In This Issue

Ticket Giveaway

Calendar of Events 

December Details

• Zoo Extends Hours for Holidays
• Dedication of New Power System by the Port
• Gaslamp Quarter Holiday Pet Parade
• 39th Boat Parade of Holiday Lights on the Bay
• Battle of Bartenders for a Good Cause
• Downtown Residents Group Quarterly Meeting
• New Gaslamp Quarter Monthly Self-guided Tour
• Convention Center Expansion Meeting
• Opening of New Cruise Ship Terminal
• Annual Battle of the Bands in the Gaslamp Quarter
• Run Kicks Off Balloon Parade 
• Annual Balloon Parade
• Family Day At The Maritime Museum
• No Snow No Problem For This Snowmobile

January Details

• Friends Of San Diego Architecture (FSDA) Speaking of Architecture
• Multicultural Festival
• Joan Rivers At Balboa Theatre
• Horizons' Book Club
• Walk San Diego Luncheon

February Details

• Wear Red For Women Day
• Naval Aviation 100 Years Old
• Friends of San Diego Architecture (FSDA) Speaking of Architecture

March Details

Rita Rudner At The Balboa Theatre

Fat Tuesday In The Gaslamp Quarter

Green Day In The Gaslamp Quarter

Downtown News of the Day

New Firefighting Boats In House

Illegal Lodging May Now Be Enforceable

Lifting of CCDC Cap Opposed By Some

Chicago Title Building Sold Again

Port Completes Shore Power Hookup

Cartridge Refiller Opens On Broadway

Incoming Downtown Partnership President

Recurring Events

·  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

·  Athenaeum Jacobs Mini-Concerts

·  Monthly Discussion Group

Free Downtown Tours

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

·  Sofia Hotel Downtown Walking Tours

·  CCDC Downtown Bus Tours

Masthead

Ticket Giveaway

This publication is giving away several pairs of general admission tickets to San Diego's largest Fat Tuesday party, Mardi Gras on Tuesday 8 March.   To enter the drawing for tickets you must be a subscriber to this publication and send an email message to the editor, stan@gaslampquarter.org, with Mardi Gras ticket drawing as the subject.   Deadline to enter is Monday 28 February.  The winners must pickup the tickets in downtown San Diego.   The tickets will be provided by San Diego's premier event coordinator, McFarlane Promotions, www.mcfarlanepromotions.com, 656 Fifth Avenue suite B, in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter.

Calendar of Events

* Indicates that this event is not covered in more detail in this publication.

December

11 Sat Zoo extended hours, San Diego Zoo, www.sandiego.org, to 8pm

11 Sat Dedication of cruise ship shore power supply, B Street pier, www.portofsandiego.org, 2pm

12 Sun Pet Parade, starts 4th Avenue & K Street, www.gaslamp.org/pet-parade, 3pm

12 Sun Boat Parade of Lights, San Diego Bay, sdparadeoflights.org, 5:30-9pm

13 Mon Battle of Bartenders, Hard Rock Café, www.sandiegospiritsfestival.com, 8pm – 11pm

14 Tue Downtown Residents Group Quarterly Open Meeting, Royal India, 329 Market Street, www.sddrg.org, 5:30-7pm

15 Wed Gaslamp Quarter Locals Lifestyle & Design Tour, start William Heath Davis House Museum, 410 Island Avenue, www.gaslamp.org, 5-8pm

16 Thu Museum of Contemporary Art free period, 1100 Kettner Blvd, (858)454-3541 / www.mcasd.org, 5-7pm

16 Thu East Village Community Action Network, East Village Community Church, 1374 Island Avenue, evcan.net, 5:30pm-7pm *

16 Thu Convention Center expansion meeting, Convention Center room 33, www.portofsandiego.org, 6-8pm

18 Sat Opening of new Port Pavilion (cruise ship terminal), Broadway pier, www.portofsandiego.org, 10am-6pm dedication 4pm

