Key Properties
• As far as we know, there is no big news with any of the key neighborhood properties in flux.
• No strong candidates have stepped forward to buy Hillcrest Motel.
• The Altenheim will be closing its doors at the end of the month. The Board hopes to lease the property (as opposed to selling it), but it will take time to find new tenants for the site.
• There are no serious discussions for a new tenant in the former Albertsons site.

Safeway is proceeding rapidly with their remodel. Remember to support your local businesses so they can be here to serve the community.

Facade Improvement Projects by Local Businesses
Gaddy Reyes of the Community Economic Development Agency (CEDA) gave us the following list of Dimond businesses taking advantage of the facade improvement program.

• Ly Luck
• Madoshi Income Tax
• Tito Tayco
• Star Donut
• Jackson Hewitt
• Cybelle's Pizza
• Aurora's Hair Salon
• Mary's Hair Salon
• Dimond Deli

Through this program, the City provides free architectural services and pays 50% of the cost of facade improvements up to $10,000 City contribution limit. The deadline to apply is June 30 which is leading to the recent rush of participants.

Volunteer of the Month
Ursula Gebhardt is our volunteer of the month. For years Ursula has planted and maintained beautiful gardens at Glenview Elementary. Last year she started a new garden at Brewer Middle School. Ursula has turned compacted clay and fill in to lush gardens through steady, hard work. She also propagates most of the plants herself. Special thanks to Martin Matarrese from the City for providing mulch for the new garden at Brewer Middle School. Ursula has been hauling water in cans and described Martin as "a lifesaver".

Volunteer Needs
DIA needs more active volunteers. Please bring your ideas and talent to help the group proactively improve the neighborhood. Among other things, we are looking for volunteers to:

• set up and maintain flower existing and new planters in the Dimond business district
• help maintain the pocket park at Lincoln and MacArthur
• obtain better bus furniture and benches to place around parks and the business district
• work on relocating bus stops away from storefronts