorum and can't make decisions.

She reported that the elderly and disabled have complained there is not enough accessible parking in Balboa Park near the Plaza de Panama in Balboa Park. Additional parking for them will be in Alcazar Park.

Other items of note:

The Laurel Street bridge will be closed during Caltrans work only.
The Planning Department is being re-established.
The library dedication ceremony over the weekend would have booths, musical acts and all kinds of fun stuff for kids and family.
Todd Gloria planned to participate the AIDS Walk on Sunday, the 29th.

Regarding code enforcement, Luci Dumas mentioned that food trucks are illegal in parking lots. Courtney replied that Todd Gloria will enforce those codes, but the city also needs to discuss these codes.

Donna Walker asked Courtney who business owners and residents can contact if new road paving hasn't taken place on their streets. Courtney replied you can contact her (cthomson@sandiego.gov), but it's best to report it to the streets division and have your neighbors call in. The more people that report a problem, the higher it will rise on the list.

She also reported that the city denied a stop sign for Ivy and Fern. She asked that they put in a crosswalk. However, business owners can get a petition going to request the stop sign again.

Matt Thomas brought up the painting of utility boxes. Courtney said she could forward those requests to SDG&E, that it's not a formal process.

c. Assemblywoman Toni Atkins' office: Jason Weicz pointed out an article in the assemblywoman's newsletter about Assembly Bill 639 (Veterans Housing and Homeless Prevention Bond Act of 2014). The Assemblywoman proposed allocating $600 million of that funding toward homeless veterans housing.

New business/information/announcements

Lisa Vella said Dr. Z has information about the new health care law. She said if you have employees, you have to notify them by Oct. 1 about their options. She said Dr. Z had offered to write a summary on this. Lisa said as business owners, you must hand your employees written information that tells them what to do regarding purchasing health care.

Tanya McAnear of Bad Madge said she will be hosting Consumer Bob during the next Walkabout. He'll have photos on display.

Anne Mery of The Grove said that the San Diego Yarn Crawl would take place over the weekend of Sept. 28.

Maureen of Studio Maureen said she would have a new art show opening at the October walkabout. She also has a big altar for the Day of the Dead where you can leave notes for your loved ones.

Jinna said Thomas Bike is having a jug band for the walkabout.

Donna reported that South Bark Dog Wash will have an altar for pet owners to owner their pets that have passed on.

Jeffrey mentioned that the non-functioning food truck is now gone from the lot next to Junc Life & Style. Landscapers are putting in pavers, a walkway, and grass. A fire pit will be installed. There will be another local business owner with a food truck there every day serving up street tacos from around the world. The food truck and redone area will be ready for October walkabout.

Monta Briant of Baby Sign Language and Baby Garten Studio has a colleague looking for part-time work as a family assistant on Fridays to run errands, offer computer help or babysit in the evenings. If interested, contact Courtney Mayfield: networkingnannies@gmail.com. She charges $15-$20 an hour.

Thomas Bike Shop is sponsoring the World Bike Polo Tournament in Miami on Oct. 18.

Oliver Zammit talked about a program to help local artists and dressmakers. An event is planned at the B Street Pier on Oct. 19 that will raise money for breast cancer awareness. The person putting on this event was placed on speaker phone at the SPBG meeting, but members couldn't hear her. Here is information she provided:
October 19, 2013; Exhibit Ambush will transform the runway into an extravaganza. Think of an avant-garde show with a twist that will never leave you bored. We highlighted the oeuvre of awesome fashion and accessory lines that haven't been seen. Our contemporary artists,poets, dancers, makeup artists, and graphic designers relish in taking risks; that will leave you in awe when you see their work. Our staff draws most of their inspiration from their surroundings, social networking, street fashions, research, and the classic underdogs. Fashion and art are an integral part of our culture and lifestyle. This event gives that artist a platform to showcase their work, while simultaneously raising awareness about a great foundation-Susan G. Komen. Our goal is to raise awareness by telling a story through our performance. All talent in this show are given the liberty to create and do whatever they want. Think of it as a playground for adults. The story starts to unfold as you enter the venue. All talent will be simultaneously interacting with each other. The art, entertainment, and fashion industry is constantly changing, and therefore it's important for our designers to keep up with the status quo. The garments in this show will have that shock value that will leave you wanting more. Be ready for Exhibit Ambush Phase 2/Komen Event next month. Prepare to be Ambushed!

The event is taking place at: The Port Pavilion 1000 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
Time: Pre-party for VIP from 4pm-5pm/ Doors open to the public 5pm/ Show starts at 7pm

General admission : $40
VIP Ticket $100
If a guest wants to purchase a table for 6 people with bottle service, they can send a request to theambushevent@gmail.com.

Guests

Jayme Williams is opening the Woof and Purr Veterinary Hospital across from Progress, where the old record store once was. She will treat mostly does dogs and pets, but will also treat "pocket" pets. She will open sometime between Dec. 15 and March 15.

Lastly, Anne Mery thanked Matt of Alchemy for hosting the SPGB for the last three years.

