Byron Ross, Porch Light Realty

Byron Ross is a proud San Diego native and Realtor with PorchLight Realty, bringing 14 years of vibrant community engagement in Hillcrest. As a familiar face in the neighborhood, Byron has dedicated himself to fostering strong relationships among local residents and business members.

With four years of experience as a Board Member of the Hillcrest Business Association, Byron has been instrumental in driving initiatives that benefit the community. He also serves on the Board of the Uptown Community Parking District, where his efforts have contributed to significant projects like the Normal Street Promenade.

Byron’s passion for Hillcrest shines through in his volunteer work at various events, from setting up the Pride Block Party and Nightmare on Normal Street to promoting CityFest and Walk-In-Art. His commitment to seeing the Hillcrest community thrive is unwavering, and he believes that together, we can continue to make this neighborhood an exceptional place to live and work.

Vote for Byron Ross for reelection—let’s keep building a brighter Hillcrest together!

Kyle Matthews, Flicks Nightclub

Kyle is a dedicated leader and advocate for business development, currently serving as the General Manager at Flicks, where he has significantly contributed to the company’s growth and innovation. With an excitement for community engagement and development of the economy in Hillcrest, Kyle has been an active member of the business community for 11 years.

For the past four years, Kyle has served on the Hillcrest Business Association Board of Directors, playing a significant role in implementing programs that support the growth of local businesses.

In addition to his role on the HBA, Kyle has also served on the America’s Finest City Softball League (AFCSL) board for two years. While on this board, Kyle was the Events coordinator and the Player Representative, roles in which he focused league growth through events and networking.

With his track record of leadership and a commitment to excellence, Kyle continues to be an active member in the business community, helping to foster and grow a vibrant and sustainable economic environment.

Gary Wong, Property Owner*

Resume

Glenn Younger, Grah Security

Glenn Younger is the managing partner of Grah Safe and Lock. Grah is over 110 years old, and in 2006 they re-located to the neighborhood of Hillcrest.

Glenn has served on the board and executive committee for the Hillcrest Business Improvement District. He worked on the Uptown Community Plan Update committee, and is the president of the Hillcrest Foundation.

Glenn is on advisory boards for the CA State Fire Marshall, CA. Dept of Consumer Affairs - Bureau of Security and Investigative Services, and the CA Contractors State License Board. He is a past board member of the California Small Business Association, and has served on the Governor’s Small Business council.

Sheila Kazemaini, Property Owner*

I have over 25 years of experience in property management.  I am known for being a problem solver, effective communicator, thought leader, and relationship builder.  I am concerned about the growing homeless population in Hillcrest and it’s effect on neighborhood safety and cleanliness, as well as causing Hillcrest's recent loss of some well-known national businesses. Hillcrest is a wonderfully unique and vibrant area of San Diego and I would like to work with my fellow Hillcrest business owners to ensure that Hillcrest is a safe, vibrant, walkable area that will attract customers and tenants to our businesses.

Gloria Cruz Cardenas, San Diego LGBT Community Center // She, Her, They, Them

Gloria Cruz Cardenas is a passionate public servant with more than 22 years of experience in actively developing policy and advocacy with a race and equity framework. She is a lifelong activist for LGBTQ+ and immigrant rights, being a member of both communities.

Gloria was born in Michoacan, Mexico, and migrated to the U.S. as an unaccompanied minor at the young age of 10. She most recently served as the Director of Policy and Advocacy at the Coalition for Human Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA). While at CHIRLA, she led regional, binational, state, and federal efforts to advance the rights of immigrants and refugees in California, Mexico, and the U.S.

A glass ceiling breaking activist and organizer, Gloria was deeply involved with the 1994 student walkouts in opposition to CA Prop 187, and was active in the campaigns for in-state tuition for immigrant youth (AB 540) and fighting for the DREAM Act.

 A graduate of San Diego State University, prior to CHIRLA, Gloria served at the ACLU of San Diego and Imperial Counties where she focused on education equity, immigrant rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and criminal system reform. Followed by service at the SD City Council under President Georgette Gomez and at the SD County Board of Supervisors under Supervisor Terra Lawson Remer, Gloria served the City of San Diego and subsequently the County as the Director of Community Engagement, Public Safety & Binational Affairs. During her tenure in local government, she brought forward legislation against the Trump administration, affirming San Diego’s commitment to welcoming immigrants and refugees.  

 Gloria is an Hispanas Organized for Political Equality Leadership Institute (HLI) 2019 Fellow and University of San Diego’s Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice Alum. She is also a graduate of Yale School of Management’s Executive Women Leadership Program.

Adam Gilman, Property Owner*

Paris Quion, Inside OUT

Joyce Suter, Property Owner

GHMAD Committee Elections

The HBA manages the election for the steering committee for the Greater Hillcrest Maintenance Assessment District.

A GHMAD paying member may nominate themselves or another GHMAD paying member. Members may vote in the elections by attending the annual meeting. To be included on the ballot, a Petition of Nomination must be received by Tuesday, September 10 at 5pm, 2024 at the Hillcrest Business Association, at 1601 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92103. There are no proxy ballots for this election. There are four seats available for terms concluding in October 2026. Property owners who are listed on the 2024 GHMAD Management Plan, are eligible to vote and their vote shall be weighted based on contribution. 

Current Candidates:

Adam Gilman, Property Owner*

Sheila Kazemaini, Property Owner*

I have over 25 years of experience in property management.  I am known for being a problem solver, effective communicator, thought leader, and relationship builder.  I am concerned about the growing homeless population in Hillcrest and it’s effect on neighborhood safety and cleanliness, as well as causing Hillcrest's recent loss of some well-known national businesses. Hillcrest is a wonderfully unique and vibrant area of San Diego and I would like to work with my fellow Hillcrest business owners to ensure that Hillcrest is a safe, vibrant, walkable area that will attract customers and tenants to our businesses.

Cecelia Moreno, Property Owner Representative

Gary Wong, Property Owner*

Hillcrest Business Seats for the Uptown Community Parking District Elections

The HBA hosts the Uptown Community parking District elections for Hillcrest business representatives at the HBA’s Annual Meeting on 10/8/24. The UCPD manages a portion of the parking meter money generated in Uptown to improve the neighborhoods of uptown. You’re more than welcome to participate in the voting or even run for one of the seats. There are two seats available. Use this form to nominate yourself or another Hillcrest business person.

Current Election Documents:

Coming soon.

Trent St. Louis / Realtor

Trent St. Louis has been a full time Realtor for 25 years in metro San Diego and works for the real estate brokerage, The Metropolitan Group. Trent also owned and operated his own real estate office in San Diego before selling it in 2004. Before his real estate career, Trent worked for Kaiser Permanente’s Southern California Division as a Humans Resources Director. Trent has a Bachelors in Liberal Arts and a Professional Designation in Human Resource Management from UCLA. Trent is a local San Diego resident, who lives in Hillcrest.