whadda bout the other guys wrote on Sep 13, 2008 4:06 PM:Strange that only three of the six council candidates were quoted in the story. Did Messrs Gallo, French, and the other guy have anything to say? Geez, if all they talked about were weeds on a couple of dormant condo lots, couldn't have been much of a forum. Guess I didn't miss anything.

Wow wrote on Sep 13, 2008 4:54 PM:Council person M. Waldron has addressed this same problem at several council meetings. Her concern over these vacant properties is real including the commercial properties that are vacant. The city has stepped up and has been citing properties that are blighted. The process is controlled by State law.

Art wrote on Sep 13, 2008 6:27 PM:Speaking of blight, how about bulldozing that smart growth eyesore in the picture too?

Escon-fianza wrote on Sep 13, 2008 6:33 PM:My humble impression is that the city council has mired itself so much in other matters (such as the repression of "illegals", explicitly or by another name) that it has neglected its job of developing the city. Whoosh goes the broom in November!

THANK YOU wrote on Sep 13, 2008 8:37 PM:I am so tired of staring at those two eyesores in our community... City Square and Paramount. I have to look at them everyday. I am angered that the owners of these properties are allowed to let them become an eyesore! With all the code enforcement sweeps the city is making, why aren't they targeting these developers who could care less about what our city looks like (if it doesn't make them any money for their pockets)? City Hall needs to do something about it. It is not right. The developers should have to put grass there or something.

Floyd wrote on Sep 13, 2008 11:26 PM:In a thriving city, projects don't get abandoned. There is a deeper issue here regarding the economic climate that needs to be addressed -- business should be choosing our city instead of just settling. What can the city council do to revive Escondido's economy?

Sharon wrote on Sep 13, 2008 11:58 PM:Good. I'm glad to see that someone is acknowledging this problem. It is awful to see those buildings half complete. Why wasn't anything done about this before? And will the city do anything to make the builders clean up this mess. This makes our downtown look horrible. It's embarassing.

Oh Diaz wrote on Sep 14, 2008 4:05 AM:Hindsight is always 20/20. It's easy to call out problems now, after the fact but it's anyone's guess whether you would have been on top of this issue at the time. The economy was surging at the time and I still was against these projects. Weeds are the least of our issues. I'll clear the weeds if it makes any difference. What's another few acres?

Too Bad wrote on Sep 14, 2008 8:57 AM:Too Bad!!! I'm for code enforcement making sure the property is maintained, but the city does not own the property. So why does Olga think the city can use this for anything!!

Kimmie wrote on Sep 14, 2008 8:59 AM:Are Diaz and Barron new to the area or just desperate to criticize? I remember a vacant old post office and unkempt single family rentals with weeds on the one site and a huge vacant lot facing Center City Pky with decades of weeds 24/7/365 on the other. Try harder next time you run kids.

Scooter wrote on Sep 14, 2008 9:22 AM:How 'bout Diaz and Barron spend 20 minutes with a rake and hoe and clear the lots? Maybe they are too good to do that type of work? It's easy to look for faults and accuse others of what they "should have done". Maybe just taking action (like Nike says "Just Do It") would be better than whining.

Just a thought.......

To Kimmie wrote on Sep 14, 2008 9:40 AM:Why don't you try to express something that is factual instead of the exaggerated (with an obvious agenda)? What abandoned Old post office?? Don't you remember a bowling alley or the fireside?

You...have the nerve to talk..."Kimmie". You are the one "new" to the area....You have never blogged before...I have been blogging for about two years. You are an alias, Kimmie. The ones (like me) who watch these things know what's up. You got your tongue half way down the council majority's ears 24/7/365. You have your own little agenda and you want everyone including the council "majority" to agree with everything you & "yours" have to offer/insist/demand. The position you two hold in this city is scary, scary, scary!!!

You know what is really happening here?

You guys are afraid!! You are afraid that you will lose power! And you should be! Because you know what? The citizens of Escondido are stepping up and we are going to help replace Abed and Gallo with DIAZ & BARRON!!!

I would bet my house that our city will move forward with Diaz & Barron!!!

And the FACTS have already shown that this city has lost more money, more respect, more business, more residents under the horrible leadership of Abed & Gallo. There are four years of proof!! No need to hold your breath...because soon you will see these four years on paper and on the internet!!! It will make you GAG!

Have a wonderful day! And to Olga Diaz, Richard Barron - Keep fighting the good fight!!! We believe in your honesty and your abilities!!!

And also, to Dennis French and Chuck Voelker...Good Luck in this election.

