By Ashley Mackin | SDUN Editor

The Adams Avenue Business Association (AABA) recently appointed Judy Elliot as their new executive director. Elliot began the last week of August, just weeks before the Adams Avenue Street Fair. Her time was used to prepare for the two-day celebration, which occurred Sept. 24 and 25.

“Fortunately for me, I know the community,” she said, “I’ve worked on the [Adams Avenue] Street Fair before, I’ve worked with the Business Association, and being familiar with the neighborhood helped me a lot.”

Elliot moved to San Diego from Michigan in 1978 because “the snow and the cold and the blizzards were no fun,” she said. “Winter just lasted too long,” she added.

As the executive director, Elliot will oversee community improvement projects and make sure contracting companies are fulfilling their responsibilities to fix broken trash cans, remove graffiti, care for trees, ensure lights are functioning and more.

Elliot is also responsible for working with the Board of Directors and connecting with businesses. She is currently working on the Storefront Improvement Program, helping restaurants gain exposure through outdoor seating. She explained the restaurants get immediately noticed with outdoor dining areas, but she has to work with the city to make sure the seating would not interfere with pedestrian traffic.

AABA Office Manager Bethany Yarbrough said, “She’s down to earth and down to business. Because
of her history living in and working with this community, I think she is more interested and invested and will re-invigorate the position.”

Elliot said she is thrilled to work for the Adams Avenue Business District because she considers it her community and she has watched it grow over the years. “I remember when this area was known for its bookstores,” she said, “there were not very many restaurants and very few places that were open past six [o’clock]. I remember when this was not a night place. These changes have really evolved over the last five years.”

Founded in 1982, the AABA assists the over 600 business owners along Adams Avenue from Hamilton
Street to Vista Street. A volunteer Board of Directors and committees run the association.

AABA also manages the Adams Avenue Business Improvement District and the local Maintenance Assessment District. They also host several annual events designed to promote the businesses in the area and serve as fundraisers for AABA projects. Some of these events include Avenue Roots Fest on Adams (formerly known as Adams Avenue Roots & Folk Festival), Taste of Adams Avenue and the Adams Avenue Street Fair.

Now that work for the 2011 Street Fair is complete, Elliot said she is looking forward to establishing a connection with local businesses. She said, “I’m here to serve people that wouldn’t normally be served, so I have to ask, ‘How can we work with [businesses] throughout the year? How can we help you? How can we enhance the Avenue?’”