Friends of Carlsbad Village

Carlsbad Village Mayoral and City Council Candidates Forum

2010-10-13T17:47:00.000-07:00

Don't Miss the Last Forum of this Election Cycle.

Bring your questions regarding Carlsbad Village, the Barrio and other issues you feel haven't been addressed yet. Submit them to our moderator from the League of Women Voters and get educated before you vote.

Flippin’ Pizza to Raise Dough for Tony Hawk Foundation Skatepark Building Efforts

2010-10-13T17:39:00.000-07:00

Flippin’ Pizza to Raise Dough for Tony Hawk Foundation Skatepark Building Efforts

North County Pizzeria Stores Vie for Bragging Rights as They Raise Funds to Help Fund Skateparks in Low Income Communities

SAN DIEGO – September 31, 2010 – Supporting the Tony Hawk Foundation's efforts to create high-quality, public skateparks in low income communities across the country, Flippin’ Pizza’s four California stores will donate a percentage of October 2010 proceeds to the Tony Hawk Foundation and the building of a new skatepark at the proposed Carlsbad Yard Museum, Skatepark, And Action Arts Center. In preparation for the fundraiser, the neighborhood pizzeria, known for New York pies and slices and ongoing community outreach programs, will provide scratch-off cards to customers throughout the months of September and October. The scratch-off cards will reward customers with free menu offers and the chance to win an autographed Tony Hawk skateboard deck or a catered pizza party for up to 50 people, courtesy of the Flippin’ Pizza “Store on Wheels” truck.

“We’re excited to get behind the Tony Hawk Foundation’s efforts for the third consecutive year,” said Patrick Farley, owner of Flippin’ Pizza. “Every time a community member visits Flippin’ Pizza throughout the month of October, he or she can feel good knowing that a portion of our restaurants’ proceeds is going to a great cause. In addition, we will be offering two free tickets to the Stand up for Skateparks event in Beverly Hills on Sunday, October 17. To win the tickets, community members just need to text “Flippin” to 90210 before September 30. We will randomly select one winner on October 1.”

The local Flippin’ Pizza restaurants in Encinitas, La Costa, Vista and Carlsbad (“Knockout”) will participate in the fundraiser. In the spirit of friendly competition, and in true New York fashion, the stores will vying for bragging rights to see who can dish up the most funds and invite community members to join by eating at their favorite local Flippin’ Pizza location. The stores’ standings will be revealed each week to Flippin’ “Fans” and “Followers” via Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/FlippinPizza) and Twitter (http://twitter.com/FlippinPizzaCA) throughout the month of October.

For more information about Flippin’ Pizza and its locations, visit http://www.FlippinPizza.com.

About FLIPPIN’ PIZZA and Knockout Pizzeria:

Knockout Pizzeria’s unique pizza recipe originated in Sicily over 30 years ago. The craze over this pizza in New York made it apparent that the West Coast was missing out and thus, Knockout Pizzeria of Carlsbad was born. Flippin’ Pizza was launched in 2007 as Patrick Farley, owner of the original Knockout Pizzeria of Carlsbad, expanded his concept to more pizzerias in North San Diego County. It is the mission of Knockout Pizzeria and Flippin’ Pizza to be the neighborhood pizzerias that provide a true slice of New York to every customer who walks through their doors. For more information about Knockout Pizzeria of Carlsbad and Flippin’ Pizza of La Costa, Vista and Encinitas, visit http://www.FlippinPizza.com.

Thursdays on the Coast - Sept 30, 2010

2010-09-27T11:34:00.000-07:00

Thursdays on the Coast continues through the Fall and Winter and we have new additions to our line-up of venues and artists. This month, the event hub (where you pick up your programs and walking maps) will be located at The Foundry @ New Village Arts, 2787 State Street.

New Village Arts is currently staging the beloved musical "Into the Woods" and you may be able to get tickets for the Thursday evening show which begins at 8pm. The box office will open at 7pm.

Also, the Flippin' Pizza truck will be joining us offering give-away scratchers to promote a special promotion they are running in October to raise funds for The Tony Hawk Foundation, which serves low-income youth by working with community leaders to build skateparks around the world.

At Ivanffy-Uhler Gallery at 565 Grand Avenue, the city will be hosting an Opening Reception for the new Village Banner Installation. The reception will honor the artists, students from Valley Middle School, who created the works for a project called "Healing Waters".

The rest of the Village will be full of art and live music as well, so don't miss out on all the great venues on State Street, Grand Avenue, and Carlsbad Village Drive.

Visit all these great venues: Caldo Pomodoro, COAL Gallery, Carlsbad Village Theatre, Chandler's Gallery and Boutique, Fairen Del, Fancy Pants, Global HeArt, Homelife Village Realty, Intriguing, Ivanffy-Uhler Gallery, The Jewelry Source, Lynn Forbes School of Sculpture, Oceanside Art Gallery, Ocean House, Stone Soup Store, Studio BE, Taschi Jewelry Design, The Foundry at New Village Arts, Thursdays on the Coast Phantom Gallery, Relm~Wine.Beer.Bistro, Vickie Kay's, and Vinaka Cafe.

