NYHICA wrote on Jun 19, 2008 8:18 PM:Does anyone know if there is a list of businesses that have closed in the past 12 months?

Concerned wrote on Jun 19, 2008 9:14 PM:Mr. Wright is correct. The coast is a better place for art. I hope the Council will take his words to heart and stop trying to save the city through art. A mini "Gas Lamp" would be perfect for downtown Grand Ave.

we need a new council wrote on Jun 19, 2008 9:49 PM:Abed and Gallo need to be replaced and get people that really care for our city!

JohnBoy wrote on Jun 19, 2008 10:09 PM:Greedy landlords are doing a real disservice to themselves, raising the rent from 2 to 6 thousand sounds like economic suicide.

Eyes Open wrote on Jun 19, 2008 10:46 PM:What a sad comment from "we need a new council." Obviously this person has not taken the time to really know Mr. Abed or Mr. Gallo. Both are men of integrity and deep caring for this community. They also understand what it takes to keep this city moving in a time when the economy is slowing while demands are increasing. These gentlmen have my vote for as long as they wish to serve.

MJ wrote on Jun 19, 2008 10:54 PM:Prediction. Marriott will pull out, vacancies will continue to increase, foreclosures will ensue -- rents will drop and small businesses catering to the middle class and "crusin' grand" types will return. If you want upscale, go to the coast --- do you really think the coastal types are going to come all the way to Esco for culture .... not.

bryan wrote on Jun 20, 2008 1:52 AM:Our city council is doing a wonderful job. You cannot blame a world wide economic slowdown on them. Its like trying to blame chevron (who only supply 10% worlds oil) for world wide oil price increases. Liberals at it again.

Art wrote on Jun 20, 2008 2:32 AM:Let's see ... costs are rising, revenue is down, what does the city council do? Why, they increase the Downtown Business Association fee/tax! Yeah, that will help those struggling shops downtown who are having difficulty making ends meet! But why stop there? Dig a little deeper by implementing a tax on shopping bags, strollers, large purses and other things that make shopping possible! Close the streets so you can't get to the stores or take your purchases home! It's not really that hard to carry your brand new refrigerator through our pedestrian-friendly, no-vehicles-allowed downtown area! It only seems bulky and heavy! Besides, the onlookers will probably applaud your effort as you struggle by! And why not start a "potholes build character" public-relations campaign to eliminate the need for road maintenance!

Escondodo wrote on Jun 20, 2008 3:19 AM:If you are like me and not politically connected, these people will tell you that it just isn't happening in downtown Escondido. They can try all of the shortcuts that they want but it won't happen until they have the patience to lay some serious groundwork. The 'Cliffnotes' version of the 'Gaslamp District' in San Diego doesn't tell the eal story. It wasn't easy and sacrifices had to be made. But then, Esco's 'leaders'? are smarter than everyone else. If you don't believe it, just ask them.

Escondodo wrote on Jun 20, 2008 3:20 AM:If you are like me and not politically connected, these people will tell you that it just isn't happening in downtown Escondido. They can try all of the shortcuts that they want but it won't happen until they have the patience to lay some serious groundwork. The 'Cliffnotes' version of the 'Gaslamp District' in San Diego doesn't tell the real story. It wasn't easy and sacrifices had to be made. But then, Esco's 'leaders'? are smarter than everyone else. If you don't believe it, just ask them.

Joseph wrote on Jun 20, 2008 5:46 AM:This is in sort of a ghetto area.After growing up on Compton and Long Beach I have a vision into the future and can spot a ghetto in the early embryotic stages. Dodging panhandlers does not sit well with shoppers, and so I expect this area to decline further. Meanwhile the business fees increase will speed up the process of putrification.

Marie-Anne wrote on Jun 20, 2008 6:36 AM:Woo-hoo! A new sewing machine company in downtown Escondido!! Can't wait!

Sparse Foot Traffic wrote on Jun 20, 2008 7:05 AM:I must strongly disagree! You have people going in and coming out of the F Street Bookstore 24 seven. And what about those who partake of Popov Vodka from the local 7/11 and wander the streets of Grand and use the benches on Grand? And what about the migrant workers that are always on Grand in the morning and evening hours? No I must disagree there is plenty of foot traffic on Grand.

