Pennywise wrote on Sep 15, 2008 12:39 PM:Too little too late...Escondido is one giant swap meet!

Hmm wrote on Sep 15, 2008 12:54 PM:Lets see, what would be a good business for Downtown Escondido?
Document forging for Social Security, and Credit card theft clearing house.
Easy off license tag remover equipment store.
Bail bonds businesses, and lets not forget the Lawyers to get you out of that drunk driving charge.
Welfare fraud and free hospitalization seminar hall's.
Oh and head shops.
That just about sums up what sells well in Escondido.

Realistic resident wrote on Sep 15, 2008 1:26 PM:It's deja vu all over again!!!... I thought that giant concrete eyesore Center for the Arts was supposed to "attract more upscale restaurants and high-end uses..." Wake up city officials, Esondido is not that wine-drinking, Russian ballet crowd city on the hill you envisioned! If you let in a 99 cent store into that boring downtown, I might actually shop downtown!

to pennywise.. wrote on Sep 15, 2008 1:45 PM:please get a life. We don't need your negative useless comments. You must have a job or something else to do..

Unbelievable... wrote on Sep 15, 2008 1:55 PM:It is really unbelievable how unhappy people are. For example "pennywise" couldn't wait for something to appear on the online version of the paper to respond negatively to. Obviously, this is a good thing. It doesn't matter what the council does there always has be the people to slam the city of Escondido. Seriously...you really need to seek counseling if you don't have anything better to do than to blog negative silly comments. You say "all of escondido is one big swap meet". That is such an exaggerated comment that the people that read it think you don't have a clue. I happen to live in Escondido and love it. So why don't you do something good...like help someone in need, or volunteer at the hospital or something. There are alot of people like you Pennywise and I am very sad for them.

Right wrote on Sep 15, 2008 2:05 PM:Better to have vacant run down buildings then something decent paying taxes. Please, quit trying to protect downtown. It will be what it will be. The city should be worried about the mess on Esco Blvd where the condos burned. Looks like Detroit.

A little positive wrote on Sep 15, 2008 2:16 PM:"Escondido is one giant swap meet!"
No, who needs to get a life?

The swap meet wrote on Sep 15, 2008 2:28 PM:has more action than downtown.

How about installing wrote on Sep 15, 2008 2:32 PM:an Immigration Customes Enforcement office downtown, just like the Police depart. has. It would save the citizens numerous hours on the phone to be able to drop in and register a compalint.

blah blah blah.... wrote on Sep 15, 2008 2:47 PM:same old crabby people blogging. You know what's funny? If you look at all the other cities such as vista, san marcos and oceanside you see that they have the handful of whiners there too. Please people.....if you don't like it leave. You are not helping one bit with you stupid comments.

JD wrote on Sep 15, 2008 2:56 PM:Pennywise is right. Hire more cops to clean up the scum bag gangsters and the homeless; then maybe Escondido will thrive

Just an observation wrote on Sep 15, 2008 3:30 PM:but when I am downtown I see more vacant art galleries and restuarants. The only ones doing business are the F Street Book store and the local pub.

Local wrote on Sep 15, 2008 4:05 PM:Apparently none of you complainers were downtown last Saturday. I spent hours there and had a very nice time. I'm always discovering something new. When the economy in general, improves, I have little doubt that our downtown will too!

Deanna wrote on Sep 15, 2008 4:20 PM:To pennywise:
I thought your comment was actually amusing, one should keep a sense of humor in blogging, and besides NCT says to mouth off and you could possibly win $1,000. Hey bring it on.... lets all get mouthy!

BUILD FOR TOMORROW wrote on Sep 15, 2008 4:23 PM:Redevelope it all, Grand ave. from the hospital to centre city, three blooks wide. Build a new modern city, major shopping centers, entertainment,top quality resturants. multi level parking. rail trolley from parking to fun placessto visit. build new housing around a new city center. A city for the 21st century

Massage wrote on Sep 15, 2008 4:42 PM:Palor would be nice

good start wrote on Sep 15, 2008 4:55 PM:how about these mexican markets next?

broke wrote on Sep 15, 2008 5:01 PM:After all the scary economic news,there just may be a need for more pawn shops.

