UPTOWN PARKING DISTRICT SEEKING COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVES

At the Aug. 13 Uptown Community Parking District meeting, the board of directors will hold an election for neighborhood representatives to fill three vacant positions. There is one residential vacancy and one business vacancy from the Bankers Hill neighborhood, as well as one business vacancy from the Five Points neighborhood. Currently, the board is receiving nominations via email at [email protected]. Community members are encouraged to attend the meeting at 5 p.m. at Balboa Park’s Casa Del Prado, 1650 El Prado. For nomination and voting eligibility, visit parkuptownsd.org.

BALBOA PARK ROSE GARDEN VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT

The Inez Grant Parker Rose Garden on Park Boulevard in Balboa Park is accepting volunteers, novice or experienced, to join the Rose Garden Corps. Volunteers provide care for the garden by pruning, fertilizing, deadheading and planting new varieties. They work either Tuesday or Thursday mornings for several hours, two or more times a month. There is also a monthly meeting usually held on the third Tuesday of each month at 9:15 a.m. in the Rose Garden, which is used to share information and direct needed work. Volunteers not only learn about roses, but also act as good-will ambassadors as many tourists frequent the garden. Rose Garden Corps volunteers learn excellent rose care through hands-on experience under the guidance of experienced volunteers. New members will work with other volunteers so they will have the opportunity to ask questions and to learn by doing. Interested volunteers are asked to contact Mary Rose at [email protected]/.

NIGHT OUT AGAINST CRIME POTLUCK SCHEDULED

Designed to heighten crime- and drug-prevention awareness, the national night out against crime brings together neighborhoods throughout the country, asking them to spend the evening outside with neighbors. Locally, a potluck in the park is being organized for Tuesday, Aug. 7 at Bird Park on 28th and Thorn streets. The community event starts at 5:30 p.m. and games, treats and activities will be provided. At approximately 6:15, special guests from the San Diego Police Department and Councilmember Todd Gloria will speak. Organizers are asking for attendees to bring a chair and a dish to share. For more information email [email protected]/.

2002 ‘HOUSING DAY’ PROGRESS RECOGNIZED BY COUNCIL

To commemorate the progress made since the City Council declared Aug. 6, 2002 Housing Day, Councilmember Todd Gloria brought forward a resolution that was approved unanimously on July 31. In 2002, the Council took action to address the lack of affordable housing for residents, with more than 1,000 people attending a special City Council meeting in Golden Hall. That day, San Diego became the first municipality to have a Housing State of Emergency declared. “The actions taken by the City Council on Housing Day in 2002 have contributed to the improved health, safety and quality of life of thousands of San Diego families, seniors, veterans and formerly homeless individuals,” Gloria said in a press release. Since 2002, the Council adopted an inclusionary housing ordinance and approved the creation of a $55-million fund to build affordable housing, resulting in 722 new homes. “The work our predecessors began in 2002 has generated promising results for our region,” Gloria said. “We have much more to accomplish to ensure all San Diegans can fulfill their essential need of shelter, and I look forward to building on the successful track record.”

ADAMS AVENUE STREET FAIR HEADLINERS ANNOUNCED

The Adams Avenue Street Fair will celebrate its 31st anniversary Sept. 29 – 30 in Normal Heights. On July 26, organizers announced headliners, performing on the seven stages along Adams Avenue. Headliners include: Strawberry Alarm Clock, featuring Oingo Boingo guitarist Steve Bartek; the reunion of Paladins; the return of Mojo Nixon and Skid Roper; blues guitarist Coco Montoya; the 13-piece Puerto Rican-based ensemble Plena Libre; Jack Tempchin; Cuckoo Chaos; and Kofi Baker’s Cream Experience. The Adams Avenue Business Association, a nonprofit with the mission to promote and increase commercial activity along Adams Avenue, presents the free, two-day festival. The complete line up of 90 musical acts will be announced soon. For more information visit adamsavenuestreetfair.org/.

BAKERS HILL BUSINESS GROUP CELEBRATES ONE YEAR

At the July 17 meeting of the Bankers Hill Business Group, members celebrated the first anniversary of the organization by acknowledging the past year’s monthly meetings, mixers and book signing events. The meeting, held at Karyn Tammaro’s  Plan-B fitness business at 1811-1815 Fifth Ave., began after a 10-minute introductory yoga class. Agenda items discussed included updates regarding the organization’s website and a micro-grant program. During discussion, members suggested ideas for BHBG involvement including: organizing events surrounding the Balboa Park 2015 celebration, supporting charitable causes, forming a business improvement district, hosting an event in conjunction with Balboa Park’s holiday events, meeting with Councilmember Todd Gloria regarding landscaping and street improvements, partnering with other area groups, scheduling events in Bankers Hill, educating the public on supporting local businesses, and creating a uniform plan for the area. Warren Simon explained the differences between a BID and a micro district, citing greater flexibility that the latter have. As stated in the BHBG meeting minutes, the goal is to increase public awareness of Bankers Hill. There is no meeting scheduled for August.

CITY COUNCIL APPROVES WINTER SHELTER

Councilmember Todd Gloria announced July 23 the unanimous approval of two winter homeless shelters by the City Council. The first shelter will be located at 16th and Newton streets while the second, for veterans, will be located at 2801 Sports Arena Blvd. Both will be funded by the San Diego Housing Commission and the City, and will open in November or December. “The San Diego City Council … demonstrated our commitment to assisting our homeless neighbors by approving a winter shelter program,” Gloria said in a press release. “We look forward to opening Connection, the City’s first permanent homeless services and hosing center, at the beginning of 2013 to end the cycle of homelessness for many San Diegans, and the winter shelters will ensure the basic need of shelter is provided during the coldest part of the year.” Connections, currently under construction, is located at 1250 Sixth Ave.

