| Downtown San Diego E-News & Events June 2011 | |
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In This Issue |
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Calendar
of Events * Indicates that this event is not covered in more detail in this publication. June 01 Wed Citizens Advisory Committee, North Embarcadero Port Master Plan revisions, Embarcadero Planning Center, www.portofsandiego.org, 6-8:30pm
02 Thu Coffee w/CCDC, DIC, www.ccdc.com, 6pm
03 Fri & 04 Sat Health & Fitness Expo, convention center, san-diego.competitor.com/expo, Fri 11am-7pm, Sat 9am-5pm
04 Sat Kids Rock mini marathon, Balboa Park, ingkidsrock.competitor.com
05 Sun Road closures due to marathon, www.competitor.com/community / www.sdmts.com / 233-3004 / (800)-311-1255, morning hours
05 Sun Rock 'n' Roll Marathon, start Sixth Avenue & Palm Street, san-diego.competitor.com
07 Tue Little Italy Association BoD, Our Lady of the Rosary Parish Hall, 1654 State St, www.littleitalysd.com/events.asp, 8:30am-10am
07 Tue CCDC Lunch & Learn, monthly speaker and Q&A, DIC, Horton Plaza, www.ccdc.com, noon-1pm
11 Sat 100 / 70 / 30 Kilometer bicycle ride, county administration building, http://www.shadowtour.com/Century_Rides/2011_Fiesta_Metric.htm, 6:30am
11 Sat Mainly Mozart Balboa Theatre, www.mainlymozart.org / 239-0100 x2, 7:30pm
14 Tue Mainly Mozart Balboa Theatre, www.mainlymozart.org / 239-0100 x2, 7:30pm
15 Wed Gaslamp Quarter Locals Lifestyle & Design Tour, start Gaslamp Museum, 410 Island Avenue, www.gaslamp.org, 5-8pm
15 Wed Citizens Advisory Committee, North Embarcadero Port Master Plan revisions, Embarcadero Planning Center, www.portofsandiego.org, 6-8:30pm
16 Thu Subs For Subs, CCDC, Port Pavilion Broadway Pier, www.ccdc.com 8am-3:30pm
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 Mainly Mozart Balboa Theatre, www.mainlymozart.org / 239-0100 x2, 7:30pm
17 Fri Wine, Cheese & Chocolate Festival, Spanish Village Balboa Park, www.womensmuseumca.org, 6:30pm
18 Sat Mainly Mozart Balboa Theatre, www.mainlymozart.org / 239-0100 x2, 7:30pm
20 Mon Horizons Downtown Book Club, 510 First Avenue, Heather Forward, hhumblef@aol.com / Pat Getzel pbgetzel@cox.net, 7:30pm
22 Wed Wine Rave, Fluxx Nightclub, 500 Fourth Avenue, www.wineravesd.com, 7-10pm
24 Fri Critical Mass Bicycle Ride, large fountain Balboa Park, www.sdcriticalmass.com, 7pmJuly
05 Tue Little Italy Association BoD, Our Lady of the Rosary Parish Hall, 1654 State St, www.littleitalysd.com/events.asp, 8:30am-10am
20 Wed Gaslamp Quarter Locals Lifestyle & Design Tour, start Gaslamp Museum, 410 Island Avenue, www.gaslamp.org, 5-8pm
21 Thu Museum of Contemporary Art free period, 1100 Kettner Blvd, (858)454-3541 / www.mcasd.org, 5-7pm
21 Thu East Village Community Action Network, East Village Community Church, 1374 Island Avenue, evcan.net, 5:30pm-7pm *
29 Fri Critical Mass Bicycle Ride, start large fountain Balboa Park, www.sdcriticalmass.com, 7pmAll the celebrated melodies will help provide an evening of unforgettable opera. The total running time is close to four hours but that includes three 20-minute intermissions. For additional information or to purchase tickets 533-7000 (Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm) / www.sdopera.com.
