ObSERVER wrote on Feb 7, 2008 12:07 AM:Like with everything else it is all about the money and the Downtown Business Association wants more of it.... Opening the event to non-American cars will dramatically change the scope of Cruzin Grand event, but it will mean a different clientel who come down to see Toyotas and Hondas and that means more money for the DBA and less money for the stores. What a shame.

CG Visitor wrote on Feb 7, 2008 2:17 AM:ObSERVER, your comment makes no sense. The Business Association does not make money on this event and I've heard they barely cover expenses. The changes are not about making more money dor the associaiton, this makes no sense. I have heard it is to bring more people into the downtown to generate more money for the businesses and drive traffic into their stores. I believe that this is function/role of the asociation and I hope the changes will help them accomplish this. I know many of the staff and they work hard staying focused on driving traffic downtown. Don't be so judgemental until you see that changes.

SanMarcosJoe wrote on Feb 7, 2008 2:24 AM:Its about money???, I have ben part of Cruzin night, didn't cost me a dime except gas money to get me there. I hope the DBA will charge for the vendor area and concerts, this would make up for there losses when they put on Cruzin nite. Yes the clientel will probably change, maybe not for the better, but, change is inevitable and if change comes, we just make the best of it. "Cruze on" I say, see you there in April.

Escondodo wrote on Feb 7, 2008 3:44 AM:If the event is held every week during the season, I think it would energize Cruisin' Grand by alternating the strict old guidelines with more variety . I would like to see alternating weeks between the old muscle-car purists and other categories. I think we could freshen it and succeed with both. It would still be fun and include more people. Isn't that what Escondido pretends to be about - inclusion?

Car Sponsor wrote on Feb 7, 2008 6:34 AM:I am a show sponsor and appreciate the changes. It means more people downtown and more value for my sponsorship dollars. I can not wait to play a bigger role in this event and look forward to picking a winner occasionally. Thanks Business Association,I agree the changes will be good.

Bye, Bye Cruisin wrote on Feb 7, 2008 6:53 AM:Waldron was the one who kept this alive. Ferrari Club? Like they cruised back in the day, Right. This was to be a pre 1972 muscle car event not every thing with wheels event. The ones complaining are more than likely the same ones that didn't want it in the beginning. I wonder how much politics is involved in this decision. ... Well like all good things this will come to an end.

Will the sling wrote on Feb 7, 2008 7:13 AM:shot ball bearing criminal be brought to trail before Cruzin Grand starts, or will he just have more windows to shot out?

CG Supporter wrote on Feb 7, 2008 7:40 AM:This event will continue to showcase the pre-74 cars all along Grand. I have been told repeatedly that is not going to change. I understand the new car attractions will be on the west end of Grand down by the bank.Cruisers do not go down that far and these special attractions will bring more people to the event and provide more eyes for the Classic Car owners beloved cars. See you in April

Another Sponsor wrote on Feb 7, 2008 7:47 AM:I am also a sponsor and know that without my sponsorship dollars this event would not survive. There is no cost to the Cruisers, no cost to the visitors but big costs to run the event. The paper said $5,000 a week. Who pays for this? We do as sponsors and I for one want more involvement in this event. I have invested my money in it and trust that the business association knows what they are doing or I would not have continued to support. I am also a cruiser and took the time to ask the organization about the rumors I was hearing. Yep...they are rumors and the folks at the DBA explained how everything would work. They have not lied to us before I cannot image they would begin now. This event is theirs to make successful not fail. Try a little support instead of critisism. You might like what you see.

Cruzin Grand Lover wrote on Feb 7, 2008 7:51 AM:Cruzers, how much money have you given to support this event? I know that our BID fees help to support it and all because we belive it is good for the downtown. DBA does a good job and I am tired of hearing about Boycotts. What are you boycotting? A FREE event and place for you to display your car on a weekly basis? We love ya but want your support as well.

Dear Steve wrote on Feb 7, 2008 8:14 AM:My condolences on you father's passing. God Bless.

