Did it ever occur wrote on Aug 15, 2008 12:48 PM:to someone, you can only see the same cars so many times, after a while we stop coming.

Bring in wrote on Aug 15, 2008 1:13 PM:beer gardens and we will come.

casepoint wrote on Aug 15, 2008 1:31 PM:I don't see why Cruisin' Grand has to happen every Friday. Maybe having the event once a month would make it more of a special thing. How soon we would tire of the street fair if it happened every week.

taxpayer wrote on Aug 15, 2008 1:52 PM:Who is paying for the EPD involvement?
Once a month is enough.Once was enough for me.BORING.It became a show of pre pubesent gang members and Pounders drunks hanging out on the street.Low rider bicycles wasnt what I came to see.Every other word said was the F word.Not what I want my kids to hear.Left and went to La Tapitia to eat.
Mariachi band played La Cookaroacha.That was the best part of the entire night.Wont ever go again.
I will stick with the chalk art festivals on the coast.

to taxpayer wrote on Aug 15, 2008 2:38 PM:Whine, whine, whine tell it to someone who cares.

GordoninSD wrote on Aug 15, 2008 2:50 PM:Good for the DBA! They are doing the right thing in supporting this Escondido tradition.

lioneltrains wrote on Aug 15, 2008 2:56 PM:Did it ever occur, casepoint, and taxpayer have all made some valid observations. Once a week for an event like this is way too often. Can't the DBA's "chief" be a little more creative and sensible than this? We'll see if her brilliant suggestion will make any difference. Oh, and how much will it cost the city to block off, then reopen these streets every Friday night?

ask wrote on Aug 15, 2008 3:00 PM:at least they are trying to do something about it. Others like most in sd county just complain.

Hmmm wrote on Aug 15, 2008 3:14 PM:Is Debra Rosen ever at Cruisin' Grand or other events (Jazz concert, etc) to get a feel for if it is a success? Not that she isn't entitled to a life however it might be difficult to have an intelligent forsight if you aren't really ever present. Just a thought.

BorninEscondido wrote on Aug 15, 2008 3:16 PM:Crusin Grand has become boring. Same cars, same people,blocking off Grand will just keep more people away.

To hmmm wrote on Aug 15, 2008 3:40 PM:I see her at eveything, even spoke to her at the jazz concert and see her at Cruising Grand. Maybe if you attend you will see her at most events. Or maybe...you do not know who she is and are just trying to fish and come up with a negitive comment like most of those that write in these blogs.

Call the ACLU wrote on Aug 15, 2008 4:00 PM:How can they be allowed to discriminate against taxpayers who wish to display their pre or post vehicles where they choose. IT AIN'T RIGHT!!

Scooter wrote on Aug 15, 2008 4:49 PM:Ever hear the saying "If it ain't broke don't fix it"? Cruzin' Grand was great while Steve Waldron was leading it. It was only until this year when the DBA decided that they needed to get more involved, and phase Steve out, that it started going down hill.

I used to go down every Friday night (sometimes a quick drive through, sometimes to spend an hour or two looking at the cars). I've been twice this year, and it ain't the same. Maybe the DBA should tuck their tail between their legs and ask Steve to come back and get it back on track.

Lastly, if Olga Diaz wants to try and "freshen it up", which is what supposedly was the intent already this year, maybe she should just look back to the success it was in years past. God help Escondido when Olga wants to freshen things up, or, worse yet, if she ends up on the City Council.

Whatever Scooter wrote on Aug 15, 2008 5:30 PM:Time to come back to earth, Scooter.

Cruisin' Grand has been dropping in attendance for at least two years (and that's prior to this year).

Seems that you are more disgruntled because Steve Waldron isn't involved as much as he used to me. You know, it wasn't an extraordinary idea to bring/have a classic car show in town...and it certainly doesn't hurt when your very own wife sits on the council. How Extraordinary!!!

As far as Olga goes, she has proven to be an excellent business owner, she has an educational background in finances, she has worked for prestigious firms and she VOLUNTEERS her time to try to make her community better - I completely support her - comments like yours matter not.

As far as the councilmembers sitting on the dais now...well, they have a PROVEN track record of HUGE and costly mistakes and catering to their "friends". I won't even get into the laundry list of "stupid council tricks".

And I suppose that you think it is just a coincidence that one of our councilmembers owns property at the corner of Quince & Grand...right near where the new streets are going to be blocked off. Trying to move the crowd towards "certain" businesses. Not very discreet. But, you probably support this councilmember irregardless.

