• Summer Shakespeare Festival
• Free Horton Plaza Walks & Tours
• International Summer Organ Festival
• Open House at New School of Architecture & Design (NSAD)
• Americans Finest City (AFC) .5 Marathon Ends in Balboa Park Again
• Bill Walton to Speak on Clean Energy
• Work to Start on Quiet Zone
• Films Under the Stars in the Park
• Midnight Madness Fun Bicycle Ride
• East Village Evolution Padres Block Parties (EVEPBP)
• Maya Indie Film Series (MIFS)
• Art of Photography at the Lyceum
• Tour Five Cities on a Bicycle Fun Ride
• Taxpayers Association Holds Forum on Fire Safety

• Taste of Downtown
• Art San Diego at the Hilton Bayfront
• Festival of Sail (FOS) Returns to the Bay
• Stickball in Little Italy
• Timken Museum Gallery Talk
• Hispanic Business Showcase (HBS)
• San Diego Music Awards
• Fleet Week Returns
• Friends of San Diego Architecture Returns for 2010-2011
• Family Storytelling at the Timken Museum
• ArtWalk on the Bay
• Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Fundraiser
• 50-Mile MS Challenge Walk

• Annual Light the Night Against Crime

• Study Says Petco Park Stimulates Area Economy
• Padres to Offer Free Online Game Broadcasts
• Parkside Apartments Receive Green Certification
• Bridge Lighting Moves Forward
• Downtown Homeless Intake Center Plan Advances
• City Receives Grant to Deal With Terrorist Attacks and Disasters
• Construction Starts on New Downtown Library

• Little Italy Association Meeting
• Lunch & Learn Series
• Coffee with CCDC
• Horizons Downtown Book Club
• Critical Mass Monthly Bicycle Ride
• Police Captain's Community Outreach Meeting

• Monthly Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) Free Period & Tours
• Sofia Hotel Downtown Walking Tours
• CCDC Downtown Bus Tours

Free Horton Plaza Walks & Tours

Through the end of August Horton Plaza will be hosting free tours and walks thru the facility on Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons.   Each Friday at 7pm there will be a guided photography walk highlighting Horton Plaza's architecture.   Each Saturday at 1pm and 3pm there will be docent-led walking tours of the public art and history of the Plaza.   Space is limited and reservations are required via email hortonplaza@westfield.com.

Open House at New School of Architecture & Design (NSAD)

This is an excellent opportunity to explore the possibility of becoming an architect or designer.    This event will allow you to:

• Tour studio spaces and campus
• Connect with faculty, staff, students, and architects and designers
• Obtain information about their new programs including Bachelor of Science in Digital Media Arts, Bachelor of Science in Construction Management, and Master of Landscape Architecture
• Learn how NSAD integrates professional trends and sustainable design into the curriculum

The open house will be held on Saturday 14 August from 10am to 1pm at the school campus, 1249 F Street.   Reservations are required www.newschoolsandiego.com/openhouse/email/images/rsvp / (800) 490-7081.

Americans Finest City (AFC) .5 Marathon Ends in Balboa Park

The 33rd Annual AFC .5 Marathon will start 7am on Sunday 15 August at the Cabrillo National Monument at the tip of Point Loma.   It then follows San Diego Bay and Harbor Island along the Embarcadero to the Star of India, winds through downtown and ends in Balboa Park.  The race is limited to 8,000 entrants.   There is also a 5-kilometer AFC run/walk that day that has a limit of 1,500 entrants.   The 5K is run completely within Balboa Park and starts at 6:45am.  For additional information www.afchalf.com.

International Summer Organ Festival

Every Monday thru the end of August The International Summer Organ Festival is celebrating 22 years of organ music under the stars in Balboa Park.  These free outdoor concerts are held on Monday evenings at 7:30pm onstage at the grand Spreckels Organ Pavilion.   Enjoy the world’s largest outdoor pipe organ played by world-renowned concert and theater organists.  The scheduled artists for the remainder of the festival:

• 16 August – Keenan Boswell & Nicole Cochran–two rising American stars of the pipe organ
• 23 August – Movie Night with Dennis James–a silent movie event under the stars
• 30 August -- Carol Williams–Jazz Night with guest trombonist Dave Scott and other San Diego jazz musician

For further information 702-8138 / www.sosorgan.com.