I know we could wrote on Jun 20, 2008 7:30 AM:change the gallery into a day labor center. Not only would you be providing air conditioning and coffee to the wokers, but also those who hire them would have to park and walk along Grand visiting the galleries on the way to and from the day labor center. A win win situation!

GlassHalfFull wrote on Jun 20, 2008 8:09 AM:It's funny how people like the market when it suits them, but don't when it doesn't. The DBA and City are taking the long view, which is good for Downtown. That's leadership. Many businesses that are on or near Grand shouldn't be! If you can't create the right mix with your service or product, your location, your customers and your business/financial structure, you should cut your losses and leave. That doesn't mean that Downtown Escondido is dying - on the contrary. Who can see the future, tap into Downtown's potential, and work together (through the DBA) to make it happen? (No, I don't work for them.)Downtown Escondido has history, walkability, a strong arts and cultural identity and regional draw - now that's marketable. Enough vitriol already.

Escondeeter wrote on Jun 20, 2008 8:10 AM:Arts oriented communities follow a predictable pattern. Art tends to be a low margin business, so a number of artists will move into an area where the rent is cheap. They will, in turn, attract upscale patrons who attract the kinds of businesses that serve those patrons: restaurants, boutiques, designers, spas, etc. They'll also attract developers who are interested in providing housing for those patrons.

It is at that point, that a critical event occurs. The property owners of the original stores, realizing their retail space is now more desirable will raise rents. If local officials recognize that the presence of the arts oriented businesses is the key to keeping the whole process going, they'll find a way to subsidize those businesses, and the growth and upscaling of the area will continue. If, on the other hand, they allow their main attraction to be driven out of town, they'll be left with an area where either no one can afford the rent, or the rents are affordable only to the kind of mass market franchised businesses that adorn almost every commercial street corner in the country.

Three years ago, Escondido's civic leaders became obsessed with trying to create "Gas Lamp North", without realizing that the Gas Lamp district exists solely because the surrounding attractions. In the process, they've ignored the very special amenity of Grand Avenue, that is the primary attraction we have.

So, what we're going to end up with, if this continues, is sort of the equivalent of a theme park where the owner rips out rides to provide additional parking, then can't figure out why no one shows up to use the parking any more. We'll have a hotel. We'll have high rise offices. We'll have "Gi-normous" condo projects. And we'll no reason whatsoever why anybody would want to live, work, or stay in any of them.

We're losing a tremendous opportunity here, and we're losing it quickly.

Jaque nd try wrote on Jun 20, 2008 8:32 AM:This is because Escondido is NOT an "art scene" AND because the products sold were overpriced "pieces"

And the council wrote on Jun 20, 2008 8:36 AM:slams the door behind them on the way out with higher fees!!!!! Ha!

HiddenValleyGuy wrote on Jun 20, 2008 8:39 AM:What too many people choose not to remember, is that when the San Diego Gaslamp investors decided to get serious about their investment, they hired private security guards (dressed like gay 90's cops) who "energetically incentivized" the Popov chuggers and other street denizens to move elsewhere. I seriously doubt that anyone involved with Grand Ave today has that sort of intestinal fortitude.

Keep Raising wrote on Jun 20, 2008 8:42 AM:the merchant fees Council. DUH!

Escondeeter wrote on Jun 20, 2008 9:47 AM:From "GlassHalfFull" "Many businesses that are on or near Grand shouldn't be!"

There, in a capsule, is the mentality that will destroy the charm and uniqueness of Grand, and will turn it into the kind of commercial district that much of the DBA leadership seems to want to inflict upon us.

Pacoima South, here we come.

