North Park Scene 4.10.2010
The city of San Diego is considering the implementation of a “University Avenue Mobility Plan” for North Park that would include the creation of “transit only” lanes along portions of University Avenue, both east and west, the removal of on-street parking where the transit-only lanes are proposed, and other measures aimed at improving vehicle and pedestrian use of the major thoroughfare. Because the mobility plan could have significant impacts, the city is required to develop a draft environmental impact report on it. A public scoping meeting on the plan was scheduled for March 24 at the North Park Recreation Center.
The plan proposes improvements related to roadways, transit, pedestrian access, parking and utilities along a 1.25-mile stretch of University Avenue, between Florida and Boundary streets, with the project area extending to Lincoln Avenue to the north and Wightman Avenue and North Park Way to the south. Besides the addition of transit lanes and removal of on-street parking, the plan would include installationb of two traffic signals and signal modifications at several intersections, construction of a landscaped median, adding left-turn pockets at several intersections, re-striping and paving of University Avenue and the installation of landscaping.
More information on the mobility plan is available on the Website of North Park Main Street (northparkmainstreet.com).
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Nicky Bakke
Bridgette Virissimo, a hair stylist at Gorgeous Salon, won an Edward Scissorhands-inspired hair competition sponsored by West Coast Tavern. Her winning cut, modeled above by Nicky Bakke, brought her a $150 gift certificate from West Coast Tavern. Gorgeous Salon also received a $150 gift certificate for having the most attendance at the competition.
As part of the Kensington 100th Celebration, trolley rides will be offered to the San Diego Museum of Photographic Arts from multiple areas of Kensington. Cocktails and canapes will be waiting for the riders. The evening program from 5 to 9 o’clock is a throwback to the 1910’s showcasing the silent era movie and photographs of Kensington in the early years. Tickets are $80.
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North Park will get the opportunity to show off the neighborhood when the 14th annual North Park Festival of the Arts is staged on May 16. The event, which annually attracts about 35,000 local and outside residents, will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. along University Avenue and side streets between 30th and 32nd streets. Hundreds of vendors will offer food, drink, arts and crafts, jewelry and other products while a Craft Beer Block will feature local and international brews. Musical entertainment will be provided on five stages. At a Kids Art Beat area, children can indulge in several interactive arts activities. North Park Main Street is the sponsor of the festival.
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A benefit for McKinley Elementary, The Gospel inspired by The Beatles,
will be held at 6 p.m. on April 17 at Trinity United Methodist Church, 3030 Thorn St. It will feature 14 favorite songs by The Beatles.
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A mixed-use property at 3140-3150 El Cajon Blvd. and 4310 Iowa St. in North Park has been sold for $600,000 to El Cajon Estates LLC, which plans to remodel the site and hold it for long-term investment. The 4,438-square-foot property is located at the corner of El Cajon Boulevard and Iowa Street. It consists of three commercial buildings and two houses. All units, with the exception of one house, are vacant. Chris Rink of Cassidy Turley BRE Commercial represented the buyer and the seller, MJK/Oceanside Real Estate Holding Co.
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The Park-2-Park shuttle service that will begin service April 22 in North Park, South Park, University Heights and Normal Heights has launched a Website (sdpark2park.com). It contains details about the service and a map of the shuttle route. North Park resident Omar Passons is launching the service.
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Townspeople, a San Diego community housing developer devoted to provide housing and supportive services for low-income people living with HIV/AIDS, has purchased a 34-unit complex in Normal Heights. The total development cost was more than $6,663,000 and is financed by the San Diego Housing Commission, California Multi-Family Housing Program, California Mental Health Services Administration, Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS and Supportive Housing Program Capital, plus two programs under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The four-building complex has 20 one-bedroom and 14 two-bedroom units to accommodate individuals and families with children. On-site management and supportive services including a resident food pantry are planned. The new facility will undergo rehab construction over the next few months and is expected to be available for full occupancy in June.
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More than 50 restaurants are taking part in the 10th annual Taste of Hillcrest from noon to 4 p.m. on April 17. Tickets are $30 dollars in advance and $35 the day of the event. Purchase tickets online by visiting fabuloushillcrest.com or mcfarlanepromotions.com. Proceeds will benefit the Hillcrest Business Association. For more information, call McFarlane Promotions at (619) 233-5008.
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Long overdue improvements are on the way for North Park Community Park, reports Councilman Todd Gloria. “Thanks to our partnership with San Diego Unified School District board president Richard Barrera, SDUSD will invest $630,000 into the joint use area at North Park Community Park,” said Gloria. Improvements will include a new basketball court, replacement of 30-foot light poles at the joint use playground, a new playground surface, replacement of damaged sidewalks surrounding the school and the park, a new ornamental fence surrounding the joint use field, and security improvements. “These amenities will benefit the students of the ALBA School recently relocated to the former North Park Elementary School site and the surrounding residents who enjoy the having the park in their community,” Gloria said.
Gloria also took part in groundbreaking ceremonies for improvements to Montclair Park and Birney Elementary School. “Complications arising from the accident delayed repairs to the park, and I know neighbors look forward to the return of playground equipment to this much-loved park, anticipated by late spring,” Gloria said. He said renovations to the joint use field at Birney Elementary School in University Heights should be complete by the fall.