19 Sun Boat Parade of Lights, San Diego Bay, sdparadeoflights.org, 5:30-9pm

21 Tue Battle of the Bands, 5th Avenue Gaslamp Quarter, www.gaslamp.org/battle-of-the-bands

30 Thu Bumble Bee 5k Run, Harbor Drive at Ash Street, www.kozenterprises.com/running/bumbledf84.htm / (858)-268-1250, 9:45am

30 Thu Balloon Parade, North Harbor Drive downtown, www.holidaybowl.com, 10am

30 Thu Family Day, Maritime Museum, www.sdmaritime.org, 11am-3pm

30 Thu-2 Sun International Auto Show, Convention Center, www.sdautoshow.com *

31 Fri Critical Mass Bicycle Ride, large fountain Balboa Park, www.sdcriticalmass.com, 7pm

31 Fri Snowmobile Jump, Marina Park North to Marina Park South, www.redbullusa.com, 8pm

January

04 Tue Little Italy Association BoD, Our Lady of the Rosary Parish Hall, 1654 State St, www.littleitalysd.com/events.asp, 8:30am-10am

·   

04 Tue CCDC Lunch & Learn, monthly speaker and Q&A, DIC, Horton Plaza, www.ccdc.com, noon-1pm

14 Fri Kettner Nights, Kettner Blvd, Little Italy, www.littleitalysd.com/events.asp / 358-9512, 6-9pm *

15 Sat Friends of San Diego Architecture lecture, The Architect As Developer,  New School of Architecture & Design, 1249 F Street, friendsofsdarch.com, 9:30am

15 Sat Multicultural Festival, Martin Luther King Promenade, www.ccdc.com / 235-2222, 11am-5pm

15 Sat Joan Rivers, Balboa Theatre, www.sdbalboa.org, 8pm

17 Mon Horizons Downtown Book Club, 510 First Avenue, Heather Forward, hhumblef@aol.com / Pat Getzel pbgetzel@cox.net, 7:30pm

19 Wed Gaslamp Quarter Locals Lifestyle & Design Tour, start William Heath Davis House Museum, 410 Island Avenue, www.gaslamp.org, 5-8pm

20 Thu Museum of Contemporary Art free period, 1100 Kettner Blvd, (858)454-3541 / www.mcasd.org, 5-7pm

20 Thu East Village Community Action Network, East Village Community Church, 1374 Island Avenue, evcan.net, 5:30pm-7pm *

 21 Fri Walk San Diego bi-monthly luncheon, DIC Horton Plaza, www.walksandiego.org, noon-1pm

25 Tue Police Captain's Community Outreach Meeting, Central Division Headquarters, 2501 Imperial Avenue, www.sandiego.gov/police/neighborhood/ccm.shtml, 5:30pm

28  Fri Critical Mass Bicycle Ride, start large fountain Balboa Park, www.sdcriticalmass.com, 7pm

February

01 Tue Little Italy Association BoD, Our Lady of the Rosary Parish Hall, 1654 State St, www.littleitalysd.com/events.asp, 8:30am-10am

01 Tue CCDC Lunch & Learn, monthly speaker and Q&A, DIC, Horton Plaza, www.ccdc.com, noon-1pm

04 Fri Wear Red For Women Day, everywhere, www.goredforwomen.org

12 Sat 100th Anniversary of Naval Aviation, Naval Air Station North Island, www.public.navy.mil/airfor/centennial

17 Thu Museum of Contemporary Art free period, 1100 Kettner Blvd, (858)454-3541 / www.mcasd.org, 5-7pm

17 Thu East Village Community Action Network, East Village Community Church, 1374 Island Avenue, evcan.net, 5:30pm-7pm *

19 Sat Friends of San Diego Architecture lecture, All Man Will Be Brothers?, New School of Architecture & Design, 1249 F Street, friendsofsdarch.com, 9:30am

