Two flags per light post now appear through central Hillcrest (Photo by Frank Sabatini Jr.)

Permanent Rainbows in Hillcrest

By Frank Sabatini Jr.

It was an idea that many had been suggesting for a long time. Why not festoon the streets of Hillcrest with year-round rainbow Pride flags to replicate the festive, welcoming vibe seen throughout the neighborhood every July for San Diego Pride weekend?

That vision finally materialized, thanks to monies raised by a group of bars and restaurants that allowed for the installation of 112 rainbow flags along University Avenue, between Park Boulevard and Third Street. Some of the flags also appear on Fourth, Fifth and Sixth avenues between Robinson and Washington streets.

“For years people have wanted this. But it was a question of funding and bringing the community together to finally make it happen,” said community activist Benny Cartwright, who helped promote the $18,000 project, which further defines Hillcrest as a long-established LGBTQ community.

The cost covered the actual flags and their installation at 61 locations (affixed mostly to street light poles) plus an additional 112 flags that will be readily available to replace the existing ones in 2027 due to expected sun damage.

Contributing businesses included Rich’s, InsideOUT, Urban Mo’s, The Brass Rail, Baja Betty’s, Flicks and others.