If you run out of time on the night of the art walk, the art stays up for a month so you can always make more than one trip to the Village.

Art in the Village returns to Carlsbad - Sunday, August 8, 2010

2010-07-13T14:39:00.000-07:00

Art in the Village, Artists and Artisans in Carlsbad, returns on August 8, 2010 from 9 am - 5 pm.

Over 100 fine artists and artisans will be in the Village on State Street and Grand Avenue for the premiere annual art event in San Diego County.

The show boasts a wide variety of renowned painters, sculptors, woodworkers, glass artists, ceramic artists, and photographers.

Many artists will be giving demonstrations and lessons during the faire, making it a fun day for the whole family.

Food booths will be available throughout the faire.

Carlsbad Village is a burgeoning arts destination with great permanent art galleries, unique shops and a wide variety of restaurants.

Art in the Village is an event you won't want to miss. It's a wonderful way to spend a day in Carlsbad Village

Flavors of the Village This Sunday - 3pm - 6pm

2010-05-13T14:54:00.000-07:00

The highly acclaimed Carlsbad Village Association's Flavors of the Village is expanding! This year--in addition to our annual restaurant tour of village restaurants--we're adding a week-long prix fixe menu event.

PREVIEW TOUR
The event kicks-off on Sunday, May 16 with our annual 3 hour Restaurant Preview Tour, where you can walk from restaurant to restaurant and preview samples from over 20 participating restaurants.

Cost for the Preview is $25.00.

Purchase your tickets online by clicking on the buy now button below. You tickets will be held at the information booth at the corner or State and Grand on May 16. Tickets will be on sale on Sunday, May 16 beginning at 1pm on the corner of State and Grand

RESTAURANT WEEK
The event will continue from Monday, May 17 - Sunday, May 23 when participating restaurants offer a multi-course prix fixe value menu for $20, $30 or $40. Participating restaurants may choose to offer special discounts in lieu of prix fixe menus.

Each restaurant will determine their own special Flavors of the Village menu or special promotion during Restaurant Week. Prix fix menu prices will vary from restaurant to restaurant. To be paid directly at restaurant.

For information on this event or to purchase tickets in advance, please call 760-434-2553 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 760-434-2553 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Thursdays on the Coast - April 29th

2010-04-19T16:38:00.000-07:00

Thursdays on the Coast is back and we have new additions to our line-up of venues and artists. This month, and for the rest of the quarter, the event hub (where you pick up your programs and walking maps) will be located at The Shops at Village Faire, 300 Carlsbad Village Drive. Several galleries are housed in the space including our event hosts, Thursdays on the Coast Phantom Gallery and Oceanside Art Gallery. The center will be alive with new art displays, art demonstrations and live music.

The rest of the Village will be full of art and music as well, so don't miss out on all the great venues on State Street, Grand Avenue, Carlsbad Village Drive and Carlsbad Blvd.

Visit all these great venues: Caldo Pomodoro, Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort, COAL Gallery, Carlsbad Village Theatre, Chandler's Gallery and Boutique, Eve 7, Front Porch Gallery, Global HeArt, Homelife Village Realty, Intriguing, Ivanffy-Uhler Gallery, The Jewelry Source, Lynn Forbes School of Sculpture, The M Collection, Oceanside Art Gallery, Ocean House, Stone Soup Store, Sunglass Lounge, Taschi Jewelry Design, The Foundry at New Village Arts, The Wine Spot, Vickie Kay's, and Vinaka Cafe.

If you run out of time on the night of the art walk, the art stays up for a month so you can always make more than one trip to the Village.

New this month: look for the opportunity to win a great prize from Village merchants.

Children's Easter Celebration in Carlsbad Village

2010-03-30T20:19:00.000-07:00

Children's Easter Celebration in Carlsbad Village on Sunday 4/4, 1-4pm at The Foundry, 2787 State Street...Lots of FUN FUN FUN!!

The Foundry @ New Village Arts Theatre
2787 State StreetCarlsbad, California 92008

• Easter Crafts
• Easter Bonnet Contest
• Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt
• Live Music & Children’s Folk Songs with Singer / Guitarist Cici Porter
• Balloons by Casey the Balloon Man

Thursdays on the Coast Thursday night

2010-03-22T11:59:00.000-07:00

Enjoy the new extended sunlight this Thursday Night at Thursdays on the Coast. You'll have more daylight to kill as you stroll the Village and take in all the gorgeous sights and sounds, and enjoy goodies at over 20 galleries and shops. We're adding new artists and venues all the time.