Bill Walton to Speak on Clean Energy

Basketball great Bill Walton who is now the executive chairman of Connect’s San Diego Sport Innovators (SDSI) will be the featured speaker at the Tuesday 17 August meeting of the Green Chamber of San Diego County.  The meeting topic will be San Diego as a hub for energy efficiency, clean energy and solar power.  The meeting will take place from 6pm to 9pm at the Hotel Solamar, 435 Sixth Avenue.  Fees in advance are members $10, nonmembers $15.  At the door the fee is $20.   To purchase tickets or for more information www.greenchambersd.com.

Work to Start on Quiet Zone

After a long hard battle the construction of the country's largest railroad quiet zone was approved by the City Council on Tuesday 22 June.   The next step in the process will occur on Thursday 19 August at 1030am as the quiet zone groundbreaking ceremony will take place.   It will be located at the triangle park in front of the Hilton Gaslamp hotel on the MLK Promenade at Fourth Avenue and K Street.    I think we can expect to see most of the city council there as well as Mayor Jerry Sanders and CCDC's upper staff.   For additional information www.ccdc.com.

Films Under the Stars in the Park

Pack a picnic, grab a blanket, and bring your friends is the motto of Screen on the Green, the ten-year-old free outdoor film festival in Balboa Park run by the San Diego Museum of Art.   This summer's final film screening-- Moulin Rouge, (1952)--will take place on Friday 20 August at sunset in the heart of the Park on the East Lawn of the Museum.   There are usually close to one thousand people for each presentation so getting there early is advisable.   For additional information www.sdmart.org/programs-events/film.

Midnight Madness Fun Bicycle Ride

The 37th Annual Midnight Madness Bicycle Ride will start on Saturday 21 August starting and end at 3am the following morning.   The actual event starts at 8pm but the ride does not begin until midnight.  In additional to the midnight bicycle ride there will be a costume contest and a light the bike contest.  The ride will begin at the County Administration Building at 1600 Pacific Highway.  The downtown portion of the route includes Harbor Drive, Market Street and Kettner Boulevard.   Estimated attendance is 2,000.  For more information www.sandiegomidnightmadness.com.

East Village Evolution Padres Block Parties (EVEPBP)

The East Village Association and the Padres will partner for EVEPBPs on Fridays 27 August & 10 September from 4:30pm to 7pm on J Street between 7th and 9th Avenue.  Attendees will be able to experience culinary samples by purchasing tickets to a mini tasting area within the event.   There will be a stage with live music and entertainment, and an interactive "adult kid" zone where adults will have the opportunity to participate in interactive activities such as batter up, fast pitch, and other challenging games.  At each event a different retired Padre will be on-site to sign autographs so bring your favorite Padre souvenir to get it signed.   On 27 August the Padres host the Philadelphia Phillies and on 10 September they host the San Francisco Giants both games starting at 7:05pm at Petco Park.  Admission to the block party is free.  You must be 21 and have a valid ID to enter.  For more information www.eastvillagesandiego.com / www.mcfarlanepromotions.com/MP08/upcoming/upcoming.html / 233-5008.

Maya Indie Film Series (MIFS)

This independent film series has a particular focus on culturally diverse cinema.  This will be the second annual MIFS.   It will feature an international roster of emerging Latino indie filmmakers in seven movies.   San Diego is one stop on a eight-city tour.   The series will run from Friday 27 August thru Thursday 2 September at the Gaslamp All Stadium 15 theater, 701 Fifth Avenue (corner G Street) 232-0400.    For additional information www.mayaindieseries.com.

Art of Photography at the Lyceum

The Art of Photography Show is an international juried exhibition of photographic art which will take place Saturday 28 August through Sunday 7 November at the Lyceum Theatre Gallery located at the North end of Horton Plaza.  The Opening Reception Gala will be on Saturday 28 August from 6pm to 10pm.   The judge for this year is Natasha Egan who is Associate Director and Curator at the Museum of Contemporary Photography in Chicago.   For further information www.artofphotographyshow.com.

