San Diego City Threatens to Sever Ties with Gaslamp Quarter Association Over Alleged Illegal Comic-Con Advertisement
The City of San Diego is threatening to terminate its contract with the Gaslamp Quarter Association (GQA) following allegations that its executive director, Michael Trimble, unilaterally approved and accepted a $10,000 payment for an illegal advertisement during this year's Comic-Con. The advertisement, a display promoting Marvel's new Avengers movie on the Gaslamp Quarter's marquee, resulted in a $160,000 fine for Elevue Inc., the advertising agency working for Marvel Studios. City officials had issued warnings against the installation between July 7 and 21, but the sign remained in place for six days, incurring daily fines. The city's Chief Housing and Community Development Officer, Casey Smith, outlined three alleged breaches of contract by the GQA, supported by seven pieces of evidence. Trimble denies these allegations, stating that Big Outdoor, the company responsible for the design and installation, had a longstanding relationship with GQA for advertising through the kiosk program, and the $10,000 pa...