Tired of Negitive Comments wrote on Jun 20, 2008 9:48 AM:How about writing something positive about Robert Wright. He is a good guy and unfortunately has a situation where his rent has become unrealistic. Go over and wish him the best instead of wasting your time writing negitive and bitter blogs. It has clearly become apparent that many people writing in these forums do not have anything positive to do and are pretty bitter people. I say become a part of a community, a part of a solution and not feed a problem. People will rmeember you for that before they remember you for being so negitive and bitter. That would be the classey thing to do and I think most people that work and are professional get involved instead of complain all day.
Make a positive difference in your life and your community.

Former Escondido Resident wrote on Jun 20, 2008 9:51 AM:To Escondeeter: Then if your analysis is correct, the city leaders, including the council and city management, should be replaced. Why don't the taxpaying voters of Escondido do that?

ESCO NEEDS MORE LIQUOR wrote on Jun 20, 2008 9:54 AM:Grand Ave. doesn't need anymore embarrassing art galleries or ridiculous "family-friendly" gimmicks in order to try and stay alive. These are shark infested waters and the only thing we need to quell the attack is BOOZE and LIVE MUSIC.

There is NOTHING going on at Grand ave when the classic cars leave their spaces on friday nights. There is a space for lease on the corner of Juniper and Grand next to the Patio Shops. SOMEONE PLEASE BUY IT AND TURN IT INTO A VENUE/BAR FOR YOUNGER PEOPLE, NOT OLDER ESCONDIDO TWEEKERS AND PLATINUM BLONDE GRANNIES IN TIGHT PANTS.

To Sparse Foot Traffic wrote on Jun 20, 2008 10:05 AM:Great comment and my sentiments exactly!

How about keeping wrote on Jun 20, 2008 10:14 AM:there own hands in their own pockets? If a business wants to advertise let him look around and see what kind of deal he can get and which advertising venue would firt his business. BUT NOOOO, some people want a piece of the others pie. My word to those who decide they know best what is good for the City is get your own business and stay out of others!!

Observer wrote on Jun 20, 2008 10:28 AM:Escondido Art Center - a true oxymoron!

Bars for Younger People are a disaster wrote on Jun 20, 2008 11:36 AM:Nobody wants to cater to that demographic. They cause more problems, spend less money, not a recipe for success.

Jaque wrote on Jun 20, 2008 12:17 PM:""Bars for Younger People are a disaster""

I disagree. Look too Ocean Beach and it's little downtown revitalization. Besides the Irish pub (which I have stayed until 1am watching music) what else is happening after 9pm in Escondido? Another bar or three would generate revenue/foot traffic which the downtown portion of Escondido desperately so desires.

Funny wrote on Jun 20, 2008 1:03 PM:Eyes Open, but where is your head?

Seems funny that these political types don't seem to follow much but party lines.

There are those whose actually believe Bush when he says that we were attacked by terrorists from the middle east, but with their next breath only speak of what a liar he is....often using the weapons of mass destruction as an example.

A liar is a liar. A dog is a dog.

Get real flag wavers! I commend you for having your eyes open, but will you pull your heads out?

Now correct me wrote on Jun 20, 2008 1:04 PM:if I am wrong, but did Mayberry RFD have any art shops?

Whatever wrote on Jun 20, 2008 1:48 PM:.... the market will bear, and obviously the market will not bear rent gouging. Greedy landlords will find this out in the end.
Sure hate to see the premier Robert Wright gallery close. It is the jewel of Grand Ave. This recession is proving to be more devastating than our city fathers or national leaders have the capacity to understand.

How about opening wrote on Jun 20, 2008 2:04 PM:a carbon foot store downtown, or maybe a wedding chapel? Or what about a transit token and gift shop?

marilyn wrote on Jun 20, 2008 2:52 PM:There's little to do after 9 pm in downtown. Visitors from other areas can't believe that they can't even go to dinner much past 8 here. Encourage some more up to date dining, pleasant entertainment-bars for a place to have a snack or a drink after performances at the CCAE or a movie. Grownups enjoy upscale eatery-bars in other cities, and don't have to rely on a backyard barbecue or San Diego or the beach. I tried the art walks, and the stuff available was nice/dull/folksy and overpriced. How much art can anyone absorb when you really wanted a nice place for a nightcap or snack, and some socializing?