Health & Fitness Expo Leads Off Race Weekend More than 100 exhibitors will offer free samples, showcase running gear, sports apparel, health & nutritional information and more just prior to the Rock ÔnÕ Roll Marathon. The Health & Fitness Expo is free and open to the public on Friday 3 June, 11am-7pm, and Saturday 4 June, 9am-5pm, at the San Diego Convention Center Halls B2 & C. For more information www.san-diego.competitor.com/expo/participant/#ixzz1ft9g8zOz.Children's Mini Marathon On Saturday 4 June children will get a chance for the first time to be part of the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon by participating in the Kids Rock. It is a non-timed, non-competitive event for children in grades KÐ7. For more information www.ingkidsrock.competitor.com/event-info/san-diego/#ixzz1fteyyat3.Road Closures, Detours and No Parking Zones On the morning of Sunday 5 June there will be number of changes due to the Rock ÔnÕ Roll Marathon. These will include:
Information about these changes can be found at www.competitor.com/community / www.sdmts.com / 233-3004 / (800)-311-1255Annual Rock 'n' Roll Marathon This annual event is back again starting at Sixth Avenue and Palm Street adjacent to Balboa Park the morning of Sunday 5 June. Registration closing date and time is Sunday 29 May at 11:59pm PDT. The race features ideal running temperatures in a scenic coastal setting. Upwards of 40 stages stages host live music along the course while 2,000 cheerleaders encourage runners to the finish line. In addition, the event features a post race concert highlighting a major headliner act. For additional information www.san-diego.competitor.comDowntown Sound Bites This monthly event will be held on Tuesday 7 June from noon to 1pm at the Sheila R. Hardin Downtown Information Center (DIC). It will feature a speaker covering topics of interest to downtown with a question and answer period to follow the presentation. The scheduled speaker for June is Kris Michell the new President of the Downtown Partnership. She will discuss the Partnership's current status, visions for the future and the Clean & Safe program. Kris came to the partnership from the office of Mayor Jerry Sanders. No reservations are required to attend these free monthly meetings at the DIC, located in Horton Plaza on Level One (above CVS/pharmacy). Lunch is not provided but you are encouraged to bring your own. Information at www.ccdc.com.100 / 70 / 30 Kilometer Bicycle Ride On Saturday 11 June the third annual Fiesta Metric Century bicycle ride will be held. It will start from the south parking lot of the county administration building at 1600 Pacific Highway. Entrants can chose from three ride lengths; 100, 70 or 30 kilometers. The field is limited to 1,000 entrants so early registration is recommended. The event starts between 6:30 and 7:30am with the course closing at 1pm. For further information http://www.shadowtour.com/Century_Rides/2011_Fiesta_Metric.htm.Mainly Mozart At The Balboa Theatre During the Mainly Mozart Festival this year there will be a series of four performances during June at the Balboa Theatre. The dates are: Saturday 11 Tuesday 14 Thursday 16 Saturday 18 All performances will begin at 7:30pm. Four concert packages or single concert tickets are available. Additional information can be obtained at www.mainlymozart.org / 239-0100 x2.
Seventh Annual Subs For Subs This networking and outreach business opportunity fair will be held on Thursday 16 June from 8am to 3:30pm at the Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier, 1000 North Harbor Drive. It is a collaboration between CCDC and 12 local public agencies seeking to promote and foster diversity and opportunities for businesses that provide commodities and services. This unique event will bring small and prime businesses together under one roof. The focus is on construction and construction-related industries, architecture and engineering, professional and technical services, as well as consultant and vendor supply services. As part of the event, businesses will have the opportunity to showcase their trade or service to hundreds of other exhibitors and attendees through tabletop displays. Government agencies from around the county will talk about their current capital improvements and future construction projects. The day is full of activities. The event opens with a keynote speaker, followed by morning workshops, a luncheon speaker and concludes with an afternoon workshop. Throughout the day, the exhibit hall will be open for networking. For registration or more information www.ccdc.com.
Wine, Cheese and Chocolate Under the Stars The 4th annual Wine, Cheese and Chocolate Festival will be held on Friday 17 June starting at 6:30pm at Spanish Village in Balboa Park. The event will feature wine tasting stations paired with morsels of cheese and chocolate as the beginning of this late spring night in the park. Live music for dancing under the stars, a silent auction of unusual items and access to artists studios make up the remainder of the evening. This event often sells out so early reservations are suggested. The prices are:
Make reservations or obtain additional information at www.womensmuseumca.org / 233-7963. Event proceeds support the work of the WomenÕs Museum of California.Wine Rave San Diego Featured at Fluxx Up to 25 wineries, craft breweries and other spirit purveyors will be featured at the Wednesday 22 June Wine Rave. The event, will be held from 7-10pm at the Fluxx nightclub, 500 Fourth Avenue. Tickets are $45 in advance or $65 at the door. To purchase tickets or for more information www.wineravesd.com / 312-1212. Wine Rave focuses on the 21-35 year old wine drinker. Tickets include all-night access to Fluxx Nightclub, a tasting card which gives attendees 20 tastings of specialty wines, craft beers and spirits, a selection of appetizers. There will also be a DJ spinning beats over FluxxÕs sound system and discounts on hand-crafted cocktails specially concocted for the event.Downtown News of the Day Waterfront Makeover Moves Forward The California Coastal Commission has approved the first phase of the North Embarcadero improvement project, clearing the way for the Port District to go out to bid for a construction contract. Groundbreaking could begin by December. Financing for the first phase will be undertaken by the Port and Centre City Development Corp. Called the North Embarcadero Visionary Plan, the public improvement project covers a mile and a half of waterfront along Harbor Drive, from Laurel Street to the Navy Pier. Plazas, public art, improved landscaping and improved roadways are part of the plan. The first phase covers Harbor Drive from Navy Pier to the B Street Pier and a portion of West Broadway. The Coastal Commission had denied a development permit for the project last April, saying it was inconsistent with the port master plan and lacked sufficient public space. The plan was then modified and presented to the Coastal Commission. Additional information www.portofsandiego.org.Mercado del Barrio Residential/Commercial Center
The Mercado will provide for a residential and commercial mixed-use district within the heart of Barrio Logan. The Mercado site consists of two city blocks totaling approximately 7 acres, and is bounded by CŽsar Ch‡vez Parkway to the north, the Coronado Bridge overpass and Chicano Park to the south, National Avenue to the east, and Main Street to the West. The Mercado will include a Latino-themed supermarket, neighborhood retail shops, and restaurants. The Mercado will also include the development of 91 multi-family affordable housing units to be made available to households earning between 30% and 60% of the area median income. Public amenities will include public art elements, pedestrian walkways, landscaping, and plazas to highlight the culture of Barrio Logan and connections to Chicano Park. The Mercado will also meet or exceed the US Green Building Council's requirements for LEED Certification. Construction began in March 2011 and will be completed by the end of 2012. For more information contact CIC Management at (888)-225-7088. Construction has also started on a $33 million residential / retail development spread over two city blocks in Barrio Logan. PCL Construction broke ground on its portion of the work at the Mercado del Barrio project, which totals $19 million. The west block of the development will include 14,000 square feet of retail space and a grocery store to be built and operated by Northgate. The east block will include 35,000 square feet of retail/restaurant space and a three-story, 209 stall parking structure. Ninety two affordable rental units will be built and managed by Chelsea Investment Corp. above the retail space.
Senior Center Moves Into Newly Rebuilt Building The Gary and Mary West Senior Wellness Center has received LEED Gold Certification from the US Green Building Council. Smith Consulting Architects performed design services for the $2.4 remodeling of the center at Fourth Avenue and Beech Street. The center was adapted from a former 17,000-square-foot auto dealership that was built in 1927. Senior Community Centers, in partnership with Home Aid San Diego, is the developer. Ledcor Construction was the general contractor. The center replaced Senior Community CenterÕs former downtown facility at Ninth Avenue and Broadway. It provides a one-stop health and wellness hub for low-income seniors. The Gary and Mary West Foundation provided a $3 million gift for the remodeling. Overall, the building uses approximately 25 percent less energy than current California energy code requirements. With ultra-low-flow plumbing fixtures and faucets, the center also uses about 51% less water, compared to a typical building of this type. Built-in recycling bins enable the center to recycle paper, glass, metal, cardboard and plastics. (Photo: Mary & Gary West Senior Wellness Center Activity/Waiting Room.)
The Circle - A New Public Art Installation In Horton Plaza Westfield Horton Plaza and the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) bring you The Circle. It is a public art installation that can be found on level 7 (lemon) in the Horton Plaza G Street Garage. Being located on the top level of the Horton Plaza Fruit Garage the bright light during daylight hours makes the mural look especially impressive. This public art piece is a continuation of the MCA's popular exhibition Viva la Revolucion: A Dialogue with the Urban Landscape. Spanning well over 30 meters long The Circle is a masterful array of colors, shapes, patterns and styles. It should be viewed during bright sunlight for full impact.
Convention Center Wins Recycler Award The San Diego Convention Center Corporation (SDCCC) has received the city of San DiegoÕs Recycler of the Year Award. The organization also won the award in 2008 and 2010. Last year, the they recycled more than 45% of total waste that includes:
Their efforts diverted nearly 800 tons of materials away from landfills, according to its SDCCC officials. The center also conserved more than 81,000 gallons of water through low flow sinks and toilets, drip irrigation and energy-efficient kitchen equipment. The most recent green improvement was the installation of florescent lighting in the buildingÕs 526,000-square-foot exhibit hall, which took place in December 2010. The new lighting fixtures will reduce energy consumption by about 44% and makes it the first Convention Center in the US to go 100% florescent in the exhibit halls, SDCCC officials said.