Tour Five Cities on a Bicycle Fun Ride

On Sunday 29 August the annual Ride the Bridge-Bike the Bay fun bicycle ride will take place.   This is an updated version of the Five Cities Bicycle Ride of the early 1980s.   This is not a race and it is a fairly easy course of 25 miles that follows the bay and is generally flat except for crossing the Coronado Bay Bridge.   The ride goes through in order:

• San Diego
• Coronado
• Imperial Beach
• Chula Vista
• National City
• San Diego

The ride starts and ends at the Embarcadero Marine Park South beginning at 6:30am.   The park will be set up with a festive celebration after the ride to include food, entertainment and a Karl Strauss beer garden.   For additional information www.bikethebay.net/rideinfo.html.

Taxpayers Association Holds Forum on Fire Safety

The San Diego County Taxpayers Association will sponsor a Tuesday 31 August forum on San Diego County fire safety from 7:30 to 9am at the Holiday Inn—On the Bay, 1335 North Harbor Drive.   Panelists will include:

• Erik Bruvold, president of the National University System Institute for Policy Research
• Stewart Gary, Citygate Associates
• Augie Ghio, president of the San Diego County Fire Chiefs Association
• County Supervisor Dianne Jacob
• Javier Mainar, chief of the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department
• Gene Cubbison of NBC San Diego will be moderator.

Admission is $35 for members and $45 for nonmembers.  For more information 234-6423.

September Event's Details

Taste of Downtown

Explore San Diego’s downtown cuisine at the annual Taste of Downtown on Wednesday 1 September from 5pm to 9pm.  This year there will be over 60 restaurants in the Gaslamp Quarter, Financial District, East Village and Little Italy involved in the event.  Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 on the day of the event and proceeds will benefit the Downtown San Diego Partnership who continues to promote and enhance the Downtown District.  This year’s event will once again offer complimentary shuttle service which will take you to and from each neighborhood.  The Taste of Downtown has sold out the past eight years and tickets are limited so purchase early.  For tickets or information please call McFarlane Promotions at 233-5008 / www.mcfarlanepromotions.com / www.dtsd.org.

Art San Diego at the Hilton Bayfront

The Art San Diego annual fair will be held this year from Thursday 2 thru Sunday 5 September at the Hilton Bayfront Hotel adjacent to the convention center.   There will be more than 50 galleries to include:

• paintings
• sculptures
• drawings
• prints
• photographs
• videos
• multimedia artworks.

The fair also includes:

• opening night party
• guest speakers
• brand displays
• city-wide cultural programs
• wine and food events.

For further information www.artsandiego-fair.com.

Festival of Sail (FOS) Returns to the Bay

The FOS is an annual San Diego Bay event.  It is held over Labor Day weekend and starts with Cannon fire to salute the entrance of the tall ships from all over the world at 11am on Thursday 2 September as they parade around San Diego Bay passing by:

• Harbor Island
• Shelter Island
• Seaport Village
• Coronado Bay Bridge

The parade ends up at the Maritime Museum's docks downtown.   The five-day event includes live entertainment from a variety of genres including:

• sea chanteys
• contemporary rock
• mariachi
• steel drum bands
• local community groups

Additional activities include:

• a petting zoo where children can get up close and pet a variety of animals
• cruises on San Diego Bay
• cannon battles
• sailing on racing yachts
• over 150 arts and craft vendors
• food vendors
• interaction with pirates
• sail a tall ship into battle (Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Monday only)
• Cruises on the 1914 Pilot Boat
• Cruise the bay on America's Cup boats

The FOS will end on Labor Day.   For further information www.sdmaritime.org/festival-of-sail.

Stickball in Little Italy

Little Italy San Diego is considered by many to be the home of stickball on the west coast.  Players of all ages come to partake in the urban sport that was originally derived from New York City.  Legend has it that one of the greatest baseball player of all times, Willie May, homed his skills by playing stickball in the street.   Stickball emulates baseball, but is played in the street – in this case, on Columbia Street, between Ash and Cedar.  Buildings, curbs, parking meters, signs and balconies are all playable in fair territory.  Bronx rules are applied; no gloves allowed, the batter pitches to himself, and he gets one swing of the stick to hit the rubber ball.   In addition to league play, which takes place the first Sunday each month from February through June, Little Italy plays host to a pair of annual stickball tournaments.   Labor Day weekend is a 3 day event beginning each day at 10am and usually ending about 2pm.   It will be played starting on Saturday 4 September and ending on Monday 6 September with teams from New York, New Jersey, Florida and Puerto Rico battling against local teams.  The Festa tournament, held the Sunday of Columbus Day weekend, brings together the best stickball teams on the West Coast.   For further information www.littleitalysd.com.