No more liquor stores... wrote on Sep 15, 2008 5:26 PM:This does not have to do with downtown, but for possible future talk about other areas, here is my suggestions about Escondido Blvd... No more liquor stores or used car lots! There are enough littering Escondido BLVD from 2nd to Felicita!

TO JD wrote on Sep 15, 2008 6:09 PM:You forget that it was Sam Abed who worked to make a permanent homeless shelter here!

Umm.. wrote on Sep 15, 2008 7:40 PM:Welcome to Escondido - No, don't do that here!

Lisa wrote on Sep 15, 2008 8:11 PM:Even though I complain about Sam Abed and Ed Gallo all the time because I am on the Olga Diaz campaign, I support Sam Abed and Ed Gallo's policies.

EscoWatchDog wrote on Sep 15, 2008 8:53 PM:Sam Abed and Ed Gallo tried passing this before they were city councilmen...hmmmm!

jvc wrote on Sep 15, 2008 9:39 PM:So downtown is to be used for the rich
only?

Karl wrote on Sep 15, 2008 10:24 PM:Lisa @ 8:11 PM: HUH?

Wow wrote on Sep 15, 2008 10:34 PM:While I am not a customer of $.99 stores, this sounds like a terrible precedent for the city to set. Who are they to say what store is acceptable and what store does not "belong"? I guess capitalism doesn't exist in Escondido. If fancy art houses and expensive restaurants cannot make money downtown...then they fail and different businesses replace them. I wonder how the "zoning policies" are worded - because this just screams for an expensive ACLU lawsuit. Bad government once again strikes Escondido!

To Jo Ann Case wrote on Sep 15, 2008 10:41 PM:"They want to see other stores of their own caliber in the area," said Case.

Thanks for your elitist point of view. I'm sorry Jo Ann, but your idea of a store's caliber may not agree with mine. Who are you to say where I can sell my non-regulated (i.e. not alcohol, cigs, etc.) products? What is next - only white people are allowed to own stores on Grand? Glad to see fascism is alive and well in Escondido.

to Moderator wrote on Sep 15, 2008 10:43 PM:Why do certain comments take several hours to appear on the website?

Floyd wrote on Sep 15, 2008 11:11 PM:And here I thought the purpose of the city was to provide a stable economic environment for business, not to pick and choose among the businesses that find it economically viable to set up shop. With multiple families living in one house, maybe a 99-cent store is a good idea. Wasn't there a news article recently in which our city fathers were complaining about the decline in sales tax revenue? Allowing stores to set up shop in the empty buildings would certainly address that particular problem.

What no cent stores wrote on Sep 16, 2008 2:01 AM:Is this another anti-immigration law?

Pennywise wrote on Sep 16, 2008 6:34 AM:I love it when I strike a nerve. Must be pretty close to mark. FYI, I have lived in Escondido since 1987 (have you??) and have seen nothing but continued erosion of MY city, mostly caused by the ineptitude of our city government, and partially caused by the gated community, head-in-the-sand residents who think that one more "dime store" will improve our quality of life here (as long as it doesn't effect you, right?). You may want to pull your head out of where ever you have it stuck and take a look around once and a while. This Zoning Law is like trying to fix a gaping chest wound with a band-aid. Too little, too late…

to Pennywise wrote on Sep 16, 2008 7:21 AM:perhaps a constructive suggestion? ... or is YOUR head in the sand...

Johny On The Spot wrote on Sep 16, 2008 7:52 AM:Maybe Oceanside could lend Escondido a few of our city council members or vice versa.

The Oceanside city government has been a detriment to growth for a dozen year. Maybe they can help Escondido to stop growing, too.

Then Oceanside can learn how to kick all the check cashing places, used car dealers and no money down furniture stores out of our downtown.

I think this could be a "grand" idea.
You know... share and share alike.

Pablo and Jacque wrote on Sep 16, 2008 7:57 AM:I think Tee-Shirt shops should be banned from downtown.

