On Jan. 31, about 50 members attended the association's annual meeting at the Fraternal Order of the Eagles Club on Lincoln Avenue.

New board president and Siena Bistro owner Don Skipwith greeted fellow members and acknowledged newcomers who debuted on Lincoln Avenue in 2004—Gussied Up Dog Boutique, Willow Glen Runner's Supply, Comerica Bank, All American Barbeque, Puerto Azul, Elva's Coffee Stop and Arthouse Kids.

Skipwith said the association's primary goals are to develop another fundraising event similar to Dancing on the Avenue, improve communications with an email list and newsletter and develop a "brand image" for downtown Willow Glen.

He also noted that even with the recent parking space additions provide by Bank of America and Longs Drugstores, improving parking remains a top priority, as does informing the community about public parking options.

"We need to continue to tell customers about the Bank of America parking lot," out-going president Cathy Adkins said.

Past board member and Park Place owner Linda Waltrip also wants to continue looking for ways to promote the downtown area. She will chair this year's 10th anniversary of Dancing on the Avenue, which will take place on June 18. She said the event is a good time to introduce newcomers to the downtown area.

"It is an effective opportunity to promote Willow Glen to people who haven't been there before," she said. This year MBA Architects owner Marvin Bamburg also has a new role in the association. He will serve at its treasurer. Last year, he headed the association's beautification efforts, which included two power washings of the downtown sidewalks.

Interspersed among the association's seasoned members are several new faces. The board welcomed new members Bernie Levine of Details, Judy Kane and Fred Oliver of Prudential California Realty, property owner Tom Trudell, Shirley MacDougall of Wells Fargo, Kim Lipsett of Gussied Up Dog Boutique and Joe Lam of Help-U-Sell Diamond Realty.

While looking to the future, board members also took time to recall the association's accomplishments. Executive Director Norma Ruiz honored three former board members—Adkins, Waltrip and Grapevine owner Cara Finn—who have been particularly active in the association's development.

"They were like Charlie's Angels doing Mission Impossible," Ruiz said.