Start your evening at our event hub: Ivanffy-Uhler Gallery, 565 Grand Avenue. Pick up your program and enjoy the new opening reception of Toni Williams "En Plein Air" an exhibition of recent paintings.

North County Merchants Celebrate COASTER Anniversary

2010-02-22T16:20:00.000-08:00

Sixty retailers along COASTER corridor offer discounts and giveaways to riders on Saturday, February 27

OCEANSIDE, Calif. – February 22, 2010.

February 27 marks the 15^th anniversary of COASTER service in San Diego County. To celebrate this milestone, the North County Transit District (NCTD) is partnering with the Solana Beach Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Encinitas MainStreet Association, Leucadia-Encinitas Highway 101 MainStreet Association, the Carlsbad Village Association, MainStreet Oceanside and the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce to host the “COASTER Crawl.” The “COASTER Crawl” is a progressive event that will carry riders, with special two-for-one train fares, to Oceanside, Carlsbad Village, Encinitas and Solana Beach.

NCTD and its partners have scheduled entertainment at the stations including dueling guitarists at the Oceanside Transit Center and a small-scale farmer’s market at the Carlsbad Village COASTER station. In addition, merchants in the downtown areas of the host cities will offer special promotions to COASTER riders that day. Offers include free admission to the California Surf Museum in Oceanside and other discounts at participating restaurants and stores that are within walking distance of the stations.

“The COASTER Crawl is more than a ride along

America

’s most beautiful rail line,” said Rick Wright, executive director of MainStreet Oceanside. “It’s a chance for San Diegans to get out of their cars and visit some of the most walkable and vibrant communities in our county.”

The 15th Anniversary COASTER Crawl will use the regular Saturday COASTER schedule and will feature special events at the Solana Beach, Encinitas, Carlsbad Village and Oceanside Transit Center stations. Round trip fare all day long is $10 to $13 for two people depending on the zones and half price for seniors age 60 and over. Simply buy one ticket for two riders from machines at the station. No reservations are necessary; however space is limited on trains.
For complete trip planning information, call toll free 511 or visit GoNCTD.com.

NCTD serves 12 million passengers annually by providing public transportation within North San Diego County and via the COASTER to downtown San Diego. Its family of transit services currently includes the BREEZE bus system, the COASTER commuter rail service, LIFT paratransit and the SPRINTER light rail. It is NCTD's mission to deliver safe, convenient, reliable and user-friendly public transportation services.

One week until February's Thursdays on the Coast

2010-02-18T11:04:00.000-08:00

Come out to the Village on Thursday Evening, February 25th for Thursdays on the Coast.

Enjoy Live Music, a variety of artists on display and demonstrating their process as we turn Carlsbad Village into an Art Gallery.

Over 20 galleries and shops participate and house over 40 artists of a variety of mediums.

Participating venues host opening night receptions and you have the chance to meet artists, enjoy live music and lots of goodies.

This is a free family friendly event.

If you haven't been, make February the month you start a new Thursday night tradition in the Village!

NCTD Invites North County to a Four-City Celebration

2010-02-11T16:21:00.000-08:00

Transit district marks the 15th anniversary of the COASTER premium rail service

The North County Transit District (NCTD) invites the community to celebrate the 15th Anniversary of the COASTER train with a "COASTER Crawl" on Saturday, February 27.

The event will carry customers to the rail line's northern stations in Oceanside, Carlsbad Village, Encinitas and Solana Beach where merchants will offer special COASTER Anniversary product promotions.

As an added incentive, on Saturday, February 27 a second COASTER customer can ride free when accompanying a fare-paying customer or monthly pass holder. This two-for-one promotion runs for the entire day. It allows a family of four to travel round-trip (four zones) for just $26 -offering a 50 percent discount.

"North County's coastal communities are walkable and are easily accessible from COASTER stations," said Dave Roberts, an NCTD director and Solana Beach City Councilman. "My five kids and I love to ride the COASTER. This event provides a special opportunity for families from neighboring areas to hop a train, discover a range of interesting retailers and activities, have a bite to eat at a great local restaurant and then continue up and down the line."

The 15th Anniversary COASTER Crawl will use the regular Saturday COASTER schedule and will feature special events at the Solana Beach, Encinitas, Carlsbad Village and Oceanside Transit Center stations. Round trip fare all day long is $10 to $13 for two people depending on the zones. Simply buy one ticket for two riders from machines at the station. No reservations are necessary; however space is limited on trains.

"Business owners in Carlsbad Village are delighted to have an opportunity to partner with North County Transit District in a triple-win situation," said Robin Young, executive director of the Carlsbad Village Association. "NCTD will attract some new riders, we'll have some new visitors to the Village and the customers will have a great day in four terrific cities."

The event is sponsored by the Solana Beach Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Encinitas MainStreet Association, Leucadia-Encinitas Highway 101 MainStreet Association, the Carlsbad Village Association, MainStreet Oceanside and the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce.