Gives us a break, Scooter. Maybe it's time to get off your scooter and fire up the motor home and head for the hills.

To To Hmmm wrote on Aug 15, 2008 5:47 PM:If you say so Debra. Time will tell. Sidewalk sale tomorrow--see you there I'm sure.

Scooter wrote on Aug 15, 2008 6:00 PM:No agenda here, Whatever Scooter, as it regards Steve Waldron. I just believe that Cruzin' Grand has been much better in years past. Maybe it was just a coincidence that it was better when Steve was more involved, but it was better.

As for Olga, she may be a great businesswoman, and she may have worked for many great companies, but she is a one agenda ticket. You think that the current City Council caters to certain groups, just wait and see which group in general Olga will promote, if she gets in. Escondido will sink like a rock, and I doubt that many of the folks she tries to protect will be buying her coffee!

Guess we'll just have to agree to disagree here, Whatever Scooter. We're on opposite ends on this topic.

Whatever Scooter wrote on Aug 15, 2008 6:14 PM:Haven't you noticed? Escondido is already sinking like a rock.

Mass Foreclosures. Deficits. Declining Revenue. Half-built developements. Lowest school test scores (according to today's NCT story - see chart). Social divides. Neighborhood hostilities. Paramount collecting dust. Rental Ban fiasco. Gang injunctions. Four deaths this year. And wait until the public finds out that the hotel deal is pretty much dead in the water.

For all the talking the incumbents did four years ago, our city has gotten worse. It is time for a change.

EscoWatchDog wrote on Aug 15, 2008 6:37 PM:I don't like Cruisin' Grand...it's the same old thing every week, but mostly because the cars passing through don't obey pedestrian crossing laws. Perhaps this will cut down that problem. Good luck.
BTW, are lowriders allowed at this event? Or would that be too "ethnic"?

To Whatever Scooter wrote on Aug 15, 2008 6:58 PM:Please provide details on how the actions of the Escondido City Council have caused the following factors that you're attributing to them: Foreclosures, revenue reductions, school test scores, and the end of the nationwide housing bubble which has caused the Paramount developers to delay the completion of their project. Also please provide details on specifically how they're at fault for the four murders you mentioned. Did the Council members commit the murders, or just provide the weapons?

While you're at it, please explain why gang injunctions are a bad thing, and how Olga would help reduce gang activity by eliminating gang injunctions.

Oh, and, buy yourself a map. Quince is on the other side of Center City Parkway from Orange. The blockage is going to have no impact whatsoever on it, and even if it did, Abed's properties have no pedestrian related businesses in them.

You know, maybe, just maybe, you're getting a little bit hyperbolic in your naive efforts to support change at any price even if you have no idea how that change would happen or what it would be.

But, by all means, don't let that dissuade you from continuing to post. Every time a responsible and rational citizen of this community reads one of your rants and connects it with the candidate you support, the incumbents get another vote.

Scooter wrote on Aug 15, 2008 7:03 PM:Alright, Whatever Scooter, you got me to come back! The majority of the "problems" that you cite in the sinking of Escondido is exactly what the current council is trying to correct, and mostly caused by the group that Olga tends to cater to! Why do you think that I worry so much if Olga sneaks in? Maybe because it will just bring more of the "low end" folks that have driven Escondido down to hte level it currently is.

Time for a change? Perhaps. But not just any change. We need better choices than what we have.....

Still at home blogging wrote on Aug 15, 2008 7:46 PM:Cruisn' Grand just hasn't been the same since someone complained about the volume of the music. While I like the classic cars, it was the nostalgic ambience created by the oldies music that brought me downtown. You have to practically be in front of the DJ to really hear the music. It's a shame.

Larry wrote on Aug 15, 2008 8:32 PM:Sounds like this solution may require additional presence from the EPD. Better alert to local donut shops.

Oside Res wrote on Aug 15, 2008 9:07 PM:I'm glad they are limiting the new cars cruising. I have a 50's era convertible but I can never find a place to park with all the PT crusier clubs and non oldies clubs taking up the spaces. I just drive right on through and by.

Whatever Scooter wrote on Aug 15, 2008 9:41 PM:To the response to my post.

Whatever.

Go back and read the blog again. YOU are the one that was bad mouthing,I merely defended. Then you said things would get worse and I merely pointed out that things are already bad. Then I pointed out that in the last four years our city has gotten worse - not better. And since the "incompetants" (I mean incumbents) were the ones in the role of "leadership", they are the ones I will blame. Seems like you are just basing your opinions on paranoia.