Minutes - August 2013

Fri, 06 Sep 2013 15:30:32 +0100

Minutes – August 28, 2013 SPBG Meeting
Minutes by Bonnie Nicholls

Mission Statement - Donna Walker read the mission statement out loud for all attendees.
SBPG reports

a. Membership: New members were welcomed: Saad Hirmez of Gala Foods, Adam Parker and Tony Konja of Brabant Belgian Beer Café (moving into Vagabond location), and Tom Sadler and Patricia Leon of South Park Relational Therapy.

b. Mimosas & Munchies Mixer is Monday, Sept. 9, 10 a.m. at Station Tavern. The idea behind mixer is to get to know other business owners on a social level.

c. Maintenance: - Matt Thomas of Alchemy said he has more trash bags for the trash cans. Let him know if you need any.

Also, he said the City is accepting requests for infrastructure improvements. Requests include improvements to transportation, bike lanes, signs, road maintenance or anywhere you see blight. He had forms at the meeting for people to fill out that he planned to take to the Greater Golden Hill Planning Committee. You can turn those forms in to him or you can attend the Greater Golden Hill Planning Committee meeting on the second Wednesday of the month at the Balboa Golf Course Clubhouse.

Lastly, he said new bike racks are coming in. For more information, contact matt@alchemysandiego.com.

3. San Diego Bicycle Coalition

a. CicloSDias: Members had this to say about the event:

It was great for publicity. Attendees were overheard saying they never had been to South Park.
Many people did not go down the hill toward Logan Heights or over to City Heights.
Motorists seemed to be surprised by the traffic blockades. More advance notice of the event would have helped.
It didn’t bring traffic to the stores that day, but visibility was good.
It was a better event than Tour de Fat because you didn’t have people drinking while riding their bikes. Someone else countered that Tour de Fat is a cool event with a great parade.
Some attendees thought it should have been just on Fern, because not a lot of people were on 30th.
Members reported losing business, including Gala (30 percent) and the South Bark Dog Wash (33-ish percent), but some also said people came back to shop.
Gala got kudos for giving 15 spaces for local employee parking.
Restaurants did twice the business of other shops.
It was too long an event. It should have been shorter. The main hubs were Einstein Academy, Upas, and Fern/Grape.
For an event like this, give out coupons of drop off fliers on cars that are parked to get people back to the stores.

The San Diego County Bicycle Coalition has sent surveys to see what people thought. If you receive one, be sure to fill it out. For more information, contact Andy Hanshaw at andyhanshaw@sdcbc.org.

b. Tour de Fat is Sept. 28 in Golden Hill Park. Costumed bike parade will go through South Park liaisons are Karen@hamiltonstavern.com and jinnathomasbike@yahoo.com.

4. SPBG Events

a. ArtOberfest Walkabout is Oct. 4. Theme is Altars & Icons. Send info for PR to Marsha at spbg@lucyslist.net. Deadline is Sept. 25 to be on Walkabout Guide. Melinda Lee has delivered Walkabout postcards. If you need more, contact Maureen at Studio Maureen, or contact Anne at The Grove.

b. Small Business Saturday on Nov 30. Be prepared.

c. Luminaria Festival is Dec. 1-31. Sunday, Dec. 1, 5-9 p.m., is the Luminaria First Light Party. Saturday, Dec. 7, 6-10 p.m., is the Luminaria Holiday Walkabout. Report from Christy Jaynes of Progress:

The festival will take place from Thanksgiving through New Year’s. One hundred trees and light poles will be wrapped in lights and lit from Ash to Kalmia along 30th and Fern. Cost of the festival comes from grant money the SPBG has received.

Merchants are encouraged to decorate their store windows.

There will also be a contest for residents of South Park that participate. Having them involved will help tie the business areas together, so it’s not light in one section along the street and dark the next. The SPBG will give out prize baskets. Those who live in apartments can participate too.

The SPGB has a liaison with SDG&E. All the light poles have plugs that can be used for the lights. The SPGB will get an estimate from SDG&E and pay a flat fee. The lights will be put up and taken down by a Kelle of DeLights of San Diego, an SPBG member who lives in the neighborhood. He will also store the lights and decorations. He’s doing this at a significant discount for us.

For businesses that already have lights on their trees, that’s OK. The Luminaria lights will go around existing lights.

The SPGB is looking at putting banners at main entrances to South Park. For some areas, it’s hard to get a banner to span all the way across.

Between Dec. 1 and Dec. 7, people can buy and bring toys and food in South Park and donate them and drop-off areas.

d. 2014 Walkabout dates are confirmed:
- Spring – Saturday, March 22
(Old House Fair is Saturday, June 21)
- Summer – Saturday, July 19
- ArtOberfest, Saturday, Oct. 4
- Holiday – Saturday, Dec. 6

Walkabout theme suggestions from members were circulated. Please use this month to think up theme titles (names for the events), and complete the survey by Sept. 15th, or email Christy.progress@gmail.com or SPBG@lucyslist.net. Voting will take place at the Sept. 25 meeting.

5. Community Affairs

a) Police and Safety:
- Dr. Z said that a rape was reported on Juniper west of 30th. She also said there were about 8-10 car break-ins and an attempted theft on Juniper east of 30th.

