University Heights’ commercial core is in the middle of major turnover. Bahn Thai nears reopening in a much larger space, Park & Rec is changing hands, Humili replaces Red House Pizza, and a new concept is coming to the former Madison on Park. Plus: Muzita adds lunch, and two Park Blvd. buildings hit the market.

The University Heights sign is glowing again after the City funded $24,000 in new neon, installed by YESCO on Sept. 9. Now comes Phase 2: a full $80,000 refurbishment before the sign’s 30th anniversary in March. A $35,000 matching challenge doubles every gift, and $17,640 more by Dec. 31 unlocks the full match.

Every ask we make eventually finds the right person. UHCA President Marc Johnson welcomes new volunteer coordinator James Lew, thanks the board and team leads who keep University Heights running, and bids a fond farewell to Lauren Doucette as she moves to Normal Heights — opening a search for a new events leader.

After a period of dormancy, the University Heights Arts Association is back with new leadership and a renewed vision: member perks, artist networking, workshops, and collaborative projects with UHCA like murals and utility box art. The revival kicks off with the University Heights Open-Air Gallery on Sunday, Nov. 8, along Park Boulevard from Adams Avenue to Monroe.

UHCA meetings resumed Sept. 2 at Hsi Fang Temple on Park Boulevard, drawing about 70 neighbors. Assemblymember Chris Ward reviewed his consumer privacy and water-rate bills, and Kimmi Perkins of I Love a Clean San Diego shared practical tips on recycling and composting. Next up: the Oct. 1 meeting with San Diego Fire on Zone Zero rules.

Automated license plate readers photograph passing vehicles and log plate, time, and location. In the first of two perspectives, Deborah Morrison explains how SDPD uses ALPRs, the results the department reports since December 2023, and the policy safeguards it cites, including 30-day data deletion and a ban on immigration enforcement. A more critical view follows in November.

A dozen volunteers turned out at 7 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19, with brooms, pressure washers, and graffiti remover to scrub, sweep, and power-wash Park Boulevard from Adams to Monroe. Thanks to everyone who pitched in, to Good Omen Coffee Co. for fueling the crew, and to [clos] Wine Shop for the water.

This month’s Plume Award goes to mother-daughter duo Cate and Aurelia Bell, who donated two commercial-grade pet waste stations and two waste bins to UHCA. Lifelong resident Aurelia returns wandering dogs and picks up what others leave behind, while Cate, a 38-year resident, looks out for neighbors’ open garage doors and loves the neighborhood’s transformation.

On her way to Rome, Deborah Morrison noticed two men at the San Diego airport — then kept running into them on a cruise through Italy and Croatia. They turned out to be UH News distributor Gary Williams and his partner Jon Von Erb, the UH Poet Laureate, celebrating their anniversary. It really is a small world.

Roosevelt Middle School and Birney Elementary, both International Baccalaureate World Schools, marked the UN’s International Day of Peace on Sept. 21 by forming human-scale peace symbols captured by drone. Students also received a Peace Day T-shirt designed with student artwork, and this year’s UN theme celebrates the everyday architects of peace in our communities.

The Puzzle Swap at the University Heights Library on Saturday, Sept. 19, drew its biggest crowd ever: 90 participants and well over 300 puzzles swapped. The line stretched out the door and through the stacks before opening, and organizers say the popular event is just about outgrowing the neighborhood’s little branch library.

It takes 713 gallons of water to make one t-shirt. Judith Annicchiarico looks at the true cost of fast fashion, how California’s Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024 is starting to help, and where to drop off unwanted clothes locally — including Target’s new Textile Drop Spot bins — while asking whether we really need that next purchase.

This month’s UPGRADE recognition goes to Yasileth “Yami” Talavera of the University Heights branch of California Coast Credit Union, nominated for remembering members’ names and the little details of their lives. As she marks one year with Cal Coast, Yami receives a complimentary new patient exam and treatment at UPGRADE Chiropractic.

Professional dog trainer Lola Handzel explains why dogs bark and why yelling “quiet” rarely works. After ruling out medical causes and boosting enrichment, try acknowledging the alert: say “OK, thank you,” mark the moment of quiet, and reward your dog away from the trigger. With timing, patience, and consistency, the barking fades.

Meet Jiji, Office Manager Extraordinaire and Chief Morale Officer at Lotus Accounting and Tax. She supervises daily operations, provides companionship and comic relief through the long hours of tax season, and reminds everyone to take a break. Off the clock, she trades management for athletic competition as a competitive Corgi Racer.

Glaskyn Aesthetics, a physician-owned medical aesthetics practice led by Brianne Gober, MD, opened its University Heights location in April 2026. Drawing on nearly two decades in medicine, including eight years in the U.S. Navy, Dr. Gober personally provides all care with a conservative approach, specializing in hair restoration, skin rejuvenation, and regenerative aesthetics.

The University Heights Women’s Walk Club is a welcoming, women-centered group that builds friendships through neighborhood walks and social events. There are no fees or applications, most walks are free and drop-in friendly, and you don’t have to live in UH to join. Find UHWWC on Instagram or at UHWWC.org and come as you are.

Volunteers care for the native plants in the UHCA Biodiversity Garden at Park Boulevard and Meade Avenue on the second Saturday of every month, 8 to 11 a.m. Join them Oct. 10 and Nov. 14 ahead of the annual November planting party, or donate to the fall plant fund, where UHCA matches every dollar.