Timken Museum Gallery Talk

On Thursday 9 September at 12:30pm there will be a free lecture at the Timken Museum in Balboa Park.   The subject will be "Something Old is New Again-interpreting art through fashion."   The speaker will be Patricia O'Connor, founder / CEO Fashion Careers College.   For information or reservations www.timkenmuseum.org.

Hispanic Business Showcase (HBS)

The HBS will be held on Friday 10 & Saturday 11 September San Diego Convention Center. It is a business and technology expo where you will have the opportunity to tour the showcase of new items in the field of business technology.   In addition to the expo there will be seminars on various subjects in the area of business technology.   Registration is required but is free for the expo.   For additional information or to register www.hbshowcase.com.

San Diego Music Awards

The 20th annual San Diego Music Awards, a fundraiser for the San Diego Music Foundation, will take place on Sunday 12 September at 7pm at Humphreys by the Bay. Nomination categories include:

• Album of the Year
• Artist of the Year
• Best New Artist
• Best Performance (in each music category)
• Best Album (in each music category)

There will be live performances from some of San Diego’s emerging and established artists at the event.    Online voting for nominees in each of the genre categories is open to the public and will be conducted through Friday 20 August via the official event Internet site at www.sandiegomusicawards.com.  Tickets may also be purchased online.  Proceeds from the event will be donated to the San Diego Music Foundation’s Taylor Guitars for Schools, which has provided more than 1,500 guitars to 65 elementary schools in San Diego County which include guitar in their music curriculum.

Annual Fleet Week Returns

Over two weeks of events will mark this year’s Fleet Week celebration that honors the men and women of the US armed services. A new free event has been added — the Port of San Diego Fleet Week Big Bay Family Festival Saturday & Sunday 18 & 19 September at the B Street Cruise Terminal. This event will feature ship tours, military static displays, in-water demonstrations, live music, a beer garden and a children’s fun zone. Tentatively scheduled ships available for tour are the USS Curtis, USS Pinckney and the new high-tech littoral combat ship the USS Freedom.

One of the main events of the celebration is the Coronado Speed Festival, a full weekend of activities and family fun Saturday & Sunday 25 & 26 September. Naval Air Station North Island throws its gates open to visitors to get a glimpse of a working US Navy base. Coronado Speed Festival features auto races on a live US Navy runway, flyovers, naval ship and air demonstrations and ship tours. Military admission and under 13 are free.

Major Fleet Week events include:

• Operation Liberty Call: Friday 17 September 4-9pm, Dick’s Last Resort

• Big Bay Family Festival: Saturday & Sunday 18 & 19 September 10am-4pm, B Street Cruise Terminal

• Enlisted Recognition Luncheon: Tuesday 21 September 11:45am-1:30pm, Sea World

• Coronado Speed Festival Car Parade: Thursday 23 September 4:30pm, Rotary Park

• MCRD Boot Camp Challenge: Saturday 25 September, 9am, MCRD

• Coronado Speed Festival: Saturday and Sunday 25 & 26 September, Naval Air Station North Island

• Navy Open House: Saturday and Sunday 25 & 26 September 10am-4pm, Naval Air Station North Island

• All-Enlisted Golf Tournament: Tuesday 28 September 11am, Admiral Baker Golf Course

• MCAS Miramar Air Show: Friday-Sunday 1-3 October, gates open 8am daily, MCAS Miramar.

For further information and a full listing of the activities www.fleetweeksandiego.org.

Friends of San Diego Architecture Returns for 2010-2011

The eight monthly free Speaking of Architecture lectures are back for the new series.   They are held the third Saturday each month--except for June, July, August and December--at the New School of Architecture & Design, 1249 F Street at 9:30am.    The opening lecture for the new season has not been announced but the information can be found at friendsofsdarch.com.

Family Storytelling at the Timken Museum

Bring the children to the Timken's Family Storytelling on Saturday 18 September at 11am and hopefully watch their eyes light up when professional storyteller Harlynne Geisler weaves tales inspired by the Art of Fashion exhibition at the museum.  Children should be captivated by the lively stories as they sit surrounded by the colorful and imaginative costumes on special display at the museum.  Suitable for children ages 5 and up.  Free admission but seating is limited.   Further information www.timkinmuseum.org.