Graffiti: If you see graffiti, you can take photos of it and send the images to the Graffiti Task Force. Courtney Thomson of Council President (and interim mayor) Todd Gloria’s office said it’s faster to contact the Urban Corps at 800-829-6884. The city funds the Urban Corps. If you call them, they’ll take care of it right away. Saad Hirmez of Gala said it’s best to paint over the graffiti the next day. It’s very effective.
Kalmia Street: Sarah and Sally Schoeffel of Rancho Buena Vista Real Estate said they’re working on getting a stop sign at Kalmia and 30th. They’re also looking into getting diagonal parking on Kalmia. Sally said they have to get a petition signed by 75 percent of the residents.

b) The office of City Council President: Courtney Thomson said as of Aug. 30, Todd Gloria is the interim mayor. However, she is still the contact for Council District 3, so that has not changed. She also talked about the bike sharing program that the city is considering. It’s like car2go, but for bikes. For example, you could take a bike from downtown to Golden Hill. You would have some type of credit card, rent a bike, rent a helmet.

Matt Thomas asked her to explain the city’s Capital Improvements Program (CIP). She said that the CIP budget is for community programs and services. When Todd Gloria doesn’t spend all of his budget, he can use some of it in the community. So if there’s something the SPBG wants, such as a bike corral, or to fix the recreation center, they would submit an application, that would go to her, and she would present it to Todd Gloria.

Saad Hirmez of Gala asked if a sign (such as a gateway sign for South Park) would qualify. She said yes, but it might be more expensive.

So smaller projects would be sent to Todd Gloria’s office, while large community projects are presented to community planning meetings, she said. Those community planning groups rate those projects, which can be up to millions of dollars. Local community planning groups include the Greater Golden Hill Planning Committee and the North Park Planning Committee.

Adam Parker of Brabant Belgian Beer Café asked if illumination would fall under small projects. He would like better lighting on 30th over Switzer Canyon, that it’s dangerous to cycle there at night.

Courtney said that would be a larger community project.

Matt Thomas said to email him with small and large project ideas and he can divide them up and send them or present them to the appropriate place.

Assemblywoman Toni Atkins’ office: Jason Weisz of Assemblymember Atkins’ office reported that she is not running for mayor. She’s staying in Sacramento. She is working on two bills, one of which would allow the California Coastal Commission to fine people who prohibit beach access.

Saad Hirmez said supposedly there’s a bill going through the state legislature to reassess businesses back to pre-Prop 13 levels, which he said would be catastrophic. He said it would remove restrictions from businesses, but would keep the same rates for residents. Jason said he would find out more about that.

6. New business/Information/Announcements:

a) South Park Relational Therapy: Tom Sadler and Patricia Leon have been in business for 24 years. They specialize in couples therapy. It is insurance billable, but they try to keep it affordable.

b) Brabant Belgian Beer Café: Co-owner Adam Parker, a South Park resident, said he’d heard that some are worried that it’s just another beer place. However, he said it will be the only Belgian café in San Diego. It’s going to be a lot of fun, very family friendly. He said they care a lot about the food, and they have a great chef. They’ll be doing brunch on the weekends. Co-owner Tony Konja estimates they should open in about four weeks. It’s going into the former Vagabond location.

c) Gala plans to bring host different food trucks every Tuesday. They’re also trying to bring a farmer’s market to the property once a week. Lisa Vella of South Bark Dog Wash said she appreciates everything Gala has done lately, from moving the floral shop to bringing in Captain Kirk’s. She said Saad Hirmez has a wonderful property and is a wealth of knowledge.

d) Lulu’s Nail Salon is expanding. Sally and Sarah Schoeffel have been silent partners with Travis Parker until recently. Travis has moved on, and the Schoeffels are now full owners. They also own Rancho Buena Vista Real Estate.

Minutes submitted by Bonnie Nicholls.
Next meeting: Wednesday, September 25, 8:30am.

Minutes - July 31, 2013

Mon, 12 Aug 2013 15:18:12 +0100

SPBG Minutes – July 31, 2013 Meeting 8:30am at Alchemy
Minutes by Bonnie Nicholls

Mission Statement & Introductions
South Park Business Group Reports

a. New member: Patricia Leon of South Park Relational Therapy has joined the SPBG. She was not present

b. Board of Directors: SPBG members unanimously voted for Jeffrey Parish of Junc Life & Style to serve on the SPBG Board of Directors, taking the seat previously held by Jeniffer Thompson, who resigned.

c. Maintenance program: Matt Thomas of Alchemy said everything seems to be going pretty smoothly right now. He is not getting a lot of calls or reports of problems. He mentioned that he just got two more signs, and one is a replacement for Jeffrey Parish. If anyone needs additional trash bags, contact Matt at matt@alchemysandiego.com.

d. SPBG Mixer: Get to know your fellow business owners at Mimosas, Munchies & Members, slated for Monday, Sept. 9, 10 a.m-11:30 a.m. at Station Tavern. RSVP to SPBG@lucyslist.net. Marsha will send out an email to members to let them know what items might still be needed for the event, e.g., flatware, cups, etc. Rebecca’s is donating pastries for the event.

e. Micro District grant application: Anne Mery of The Grove introduced Elizabeth Studebaker to the group as part of an update on a grant application the SPBG submitted for $8,000 to help fund South Park Walkabouts. Elizabeth is the new City of San Diego Business Improvement District (BID) Advocate, which is a newly created position. While she is new to the position, she is not new to the neighborhood. She was previously the executive director of the North Park BID. She started July 1. So far, she has been meeting with the city’s 17 BIDs and 20+ micro districts.

