It’s been a couple of months since I’ve been able to submit a column, but I am so glad to be back because, as always, there is a lot going on in San Diego’s most fabulous neighborhood, Hillcrest.
As I’ve shared before, what I love most about Hillcrest is how dynamic this neighborhood is. It’s been in a perpetual phase of change and growth, really, since Hillcrest was founded in 1907.
I was one of the few lucky ones who was actually born here in Hillcrest and have spent most of my 44 years in the neighborhood. Today, change and growth seem to be accelerating faster than ever, and it would be hard not to notice the cranes and building projects popping up around the neighborhood. They are everywhere. One particularly notable project is the senior residences being built on the site of the University Christian Church on Cleveland Street.
Located where the church’s parking lot was, the development is expected to have 68 units, which will be considered affordable housing for anyone over 60. I am hopeful the project comes to fruition as penciled out because one thing we need more of in Hillcrest is affordably priced housing. We certainly need more housing, and I welcome our new neighbors, but the stock of “luxury” housing that continues to be developed is pushing out those who have made the neighborhood what it is. We need some balance.
Speaking of development, the Uptown Community Planning Group is in full swing, up and running as the officially recognized community planning group for the Uptown neighborhoods: Hillcrest, University Heights (west of Park Blvd.), Bankers Hill, Mission Hills, Medical Complex, and Middletown. While the group has no formal authority over development projects in the neighborhood, is a great space for community members to express their thoughts and concerns about proposed development in the Uptown neighborhoods. I encourage everyone to get involved and consider voting in their next election – we need as many neighbors as possible to participate! Visit uptowncommunityplanning.org to learn more and register to participate in the upcoming election. [Disclaimer: I am a currently elected member of the Uptown Community Planning Group, representing the University Heights renter seat.]4
Another great resource is the Hillcrest Business Association’s Hillcrest Development Map. It is regularly updated with details on building projects all throughout the neighborhood, whenever HBA learns of them. Visit bit.ly/HillcrestDevelopment to check out the latest map, which was updated last month.
Hillcrest Honors
It’s almost time for the 3rd Annual Hillcrest Honors, and I couldn’t be more excited to celebrate and uplift the people, businesses, events and organizations that make this neighborhood such a great place. Over 100 awards will be given out this year, and the honorees certainly stand out in our neighborhood.
A VIP awards ceremony, featuring the presentation of a Lifetime Achievement Award to Toni G. Atkins, will be held at Uptown Tavern on Monday, Feb. 24, followed by a Community Celebration beginning at 7:30 p.m. at Flicks, open to all. I hope you’ll come out and celebrate the amazing people and organizations that make Hillcrest so fabulous! More information is available at hillcresthonors.com.
Hillcrest Community Volunteer Patrol
Finally, the issue of community safety continues to be a concern. With the pellet gun incidents last year, hateful graffiti, and so much more, we need to look out for each other more than ever. With the recent dissolution of the Stonewall Citizens Patrol, there has been a noticeable absence of a community safety patrol, and a group of volunteers are stepping up to fill that gap.
Through the Kiwanis Club of Hillcrest All-Inclusive, my best friend Rick Cervantes and I called community members together starting last summer to get the ball rolling on starting a new community volunteer patrol. Through this process, we were so lucky to meet Bea Bautista and Andrea Luke, who happen to be very talented security guards at Gossip Grill, who have taken the lead and organized this patrol, which will launch very soon.
The patrol will be hands-off, community-focused, try to provide resources and support before calling law enforcement, serve as a second set of eyes for law enforcement when crimes are committed, and hopefully help decrease crime by creating a visible presence. Volunteers will be outfitted in bright colored shirts and be equipped with knowledge to provide support to community members in need. It will primarily operate during the evening and late night hours.
If you’re interested in more information or to get involved, visit gayborhoodwatch.org/volunteer and input your information. The more people we get involved, the better we can support each other and make our community a safer place!
As always, I look forward to hearing what your needs and concerns are for Hillcrest, so never hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected] or on Instagram via @bennyc80.
Photo credit: Benny Cartwright
