Arte y entretenimiento

Art gallery opening in Golden Hill

Union Hall Gallery, a new community arts space in Golden Hill is thrilled to announce the inaugural exhibition “The Art of Experience” in partnership with Santa Ysabel Art Gallery, featuring the evocative works of sculptor Ted Berryman and his late wife, abstract painter Martha Moramay Cuevas. This poignant memorial show, resurrected from a previously planned bi-national exhibition in Baja in 2020, will run from May 4th through June 16th.

This show is the inaugural long-term gallery installation of the Union Hall Gallery, located at 2323 Broadway in Golden Hill. Built in the 1940s, the building was the former headquarters of the San Diego Carpenters Union and during its life, it has been used as a concert venue, meeting space, and movie set. Recently rehabilitated by the owners of Santa Ysabel Art Gallery, Union Hall Gallery is set to become a community space that supports and showcases local and bi-national artists. The first event held in Union Hall Gallery was a special pop-up show for Flying Panther Tattoo’s community tattoo artists called “Ruff and Tuff” in December 2023.

New murals in City Heights

City Heights Plaza del Sol, a new affordable housing development in the heart of City Heights, recently welcomed 75 local families into their new homes. The new community results from a partnership between local nonprofits, Wakeland Housing and Development Corporation and Price Philanthropies, who understand that providing much-needed affordable housing and impactful resident services is essential to maintaining a thriving community. To honor the diverse residents of City Heights, including refugees and immigrants from around the world, ArtReach was asked to bring their expertise in directing community-activated mural projects to lead a brand new series of murals on the outside of City Heights Plaza del Sol, centering community participants in every step of the way.

The result is a bold pop of color on the bustling corner of University Ave and Fairmount Ave spanning 6 panels of exquisite and resonant murals, designed by ArtReach Mural Artist Partner Josué Baltézar and painted by over 100 community participants.  The mural imagery throughout these 6 panels features symbolism from Somalian, Ethiopian, Mexican, South East Asian, and Kumeyaay cultures.

NASA awards San Diego Air & Space Museum

NASA is awarding approximately $3.7 million to 17 museums, science centers, and other informal education institutions as part of an initiative to ignite STEM excitement. This includes the San Diego Air & Space Museum in Balboa Park. The money will go toward projects that inspire students and their learning support systems to take an active role in the wonder of science, technology, engineering, and math. The title of the San Diego project is “Imagine the future of Space.”

New exhibitions at MOPA

 The Museum of Photographic Arts at The San Diego Museum of Art(MOPA@SDMA) is welcoming three new exhibitions this spring; two are currently open and the third will open later this month. Renowned photographers such as Berenice Abbott, Martín Chambi, Louise Dahl-Wolfe, Mary Ellen Mark, Arnold Newman, Alison Rossiter, Aaron Siskind, Mike and Doug Starn, and many more are on display in the exhibit, “Picture This: Recent Acquisitions.” In a solo exhibit, Holly Roberts’ work is a symbolic reflection of her life and imperfections in the world which is driven by inner terrors. Opening April 27 is “The Artist Speaks: Cara Romera.”

“Diary of a Wimpy Kid” at Jr. Theatre

San Diego Junior Theatre, the nation’s longest-running youth theatre program, continues its 76th Season with the San Diego Premiere of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical. Based on the beloved books and film series, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical comes to life in this new show filled with clever and catchy songs, plenty of laughter and a relatable tale of growing up that is perfect for families and kids of all ages. Diary of a Wimpy Kid will run Fridays at 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sundays at 2 p.m. from April 26 to May 12, 2024.

Diversionary announces cast of “TL;DR Thelma Louise; Dyke Remix”

Diversionary Theatre announces the world premiere of the new musical TL;DR: Thelma Louise; Dyke Remix, book and lyrics by EllaRose Chary, music and lyrics by Brandon James Gwinn, direction by Sherri Eden Barber, and musical direction by Erika R. Gamez . TL;DR: Thelma Louise; Dyke Remix will begin previews May 9 at Diversionary Theatre in University Heights. For tickets and more information, please visit diversionary.org.

Sara Porkalob (Dragon Mama) returns to the Diversionary Stage as “L.” The cast also features Sophia Araujo-Johnson as “T,” Steph LeHane as “Cubby,” Faith Carrion (Head Over Heels) as “Henrietta,” Lyric Boothe as “Marie,” and MG Green  as “Blazer.”