25  Fri Critical Mass Bicycle Ride, large fountain Balboa Park, www.sdcriticalmass.com, 7pm

March

01 Tue CCDC Lunch & Learn, monthly speaker and Q&A, DIC, Horton Plaza, www.ccdc.com, noon-1pm

08 Tue Mardi Gras, Gaslamp Quarter, www.mcfarlanepromotions.com / 233-5008

17 Thu Sham Rock, Gaslamp Quarter, www.sandiegoshamrock.com, 4pm-midnight

·   

17 Thu Museum of Contemporary Art free period, 1100 Kettner Blvd, (858)454-3541 / www.mcasd.org, 5-7pm

17 Thu East Village Community Action Network, East Village Community Church, 1374 Island Avenue, evcan.net, 5:30pm-7pm *

18 Fri Walk San Diego bi-monthly luncheon, DIC Horton Plaza, www.walksandiego.org, noon-1pm

19 Sat Friends of San Diego Architecture lecture, Designing San Diego: If We Started Over, What Would We Do Differently?, New School of Architecture & Design, 1249 F Street, friendsofsdarch.com, 9:30am

December Details

Zoo Extends Hours for Holidays

The San Diego Zoo will start their annual holiday program called Jungle Bells on Saturday 11 December and it runs through Sunday 2 January.   The program calls for the zoo staying open until 8pm each day except for Friday 24 December.   There will also be many holiday activities at the zoo including:

·  elves

·  light shows

·  magic shows

nightly tree lighting 

All the additional activities will be free with entry to the zoo.   For more information www.sandiegozoo.org.

Dedication of New Power System by the Port

The port will be dedicating their new shore power system for docked cruise ships on Saturday 11 December starting at 2pm at the B Street pier.   Additional information www.portofsandiego.org and full article below in Downtown News of the Day

Gaslamp Quarter Holiday Pet Parade

On Sunday 12 December pets and owners are invited to dress up in their favorite costumes for a special promenade through the Gaslamp Quarter to celebrate the holiday season.   Downtown becomes filled with costumed pets & their handlers all vying for prizes in this third annual event including:

·  Best Costumed Duo

·  Cutest Critter

·  Best Pet Costume

·  Best of Show

The Parade originates and concludes at the triangle park adjacent to the Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter at 4th Avenue and K Street.  The Parade starts at 3pm.  There will be a pet expo in the park throughout that afternoon.   Additional information gaslamp.org/pet-parade. 

39th Boat Parade of Holiday Lights on the Bay

This is one of San Diego's favorite annual holiday events.   As usual it will be held on two Sundays in December, the 12th and 19th.   There are many good viewing areas along the bay.   The parade of illuminated  boats starts near Shelter Island and proceeds through the bay making a U-turn just before reaching the Bay Bridge.   Starting time is shortly after the sky fully darkens at about 5:30pm.  It begins at Shelter Island and the event ends at 9pm.  Information at sdparadeoflights.org. 

Battle of Bartenders for a Good Cause

Organizers of the San Diego Spirits Festival have created a new series of competitions that will challenge the talent of local bartenders in a fun and spirited way.   The Hard Rock Café, 801 Fourth Avenue, is the setting for the kick-off event called The Spirited Battle of the Bartenders on Monday 13 December from 8pm to 11pm.  The event will benefit Why Hunger, a nonprofit organization that strives to fight childhood hunger and poverty around the world.  The organization partners with Yoko Ono Lennon and her Imagine There’s No Hunger campaign.  This is the first of the San Diego series to find the top bartender with the finale to be held at the San Diego Spirits Festival in June 2011.   The Bartender Battle will provide guests the opportunity to cheer their favorite bartender and sample some original concoctions.   Admission to this event is $5 and is only open to those 21 and up.   For additional information Liz Edwards (858)-551-1605 / lizedwards@sandiegospiritsfestival.com. 