Saturday, February 27 Coaster Schedule

For complete trip planning information, call toll free 511 or visit GoNCTD.com.

NCTD serves 12 million passengers annually by providing public transportation within North San Diego County and via the COASTER to downtown San Diego. Its family of transit services currently includes the BREEZE bus system, the COASTER commuter rail service, LIFT paratransit and the SPRINTER light rail. It is NCTD's mission to deliver safe, convenient, reliable and user-friendly public transportation services.

2010 Walk For Life® and Free Health Fair

2010-02-11T16:19:00.000-08:00

                                               Hosted by the Cardiovascular Disease Foundation®
                            Helping San Diego County Residents Raise Awareness of Healthy Lifestyles to
                                              Fight the #1 Killer of Men & Women: Heart Disease
Carlsbad, CA. February 11, 2010 – The annual 5K Walk For Life® & Free Community Health Fair, hosted by the Cardiovascular Disease Foundation® (CVDF) of Carlsbad, will take place on Sunday, April 18th at the Oceanside Pier & Amphitheater in Oceanside, CA. Since 2004, the event has attracted hundreds of walkers and fairgoers from all over San Diego County and has raised thousands of dollars to support CVDF’s free outreach programs and services, which promote cardiovascular health by teaching people of all ages how to make lifestyle changes in order to prevent heart disease and its many risk factors.

Together, Mayor “Bud” Lewis of Carlsbad and Mayor Jim Wood of Oceanside will send walkers on their way beginning at 10:00 a.m. The 5K walk will start and finish at the Oceanside Pier with the course on the scenic boardwalk along the beach. Walk entry fee for adults is $25 and children12 and under walk free. The entry form and online registration are available at www.WalkForLife.us. Registration on the day of the event will begin at 9:00am. Wheelchairs and strollers are welcome. Form a Walking Team and win prizes! Team photos and prizes will be awarded for Largest Team, Most Funds Raised, and Best Decorated Banner.

The Community Health Fair, scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Amphitheater located next to the Pier, is free for everyone to enjoy. It is a fun filled event offering over 40 vendor booths providing samples of health related products and services. Exhibitor booth and sponsor information can be found by visiting: www.WalkForLife.us. Free health screenings such as cholesterol & glucose tests, blood pressure and body fat checks will be given by the Cardiovascular Disease Foundation® (for accurate readings, please remember to fast 12 hours before receiving cholesterol or glucose screenings). Enjoy live music by several bands and exciting entertainment groups on the big stage. There will be an abundance of healthy food, prizes, face painting, children’s games, discovery stations, and more!
The Cardiovascular Disease Foundation® (www.CVDF.org) is a non-profit 501(c) (3) charitable organization based in Carlsbad, CA. Its mission is to improve the quality of life by promoting cardiovascular health through prevention, research, and education.
Cardiovascular Disease Foundation® partners are The Heart Truth, a national awareness campaign warning women about their risk of heart disease, sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), in partnership with: The American Heart Association; San Diego County Childhood Obesity Initiative; San Diego & Imperial Nutrition Network for Healthy Active Families, part of CHAMPIONS for CHANGE Network for a Healthy California and many other organizations and local agencies supporting the fight against heart disease and its related risk factors.
The Oceanside Pier & Amphitheater are located seaside at 200 North Strand in Oceanside 92054. There is plenty of free parking within walking distance. For more information call 760-730-1471.

Astonishingly, 60%-70% of heart disease related cases are preventable. Beat heart disease and join the Walk for Life® on April 18th.

Carlsbad Village Valentine's Day Specials

2010-02-10T16:21:00.000-08:00

ENJOY CARLSBAD VILLAGE VALENTINE’S SPECIALS!

The Armenian Café
3126 Carlsbad Boulevard
760-720-2233
Free glass of wine with any entrée from our Platters Menu on Valentines Day.
Must mention this email from the Carlsbad Village Association.
Must be 21 or older.

Blessings...Christian Books & Gifts

540 Carlsbad Village Drive

760-434-8755

25% off your total Valentine purchase - including sale items!

Special runs February 9-13.

Caldo Pomodoro Restaurant

2907 State Street

760-720-9998

Italian/American Cuisine, Casual Fine Dining.

Daily Specials as well as up to 20% off entrees on our regular dining menu.
Reservations accepted as well as walk-ins.

Open 7 Days a week 11:30am-10pm Winter Hours.

Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort

3075 Carlsbad Village Drive

760-434-7020

“Family Sweetheart Getaway” — Enjoy this Valentine’s Day with your family at the beach. Spacious hotel room located in Carlsbad Village with champagne for the adults and goodie bags for the kids! Valentine’s themed activities and crafts are available throughout the month.

$150 / night, based on availability.