She said all submitted grant applications will be reviewed in the next two weeks and decisions will be made at that time. She explained that BIDs are formal organizations that go through the ballot process; business owners pay an assessment in addition to their business tax certificate. Micro districts, like South Park, are not assessed. To contact Elizabeth Studebacker, call her at 619-533-4561 or email her at estudebaker@sandiego.gov.

San Diego County Bicycle Coalition

a. CicloSDias (Aug. 11): Andy Hanshaw, the coalition’s executive director, updated the SPBG on CicloSDias that takes place on Sunday, Aug. 11, and how it will impact South Park business. A first for San Diego, the free event entails closing off urban streets to encourage people to get out of their cars and walk or bicycle around their neighborhoods. It is not a race; it’s more like a “moving park,” he explained.

Both Fern St. and 30th St. will be closed for parking from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed to driving traffic from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The 5.2-mile route goes from downtown to North Park, mostly on 30th St. Buses will be directed down 28th Street.

SPBG business owners asked how this would affect parking for their staff and access to their businesses by customers. Because of street closures, it was suggested that the Gala parking lot be used for staff parking. Andy said he is talking to Ace, which manages the parking lot, to see what he can work out. Jeffrey Parish said that CityFest is taking place the same day; Andy said he has spoken to the Hillcrest BID about cross-promoting. Scot Blair of Hamilton’s asked how this would help local businesses. Andy said no food vendors are part of the event, so that those who attend will frequent shops along the way. He advised store owners that any food they provide be quick and easy. Donna Walker asked if Andy could have something printed out that business owners could give to customers so they understand the route and navigate around it. Hanshaw said he would look into that. Posters of the event to post in stores are available. Door hangers have also been distributed in the neighborhood so residents know about the event.

For more information, contact Andy at execdir@sdcbc.org. Read more about the event on the CicloSDias web site: http://www.ciclosdias.com

b. Tour de Fat (Sept. 28): Andy also discussed Tour de Fat, the bicycle festival sponsored by New Belgium Brewing, that takes place on Sept. 28 in Golden Hill Park. It starts with a costumed bike parade at 11 a.m., a 5-mile slow-moving bike parade that will probably come through South Park. City police officers will help with the route. The festival starts at noon in the park and goes until 5 p.m. All funds generated support the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition and the San Diego Mountain Biking Association. Last year’s event raised $30,000. South Park liaisons for the event are Karen Blair at Karen@hamiltonstavern.com and Jinna Thomas at jinnathomasbike@yahoo.com. The web site is http://www.newbelgium.com/events/tour-de-fat/san-diego.aspx.

SPBG Events

ArtOberfest Walkabout (Oct. 5): The theme is Altars & Icons. Jeffrey Parish came up with theme and artwork. Deadline for the Walkabout Guide is Sept. 25. Send info for PR to Marsha at SPBG@lucyslist.net.

Summer Walkabout: Business owners said it was really slow. slower than usual.

Melissa Hendrix-Lawson of Crow Thief said members would like to participate in the theme ideas for future Walkabouts. It was agreed that owners should brainstorm and suggest theme ideas for 2014, so a list of suggestions can be discussed at an upcoming meeting. Candace Vanderhoff of Rainthanks & Greywater offered to collect theme suggestions and then send them to the Board of Directors. Please email your ideas to Candace at cyberhuts@gmail.com.

There was no further discussion on other upcoming events.

Community Affairs

a. Police & Safety: Tara Zandvliet (Dr. Z) reported there were two break-ins in her neighborhood near Kalmia Street.

b. Govt.: Jason Weisz of Assemblywoman Toni Atkins’ office said that The Rose Wine Pub was named business of the year for the 78th Assembly District. Courtney Thomson of Council President Todd Gloria’s office said the city is working on new directional signage for the Fern and 30th split for people driving into South Park along 30th from North Park. A stop sign at Ivy and Fern is also under review.

c. GGHCDC: The Golden Hill Business Group now has a Shop & Dine brochure available. Copies of the brochure were available at the meeting.

New Business/Information and Announcements

a. Adam Neitzke of South Park Abbey brought up the idea of a South Park Farmer’s Market. He was asked where it would be and what day was proposed. Members took an informal vote, and there was enough interest in it to request that Neitzke get more information to bring back to the group.

b. Scot Blair of Hamilton’s announced that he is planning to develop a brew/pub next to Hamilton's. It will go expand into the space where he currently has a café next to Hamilton’s. He and wife Karen also own Monkey Paw, a small brewery, downtown. He mentioned that San Diego's growing reputation as a craft beer location is attracting many visitors, media coverage, and business for the City, and that South Park can capitalize on that attention. Hamilton’s has been covered in the New York Times Magazine and cited in other publications as an award-winning pub. He also has a strong relationship with the San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau, and that people come from all over the world to go to Hamilton’s. He said starting the new brew/pub is a very arduous and trying process. It might take about nine months to complete. The brewery won’t affect Hamilton’s. That will stay as is. He has not announced this to the public yet.

c. Other announcements:

-- Jerome Gombert of Vagabond Kitchen announced he is closing his restaurant. A new restaurant, the Brabant Belgian Beer Café, with new owners, will open in its place.

