Bar Brawl With North Park Rages On

I am not missing the point. I am arguing that it is NOT TRUE that the corner "never had Late Night issues until Bluefoot arrived." I have seen the police reports for the location. I have seen the log book from the previous bar. I have spoken to patrons of the previous bar. They were open until 2am every night AND until 4am on weekends, for years. That accounts for 18 late night hours, compared to the 4 hours Bluefoot has that you claim is such a problem! In the past, there was a large amount of sexual activity occurring outside the bar, in cars and in people's yards (that's why they LOST their right to be open until 4am). There was a large population of homeless in the area, and a drug dealer who was quite established on the corner daily. For people who have been here a long time to conveniently revise the history of the corner to make Bluefoot the "bad guy" is SO WRONG. +It's my understanding that Bluefoot's owners are allowed to make any request of the City for their permit. Your judgement of what they "should" do is irrelevant. But, your opinion was taken into consideration by the NPPC and the City. NP is not enforcing Municipal Codes differently than other areas. JITB has previously conforming rights to have a drive-thru at that location. It's been there since 1961. The code IS being enforced appropriately based on their rights and the associated Municipal Codes. The City Attorney has reviewed this issue, and though you may not agree with it, they have determined that it is legal. Is it because you don't understand the concept of previously conforming rights that you have consistently lied to the public, by saying that Bluefoot is operating illegally?
— December 11, 2010 7:45 a.m.

Bar Brawl With North Park Rages On

If Late Night issues are what we are talking about…For 10, 15, 20 years and even longer, this location has been a bar that was open until 2am EVERY night of the week. This FACT had to be proven to the City. I've heard people say that "that wasn't the same" for a number of reasons. Though many of the neighbors seem to have conveniently forgotten, there were plenty of Late Night issues associated with those previous bars. So perhaps it stands to your reasoning, if "quotes are quotes" then "bars are bars." Is there anyone associated with this situation who DID NOT understand that they were CHOOSING to live next to a BAR? Your statements that "Late Night" issues are caused because the bar "over serves" and doesn't provide "state-mandated security" and are "poorly managed" are FALSE. If the bar truly wasn't obeying the law, then I'm confident the investigations that the protesters allegations have caused (from City and State agencies) would have brought violations to light. If you want to improve the "Quality of Life" in North Park, perhaps you could focus your efforts on NP places where violent crimes are consistently occurring. According to Police statements and official crime MAPS, I can confidently say that Bluefoot is not one of those places. Also, I really don't think that it's Bluefoot that is "making problems for all the North Park business owners." Call me crazy, but could it be the person who is talking about "big lawsuits" and calling successful businesses "blight?"
— December 10, 2010 5:44 p.m.

Bar Brawl With North Park Rages On

Founder, do any of us have a cool 50 million or so lying around to build a new building where Pat’s is, and not make our money back in this lifetime? Because I hear that idea was brought to the City a few years ago, and they put restrictions on how many units could be built, to the point where it became not cost-effective for developers. With so much green space nearby is it wise, with all of the parking concerns people are raising, to be suggesting an urban park? I would really love it too, to be honest! But is it at all realistic??
— December 10, 2010 5:34 p.m.

Bar Brawl With North Park Rages On

Thanks for joining the conversation with your suggestion! I’ve been to meetings, and heard this idea before…there are some other things to consider. NP already has an under-utilized parking structure within a mile of Bluefoot, on 30th and University. So the true extent of the parking “crisis” in NP may be exaggerated. But even if I'm incorrect on that, please also consider: There are four businesses run out of that building you suggest razing: an art gallery, offices, a t-shirt shop, and Pat’s, which is now renting spaces to other local business owners. Perhaps we should consider razing a house to put in a parking lot instead? I’m not seriously suggesting it, but trying to point out that any decision affects people you may not be considering. I’m not sure the people who live behind Pat’s would appreciate the addition of a parking structure/lot to their backyard. Many protesters seem to be trying to escape issues they had knowledge of when they moved in—plenty of the same protesters of Bluefoot’s also suggested just moving Jack in the Box to another location. Make it SOMEONE ELSE’S problem! Part of living in a high-density area is about compromise. Bluefoot’s hours are compromised because of neighboring residences; residents compromise by allowing that there is more noise than in a strictly residential area…or so the zoning suggests.
— December 10, 2010 5:30 p.m.

Bar Brawl With North Park Rages On

Sarcasm duly noted, InOmbra. You're right, but then again I’m not here to be diplomatic. And neither, it seems, is anyone else. I've seen what's come out of these message boards in the past few months. I have had my fill of the lies that are coming out of this situation. Is it “fair, kind, and considerate” to place the blame of these parking issues on the owners? Is it "fair" to lie about the establishment giving away drinks? Is it "kind" to refer to anyone who happens to go to the bar as an alcoholic and blight? I don’t think so. Is it "considerate" to call any new poster a Phobogger? Is it possible there are just people out there who have equally strong feelings that are no less valid? Obviously it is, because you just signed up to share your opinion too. Of course, all you did was use your opinion to remark on me personally, instead of on the article or situation...
— December 9, 2010 3:03 p.m.

Bar Brawl With North Park Rages On

Did you notice that you have featured five separate quotes from protesters in your two articles, and not one quote from a supporter or an owner? Interesting that Uptown News, Citybeat, North Park News, and the Union Tribune all managed to feature statements from BOTH sides of this issue!
— December 9, 2010 1:30 p.m.

Bar Brawl With North Park Rages On

Dorian, calling the bar's phone THE DAY of publication DOES NOT constitute an actual effort to get a statement from one of the owners! Adam's email went to [email protected], and specifically requested that it be forwarded to you. My email went directly to you, and I looked back at it. You're correct, I didn't include his phone number. Too bad in your response to me you couldn't even make the effort to request it, or his email address. Also, the protesters who have been in touch with you have the owner's contact info. A simple google search finds easy ways to contact them personally, as well. Is this what journalistic integrity truly amounts to?!
— December 9, 2010 1:01 p.m.

Bar Brawl With North Park Rages On

Parking? If a resident doesn't have a driveway or reserved space, should one business shoulder the blame? As a reminder, this is a high-density metropolitan area with 2-on-1 properties, apartments and businesses all along the surrounding commercial corridor and residential area. No one has an automatic right to be able to park on the street directly in front of their home. Welcome to urban living. Walk more.
— December 9, 2010 11:02 a.m.

Bar Brawl With North Park Rages On

Actually, his comment is not truly insightful, it is moral relativism. Moral condemnation should not be the basis for a political decision involving the operation of a legal business (this is not prohibition, is it?). But that IS in fact exactly what's happening in this area with regard to alcohol license protests. Founder, I notice you and your organization have protested every single new license that has come into this area--including beer and wine licenses for small boutique restaurants. I don't think you personally have an issue with this bar. I think you are using it as a scapegoat for your prohibitionist-esque cause. Note, I have a very good job, and am a productive member of society. Sometimes I stop by the bar for a cocktail after work, then go home and work on projects (like making a quilt for my college roommate who just had her first baby). I don't have a television at home, so I have been known to walk to the bar to catch a football or soccer game I would otherwise miss. I am not wasting my life, and I am not blight. Save your judgment--driving by and seeing people on a patio does not equate to you having insight into their lives.
— December 9, 2010 9:59 a.m.

Last Call Too Loud and Too Late for Neighbors of Bluefoot Bar in North Park

@Dalestresident: “Sidewalk café” is the term used by the City and State to discuss outdoor patios. You’ll have to ask them what’s up with the “glorification” of their terminology.
— December 8, 2010 4:46 p.m.