Long-awaited repairs to streetlights in Hillcrest are bringing new light — and renewed optimism — to a neighborhood navigating months of construction tied to a major infrastructure overhaul. Dozens of pedestrian-scale “acorn” streetlights along University Avenue, many of which had been bu rned out for months, have now been fixed, addressing safety concerns. “People don’t want to do bad things in the light, so having these pedestrian-scaled lights illuminated is really important,” said Benjamin Nicholls, executive director of the Hillcrest Business Association. Benjamin Nicholls, executive director of the Hillcrest Business Association, looks over construction on Normal Street, Saturday, April 11, 2026. The lighting improvements come as work continues on the $28 million Pride Promenade. It’s a public space project funded by the City of San Diego and the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG). The groundbreaking was held in February last year and will transform the area into a pedestrian and bicycle-friendly destination. Nicholls said the changes are already taking shape. “This is Pride Plaza — this is going to be the focal point,” he said, pointing to the developing space. Nearby, new features are steadily being installed, including a recently completed playground shade structure and decorative mosaic elements below the iconic Pride flag. For years, community leaders have pushed for upgrades to aging infrastructure in Hillcrest, where deteriorating streets and outdated infrastructure had become a growing concern. “We’ve been asking for years for this to be fixed — and it is being fixed,” Nicholls said. Funding for some of the improvements, including lighting repairs, is coming in part from city parking meter revenue — a topic that has sparked debate in other areas of town like Balboa Park,. Local businesses have endured months of construction disruptions. “Now the fact they’re going to have the promenade, with people hanging out, will increase foot traffic and make Hillcrest a lot more appealing,” said John Barney, assistant manager at the neighborhood ACE Hardware store. The construction has caused safety challenges. There has been confusion navigating temporary traffic changes and pedestrian crossings during the work. “Even crossing the street, sometimes people don’t even know lights are flashing,” Barney said. Still, many in the community say they are encouraged by the progress. Jonathan Lopez hangs a poster for the Taste of Hillcrest, Saturday, April 11, 2026. “The improvements are great. It’s been rough seeing the construction for so long, but looking at the big picture, it’s hopefully going to beautify the community and make it a little bit better,” said Hillcrest resident Jonathan Lopez. City officials say the Pride Promenade is expected to open to the public by the end of the year, while related bike lane improvements could continue through 2027. In the meantime, events like the Taste of Hillcrest are continuing to draw crowds — offering a glimpse of what the neighborhood could soon become: brighter, safer and more welcoming. ...read more read less