-- Will Gustwiller of Eclipse said his restaurant won a Silver Fork award from San Diego Home & Garden.

-- Dr. Z won best doctor in North Park News.

-- Lisa Vella of South Bark Dog Walk talked about the distraction brought on by the problems in Mayor Filner’s office and its effect on San Diego’s reputation. Courtney Thomson of Todd Gloria’s office said you can contact her about any questions or concerns at 236-6633 or CThomson@sandiego.gov.

--Donna Walker mentioned she plans to be married to her fiancée at the end of the month.

--Jinna Thomas announced that Midnight Madness was happening over the weekend. Money raised goes toward youth hostel organizations. She also said Bike the Bay was coming up on Aug. 25. http://www.bikethebay.net/. She also said Thomas Bike Shop donated a bike rack to Gala. Matt Thomas said more business owners have requested bike racks. Elizabeth Studebaker said the city doesn’t have a stockpile of bike racks but that money is being put aside for new racks. Jinna also mentioned that Thomas Bike shop won best bike shop in the North Park News.

--Christy Jaynes said Progress was named the best place to buy house-warming gifts in San Diego Magazine.

--Tanya McAnear of Bad Madge said Consumer Bob of Challen 39 is an amateur photographer specializing in 1950s homes. He plans to do a photo exhibit at Bad Madge for the next walkabout.

--Matt Thomas said Alchemy is doing an event on Aug. 15 called The Rancher, the Butcher, the Brewer and the Chef to promote locally sourced and organic foods. They’re partnering with Heart & Trottery Butchery, which will provide a butchering demonstration of a hind quarter from Dey Dey’s Best Beef Ever Ranch from Santa Rita Hills. A six-course meal will follow, with beer from Societe Brewing. More information is on the Alchemy web site: http://alchemysandiego.com/the-rancher-the-butcher-the-brewer-and-the-chef/

Invited Guests

a) Jason Noble of CityBeat said the magazine will partner with the San Diego County Bicycle Coaltion with a map of CicloSDias. There a few advertising spots left for business owners. He said CityBeat has done a lot of community pages so that businesses can have a group ad, thereby reducing the cost of advertising per business. Donna said if the SPBG is interested in group advertising, they’ll talk about it via email.

NEXT MEETING: Wed. Aug. 28th, 8:30am at Alchemy

Minutes - June 26, 2013

Sun, 30 Jun 2013 16:29:46 +0100

South Park Business Group (SPBG)

SPBG Minutes – June 26, 2013

Meeting held at Alchemy, 8:30 a.m.
Chaired by Donna Walker.
Minutes by Bonnie Nicholls.

Mission Statement, Introductions

2. Rules of Order:
Donna went over the rules of order. Because the South Park Business Group is a chartered group, with by-laws, etc., all action items must be discussed as an information item first. The item will then be placed on the agenda as an action item for voting at the following month’s meeting.

3. South Park Business Group, Inc. Reports

a. Board of Directors: Jeniffer Thompson of Monkey C Media has resigned due to business demands on her time. Jeffrey Parish, owner of Junc Life & Style, was nominated by the board to take her place. SPBG members will vote on his appointment to the board at the next meeting.

b. New members: South Park Relational Therapy, owned by Patricia Leon, has joined the SPBG.

c. Maintenance Program: Matt Thomas said the signs on the garbage cans are done. If you have any problems, give him a call at 619-200-6989. Also, contact him if you need additional trash bags. He mentioned that maintenance straightened the leg of a bench in front of Jeffrey Parish’s store.
Matt, who is part of the Greater Golden Hill Planning Committee, also announced that SANDAG (San Diego Association of Governments) is talking about planning an adjustment on Highway 94 for HOV lanes. One of the alternatives includes express lanes that transition to an elevated structure, about 2 miles long, just west of 28th Street. Matt said the project is in the preliminary stages, but the time to express yourself is now. Jason Weisz, Toni Atkins’ representative, suggested the SPBG present itself as a cohesive group or as individuals with concerns to the assemblywoman. View this site for more information on the project: http://keepsandiegomoving.com/SR-94-Corridor/SR94-Intro.aspx

d. Summer Luau

Jinna Albright is organizing the SPBG mixer/potluck. Kelly Mendoza is helping with plans. The budget is $250, which will be used for a Hawaiian pig, a case of wine, and paid help. The party will take place Monday, Aug. 12, 5-9 p.m. on the patio at Connie McDonough’s home. Jinna predicts an attendance of 50-60 people, and she needs folding chairs or stacking patio chairs. Everyone who attends should bring a dish to share. For more information, contact Jinna at 619-964-0950.

e. BID Council funds

Maureen Ceccarelli reported that there was a BID surplus available from the City’s micro-district program, and the SPGB applied and received $6,075 (a record amount, even more than our original grant of $5,500 previously received). She mentioned that BID micro-district funds, which have been used to reimburse for some of our Walkabout trolley and advertising expenses for the past five years, may not be available next year, as the City is reconfiguring the Business Improvement District programs.

f. Old House Fair report:

Maureen and Marsha Smelkinson were co-directors this year. Maureen said the event was very successful, thanks to many people in the SPGB who helped out as sponsors, advertisers, supporters, exhibitors and volunteers. Feedback has been positive from volunteers, inspectors, and visitors.