ArtWalk on the Bay

This annual event has moved from the North Marina Park to the Park adjacent to the Hilton Bayfront Hotel.   The event will be conducted from 10am-5pm on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 September.   For more information www.artwalkonthebay.org.

Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Fundraiser

The San Diego RMHC will hold its first Red Shoe Day fundraiser on Tuesday 21 September from 6 to 9pm and are seeking 2,000 volunteers to gather donations at 250 designated locations throughout San Diego County. The fundraiser is to benefit families in medical crisis at the house.  Working in teams, the volunteers will collect donations in size 14 red boots that were made especially for the occasion and donated by Carlsbad’s Phoenix Footwear.   Volunteers will receive red T-shirts to wear for the event and be asked to attend a one-hour orientation at a time convenient to them prior to the event.  This is an opportunity to support the lodging and care programs at the new Ronald McDonald House and Family Care Center.  To volunteer as an individual, business or group redshoeday@rmhcsd.org / (858) 598-2456 / rmhcsd.org/redshoeday.html.

50-Mile MS Challenge Walk

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Pacific South Coast chapter will conduct a walk of 50 miles over three days during its ninth annual Southern California Challenge Walk for MS.   It will be from the flower fields of Carlsbad to Downtown San Diego from Friday 24 September to Sunday 26 September.  This fundraiser has a goal of raising $1.2million for MS research and programs and services for those living with MS, a chronic, unpredictable and disabling disease of the central nervous system with no known cause, cure or prevention.  Last year’s Challenge Walk featured almost 300 walkers who helped raise $867,000.  The minimum donation required to walk is $2,500 per person, which includes overnight hotel accommodations, meals and entertainment.  Registration and additional information is available at www.mymschallenge.com / (800) 486-6762.

October's Events Details

Annual Light the Night Against Crime

At 7pm on Saturday 23 October San Diego County Crime Stoppers will host its 24th Annual Light the Night Against Crime 5k Run/Walk at Balboa Park.  This is a family-friendly evening featuring a costume contest, band, expo with law enforcement displays & demonstrations and additional pre- and post-race festivities.  Proceeds benefit San Diego County Crime Stopper's Felony Crime Reward Fund and its community education program.   The 5k walk/run is on a flat course.  To register or more information www.sdcrimestoppers.com.

Downtown News of the Day

Study Says Petco Park Stimulates Area Economy

The development of Petco Park exceeded the city’s expectations on job creation, sales tax revenue, private investment, increased property values, hotel rooms, commercial space, housing units and property taxes, according to an economic impact study released by the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corp. (EDC).  The city and Centre City Development Corp. (CCDC) have seen a direct payback in terms of tax revenues from the ballpark and ancillary development, the study said.  Both have leveraged their investment into more than $1.6billion in private investment, or $5 for each $1 of public investment, according to the study.  The study was done by CSL International, which was commissioned to do the study by the EDC.   There is controversy involved with the report as some say that most of the economic impact would have occurred without the ballpark as a result of the housing boom that took place in the area at the same time and had little or nothing to do with the stadium.

Padres to Offer Free Online Game Broadcasts

The Padres will make five games that are not scheduled for TV broadcast available online at no charge to fans living in the San Diego area. The live video stream will be available exclusively on www.padres.com,  In order to gain access to the free live video stream you will be required to complete a registration form and validate your location.  The stream will feature video and play-by-play from the opposing team’s TV broadcast.   The games in question:

• Wednesday 18 August 11:20am  at Chicago Cubs
• Thursday 19 August 11:20am  at Chicago Cubs
• Thursday 26 August 3:35pm  at SD vs. Arizona
• Wednesday 1 September 3:10pm  at Arizona
• Wednesday 15 September 12.10pm  at Colorado.

Parkside Apartments Receive Green Certification

Parkside, an affordable rental housing development on the south side of Island Avenue between 13th and 14th Streets has been awarded Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design  (LEED) Platinum certification by the United States Green Building Council for achievement in green homebuilding and design — the highest level of certification possible.   Parkside is the first affordable housing development in San Diego that has been certified LEED Platinum.   Parkside offers 77 new apartments for families and individuals earning 50-60 percent of Area Median Income ($41,300 for a family of four in 2009).   Wakeland Housing and Development Corporation developed the apartment homes with public financial support from Centre City Development Corporation (CCDC) working on behalf of the city of San Diego Redevelopment Agency.