Battle Over Redevelopment Agencies Continues In a very good sign for redevelopment agencies staying in business the focus in Sacramento seems to have shifted from attempts to eliminate them to now hoping to reform them. Senate Bill (SB) 286 has been amended to include the California Redevelopment Association (CRA)Õs comprehensive package of redevelopment reform measures. The reform measures contained in SB 286 would: add specificity to the types of information needed for making findings of blight limit the percentage of total land area of a jurisdiction which may be included in project areas exclude the schools share of property taxes in new project areas formed after 1 January 2012 prohibit uses of tax increment for specific purposes such as golf courses and professional sports facilities without voter approval add new requirements to five-year implementation plans require agencies to focus activities on state priorities such as job creation, cleaning up contaminated property, basic infrastructure needs, and affordable housing provide for more public oversight require development of performance indicators to measure agency success require performance audits of agencies by the State Auditor and provide funds for those reviews specifically prohibit the use of tax increment for non-redevelopment, non-agency operating costs. For a copy of the amended version of SB 286 info.sen.ca.gov/pub/11-12/bill/sen/sb_0251-0300/sb_286_bill_20110427_amended_sen_v98.html.
Waterfront Upgrade Goes Out To Bid The Port of San Diego has issued a Request For Quotation (RFQ) for the construction and project management services for the North Embarcadero Visionary Plan (NEVP) phase one. The RFQ was issued on Monday morning 2 MayÑjust a few days after approval of the project by the California Coastal CommissionÑand the bids are due back to the port not later than 9am Wednesday 15 June 2011 which is 45 days from the issuing if the RFQ. For additional information www.portofsandiego.org.
Developers Propose Downtown IDEA District Two developers are driving an initiative to develop a 35-block area of downtown into a hub for the arts, education, commercial and residential developments. They claim their proposalÑcalled the IDEA (innovation, design, education and art) DistrictÑcould generate many high-paying jobs and millions of square feet of commercial and residential development.The developers laid out their proposal at a workshop held at the New School of Architecture and Design and have engaged the city of San Diego, the East Village Association, major property owners, City College and CCDC in their pursuit of the district It would be bounded by City College on the north, Market Street on the south, Interstate 5 on the east and 11th Avenue on the west. The next step toward creating the IDEA district is the development of a visioning document that will incorporate ideas from the workshop. That document is expected to be completed this summer
San Diego Cruise Business Cruising Away The Holland America liner, the Oosterdam, which now makes regular cruises from San Diego to the Mexican Riviera, will no longer sail out of San Diego after April 2012. The Port has estimated that they will handle 257,000 cruise ship passengers this year down from a high of 921,000 in 2008. Cruises to the Mexican Riviera, long the primary destination of San DiegoÕs cruise ships, are likely to end by the fall of 2012 with the 1,900 passenger Oosterdam moving to Australia. The 2,500-passenger Carnival Spirit is the only other ship that currently travels to the Mexican Riviera on a regular basis from San Diego but it is now scheduled to leave San Diego in spring of 2012 as well. The Spirit will also be relocated to Australia. Travel to Mexico is in sharp decline because of continued violence there has persuaded the cruise lines to pull out in favor of more desirable destinations like Australia. Several of the ships also no longer make stops in Mazatlan because of recent attacks on US citizens there. For additional information www.portofsandeigo.org.
Recurring Events
Little Italy Association Meeting The Little Italy Association Board of DirectorsÕ 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 at 8:30am. For more information Chris Gomez 233-3898 / www.littleitalysd.com/events.asp.
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 dŽcor 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 (Gaslamp Museum), 410 Island Avenue, where you can pick up a map and register to win prizes. For additional information www.gaslamp.org/locals-lifestyle-design-tour.
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.
Coffee with CCDC This bi-monthly event toggles between either the first Thursday evening (February, June & October) or the first Friday morning (April, August & December) each even numbered month. It is held at the Sheila Hardin Downtown Information Center (DIC) 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' Book Club On the third Monday of each month the group usually meets in the Horizons' South Tower Lounge, 510 First Avenue, at 7:30pm to discus the current club book selection. All are welcome to attend and help create a lively discussion. For additional information or to find out what book is currently to be covered: 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.
Walk San Diego Luncheon Walk San Diego holds a bi-monthly luncheon at the Downtown Information Center (DIC) on the third Friday from noon to 1pm. The luncheon is free but a donation of $7 is suggested. The title of the presentation will be posted on their Internet site. Reservations are requested. Reservations to Cynthia Offenhauer coffenhauer@walksandiego.org. More information www.walksandiego.org.
Athenaeum Jacobs Mini-Concerts Alternating Mondays, for most of the year, noon to 1pm at the Lyceum Theatre, 79 Horton Plaza, admission free. Food & beverages are allowed in the 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 date through the summer is 23 May
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 (DIC), 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.
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. Publisher: San Diego Mesa Company (SDMC), 550 Front Street #2804, San Diego California 92101-7105. |
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