That Mission Hills Summer Vibes

By J. Daniel Geddis, President Mission Hills BID Realtor, Team D&B at One Mission Realty

I’ve always been fond of June. As a child, June meant the beginning of summer break, freedom from daily schoolwork, and more leisurely time for morning cartoons. Summertime was also when my family would often take trips to visit family in other states. When we drove or flew across country to Indiana, Oklahoma, and Washington, the adventures created lasting memories for me, but I loved returning home to San Diego. It is still this way for me no matter how far away or exciting a vacation may be. We’re lucky to call San Diego, home.

As a Realtor® with a Mission Hills based office, I am in many neighborhoods throughout San Diego County representing buyers and sellers. And, when, friends and colleagues suggest getting together, my immediate inclination is to offer a few locations in Mission Hills. Admittedly, the always certain vibe of Mission Hills has maintained my reputation as a guy with great ideas. May I suggest a few for you to enjoy this summer? If I miss anyone, let me know and not only will I mention you next month, I promise to stop by soon!

If you want a lively night out with friends then try La Puerta Mission Hills and Harley Gray. Or, try the Aero Club and Lamplighter. For date night, how about Farmer’s Bottega, Cardellino, and The Red Door? If you are looking to be transported without leaving the neighborhood you might try Starlite, Fort Oak, Komatsuya, and Wine Vault & Bistro. Remember pizza anytime for the whole family, dine-in or take-out, from Pizza e Birra, Firori’s, and Lefty’s.

Obviously for Father’s Day and to honor the graduate in your life, try any of the above restaurants and add Cinema Under the Stars or National Comedy Theater; or Venissimo; Falcon Liquor, Hills Wine and Spirits; and Mission Hills Liquor. For flowers there is our very own Backbone Floral offering fresh and dried floral arrangements that are sure to make any recipient swoon. For international cuisine, we have International Restaurant Row’s offerings including El Indio, Karina’s, Rubicon, Shakespeare Pub & Grille, Shakespeare’s Corner Shoppe, Saffron and Gelato Vero while back up the hill are Izakaya Masa and What De Health Thai. Dare I say, if it’s in Mission Hills it is good? Wow, what a list! Who needs, ChatGPT, when you have me, right?

On banking’s radar since September 2021 has been the acquisition of Union Bank by US Bank. With the merger completed in December 2022 all Union Bank branches will open as US Bank on May 30. The transaction adds 1 million consumers and about 190,000 small business customers on the West Coast. US Bank Assistant Vice President | Branch Manager Jamaal Kae Jackson, who also serves on the Mission Hills BID board of directors and is its vice president, remains at US Bank’s Mission Hills branch.

If you live, work or spend time in Mission Hills, I’m sure you are enjoying the new banners flying on Mission Hills’ lampposts, courtesy of the partnership the BID has with the San Diego County Fair. These community banners, featuring business owners and their staff, comprise this year’s seventy-two banner installation. Please do look toward the sky and let the businesses you frequent know you saw them on a banner. If your favorite Mission Hills business is featured on a banner, take photo and post it to social with a tag. Thank you to all the business owner who participated in this year’s photo session.

US Bank Mission Hills and vice president of the Mission Hills BID Board of Directors.

The first official day of Summer this year is June 21, so mark your calendars and join in the summer vibe of the Mission Hills BID’s quarterly mixer taking place on the 21st, from 5:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. in the evening at Bar by Red Door, 729 West Washington Street. Our mixer host will be The Red Door Chef/Owner Luciano Cibelli. There will be lots of lively conversation and delectable refreshments for your enjoyment. Raffle prizes will be offered in “gift boxes” worth at least $100 each. Try your luck for $10 per ticket. Someone has to win – why not you? If you live or work in Mission Hills, we invite you to spend time with Chef Luciano and other business owners at the June 21 Mixer. Please email MissionHillsBID@gmail.com to let us know you’ll be attending.

There are many different ways to learn more about the Mission Hills BID, its meetings and activities, including our website: MissionHillsBID.com, Facebook: @MissionHillsBID, Instagram: @MissionHillsSD and Twitter: @ MissionHillsSD. If you love our Mission Hills business neighborhood and have ideas and time to help promote it, the Mission Hills BID needs you. Please contact us at MissionHillsBID@gmail.com.

Summer Blood Drive Continues to Reach Donors

“We are truly grateful to the Padres, our Presenting Sponsor Sycuan Casino Resort, our supporting sponsors, and of course the donors for making our seventh annual Summer Blood Drive so successful again this year” said San Diego Blood Bank CEO Doug Morton. “As always, this drive helps us greatly as we head into summer – a time when collecting blood is particularly difficult.”

“We’re grateful for the continuous support from the community in this area of need and the incredible donor turnout we had for today’s Summer Blood Drive,” said Tom Seidler, Padres Sr. VP of Community and Military Affairs. “Through our partnership with the San Diego Blood Bank, these blood drives allow us to make a significant impact and help save thousands of lives.

The Padres look forward to hosting blood drives at Petco Park for many more years to come.” Anyone who was unable to attend today’s blood drive can still receive the limited-edition Padres Blood Drive t-shirt by donating at any San Diego Blood Bank donor center or mobile blood drive throughout the month of June, while supplies last.

Since one pint of blood could potentially save up to three lives, the blood collected at this year’s Padres Summer Blood Drive could save up to 1,740 lives in Southern California.

Since 2017, the San Diego Padres have helped collect more than 3,000 pints of blood supporting thousands of patients in Southern California hospitals. To be eligible to donate blood, you must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 114 pounds, and be in general good health. Eligible blood donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment at SanDiegoBloodBank.org or calling 619-400-8251.