Destination Mission Hills
by Dixie Hall, president of Mission Hills BID and owner of DixiePops
It is safe to say this year’s celebration of our independence means different things to different people – from simple pride in being an American, to far more complex feelings that are currently causing people to rethink values and ideals. One thing we can all celebrate is the ability to wear or not wear a mask as we see fit; to go to a restaurant or a ballgame without limitations; to be with friends and family we haven’t seen for months. Sometimes simple freedoms are the best freedoms.
This 4th of July weekend, as you plan your celebration, whether it is to meet up with friends or simply enjoy time in your backyard, keep in mind everything for a festive holiday weekend begins and ends in Mission Hills.
Mission Hills rightfully boasts the most eclectic and unique small businesses. However, if you are like me, you may think that these Mission Hills businesses are only located along West Washington Street, with some on Goldfinch Street. It wasn’t until I got involved with the Mission Hills BID that I came to know the boundaries of our business communities, and that in addition to the well-known businesses on West Washington and Goldfinch, we have a hidden gem neighborhood of exquisite business on West Lewis Street, and a wonderful dining area on India Street known as International Restaurant Row. And, our Reynard Way business neighborhood is home to award winning CAKE Bakery and to The Frame Maker, a fine custom picture framing destination. Want a sleek Italian Motorcycle? Must have a Fino grade 20 Panama straw fedora hat? Look no further than Mission Hills.
Adding to our already stellar line-up of fun and fine establishments is newly opened Komatsuya, featuring Japanese cuisine and sushi with a focus on quality natural products, located at 4015 Goldfinch Street. Their opening for inside dining on June 25 was extended to all who supported them by purchasing take-out bento boxes over the prior weeks. A reservation awaits us.
My fellow director on the Mission Hills BID board, Jesse Zmuda, owner of Backbone Floral and Vintage on West Lewis Street, recently expressed how so many of us truly feel, “Small businesses still need your love and support more than ever. Every visit, every share, every purchase, every review, and even just your words of encouragement are needed.” Please remember us as you consider where to shop, dine and luxuriate.
The Mission Hills BID celebrated the re-opening of its businesses at a mid-June Summer Business Mixer, attended by business owners and residents. It was a fun evening. Attendees enjoyed a little bit of local politics as a candidate running for Uptown Planners responded to very tough questions. A spokesperson for the Mission Hills Town Council approached business owners for Summer Concert sponsorship. Rounding out the evening was Alexandra Vats, owner of Vaatika Salon on West Lewis Street, as our special guest speaker on the topic of effective social media for business owners. She shared the importance of following one another and commenting on social media posts to grow our intended audiences. The evening ended with a robust raffle, thanks to sixteen very generous Mission Hills’ business owners who provided gifts and gift cards.
Looking beyond the holiday weekend, San Diego Pride celebrations takes place on July 17 through July18. They will include a virtual streaming Pride Live event that can be viewed safely from home and will also produce a number of smaller, COVID-19 compliant, and scalable, in-person satellite events. A list of the events can be found by going to https://sdpride.org/events. And, remember Mission Hills in your San Diego Pride celebrations as our businesses recognize San Diego’s many distinct LGBTQ communities and the diverse cultural identities and experiences.
We are happy to welcome back the San Diego Half Marathon back on Sunday July 18, after last year’s hiatus. This is their tenth year and the schedule has runners in Mission Hills from about 8 a.m. until 10:15 a.m. For more information on the route, should you wish to cheer the runners on – or for traffic information to know where the road closures will be, visit https://sdhalfmarathon.com/traffic-info/.
If you are curious to see our Colors on Canvas Banner Art Contest winners, awards celebration and reception, please visit our website at http://missionhillsbid.com/colors-on-canvas-banner-art-awards-reception-2021/. You will be very impressed at the talent of the student artists.
There are many different ways to learn more about the Mission Hills BID, its meetings and activities, including our website: MissionHillsBID.com, Facebook: MissionHillsBID, Instagram: MissionHillsSD, and Twitter: MissionHillsSD. If you love our Mission Hills business neighborhood and have ideas and time to help promote it, the Mission Hills BID needs you. Please contact us at MissionHillsBID@gmail.com.
Category: Animals, Business, Events, feature, Local News, Nonprofit