She showed the group a framed proclamation from the City Council that was presented to her by Council President Todd Gloria for the Old House Fair. The proclamation lists the small business owners who sponsored the event. It also proclaimed June 15, 2013, as Old House Fair Day. The proclamation will hang in Alchemy.

She also presented thank yous – color copies of the proclamation -- to sponsors Donna Walker (South Bark Dog Wash), Andrea Frank (Realtor), Jinna Albright (Thomas Bike Shop), Lisa Vella (South Bark Dog Wash), Karen and Scott Blair (Hamilton’s), and Matt Thomas and Ron Troyano of Alchemy. Maureen said she delivered special thank yous to Sam Chammas (Station Tavern and the Whistle Stop) and Mooch Designs as well. Also, all 57 docents received $20 gift certificates from Station Tavern, and several special helpers were honored at a North Park Bungalow Tea.

Improvements to the Old House Fair this year included relocating the trolley tour, adding Vintage Row, recruiting more docents for Historic Home Tour, adding a large, level stage for the flamenco dancers, using a color cover for the resource guide and tickets, increasing online promotions (including a new Facebook page), and organizing a four-page pull-out section in San Diego Uptown News.

While financial numbers are not yet complete, the gross amount of sales was about the same as 2012. This year, roughly 500 tickets to the Historic Home Tour were sold, compared to 650 tickets last year, but the income is comparable because ticket prices went up and exhibitor sales were greater than last year. Net income from the event should keep Old House Fair reserves at about $10,000 (plus the $6,000 owed to us by GGHCDC). Funds generated by the Old House Fair have paid maintenance expenses for SPBG since we took over responsibility last summer, and will allow a $3,000 contribution to SPBG for the maintenance fund for the coming year.

Next year’s Old House Fair will take place on June 21, 2014 (third Saturday of the month), after Father’s Day. Marsha will manage the festival and the fair, while Maureen will manage the Historic Home Tour.

4. Upcoming Events

Summer of Love Walkabout is July 20. Pick up Walkabout postcards and new SPBG maps from Maureen at Studio Maureen. Get your info to Marsha at sbpg@lucylist.net by July 10 for inclusion in the Walkabout Guide. REMINDER: No drinks can be carried outside of your business. Remind your patrons they have to drink everything in your store/bar before leaving.

Other upcoming events:
Aug. 11: CicloDsias.This is a car-free event from Logan Heights to City Heights that encourages families to enjoy their communities and nearby neighborhoods by walking and cycling. It passes through South Park along 30th/Fern. These streets will be closed to traffic, so give your staff and customers alternate routes to get in to South Park. Web site: http://ciclosdias.com/.

Sept. 28: Tour de Fat: Festival in Golden Hill Park, costumed bike parade through South Park.
Oct. 5: ArtOberest Walkabout.
Nov. 30: Small Business Saturday after Thanksgiving: Promotes local shopping at small businesses.
Dec. 1: South Park Holiday Tree Lighting event: Christy Jaynes discussed this ("First Light") as part of her marketing update that follows.
Dec. 7: Holiday Walkabout.

5. South Park Marketing Update from Christy Jaynes

a. With funds included in the EDTS grant approved by the City, this year South Park will launch Luminaria, a month-long season of lights in South Park (from Thanksgiving to New Year’s), which will help make South Park and the entire neighborhood a holiday destination.

Luminaria

Warm LED lights will be professionally installed in front of business owners’ shops as well as two intersections bookending South Park. (You will not have to climb trees to install the lights this year. Kelle McCarthy will source the lights, arrange installation and removal, and will store the lights for SPBG.)
Plans for “First Light” (Sunday, Dec. 1) include lighting the South Park Christmas tree (location TBD), holiday music, and neighborhood participation.
Christy suggests having your store’s window displays ready with holiday decorations and lighting by that time. She also encouraged business owners have holiday music in their stores.
The First Light event, scheduled from 5 to 9 p.m. on the first Sunday after Thanksgiving, kicks off the holiday season, and will support two charities: a food drive and toy drive (specific charities will be announced later). Participants will be asked to donate toys and food items. If you want to be a drop-off spot for charities, that could be good for your business.
Also planned is a residential house lighting contest. There will be yard signs for those residents and contest prize baskets, which you can contribute to.
Volunteer “elves” are needed for help with events, drop-off spots and more.
For more information or to offer ideas, contact Christy.progress@gmail.com. To read the handout with a preview of Luminaria, presented by Christy at this meeting, click here.

b. SPBG applied for inclusion in the SDSU small business program. This management consulting program has students and professors analyze South Park businesses and the SPGB, help identify demographics, and provide a detailed analysis of all things the SPBG can do to grow businesses and manage our affairs. The program will take on the SPBG in the fall of 2013 or spring of 2014.

c. Branding program: RFPs will go out this month.