Kensington film raising money

A melancholy psychological thriller called ‘A Corpse in Kensington’ will feature iconic film star Michael Madsen. The movie will be filmed on location and produced by Kensington resident Justin Burquist. An Indiegogo campaign for ‘A Corpse in Kensington’ will begin April 9th. The team is looking to raise $25,000 to make the movie and expand Madsen’s role.
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/a-corpse-in-kensington-michael-madsen-feature-film/

Government News

Normal Street Promenade put on hold

Hillcrest residents are concerned after more delays from SANDAG surrounding Pride Plaza at the Normal Street Promenade. Hillcrest’s business association contributed $6 million to the project already. Originally, it was promised the outdoor space would be opened in conjunction with San Diego Pride this year.

Asm. Ward introduces bill to help doxxing victims

With the increased usage of social media platforms the act of doxxing, or publishing someone’s private data for the purpose of targeted harassment, has become a popular tactic affecting millions online. Doxxing someone can include highly personal information like phone numbers, home addresses, passwords, medical records, text messages or other sensitive materials without their permission to exact revenge, embarrass, extort, or exploit victims. AB 1979: The Doxing Victims Recourse Act introduced by Assemblyman Chris Ward will provide victims of doxxing the ability to pursue civil action and receive restitution for the harms they endured caused at no fault of their own.

Funding approved for 19 park projects across San Diego

Nineteen park projects in the City of San Diego will receive approximately $15.9 million in capital-improvement funding as part of Mayor Todd Gloria’s Parks for All of Us initiative. The San Diego City Council approved Citywide Park Development Impact Fee (DIF) allocations to support the 19 projects, including land acquisition, improvements to existing parks and new construction.

The funding allocations approved will provide nearly $15.9 million in Citywide Park DIF funds to 19 park projects, with an additional $363,000 in community-based DIF funds. The Citywide Park DIF program was established in August 2021, as part of a long-awaited update to the Parks Master Plan. Previously, DIF funds could be spent only in the communities where the fees were collected.

Federal funds to community college upgrades

The San Diego Community College District (SDCCD) has secured federal funding totaling nearly $2.5 million to finance critical improvements at the San Diego Miramar College public safety training center, new centers supporting student-parents at the San Diego City, Mesa and Continuing Education campuses, and renovation of the restrooms at San Diego College of Continuing Education’s historic Educational Cultural Complex.

Funding was secured through the offices of congress members Sara Jacobs and Juan Vargas.

The largest appropriation, $1,466,279, is earmarked for building family-friendly study centers aimed at supporting student-parents in reaching their educational goals and further contributing to the San Diego economy. In addition to being equipped with a computer lab and study spaces, they will feature a playroom, nursing area, small kitchen, family-friendly restrooms and an outdoor playground.

MTS board approves $243 million capital budget

The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) Board of Directors unanimously approved a $243.3 million capital improvement program budget for Fiscal Year 2025. This is the largest annual capital improvement program budget in the agency’s history.

As part of the agency’s $243.3 million Capital Improvement Program budget, 78% will help maintain bus and rail systems in good condition, followed by facility and construction, rail infrastructure improvements, and other major initiatives. In total, 64 projects will be funded by the Capital Improvement Project. Top funding allocations include:

• $69.5 million – Rail infrastructure improvements and maintenance.

• $58.3 million – 38 new buses including 10 battery-electric and 28 compressed natural gas.

• $38.8 million – Overhead charging infrastructure at each existing division to support conversion to an all-electric bus fleet.

• $21 million – 22 new Trolley vehicles. Funding will be added to the $71.7 million previously funded to replace aging vehicles in the fleet.

• $21.3 million – Trolley and bus facilities maintenance and construction, and construction projects for passenger facilities at transit centers.

The full list of projects can be viewed on the Board of Directors agenda packet (Item 20, p. 254).

City launches Women’s Survey

To advance gender equality and a supportive environment, the City of San Diego’s Commission on the Status of Women is launching a new Women’s Survey. This comprehensive survey, which will be sent out annually, aims to gather valuable insights into the experiences, challenges and aspirations of women in our vibrant communities.

San Diego women are encouraged to participate in this survey to share their valuable perspectives. All responses will be confidential, and participants will remain anonymous. The results will be compiled, analyzed and presented to the public in a comprehensive report.

 The survey is now open and will close on Friday, June 7, 2024. To access the survey, visit datasd.typeform.com/womenandgirls.

City seeks input on ‘Blueprint SD’

The City of San Diego released the second draft of Blueprint SD, which helps guide where more new homes and jobs near transit, parks and services should be located. San Diegans are encouraged to review and provide their feedback on the plan. Blueprint SD updates and creates new policies in the City’s General Plan, which serves as the City’s guiding framework for community plan updates and the long-term future growth and development of the City.