Deanna wrote on Jun 20, 2008 3:11 PM:#1. City 'needs' revenue
#2. City 'needs' a plan
#3. city 'needs' activity for those going to stay at the new hotel
below are a few of my suggestions for free...

Suggestions:

Hold a 5K, 10K run's, open it up to 'anyone' who wants to run, or walk. Escondido has beautiful hills to run in, as well as plenty of city streets. Charge a fee to enter

Bike races- open it up to anyone, again the beautiful hills and countrysides to ride anywhere and charge a fee to enter

Cowboy Festival- Plenty of horses and cowboys around here, have a bareback horse race on say...grass, or bring in the cowboy poets to recite poetry one afternoon, bring in lots of vendors, have square dances, roping, day tours at favorite ranches and charge a fee

Partner with one of the casino's to hold a yearly harness race, and charge a fee

Partner with one of the local wineries for an Italian day with bands, tours's etc, and charge a fee

Now, here is just a few ideas to bring in revenue to Escondido, just put it in place and 'get'er dun'! Money galore for Escondido!

Old Town Temecula wrote on Jun 20, 2008 3:30 PM:Same story 30 miles up the road. City wants upscale shops.....promotes a swap meet in town. Wants to attract people with money....has lame theater events. Luckily there is no business improvement district sucking the life blood out of the businesses.

If youwant something new wrote on Jun 20, 2008 3:53 PM:do like they do down in San Diego, put an exhibit up in Grape Day Park and have the buyers look around. Of course you will want to buy my art, I clip pictures out of the large photgraph books that they sell for 25 cents in the library, scrawl a signature on the picture and frame it, the rubes don't realize they have been had until they put the picture in a different frame. Hey, it pays the homes mortgages!

Former resident wrote on Jun 20, 2008 4:18 PM:Escondeeter had it right. You are missing an opportunity. Why is cruising Grand so popular? People are starving for stuff to do in this town. I thought years ago they should have closed off Grand from say Juniper to Maple and turned that whole area into an outdoor mall. Use the center street divider into a few different 'pavilions where music and outdoor plays can be put on. You could still do that and make provision for the old timer cars on Friday nights. A few more somewhat upscale eateries. I don't get it. And the landlords? Who are they kidding? Being in business just to pay the rent and make them rich is NOT what its all about. Business owners care a whole lot about the bottom line. Its too bad the landlords think that their property is more valuable than it really is.

I know wrote on Jun 20, 2008 4:48 PM:How about a bull run down the middle of Grand? It would be a first, everyone from miles would come, we could even have the politicans give speeches, no bull!

Geeze if you want wrote on Jun 20, 2008 4:52 PM:more art, bring in the grafitti artists.

casepoint wrote on Jun 20, 2008 5:13 PM:I don't recall seeing Robert Wright's gallery open during the Second Saturday Artwalk, do you?

Floyd wrote on Jun 20, 2008 5:55 PM:What's with all this "charge a fee to enter" stuff? The city already gets a portion of the sales tax. You will get more customers if the event is free and they will patronize local stores.

Jaque wrote on Jun 20, 2008 7:25 PM:Thank you marilyn

NYHICA wrote on Jun 20, 2008 10:29 PM:Hire Ingrid Croce to put together short & long term plans. Look what she did for the Gaslamp District!

Grand Opportunity wrote on Jun 21, 2008 3:39 AM:Why re-invent the wheel when it has already been invented. I can think of many small to mid-size cities that have a great downtown. They draw huge crowds day and night. Copy what other cities have done. A couple examples come to mind are Santa Monica's Third St Promenade and Burlington, Vermont's Church St Marketplace. Both are thriving with great stores and lots of people from morning to night. When I think of these places I think of great food and shopping. They are both pedestrian friendly have plenty of free entertainment. Instead of a sewing machine shop there should be a Pike market like in Seattle and the old movie theater should be brought back to life as a independent film theater where film festivals can be the draw to downtown. Downtown shouldn't be a place for those only with money to buy art. It should be a place for all. It shouldn't be just a lot of art galleries. Yes, there should be bars and clubs for all. There should be burger joints and bbq restaurants. There should be soft-serve ice cream stands open to midnight for after dinner desserts. Benches to people watch or to sit and talk with friends. If you have a great downtown, hotels like the Marriott don't ask for money to build a hotel. They build it on their own because they see an opportunity to build where they can make money where downtown life is already flourishing. Great downtowns happen when investments are made in the downtown and not in hotels.

