Letters

Angle parking is not the best answer for Hillcrest

Does Hillcrest really value more free parking for cars over a better quality of life for the people who live here? Seems so. Shameful.

Does anyone really still believe that adding free parking helps solve parking issues? Just as widening roads does not relieve congestion, more free parking only encourages more people to drive. Time for Hillcrest to get out of the 1970s and into the 21st century.

Too bad that this parking now makes it impossible to make a better street for the community by excluding the possibility of bike lanes or widening the sidewalk to add trees and landscaping [see “Taking initiative to get things done,” Vol. 4, Issue 23].

—Walter Chambers, via sduptownnews.com

Editor’s note: in addition to Walter Chambers’ comment, the story “Taking initiative to get things done” from Issue 23 raised a specific question regarding who was allowed to sign the petition, initiating the change from parallel parking to angle parking on the specific blocks in question. Uptown Community Parking District Operations Manager Ben Verdugo, who was also quoted in the original story, said “only the property owner, manager or tenant” may sign the petition. Follow the full conversation between Verdugo and Uptown resident Luke Terpstra at sduptownnews.com.

Sensitive issue handled well in parenting column

Great article. You touched on both sides of a sensitive issue very well [see “How to explain ‘dumpster diving’ to three year olds,” Vol. 4, Issue 23]. You should post a “Part 2? when you figure out how to explain it you your kids.

—Peter G., Hillcrest resident via sduptownnews.com

Editorials

Live local, shop local

Por Antonio Rey | Editor SDUN

While consumerism and shopping are not the only reason for the holidays, let’s be honest. It’s a major part of it.

Think outside the box of traditional gifts this year. “Shop” at your local nonprofits, many of them providing services in our Uptown neighborhoods. We are a large community, and we have many opportunities to help all who live and work here. The Alpha Project is one, just a few doors down from our newspaper’s office. They provide employment, housing and health services for individuals who are homeless, or those teetering closely to the edge of homelessness. Empowerment is key, and they work across the city.

Second, think outside of the big box. Be local and shop local. The Hillcrest Business Association is hosting their annual Taste ‘n’ Tinis on Dec. 13 to create a fun, holiday atmosphere in their neighborhood, but also, really, to showcase the businesses they represent. The event is one of many in Uptown. South Park’s holiday walkabout was last weekend; Holly Jolly Mission Nights in Mission Hills was Dec. 6., and Boulevard Nights is Dec. 14.

I don’t have a lot of time for shopping, nor a large list, but last year I purposely made the effort to only shop in Uptown. It was rewarding, I assume for business owners, but for myself as well. And more important, the feeling lasted the entire year.

On a return visit to Casa Della Bella Italia on Washington Street in Mission Hills, the owner – a kind-hearted, boisterous Italian man – not only remembered me from 10 months past, but also remembered my family, wishing them well. I’ll be back again this year.

I’ll be back to Mint Shoes in Hillcrest and the Tibet Gift House on Adams Avenue too. If I’m lucky, I’ll find a new store or two. I’m sure of it.

Uptown is expansive, with little enclaves – neighborhoods within neighborhoods – at every corner. It may be easy to shop online; it may be simple to drive to a mall, but the rewards for getting out of your car and walking around your neighborhood are far more meaningful.

We get to live here; we get to shop here, too.

End-of-year giving: select a charity and avoid being scammed

Por Pablo Downey

The holidays are a time of celebration, family, reflection and helping those who are in need. Giving to a charity each year is easy for most of us. We find ourselves drawn to a cause, a particular group, or an organization’s mission. We want to help those who may be less fortunate than ourselves, especially during the holidays when we often take the time to be thankful for what we have. When you have a personal tie to an organization, giving your hard-earned dollars is simple.

According to the Charity Navigator website, on average charities receive 41 percent of their annual contributions in the last few weeks of the year.

What happens when you don’t have a charity in mind or you are new to giving monetary donations? Often during this time of year, con artists take advantage of the generosity of San Diegans and take the hard-earned money for themselves, rather than for reputable and legitimate non-profit organizations that serve the most vulnerable in our community.

Here are quick tips to help you chose a legitimate organization and avoid being scammed.

Only give to a charity you know.

Do your research. Research an organization before you donate. There are a variety of online resources that provide free access to comprehensive reports about non-profit organizations. Start with a visit to the California Attorney General’s Registry of Charitable Trusts (oag.ca.gov/charities), the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance (give.org), Guidestar (guidestar.com) and Charity Navigator (charitynavigator.org). Plus, go to the organization’s website and really get a good understanding of what the charity does and whom benefits from your donation.

Ask questions.

Real charities are able to tell you how they use their donations and what portion of your contribution will go directly to the group they are trying to help. Ideally, 85 cents of every dollar raised should go directly to direct programs and services of the charitable organization, with the minimal amount remaining to underwrite administrative salaries and operational expenses. Also, ask them for a 990 tax-form. If they cannot give you this information, don’t give them your money.

Do not send to a Post Office box.

Make sure the organization has an actual street address, where you can go and see the charity in action at anytime. Ask them for a tour; or even better, just show up unannounced. A reputable charity would be delighted to give you a tour on the spot.

There should be no hard sell.

Organizations don’t need money “today.” If they cannot give you an answer for what the donation is to be used for then walk away.

When you donate this holiday season, make certain to follow these quick tips to make certain your charity us being fiscally and socially responsible, and that you know your money is going where you want it to. An informed decision is a wise decision.

—Paul Downey is the president and CEO of Senior Community Centers, a non-profit agency dedicated to keeping San Diego seniors healthy and independent. Learn more at servingseniors.org.

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