Lisa wrote on Sep 16, 2008 8:04 AM:I think coffee shops should be banned from downtown.

I agree wrote on Sep 16, 2008 8:05 AM:who is escondido city council to decide what stores are allowed in the downtown area? I mean heck they have already proven what they want. An adult bookstore and a bar!!! That is what they see appropriate. 99 cent stores will attrack what? People spending money are neccessitities!!! Escondido needs that change alright......in city hall.

By the way with all the attacks about the negative bloggers.....city hall is using our tax money to have employees blog.

Frida wrote on Sep 16, 2008 8:09 AM:If the business bring in money and people shop there, why should the city council ban them? C'mon city council, why are you always doing the wrong things to our city!!!!

to pennywise wrote on Sep 16, 2008 8:27 AM:It's not YOUR city! You are just a resident, you don't actually own the city! If you don't like it, leave!

Pennywise in response to pennywise wrote on Sep 16, 2008 9:02 AM:Maybe that is part of your problem, you have no sense of ownership in your city/community. I pay taxes, and in that, I do have vested interest/ownership in this city. Also, the fact that my opinion gets you mad enough to ask me to leave pleases me no end :)Maybe you would to meet me in front of the 99 cent store so you can give me your 2 cents worth.

A wrote on Sep 16, 2008 9:35 AM:I really enjoy going to the Farmers Markets every Tuesday in "Downtown". I often stop into the older stores to take a look around and do a little shopping. I am very grateful they will attempt to keep downtown as classy as possible.

por Escondido wrote on Sep 16, 2008 9:37 AM:The letters to the editor blog site is almost always rife with stupidity; but the idiot savants are definately in the majority here today. Can anyone one up jvc at 9:39?

taco Shelly wrote on Sep 16, 2008 9:41 AM:When are we going to make downtown the Olivera Street of Escondido? There are no dollar/discount stores on Olivera Street.
Look at Old Town,San Diego area the culture was embrassed & profitable.
Old Town was /is packed everyday ...tourists
we dont need them to spend the night we just need the tour buses to stop so they can eat & shop
Escondido is not a distination city its a stop off on the way to Casnios,Wild Animal Park ,Winery tours etc
I say Escondido Street!
Beautiful hidden valley
AAAAARRRREEEEEEEEBBBBBAAAAAAAA!!!!!

airheads wrote on Sep 16, 2008 9:46 AM:1226 Armstrong Circle.
hello......this is a residential address

Christine wrote on Sep 16, 2008 10:01 AM:There are others things besides discount stores but why is there a rash of empty storefronts and unsold condos. Maybe the attempt by the city council to be La Jolla isn't working. We want our city user friendly for the people who live here and support it-and please drop the race card, that is so 60's and should not be used.

He Said wrote on Sep 16, 2008 10:05 AM:This is not the time to reduce the footprints of discount stores. Those outlets are the ones people are utilizing most during these economic times. For instance, currently some Dollar Stores, Walmart, and Costco are the only retailers consistently having sales increases.

Poor People Out wrote on Sep 16, 2008 10:15 AM:As a snobby rich coastal north county resident I usually declare that OUR poor people should move to Vista or Escondido but in this thread I'll declare that Escondido's poor people should move to, um, how about Riverside? Does Riverside work for you?

bogie wrote on Sep 16, 2008 11:05 AM:FYI What no cent stores @ 2:01 AM:

I believe you meant "illegal" immigration. I for one am dead set against illegal immigration but am pro 99 cent stores. I especially like the 99 cent reading glasses that are all over my house and my vehicle.

NewBlood wrote on Sep 16, 2008 11:28 AM:I used to be a supporter of Abed and Gallo but I'm done with their weak ideas, lack of accomplishments, and attention to pet projects.
It's time to try some new blood.
Maybe attracting some high paying jobs to Escondido would make this zoning moot and attract elegant restaurants, boutiques and other upscale shops.

to Taco Shelly wrote on Sep 16, 2008 12:17 PM:I believe you meant to say " embraced" not " embrassed". Your point is good- that is what they should aim for.