Expires 2/28/10

Carlsbad Wellness Chiropractic

2727 Roosevelt Street , Suite B

760-434-9006

Gift Certificates for a 50min massage: Only $50. (normally $75.)

Massage can be done any time, but must be purchased before 3/1/10.

Chandler's Gallery & Boutique

538 Grand Avenue

760-729-7976

25% off all Valentine items, as well as, specials on other items in the store.

While supply lasts.

Carlsbad Danish Bakery
2805 Roosevelt Street
760-729-6186

FREE DANISH	ONE FREE DANISH WITH PURCHASE OF $5.00 OR MORE. One coupon per transaction. Coupon must be printed and shown at cash register. Only good for the Carlsbad Danish Bakery located at 2805 Roosevelt St. Carlsbad , CA 92008 . If you have any questions please call us at (760) 729 6186.
Offer Expires: February 14, 2010

FREE Specialty Cupcake	BUY ONE OR MORE SPECIALTY CUPCAKE TRY A NEW FLAVOR FOR FREE. One coupon per transaction. Coupon must be printed and shown at cash register. Only good for the Carlsbad Danish Bakery located at 2805 Roosevelt St. Carlsbad , CA 92008 . If you have any questions please call us at (760) 729 6186.
Offer Expires: February 14, 2010

$2.00 CAKE ORDER	ORDER ANY CAKE AND RECIEVE $2.00 OFF! One coupon per transaction. Coupon must be printed and shown at cash register. Only good for the Carlsbad Danish Bakery located at 2805 Roosevelt St. Carlsbad , CA 92008 . If you have any questions please call us at (760) 729 6186.
Offer Expires: February 14, 2010

Dr. David Bloch - Adult and Pediatric Optometry
2814 Roosevelt Street
760-730-3733
New Patient Discount - 20% off Eye Exam and Eyewear.
Offer not valid with insurance benefits.
Expires 3/15/10.

Lynn Forbes Gallery - School of Sculpture

Village Faire

300 Carlsbad Village Drive, Suite 102

949-444-1926

www.sculptureschool.net

Weekend Sculpture Workshop

February 20th and 21st

$170. (Includes dinner party, but not clay)

Total of 5 sessions with life model(s) over 2 days in the heart of scenic Carlsbad Village .
Enjoy the art of sculpture in an intimate old world studio environment with fellow artists.
Personalized instructions make this workshop suitable to both experienced and beginning artists.
Share conversations over food and drinks or Rock-out playing RockBand on Saturday evening.

Ocean House Restaurant
300 Carlsbad Village Drive
760-729-4131
www.oceanhousecarlsbad.com
Valentines Day Dinner: 6-11pm
Includes Live entertainment from Cool Fever, Dancing, four course meal, glass of champagne.

$39.95 per person

Paon Restaurant and Wine Bar

560 Carlsbad Village Drive @ Roosevelt

760-729-7377

Efeste Wine Dinner – Tuesday 2/9/10

Efeste Wine Tasting – All Week in the Winebar

Special Restaurant Menu for Valentine’s Day

Skinsational Skin and Body Spa
300 Carlsbad Village Dr., Ste 124
Carlsbad , Ca 92008
760-434-8118
“Spa Duo Package” - Two Side-by-Side 50-Minute Swedish Massages then relax in our Zen Sanctuary and enjoy a glass of Champagne & Chocolate Truffles.

$199

"Romantic Rendezvous Package" - Two 50-Minute Swedish Massages in our Couples Suite,
Champagne & Chocolate Truffles, Shower and Fireplace

$250.

Choose from 4 salad offerings for Two, only $20 additional

“Sweetheart Package” - Body Polish or Chocolate Chip Exfoliation,
a 50-Minute Swedish Massage and take home body brush

$149

“I Love You Package” - Express Facial, Tension Reliever Massage
and Signature Spa Pedicure

$150. Add lunch for only $10.

All offers expire 2/28/10 and may not be combined with other offers or discounts.

CVA Annual Meeting Set for Tuesday, February 16, 2010

2010-02-08T05:35:00.000-08:00

The Carlsbad Village Association Annual Meeting is set for Tuesday, February 16, 2010 at 11:30 am.

The meeting will be held at Senor Grubby's 377 Carlsbad Village Drive. Lunch will be served.

Come learn more about the work the CVA has been doing, see the Annual report and learn about our strategic plan and new projects in development. 2009 was a very busy and exciting year and 2010 is going to be even bigger.

Voting is open to CVA partners in good standing.

For information on becoming a partner with the CVA please call 760-434-2553 or email info@shopcarlsbadvillage.org

Thursdays on the Coast tomorrow night

2010-01-27T14:14:00.001-08:00

DON'T MISS OUT ON ALL THE FUN AS THE VILLAGE COMES ALIVE FOR THURSDAYS ON THE COAST

The Carlsbad Village Association’s Thursdays on the Coast is a free, ongoing, self-guided Art Walk held throughout Carlsbad Village. Come to the Opening Night event the last Thursday of each month from 5:30-8:30pm

Enjoy artist receptions at Village galleries and businesses, live music, art demonstrations, restaurant’s Dinner Specials and an Objets d’Arte Silent Auction.