San Diegans will have until the end of April 2024 to comment on the draft plans and the EIR. Once input is received, the City Planning Department will incorporate feedback into the final plans. Those final plans will go through the public hearing process, where community members will have additional opportunities to provide feedback. They will ultimately be presented to the City Council for adoption later this summer.

San Diegans can learn more about these plans and comment by visiting the Blueprint SD webpage, el University Community Plan Update webpage y el Hillcrest Focused Amendment webpage.

Housing & Development

Home creation above average

The County is making progress in addressing the region’s housing shortage and issued permits for more than 1,200 homes last year, according to an update provided to the Board of Supervisors.

 Housing production for the 2023 calendar year exceeded the average needed to meet the County’s housing goals, according to an annual report on the County’s General Plan and Housing Element presented to the Board today, with 68 percent progress made toward achieving San Diego County’s Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) goal.

Big jump in February home sales

Sales of previously owned homes in San Diego County saw a welcome jump in February over the previous month, while sale prices continue their upward trend. Data on the current resale market is compiled by the Asociación de REALTORS® del Gran San Diego (SDAR) through the San Diego Multiple Listing Service (SDMLS).

Single-family home sales in February rose by a healthy 20% compared to January, and sales of attached properties (condominiums and townhomes) leapt up 24%. Sales of all property types were up almost 7% over February of last year, with attached homes leading the charge. The one-year change in homes for sale throughout the county was down only slightly.

 The median price of single-family homes in the county also saw a significant increase in February to just over $1 million, up nearly 7% from January and more than 16% higher than a year ago. Condos and townhomes edged up by 2% to $662,000, an increase of 7% from February of 2023.

Affordable housing opens in City Heights

A new affordable housing community serving City Heights families celebrated an exciting grand opening in March  City Heights Place and City Heights Plaza Del Sol are neighboring buildings and together, provide 135 new single-bedroom, 2- bedroom, and 3-bedroom apartment homes in the heart of City Heights. See mural at top.

Helping Hands

Project Dog Foster

Six members of the San Diego Animal Welfare Coalition have joined in a countywide campaign to find foster homes for the dogs in their care in hopes of solving a common problem: being over capacity. Project Dog Fosters intended to make it easy and fun for the community to step up and help, even if just for a short period of time, no matter where in the county they live. For more information about Project Dog Foster, visit projectdogfoster.org.

Dark Sky Week

DarkSky San Diego County invites everyone to step outside and gaze upward during International Dark Sky Week – a global celebration of the night sky from April 2-8. The event provides a time to reflect upon the importance of reducing light pollution and restoring a more natural night sky, filled with stars.

Light pollution is an urgent environmental threat with sky brightness increasing at a global rate of 9.6% per year, threatening wildlife and ecosystems, impacting human health, wasting money and energy, and blocking out our view of the universe. However, unlike other kinds of pollution, we don’t have to wait for generations to see a change. When bad lighting is corrected, the results are immediate.

Bites for a Better Planet

In honor of Earth Month, seven local businesses across San Diego County are inviting guests to participate in a month-long, Bites for a Better Planet campaign. Each of these establishments is pledging to donate a portion of their sales to Me encanta un san diego limpio whose mission is to create zero waste lifestyles and zero litter across the region through environmental education for youth and adults, providing recycling resources for businesses and residents, and providing impactful volunteer opportunities.

The following establishments have joined hands with I Love A Clean San Diego in this initiative:

• Music Box, a percentage of sales from the month

• The Original 40 Brewing Company, 50% of Patou’s Summer Salads sold

• The Smoking Gun, 25% of Revolver Salads and Smoked Serrano Caesar Salads sold

• George’s at the Cove, a percentage of sales from the month

• Arely’s French Bakery, 10% of Pepperthin Caesar Salads sold

• March and Ash, a percentage of sales from the month

• Spill the Beans, a percentage of sales from the month + $1 for every Cold Brew with Orange Peels sold

Spill the Beans is collaborating with Olivewood Gardens to use their orange peels and infuse them with Spill the Beans Cold Brew. The grounds of the cold brew will then be used at Olivewood Gardens to help fertilize their soil, to create a true full circle process that promotes zero food waste.

Father Joe’s street teams reached 450 people

Father Joe’s Villages, San Diego’s largest homelessness services provider, reached 451 people with its innovative Street Health team that brings healthcare to the streets and helps the organization develop relationships that can help more San Diego neighbors exit homelessness.

The latest “Compassion in Action: Our Neighbors by the Numbers” report includes data on the number of people experiencing homelessness in February. Last month, the organization’s Village Health Center provided care for 1,038 people experiencing homelessness, including 1,269 medical visits, 268 mental health services visits, and 242 density visits.