Gone when the market goes up wrote on Sep 16, 2008 12:31 PM:The market will choose the type of store that will survive in a given area. Stop over regulating our lives. Face it, people don't want to come here. "Lipstick on a pig..."

Chris wrote on Sep 16, 2008 1:26 PM:The whole City of Escondido should be a concern, not only the downtown area. It is getting worse and worse in Escondido and all the council is concerned about is downtown? Please!

For a Cleaner Escondido wrote on Sep 16, 2008 2:50 PM:F Street needs to go...it is more of an eye sore than a discount shop ever could be. It also brings shady characters downtown making it less family oriented. You would think the F Street clientele would prefer the store to be in a more hidden location anyway...why does it have to be right on Grand? And discount stores don't HAVE to be in downtown either, they can just be close by for the locals. No harm in trying to make downtown a classy place for tourists staying at the new Marriot...at least efforts are being made. Let's not discourage the city officials from trying to make Escondido a place we can one day be proud to call home.
I agree that they should still have a mix of restaurants, keep the affordable food places, too like the Downtown Deli, Yogurt shop, Fillipi's etc. People need options.

Figures wrote on Sep 16, 2008 3:19 PM:It figures that our city would look to PROHIBIT these "types" of businesses.

Versus say: LIMITING!

Now, limiting would be the mark of a leader...prohibiting would be the mark of the elitist!!!

I'm pretty sure that Abed, Waldron & Gallo (at a minimum) will vote to approve the PROHIBITION!!

But, I'm just wondering...is a T-Shirt shop considered an upscale business? Say, if I wanted to bring in a new, updated T-Shirt shop, could I?

taco Shelly wrote on Sep 16, 2008 4:27 PM:correction:
embrassed
hahahhaaa
embraced :p

Mr.ED wrote on Sep 16, 2008 4:33 PM:How does a T shirt shop make money in today's market?
They gouge the children's sport teams in the city.

This is not a blog wrote on Sep 16, 2008 4:50 PM:Everyone on here please take note: this is not a blog and you are not bloggers. This is a newspaper website, not a blog. You are commenting in the comment sections of a newspaper website. You are commenters not bloggers and you are not blogging. If you don't believe me then please take a few minutes to educate yourself and go to (...)website for more information. Maybe even start your own blog. It's free. Thank you to the NCtimes for providing a comment section to allow free debate.

AirHeads wrote on Sep 16, 2008 5:14 PM:Ohhh man! No booty calls in Escondido between 2 am and 5 am...no parking permit.shucks!
All this bs over 3 hours of parking?
The Council will waste more tax dollars pretending to give the voters a "plan" to control parking between 2am - 5 am...
that is alot of money for three hours of parking.It won't take effect until 2010.This "plan" won't happen.It's a ploy to get you suckered into re electing these hacks.Don't fall for the game again Escondido.You fell for Waldron's reantal ban,they knew it wasn't going to happen...here they go again.
EMPTY PROMISES to GET ELECTED.
VOTE NOV 2008

kick em to the curb before someone parks there!
*****************GAG***************
Goodbye Abed Gallo

BIG gas pains wrote on Sep 16, 2008 5:16 PM:Johny On The Spot
[-] wrote on Sep 16, 2008 7:52 AM:Maybe Oceanside could lend Escondido a few of our city council members or vice versa.

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
M I L L I O N S W A S T E D
by Escondido City Council members.
Lend them? You can have them their debt
- $9.8 MILLION deficit
take their hotel deal ,energy plant deal,over inflated city pensions,
city staff,Escondido Center for the Arts,PPH's Covert,dead development deals,potholes,autopark,downtown,
jaycee's,the plans to expand Grape Day,the old Library,Wohlford dam,the near capicity sewer system,over development,parking ban ploy,rental ban scheme ,education administration wastes,let's not forget the sewer spill fines it was in the billions,$50K wasted for the Walker study they ignore it's results/the homeless/immigration/the games played on the citizens by the councilmembers...take all this...pleeeeeeeease

Can we pawn them or auction them off?
the first 99 cents get them all.