Also, I never said the council was responsible for the items I mentioned. The point of those listed items was to tell you that Escondido is already sinking. So, because Abed and Gallo did not improve our city - I won't vote for them. I will vote for others - like Olga Diaz. It doesn't matter what you say about her because OBVIOUSLY you are biased. I'm just wondering why you support councilmen that have wasted our money.

Vader wrote on Aug 15, 2008 10:11 PM:You people are lame.

Marilyn wrote on Aug 15, 2008 10:11 PM:Scooter
[-] wrote on Aug 15, 2008 7:03 PM:
the group that Olga tends to cater to!
************************************
Excuse me.I have known Olga Diaz for three years.I have never known her to cater to anyone let alone a group.
She is her own woman.If you don't know the actual person how can you truthfully comment? Immigration problems in southern california were here long before Olga Diaz moved here.
How long has this council been in control? Waldron , Gallo & Abed brought this on themselves.We've had many years of getting to know them.Look around you at the results. Don't vote for their egos or their pensions.
Vote to save your city with smarter candidates.YOU are doing the hiring with your vote.

Mr.ED wrote on Aug 15, 2008 10:17 PM:Larry
[-] wrote on Aug 15, 2008 8:32 PM:Sounds like this solution may require additional presence from the EPD. Better alert to local donut shops.

To Larry...
why do you think all police officers hang out at donut shops? Did you have a bad experience? Did you get a ticket when you went on a late night donut run?
Maybe speeding to get that sugar fix?
all that sugar has damaged your brain cells.

Just A Hassle wrote on Aug 15, 2008 10:18 PM:To set the record straight. Please don't think that I'm a classic car basher, as my family use to own and show antique cars.

I've been around Escondido for many years and avoid Cruisin' Grand at all costs. Would MUCH rather do my shopping and errands when one doesn't have to deal with all of the hassles this event creates.

Oh great: "barricade six blocks of Grand Avenue." Seems to me that all this will accomplish is to alienate the source of the merchants income even more.

Suggestion wrote on Aug 15, 2008 11:19 PM:Have an area where cars can do burn outs to thrill the people and for guys to show off what their rods can do.

No Way wrote on Aug 15, 2008 11:25 PM:No Way! That's is pure nuts!!! Closing the street for cars to cruise at Cruizn Grand.
I love Cruizn Grand. I try to go every Friday because I never know what really cool classic will be there - I remember when Austin Powers car use to come. On the nights I'm not able to go one of the things I liked to do was go cruise up and down a couple of times to check out the cars before I had to go take care of my business. And you know, I'm a woman. And there aren't may women who go out of their way to go to the classic car show.
I think it's a really bad idea to close the street. Stop trying to fix it. If this is the way the city wants to go, then they will surely loose my business.

Floyd wrote on Aug 15, 2008 11:32 PM:If you're trying to keep me attending Cruizin' Grand, blocking off access by closing the street is counterproductive.

Reality bites wrote on Aug 16, 2008 1:43 AM:Gallo and Abed would have had to have been miracle men to have improved Escondido in the last 4 years. They made mistakes, to be sure, but just look at the roadblocks they have to cross to clean up and get the city on the right track. I wouldn't want the job. This is an up-hill battle.

to the stooges followers wrote on Aug 16, 2008 3:55 AM:" Bettin said city officials are also researching whether they can ticket ordinary cars that park on Grand before 4 p.m. "

Don't you see it!! it's another way that the city wants to restrict us on our own town and take money from all of us; how far we're going to let them push us around? Big brother is all over this town!!

jaque wrote on Aug 16, 2008 8:02 AM:Why does the NCTIMES feel so compelled to always get a quote from Olga Diaz? Why not get quotes from the Flippis owner, or F-Street owner?

Inland wrote on Aug 16, 2008 8:15 AM:If you don't like Cruizin Grand or it's proposed changes, then STAY HOME! What the city council needs is a little support instead of crying & whining, if you have a more creative idea, then offer it. I think we are all tired of the bitch'in.

Rachel wrote on Aug 16, 2008 9:29 AM:I live in Escondido and I think Crusin Grand should be 1x month. I have not been there in 2 years as it is always the same. Why not have an Artists/Food street gallery on the 2nd Friday of each month with alternating artists and restaurants to keep it fresh?

Bill wrote on Aug 16, 2008 9:41 AM:So, fixing the thing that wasn't broke, didn't work...yet again?