Since the year started, Father Joe’s Villages has provided behavioral and physical medical care to 1,513 people through 4,488 different encounters. In the fluid situation in San Diego, encampments are even more temporary, making programs like Street Health more necessary than ever.

City Heights Community Development Corporation awarded $3.3 million

The California Air Resources Board has awarded the City Heights Community Development Corporation $3.3 million to develop enhanced bike and pedestrian infrastructure. The work will connect the upcoming Cuatro affordable housing complex to the nearby City Heights Transit Plaza and The Boulevard Transit Plaza. The funding also will support community outreach and engagement.

Hillcrest banners

The Hillcrest Business Association and the San Diego GLBTQ Historic Task Force have announced that they are now accepting nominations for LGBTQA+ San Diegans to be honored on banners to be displayed in the Hillcrest neighborhood. Current Hillcrest banners honor national LGBTQA+ leaders and celebrities provided by the Hillcrest Business Association.

City Commissioner Nicole M. Ramirez, Chair of the San Diego GLBTQ Historic Task Force, presented a proposal that local San Diegans be honored in observation of the 50th anniversary of the first Pride March Parade. Nominees can be either living or deceased and nominations should include a bio and letter stating why the individual should be honored with a Hillcrest banner.

The deadline for nominations is June 10, 2024 and may be emailed to [email protected].

Big achievements

Startup named to Forbes 500 employers

Tendo, a software company committed to creating seamless healthcare experiences for patients, clinicians and caregivers, earned the No. 20 spot on the Forbes ranking of America’s 500 Best Startup Employers 2024.

Founded in 2020 by siblings Dan Goldsmith and Jen Goldsmith, Tendo was started at the height of the pandemic as a remote-only company and quickly focused on the challenge of building new employee connections, deep collaborations, and a strong culture. Tendo has grown to more than 150 employees and continues to expand employee-focused programs. Hybrid working has become a hallmark of working at Tendo. While many companies have returned to the office, Tendo has embraced a model that seamlessly blends remote and in-office work environments and strives to meet employees where they are.

South Park resident named partner at law firm

The law firm of Schwartz Semerdjian is delighted to announce the elevation of John Schena, a South Park resident, and Kristen Bush to named partners, marking a significant milestone for the firm. Effective February 1, 2024, the firm proudly embraces its new identity as Schwartz Semerdjian Cauley Schena & Bush (SSCSB).

John Schena is a seasoned trial attorney with an emphasis on commercial litigation, including fiduciary duty, trade secret, and employment matters. Schena has significant arbitration and trial experience, including first-chairing three jury trials over the last year. He is dedicated the communities in San Diego and Baja and provides expertise to local non-profits.

Forever Balboa Park president and CEO takes new position at Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum

Elizabeth Babcock, president and CEO of Forever Balboa Park, has taken up a new position as the founding director of the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum in Washington, D.C. She will continue with Foreverl Balboa Park through April 2024.

Upon Babcock’s departure and until a new president and CEO is named, Forever Balboa Park will be led by two senior staff who will serve as interim co-CEOs: Jackie Higgins, currently VP of planning, and Phillip Sammuli, VP of institutional advancement.

“Elizabeth was able to harness the energy of our trustees, volunteers, donors, members, and staff and establish the foundational elements for our organization to thrive,” said Doug Kerner, chair of Forever Balboa Park Board of Trustees.

Six local breweries win gold at 2024 Brewers Cup of California

Six San Diego County craft breweries on Wednesday won a total of nine Gold Medals at the 2024 Brewers Cup of California, the fourth-annual statewide brewing competition put on by The Sacramento Area Brewers Guild, in partnership with other brewers guilds of the State. Pizza Port Brewing Company won a San Diego-best four Gold Medals and six overall, including two Silver Medals.

 San Diego breweries won 26 medals overall, a total that includes 12 Silver and five Bronze. North Park’s TapRoom Beer Company ranked second among locals with four medals, including three Silver and one Bronze.

Bay City Brewing strikes deal with Karl Strauss

Bay City Brewing Co., a leading craft brewery based in San Diego, California just announced a new distribution agreement with Karl Strauss Brewing Company, a pioneering force in the San Diego craft beer scene.

With this new deal, Bay City Brewing is set to broaden its horizons beyond San Diego, targeting expansion into key Southern California markets including Orange County, Los Angeles, and the Inland Empire. This strategic move will introduce Bay City’s acclaimed beers to a wider audience, making them available off-premise in major grocery stores, thanks to the extensive distribution network offered by Karl Strauss. Bay City brews will start to appear on grocery store shelves and in restaurants throughout Southern California in April.