Bridge Lighting Moves Forward

In April 2008 the Port released a call for artists seeking qualifications of artist-led teams interested in developing environmentally-friendly lighting concept proposals for the San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge.   A selection panel comprised of experts in the fields of art, architecture, lighting and green energy selected three teams as finalists.  The three teams were selected based on their aesthetic vision, expertise in large-scale lighting projects and commitment to energy conservation.  They were:

• Bideau Company of Ballan-Mire, France
• Peter Fink team of London, United Kingdom
• Ned Kahn/Patrick McInerney Associates /ARUP of California.

At the end of July 2010 the decision was make to go with the Peter Fink team from the UK.   The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has jurisdiction over the 2.12-mile bridge.   The UK team's winning proposal will light the bridge deck and the pillars below the deck with power that is provided by wind turbines.   The color of the lights will change during a normal period of time.   The Port’s public art program is funding phase one of the project, which included selecting the artist-led team from the UK.   The preliminary cost estimate of the project is between $4 & $5million which will be obtained through private sources, grants and fund raising.   Once funding is in place a feasibility study on the project will be next.   The San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge Lighting project is a partnership between the Port of San Diego and Caltrans.   The intent of the project is to create a signature artwork that illuminates the gently curving bridge.   The project is geared to be a green project with energy-saving elements and sustainable materials.   For additional information www.portofsandiego.org/portals/san-diego-coronado-bay-bridge-lighting.html.

Downtown Homeless Intake Center Plan Advances

A proposal to convert the 14-story World Trade Center Building at 1250 Sixth Avenue (Southwest corner of A Street) into a permanent homeless intake center has received the endorsement of the City Council’s Land Use & Housing Committee and now heads to the City Council for a decision.  The committee recommends that the council authorize the city Redevelopment Agency to enter into exclusive negotiations with a developer for the development and operation of the "one-stop" homeless center.  A citizens selection committee has recommended the conversion be done by Connections Housing, a partnership comprised of:

• Los Angeles-based People Assisting the Homeless (PATH)
• Affirmed Housing Group (local developer)
• Family Health Centers of San Diego.

The proposal calls for converting the city-owned building into a facility that would house up to 225 homeless people and provide comprehensive rehabilitation services ranging from medical services to substance abuse treatment.  City Attorney Jan Goldsmith said the project could help the city reach a legal settlement to lift a 2006 court injunction preventing police from issuing illegal lodging tickets to homeless people for sleeping on sidewalks, doorways and vacant lots.

City Receives Grant to Deal With Terrorist Attacks and Disasters

The city of San Diego will receive a $16million federal grant to help the region respond to a terrorist attack or other disaster.  Mayor Jerry Sanders said the city will use the money for a variety of projects such as strengthening the region’s emergency communications network and improving the area’s ability to respond to a chemical or biological attack.  The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced that dozens of cities around the country will receive funding under the federal Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) Program.  Including the $16million San Diego will have received nearly $108 million in UASI grants since 2003.  That money has been spent on many items including:

• Creating a regional back-up emergency communication system
• Equipping emergency and law-enforcement personnel with the latest in protective gear
• Surveillance technology.

Construction Starts on New Downtown Library

The city of San Diego broke ground Wednesday 28 July on a new state-of-the-art central library downtown.  It will be in the block bounded by J & K Streets and 11th Avenue and Park Blvd.  The main entrance will be at the corner of K and Park.  This is a $185 million project that will be built without any money from the city’s operating budget.  Mayor Jerry Sanders led the groundbreaking ceremony.   Joining him were Joan and Irwin Jacobs, who have pledged $20 million toward the project, and dozens of other public figures and dignitaries.   Money for the project comes from several sources:

• $80 million in redevelopment money
• $20 million state library grant
• $20 million from the San Diego Unified  School District, which will use two floors for a school
• $65 million in private donations (of which more than $30 million has already been raised).

The nine-story building—scheduled to open in 2013—will be a new regional center for learning and literacy.  It will have:

• 400 PCs for public use
• free Wi-Fi access
• a cafe
• multiple community gathering spaces for a variety of events
• a charter High School
• underground parking.