Self-guided walking maps will be provided at all participating venues in time for the January 28th opening night and will be available through the end of February, when Thursdays on the Coast returns with a new lineup of artists and galleries on Thursday, February 25th.

Information Hub will be located at Ivanffy-Uhler Gallery, 565 Grand Avenue, where featured Artist Nanette Newbry will be opening her new show "Image and Memory".

Enjoy Live music throughout the Village featuring: Rick and Carmine, Ukulele Society of America, Daniel Sratman, and Jeff Diamond.

Also, help support Thursdays on the Coast by taking part in our Objets D'Arte Auctions. This month we are featuring tables designed by local artists, Lori Watkins and Carol McLeod.

Carlsbad Marathon Road Closures

2010-01-20T10:19:00.000-08:00

A number of roads will be closed in and around the Carlsbad Marathon course on Sunday, Jan. 24, from approximately 5 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Marron Road between Monroe Street and Jefferson Street

Monroe Street south of Marron Road

Jefferson Street between Marron Road and Laguna Drive

Laguna Drive between Jefferson Street and State Street

State Street between Laguna Drive and Carlsbad Boulevard

Carlsbad Boulevard between the north city limits at Buena Vista Lagoon to the south city limits at La Costa Avenue

Palomar Airport Road between Carlsbad Boulevard and El Camino Real (eastbound lanes only)

Avenida Encinas between Cannon Road and Palomar Airport Road

Poinsettia Lane between Avenida Encinas and Carlsbad Boulevard

Camino Vida Roble between Palomar Oaks and Palomar Airport Road

Palomar Oaks Road entirely

I-5 at Palomar Airport Road both northbound and southbound off-ramps and southbound on-ramp closed

The Carlsbad Police Department and volunteers will assist cars needing to get in or out of closed or partially closed areas, when safety allows. Those who need to get in or out of the race area during the event can do so on a nearby street not affected by race-day closures.

The Carlsbad Marathon begins and ends at the Westfield Plaza Camino Real shopping center. The race course runs from the mall to Carlsbad Boulevard and continues as far south as La Costa Avenue. The marathon also runs inland along Palomar Airport Road as far east as El Camino Real. The 26.2-mile marathon race starts at 6 a.m., while the half-marathon begins at 7:30 a.m.

More than 100,000 participants are expected.

Visit the event’s Web site at www.carlsbadmarathon.com for detailed route maps and additional road closure information.

The 3/50 Project - How you can save local business

2010-01-15T13:18:00.000-08:00

The 3/50 Project!
How YOU Can Save Local Business

IE News Service, November 20, 2009 — Which three local businesses would you miss if they closed their doors? Maybe it’s that deli on the corner where you grab the best sandwiches. Perhaps it’s the video store down the street where the clerk stashes the latest release behind the counter so it will still be there when you stop after work late on Friday night. Is it the florist who already seems to know exactly what your wife will love for her birthday—and is good enough to give you a reminder call so you never forget the date?

Small business (defined as having 500 or fewer employees) are the lifeblood of the American economy, accounting for an astounding 99.7 percent of all employer firms, according to a 2007 study by the U.S. Department of Commerce. Yet locally owned independent businesses are under far more pressure than ever. Trying economic times that have consumers closing their wallets, the credit crunch, and shoppers searching for perceived bargains at large chain stores have taken a severe toll, while buyouts of corporations that are “too big to fail” largely don’t benefit the little guys.

It was that combination of factors that was weighting heavily on Cinda Baxter, a Minneapolis-based retail consultant, early in 2009. “It began with a really rotten week in March,” Baxter explains. That Monday, a friend told her to turn on Oprah. “I flipped it on and saw an hour-long program telling consumers to stop discretionary spending. As someone who knows how small business works, it was devastating. Then CBS did a piece on consumer saving and how consumers were now doing such a good job of it. The headlines were just dire and abysmal; by the end of the week, more people I knew had turned off the news than were still watching it.” A few days later, after seeing CNBC’s Erin Burnett discuss how the headlines were impacting consumer psychology on the Today Show and a later interview on Meet the Press in which Burnett said part of the problem was dire media coverage, Baxter decided to take matters into her own hands: “I am not a person who thinks the glass is half empty with holes drilled in the bottom, so three days later, I wrote a blog post.”

That post meant for only a few friends was the start of what would soon become an international movement to support locally owned businesses. Baxter’s idea was simple: if half of the employed U.S. population chose three locally owned independent businesses they would hate to lose, and then spent a combined total of $50 a month with them, it would have a major impact—generating an estimated $42.6 billion of revenue annually.