To having a bull run wrote on Jun 21, 2008 5:15 AM:What a great idea. You surely made me LOL this hot morning. I can see it now, illegals all lined up, then being chased by the bull down to the hiring hall. HA.

Yokozuna wrote on Jun 21, 2008 6:47 AM:While traveling internationally or domestically... whenever the subjects of art and culture are discussed invariably Escondido is never included in the conversation.

Dago wrote on Jun 21, 2008 7:17 PM:Has anyone done an audit to see what, if any revenue increase "Cruisn' Grand" actually generates for the local merchants, galleries and restaurants? I see all the gallery owners trying hard to partner with the community by staying open later on cruise Fridays, yet I hardly see any patrons in them. No disrespect here, but the hot-rod and Bobbie-Socks crowd isn't exactly the market that's conducive to pricey artwork. These folks aren't real sophisticated or cultured, and about the closest thing to artwork that fits both their tastes and budget might be something more commonly found in one of these cheesey Las Vegas souvenir shops or Rip Griffin's Truck Stop out in Victorville! Most of these people would scoff at the prices in the higher-end restaurants, and I doubt ever heard of half of the menu entrees, much less even pronounce them correctly. Most of these folks barely got through high school, and didn't take any foreign language courses. What would they know about artists and art style? About the same as they would continental cuisine...which is nothing. These are the kind of folks who'll wait a frigg'n hour for pizza or a hot dog, but wouldn't dare treat themselves to a more fine dining experience, because they also lack an "educated palate".

Maybe the City of Esconghetto should restructure the vintage car scenario so that it's more of a show instead of a cruise. They should block off the street from Center City Pkwy to Juniper, and start charging the entrants with the cars a fee, rather than just let them show up fre-of-charge and clutter the streets while they're eating their 7-11 fast-food, 2 hotdogs-for-99 cents! Escondido has way too many bums showing up at Cruisn' Grand, who are too cheap to spend their money, but no too proud to show off their half-restored clapped-out clunkers!

To NYHICA wrote on Jun 22, 2008 2:04 AM:Ingrid Croce was a VERY small player in the Gaslamp. It's a well-loved urban myth. That is the problem here. Everyone wants to believe that there is some magical shortcut answer for Escondido.

Seriously wrote on Jul 8, 2008 3:01 PM:You seriously want to charge people to show their cars every week at Grand? That would be the quickest way to end any Friday foot traffic on Grand; it would look like every other day; vacant. As an automobile enthusiast I've heard more and more of my friends talk about going to the El Cajon cruise nights since Grand now allows post '73 era cars and just about any beater to show up. You'd be lucky to get one big show a year on Grand by charging entry fees. No one would pay weekly to show their car and then again no one would pay to show their car monthly on Grand when they can go to the Dalton's show the first Sunday of every month.

Cruzin' Grand would do much better to allow only pre '73 cars park again like most normal classic car cruise and let the post '73 cars cruise.

almost starving artist seeking opportunities wrote on Aug 6, 2008 12:04 PM:I can envision a prosperous future here in Escondido. However, if we want this city to thrive as an Arts District then we need to consider what is being done to attract small business owners as well as independent artists?

We need marketing and venues such as festivals, art walks, performances, galas, dinners, fundraisers, auctions and contests to attract more artists and patrons of all levels.

Grants, scholarships, internships, are great ways of promoting and exhibiting independent artists from local communities, high schools, colleges, and universities.

Public art commsisions, workshops and community colaborations are excellent ways of encouraging the community to get involved.

We also need to consider sponsorship, artist residencies, affordable housing and studio leasing options so striving artists can consider dedicating to the city.