2. Assisted in the purchase of the Fox Theater: The City of Bakersfield Pledged $10,000.00 and DBA raised over $90,000 in a few weeks. DBA donated funds to the Fox Theater Foundation to purchase the theater. DBA agreed to move their office to the Fox Theater to assist the foundation with management of the theater for over a year. .
Due to the success of the Fox Theater, once vacant buildings were filled with vibrant and thriving dinner theaters Stars and Spotlight, two performing art schools, art galleries and coffee shops and eateries.
With support from DBA The Arts Council of Kern received a grant from PG&E for banners promoting the arts in Bakersfield and in celebration of our historic “Downtown Arts District” .
In 2003 DBA and the Arts Council formed “Art Share” which represents over 50 organizations of art related groups who meet monthly to resolve situations, share activities, and promote as one organization.

3. Increase Downtown Beautification

a. Additional trash receptacles for the Downtown Area were acquired

b. Chester Avenue Streetscaping Project: DBA helped to select Architectural firm . Seasonal Banners City purchased, DBA maintains. Decorative lights placed in median trees: DBA purchased, City Maintains. Due to the success of the Chester Avenue Streetcasping Project side streets were landscaped from Eye to “K” Street.

C. Work with the 32-Erase program to erase graffiti.

4. Increased parking: Angle Parking 17th Street

5. Supported the ordinance, which allowed restaurants to provide outdoor seating. Creating a street Cafe atmosphere.

6. Developed new route for parades after the Chester Avenue Streetscaping project.

a. Created ordinance advocating local downtown businesses and the restriction of out of town vendors to participate in downtown parades.
This encouraged downtown restaurants and businesses along parade route to stay open promoting their businesses. Increased revenues being spent in local area.

b. Worked with City to increase lighting along parade route.

7. Created ordinance, which allowed banner placement across Chester Avenue.

8. Worked with police department to maintain security through the downtown foot patrol for day and night service.

9. Support for the Wall Street Alley Streetscaping project completed last year. Currently the setting for Street Faires and Farmers Market.

DBA MARKETING PROMOTIONS

1. Creation of the “Up on the Roof Party”, worked with K. C. Superintendent of Schools and other non-profit groups to raise funds locally and support downtown businesses.

2. Welcome Gift Bags providing specials discounts from downtown businesses. Approximately 1,000 distributed (Over 300 to District Attorney and 350 to K. C. Superintendent of Schools).

3. Downtown Coupon Books 4. Increased attendance and vendors at Summer Street Faires. (From 5,000 to 10,000 attendance and from 45 vendors to 80 vendors). In June of 2004 DBA held their 75th Street Faire. A big celebration was also held at the faire in conjunction with DBA’s 50th Anniversary and the tenth anniversary of saving the Fox Theater, in June 1994.

5. National Recognition: Great Race, NASCAR Festival and Highway 99 Car Show and Cruise

6. Mural Projects: 5 Murals DBA has raised money for through donations which supported local artists. Two of the murals were painted by a young graffiti artist that has changed his life around and is looking for a career in the field of art. Finalizing the 6th mural located on the wall at “Five & Dime Antique Mall”.

7. Coordination of carolers during the holiday season to follow Santa.

8. Bringing together the Downtown Arts District. Helped to create “Art Share” which supports downtown as an arts district.

9. Highway 99 Car Show & Cruise: 25,000 people attended the first car show in 2002 this year over 35,000 people attended the weekend festivities. Also, this year worked with downtown merchants in creating a treasure hunt, which drew potential customers to their businesses.