Let the best candidates Win!!! And we know that isn't Abed or Gallo!!!

Scooter had a thought wrote on Sep 14, 2008 9:56 AM:Good job Scooter. You had a thought.

Too bad you didn't have any thoughts when you leant your signature to these developments!!

You should get your rake & hoe out and try to do a little manual labor for once in your life.

Oh yeah! That's right "Sscooter" is a 49 year old construction worker having lived in Escondido most his life. So what does this 49 y.o. construction worker have to do with anything regarding this project other than perhaps building it!!

No, No, No. Scooter. We know who you really are. Shame. Shame. Shame. Such a disgrace to the human race!!

Mike S. wrote on Sep 14, 2008 9:57 AM:I have pretty low expectations. I'd just like to be able to reach the walk signal buttons at the Paramount property, which are now behind a chain link fence I can't reach through.

Who Let Scooter Out wrote on Sep 14, 2008 9:58 AM:Okay everybody....Who let Scooter out of his cage? I am looking at you Kimmie! You were the last one commenting on here. Let me guess your next suggestion after they are done cleaning up these private properties and trespassing they should start building there too. By the way....Diaz and Barron are taking action by attending this forum and a little thing called "running for office" if you hadn't noticed. I don't care which side your on whether Dem, Rep, or other you have to see this as blight. It is not pretty to look at and makes Escondido look bad. Something needs to be done to keep this from happening again.

To - wrote on Sep 14, 2008 10:04 AM:On please, don't bet your house honey! You might need to move your whole family in there one day and park in the front yard. Don't assume that just because you have been here for two years that you are superior to anyone else. Now that sounds like someone with a complex or adgenda or someone running for a council seat hmmm....

Open Spaces Or Blight wrote on Sep 14, 2008 10:16 AM:Actually,the vacant lot looks better than the condos behind it. I thought THAT was the blight they need to be talking about...The open spaces look better than what the developers built!

Buster wrote on Sep 14, 2008 10:59 AM:Of course Kimmie is right again. The old post office was on the corner of 2nd and Orange. The site of the City Square project. Kimmie certainly knows how to get under the skin of the babblers.

Wheres the wrecking ball wrote on Sep 14, 2008 11:21 AM:I had the same feeling on the condo's. Tear them down and make the whole thing an empty lot. There will be a big improvement. Of course this goes for most of the condo's (mostly conversions) in Escondido. Are there any of those which have avoided foreclosure? I'm for Palin so don't get me wrong, but the convesions are really, "Lipstick on a pig."

Escondeeter wrote on Sep 14, 2008 11:39 AM:The Council's main failing downtown has been their uncritical acceptance of any project with the phrase "smart growth" attached to it. They took a couple of tours, sat through a presentation by a "growth guru" and immediately signed up for the cult. Like most cultists, they failed to actually study all the nuances involved in their belief. So, they've put mixed use projects on sites that are more appropriate for residential use, resulting in that string of empty stores on south Escondido. Then, they permitted residential development on 2nd street without asking themselves who the heck would want to spend half a million dollars to live 15 feet away from cars speeding by at up to 50 miles an hour.

The new version of the Paramount project they've approved is another poorly thought-out development. It's horribly over dense and it's lacking in parking. The fact that Horton hasn't started building again is an indication that they've concluded there are places where their money is more likely to produce a return.

And don't get me started on that paint job on the Pennsylvania and Kalmia project. What the heck good does it do for Design Review to spend hours working out how to make a project fit in if there's no enforcement action afterwards?

Notwithstanding all of the above, much of what the challengers are complaining about is a private property issue that can't be solved by the City Council just waving their hands and making it all go away. The fact that Olga and Richard seem to think it can is cause for wondering about their authoritarian impulses.

To To Kimmie wrote on Sep 14, 2008 11:47 AM:When you move, I will help you pack. Just so long as you go and take your submariner with you.

Nick wrote on Sep 14, 2008 11:57 AM:And yet once again, the mighty censorship and bias of the Blog Ed's come shining thru!!!!!!!
What's the matter Mr. Ed? Is the truth to much to handle?

