L'Italo-Americano

L'Italo-Americano THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2014 www.italoamericano.com 6 Association Promotes Italian Growth and Awareness Established in 1996, The Little Italy Association (LIA) was formed to expedite the revi- talization and beautification of one of the oldest, and most remarkable neighborhoods of downtown San Diego, Little Italy. Residents, businesses and property owners all work harmo- niously with LIA. This district management cor- poration has approximately 26 board members who are com- prised of natives, restaurant own- ers and residents of Little Italy. Steve Galasso, the organization's current president has been in office since its inception. "I've been the LIA President since '96, and have seen all the changes," says Steve, who has also been in business at Caffe Italia. When asked about whether or not the changes have been good or bad, he remarked, "I've been in business for 20 years, so they must have been good." One of the unique features of San Diego's LIA is that, accord- ing to Marco Li Mandri, Chief Administrator, "It is the only growing Italian Association in the country." Li Mandri further stated that the organization's more than $200 million in assets is used to build public relations. The annual revenue comes from funds of four different sources; the Little Italy Maintenance Assessment District (MAD), the Little Italy Business Improvement District (BID), the Little Italy Parking District, and various other programs. These include parcels and businesses within the 48-square block area of the North-West part of down- town San Diego. Upcoming events for Little Italy include the Little Italy Festa, Sunday October 12, 2014 from 10:00am to 6:00pm. "It is the largest, single day [event] in the country," according to Li Mandri. "It is attended by over 100,000 people," he added. This festival has its origins stemming from the first festival when this Little Italy community opened its RoBeRt GAllo streets to San Diego Residents and welcomed people from all over the world. This year's festa will include Italian favorites: a Bocce ball tournament, Filippi's Restaurant Pizza Tossing Contest and the traditional Stickball Exhibition Game. Restaurants in Little Italy will open their doors, or set up tables in front to offer wine, music and food to visitors of the day's activities. Little Italy is kept clean and attractive due to the services of maintenance workers and man- agement staff who oversee regu- lar sidewalk sweeping, installa- tion and maintenance of trees and landscaping in the public right-of-way, evening mainte- nance workers, maintenance of public areas and piazzas, hang- ing of banners and decorations, and all beautification efforts. Approximately $116,000 gen- erated in FY13 provide for administration needed to pro- mote and publicize the business district, coordinate community events and advocate on behalf of businesses. The Little Italy Parking District generated approximately $366,000 in FY13 used to create parking solutions for the Little Italy District via a community- wide valet program, 2-hours free parking on Saturdays, collaborat- ing with the City of San Diego to maximize surface street parking by restriping streets from parallel to diagonal or perpendicular, and other parking management pro- grams. An additional $694,000 in revenues were generated in FY13 from grants, income from special events, the Little Italy Mercato (Farmers' Market), and contributions from the communi- ty supporters. This market is held on Date Street and comes alive on Saturdays from 8:00am to 2:00, no matter what the weather brings. Although osten- sibly offering many Italian fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices, it models itself after city markets from all over the world. Various meats, homegrown flowers and bouquets, home accessories and more can all be found at reason- able prices. Little Italy Association, San Diego Mercato: Little Italy's Farmers' Market Caffe Italia owner Steve Galasso work- ing during the morning rush

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