Downtown Residents Group Quarterly Meeting

The Downtown Residents Group will be holding their final quarterly meeting of the year on Tuesday 14 December from 5:30-7pm at Royal India, 329 Market Street.  The restaurant is located on the south side of Market Street between Third and Fourth Avenues.  Royal India has been voted San Diego’s best Indian Restaurant for several years in a row now.   The guest speaker will be Robert McNeely, Vice-Chair of the CCDC Board of Directors.   The Restaurant will be providing free appetizers and the drinks will be at happy hour prices.   The meeting is open to non-members as well as members and for further information www.sddrg.org.

New Gaslamp Quarter Monthly Self-guided Tour

On the third Wednesday of each month starting at 5pm and ending at 8pm the Gaslamp Locals Lifestyle & Design Tour will take place.  This new tour will showcase the Gaslamp Quarter's shops, boutiques and galleries.   During this event there will be:

·  live demonstrations

·  home décor and hardware specials

·  wine classes

·  unique fashion opportunities

·  an array of gifts available

·  unique pet products available

·  eyewear

·  lingerie

·  Pilates

·  spa treatments

·  info about sexual health

·  acupuncture

There will be more than 30 participating locations in and around the Gaslamp Quarter.  The suggested starting point for the tour is the corner of Fourth and Island Avenues in the pocket park at the William Heath Davis House Museum (Gaslamp Museum), 410 Island Avenue, where you can pick up a map and register to win prizes.  The final tour for 2010 will be on 15 December.  For additional information www.gaslamp.org/locals-lifestyle-design-tour.

Convention Center Expansion Meeting

The San Diego Convention Center Corporation will host a public meeting conduced by the Unified Port of San Diego (Port) to gather public input to help shape the draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the San Diego Convention Center Phase III expansion.   As the lead agency on the EIR, the Port will conduct the meeting designed to evaluate the environmental effects of the proposed expansion and hotel project.   The EIR will also cover a proposed hotel and a Port Master Plan Amendment.   The public is invited and encouraged to attend the meeting from 6pm to 8pm on Thursday 16 December at room 33 of the Convention Center.   Public input has been important in the conceptual design of the expansion which incorporates enhanced access to the waterfront and improves public parks and open space.  The conceptual design includes a new 5-acre accessible public space overlooking San Diego Bay, an outdoor performance venue, a pedestrian bridge over Harbor Drive leading to an enhanced embarcadero promenade and other improvements.   For additional information www.portofsandiego.org.

Opening of New Cruise Ship Terminal

Port of San Diego's public open house and celebration of the opening of the new multi-use Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier will be held on Saturday 18 December from 10am to 4pm with a dedication to take place at 4pm.  Speakers at the event will include Mayor Jerry Sanders & Port Commissioner Michael Bixler.  The event will include:

·  children’s activities

·  travel fair

·  public tours

·  cruise travel giveaway

The Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier will serve as a public event center and cruise ship terminal.   The modern, two-story center will be the Port of San Diego’s first “green” building.   Cruise ships that berth at the pavilion and the Port’s main cruise ship terminal at the B Street Pier will use shore-side electrical power resulting in less pollution from diesel-burning engines.   Information www.portofsandiego.org.

Annual Battle of the Bands in the Gaslamp Quarter
The Gaslamp Quarter will host the annual Poinsettia Bowl Gaslamp March on Tuesday 21 December time to be determined.  The marching bands from each of the competing schools in the Poinsettia Bowl will be participating in a musical showdown on 5th Avenue just 2 days prior to the big game at Qualcomm Stadium.   This battle of the bands is free to view.   New for this year will be voting for your favorite.  More information and a link to vote can be found at gaslamp.org/battle-of-the-bands.

