Installation of Streetlights along University Avenue–
Crossroads Redevelopment Project Area

I am pleased to announce funding for two projects along University Avenue in the Crossroads Redevelopment Area–$500,000 for 47 new streetlights and $3 million for sidewalk/landscape improvements. Crossroads was created in 2004 and was amongst controversy in its infancy, but has shown that redevelopment works to benefit the community by improving infrastructure and eliminate blight.

On September 11, 2007, the City Council approved the installation of 47 streetlights along University Avenue. The streetlights were something the community has wanted for many years. With the help of Rolando community member Jody Talbot, City staff worked with the community to complete a study as to where to locate the necessary streetlights. The item passed unanimously at Council and will allow the City to receive up to $500,000 from the Redevelopment Agency for the installation and annual maintenance and electricity for the 47 streetlights. Also approved by City Council was the contribution of $250,000 for the purpose of financing the El Cajon Boulevard median improvements. These improvements would include replacing the utility sleeves installed five years ago at the completion of the Mid-City Pipeline.

"It will be a major improvement to the neighborhood and I hope a decrease in the crime in the area. Many thanks to Jim for his support of Rolando."

–Jody Talbot, Rolando Community Member and Crossroads PAC Member

Additionally on September 25th, 2007, City Council approved Item 331, which provides up to $3 million for improvements for University Avenue sidewalk design, repair, and installation. This project was approved by the Crossroads Project Area Committee and allows the Redevelopment Agency to expand $500,000 for project design this year, followed by up to $2.5 million in construction in the next four years as tax increment funds become available.

BOO! Bash at the Salvation Army Kroc Center

On Wednesday, October 24th, children are invited to celebrate Halloween in a safe, family-friendly environment at the Kroc Center's annual BOO! BASH. The hauntless jaunt promises hours of festive fun including face painting, a pumpkin patch, carnival games, and much, much more! The entire event is free for Kroc Center members, and $2 a person for the general public or $10 per family. The fun starts at 5:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts and Education Buildings at the Kroc Center located at 6605 University Avenue. At 7:30 p.m., guests are invited to Trick or Treat on Ice at the NHL sized rink!

Boulevard Boo Parade

Kudos to community leaders from the College Area, El Cerrito and Rolando neighborhoods. On October 29th they revived the parade tradition on El Cajon Boulevard by holding the first ever Boulevard Boo Parade on a beautiful Saturday afternoon followed by a carnival. KOGO radio talk show host Mark Larson served as the Grand Marshall. Christina Kish and Bill Markwardt deserve much credit for helping organize it. The area has a long history of parades going back to 1937 with the El Cajon Boulevard Civic Association's parade. The longest parade on El Cajon Boulevard took place in 1949 and was seven miles long. SDSU held homecoming parades from 1940 through 1967 when the parades moved closer to campus.

Now, for 2005, the College Neighborhoods Foundation and the College Area Business District have collaborated to revive the parade as a grand community event, named it "The Boulevard BOO! Parade" and moved it back to El Cajon Boulevard in the heart of the College neighborhoods. I was proud to help sponsor this great new community event and look forward to attending next year.

Undergrounding Update

October 27, 2005

1. Park Ridge (San Carlos) Cox communication will be out next week. Poles should be removed within 90 days.
   
   
2. Segment 7F (Rolando) will begin in October 06
   
   
3. Overlake/Ridgemoor (Del Cerro) will begin in early 07
   
   
4. Lake Shore Drive (San Carlos) Trenching is done as is the house paneling. Project should be completed by April 06.
   
   
5. Princess View Drive (Allied Gardens) is to begin December 12.
   
   
6. Twain Avenue (Allied Gardens) is done. The poles should be topped by end of November.
   
   
7. Jackson Drive (San Carlos) should be completed by end of November. The poles will then be topped.
   
   
8. Orange Avenue - Fairmount to 54^th (Mid City) Trenching is 75% complete and the house panel work is completed.
   
   
9. Catoctin (College Area) Trenching is 75% complete
   
   
10. Madra Avenue (Del Cerro) Trenching is 80% complete
    
    

Tree Plantings

Councilmember Madaffer has allocated funds to plant hundreds of trees within District 7. The Urban Corps of San Diego is the contractor for this program. For free tree planting in your neighborhood, please contact:

Ryan Celbuski
Urban Corps of San Diego
Community Forestry Coordinator
619-235-6884

The Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center

This center was made possible by a generous donation from Joan Kroc. The community facility includes an ice-skating rink, skateboard park, playing fields, gym, performing arts center, climbing wall, family enhancement center and swimming pools. There are discounted membership rates for those who live in the 92105, 92114, 92115, 92120, 92182, 91941, 91942, 91945 and 91977 zip codes.

Crossroads Redevelopment

Redevelopment is a tool the City of San Diego can use to bring extra money and economic opportunity into the College and Eastern Areas. Normally, when property owners pay property taxes, only 12% of that comes back to the City. However, under redevelopment 66% of that comes back into the redevelopment area! This money can be used to clean up older, neglected buildings, install landscaped medians and more. Now that the redevelopment area is approved, the Project Area Committee is busy shaping a vision for our major corridors: El Cajon Blvd., University Avenue, College Avenue, 54th STreet and Streamview Drive. There is quite a bit of activity taking place within the Crossroads Area, so be sure to get involved so that your voice can be heard. Learn more about the Crossroads Redevelopment Project.