At 295,000 square feet it will be more than twice the size of the current central library.   An additional 76,000-plus square feet will be used for the charter school that will occupy the building's sixth and seventh floors.  An additional 129,000 square feet will be used for underground parking.  For additional information www.ccdc.com.

Recurring Events

Little Italy Association Meeting

The Little Italy Association Board of Directors’ Meetings are open to the public.  They discuss the Little Italy Association's general business, upcoming events and downtown issues.  This monthly meeting is usually held on the first Tuesday at Our Lady of the Rosary Parish Hall, 1654 State Street, from 8:30am-10am.    The next meeting will be on Tuesday 3 August.   For more information www.littleitalysd.com/events.asp.

Lunch & Learn Series

The Downtown Sound Bites Speaker Series is held on the first Tuesday of every month from noon-1pm at the Sheila Hardin Downtown Information Center (DIC) in Horton Plaza.  The DIC is located just above the CVS drug store between Victoria's Secret and Sam Goody's.  You are asked to bring your own lunch to this free event and then listen and learn from a variety of interesting speakers all of whom will approach issues that are important to downtown's future.  A question and answer period will follow each presentation. The event sponsor is CCDC and further information can be found at www.ccdc.com.  The next scheduled event in the series is on Tuesday 3 August and the featured speaker is to be determined.

Coffee with CCDC

The bi-monthly event that toggles between Thursday evening and Friday morning will resume on Friday 6 August at 8am at the Sheila Hardin Downtown Information Center in Horton Plaza.   It is a good chance to learn what is happening with the redevelopment agency arm of the City of San Diego.   It is held in all even numbered months.   For more information www.ccdc.com.

Horizons Downtown Book Club

The Horizons Downtown Book Club will meet on Monday 20 September.   The Club is taking a Summer break with the last meeting having been in May.   The book to be discussed is  to be determined.  Everyone is welcome to the book club to facilitate a lively discussion.  It meets in the Horizons South Tower Lounge, 510 First Avenue, at 7:30pm.  It usually meets the third Monday of each month.  For additional information Heather Forward, hhumblef@aol.com / Pat Getzel pbgetzel@cox.net.

Critical Mass Monthly Bicycle Ride

San Diego Critical Mass is a loosely affiliated group of over 700 bicycle riders that take over San Diego streets and public rights of way to conduct a group bike ride on the last Friday of every month. The group meets at the large fountain in Balboa Park in front of the Ruben H. Fleet Theatre / Science Center and the National History Museum at 7pm and participants should be prepared for up to 20 miles of riding. The ride may go in any direction from the fountain but usually goes through downtown. The next ride will be on Friday 30 July followed by Friday  27 August.    Additional information at www.sdcriticalmass.com.

Police Captain's Community Outreach Meeting

The Commander of the San Diego Police Department's (SDPD) Central Division, Captain Mark Jones, holds a bimonthly meeting with the public to address problems and provide information on what the division is doing to keep us safe.   The meeting is usually well attended and lasts about one and a half hours.   The meeting is always on the fourth Tuesday of each odd numbered month at 5:30pm at the SDPD's Central Division Headquarters, 2501 Imperial Avenue.   For additional information www.sandiego.gov/police/neighborhood/ccm.shtml.

Free Downtown Tours

Monthly Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) Free Period & Tours

On the third Thursday each month the MCA, 1100 Kettner Blvd, will open its doors from 5-7pm to the public to allow free admission.  Visitors can browse anywhere in the museum on their own or join an organized tour that will begin at 5pm and 6pm.  For additional information (858)454-3541 / www.mcasd.org.

Sofia Hotel Downtown Walking Tours

Each Saturday and Sunday the Sofia Hotel offers complimentary guided two mile walking tours of downtown that include the Gaslamp Quarter and the bay front area. The tours are open to all and not just guests of the hotel.  No reservations are needed and the tours leave from the lobby of the hotel at 9am.  The Sofia Hotel is at 150 West Broadway at the corner of Front Street.  For additional information 234-9200.

CCDC Downtown Bus Tours

Free Downtown bus tours offer close-up views of downtown's unique neighborhoods and highlight recently completed and upcoming new projects.  All tours begin at the Sheila Hardin Downtown Information Center, 193 Horton Plaza, just above the CVS drug store between Victoria's Secret and Sam Goody's.  Reservations are required, please call 235-2222 for reservations or further information.

Masthead

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