Boulevard News – December 2018
Kid’s Ark
Rexford Boadi moved to the United States from Ghana at the age of 22 seeking higher education and an opportunity to work in international business. He soon received a job working for a menswear store based in New York City, where he was trained in visual displays, window trimming and merchandising. With over 40 store locations, he worked independently for 14 yrs throughout New York and New Jersey.
With family being his number one priority, he did not feel the neighborhood where they lived in New York was family friendly enough to raise the kids. Upon their first visit to San Diego, he felt a greater sense of community, and of course the weather played a major factor is the family’s decision making. For his wife Endurance, finding work as a nurse wouldn’t be a problem, but Rex wasn’t sure what his next career step looked like.
He got by initially working as a Lyft/Uber driver, becoming familiar with the geography and people here in San Diego. Through is research, he noticed that there isn’t a culture for dressing up, nor are there many local clothing stores that appeal to this market. While it might be difficult to transform San Diegans from their casual fashion, Rex and his wife thought that with his professional background in menswear, targeting children and providing formal suits and dresses in central San Diego was worth investing in. With a fondness for children, Kids Ark on El Cajon Blvd offers a line of colorful, stylish seasonal options. As he explains, “Kids are the future, and he wants to offer them an opportunity to dress up, look good, be happy and prepare them for what lies ahead.”
Kid’s Ark -4151 El Cajon Blvd
BLVD 20/20 Town Hall
The El Cajon Boulevard Business Improvement Association hosted its second “Blvd. 20/20 Town Hall” on Tuesday, Dec. 4 at the Rock Church in City Heights. More than 75 community members attended the two-hour event to listen to a panel of speakers and share their ideas and provide feedback on the issue of mobility along the iconic mid-city corridor.
The community input collected at the event will be used by the BIA in the development of the “Blvd. 20/20 Plan,” a new community vision for El Cajon Boulevard as a model for successful transit-oriented communities in San Diego. The BIA has been engaging with the community through a series of public workshops on topics such as neighborhood amenities, affordability, accessibility, cultural enhancement and urban living. The final Blvd. 20/20 Plan is scheduled to be unveiled in January.
Participants at the Town Hall event included Transit Center Foundation visionary Kirk Hovenkotter; San Diego City Councilmember Chris Ward (District 3); Dr. Sherry Ryan from San Diego State University; and Sharon Cooney from the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS). Discussions included plans to advance Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), transit lanes, modal balance and more.
There was overwhelming support from the attendees, comprised mostly of residents and business owners within a two-block area of the Boulevard, to lobby for a dedicated BRT lane, starting with a pilot project at one or more high-traffic sections of the four-mile corridor.
“We are thankful to the countless community members that have joined us in this exciting process,” said Tootie Thomas, president of the El Cajon Boulevard BIA. “The feedback we have received has been very positive, informative and inspirational as we craft a new vision for The Boulevard. Those of us who live, work and invest along the ECB corridor know this is a special place, full of opportunity. We look forward to sharing our Blvd. 20/20 Plan with the larger San Diego community in the coming weeks.”
SHOWING from DECEMBER 14 through DECEMBER 20, 2018
Digital Gym Cinema-2921 El Cajon Blvd
Barn Brewery Ugly Sweater Christmas Party & New Year’s Bash
UGLY SWEATER CHRISTMAS PARTY
Friday December 14th, 07:00 PM – 12:30 AM
NEW YEAR’S EVE BASH
Monday December 31st, 08:00 PM – 12:00 AM
The Lafayette Hotel Presents
“Film & Float: ELF”
December 14th
Enjoy an evening at The Lafayette Hotel and join Buddy the Elf on his adventure from the North Pole, through the Candy Cane Forest and all the way to New York City! Kick off the festive evening with a Gingerbread House Workshop with Chef Ryan. Hot cocoa and cider will be available along with roasted chestnuts. With a cocktail in hand, head to our Lafayette pool and dive right in with your favorite floaties and indulge in $5 food and drinks. Don’t be a Cotton Headed Ninny Muggins and miss out on all the fun!
5:30pm Gingerbread Workshop Cost: 15
6:30pm Movie will begin Cost: Free
Reservations not required. Click here for more information
“ON WITH THE SHOW New Year’s Eve Celebration: Euphoric Haze.”
December 31st
Experience three rooms of Peace, Love & Music as we take you back to the swinging 60’s. Groove with us on the biggest night of the year!
Three Rooms of Peace, Love & Music:
The Factory
Step into The Factory and experience the studio that gave Andy Warhol inspiration. Bold prints and mod styles from Britain make its way to the dance floor.
The Groovy Twist
Bust out the mashed potato, the twist, and Freddie while listening to soulful tunes. Get caught dancing all night in this room.
The Lava Underground
The dinner variety show will occur in our legendary Mississippi Ballroom, but once service ends, it is transformed into The Lava Underground. Find yourself in a euphoric haze as psychedelic projections dance around the room.
Note:Early booking is highly recommended as this event has sold out the last four years.
Creative Happenings at Soul Flow Studio
Click here for more information.
Soul Flow Studio – 3095 El Cajon Blvd
Collins and Coupe “Seedlip and Domaine Tasting” December 14th 11am-4pm
Come try a few local products, and meet the people behind them!
11am: Seedlip Drinks crafts a very interesting non-alcoholic distilled spirit with tons of botanical flavors. They will be here in store to show you what they offer and answer any questions.
2pm: Domaine Santé is back to give you a taste of their all natural wine nectars! Emily will be in shop making sodas with her delicious sweeteners.
These products are very unique and we are proud to have them in store! Collins & Coupe will give 15% off both brands all day.
Click here for more information
Collins & Coupe – 2876 El Cajon Blvd
Tasty Pizza
4202 El Cajon Blvd
The cheese bread was super great! I loved it and the pizza was ready in 15 mins. I ordered the Loco deal which was super worth it: 4 large pizzas 2 2-liter sodas cheese bread and bread sticks. Workers were super friendly and we got all that food for less than 30 dollars. Worth it!
Click here for more yelp reviews.