OLD TOWN CANDLE SHOP SUSTAINS FIRE DAMAGE

Toby’s Candle & Soap Shop at 2645 San Diego Ave. in Old Town sustained approximately $300,000 worth of damages after an electrical fire on July 14. Fire crews responded to the call at 1:15 a.m. The store, which has been family, owned since 1981, sits on the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park and the building was built in 1929. No other damages to surrounding buildings were reported. The store will be temporarily closed until repairs can be done.

SENIOR HELPERS OF MISSION HILLS TO HOST DEMENTIA SEMINAR

David Wallace, founder of the Mission Hills company Senior Helpers, is hosting nationally recognized dementia expert Teepa Snow for two seminars for families caring for loved ones with dementia and advocates working with people who have dementia. Sponsored by Senior Helpers with the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America and the Glenner Memory Care Centers, the first seminar, Essentials for Your Journey Together,” will be on Aug. 15 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. in the Marina Village Conference Center located at 1936 Quivira Way. This meeting is free. Also at the Marina Village, the second seminar, “Successful Interaction Strategies for Health Care Providers,” is Aug. 16 from 8 a.m. to noon, with prices starting at $20. Snow has over 30 years of experience in geriatrics and works with facilities and dementia specialty service providers throughout the nation. For more information or to register call 619-450-4686.

OLD GLOBE TO PRESENT AUTISM-FRIENDLY HOLIDAY PERFORMANCE

Announced July 20, the Old Globe will offer an autism-friendly performance of their annual holiday musical “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” The performance will be staged in a friendly and supportive environment for children on the autism spectrum and their families. Slight adjustments to the production include fewer loud noises and flashing lights, and the Old Globe will host a pre-show visit to familiarize children with Balboa Park and the theater. During the Dec. 15 10:30 a.m. autism-friendly show, the lobby of the theater will serve as a quiet area and on-site volunteers will be available to assist families as needs arise. Advisor for the performance is the Theatre Development Fund’s Autism Theatre Initiative. Tickets for performance go on sale Sept. 9.

CALL FOR FILM FESTIVAL POSTER SUBMISSIONS

For the third year in a row, the Media Arts Center is calling for submissions for the official poster of next year’s San Diego Latino Film Festival. Held March 7 – 17, 2013, this will mark the 20th year for the festival. Now through Oct. 5, artists and graphic designers are asked to submit their work for the competition at no cost. Individuals, teams or design firms are welcome to submit and guidelines include images that depict Latin American Cinema in an interesting, relevant and visually innovative way that avoids stereotypes and clichés. The winning submission will be awarded $1,000 and all posters that advance to the final round will be exhibited during next year’s festival. For complete guidelines, contact the Media Arts Center at 619-230-1938 or [email protected]. Submissions are being accepted at mediaartscenter.org/poster2013/.

COMMUNITY RUMMAGE SALE TO BENEFIT CHARITIES

Called one of the oldest and biggest rummage sales in San Diego County, the University Christian Church located at 3900 Cleveland Ave. in Hillcrest, will be home to a 5,000-square-foot rummage sale. Proceeds from previous rummage sales have made it possible for the church to support the local community and national non-profit organizations like Heifer Project International, Big Sister League, The Monarch School, Education Project International, Uptown Faith Community Center and Church World Service. Sale dates and times are: Aug. 3 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Aug. 4 from 9 a.m. to noon. Donations include antiques, jewelry, collectables, furniture, clothing, kitchenware, electronics, toys and other like-items.

2012 AIDS WALK SAN DIEGO LEADERSHIP WORKSHOPS SCHEDULED

Organizers of this year’s AIDS Walk & Run San Diego have scheduled a series of team leader workshops to provide information and support both current leaders and those interested in forming teams for the Sept. 30 event. The one-hour workshops are offered multiple times for optimal attendance: Thursday, Aug. 9 and 14 from 8 – 9 a.m. or 6 – 7 p.m. Held at The LGBT Center, 3909 Centre St., interested leaders are asked to contact Ian Johnson, AIDS Walk & Run team coordinator at 619-692-2077 x247 or [email protected]. “Our teams are the lifeblood of this event,” Johnson said in a press release. “Being part of a team – and being a team leader – is one of the most fun ways to make a difference.”

SD FOUNDATION NAMES NEW DIRECTOR OF CIVIC ENGAGEMENT CENTER

The San Diego Foundation announced the appointment of BongHwan Kim as the first vice president and executive director for their Malin Burnham Center for Civic Engagement. In the role, Kim will spearhead the conversation about the future of the San Diego region in conjunction with Our Greater San Diego Vision, the center’s most recent initiative. Kim has served on a number of federal and local government commissions, including his 2007 appointment as general manager of the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment in Los Angeles. He is also a recipient of the NAAP Equality Award and the California Wellness Foundation’s Peace Award, among others. He received his master’s degree in public administration from Harvard University. “I realize the magnificent scope of [the San Diego Foundation] and its commitment to the people of San Diego,” Kim said in a press release, “and I am committed to do my part in helping the region move forward and achieving its vision.”