Volunteer to Make a Positive Difference
By Trish Watlington, President, Mission Hills BID
Citizen: a person who is entitled to enjoy all the rights and privileges granted by a state or community, to the people comprising its constituency and is obligated to obey its laws and to fulfill his or duties as called upon.
If you are a citizen of Mission Hills as either a resident or a business owner or both, I suspect you find yourself feeling lucky to be living or working in one of the most lovely, family friendly neighborhoods in the entire city. I happen to be a business owner in Mission Hills and thoroughly enjoy the time I spend here. Although I live in Mt. Helix, my husband and I have often entertained thoughts of making a move. If we ever move, it will definitely be to Mission Hills.
So, it is from this vantage point that over the years, I have immersed myself in the Mission Hills Business Improvement District (BID). Initially I became involved as a member because all who pay a business license fee in Mission Hills are de facto members of the Mission Hills BID. As my interest and volunteerism grew, I was elected to the Mission Hills BID board of directors and then the executive committee. I am currently serving my second term as President. For me, I see my involvement in community organizations as fulfilling a duty of my Mission Hills citizenship.
In my role as president one of my primary missions is to encourage others to see the privilege of their Mission Hills citizenship as a responsibility for getting involved. And there are so many ways to get involved. The BID, Town Council, Garden Club, Uptown Planners, Parking District and Heritage, all exist because members want what they truly believe is best for Mission Hills. Each is an opportunity to have your voice heard. All of the citizens who volunteer with these organizations have a deep vested interest in the community. They’ve taken the time to reach out and gather information, to speak up and share their opinions. Together they create a vibrant neighborhood where locals and visitors aspire to spend time. As one who embraces collaboration I look to positive outcomes in Mission Hills from ongoing sharing of information and resources, but know that’s only possible when citizens are informed and participate.
Citizen involvement offers great possibilities for maximizing what we need to do as a BID. Our framework is that of The National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Main Street Model and we focus on:
1.) Economic Development- to build a commercial district that responds to the needs of today’s consumers while maintaining the community’s historic character.
2.) Design- to get our “Main Street” into top physical shape, creating a safe and inviting environment while maximizing visual opportunities in the commercial district and preserving its historic character.
3.) Promotions- to create a positive image that will renew community pride and tell our “Main Street” story to the surrounding region as well as encourage everyone to patronize our businesses.
4.) Parking Advisory Committee – to create and implement parking management solutions within the parking impacted areas of Mission Hills and in accordance with the City of San Diego’s guidelines as set forth in City Council Policy #100-18.
We welcome business owners to become active members in the Mission Hills BID and welcome residents to actively participate in the discussions that occur at the meeting of committees on the first Wednesday of each month. For meeting times and locations visit MissionHillsBID.com. I hope to see you at a meeting of the Mission Hills BID in the very near future!
And don’t forget to mark your calendars: Thursday, April 23 at Francis Parker School for the SANDAG Bike Way Update and Sunday, April 26 for the Mission Hills Free Bike-In Movie Night and Neighborhood Ride. Please check our website www.missionhillsbid.com for the most up-to-date information on these events and more.
Category: Local News