Huh? wrote on Feb 7, 2008 8:42 AM:Ferraris aren't exactly Toyotas ... Lamborghinis, Porsches and classic Mercedes ought to bring in a different clientele as well ...

To Another Sponser wrote on Feb 7, 2008 9:30 AM:They can cruise anywhere free. The cost comes when businesses like you want to make money off it by advertising etc. Businesses should be paying the cruisers to cruise or at least help build the cars. Afterall they are bringing you business. Cruisers should have all the say through Steve or cruise elsewhere and makes someone else money.

Eskimo wrote on Feb 7, 2008 9:48 AM:Cruisin Grand can be a fun event to show visitors; I hope Rosen/Waldron/others can clear up this squabble and make sure CG keeps growing and evolving.

Escondidian wrote on Feb 7, 2008 9:49 AM:Great to see the DBA posting on their own behalf!

Don't Be Fooled wrote on Feb 7, 2008 9:51 AM:The Downtown Business Association makes lots of money on the SPONSORSHIPS for this event. Observer is correct - it is all about the money for the DBA.

Rosen needs to remember wrote on Feb 7, 2008 10:03 AM:this event wouldn't be in existence in the first place if it weren't for the dedication, hard work and passion of Steve Waldron! God bless you, Steve.

The root of the problem wrote on Feb 7, 2008 10:11 AM:as with many other "problems" in downtown Esco is Debra Rosen! She creates alot of unnecessary tension....she excels at creating messes that everyone else is left to deal with. instead of building up relations in dowtown, she works at straining relations. Seems to be her knack. Get rid of Rosen and you'll be rid of the problem.

Why is the DBA wrote on Feb 7, 2008 10:12 AM:bent on pushing Steve Waldron out of the event he put his heart and soul into for eight years? Why is Debra Rosen continuing to falsely accuse him when the Executive Board is making ALL the decisions. Can't they defend their decisions without throwing a great volunteer like Steve under the bus???

To another sponsor wrote on Feb 7, 2008 10:16 AM:My God man, you are LOST. "The businesses should be paying the cruisers"? For what?!?!?! To sit out front of their business not patronizing dime one when that businesses BID fees are paying for you to display your cars? LOL! You cruisers should be paying them and honoring them for letting you sit there with your peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and RC cheap coca cola. Give me a break man. Hopefully everyone that shares your feelings boycotts this event because we don't need you. The cruisers bring LITTLE business to a majority of the businesses in the BID. Your fact are all mixed up. You need more time to think about this obviously.

concerts wrote on Feb 7, 2008 10:43 AM:More concerts would be great! But how about something other than just surf and oldies bands. How about some rocking country, or blues?

Poor wittle Steve... wrote on Feb 7, 2008 11:06 AM:Boo hoo, poor Steve Waldron has been forced out of the event that HE started. Whatever...it sounds like he mismanaged the event and gave out ALL the prizes (likely to friends). Ferraris and Toyotas? Great! You know who else likes to "cruze"? Low riders. Let's get some of them in there to REALLY mix this event up. Oh wait, I forgot. Esco is full of Minutemen-lite and closeted neo-nazis. Why change now to include a "minority" group?

Confused wrote on Feb 7, 2008 11:19 AM:Not being a car buff, I was under the impression that the weekly cruise events were basically a chance for car clubs to meet and check out each other's cars. If I am wrong, then please correct me. If I am right, then why is there a need for sponsors, and why is this whole thing becoming so political? If the DBA wants to put up signs advertising the event (with the hopes of customers going downtown and spending money) then that is certainly their right. I guess the whole thing (pre 1972 vs. newer, American car vs. foreign made, Rosen vs. Waldron, etc) just makes no sense to me. It seems like typical Escondido ineptitude. Forget it...I'm going to Harrah's!

