Happy pairs from Hillcrest's Clean T.E.A.M. Photo courtesy of HillQuest.com.

Willing to pitch in to collect a little Hillcrest trash? Meet up on Park Boulevard just south of University Avenue for the Hillcrest Town Council’s next clean-up. Saturday, February 11 – 9am til noon. We’ll split up into small groups and create a HUGE difference. Wear gloves (if you have them). Tools will be provided.

All volunteers will receive a free orange t-shirt (as pictured to the left, while supplies last) and a huge feeling of community pride. Become a part of the Hillcrest Clean T.E.A.M.

A large dumpster (provided by Council member Todd Gloria’s office) will be located in the parking lot at Third and University (301 University) for anyone wishing to dispose of larger items. Bring your yard waste, old furniture (better there than in the alleys) and other items that won’t fit in your trash. Please do not drop off flamables, paint, oil or electronics.

Call (619) 260-1929 for more information.

Hillcrest Mardi Gras is on Fat Tuesday, February 21, 2012 from 6 PM – 11 p.m on University Ave. at Fourth Ave.

Hillcrest Mardi Gras is featuring live entertainment, special guest performers, and an exclusive V.I.P. area. Food and drink will be available for purchase from participating vendors and venues. Cocktails will be served along with an array of other surprises, plenty of beads, actually… MORE THAN PLENTY and outrageous party favors. Hillcrest Mardi Gras is a 21 and up age event.

In addition to taking home your signature 2012 beads, you can take home that warm Hillcrest feeling knowing that All proceeds from the event benefit LGBT youth scholarships and neighborhood improvements.

This event is run by the Hillcrest Business Association and the GSDBA Charitable Foundation. The festival will take place rain or shine.

For more information on the event visit HillcrestMardiGras.com

Like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/HillcrestMardiGras

Just twenty bucks, twenty minutes and as little as twenty people will make a tremendous impact on a Hillcrest store this Sunday, January 8 at 4:30 p.m.

How does it work? A collective group of people commit to spending at least $20 on a set day and time at one pre-determined small business. San Diego’s organizer, Lauren Way of San Diego Cash Mob explains:

“We’re all there with the same goal, and we’re all on the same adventure. There is buzz, there is energy. Where are we going? What’s this mob going to be? Will I be adding to my library? Record collection? Wardrobe?”

“By getting a bunch of people together at once and all going to one place, the impact is tangible. We all need a little instant gratification now and again, and seeing the line of people in the little store that’s never before had a line and hearing the grand total of the night makes the difference feel more significant.”

Cash Mob’s have been gaining momentum nationally, and recently in San Diego, where South Park’s Make Good hosted the first mob.

View more videos at: http://nbcsandiego.com.

This month Hillcrest welcomes the second Cash Mob in San Diego and in true Hillcrest style, this mob boasts a post-mob happy hour which will also be announced at the mob. If you’re still wondering where the mob itself will be, remember that the Cash Mob rules state the small business itself will remain top secret. It will be announced at the meeting spot just prior to the mob (Fifth and Robinson Avenue, Sunday, January 8, 2012 at 4:30 p.m.).

To find out more on San Diego Cash Mobs visit: Facebook.com/cmsandiego

Saturday, February 4, 2012
2:00 pm until 5:00 pm

Fido & Co. Canine Country Club
1228 University Avenue • San Diego • CA • 92103

Your ticket includes four glasses of wine and a cheese and cracker spread, plus sweets galore! We will have water and sodas, too. Fashion Show – $5 per pug includes a professional picture with Dan, our Pugographer. Dress your pug in their cutest couture outfit and stroll the “cat” walk!

Cost: $22 per person (pre-registered) or $25 at the door.

For more event information visit: http://pugbutts.com/index.php

Hillcrest Pride Flag 2012

The Amazing High Heel Race raised funds for the Pride Flag in June 2011.

Initial funds from the project were raised by The Amazing High Heel Race, an event produced last June to kick off awareness and energy about the Pride Flag.

After several stages of fundraising, permitting, bid retrieval and committee work, the flag is moving rapidly forward with a projected launch date of July 2012.

What can YOU do to help? Right now we’re working through the City of San Diego permitting process which requires neighborhood support. We’ll keep you updated with any relevant public meetings that you can attend to voice your position.

In the meantime we encourage you to “Like Us” on Facebook.com/PrideFlag and engage with our social networking. Get your friends to Like Us too!

Read more about the Hillcrest Pride Flag on the HBA’s web site.

