(HILLCREST) Scripps Mercy Hospital has asked the city for a demolition permit for this old bungalow across from their emergency room parking lot. Several community organizations, including the Uptown Planners, the Hillcrest Town Council, Save Hillcrest, the Hillcrest History Guild and the Neighborhood Historic Preservation Coalition have overwhelming supported saving the 1911 structure, which will have its hearing this afternoon at City Hall.

The city’s Historic Resources Board will consider historically designating three important properties in our neighborhood.

Item #6: 2900 Sixth Avenue, the George & Alice Hazard House, one of the last great residences across from the park, where many of San Diego’s most influential families lived. We’ve lost many great homes along this street: the Klauber House, Mrs. U.S. Grant & U.S. Grant Presidential Library, SD’s only Greene & Greene, many Irving Gill houses, etc. Staff is supporting designation.

Item #8: 4040 Fifth. This bungalow in front of Scripps Mercy Hospital was part of William Wesley Whitson’s original “Hillcrest” subdivision in what was then “University Heights.” Staff is supporting designation.

Item #9: 1041-47 University Avenue. With Rich’s on the east and Pomegranate to the west, the former home of Euphoria Coffeehouse is one of the best existing wooden Edwardian commercial buildings in Hillcrest. Staff is not recommending its designation. The loss of this building would tear the heart out of Hillcrest’s historic business district.

Today's hearing will begin at 1 p.m. at the City Administration Building, 202 C Street, 12th floor. Please take action by supporting designation of these three properties and helping to preserve Hillcrest’s rich past. It will be a huge loss to the community if these properties are hauled to the landfill.