What Baxter couldn’t have envisioned was how quickly what she dubbed The 3/50 Project would take off. “I thought maybe a dozen of my friends would see the post. I came up with a flyer explaining the idea that businesses could hand out to customers, and I thought that perhaps half of that dozen would go that far,” Baxter recalls. Instead of the six she initially envisioned, “within 48 hours, I had more than 350 emails from total strangers asking, ‘This is great, what else have you got?‘” She spent a Sunday afternoon designing a website —www.the350project.net—that launched on Monday, March 30, 2009. It drew 7,600 absolute unique visitors in seven days. By early November, more than 12,800 businesses had become supporters, there were 21,600 Facebook fans, and absolute unique hits were at 203,700.

What caused the groundswell? Perhaps it’s the straightforward way Baxter presents the facts: For every $100 spent in locally owned stores, $68 remains in the local economy. In contrast, only $43 of every $100 remains local when spent in national chains, and little or no local revenue results from online purchases.

“No one has talked this through with consumers,” Baxter says. “The experts all talk in terms of macro or microeconomics—not how consumers talk to each other over the dinner table. We simply say, ‘Here’s the impact.’ It really resonates that even a small amount of spending can make a big difference.”

Another difference is that The 3/50 Project takes a realistic approach. “We’re the only buy local movement that doesn’t ask consumers to stop going to big boxes. I understand that while you can find many things in a local business, there are some items that people will continue to go to big boxes for. We just ask them to balance their spending a little better; that all or nothing mentality is what got us into this mess in the first place,” she states.

What is essential to helping small business is gaining and maintaining local support. “The 3/50 Project is definitely having an impact,” Baxter says. Facebook is filled with comments from business owners and consumers echoing Baxter’s sentiments, like these by Martha Pesta Smith, who owns Peafunk Designs in Wickford, R.I.: “As the owner of a small gift shop, I cannot thank you enough for launching this website!! BRILLIANT idea. I hope enough people follow your advice! If so, it will literally change the lives of people like myself and so many of my fellow small business owners.”

Baxter’s own email box is happily logged. “I now average 350 to 450 emails daily. I hear from business owners who are grateful to finally have a message that’s positive and a ridiculously easy way to explain it—they simply hand customers a flyer. I hear stories about long-lost customers coming back and new customers coming in. I even hear that consumers are printing out the flyers and taking them to businesses they want to support. I never would have dreamt of that.”

Baxter also never imagined the impact that post would have on her own life, as she now speaks about The 3/50 Project to audiences across the country. “I quite inadvertently created a second full-time job for myself. It has completely up-ended my personal life, which just demonstrates how obviously necessary this is,” she says.

Future plans for additional membership levels and Canadian, UK and Australian sites are in the works. “I’m also looking at corporate sponsorships that will allow us to keep growing,” she says, then adds with a laugh, “At some point, though, I just hope to get a good night’s sleep.”
Thanks to The 3/50 Project, many local business owners may be sleeping a bit more soundly as well.

CARLSBAD VILLAGE PARKING

2010-01-15T12:59:00.000-08:00

Carlsbad Police Department to Enforce 3 hour parking

Beginning Monday, January 18, the Carlsbad Police Department will begin enforcing the 3 hour parking limit on the streets of Carlsbad Village. Enforcement will be done at random times and is meant to keep Village workers and commuters from parking in front of businesses and impeding customer's access to shops and businesses.

During the first week of enforcement, the Police department will be issuing warnings and beginning January 25, will begin issuing tickets. It is still unknown what the fine will be for offenders.

The 3 hour parking ordinance has been on the books for many years, but has not been regularly enforced. Due to multiple complaints regarding long-term parking, the police department have decided to enforce the law.

We do want to prevent the ticketing of cars so please make sure to park in the free city lots or in your private lots if you plan on being in the Village for more than 3 hours between the hours of 7am - 6pm

Thursdays on The Coast Returns in 2010

2010-01-11T13:46:00.000-08:00

New Years Eve Special Events in Carlsbad Village

2009-12-30T11:06:00.000-08:00

Celebrate the New Year in Carlsbad Village

Start your evening at 5:30 with Thursdays on the Coast Art Walk hosted by the Carlsbad Village Association and then Ring in the New Year at one of the many fantastic restaurants and night spots that are hosting celebrations. Reservations may be required so make sure to check below for all the great specials and call ahead. You definitely don't want to miss out on all the fun!