Celeste on Juniper wrote on Sep 14, 2008 12:47 PM:I was looking for some adult conversation regarding actual issues facing Escondido and the upcomming elections. All I find is finger pointing and accusations from not only the candidates but also the writers here. Does two years really qualify one to be the authority at this forum? I would think that that new conversations would be welcomed; not attacked for being new! Come on and realize that people have opinions that don't agree with yours. It's called democracy and freedom of speech. Stick to the real issues for Escondido and its citizens.(is is parking?, Arts Center?, Housing?, Blighted areas?, Empty lots?, Schools? Weeds? Crusing Grand? Does anyone really care?) Let's not be concerned with who is pretending to be Scooter or Kimmie. This is like my space for supposed grown up's. No one uses their real names and everyone accuses everyone else of being undercover or a candidate themselves under assumed names. (At least that's the feeling I get reading these entries, but then, I'm new...)I guess that I'll stick with the letters to the editors. At least these people are not afraid to use their real names.

City_Parks wrote on Sep 14, 2008 12:56 PM:I'm certain that this posting will get a bunch of jerks mad at me, but it would be nice to have a couple of new parks with covered play structures, water squirt park, indoor soccer arenas, and maybe an amphitheatre with parking etc.,

If you want to bring more visitors dowtown make it fun. I recognize that there is zero revenues from this idea, but it appears that there is already a wealth of underperforming real estate in our city core.

Give people a reason to come "play" and I believe they will be inspired to shop, live and "be" in Escondido. I imagine a triangular chain of parks connecting grape day, the Paramount lot, and the barrat america parcel off 2nd avenue. Maybe with a long term plan for building bike trails and pedistrian bridges over roadways etc.,

Get creative and think of the possibilities. I live in the Old Escondido area with my family and I "get" why this city is the way it is. Develop the community to inspire participation.

Roberto wrote on Sep 14, 2008 2:40 PM:Yeah Ed, Nickie wants to turn this inot a an xenophobic - illegal alian bash feast, wha's wrong with that?

westside wrote on Sep 14, 2008 3:15 PM:To City_Parks:

I agree with you! Make downtown more fun to hang around - especially for families. I would especially love to see more parks and trails in the downtown area. It would be nice to have a community garden in the center of town, too.

Lisa wrote on Sep 14, 2008 3:39 PM:Perhaps, before the city approves one more condo project, they need to include a "back up" plan when the developers abandon the projects, i.e., who will be responsible for the maintaining of the fire hazardous over grown of weeds.
I do not care if they ever finish these unnecessary projects but I do care about what potential buyers of these properties must think as they decide which project to plunk their hard earned money into. Would you purchase in a half finished eyesore or a well manicured development?
This property maintenance should not be the responsibility of the citizens of Escondido (even if they are running for public office, these are private properties), the developers or lenders for this projects need to be held accountable. This is a worthwhile project our city council can busy themselves with!

Diaz and Barron are on the wrong track wrote on Sep 14, 2008 5:11 PM:Funny how Diaz and Barron are really concerned about this situation that is temporary. In a couple of years when the market turns around, those lots will have new buildings on them even without all of their whining. However, there still will be multiple families living in a single family homes or apartments that strain our infrastructure. I think they are whining about the wrong problem. Why don't they use their energy trying to take care of that? Of course, the reason is they don't want to talk about anything that could be considered anti-immigrant.

Karl wrote on Sep 14, 2008 5:53 PM:Hey 2 years, were you actually a nice, considerate person 2 years ago or has this blog drug you down into the gutter?
You'll notice that I identified myself. If you've been here for 2 years what's your real handle?

Do we now get medals for our length on this blog?

Lisa wrote on Sep 14, 2008 6:27 PM:I think Sam Abed and Ed Gallo have been very clear in their fight against blight and to increase our standard of living. It seems like Olga and Barron are just repeating what Sam Abed and Ed Gallo say.

Citizens of chamber wrote on Sep 14, 2008 6:57 PM:We at the Citizens of Chamber (all four of us) support Sam Abed and Ed Gallo and the fight against blight in Escondido. Stay classy Escondido.

To You Know Who You Are wrote on Sep 14, 2008 9:47 PM:Tsk. Tsk. Tsk.

It's not nice to drag family members into the mix.

How would you like it if someone talked about your family?

Sounds a little vicious, don't you think?

Well, I guess those of us, who actually still have a soul, will JUST CONSIDER THE SOURCE!!!
...

Vader wrote on Sep 14, 2008 10:15 PM:To Escondeeter:

Since you know everything about the city. Why doesn't Code Enforcement proceed with more urgence regarding projects that have either met forclosure, or haven't been rebuilt?

Sincerely,

Vader

Mr.ED wrote on Sep 14, 2008 11:00 PM:Stay classy Escondido
______________________________
Every time I see this I have to laugh.Why does Abed think Escondido is classy? Sounds like an old lounge lizard from the 70s. ick!
Makes me want to *GAG*

VOTE NOV 2008 clean out city hall and give it some real class.

