In the mean time, take advantage of  the down time and make that business of yours sparkle.  Here are just a few ideas to keep you busy:

Outside

• Spray down your awnings.  A little water and hose can go a long way!
• Pigeon proof your awnings.  This makes a huge difference in the cleanliness of your storefront...the first impression of your business.
• Sweep your store front daily but don't be afraid to take a broom to the window sills and corners of your store front.  REMEMBER-do not sweep debris into street, in the trash only!
• Wash your windows and store front signage.

Inside

• Take down all outdated postings and signage.  
• Wash all store surfaces; cash register areas, phones, dressing rooms, desks, counters, tables, restrooms, etc.. 
• Change burned out light bulbs, dust off light covers and fans, and inspect that all lights are working properly.
• Sweep/Vacuum all areas in your business including corners, under furniture, lighting, entry areas, backroom areas, etc.
• Post only updated information for your employees...keep them focused on what is important-service and sales!
• Wash your windows from top to bottom

JUST A FEW THINGS TO KEEP YOU AND YOUR STAFF BUSY.
Remember...commotion causes promotion!

Those beautiful banners that we designed and many of you sponsored were all blown down during that horrible storm back in February.  The bad news is that it took us that long to get the monies to put them back up.  The good news is that they are back up and put up in a much better, stronger way so they will not come down like that ever again!!

There will not be a fee charge this year (2008) for hanging as originally proposed at the inception of the banner program. 

There are opens spaces available for you!  If you do not have a banner with your business name on it and want to sponsor one, contact cpagan2@juno.com to get the information.

Thank you to all those Merchants who have paid their 2008 Association dues.  In challenging times like we are facing now it is even more important to keep our retail environment looking clean and inviting.  It is hard to budget this in but know that your payment is greatly appreciated and respected.  It is never too late to contribute.  Visit WestPortalMerchants.com today!

Every business on the Avenue owes it to their neighbors and customers to participate in the Association.  When a business makes the decision not to contribute, they are also making the decision to let someone else, another business in the same financial situation or worse, suffer the brunt of the cost and effort to make a difference in the neighborhood we all choose to do business in.

Here in West Portal we have been pretty lucky in the area of graffiti that is until NOW.  In a matter of two weeks the Avenue looked like a poster board for the go to neighborhood to put your "tag" of choice.

The longer the "tags" stayed on buildings the more "tags" came along.  As unfair as it is, it is our responsibility to clean up the graffiti.....within 24 hours is best.  Even the tags that appeared along the roof tops of many businesses need to be removed.

It does seem after many efforts by the WPAA Board, meetings with SFPD and Sean Elsbernd's office, some improvement has been made.  Cynthia, WPAA President, requested a "once through" by the Graffiti Abatement Team for the Avenue and it was granted.  The Abatement Team addressed all city property damaged, street level businesses with tags, and also issued notices to building owners to educate them on their responsibility. 

Cynthia communicated that it is unfair for business owners to have to suffer the brunt of this cost alone and that the neighborhood needs more city support and police participation in catching the "taggers".  Though there have been no arrests for the "tags", it does seem that the neighborhood is back under control with most "tags" being cleaned up and painted over.  Property owners, business owners, and the city all worked together to get the Avenue back under control.

Any day it can get out of control.  Please do your part and get it cleaned up.  If it sits longer than 24 hours on any building, call 311 and report it.  The more we all work together the smaller these issues are.

LEASE UPDATES    

Leases continue to come available on the Avenue. 

Please keep your eye out for other area businesses that would do well on the Avenue.  So many people in the city have no idea where West Portal is....as much as we like that, we also need strong, unique, and diverse business types to join the mix.

Instead of viewing the changes as a negative, try to view them as an opportunity for change and an opportunity for new businesses to thrive in a most unique neighborhood.  Many of the leases have been filled and either are occupied already or will be shortly once their build out is complete.

Walden Books space continues to be a challenge.  This space is zoned for retail/service only and is quite large but it could be the perfect space for an already established retailer looking to do an expansion or to have production and/or storage on sight.  If you or someone you know might be interested in this space, please contact Cynthia at cpagan2@juno.com.