6. Community Affairs

a. Courtney Thomson of City Council President Todd Gloria’s office said the next Cocktails with Council President is July 11, 5:30-7 p.m., at Sycamore Den in City Heights. Matt Thomas asked about when the Land Development Code affecting microbreweries and sidewalk café permitting goes into effect. (Courtney provided the date after the meeting: July 19). Also, she said a request from Jeffrey Parish and Will Gustwiller for a four-way stop at Ivy and Fern is being investigated by Traffic and Engineering.

b. Jason Weisz of Assemblywoman Toni Atkins’ office said the state budget will provide more money for English language learners and developmentally disabled students. The Caltrans building Old Town will be knocked down and turned into a new entrance to the park. Toni will be at Gay Pride on July 12 and 13, and in the Coronado Independence Day parade as well.

7. New Business: Nothing to report.

8. Announcements

a. Luci Dumas of Luci Dumas Fine Photography has nine images at the Del Mar Fair, two of which won awards. One of the images on display is of Alchemy. You can her images on her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/luci.dumas.9

b. Candace Vanderhoff of Rainthanks and Greywater also mentioned that she has a 1,000-square-foot garden at the Del Mar Fair.

c. Jinna Thomas said that people are renting garages in South Park and living in them. Courtney Thomson of Todd Gloria’s office said to contact her if you see this in your neighborhood and she will pass it along to Neighborhood Code Compliance. CThomson@sandiego.gov

d. Tyler Dalsted is the new supervisor of Stone Brewing Company Store in South Park. He said it’s important for Stone to be part of the community. One of Stone’s employees created the design for a South Park shirt. Already it’s Stone’s No. 1 selling shirt, though it only comes in black and in men’s sizes right now.

e. San Diego Canyonlands is offering a free tour of Switzer Canyon on July 27. Call 619-284-9399 for more information or go to their web site: www.sdcanyonlands.org/

f. Andrea Frank of Ascent Real Estate was nominated for best real estate agent in San Diego County. You can vote for her through July 7 online: http://uniontrib.secondstreetapp.com/Best-of-San-Diego-2013/Ballot/RealEstate. Donna encourages you to also look for other South Park businesses to support -- these awards are good publicity for the business and for the neighborhood.

9. Invited Guests

a. Ashanti Davis of ArtPulse announced that Art Pulse is launching a new TV program on July 6, on NBC 7 at 5 p.m. The show will air every Saturday for 14 weeks. The program will highlight arts and culture in the San Diego and Baja region. South Park Business Group members are invited to a launch party on July 6. Barbarella Fokos of The Reader is the show’s host. For more information, go to http://artpulse.tv/

Meeting adjourned.

Minutes - May 2013

Mon, 24 Jun 2013 14:38:39 +0100

SPBG Meeting – May 29, 2013

Meeting held at Alchemy – 8:30 am. Chaired by Donna Walker

Minutes by Tara Zandvliet

Introductions

Mission Statement

Several non-member guests were present and were invited to submit an application.

v South Park Business Group Inc. Reports

v Maintenance program – Matt Thomas (Alchemy) Signs on trash cans are going up today.

v Permanent minutes taker will be Bonnie Nicholls

v Membership – welcome: La Cueva Nostalgia – behind the Station. Renovated house and they sell eclectic oddities. Fern Street Market, Rainthanks & Greywater, Delights of Christmas – Hangs up lights in trees in the neighborhood.

v Summer Mixer – Jinna (Thomas Bikes). Suggested Hawaiian theme, Maybe at Connie’s courtyard on Fern street. This is more a social mixer, not a business mixer, so it won’t interfere with the CDC mixers or SPBG meetings. Need a date and a budget. Jinna will work on it and we’ll vote on the date if there is a choice.

v New Membership issues – many different groups, at home independent business people would like to join but have no storefront.. We need to vote on the following

Ø 2 categories – storefront and services. Applicants will first state that their primary place of business is South Park. They need a business license. Address of business license must be in South Park. New membership forms created that specify that. Vote for 2 categories – Passed.

Ø Discussion on removing the restriction of Realtors. Should we allow any licensed realtor who lives in South Park to join and not limit the number within SPBG. Vote to remove restriction – passed.