Run Kicks Off Balloon Parade

On Thursday 30 December the Bumble Bee 5K Run presented by the Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl will be held at the Port of San Diego Big Bay Balloon Parade.  The 5K race kicks off the nationally televised parade at (approx.) 10am as the day long festivities begin for the Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl.  The race begins at 9:45am.  Registration for the run closes on Monday 27 December at 9am.   The race course begins on Harbor Drive at Ash Street and heads south on Harbor Drive to 8th Street then turns right on 8th Street behind the San Diego Convention Center.  It then continues north along the marina walkway making a loop through Embarcadero Park North finishing on the walkway just past G Street in time to catch the first band and balloons as they parade by.  The remainder of the parade features colorful floats, bands and huge inflatable characters.   Additional information (858)-268-1250 / info@kozenterprises.com / www.kozenterprises.com/running/bumbledf84.htm. 

Annual Balloon Parade

Starting at 10am on Thursday 30 December North Harbor Drive will host the annual Big Bay Balloon Parade.   As always, this family event brings together:

• marching bands
• floats
• drill teams
• a procession of large balloons (more than any other parade)

There are normally over 100,000 street-side spectators along the route for the event along with a nationwide television audience.  For additional information www.holidaybowl.com.

Family Day At The Maritime Museum

On Thursday 30 December from 11am-3pm in coordination with the Balloon Parade the Maritime Museum will offer free admission to two people less than 13 years old for each adult admission.   There will also be nautical craft making for children available at the museum that day.   For additional information www.sdmaritime.org. 

No Snow No Problem For This Snowmobile

On Friday 31 December, New Year’s Eve, at 8pm Levi LaVallee will try to set a snowmobile record by jumping from Embarcadero Marina Park North to Embarcadero Marina Park South a distance of greater than 301 feet largely over water.   The jump is the fourth part of the Red Bull New Year.  No Limits series.  The attempt will be broadcast live on ESPN.  For further information www.redbullusa.com. 

January Details

 Friends Of San Diego Architecture (FSDA) Speaking of Architecture

There are eight monthly free Speaking of Architecture lectures a year.   The lecture for Saturday 15 January will be The Architect as Developer.   They are held the third Saturday each month--except for June, July, August and December--at the New School of Architecture & Design (NSAD), 1249 F Street at 9:30am.    The lecture is free but a $5 donation is suggested.   For additional information www.friendsofsdarch.com. 

Multicultural Festival

The 13th Annual Multicultural Festival will take place Saturday 15 January from 11am to 5pm on the Martin Luther King Promenade from Fourth Avenue to Market Street along Harbor Drive.    The festival will feature many activities including children’s storytellers and multicultural entertainers.  For additional information 235-2222 / www.ccdc.com.

Joan Rivers At Balboa Theatre

Seventy-seven year old Joan Rivers can be described as:

·  Comedienne

·  Emmy-winning television talk show host

·  Tony-nominated actress

·  author

·  playwright

·  screenwriter

·  motion picture director

·  columnist

·  lecturer

·  radio host

·  jewelry designer

·  cosmetic company entrepreneur

·  red carpet fashion laureate

·  businesswoman

She will be performing live at the Balboa Theatre on Saturday 15 January at 8pm.   She will have stories and observations of people and her world that evening.    For further information www.sdbalboa.org. 

Horizons' Book Club

On Monday 17 January the group will meet in the Horizons' South Tower Lounge, 510 First Avenue, at 7:30pm to discus a book that has yet to be determined.    For additional information Heather Forward hhumblef@aol.com / Pat Getzel pbgetzel@cox.net.

Walk San Diego Luncheon

Walk San Diego will hold their bi-monthly luncheon at the Downtown Information Center (DIC) on Friday 21 January from noon to 1pm.   The luncheon is free but a donation of $7 is suggested.   The title of the presentation is to be determined.  Reservations to Cynthia Offenhauer coffenhauer@walksandiego.org.   More information www.walksandiego.org. 

