Beyond Normal: The Adams Avenue Blog
Opening of new peace garden on Adams Avenue
by Staff on 01/21/13
Have you noticed the wonderful new addition to Adams Avenue?
A former vacant lot and neighborhood eyesore that once occupied the NE corner
of Adams and Arizona has been masterfully transformed into a meditation garden
that is open for the public to enjoy. The labor and materials as well as the
design required to produce this pocket park was donated by the local Sri
Chimnoy community as homage to their spiritual leader who’s likeness is
represented in the garden by a bronze statue. The planning and construction of
the area was accomplished at a record breaking pace. The property owner agreed
to allow the garden to be built after being approached with the idea by local
business operators. Members of the Sri Chimnoy own several successful
businesses on Adams Avenue including Jyoti Bihanga Vegetarian Restaurant,
Pilgrimage of the Heart Yoga Studio and Papaha’s Art Gallery. The peace
garden’s dedication occurred earlier this January during an hour long ceremony
attended by nearly 100 people.
Board President, Ed Badrak, takes a look at 2012
by Staff on 12/28/12
It has been a pleasure serving as the AABA’s Board President during 2012. I want to wish you all a happy and prosperous new year. Following, in no particular order, are highlights of the AABA’s 2012 year.
¨ Transitioned the Adams Avenue Roots Festival from a block party format into a two and half mile acoustic music walkabout called Adams Avenue Unplugged. The event drew critical acclaim, record crowds, and increased weekend commercial activity.
¨ Reinstituted a holiday tradition by bringing back Santa, snow, caroling and crafts to the children of the neighborhood. Held at Kensington Library Park, under the banner of Holiday on the Avenue.
¨ Participated in Small Business Saturday by distributing business directories along the Avenue.
¨ Record public attendance, publicity, and profits generated from 2012 Street Fair.
¨ Accomplished the repositioning of the bus stop and parking meters at Adams and 30th, at request of property owner and new business to facilitate required tenant improvements.
¨ Oversee the Avenue’s Maintenance Assessment District (MAD) under contract with the City which includes area-wide graffiti control and day porter service on 7 blocks
¨ Day- to- day management of Normal Heights Community Center’s hall rental reservations.
¨ Upgraded website and social media presence.
¨ Replaced dead trees, broken street grates, trashcans, and damaged street lights.
¨ Facility Management of San Diego Global Vision Academy campus, in partnership with the Normal Heights Methodist Church.
¨ Supervised Storefront Improvements for Corner Liquor and Discount Fabrics.
¨ Steam cleaned and removed gum on 8 blocks of sidewalk.
¨ Brought management of Taste of Adams Avenue in- house, converting consultant fees to expanded publicity campaign.
¨ Hosted quarterly member mixers
¨ Managed community marquee (Discount Fabrics) messaging and purchased new marquee letters.
¨ Helped facilitate lease negotiations that enabled recruitment of new hospitality business, resulting in significant Avenue investment.
¨ Helped negotiate forthcoming use of Masonic Lodge’s lot for public parking in conjunction with Heights Tavern.
¨ Began work on bike-friendly business district and Adams Avenue mural program. Look for exciting additions in 2013.
¨ Began plans for a new community parking lot program coming in 2013.
¨ Developed BEYOND NORMAL marketing campaign to be fully launched in 2013.
(This is an excerpt from our 2012 Annual Report. Please click here to read the report in it's entirety.)