Mr.PotatoHead wrote on Sep 14, 2008 11:10 PM:"The process is controlled by State law."
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
$ for the wasted millions by this council.
Now back to the above statement by
WOW...also to Kimmie,Scooter,Buster & any and all other A bed /jug of Gallo/Waldron blind fans ( most likely the 3 of them using fake names)
Isnt it odd that 2 years failed attempts and a Federal Judge has not convienced three stooges that they have NO authority over immigration issues.Yet when they can find a reason to not be responsible for something they jump on it....as in WOW's statement that this property is in the process of being under the control of the State.
Throw em all out asap!
VOTE NOV 2008
Goodbye Abed Gallo
*****GAG******

What is the point wrote on Sep 14, 2008 11:24 PM:What is the point of actually talking about the issue on this blog (sarcasm)?? Whenever someone actually writes something about the issue, there are ten that try to make the whole thing about who is running for city council or a race issue. It is aggravating to those of us who really care about the city and who have no alternative motives when blogging.

Let's talk about issues. Love the park idea! I live in Old Escondido with my family, too, and we don't have any parks to walk to (other than Grape Day or hoping that Central School isn't locked or full of kids running wild without parent supervision). When my family wants a good park (other than Kit Karson or Felicita) we head to San Marcos. The City of San Marcos has really put an emphasis on creating a family environment with a lot of well thought out parks. We should learn from that... a wonderful water squirt park and shaded playground would be a great start for these empty lots. More green public spaces are inviting and will bring people to our city.

Frida wrote on Sep 15, 2008 1:09 AM:I don't like the downtown condos...they don't sell, probably because they are overpriced and this is not downtown San Diego. How hypocritical that the city council trio actually want to develop more downtown when they supposedly have a "overcrowding" problem. They are so lost!

Clayton wrote on Sep 15, 2008 8:14 AM:In reviewing these posts one thing is for sure, Buster sure has it right when he/she posted that Kimmie sure knows how to get under the skin of the babblers. Lots of examples, but for the best I nominate, Mr.PotatoHead accusing others of using fake names.

To Vader wrote on Sep 15, 2008 8:34 AM:They are two different issues. The short answer to both questions is, "that's how the system works".

Regarding rebuilding, there's no law that says you can't leave your lot vacant, so there really isn't any authority to force builders to rebuild on a property. There are generally expiration dates on the authorization to build, though, and the builder risks ending up owning a piece of property he can't build on. In normal times, that's usually a strong motivation to move forward.

Regarding abandonment, there are appearance-related code sections and they can be pursued, but the process is a slow one. Rather than just marching onto somebody's property and ripping out the half finished project, code enforcement has to try to get the property owner to solve the problem, first by persuasion, then by lawsuit if necessary. As with all things legal, it's a slow process.

It'd certainly be possible to have a debate about how much authority you want to give your elected officials to take immediate action to rip out anything they don't like about your property and change it into something they approve of, but remember that the more power you give them, the more power they have to interfere in your life. I would like to see some consideration of adding conditions to development agreements to allow rapid abatement, though. You'd have to require the builder to bond for the abatement so that the city didn't get stuck trying to collect its costs from a bankrupt corporation.

CJ wrote on Sep 15, 2008 10:02 PM:A new park or two sounds real nice

Abed says wrote on Sep 16, 2008 3:32 PM:Abed says: the city is more prosperous.

Yeah. It is. For him. City Council pay in 04-05 was $117,088. In 07-08 it was $173,490. That's a $56,402 dollar increase.

He's right it is more prosperous...for Sam Abed!

Abed Says wrote on Sep 21, 2008 5:54 PM:Abed Says:

Conservative leadership matters.

He's right...unfortunately he has no idea what "conservative" means.

As a result of his lack of conservativeness, he does not deserve to be re-elected!

Definition of the word...
Conservative: inclined to keep things as they are; opposed to change: A conservative person distrusts and opposes change and too many ideas. Not inclined to take risks; cautious; moderate: conservative business methods.

Well...that definition does not suit Abed. He has taken too many risks - many of which have not panned out (such as the downtown condos & the rental ban) and he has voted to approve several ordinances (such as the one to prevent the hospital from building at the ERTC park & the rental ban). And he has voted to approve pay raises for the council (he even promoted pay raises for the council, before he was even elected!) as the council was slashing services and department budgets!

Conservative...my foot!

Overly-confident - YES, indeed!

GET OUT & VOTE IN NOVEMBER!!! VOTE ABED OUT!!! He is no conservative and he hasn't made Escondido better!!