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Sun Diego drops in on Nineteen Nineteen
I don't work for SIMA or Sun Diego, I've been an tenant of SIMA twice in the last 10 years, both times right here in Village Faire. After writing enough checks out to their name, I'll never forget to use all caps. I actually stated in my previous comment that I'd prefer something other than Sun Diego come to the Village and would be interested in your suggestions, Sage. It sounds like 1919 is not an option due to the report that they aren't getting calls back from SIMA, so instead of arguing why we should have "Belly Up North" in the Village, your efforts would probably be better focused on encouraging SIMA to find an alternative. I did not say that the city leaders would be automatically against 1919, rather that I don't believe they would be more in favor of that than a large retailer. Reason being Ken's reference to the historical challenges with violence, underage kids, and parking. Mr Blackburn's assertion that he would support a music venue if there were no parking or noise problems is no small asterisk. I suspect that drawing "major names to Carlsbad" via 1919 would in fact lead to those very challenges. So, instead of arguing for something that SIMA doesn't appear inclined to do, why not come up with suggestions that suit their need for high rent and our desire for something more appropriate for the spot.— October 7, 2013 2:14 p.m.
Sun Diego drops in on Nineteen Nineteen
It is unfortunate that the most vocal opponents of Sun Diego taking over the Twin Inns are speaking with emotion and no logic whatsoever. The arguments come off as ignorant and only serve to diminish the impact of your cause. We live in a nice, clean surf town that caters to families and tourists. If you’ve paid attention to the political landscape in this city you’d recognize that a large surf retailer would be far more accepted by those with clout / power than a nightclub/bar. I’m a Carlsbad resident, local business owner, and customer of the local surf shops. I would prefer to see something other than Sun Diego occupy the space, but I’m not so delusional as to think that the city (ie Mayor, Council, etc) would be more supportive of “Belly Up North” than a large retailer that caters to tourists and beachgoers. Carlsbad has no desires to become a hot-spot for those looking to party. Other than the bands playing outside at Coyote, the downtown area is fairly quiet and very family-friendly at night. We are different than Encinitas and Oceanside by design. Belly Up is my favorite music venue by far, and the idea of having something like that a very short cab ride away sounds great, but it would dramatically change the dynamic of our village and I don’t believe that the political powers in this town would stand to see that happen. I recognize that some people would love Carlsbad to become a party town, but don’t believe for a second that you share the popular opinion. Someone tell me why a beach-culture, locally-owned company would not be a fit in downtown Carlsbad. We market ourselves as a surf/beach town to attract critical tourist dollars. Has the presence of Jack’s Surf Shop right on the beach in Huntington ruined their downtown? Has it prohibited the other 13 surf shops within a 5 block radius from surviving or even thriving? Jack’s has the same number of locations as Sun Diego (9); neither are a national “Walmart-type” retailer. All of Sun Diego’s locations are in San Diego County. Those of us that are local surfers will still shop at Witt’s, Offshore, Warm Waters, Seaworthy, Raw Skin, unless Sun Diego truly becomes part of our community and earns our business. The property owner, SIMA is a for-profit company and they have every right to seek out an exorbitant rent for this premium space. With that in mind, and recognizing that the city would prefer something other than a nightclub there, what are your logical ideas for possible tenants that can actually afford the rent? Anyone have a better idea than Sun Diego? I’d love to hear it along with why you believe the tenant would be able to survive and provide long-term revenue to SIMA and the city.— October 7, 2013 10:05 a.m.