March Happenings and More!
By J. Daniel Geddis, President, Mission Hills Business Improvement District
Team D&B at One Mission Realty
As I write this, it happens to be a rainy day and my mom just messaged a photo of me standing in the rain as a little guy to remind me, “If you go out, make sure you have a raincoat!” There’s something about a rainy day that leads to reminiscing. I grew up in San Diego, at the edge of University Heights and Hillcrest and have many memories of visiting my grandparents in North Park, then heading over with them to play cards with my great aunt in Mission Hills. I don’t recall so many rainy days when I was younger, but I do remember always loving when it did rain. Perhaps if I had grown up in Seattle, I might feel differently.
I just celebrated my 12-year anniversary of being a realtor in Mission Hills at One Mission Realty. When I began working as a realtor, “for sale” listings were online but photo-sharing on Instagram was just a place to post highly filtered snapshots, and Facebook was not the ubiquitous personal and professional platform it is today. And the notion of a “verified profile” was not a part of anyone’s vocabulary. Now-a-days, realtors and non-profits such as the Mission Hills BID rely on social media posts, video stories, boosts and likes, to get the word out. I suspect most reading this column know that it is also available online through this publication and the Mission Hills BID’s website. Though, chances are, you spend more time reading on a mobile device than reading in front of a desktop computer.
May I share a little secret? In 2011 I had no idea my office was in the Mission Hills Business Improvement District (BID). I’ve come a long way and invite you to join me in becoming more involved with the promotions, economic development, design and parking and transportation issues in our neighborhood by attending our monthly BID meetings. You will learn a lot about “how to get stuff done” and, over time, you might discover your involvement is rewarding and vie for a seat on the board like I did. As president of the Mission Hills BID it is always a reaffirming experience to hear how and why each business owner chose to open their business in our neighborhood. Our meetings take place at the Mission Hills library, in the Community Room, at 215 West Washington Street and occur on the second and third Wednesdays of each month starting at 3 p.m. Currently, two-hour free parking is available below the library building. We have a talented and diverse board of directors who would love to meet you.
On behalf of the BID board of directors, I extend our sincere “thank you” to the San Diego Public Library, and, particularly to Mission Hills’ branch librarian Stephen Wheeler for welcoming the BID to meet at the library each month. Its modernity allows easy access to technological needs during our monthly committee and board meetings.
Following a three-year hiatus resulting from the COVID pandemic, the San Diego County Fair’s community banner program is back! Last month the BID invited business owners and presidents of the Mission Hills Town Council, Mission Hills Heritage, and Mission Hills Garden Club to take part in the partnership the BID has with the San Diego County Fair and its professional banner photo session in Mission Hills. From mid-May through the fourth of July, be on the look-out for your favorite business owners and community-based organization presidents flying high on lamp posts throughout the Mission Hills BID. This year’s theme is “Get Out There!” focusing on the freedom to get outdoors and enjoy all our region has to offer.
Some worthwhile March happenings, certainly something for everyone, for which Mission Hills is a well-suited location to participate and celebrate include:
- March 8, International Women’s Day is commemorated in a variety of ways worldwide; it is a public holiday in several countries and observed socially or locally in others to celebrate and promote the achievements of women.
- March 17, Saint Patrick’s Day, or the Feast of Saint Patrick, is a cultural and religious celebration held on 17 March, the traditional death date of Saint Patrick, the foremost patron saint of Ireland. Being part Irish, you bet I’ll be donning something green!
- March 18, The Mission Hills 5k donates 100 percent of its proceeds to support STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) programs at Grant TK-8 School. You may even participate virtually. Donations are tax deductible. For more information visit https://missionhills5k.com/
- March 14 through April 3 is March Madness. The 2023 NCAA Division I Men’s basketball tournament will involve 68 teams playing in a single-elimination tournament to determine the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I men’s college basketball national champion for the 2022–23 season.
We have received several inquiries about a couple more annual events in Mission Hills and are pleased to share good news. Maureen and Antoinette at COMPASS are continuing the twenty-four-year tradition of the Mission Hills Community Garage Sale. They will host the 2023 sale on Saturday, April 29. Stop in at 1621 West Washington for a sign-up card. And, the One Mission Realty Annual Shredding Event, will be taking place on Saturday, May 20 from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. Please visit OneMissionRealty.com/shred for more information. Please plan ahead and mark your calendars
Thanks for reading the Mission Hills BID column. Like what you read? Please share with a friend. Questions, comments, suggestions? Please feel free to send a note to MissionHillsBID@gmail.com.
Category: Business, Events, Local News, Nonprofit