WOW wrote on Feb 7, 2008 11:31 AM:I think the DBA is crazy for meddling in a great event and doing things to change the essence of Cruise nites. It was created for pre-'74 American hot rods, customs and muscle cars.
Why doesn't the DBA do the Ferrari's, European cars on Saturday nites? Why dilute this event? Why did the DBA decide to move the event later to 6 p.m. and then change it back- didn't they see up front it didn't make sense? It is confusing and goes against what the hotrodders originally wanted in the event. So then....
.... Why does Debra Rosen and the DBA resort to pointing fingers instead of taking ownership of their decisions?

Cruisin' Grand Fan wrote on Feb 7, 2008 12:00 PM:Cruisin' Grand is part social event, part spectator event. Anyone whit half a brain knows that it takes lots of time, labor, and money each week to make the event safe and successful. It also takes lots of planning before each season to make it work smoothly. Steve Waldron provides no input into the planning process; he provides no money to the event to make it happen. He just shows up on Friday, picks the winning cars, and takes a bow. Yes, he is a valuable resource, but he doesn't "own" the event. On the other hand, the DBA uses sponsorship dollars to pay for street closures, extra police presence, signage, the workers who man the barricades, the DJ, the bands, the awards, etc., etc. In short, they pay for and arrange everything that makes Cruisin' Grand Cruisin' Grand. If you think that all happens by itself and for free, you need to get out in the real world more.

Are you ashamed... wrote on Feb 7, 2008 12:15 PM:of yourself, Debra Rosen, for not including Steve Waldron in this meeting??? You should be! What a slap in the face! I have lost alot of respect for you. Steve most definitely deserves better treatment.

LamboGurl wrote on Feb 7, 2008 12:28 PM:We used to go to this event every Friday, but after a while - we did get bored from the same muscle cars, the same hot rods, the same oldies. I am not much of a car fanatic, but man! I do love a lambo, ferra, etc....I do appreciate the finer things in life (haven't done so well in the man dept)yet!

Firebird wrote on Feb 7, 2008 2:14 PM:Wow! The politics are insane here!!!
I am a car buff. Been so since my Grandpa in the 70's started building 1920's and up cars out of balsa wood! Talk about awesome! But back to my point. I am a bit wary of the newbies that they want to bring in but I am compelled to at least give it a shot and wait to see it myself. I do enjoy a few Lamborghinis, Ferrari's and Lotus' in the mix but I can't quite see them mixing too well with the Muscle care purists. I do remember asking why they were there at times. But maybe a little variety might help the duldrums for others.
I hope this is for the best! Trying to keep an open mind! - Can't wait to see the oldies!

Escondido Reader wrote on Feb 7, 2008 2:42 PM:I'd welcome some changes to this Friday night tradition. It actually has gotten pretty predictable. Older fellows with mustaches and beer bellies park themselves on camp chairs. Visitors wander past. Over time you notice that its pretty much the same beer bellies every week. How 'bout some different bellies?
More seriously, I have noticed that the car owner bunch doesn't have much interaction with the shops and restaurants. If the point of the event is to generate business at these establishments, then I have to ask why restored cars? What demographics are these businesses wanting to attract?
Obviously I'm not a big supporter of Cruisin' Grand, but it is mainly boredom. How about alternating with something a little less like an old boys' club?

XJRPilot wrote on Feb 7, 2008 4:05 PM: Discriminating against import cars regardless of whether it's a Ferrari 250GTO or a Toyota Celica is automotive ignorance as well as self-absorbed elitism (Not to mention poor for business) at its best. I understand that "Crusin' Grand" is a ploy to lure people into the nostalgia of being out with your friends on a Friday night (I'm a veteran of cruising Valley Parkway in the 70's and early 80's) while simultaneously injecting a much needed shot in the arm of customers to downtown, and on that note; The more Enthusiasts (Customers), Car Clubs (Regardless of model year and country origin they are still “Customers”) the better! Why sacrifice revenue to appease a group of over-aged hot rodders? One less Chevelle or Corvette "cruzin grand" is not going to make or break the event.