Events

v 6/2 Rock n Roll Marathon – Pershing Ave is closed from 5 am-1pm.

v 6/15 Old House Fair - Maureen Ceccarelli (Studio Maureen). Best one yet! Many of us are participating. New – vintage camper, vintage row, pet adoption, Home restoration, great home tours this year. Uptown News has a pull out section coming up. Can get an ad, but hurry. Deadline for ad is this Friday – May 31.

v 7/13-14 LGBT Pride Festival –Tanya McAnear (Bad Madge) We can have one SPBG booth. Total cost for booth and give aways is $1421 or so. The more that participate, the less it costs everyone. We are exposing South Park to a large population with discretionary income. Sat 12-10 pm, Sun 11-8pm. Wheel of fortune give-away of beads, etc.

v 7/20 Summer of Love Walkabout – info is due to Marsha by July 10. Karen Blair from Hamilton’s – saw a video of people drinking on the sidewalk. Law says you cannot serve alcohol except INSIDE your business. They CANNOT leave business with a drink and drink while walking around. Suggestion - give a “splash” only, don’t fill travel mugs. Maybe have a door person.

v 8/11 CicloSDias – NOTE DATE CHANGE!!

v 9/28 Tour de Fat – Jinna (Thomas Bikes) will do a South Park booth at Golden Hill Park, have the banner/info. Would like someone to help her this year so she can take pictures. jinnathomasbike@yahoo.com. Karen Blair is coordinating re Bike Parade through South Park -- Karen@hamiltonstavern.com

v 10/5 ArtOberfest Walkabout.

v 11/30 Small Business Saturday -

v 12/1 South Park Holiday Tree Lighting – Working with Kelly (Delights of Christmas), and SDGE re planning neighborhood lighting and Tree for ceremony on 12/1. Lights will stay up throughout holiday season to draw visitors to South Park.

v 12/7 Holiday Walkabout.

4. South Park Branding Project – Christy Jaynes (Progress South Park) Grant application done – GOT THE MONEY, a little over $10,000 for branding and holiday project. Also:

v SDSU small business consulting program – Invited South Park, other business groups to seminar with SDSU program. They would do a full assessment of your business, branding, extra programs you could do, stop the leaks, etc. They were very encouraging and told us to apply in the fall. They would analyze our business group – how to collect demographics, know our market, make us profitable, etc. SDSU very excited about providing this consulting to South Park. We are the “hottest” new neighborhood on the radar.

5. Special Request – Richard Fredrick, (Mythology) – Trying to put a bike corral in front of his business. He has 3 metered spots in front. Currently people drop someone off and then keep car running (shade), and blocks the view of his shop as well as puts exhaust in his store. His idea is to put the bike corral in place of one metered spot, and needs help to get City permission, etc. SD bike coalition can help. Todd Gloria’s office may be able to help. Free press for the neighborhood and with the bike events coming up it may be great – he hands out maps all day. NP business meeting they want to know we are in agreement for full support.

v Anne Mery (Grove) - meters help customer turnover and prevent employees from parking all day. Worried about losing the parking spot. Counterpoint – will gain 5 or more bike parking, which is needed, esp for his business. Also city feels the driveway for the neighbors is blocked from safe exit because of the parking, which will be solved with the bike corral.

v City has all pale green, all the same. Eco-color.

v BID Council (Tiffany) told Marsha that there is a design for the racks that look more like the penny-farthing bike racks that can be obtained, and painted to match. Board things color should be consistent with the neighborhood’s other predominant graphics – on cans, benches, kiosks, etc. We currently have red, burgundy and silver penny-farthing ones, and blue u-shaped from the City. Rick says the free ones from City are green. Richard offered to paint them himself if needed.

v Maureen says no money in the budget for it. Individual only if needed.

v Vote in support – passed with 4 opposed.

NOTE TO BUSINESS OWNERS – Please tell your employees NOT to park in front of the stores at the metered spots even if free on Sundays.

You can call the meter maid to have them ticket those who park longer than 30 minutes on regular days 619-531-2000

Community Affairs

v Police and Safety – no report.

v Todd Gloria’s Office – Courtney Thompson – Changes in the office. She is now a policy advisor. Juniper dip sidewalk in the works and funded for this fiscal year.

District 3 area is now including Golden Hill, Hillcrest, NP, Normal Heights, Bankers hill, Old Town, Downtown, Mission Hills, South Park.

Sidewalk café’s permits were debated - $10,000 in past. 8^th amendment came through about this – controversial – decreased the fee to $1200 or so. There are lots of other improvements for small businesses, so look it up. Courtney will email us the link/info. Other discussion – need Stop sign at Fern and Ivy – so many crossing it is getting dangerous. She will submit for another analysis of the area.

v Toni Atkins Office – Jason Weisz

Business Announcements

v Einstein’s gala this Saturday June 1, Jinna doing the centerpieces.

v Mural on side of the Laundromat is being refurbished with graffiti shield – SP Council. He needs a water supply for that – any ideas? Talk to Will of Eclipse.

Invited guests/other

v Maureen says she got a facial from Camilia (Salon on 30^th) yesterday was heavenly. She asked about SPBG Board members. Introductions given of the board, quick explanation given.

v Expand lights in the neighborhood – Richard Fredrick (Mythology)– on the trees – orange/yellow/white for Fall maybe? Researching the colors for Holiday walkabout. LED’s preferred, but WARM, not cold blue type. Christy Jaynes (Progress) says she’ll ask Kelly of Delights of Christmas who will source them for us. Energy saving is not that much greater, but life of the cord is about 7 times longer.

Important Links

Email -- spbg@lucyslist.net
SPBG minutes, documents, Walkabout form – http://www.spbg.yolasite.com
South Park Scene website – www.southparkscene.com
Business Directory – www.southparkscene.com/wp
Facebook Page
Old House Fair – www.theoldhousefair.com