February Details

Wear Red For Women Day

Annual Go Red For Women Day is Friday 4 February this year.   This event is designed to raise awareness among women that heart disease is the number one killer of women.   This fact is often overlooked because it is often thought of as a disease mainly striking men.   Everybody is asked to wear red on than day for raise the awareness of the cause.   For more information www.goredforwomen.org. 

Naval Aviation 100 Years Old

The Navy has announced a special air show -- including a massive flyover of San Diego Bay by more than 150 aircraft -- to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of naval aviation.   It is expected to be the largest aerial flyover of San Diego since prior to World War II.   The Navy is billing the show as a once-in-a-lifetime event that will allow the public to see the aircraft in flight from vantage points all around the bay.    The flyover, slated for Saturday 12 February, kicks off a yearlong effort to mark the start of the Navy’s venture into the air.   The free event will also include a timeline-like display of aircraft from vintage planes to the newest fighter jets at the Naval Air Station North Island.   Other events that day will include:

The Navy started flying in the San Diego region in 1911.   Further information www.public.navy.mil/airfor/centennial. 

Friends of San Diego Architecture (FSDA) Speaking of Architecture

There are eight monthly free Speaking of Architecture lectures a year.   They are held the third Saturday each month--except for June, July, August and December--at the New School of Architecture & Design (NSAD), 1249 F Street at 9:30am. The lecture for February will be All Men Will Be Brothers? (Berlin Museum Origins).   The lecture is free but a $5 donation is suggested.   For additional information www.friendsofsdarch.com. 

March Details

Rita Rudner At The Balboa Theatre

The 57 year old comedian, who is known for her trademark style, will perform at the Balboa Theatre on Thursday 3 March.   She has performed almost exclusively in Las Vegas since 2001, selling over one million tickets and is currently under contract with Harrah's until 2012.    Since leaving the stage, where she started as a dancer in Broadway shows, she has progressed from guest appearances on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and Late Night with David Letterman to hosting her own HBO award-winning specials.   Ms. Rudner and her producer-husband Martin Bergman, wrote several screenplays some of which she has also acted in.   She is also an  author of several best-selling books.   For additional information www.sdbalboa.org.

Fat Tuesday In The Gaslamp Quarter

Said to be the largest Fat Tuesday festival west of New Orleans this annual event in the Gaslamp Quarter will be on 8 March.   This one-day festival decorates San Diego’s historic district in purple, green and gold for visitors celebrating the year’s most animated festival.   More than 40,000 people will bring out their feathered boas, crazy hats and colorful beads and dress in a Mardi Gras costume to capture attention during the highlight of this event–The Masquerade Parade.   For information 233-5008 / www.gaslamp.org.   Attendees must be 21 years old and have proper I.D. to enter the event.

Green Day In The Gaslamp Quarter

Located in the Gaslamp Quarter the Sham Rock festival is on Thursday 17 March which just happens to be Saint Patrick's Day.   It is held from 4pm to midnight and may be the biggest and greenest Saint Patrick's Day party outside of Dublin with the headliner band being The Young Dubliners.  The Gaslamp Quarter will be transformed into the lavish fields of Ireland and will feature everything from traditional Irish bands and dancing to Irish Punk Rock.  Also featured will be some of today's biggest hits by some of San Diego's hottest live bands.   For more information 233-5008 / www.sandiegoshamrock.com.   Attendees must be 21 years old and have proper I.D. to enter the event.   All profits from this event benefit the Gaslamp Quarter Historical Foundation. 

Downtown News of the Day

New Firefighting Boats In House

The Port of San Diego's Harbor Police Department is home to two new firefighting vessels.   The boats were constructed in Canada and are considered to be  state-of-the art technology.  They were largely paid for through a 2009 award of $1.9 million dollars from a California Port Maritime Security Grant.  The grant helps subsidize the procurement of "all-hazards equipment" for local agencies–equipment that serves a multi-role function for first responders.   With those boats response times will be cut in half and there will be more than double the capacity of pumping water.   The onboard pumps also have the ability to provide water to landside apparatus in the event that city water supplies are disrupted do to catastrophic failure from a major earthquake or other disaster.   The older vessels used by the Harbor Police have been in use for 35 years.    For further information www.portofsandiego.org.

