By Dr. John E. Warren, Publisher San Diego Voice & Viewpoint Newspaper, Chairman of the Board of Directors, NNPA
This Labor Day weekend our communities had two very important events. Jazz At the Creek which was held at the Educational Culture Complex Saturday and Sunday, and the OG Sandbox annual event at Neal Pettis/ Mt. View Park. Jazz At The Creek, which started at the Jacob’s Center’s creek side pavilion, and the OG Sandbox have been institutionalized Labor Day events for years. The success of these two events in particular has been due to the community’s love and participation at a time set aside to be together before we were caught up in being with everyone else. This newspaper salutes and honors those who came out this weekend to support these events and enjoy the fellowship of just being together for something good.
This was the sunset event for Jazz at the Creek. Declining sponsorships from many of the very corporate people who no longer participate and the lack of our own investment has made this no longer a workable adventure. Jazz At The Creek joins the Encanto Street Fair and Gold Coast Classic as past annual events that brought thousands of us and our dollars to support the best of ourselves.
The OG Sandbox has made some changes in recognizing that as many of the original members transition, the event itself is worth keeping. This year’s event brought on board a stage and live entertainment. The event of course was free as families cooked and shared their goods. The numbers were up. The message is that we must realize that we must support ourselves, as we once did, if we are to continue those things that have been so important to us.
As sponsors and advertisers shrink, we must get used to financially supporting our own businesses and institutions.
We are and always have been a giving people. Now it’s time to get back to giving to and supporting ourselves. In addition to doing just that, we must look closer at working together on the events we do sponsor. Those who are planning activities should consider discussing timelines for events so that we are not competing against each other for attendance. The solution is to support each other, and all will benefit. Unfortunately, there are some among us who just don’t care to work or play well with others. We can’t change them, but we can control our support for what they do. Let’s walk with our dollars and support those who support us. We can still support Jazz At The Creek by making donations to help offset the remaining expenses.
The lack of this year’s sponsorships and low ticket sales have left a debt for what was a great event which those of us who attended greatly enjoyed. Let’s reach out to M.A.N.D.A.T.E. and show some support after the event itself.