Thursday, July 18, 2013

Party on!

Encinitas bar moratorium fails.

It would have required a 4/5 vote; Kranz and Gaspar were opposed.

56 comments:

  1. A frame sign board corner of vulcan & encinitas blvd right now advertising "ALL NIGHT HAPPY HOUR" many thanks to the council for turning Encinitas into drunkville!

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  2. Tomiko is the one advertising this.

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  3. Thanks Tony and Kristin. I think the for and restaurant owners are taking this seriously and things will improve. If that doesn't happen, then Council can act accordingly. What would a "time out" have done Lisa?

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    1. Should have said "bar and restaurant"

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    2. 8:52 you sound like a troll? Restaurant owners? You mean bar owners that serve food. Just talked to guy today who said he went down to the 101 with his family to eat Saturday night at 6 and left because there were drunks everywhere and all the bars serving food had windows open spilling onto the street- you know, like the Gaslamp and PB, you know, this was the vision of high density bar czar Norby.

      A moratorium would have protected all property rights of current owners and announced for all the Encinitas is taking the proliferation of bars, crime, vandalism and public drunkenness seriously AND IS PREPARED TO ACT to protect community character, property values and resident safety.

      Kranz and Gaspar are ok with the proliferation of bars, threat to resident property values and threat to resident safety. Gaspar and Kranz are not prepared to act to protect our quality of life.

      A 'Time out" would have protected property values, protected safety and been a concrete steps forward.

      Now Gaspar and Kranz have thrown in with yet another for profit special interests real estate group seeking to change the small town community character of Encinitas. Not surprising given Gaspar is backed by developer Meyer's and Harwood and Kranz is in tight with Papa Doug Manchester and John Lynch over at the UT.

      Just saying

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    3. Just saying- you are wound a little too tight. Go have a martini or two. Oops, no good martinis in this town anymore, after the closing of When in Rome. See , if you had supported WIR the way you should have you wouldn't have that noise machine at the south end of town. But you are a flip flopper burrito kind of dude/ dudette.

      The dirtbag

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    4. Dirtbag-

      You reveal yourself to be a troll and a hack, offering no constructive discussion to the dialogue. Do you know if Just saying went to WIR? How do you know? How many times did JS go, with a wife, a husband? Can you add anything constructive? You reveal yourself not be a dirtbag but to be a d**chebag- live with it

      Flamethrower

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    5. Whoa - this moniker thing is taking a direction I had not anticipated, and is getting a little out of hand. Dirtbag has a point that some posters here are wound a little too tight, and it's really getting in the way of discussing ideas. Maybe Dr. Lori is right? I have to believe that if "we" were all in a room facing each other "we" wouldn't be talking like this. Oh well.....it was fun while it lasted.....

      The Sculpin

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    6. Hello Sculpin-

      Yes, you are correct that you asked for more monikers. It does seem that Dirtbag attempted to demean JS without a whole lot of facts- thought if the Dirtbag argument is that residents did not want to support WIR, D-Bag might find it of interest to know that WIR was approved for a 3 story high density mixed used building before the recession hit and the owners sold the building, you see WIR had already been kicked out to make way for Pacific Station South- (how bad would that have been). In fact if memory serves the city and Peder Norby used the 3 story WIR mixed use building as an example during the Cardiff specific plan meetings (after of course the committee had decided 2 story height limits-hmm)

      I didn't have a problem with Flamethrower's comment to D-bag, other than it did not address what really happened to the WIR building and why it was sold.
      Maybe Flamethrower was burned up about something.

      Namaste

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    7. Sculpin, if you are truly interested in discussing ideas they why don't you discuss Just Saying's well argued and presented points? Instead you opine they are wound too tight, can you rebut the arguments made or only throw stones?

      Flamethrower

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    8. Sculpin- Better go anon before I flame your a**. You see, when your anon and you say some stupid ass comment, I can call you out on it without seeming mean or flaming.