Illegal Lodging May Now Be Enforceable

On 11 November a federal magistrate Judge amended a court order that now allows San Diego law enforcement personnel to cite homeless individuals for sleeping on public property under certain conditions.  Illegal lodging is considered a misdemeanor between the hours of 9pm and 5:30am if a police officer confirms that a bed is available within a five-miles of 25th and Market Streets, and the individual refuses to take it.  The amendment reverses a 2007 federal court order that banned law enforcement from citing homeless individuals for illegal lodging due to insufficient alternative accommodations.  The city has increased its efforts to improve alternatives for the homeless in recent years, including working to transform the San Diego World Trade Center building into a permanent homeless service center and housing facility but that facility is not expected to be ready until at least 2012.   Over the past year attorneys from the 2007 lawsuit have been working with the city to find common ground on actions regarding the homeless population.   City Attorney Jan Goldsmith said that the current situation was not good for anyone and the amended court order incentivizes the homeless population to get into a shelter and get help — or else go to jail.   For additional information www.sandiego.gov/cityattorney. 

Lifting of CCDC Cap Opposed By Some

The downtown redevelopment funds cap has been challenged in two separate lawsuits, one by the former City Attorney Mike Aguirre, the other by an affordable-housing advocate.   If either of the two suits is upheld in court, the old $3 billion cap could be reinstated, throwing into question whether or not enough money would be available to subsidize the proposed $800 million Chargers downtown stadium and various other downtown redevelopment projects.

    Aguirre, who lost a bid for a second term as San Diego City Attorney in 2008, filed his action in Sacramento against the Board of Equalization, Department of Finance and Department of Community Development, asking them to stop implementation of the new raised cap law, Senate Bill (SB) 863, sponsored by Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher, R-San Diego, and passed at the tail end of the legislative session in September and then signed by Arnold.  He cited a state appellate court ruling in a similar case that lifting a redevelopment cap could not be done without proper documentation and justification, even if the state legislation said otherwise.

    The other lawsuit was filed by Catherine Rodman, director and supervising attorney of Affordable Housing Advocates, a non-profit organization.  She and her co-counsels sued the city, its redevelopment agency and the CCDC, a quasi-public organization (NGO) that oversees downtown revitalization.   She said she had written Arnold twice asking him to veto the Fletcher bill warning that she was prepared to challenge it in court.   Redevelopment law requires at least 20% of such funds to be spent on low-and moderate-income housing. Rodman said she would have urged more be set aside as part of the normal process involved of lifting spending caps.

    If SB 863 is upheld CCDC would not be bound by a $3 billion cap on collecting  property taxes collected in the downtown redevelopment area.   Without a cap, CCDC projects an additional $6 billion will be available over the next 30 years—possibly enough to help subsidize a new stadium east of Petco Park and various other downtown projects.   Much of the excess money would go to state-required affordable housing and tax sharing agreements with the county and school districts, as well as about $2 billion in unfunded downtown improvements that exceeded the old cap.  Rodman pointed to numerous technical errors in the way the legislation was passed but she said she was motivated to act because the law eliminated public input and debate over priorities in redevelopment spending.    CCDC officials have said their support of SB 863 was not motivated by the Chargers’ needs but other downtown projects that the old cap could not accommodate within its limitations.

    If the Aguirre and / or Rodman actions are successful the cap still could be changed but only after studies and hearings are held in what would take 12 to 18 months to complete.   Frank Alessi, CCDC executive vice president, said he has not seen the lawsuits but doubted the challenge would have any impact on current spending plans, since the old cap is not expected to be reached for at least ten years from now.   More information at www.ccdc.com. 

