Approaching Autumn | A Word from our President

Approaching Autumn

A Word from our President – By J. Daniel Geddis, President of Mission Hills BID and REALTOR®, Team D&B at One Mission Realty

As we approach Labor Day and its traditional barbecues and festivities, we also reflect on Labor Day’s deeper meaning as a moment to honor the contributions of our workforce, past, present and future and the small business owners who provide many with the opportunity to work. Thank you all for your dedication and hard work and for choosing to locate in Mission Hills!

We hope that you are enjoying the final stretch of summer. On most any given day during the last three months our sidewalks and businesses have been buzzing. Visitors from near and far and local San Diegans and Mission Hills neighbors have packed our destination restaurants, bars, coffee shops and more. From finding hidden treasures in the hills on West Lewis Street to dining on Fort Stockton Drive, Goldfinch Street, West Washington and on India Street’s International Restaurant Row we hope you had a great time and plan to return soon.  

If you have been away this summer, welcome back! Summer transformations took place on West Lewis Street with not only the sale of Moon & Sun but a complete renovation to its interior. Stop by and enjoy the surroundings while you shop all of its new merchandise at 1615 West Lewis. And, Lewis Fay has a new name and will soon have a new look at 1620. We are hearing the new name is Oliver & Rose. Please stay tuned! At 3715 India Street, the team that brought us Rubicon Deli added Burger Deck, offering burgers made from a proprietary blend of chuck, short rub and brisket. Climb the stairs, grab a table and a burger and say hey to Antonio and Evan.

Growing up in San Diego, I often heard our city described as a “big city with a small town feel.” While San Diego has grown significantly, I think that sentiment still rings true, especially in certain neighborhoods such as Mission Hills where one may wander the streets, return to favorite independent retailers and shops, and stop at cafes and restaurants in a safe and lovely setting. It is not uncommon to run into someone you know while enjoying the streets of Mission Hills, just like you might in a small town! At the monthly meetings of the Mission Hills BID our board of directors focus on promotions, design, economic development and parking to ensure this street experience continues to thrive. If you have suggestions for improvement on any one of these categories, please let us know at MissionHillsBID@gmail.com. 

Speaking of great suggestions, the BID will be hosting a mixer at A Designed Space on Wednesday, September 20 from 5:30 until 7:00 in the evening. Founder and Principal Designer Marea Riedler will be on hand to welcome us and share insights on envisioning the possibilities of residential and commercial spaces. Mission Hills business owners and residents are invited to attend. And, as always, the generous donations of gifts from Mission Hills business owners will create a robust raffle. Please RSVP to MissionHillsBID@gmail.com to join in the fun.

It’s that time of year again! The 11th Annual Taste of Mission Hills will take place on Wednesday, October 11, 2023 from 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM showcasing our neighborhood’s delectable taste offerings. 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 $40 for advance purchase tickets. 

This year, the first day of fall is September 23, which kicks off the ticket selling season for the 11th Annual Taste of Mission Hills. 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 11th Annual Taste of Mission Hills will again include three Old Town Trolley “taste” shuttles thanks to the generous sponsorship from Marea Riedler at A Designed Space, Hailey and Merritte Powell at La Puerta Mission Hills and John Ealy at Harley Gray Kitchen and Bar. The trolleys will deliver tasters to within steps of all twenty-six participating taste venues. The three trolley buses will cover the more than 5 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. A live band will provide music and a photographer will capture the special evening. Lazy Acres returns as a Good Neighbor Sponsor, supporting this year’s event. 

The names, and addresses for each participating venue will be listed on posters displayed in Mission Hills’ shops. Advance purchase tickets are $40 each. Only 600 tickets will be sold, stay tuned to our website and social media to know when tickets go on sale and then buy your tickets early at one of the following locations: US Bank, Mission Hills Branch at 610 West Washington Street; Backbone Floral at 910 Fort Stockton Drive; and Oliver & Rose at 1620 West Lewis Street. Pop-up ticket sales will occur in the neighborhood and will be announced on Mission Hills BID’s social media. 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 $45, so buy in advance and save! Will Call, for same day purchases and reserved ticket pick up, will again be located at Lazy Acres. Please save the date, join neighbors, and bring a few friends to the 11th Annual Taste of Mission Hills on October 11, 2023 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.

Thanks for reading the monthly column of the Mission Hills Business Improvement District. Please share it with a friend. For questions, comments, and suggestions please contact Susan McNeil Schreyer, executive director, at MissionHillsBID@gmail.com.