“Summertime is a time where businesses are really focused on tourists and trying to make the most of the busy tourist season,” said Andy Hanshaw, executive director of the area’s business improvement district. “We’re hoping for better things this season and what we’re hearing, at least from the hotel side, is that things are picking up.”
With Discover PB’s major events happening in the fall, the organization is counting on the sunshine to bring more business to PB. During the summer, Discover PB will promote the area heavily.
“Our focus in the summer is to really work to promote all that’s already happening down here — doing our best to promote the summer destination that PB is and focus on the great beaches, hotels, retailers and bars that we have here,” Hanshaw said.
Before the sun sets on summer 2010, Discover PB will host two local events, in addition to a potential sidewalk sale. On Aug. 15, “Charger Steve’s” Wild Rides and Classic Car Showdown will come to Garnet Avenue, an event that will be free to the public.
“The promoter of an established car show is going to be on Garnet Avenue with classic beach and movie cars,” Hanshaw said. “It’s going to be a fun car show and people are going to have the chance to look at some cool cars and exhibits.”
On Sept. 14, Discover PB will host the Heart of Pacific Beach Restaurant Walk from 5 to 9 p.m. Hanshaw said between 20 and 25 eateries will be on the menu.
“It will feature restaurants in the Garnet Avenue business district area,” Hanshaw said.
Those events precede Discover PB’s major annual event — Pacific BeachFest — on Oct. 9. Two new elements of this year’s all-day PB celebration include a kids’ surf contest and a PB Craft Beer Garden.
“We want to continue to make it the premier festival at the beach,” Hanshaw. “As our premier event, we need to make sure that’s successful.”
Looking toward the end of 2010, Hanshaw said he would like to see the holiday parade come back to PB, something that businesses in the local hospitality industry are wanting. As for Discover PB’s goals to close out the year, the organization aims to bring new businesses to the area.
“Our organizational goal is to continue to help our businesses attract more business and do what we can to bring in new businesses,” Hanshaw said.
So, your defense is for an industry doing well over $100 million annually in a community and opposing activists such as myself without one dime interest in the outcome (other than my wanting less tax dollars and zero residential dollars going to BID or city services to clean up the messes in this BID) is puzzling. Unless you have some vested interest in the outcome yourself.
Either way, the offer always stands. The community wants dialog and the alcohol industry wants the status quo. People win over profits in my book.
For historical purposes:
1. There is no greater supporter of the SDPD than I. I asked the police captain how he could say 'everything is quiet in PB' when a couple weeks ago there was a dual-checkpoint ARRESTING 41 DRUNK DRIVERS - and every week there are multiple ambulance calls and arrests made. How is that quiet? Maybe 'quiet' in that it's just not news anymore. I'm sure the Captain is a strong man and can take a question from the public. Good of you to defend his honor though.
2. My businesses are in the same zoning area as every business on Garnet (all in code). In my case my building is zoned residential/commercial so dual-use is allowed.
3. I served on the Town Council board for 3 years and the Discover PB board for over two. I have a long list of my accomplishments and dedicated volunteering in this community. I was the second highest vote-getter in the next election of the BID but, the president and vice-president took me to coffee to tell me I was not legally allowed to sit on the board because of the home-based issue. I quietly left but, am now having to explain myself? Technically, they were wrong but, who wants to work with such a single-focused bar improvement district office anyway? So, technically I have a very good idea of what the BID does and it's great to see you come on board and start caring about the community as well.
4. Why are you intent on personal attacks, especially while hiding?
5. Discover PB has proven it's intent is to promote the 'hospitality' (read: alcohol-licensee)businesses. There are many, many other businesses out there that need help too. What is your defense to their abysmal record of promoting PB as a premier beach destination? There is none. We're known as the place to come and get wasted. And for that they have done a great job perpetuating that perception. And apparently gaining you as a vocal supporter. What does PB have in store the next decade? Status quo = morbidity. Change = growth.
Makes me wonder when people attack me personally. To me, it means what I'm saying must be true because the facts aren't being questioned, the messenger is. Stick to the point and get off your vengeful conspiracy-theory paranoia.
That being said, let's not get personal. It's so 1980's. Recalling that 'throwing rocks at glass houses' story might help. It also makes one look like a weenie when one hides behind a pseudonym on the web.
Back to the subject at hand... Just how does your comment relate to my post asking the BID how they are promoting PB - other than just the bars?