To Cruisin' Grand Fan wrote on Feb 7, 2008 4:45 PM:Aka the DBA - Why are you continuing to pick on Steve Waldron? He hasn't said anything or done anything wrong. His only crime was loving hot rods and VOLUNTEERING 8 years to make the event fun. No one has ever said the DBA didn't run the event. LEAVE HIM ALONE already. If the DBA does such a great job then why is there always so much controversy??????????????????
Stop pointing fingers and stop accusing Steve Waldron. Enuf said.

DBA quit your whining wrote on Feb 7, 2008 4:48 PM:and prove you can do the job without all the problems that always surround your organization.
The DBA is ego-driven and money hungry. Watch out anyone who would stand in their way. Debra Rosen is their hired gun. She will say anything to get her way out of the mess she gets herself into.

To David wrote on Feb 7, 2008 5:03 PM:You portayed this meeting as a Waldron bash. The atmosphere was not as you describe, and your quotes are not all accurate or put in proper context. Although I am familiar with the issue that you address in your article, I am a neutral observer. I wish our local media were the same. You are clearly sensationalizing the content and the spirit in which these statements you quote were made. I am disappointed that you choose to exacerbate an already sensitive topic. I was there, and I saw a deliberate attempt to put to rest quarrel and speculation. You made it sound as if the meeting was called to attack Waldron. I am not sure if we were at the same meeting. BTW, I am sorry to hear of your loss Mr. Waldron, my prayers are with you and your family, and I am sorry you are faced with this unnecessary garbage at this difficult time. FACT: Cruzin Grand is nothing without the DBA. FACT: Cruzin Grand is nothing without Waldron. Stay out of it David!

Cruisin' Grand Fan wrote on Feb 7, 2008 6:22 PM:Huh? I am NOT the DBA. I have no opinion on the DBA one way or the other, and I have no love for Debra Rosen. I have an office on Grand Avenue (note: Office, NOT business. I am not a merchant.) I like Cruisin' Grand, I like the cars. I have two myself. But you, sir, need to go back and read the article again, Steve himself said he doesn't attend the planning meetings. And it doesn't take a rocket scientist to know he doesn't put any money into the running of the event. How can i be "picking on him" when I am merely restating what he said?? I stand by my statement: Steve Waldron shows up on Friday, picks the cars, and takes a bow. That is the sum total of his weekly involvement. If he does more than that, let him stand up and say so in public.

Cruisin' Grand Fan, you wrote on Feb 7, 2008 7:42 PM:obviously don't have a clue.

ObSERVER wrote on Feb 7, 2008 7:44 PM:All I can say is some of the DBA posts are extremely mean spirited at best. I am appalled at Debra Rosen's negativity. She is always in the center of controversy. Maybe it's time she find another job.

An Informed Party wrote on Feb 7, 2008 9:42 PM:I look forward to tomorrows retraction statement and hope that it helps clear the air a bit.

I do think that all involved need to remember that the focus of Crusin Grand was to bring folks downtown to help the down town businesses. This has been successful in past years thanks to the clubs that bring the cars and the public that come out to look at them. Without Steve Waldron this would not have happened. The original concept was sound.

Steve puts a lot more into this to organize the special events like nitro-night that any of you folks understand. Please remember that he is not compensated in any way for his time. I would like to see Steve Waldron recognized for his contributions to this event and also for Steve and the DBA to work together moving forward

While it is true that the Cruise needs to evolve (and yes it is getting a bit stale) is because most car owners understand that if they don't get to Grand by 4 in the afternoon, that all the spots will be taken. However a drastic departure from the current formula will loose the car crowd that made it all possible to start with. Please understand that Escondido is not the only cruise in So. Cal ! Also there have been several nationwide articles written on the event in magazines like Hot Rod and Car Craft that will bring in more people each year.

The comments in the article appeared to be underhanded and lack the professionalism required by the DBA and their staff to be successful. Holding this meeting without Steve to announce this "retooling" was a slap in the face and Debra Rosen should have known better.

