Member Toolkit:
The HBA currently provides a wide variety of services to Hillcrest businesses. The services, called the Toolkit, are can be useful to member businesses for a variety of challenges and issues. All the tools in the toolkit are provided to Hillcrest businesses and commercial property owners for free. Some require business owners to take action to get involved, such as signing up or donating gift certificates, but all are provided without a fee to members.
Featured service:
Neighborhood banner promotions:
The HBA allows businesses and members to advertise of neighborhood street banners. The banners are available on months neighborhood events are not being promoted (January, February, March, May, and September).
$500 for display fee + $44 per banner install/removal fee.
Reach out to stephanie@sdstreetbanners.com for more information.
Free services for members
Hillcrest Farmers Market Special Booth
The HBA takes great pride in its ownership of the highly acclaimed Hillcrest Farmers Market. This vibrant community market, held every week, serves as a platform for local vendors and entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services to the enthusiastic neighborhood residents. As part of our commitment to supporting HBA members, we would like to offer our Members an opportunity to take over the Fabulous booth at the market on a first come first serve basis. Email Natalie@hillcrestbia.org for a special booth.
SDPD Letter of Agency
A Letter of Agency (Trespass Arrest Authorization) allows SDPD to enforce against anyone found on a property without the owner's consent or without lawful purpose.
It’s recommended for vacant properties, vacant lots, businesses or any properties upon which public nuisance activity or crimes, including littering, defecating, drinking, drug activity, prostitution, graffiti or general trespass are occurring. Sign up here.
Social Media Promotions
The HBA uses its extensive social media network to promote your business. If you'd like your business promoted, please reach out to our contractor via email. Include fun promotional pictures, specials, and details about your business. We'll add you into our social media queue and promote your business in a unique way that draws attention (and customers).
Public Right of Way (PROW) permits
The City of San Diego has granted the HBA the right to permit businesses to expand their businesses onto their sidewalks through temporary cafes, signage, and displays. Click here to learn more about the program and here to sign up.
Hillcrest Sign and Pride Plaza maintenance
The HBA maintains -on behalf of the community- the Iconic Hillcrest Gateway Sign and Pride Plaza, home to the popular Hillcrest Pride Flag. The sign’s maintenance and power bill, and the regular replacement of flags are funded by the HBA’s special event programs.
Quarterly open house
Each quarter the HBA hosts an open house and general member meeting. The events are held at a different business each time and often feature a guest speaker. Its a great way to meet your neighbors and find out what’s going on that the HBA.
Neighborhood promotions
The HBA maintains an annual promotional calendar full of advertising and activities to promote the neighborhood. This includes the HBA’s customer facing website at Fabuloushillcrest.com, regular advertising in print, radio and other media, and a robust social media presence.
Shop Hillcrest for the Holidays is a neighborhood promotion in December and only requires a gift certificate promotion to participate.
Small Business Saturday is a partnership with American Express and occurs the Saturday after Thanksgiving and free to participate.
Special Events
The HBA hosts a wide series of promotional events throughout the year from restaurant walks like the Taste of Hillcrest to large sale street fairs such as Hillcrest CityFest. These events are all designed to bring customers to Hillcrest and raise funds for the neighborhood.
Hillcrest CityFest, is the second Sunday in August, and offers free vendor booth spaces for members.
Taste of Hillcrest, is the Second Saturday in April and is free to restaurants (there is a small fee for retailers).
Hillcrest Taste ‘n Tinis is the Second Thursday in December and is free to restaurants (there is a small fee for retailers).
Pride of Hillcrest Block Party is the Friday before Pride and offers free vendor booth spaces to members.
Nightmare on Normal Street is in October and offers free vendor booth spaces to members.
Other resources
HBA Associate Memberships
Even if you don’t have a business in Hillcrest, you can get more involved with HBA activities through our associate memberships. With three membership levels, your business can be a part of our promotional opportunities.
Organic Waste Recycling
The City of San Diego has launched the Organic Waste Recycling Program. Since January, residents with waste hauling services from the City of San Diego have been receiving their kitchen pail and a green bin for the collection of their organic waste. Businesses are also recycling organic waste through their private waste haulers. Click here to learn more!
Guide for phasing out plastic containers.
The City of San Diego is phasing out plastic “take out” food containers. Here is a helpful guide.
ADA Lawsuits
Hillcrest business owners have come up with strategies to confront a variety of seemingly random ADA lawsuits throughout Hillcrest. The first thing business owners can do is to get educated. Business owners can work with a special Certified Assess Specialist to discover and address their risks for these kind of suits. A CASp report for your business can also minimize issues if you’ve already been served. The ADA law is very complex which makes it difficult for businesses to identify which laws to follow and how each law applies to them. A CASp report takes the guessing out of it, and creates a very detailed report for that individual business. Often simply getting a CASp report can minimize the chance of “drive-by” lawsuits. Though the HBA doesn’t endorse any business for this kind of work, many Uptown businesses have been working with Tracey Cabral at Certified Access Services, please call her at 619-736-8585.
The second thing is to talk to an attorney about your options. Many HBA members are working with John Turner who, if business people are open to it, is open to coordinating a mutual defense. Though the HBA doesn’t endorse any attorneys and encourages members to be thorough when selecting an attorney, many Hillcrest members are working with John who can be contacted at 619-237-1212.
Note: This information is provided as service to our members and for discussion purposes only. The HBA does not endorse any legal service or law firm and has no expertise concerning ADA or disability law as it relates to your business. Business people are invited to make their own decisions concerning their obligations to the law that take into account their own unique circumstances.
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