The La Jolla Village Merchants Association accepted three grants totaling more than $57,000 last week from city, county and state agencies to help fund future projects and initiatives.
A $2,500 Community Projects, Programs and Services grant from the city of San Diego will help fund future celebrations of Nowruz, or Persian New Year. LJVMA held its first Nowruz celebration earlier this year.
“That’s an outstanding start for the Nowruz festival, and we will use other grant money if approved for the festival,” board member Bill Podway said at the groups Nov. 13 meeting. The funds will be received by March.
The board also received a $15,000 Neighborhood Redevelopment Program grant from San Diego County to add sustainability efforts to LJVMA events, including the First Friday Art Walk.
“We’re having several meetings to decide what we would like to do with the grant,” Podway said.
In addition, LJVMA accepted a $40,404 State Special Event grant to be used for expenses related to special events, including decor, entertainment and marketing.
Latrell Crenshaw, director of economic development and government affairs for the County of San Diego Black Chamber of Commerce, applauded the board for its work to obtain the grants.
Its a “rare feat to get city, county and state money at the same time, Crenshaw said. That does not happen all the time.”
Board members
LJVMA ushered in a new wave of leadership, welcoming 10 recently elected board members, and chose a slate of officers for the coming year.
The elected members are Podway, Scott Blaul, Jamie Mae Cheng, Joline Mann, Mark McDonald, Chad Taggart, Maddie Wallace, Ernesto Carrola, Carrington Kelso and Generoso Padigos Jr.
The board chose AJ Johnson as its new president, Elnaz Iraj as vice president, Podway to continue as treasurer and Blaul as secretary.
Departing President Japhet Perez Estrada said he was not seeking the post again because of time constraints associated with work, but would continue on the board.
New La Jolla Village Merchants Association President AJ Johnson (left) stands with departing President Japhet Perez Estrada. (Ashley Mackin-Solomon)
Johnson, who was elected to the board last year, said I am truly honored to serve as president of the La Jolla Village Merchants Association, but more than anything, I am incredibly excited to step into this role because of the fantastic board we have assembled. It takes a strong, unified team to drive our initiatives forward, and we’re fortunate to have a diverse group of local business leaders who make the association truly special.
Other LJVMA news
Holiday decor: Leading up to the annual Holiday Open House on Sunday, Nov. 24, the board purchased new decorations to replace older, “more torn-up decor that is beyond repair,” Perez Estrada said.
The Holiday Open House will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Girard Avenue and Silverado Street. Twenty businesses are participating this year to offer special promotions. Participating businesses will display posters in their windows.
The event also will include visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, demonstrations and more.
Next meeting: The La Jolla Village Merchants Association’s next meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 11, will double as its annual strategic planning meeting, where community and board members can share ideas about projects and initiatives the board should prioritize.
The meeting will begin 30 minutes earlier than usual, at 3:30 p.m. at the La Jolla/Riford Library, 7555 Draper Ave. Learn more at lajollabythesea.com. 