“Living In the City” is the San Diego Sun’s feature Q&A with downtown San Diego residents. It’s a way to get to know the city by meeting the people who live here. This is number 31 in an ongoing series.
Name: Joyce Summer
Location: 20 years at Discovery condos on Cortez Hill. Previously, 10 years at Meridian in the Marina District.
Personal deets: Born in Tacoma (Washington). Grew up in Paramus (New Jersey) but wanted to switch coasts again and live in an urban environment. My husband, Gordon Summer, and I were married on May 11, 1963. We’re about to celebrate our 60th wedding anniversary.
Pets: Nope. Just my husband. I walk him every day.
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Work deets: I’ve been a sales/marketing consultant and an event producer. Currently on the advisory board of the Downtown San Diego Partnership.
Recognition: Distinctions from professional and volunteer life:
- Alonzo Award (Volunteer of the Year) from the DSDP
- National Smart Growth Award from Urban Land Institute
- Directors Award from former Centre City Development Corporation
- National Field Manager of the Year from Welcome Wagon International
- National Sales Rep of the Year for Occidental Chemical Corporation
Having a day: On September 20, 2004, the City of San Diego designated a “Joyce Summer Day.” Told city councilmembers, “the city of San Diego is like my third child.”
Gordon knows cars: From a distance Gordon can spot the make, model and year of any car. His other notable distinctions include:
- Judge at the La Jolla Concours d’Elegance
- Board Member of Young Audiences of San Diego; winner of Star Award from Performing Arts League
- EVP of Bates Worldwide and a partner in Einson Freeman, Inc
- Top Ten Campaign of the Decade Award (1980s) from Advertising Age
- Multiple award-winner from American Marketing Association, Promotion Marketing Association, Association of Promotion Marketing Agencies, and Clio Awards
Best aspect of your building: Everyone is friendly, nice and a good neighbor.
Worst aspect of your building: Occasional water problems.
Why live downtown: It’s great to be able to walk around downtown. We hope it will return to being that way once again, soon.
Places to avoid: City streets where people are living in tents. I’m afraid to leave Cortez Hill and walk downtown, especially at night.
Yes, sand: Together, Gordon and I produced the U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge and 3D Art Expo for eight years (2012-2019) on San Diego’s piers. The international sculptors are such nice people.
Transportation breakdown: 50% walking, 50% driving.
Scooters: At present, they’re not safe for riders or vehicles on San Diego streets.
Scariest moments: When I tripped and fell on a sidewalk grate. And, another time when I tripped over a scooter.
Go-to coffee shop: Achilles Coffee Roasters. Good coffee at the Cortez Hill location. I order in person.
Lunch fave: Jo’s Diner in Mission Hills. Love their onion soup and their breakfast potatoes are to die for.
Currently watching: Blue Bloods, Bosch.
Downtown politicians: Mayor Todd Gloria and City Councilmember Stephen Whitburn could do more. The unhoused have no right to infringe the rights of the housed residents.
Parking: Lobby our elected officials to change the current regulations for new developments to once again require parking – both residential and commercial.
Cost of living: A lot of things downtown have high prices because they’re geared toward tourists. As a result, the residents suffer.
Final word: If you want to live downtown be willing to put up with city noises. SDSun
☀️To read the entire Living In The City series, go to: Profiles.☀️