Bill wrote on Aug 16, 2008 9:44 AM:I hadn't been to this event in a few years and decided last week to go. I did actually see a few cars in passing, but was too busy trying to make sure the rude people who aren't looking where they're walking, didn't run into me!

And of course, the semi sized baby carriages they have these days never get in anyones way either, while the person pushing it doesn't have a clue as to what's happening around them!

Deanna wrote on Aug 16, 2008 9:48 AM:I happen to enjoy looking at old muscle car's, (what great designs!) and listen to Rock n' Roll while I stroll around. Yes, I even like looking at the Hogs! I especially like the 'colorful' people that come to these events, I like going early and having dinner as well, it helps the downtown business folks to survive and it sure beats sitting at home bored and constantly whining!
For those that complain.. take a ride south to El Cajon's and La Mesa's old Car Cruizin events and you'll see they always block off the streets just for these old great looking cars. El Cajon had a creative event by selling tickets to see how long a engine would run without oil, it drew a hugh crowd and brought in money for the city as well.
Does this city ever do any homework before putting on events? Such a disconnect in Escondido! It appears there is hope in Debra Rosen.

karekare wrote on Aug 16, 2008 10:45 AM:Hey Reality Bites. I wish it was an uphill battle. Unfortunately its now a go down fighting battle. Escondido is head down down down. Just take a look around. This city is being destroyed.
Also,
Where are all these crowds going to park when they close off six blocks of Grand every Friday night?

To Suggestion wrote on Aug 16, 2008 10:56 AM:Excellent idea of yours to have an area where cars can do burn outs to thrill the people and for guys to show off what their rods can do. We should all be looking forward to the added noise and disgusting tire smoke, and for sure we still need "car guys" to keep wasting more of our gasoline to "impress the crowds"(?).

Jaque wrote on Aug 16, 2008 11:36 AM:They started this annual summer event a month early and are extending it later into the fall. Too much of a good thing is dumb.

With the illegal alien wrote on Aug 16, 2008 12:30 PM:problem in Escondido, seems like it would be better to have a bull run for the six closed blocks. Ole!

BORING wrote on Aug 16, 2008 2:25 PM:Boring, waste of city resources, waste of gas, another well-intentioned but failed city policy.

Love cars but... wrote on Aug 16, 2008 4:32 PM:I love to watch classic and well restored cars in all their splendor. But, what is the trill with burning the tires? We already know the engines are powerful and capable, but it is worth the extra fuel, horrible smoke, and noise? It is obvious that even in this difficult financial times, people waste their money trying to demonstrate absolutely nothing.

free beer wrote on Aug 16, 2008 5:55 PM:and they will come

Local wrote on Aug 16, 2008 6:04 PM:Hey, I like the idea of a bull run! Or maybe a tractor pull. Let's mix it up a little. BTW, I think closing these streets is a bad idea. But at least people won't have to complain about ambulances on Grand during this time. Yeah, it's true. A former store owner on Grand complained about the noisy, bothersome ambulances disrupting the downtown.

thanks wrote on Aug 16, 2008 6:32 PM:OLE ! for the laugh .... bull run....whatta funny visual !!

Red Light Camera District wrote on Aug 17, 2008 7:04 AM:I think the closures are just a ploy to get more people to pass through the red light cameras surrounding downtown.

Escondido wrote on Aug 18, 2008 11:53 AM:To red light camera district conspiracy theorist there's other streets that take you across town without red lights maybe you can take them with out worry

S.D. Local wrote on Aug 27, 2008 12:38 PM:I travel from San Diego to cruze Grand but not anymore. This street closure being limited to pre 74 vehicles is for the birds. I'll be back when it opens up. If it does. Until then I'll head over to La Mesa on Thursdays.

BLACK VETTE wrote on Aug 29, 2008 9:02 AM:To many rules!!!! They turned Crusing Grand in to Cruising Lame. The freedom and nostalgia has been amputaded at the neck. Whats with the barricades??? only pre 74 cars?? Plans on tickiting cars?? Ha!,Some Neo Nazi decision maker is way out of touch with what cars and freedom mean to americans, and I write this especially to you. The Buzz on the street is you blew it and people including myself are anoyed and are no longer going to take the time and effort to spend the day in this farce you cal Crusing Grand. Its supposed to be about "Automobiles, Freedom and Expression", remember?

LAME wrote on Aug 30, 2008 1:08 AM:PARKING GRAND