Chicago Title Building Sold Again

The old Chicago Title building at 925 B Street was sold during November 2010 for $7.2 million.   The 65 thousand-square-foot office building was previously owned by an office condominium developer who purchased the property in 2007 for $13.6 million.  In October 2009 the condominium developer lost the building through foreclosure as the building was sold again at a public auction to the highest bidder for $12 million. 

Port Completes Shore Power Hookup

The Port of San Diego (Port) has completed the installation of a $7.1 million system that will enable cruise ships at berth to be powered by a shore-side electrical source which will benefit the community by reducing air pollution.  Part of the cost was funded by a $2.4 million grant from the California Air Resources Board.   With the completion of the system, San Diego becomes the fifth port in the world and the second in California with the capability of powering a cruise ship from shore.   The infrastructure that will provide shore power to cruise ships docked at the B Street terminal will also have the capability of powering a ship docked at the new Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier.   Shore power technology is just one of the initiatives the Port has implemented to minimize its impact on the environment through its Green Port Program.   Typically, when a cruise ship is in port, the vessel’s diesel engines continue to run to provide onboard services for passengers and crew.  Now, a ship can shut down its engines and instead plug into the shore power system for power.   San Francisco was the first port in California to complete installation of shore power for cruise ships.   Initially, one cruise ship can be powered from shore at a time.  Eventually, the system will be able to power two cruise ships simultaneously, either at B Street or at the terminal and event center on Broadway Pier.   The shore power project supports the Port’s Green Port Program, which unifies the Port’s environmental sustainability goals in six key areas:

• water
• energy
• air
• waste management
• sustainable development
• sustainable business practices

Cartridge Refiller Opens On Broadway

A Cartridge World store, part of a chain of ink and toner replacement retailers, has opened at 240 Broadway (north side between Second and Third Avenues).     The store recycles, refills and remanufactures empty ink and laser cartridges used in desktop and office printers, all-in-one machines, fax machines and photocopiers with the green advantage of keeping spent cartridges out of the landfills.  There is usually a significant saving over the purchase of new items as well.   The store also offers limited free pick up and delivery to businesses in Downtown.   For additional information 238-0952 / www.cartridgeworlddowntownsd.com. 

Incoming Downtown Partnership President

Kris Michell, chief of staff for Mayor Jerry Sanders since 2005, has been named president of the Downtown San Diego Partnership.   She will begin at the position Monday 14 February.   She succeeds Shirley Horton who resigned in August 2010.   She will remain with the mayor until Friday 14 January.   She has worked for the San Diego Padres and the Building Industry Association among others.   She helped develop Petco Park and the surrounding area while working for then Mayor Susan Golding.   She’s a native San Diegan and an alumni of SDSU in the field of political science.

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 Thursday 7 October at 6pm 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

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.  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.

Athenaeum Jacobs Mini-Concerts

Alternating Mondays, for most of the year, noon to 1pm at the Lyceum Theatre, 79 Horton Plaza, admission free.   Food & beverage is allowed in theatre during concerts.   Fifteen free Mini-Concerts are presented at the Lyceum each year.   These concerts are made possible in part, thanks to funding from the City of San Diego through a program managed by the Commission for Arts and Culture and the County of San Diego.   For additional information (858)-454-5872.  The 2011 dates through the summer:

Monthly Discussion Group

This fairly new group usually meets on the first Saturday of each month from 10am to noon in the Horizons' North Tower Lounge at 555 Front Street.   All who plan to attend will be provided a list of the topics a few days prior to the meeting via email.  

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

All items in this publication are the opinion of the writer of the piece.   Any item without a named author is the responsibility of the editor.   Any submissions for inclusion in this publication should be submitted to the editor via email within the body of a message (not as an attachment).   All telephone numbers are in the 619 area code unless otherwise noted.   To subscribe or unsubscribe to this publication please email the editor, Stan Marder stan@gaslampquarter.org.