As temperatures start to rise in Pacific Beach, more and more tourists will flock to the area. Discover PB is hoping the summer will bring local businesses a boost. “Summertime is a time where businesses are really focused on tourists and trying to make the most of the busy tourist season,” said Andy Hanshaw, executive director of the area’s business improvement district. “We’re hoping for better things this season and what we’re hearing, at least from the hotel side, is that things are picking up.” With Discover PB’s major events happening in the fall, the organization is counting on the sunshine to bring more business to PB. During the summer, Discover PB will promote the area heavily. “Our focus in the summer is to really work to promote all that’s already happening down here — doing our best to promote the summer destination that PB is and focus on the great beaches, hotels, retailers and bars that we have here,” Hanshaw said. Before the sun sets on summer 2010, Discover PB will host two local events, in addition to a potential sidewalk sale. On Aug. 15, “Charger Steve’s” Wild Rides and Classic Car Showdown will come to Garnet Avenue, an event that will be free to the public. “The promoter of an established car show is going to be on Garnet Avenue with classic beach and movie cars,” Hanshaw said. “It’s going to be a fun car show and people are going to have the chance to look at some cool cars and exhibits.” On Sept. 14, Discover PB will host the Heart of Pacific Beach Restaurant Walk from 5 to 9 p.m. Hanshaw said between 20 and 25 eateries will be on the menu. “It will feature restaurants in the Garnet Avenue business district area,” Hanshaw said. Those events precede Discover PB’s major annual event — Pacific BeachFest — on Oct. 9. Two new elements of this year’s all-day PB celebration include a kids’ surf contest and a PB Craft Beer Garden. “We want to continue to make it the premier festival at the beach,” Hanshaw. “As our premier event, we need to make sure that’s successful.” Looking toward the end of 2010, Hanshaw said he would like to see the holiday parade come back to PB, something that businesses in the local hospitality industry are wanting. As for Discover PB’s goals to close out the year, the organization aims to bring new businesses to the area. “Our organizational goal is to continue to help our businesses attract more business and do what we can to bring in new businesses,” Hanshaw said.