Coyote Bar & Grill
http://www.coyotecarlsbad.com/
300 Carlsbad Village Drive
760-729-4695

Eight Twenty Band ( Rock w/ a Latin Twist) is playing 6pm-10pm outside
DJ Paul D is playing inside from 10pm-1:30am

Hensley's Flying Elephant Pub
http://www.hensleyspub.com/
850 Tamarack Avenue
760-434-2660
Music: The Drowning Men (indie-rock)
Champagne Toast Just Before Midnight 21+

Le Passage French Bistro
http://www.lepassagefrenchbistro.net/
2961 State Street
760-729-7097
Prix Fixe Menu, Beverage Specials
Reservations Recommended

Ocean House
http://www.oceanhousecarlsbad.com/
300 Carlsbad Village Drive
760-729-4131
Music: Spectrum (dance band)
4 Course Meal
Bottle of Champagne for all couples
Party Favors, Midnight Balloon Drop
$69.95 / person
First seating 8pm
Reservations Required

O’Sullivans Irish Pub & Restaurant
http://www.osullivanscarlsbad.com/
640 Grand Avenue
760-729-7234
Music: 9pm-1am “The Clay Colton Band”
Four Course Dinner with Bottle of Champagne
$38 / person plus tax and gratuity
Reservations Required for Meal Special

PAON Restaurant & Wine Bar
http://www.paoncarlsbad.com/
560 Carlsbad Village Dr. @ Roosevelt
760-729-7377
Four Course Meal, Champagne Toast at Midnight
1st Seating - $75 per person plus tax and gratuity
2nd Seating - $85 per person plus tax and gratuity
Reservations Required

The Wine Spot
http://www.the-wine-spot.com/
2917 State Street
760-434-9463
Sparkling Wine Flight

Thursdays on the Coast Rings in the New Year in Carlsbad Village

2009-12-23T11:26:00.000-08:00

Kick off New Year's Eve with a visit to Carlsbad Village where we will be hosting a special New Year's Eve event with bubbly and other goodies. You'll get to see great art and listen to great local musicians. Make sure to stay in the Village where there will be a plethora of opportunities to welcome 2010.

Make the Village your bridge to 2010!

The Holidays Just Got a Little Brighter in the Village

2009-12-16T13:57:00.000-08:00

In a "just in time" for the Holidays coup, the City of Carlsbad just got the okay from SDG&E to turn on the brand-spanking new light standards on State Street and Grand Avenue. The lights will be turned on tonight and promise to make the Village brighter in the evening. Come out to the Village tonight and bask in the glow of the new illumination. While you're at it, get some holiday shopping done and enjoy a fabulous meal in one of our many great restaurants.

Big thanks to Courtney Enriquez and the rest of the Housing & Redevelopment Agency for their tireless efforts to get these lights up and powered on!

City Invests in Partnership with Village Businesses

2009-12-15T17:07:00.000-08:00

The Carlsbad City Council on Tuesday, December 8, approved a matching grant program designed to encourage businesses in the downtown Village area to beautify their storefronts with new lighting, signage and other improvements.

Under the program approved by the Council, business owners who apply for the grants can receive a maximum of $15,000 to pay for materials, equipment and supplies needed to spruce up their facades. The grants cannot be used for labor costs, and the businesses will have to match the city grants dollar for dollar with their own investments, either in cash or through “sweat equity.”

City staff estimate that, depending on the amounts of the individual grants, the initial allocation of $300,000 will pay for 16 or 17 façade improvements in the downtown Village area, which encompasses some 200 acres in central Carlsbad. Based on the success of the initial allocation, the program could be expanded in the future.

“The Carlsbad Village has a unique mix of retail, restaurants and other businesses, with charm and ambiance unmatched by any downtown center in San Diego County,” said Debbie Fountain, Carlsbad’s housing and redevelopment director. “The economy has impacted the ability of small businesses to carry out improvement projects on their own. This grant program represents a partnership of the city’s redevelopment agency with local businesses for the betterment of the entire downtown business community.”

Funding for the program will come from the Village Redevelopment Operations Fund, which must be used for improvements within the redevelopment area. Only businesses located with the boundaries of the Village area are eligible for the grants.

Among the priorities for the program is new lighting of shop windows that will enhance the Village’s appeal to nighttime visitors. Other acceptable projects include painting; signage; canopies or marquees; animation of storefront windows; and landscaping, such as window boxes, hanging planters or storefront plants.

As part of the program, businesses will be able to consult with a commercial storefront contractor to help them determine the best and most cost-effective improvements for their individual businesses.

Grants are expected to be awarded soon after the first of the year and improvements anticipated to begin by the spring of 2010.

The city’s goal in making the grants is to reinvest in the downtown business core and encourage additional private investment, which will in turn improve the appearance and accessibility of Village businesses and attract new visitors.

Businesses can learn more about the program and obtain an application by calling the Carlsbad Redevelopment Agency at 760-434-2810 or visiting the agency’s Web site at www.carlsbadca.gov/redevelopment.

Keep your eyes and ears open for upcoming meetings and opportunities to learn more about and engage in the Storefront Improvement Grant.

2009 Rotary Tree Lighting

2009-12-10T17:21:00.000-08:00

Community Tree Decorating

2009-12-10T17:10:00.000-08:00