Hillcrest Business Association

10/14/2026

Anyone who's been around Hillcrest for a while knows that when it rains Lake Hillcrest forms at Normal and University~ at least it used to! No more! Recent improvements to Hillcrest's stormwater system, as part of the Promenade construction, have solved this decades old problem. With the heavy rains this weekend, we saw Lake Hillcrest is no more. SANDAG - San Diego Association of Governments and the City of San Diego have been addressing these problems while construction has been going on in the neighborhood.

It's worth taking a moment to appreciate the improvements we're seeing across Hillcrest. Neighborhood construction is taking a little longer than we'd like, but there are many long term infrastructure challenges that are being addressed right now. Stormwater issues have also been addressed on Fifth Ave. in Hillcrest.

10/12/2026

Join us TOMORROW for the HBA Annual Meeting! We have a last minute special guest! We’re excited to announce that San Diego County Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe will be joining us!

The Hillcrest Business Association’s Annual Meeting is a relaxed cocktail mixer environment and is being hosted by our friends at R Place Bar & Eatery.

Come celebrate a big year in Hillcrest, hear what’s ahead for the neighborhood, and connect with fellow business owners and community partners.

>> Tuesday, October 13, 2026
>> 5–7 pm
>> R Place Bar & Eatery, 1027 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
>> Light bites, and your first drink is on us!

10/08/2026

The City of San Diego is promoting this free opportunity to Hillcrest business owners to connect with capital and grow your business.

Founders First Capital Partners, a City of San Diego partner, is hosting the San Diego Capital Activation Experience on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, in Sorrento Valley.
This invite-only event connects growth-ready, revenue-generating entrepreneurs with lenders, funders, advisors, and business-support organizations that are actively investing in small businesses.
Participants will have the chance to:
>> Meet directly with alternative lenders, funders, and other capital providers
>> Build relationships with organizations that support business growth
>> Be considered for $160,000 in unrestricted grant opportunities
Attendance is free, and the application takes just two minutes.
Apply here: https://foundersfirstcapitalpartners.com/capital-activation-events-2026-san-diego

Questions? Contact Arrey Phillips, Partner Specialist at Founders First Capital Partners, at [email protected].

Join the San Diego Capital Activation Experience to access growth capital, grants, funder matchmaking, and leadership support for scaling businesses.

10/07/2026

September's Clean & Safe Security Dashboard has been posted, and the numbers tell a striking story. Check out the September dashboard and earlier months on the Clean and Safe webpage: www.hillcrestbia.org/cleanandsafe

Every month, the Hillcrest Business Association tracks patrol activity across the Greater Hillcrest Clean & Safe Zone so you can see exactly what's happening on our streets.

Safer streets, cleaner sidewalks, and a stronger Hillcrest, all backed by the data.

The Hillcrest Security Activity Dashboard fits a one-page visual summary of our patrol activity across the Greater Hillcrest Clean & Safe Zone, drawing on daily incident logs. It cover with five key metrics — total incidents, graffiti reports, transient contacts, police/medical calls, and after-ho...

10/06/2026

You're invited to the HBA Annual Meeting.
Join us as we celebrate a year of wins for Hillcrest on Tuesday, October 13 from 5–8 pm at R Place at 1263 University Ave.

Enjoy a relaxed cocktail reception with good company, food, and drinks. We'll hold our annual board elections and release our 2026 Annual Report.

You helped make this year a success. Come celebrate with us and help us choose our new leaders.

10/02/2026

EXTREME HEAT WARNING: Cooling centers near you

An extreme heat warning is in effect through Thursday, Oct. 8, and the City of San Diego has extended cooling center hours. Here's where to cool off in and around Uptown:
Mission Hills-Hillcrest/Knox Library, 215 W. Washington St.
University Heights Library, 4193 Park Blvd.

Both locations will be open until 8 p.m. this Friday(today) and Saturday (Oct. 2–3). OPEN SUNDAY (12–8 p.m.),
Balboa Park Activity Center, 2145 Park Blvd. (fans available)
Central Library, 330 Park Blvd., downtown

>>Drink plenty of water and take it easy on exertion
>> Never leave people or pets in a parked car
>> Check on neighbors who are more vulnerable to heat, including older adults, kids, outdoor workers, and anyone with health conditions
>> Service animals are welcome at all cooling centers

City outreach teams are also handing out water and helping people experiencing homelessness find places to cool down.

Full list of locations and heat resources:

With its great weather, miles of sandy beaches, and major attractions, San Diego is known worldwide as one of the best tourist destinations and a great place for residents to relax year round.

10/02/2026

Join us for the Hillcrest Business Association's Annual Meeting on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 5:00 PM at R. Place Restaurant (1027 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92103). Get a first look at the 2026 Annual Report, vote for the new HBA Board of Directors and the Greater Hillcrest Maintenance Assessment District Committee, and connect with fellow business and property owners shaping the future of Fabulous Hillcrest~ And the first drink's on us!

Nominations are open now! Our volunteer Board is the voice of the business community, so if you know a business or property owner who cares about Hillcrest's future, nominate them or step up yourself. It's your neighborhood, your voice, your vote. Learn more at www.hillcrestbia.org/election.

10/01/2026

The HBA Board Election proxy ballot is now available!

The HBA has released its Proxy Ballot ahead of the upcoming HBA elections. If you can't make it to the Annual Meeting on Tuesday, October 13, you can use this ballot (pro tip: you can use this ballot even if you can come to the meeting). Make sure your voice is heard by voting with the proxy ballot. Download it here: https://tinyurl.com/33jb4ptx, and return it by before 5pm on October 13 to [email protected].

Thinking about running for the board? It's not too late! You can still nominate yourself before the election. Just visit the HBA election website and complete the nominations form (https://www.hillcrestbia.org/election). Your name will be put on the Official Ballot available at the annual meeting so be sure to bring your supporters to the meeting so they can vote for you in person.

And if you can join us, we'd love to see you! The Annual Meeting is our biggest mixer of the year: 5–7pm at R Place, 1027 University Ave. Bring a friend or neighbor!

09/25/2026

09/24/2026

Participate in Hillcrest's Halloween promotions! Sign up now!

Share your Halloween events, specials, themed offerings, and seasonal updates through this quick form. You'll be in for a chance to be featured on Fabulous Hillcrest’s social media, newsletter and website! Submit as soon as possible for maximum exposure and be sure to submit a separate submission for each event. You can also donate to our new Halloween Instagram Giveaway launching October 23, bringing even more attention to the local businesses that make Hillcrest spooktacular!

Sign up here: https://tinyurl.com/5fu6m23z