Looking Forward
By Jamaal Jackson, President MHBID and Branch Manger US BANK Mission Hills
Labor Day weekend kicked off on Friday, August 29 and we bid a fond farewell to a “barely there” summer and celebrated a well-deserved Labor Day on Monday, September 1. The date of the Autumn Equinox, Friday, September 22, marks the first day of fall. We look forward to the autumn months and holidays ahead.
The 2025-26 school year is upon us. Here in Mission Hills, Grant TK8 began its new academic year on Monday, August 11 and the Colors on Canvas Handpainted Art Banners by Children partnership with the Mission Hills BID is underway. Over the summer Sarah Ekedal, Artist-in-Residence at Grant TK8, collaborated with the BID to create this year’s in-classroom experience and more. From now until the winter break, school children will create art depicting the businesses of Mission Hills on 70 banners. These banners will be installed on lampposts throughout Mission Hills over at least two months and a panel of judges will evaluate each using established evaluation categories including 1. Mission Hills Centric Artwork, 2. Clear Interpretation to the Viewer, 3. Exhibits Artistic Quality, 4. Creative Use of Color and 5. Finished Piece of Work. An awards celebration will take place the first quarter of 2026.?If you hold a current City of San Diego Business License within the Mission Hills BID and wish to have a banner showcasing your business, please reach out to the BID at MissionHillsBID@gmail.com to make your request by or before September 15.
The 13th Annual Taste of Mission Hills is right around the corner and taking place on Wednesday, October 8, 2025 from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. This foodie celebration showcases our neighborhood’s delectable and diverse culinary offerings. Each year tasters have shared Taste of Mission Hills is the best! In addition to taste being the most delicious fundraiser of the year, it helps promote the BID’s work throughout the year. US Bank, Mission Hills branch at 610 West Washington Street, is this year’s Title Sponsor. It is because of their generous donation that we are able to grow the event while offering affordable ticket prices of $45 for advance purchase tickets.
This year, the ticket selling season for the 13th Annual Taste of Mission Hills will kick-off on Wednesday, September 10. Taste of Mission Hills is our hallmark event which provides resources for us to carry out the work of promoting our businesses as a regional destination, improving the design elements throughout our business core, and pursuing economic development opportunities for every business owner the rest of the year. Colorful banners will be installed and flying on lamp posts throughout Mission Hills beginning as a reminder to buy tickets to this delicious event.
We are happy to announce that tickets to the 13th Annual Taste of Mission Hills will again include three “taste” trolleys thanks to the generous sponsorship from John Ealy at Harley Gray Kitchen&Bar. Hailey and Merritte Powell atLa Puerta Mission Hills, and Keiko and Don Holmes at Sushi Deli 1 and Jacquee Renna at Communion and paradis. The trolleys will deliver tasters to within steps of all participating taste venues covering the more than five-mile taste route from West Lewis Street to Fort Stockton Drive to Goldfinch Street and West Washington Street, and onto Reynard Way and India Street. The Tighten-Ups band will provide live music, and She Wanders will capture the special evening in photos.
The names and addresses for each participating venue will be listed on posters displayed in Mission Hills’ shops. Advance purchase tickets are $45 each. Only 600 tickets will be sold, stay tuned to our website and social to know when tickets go on sale and then buy your tickets early at one of the following locations: All American Tailor, 325 West Washington Street; Salon Sloane, 1605 West Lewis Street; and US Bank Mission Hills Branch at 610 West Washington Street. Pop-up ticket sales will occur in the neighborhood and will be announced on Mission Hills BID’s social. Tickets may be purchased at all locations with a credit card or cash. Tickets are also available online at Eventbrite. Check missionhillsbid.com/taste for more information.
Day of ticket purchase is $50, so buy in advance and save. Will call, for same day purchases and online purchased ticket pick up, will again be located at Lazy Acres. Please save the date, join neighbors, and bring a few friends to the 13th Annual Taste of Mission Hills on Wednesday, October 8, 2025 for the best ever taste.
The BID is grateful for the generosity of this year’s venue participants offering “tastes” and to the generous sponsors who support our mission to promote Mission Hills’ neighborhood of businesses.
See you in the neighborhood.
Category: Business, Donations, Events, Holidays, Local News, Restaurants, School, Volunteers
