By SDCNN Staff

The Hillcrest Business Association elected eight board members at its annual elections, held Oct. 11 at the H20 Sushi and Izakaya restaurant.

More than 80 people attended the event, including HBA members, local business owners and several public officials.

HBA executive director Benjamin Nicholls greeted guests with a brief message about the association’s purpose of serving the Hillcrest business community.

California Assembly Speaker Emeritus Toni G. Atkins and District 3 Councilmember-elect Chris Ward also addressed the gathering, with each politician vowing to continue to work on behalf of the Hillcrest community.

HBA president Tami Daiber gave a brief speech, explaining the organization’s work, from presenting community events such as Nightmare on Normal Street and CityFest to beautification efforts such as sidewalk cleaning.

Meanwhile, the voting was being tabulated by a trio led by Elizabeth Studebaker, neighborhood investment manager for the city of San Diego.

Guests were served trays of food featuring items on the H20 menu, including sushi rolls and appetizers. After the ballots were counted, Nicholls announced the following business members were elected/re-elected to the board:

• Jessica Baro, of Fiesta Cantina
• Jeff Jackson, of Flicks
• Pete Katz, of Katz Real Estate
• Brian Lovering, of Adam & Eve
• Cecelia Moreno, of Crest Cafe
• Maggie Roland, of M. Roland and Associates
• Paul Smith, of The Merrow
• Glenn Younger, of Grah Security

Almost immediately after the election results were announced, HBA member David Lundin challenged the vote. He was standing for election to the board, and has a history of questioning the voting process of HBA annual elections.

Lundin is the owner of two University Avenue businesses, T-Deli and Brick, and president and creative director of Son Appareil Photography. He emailed Nicholls, Studebaker, local media and politicians, outlining his concerns. Among his allegations is that the HBA staff aggressively solicited ballots to ensure the outcome of the elections.