      Last warning,

      Torch

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    9. Flamethrower – is this more to your liking? However, I do take issue with your characterization that it’s well argued and presented.

      8:52 you sound like a troll? Restaurant owners? You mean bar owners that serve food.

      Response: Vigillucci’s? Q’ero (one of my favorites), Trattoria Trulli, El Callejon – yea – these and many others are all bars, eh?

      Just talked to guy today who said he went down to the 101 with his family to eat Saturday night at 6 and left because there were drunks everywhere and all the bars serving food had windows open spilling onto the street- you know, like the Gaslamp and PB, you know, this was the vision of high density bar czar Norby.

      Response: 3rd party anecdotal evidence. Everywhere? Really? Yup, that can be relied upon! People aren’t even back from the beach at 6PM

      A moratorium would have protected all property rights of current owners

      Resonse: A moratorium would not have protected any rights –it’s actually a transitory measure to suspend someone’s rights.

      and announced for all the Encinitas is taking the proliferation of bars, crime, vandalism and public drunkenness seriously AND IS PREPARED TO ACT to protect community character, property values and resident safety.

      Response: I’ll grant you that it’s an affirmative response to a chronic problem. I also believe that if there were no pending applications that the moratorium would have been put in effect. But the council had to weigh the impact of the moratorium on those projects, and, thankfully, allowed them to proceed. Any further tinkering on the conditions of the license can be worked out with the ABC.

      Kranz and Gaspar are ok with the proliferation of bars, threat to resident property values and threat to resident safety. Gaspar and Kranz are not prepared to act to protect our quality of life.

      Response: I think it’s a real stretch to say that. As another poster said – harsh. But you’re here to make a point – no matter how exaggerated.

      A 'Time out" would have protected property values, protected safety and been a concrete steps forward.

      Response: I don’t agree. See above.

      Now Gaspar and Kranz have thrown in with yet another for profit special interests real estate group seeking to change the small town community character of Encinitas. Not surprising given Gaspar is backed by developer Meyer's and Harwood and Kranz is in tight with Papa Doug Manchester and John Lynch over at the UT.

      Response: Again – a stretch. Just because these 2 show a little restraint they’re being lumped together with all the other boogeymen.

      Just saying
      Response: You most certainly are!

      - The Sculpin

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    10. Scuplin-

      You want us to believe that there has not been a proliferation of bars in Encinitas because you name a few restaurants. You are incorrect. Do you truly expect us to believe that city hall was packed with concerned residents because there is not a problem? You ask us to ignore reality while I don't.

      This past week-end was the Bro-Am and the streets downtown and bars were loaded with people in the afternoon. The bars with windows open to the streets like Beer Garden, Ale House, Union, the old Italian place next to Surfside cleaners were packed and like PB and the Gaslamp it had a rowdy drinking feel. What will downtown Encinitas be like during Saturday College Football games and Sunday Pro-games? At least the first bar in town- Beachside grill, keeps the drinkers inside.

      A moratorium would have protected everyone's current rights - you are incorrect and your attempted argument is flawed. As for those applying for permits and permits in process- their right was the right to apply for a permit, not that one would be granted, so they lose nothing. Try again.

      The actions taken by Kranz and Gaspar continue the city moving towards more bars. Crime downtown is up, drunk driving downtown up, noise downtown is up, resident quality of life is down, resident quality of safety is down. How do I know this, because so many residents packed city hall last year and this year to complain and police logs confirm an increase in crime. You again want us to ignore facts and you are yet again- incorrect.

      A time out would have sent a strong message to the bar community resulting in improved quality of life and safety- how do we know this? The actions of residents and the council prompted the bars to form this group to begin policing themselves- see how it works?

      Lastly, good try Sculpin, but we all know that it was Kranz and Gaspar who showed little restraint when it comes to protecting existing community character, safety and property values. They were the only two to side with the bar owners and booze hounds and side against the residents.