Become a part of this fabulous tradition on Saturday, April 21, 2012 from Noon to 4:00 PM where the best chefs and cuisine come together to create the tastiest event of the season! Spend the afternoon satisfying your appetite as you dine in over 40 restaurants in the urban neighborhood of Hillcrest. From cafés and bistros to Five-Star dining, this self-guided culinary adventure will indulge your taste buds with flavorful bites from fresh seafood & sushi, perfect pastas, all-American favorites, tantalizing Thai, and Asian delights. The taste sensations don’t stop there as participants will also sample delectable desserts, specialty coffees and cool drinks. Tickets to the 12th Annual Taste of Hillcrest are just $30.00 in advance and $35.00 on the day of the event and proceeds benefit the Hillcrest Business Association. Tickets are limited and have sold out in advance for the last eight years, so purchase them soon to secure your ticket to this ultimate “taste”. Slip on your walking shoes, gather some friends and get ready for some of the finest treats the Hillcrest area has to offer. Your taste buds will thank you later!

Click here for a tasty recap of last year’s Taste of Hillcrest

This Sunday at the Hillcrest Farmers Market the Visting Chef Series returns with Chef Bernard Guillas at the heart of the market at 1 PM for a fresh cooking demo and features from Chef Bernard’s latest cook book “Flying Pans Cookbook 101″! He will be preparing and giving out samples of the Hibiscus Lemon Bar, which is a signature dish from the Marine Room, as well as, a recipe featured in his newest cookbook, Flying Pans. He will be selling his cookbook at the Market, immediately following his cooking demonstration, for the price of $25 including tax (cash or check only) and his chef de cuisine and cookbook author, Ron Oliver will also be on hand to answer any questions.

The Hillcrest Farmers Market Visiting Chef Series educates market patrons on inpsired ways to integrate farmers market produce into your dishes at home! Chefs from local restaurants and market vendors perform live demonstrations of their favorite tasty treats while also providing market patrons with helpful cooking tips.

At Taste ‘n’ Tini’s classic cocktail parties will have a fabulous sparkle, when San Diego’s most beloved neighborhood serves up a festive way to enjoy the holiday season. Take in the crisp winter air and holiday decorations, while you embark on a self-guided walking tour of delightful drinks, scrumptious eats and fabulous retail shopping at the Hillcrest Taste n’ Tinis!

Each retail boutique along the tour will be fixing up a holiday inspired martini for your sipping while shopping enjoyment. Check off all your gifting boxes while enjoying the best sips and treats that Hillcrest has to offer.

Join us at The Wine Lover on Sunday December 4th with Nick Z & Friends for a night of soulful Jazz and delicious wine as we round out the weekend with an evening of live music and an opportunity to get your Taste ‘n’ Tini’s ticket at a discount!

Click here to find out who’s participating this year + more pre-party dates!

At Taste ‘n’ Tini’s classic cocktail parties will have a fabulous sparkle, when San Diego’s most beloved neighborhood serves up a festive way to enjoy the holiday season. Take in the crisp winter air and holiday decorations, while you embark on a self-guided walking tour of delightful drinks, scrumptious eats and fabulous retail shopping at the Hillcrest Taste n’ Tinis!

Each retail boutique along the tour will be fixing up a holiday inspired martini for your sipping while shopping enjoyment. Check off all your gifting boxes while enjoying the best sips and treats that Hillcrest has to offer.

Meet us at URBAN Mo’s on Friday December 2 or Friday December 9 from 7-9pm for TGIF weekend kick off and your opportunity to get discounted Taste ‘n’ Tini’s tickets!

Click here to find out who’s participating this year + more pre-party dates!

At Taste ‘n’ Tini’s classic cocktail parties will have a fabulous sparkle, when San Diego’s most beloved neighborhood serves up a festive way to enjoy the holiday season. Take in the crisp winter air and holiday decorations, while you embark on a self-guided walking tour of delightful drinks, scrumptious eats and fabulous retail shopping at the Hillcrest Taste n’ Tinis!

Each retail boutique along the tour will be fixing up a holiday inspired martini for your sipping while shopping enjoyment. Check off all your gifting boxes while enjoying the best sips and treats that Hillcrest has to offer.

Meet us at The Range on Wednesday December 14 for MOVIE NIGHT between 6:30-9pm and we’ll tell you how to get your discounted Taste ‘n’ Tini’s tickets! They’re showing Home Alone and it starts at 7pm sharp! Make a reservation, and don’t forget your Ugly Christmas Sweater! We’ll see you there!

Click here to find out who’s participating this year + more pre-party dates!