TO This is not a blog wrote on Sep 16, 2008 5:31 PM:go away~you have smeared your lipstick again ~
You can always tell when sammy & ed can't keep up with the voters in the know.The ones who are not fooled with their baloney.Just keep typing people and call it whatever you want.If they don't like reading your opinions, too bad,they earned it.They just keep applying lipstick on their pig.
Vote em out Nov 2008
Goodbye Abed Gallo
*****GAG*******

Hey This is not a blog wrote on Sep 16, 2008 5:54 PM:ESCONDIDO: New zoning aims to keep discount stores out of downtown:North County Times - Californian#blogcomments


--------------------------------------
The above was copied & pasted right from the site at NCTimes.com
What... now they are liars too?
Or maybe you are one of the city employees blogging on tax payer time/dollars.

LQQK ,if you can't take the heat get out of the frying pan lamer!
::::sizzzzzzling:::::::

Clayton wrote on Sep 16, 2008 5:57 PM:No 99 cent outlets, no thrift stores, no pawn shops, and no Democrat headquarters. May as well get rid of all the undesirables at the same time.

This is not a blog wrote on Sep 16, 2008 6:30 PM:To GAG: If you want to look stupid then by all means call it a blog. It says "Submit Comment" not "Submit Blog." Then again you probably can't read this comment with all the white out on your monitor. Time to get yourself in this century. Educate yourself on what a blog is and isn't!

Vote for Olga & Barron Nov 08!

This is not a blog wrote on Sep 16, 2008 6:43 PM:To Sizzzzzzling

You are commenting. Not blogging. Fine, call it a blog, but you commenting on a blog and not blogging. That is why is says "submit comment" not "submit blog." There is a difference.

Free_Market wrote on Sep 16, 2008 7:05 PM:Let capitalism work. If the market forces support $.99 stores and pawn shops, and the business owners are willing to invest in the risk then let it happen.

Christine wrote on Sep 16, 2008 7:59 PM:I don't mind bloggers as long as it is not insulting. I like to read what people have to say and enjoy witty comments. Let's hope the City is paying attention as well our opinions matter.

jvc wrote on Sep 16, 2008 8:33 PM:Democrats are undesirables?

Moving Forward wrote on Sep 16, 2008 8:53 PM:I agree with "This is not a blog." If you tell people you are blogger and they ask you what your blog site is and you tell them the nctimes people are going to laugh at you when they can't find your blog. We are commenters on here.

Moving forward to the topic. The city should have offered the money they put toward this hotel toward incentives in bringing small businesses they want to see in downtown.

time to mix it up wrote on Sep 17, 2008 3:08 AM:Vote olga and french.. We already have a laurel and hardy team.. That show needs to end... I feel sorry for whoever has to deal with all the crud left behind.. my sympathy for whoever wins.

To BIG gas pains wrote on Sep 17, 2008 3:16 AM:You try to vover a lot of territory. Opinions and votes on these issues are all over the map. I'm glad that your side has all of the answers and will correct all of the problems. Good luck. You might discover that this is more complicated than you thought. I have strong opinions too and I've yet to find someone who agrees with all of mine. But then, I'm not running for office. I just live here.

to pennywise wrote on Sep 17, 2008 6:24 AM:You have too much air in your head. we all pay our taxes, doesn't mean we go around with some delussional idea that we own the city we live in or the entire country for that fact. It's not YOUR city! I may own my business,home,property and maybe invest in some stocks and such, but it doesn't mean I own the country! You are one funny joke!

To to pennywise wrote on Sep 18, 2008 3:49 AM:You don't get what is meant by 'ownership.' It isn't to be taken literally as in $ terms. It means that you invest your talents and whatever you have into the community to make it better. You want to because it (the city) is your home. You don't argue over semantics. Is this over your head?

prothro wrote on Sep 24, 2008 2:03 PM:Escondido seems to be under the impression that it can become an upper-middle class enclave by removing the cheap stores and the lower income residents.

Unfortunately, it doesn't work that way, as this city will soon find out.