      Nice to have an honest debate of ideas.

      Just saying-

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    11. Just sayin-
      I totally agree with you that the threat of a moratorium woke everyone up. That’s good. Yes, there are establishments that cater to a younger crowd – establishments that probably you or I would not patronize. But we would and do patronize the restaurants that I listed. Would you agree that if downtown had more “culinary” establishments and less “bistro” establishments that we would be having a different discussion or maybe no discussion at all? So far, all talk has been directed at the bars, but all the solutions affect all establishments throughout Encinitas. Is that really the intent? I thought the intent was to make the bar patrons and owners more responsible and accountable. There are other, better ways of doing that. Increased police presence and/or walking patrols, better coordination with the ABC, and increased fire code inspections. I think the business establishments heard the people loud and clear on this. Let’s wait for that process to run its course. See, I think Tony and Kristin got it right, and the others were the ones that bent to pressure. Now bending to pressure is not a bad thing either - I'm not faulting them for it - they're listening and responding to their constituents - but that's why there are 5 council members - to deliberate and reach a consensus.

      - The Sculpin

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  4. Sure hope you're right re: bar owners (although why become responsible now?), but count on the council? That is apparently not something we can do.

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  5. You see just sayin

    I only can have fun and relax if I am just drinking or poisoning my brain with some other substance.

    Dirtbag

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  6. Tony and Gaspar favor PB Norte over laid back family beach each town.

    Bottom line

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    1. That's a little harsh.

      Kranz explains on Facebook:

      https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=4575378477099&id=1670942082&notif_t=close_friend_activity&ref=m_notif

      WCV

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    2. Isn't that PB Norby ?

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    3. PB, TJ, Encinitas, what is the difference? They are trying to run down our downtown for short term profits.

      Our council knows who gives out mordidas! Citizens are nothing to them.

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  7. I like peders vision.

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  8. then you must be happy along with the high density developers and bar hounds, Norby changed the downtown alright.

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    1. Yeah, 2 new liquor licenses downtown in 10 years.

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    2. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  9. Yes,Kranz voted the easy way afraid to make the tough choice He gets a D for
    For being a coward

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  10. The current council is making so many bad decisions. They are not thinking for themselves and instead being influenced by outside sources with something to gain. I am so glad I am not related to these council people because they are disgusting human beings. I just want to take a shower every time I see them. If one of their relatives had been killed in a drunk driving accident, they would see it differently. Why are they so stupid?

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  11. That is definitely harsh.

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  12. Well, Peder is ending his contract with city to work in what he calls "relocalization" and "sustainability." His work in revitalization of downtown is finished.

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  13. Anon 5:18
    Only two council members are stupid GASPAR AND KRANZ thank you.

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    1. That is on the bars issue. On other issues all five vote the same = five stupid.

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  14. This moratorium was purely symbolic but important to vote for because It would have sent a stronger message to bar owners to clean up their practices and improve their image. Gaspar and Kranz failed to recognize it. Tony's arguments for incremental changes was really annoying. Tony has voted the wrong way on every important issue so far. I can't believe I helped that bozo get elected!

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  15. Morontorium: idiots allowing drunken idiots to overtake encinitas.

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  16. Time for the National Main Street Association to decertify Encinitas as a downtown main street town.

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    1. Coming soon to Rolling Stone Magazine- 'Top 10 Party Cities"

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  17. So Detroit declares bankruptcy and what was the last official act the the city leaders?? They hired a PR man to explain why bankruptcy was good for the city...oh one last item, the retired city of Detroit workers will be taking a 90% reduction in pay and benefits. Can Muir survive on $17400 per year?? Loser , can you ??

    TD

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    1. They are also in the process of selling off one of the greatest public art collections in the world to convert it to pensions and benefits.

      Since we don't have Van Gogh's to liquidate, how about ruining communities by overbuilding, increasing the number of liquor licenses, and inviting in more drinkers?