I suggest that the DBA board closely monitor the actions of their staff to prevent negative articles like this moving forward. As a local businessman to hear that the VP of the DBA was present during this interview is shocking.

I don't get it... wrote on Feb 7, 2008 10:27 PM:I don't know Steve Waldron OR Debra Rosen, and have only "cruised" by on a Friday night on Grand Ave. a few times, but I can't believe how unprofessional the behavior of the DBA's "chief executive" is. I wouldn't THINK of making some of the accusations or comments she made about this man around the water cooler, let alone in public and quoted in a newspaper. This woman is supposed to be representing businesses in her community and holds a very visible position - I'm shocked at her lack of common sense and respect. How do these people get hired and keep their jobs??? I just don't get it.

Article disappeared so quickly! wrote on Feb 7, 2008 10:40 PM:Why did this article and its comments disappear from the Home page of NCT so quickly? Especially with this rag's track record of leaving articles with a heavy load of comments up as long as possible, even changing headlines in order to keep them there. Did Debra call and complain? [Editor's note: NCTimes.com published the new news articles for tomorrow, 2-8. You can find the previous day's articles by searching the archives.]

To XJRPilot... wrote on Feb 7, 2008 10:48 PM:I probably passed you on Valley Pkwy. in the 70's (ok, maybe you passed me) We probably even stopped in at Ferrell's for a burger n' fries or banana split at the same time! I suspect the DBA wasn't as hostile back then. :o)

But it's not "tomorrow" yet... wrote on Feb 7, 2008 11:09 PM:Thanks for the note, Editor, but I'm not buying.

Readers Note: wrote on Feb 7, 2008 11:15 PM:Under "Our Latest" you're still posting a headline about Charger fans in Boston...wasn't that almost a week ago?? So much for the "latest", and your reasoning for removing this article from your Home Page. Come on, fess up NCT...

Maybe wrote on Feb 8, 2008 4:34 AM:All things tend to get stale after a period of time. Rosen had her day. Maybe the DBA could also stand some freshening-up. ... Let's reassess the whole thing.

The DBA needs to wrote on Feb 8, 2008 9:39 AM:seriously reconsider the role of Debra Rosen within their organization. It is my view that she is doing more damage than good. This certainly isn't the first time she has dealt with a public situation in an unprofessional manner. I would think/hope they could find someone with a little more PR savvy!

Remember... wrote on Feb 8, 2008 10:07 AM:Don't always believe exactly what you read. This meeting was not as described in this article. This meeting was not an attack on Waldron. While I may not agree with the manner in which Debra goes about representing the DBA all of the time, she was not mean spirited in this meeting. This story itself is a mean sprited attack on Debra. The inferences made by the author are inaccurate. I am sure there is (maybe was) a recording of the event, let another writer listen to it and report an objective view of what was said. Again, I may not agree with Rosen, but the truth is the truth, and this story is not factual. At very least you have to appreciate the passion with which Debra does her job. This misrepresentation of the tone of the meeting is damaging, like her or not,Debra ia a person too, hold her resonsible for what she says and does, but do not create controversy for the sake of a provacative news paper article. C'mon David!

Not a Rosen Supporter wrote on Feb 8, 2008 10:36 AM:...but I was at this meeting. This article is wrong! Shame on you David!

Merchant on Grand wrote on Feb 8, 2008 12:03 PM:I was at the meeting. The way David twisted/misrepresented the facts and failed to cover the real story shows gross incompetance. There is a lot of Steve and Debra bashing going on here. They are both integral parts of Cruisin' and Debra and the DBA dedicate amazing energy and creativity to make it a great event for the downtown businesses and the community. We need both of these people with positive mental states to continue doing the best for this event, so please stop the bashing. My hope is that Steve starts coming to the planning meetings (which he is always invited to) to add more of his expertise.

DT wrote on May 13, 2008 5:15 PM:To the person posting looking for some different music... Check out the band this Friday "At the Hop" in front of the bank. The G String Daddies play some great rockabilly/blues/rock...