      What a small price to pay to exchange our peace, enjoyment, safety, and property values to keep staff's bloated pay scale going. How about laying off City staff instead?

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    2. Of course not. Who can live on 17,400 in So. Cal?

      You pension criers all live in a Fox bubble that has no concept of the real world that we all live in today?

      Let's all dream about how great life was in America in the 50's. No one in So. Ca. could live on that.

      My mortgage payment alone in this city is $30,000 a year!

      Get real! What false reality do live in anyway?

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    3. Loser- what is your point? Detroit going BK isn't about living in SOCAL it's about the need to default on creditors and liabilities like unfunded pension.

      Do you get it? There is no more money. The tax money coming in can't pay the debt obligations. There is no way to raise sales taxes, raise property taxes etc.

      In Encinitas, most of California and for the Federal Government we have created two groups of people. THe private sector workers are expected to work hard, save for their retirement, and pay the taxes to pay the unfunded pensions of city and state employees.

      City and State employees retire at 55 with obscene bloated pensions (like Muir's 175K) and obscene paid for health benefits (Like Muir) while the rest of us in the private sector are expected to work harder and longer to retire later.

      Your positions is selfish, self serving, greedy. Own it, it's who you are, live with it. You sound to me like the man who cries I got mine to hell with everyone else. Your argument to me sounds like Ray Liotta in Goodfella's- no tax money to pay for schools?- Screw you pay me. No tax money to pay for roads ? Screw you pay me. No tax money to pay for parks? Screw you pay me. Of course Goodfella's was about the Mob and Unions, like SEIU. Do you belong to one?

      You might be living a dream...............the rest of us are paying for it. You may think it's ok to take from all of us and expect us to pay for your retirement and life of luxury. It is ok for private sector workers to disagree.

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    4. Detroit,s BK has nothing to do with Encinitas.


      Those of you who would like to stop the world and drag us back to a time that no longer exists is so delusional.

      You can't fence off Encinitas from the world. It will continue to slowly grow and become more vibrant because people want to live and start businesses here and will always do so.

      That is NOT the case in Detroit! A city that has been in a state of decay for decades with a completely different demographic.

      We will never be that nor will be a PB either.

      You are a divider and know very little about those who you denounce. Although you know absolutely nothing about me or my life, I am no different than you when it comes to paying my fair share of taxes.

      Your contribution to "my dream" is ridiculous and has no merit. Whether we collect a pension, disability or SS, all of us are contributing to it. So what's your point?

      I've worked much longer in the private sector than the public in my professional life so I guess I might be paying for your retirement or someone you love right now.

      So if it is a question of us VS them, you lost me as I think we all have to pull the load.

      My argument was about $17,400 and the fact that no public or private worker with a family could live on that wage.

      Public sector bad and corrupt. Private sector good?

      Is it great for a CEO to make 10,000 times more than their average worker? You standing up for the 1%?

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    5. We are often told what 'great' financial shape we are in, in the City of Encinitas. If it is so great, why were so many funds drained to put towards the park last year, and why did they have to take out another set of loans to build it?

      There is an article on the Encinitas Taxpayers blog that predicted that there was over $80,000,000 in unfunded pension liability--and that was a year ago. Also, they kept the paver sign up for extra time to encourage people to buy pavers for the park. When differnt community groups were applying for grants, Gus Vina said that he didn't have any extra funds that Mark Muir requested to help bridge a gap to support some school projects. The amount was less than $2,000.

      None of these facts support the conclusion that the City is flush with money, or that we will be able to meet our pension obligations in the future.

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    6. Loser- you're just whistling past the grave yard regarding pensions. Read today's WSJ
      Opinion page. The city will borrow (sell) bonds to fund your pension, but they'll be junk bonds.

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  18. Sorry to burt your bubble, 9:37, but pensions are fixed and have to be paid no matter what. Thank Stocks and company for all of the high pensions. Not fair to trash city workers. If someone offered you a 35% increase in pay, I have a hard time believing you, or anyone else, would say NO.

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    1. Get back to work staff member! Or is today one of your Fridays off?

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    2. Dude, in a BK pensions can get wiped out (of course then they can fall on the federal government and taxpayers again foot the bill)

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  19. Earlier this year Kranz had the moxie and leadership to ask City Manager Vina about a hiring freeze. Of course it was never mentioned again and Vina went and hired not only 4 department heads costing near $1.3 million in labor costs annually but also a PR guy. Barth, Gaspar, Muir, Shaffer and Kranz all approved.

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  20. Time for the National Main Street Association to decertify Encinitas as a downtown main street town.

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  21. I think Shaffer and Kranz played the "change" ticket as a window of opportunity to depose the wildly unpopular $tock$, and it worked. Now we see that they are inconsistent and influenced by the same powerful interests. It was a foregone conclusion that this council would not curtail boozing hours - too much money involved. The "split" vote looks like a 'fix'; ie, a prearranged decision. It seems more likely Muir would have backed the bars, but Kranz took the hit. I suspect they will mix it up on positions, trying to confuse the public on where they are affiliated. Keep turning the council over - one term is sufficient - power corrupts.

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    1. Hope and Change! (c. 2008)

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    2. Some have speculated that the 'change' means the change in the views of the candidates themselves once they were elected. I don't understand how they can turn away from their supporters the way that they have.

      I also heard them express many of the same comments that are often posted here on this blog before they got into office.

      I had thought we were voting for people who wanted to demand higher standards of our city staff and City Manager. So far, all this council has done is lower the bar, so that Gus going over budget and saying that he can't do his job without additional new people signifies 'excellent' work. I disagree with that conclusion.

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  22. The city could easily function with a 50% staff reduction. The amount of non productive energy is enormous, how many times have you seen city trucks parked on side streets with the "workers" taking a break? ALL THE TIME! As well have you ever seen how the folks at city hall hide out, saunter around, stonewall helping, this is a very lazy OVER PAID city. Cuts & pension reform needs to be demanded, Detroit is a good test for our future cuts.

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    1. People who have had dealings with particular departments like Planning, Engineering, Parks, and a few others have been give gross misinformation and then had to go back, and on our own time, do their jobs for them and show them the contradictions within their own code. When they still don’t do their jobs or when they threaten us, we have to go to higher levels. How about people just doing their jobs right the first time like our bosses expect of us?

      I understand why certain departments and particular individuals are distrusted and disrespected by citizens, staff in other city departments, and allegedly, Lisa and Tony, before they were elected to office.

      There has to be a housecleaning at the City. Jeff Murphy is skating on thin ice, and his staff is putting the reputation of all city employees at risk.

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  23. Interesting that they would allow 45 days for the Hospitality Group (hospitable to the party goers not the nearby residents) to come up with a solution to improve safety and reduce lude acts and vandalism in the late hours of the night. Isn't that the same as asking insurance company and pharmaceutical companies to self-regulate and come up with a solution to fix the health care insurance mess. I wonder how much outreach the will do to the surrounding residential community. All it does is give them more time to come up with stronger coalition while giving lip service to the city officials. It is upsetting to see that Gaspar and Kranz can be so gullible.

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  24. Foxes guarding henhouse s, to be sure. Re: Gaspar/Kranz: gullible or in agreement?

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  25. Read the Ruthless Hippies interview with Shaffer, go to the section where she recites the poem she wrote about Enc. " downtown mainstreet 101, lots of bars lots of fun." Shaffer has now changed her opinion on downtown. ( not much a poet either ).

    The DB

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  26. No wonder the hospitality committee didn't want the moratorium. Two or three restaurants/bars with ABC 47 licenses are up for sale. More turnover.

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  27. Shaffer makes it up as she goes. Always has, always will. Arrogance does't begin to describe her. She is almost as rude as Jerome was, just to as toxic, YET!

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