b wrote on Nov 12, 2008 11:02 PM:YES!!! TEAR DOWN THAT DUMP!!! I'm thrilled to hear this news. This is long overdue, and I can't wait to see this disgusting eyesore to be replaced by something at least semi-respectable. ... TEAR IT DOWN!!!

Gringo wrote on Nov 12, 2008 11:15 PM:New Immigration enforcement headquarters site.

Keep the Swap Meet wrote on Nov 12, 2008 11:39 PM:The citizens of this community must stop this racist action by the council. The swap meet is a cultural mecca for many in the Escondido. Closing this modern day agora would only serve to compromise the ethnic identities of many Escondido residents. Olga Diaz, our new city council member, it is time to stand up and fight for the causes we elected you for!

Mexicat wrote on Nov 13, 2008 5:43 AM:I haven't been to the swap meet in a while but the last time I was, it sucked. It wasn't what it use to be when I was a kid.
As for ethnic cultural identity, please, we got plenty of latino markets to make up for it. Open market in Mexico is alot more interesting then going to the swap meet, that's my opinion anyway.
A stadium is an interesting prospect, considering we got the iceoplex and a sports facility in Kit Carson park. Escondido could be a sports mecca. Maybe even attract a few major league teams for spring training. We got the weather for it. With the addition of the Marriot hotel, I see a lot of potential.

Eskimo wrote on Nov 13, 2008 6:12 AM:I believe the "Keep the Swap Meet" comment is a (relatively) subtle parody of what the commenter thinks a Latino activist would say.

logjam wrote on Nov 13, 2008 6:17 AM:They should put in a walmart.

PLEASE wrote on Nov 13, 2008 6:20 AM:The swap meet is yucky! Especially when it rains.

Low End Retail wrote on Nov 13, 2008 6:21 AM:This place quit being a swap meet years ago. Now it rents space to low end retail vendors. It is time for a new use.

It is about time wrote on Nov 13, 2008 6:30 AM:The city needs businesses. The Swap Meet is not the right thing for the city. It served its purpose but it is now time to get rid of it. Costco would be a nice addition.

Concerned wrote on Nov 13, 2008 6:42 AM:What a breath of fresh air. Amend away City Council! The idea of a minor league baseball team is great. It would be a real draw for families.

Cultural Mecca wrote on Nov 13, 2008 6:43 AM:If that's the best you can do for a "Cultural Mecca", I pity you. Geez. That place is a cesspool.

Where Will Everyone Go wrote on Nov 13, 2008 7:08 AM:to get their fake ID's if it's closed. How could we be so insensitive to the local community? ...

What is City Council thinking of wrote on Nov 13, 2008 7:09 AM:Escondido has so many vacant office buildings, what the residents need is good retail & good dining. What I would give for a Mimi's or Cheesecake Factory or a Linen's & Things. I've lived here for 30 years and I have to admit I do my shopping in San Marcos. Escondido has little to offer.

You guys are killin me wrote on Nov 13, 2008 7:37 AM:That's so funny! A sports complex, a stadium, a minor league baseball team... You guys are freakin' hilarious! On FIFTEEN ACRES?! Wow, y'alls concept of spacial relations is warped. Besides, even if you could fit some kind of sporting venue there, you wouldn't fill ANY seats unless you made it a soccer field and sold tickets for one dollar or the equivalent weight in oranges or avacados.

Stadium Anyone wrote on Nov 13, 2008 7:52 AM:Someone above mentioned little league park, but what about thinking big and going for.... are you guys thinking of what I am thinking.... YES CHARGERS STADIUM !!!!! GO BOLTS.

What are you thinking wrote on Nov 13, 2008 8:04 AM:As I read the story and understand the issue, the City Council simply rezoned the property to allow for commercial, office and retails uses -- not mandating such. There's this nasty detail about private property ownership involved. The city doesn't own it and the owner can't even influence its near-term use since there's the possibility the current tenant could be there up to another 13 years. However, the rezoning is the right step because it could begin the process of rezoning for surrounding properties. The location is much too strategic for anything less than mixed use of commercial, office, and light industrial. To the last poster who shops in San Marcos, you'll never attract the Mini's Cheesecake Factory or Linens and Things shopping elsewhere since those retailers look at spending habits and sales tax revenue potentials for sites they're considering. Also, from what I read, the city and all others as well is suffering from sales tax declines which will impact services. Can't have it both ways, poster, -- expecting new commercial facilities to come here with you shop elsewhere.

Pierre wrote on Nov 13, 2008 8:11 AM:Sure, let's tear down the swap meet ... and put up a "plaza," aka a Mexican mall. That area of town is already a dump...

To What is City Council thinking of wrote on Nov 13, 2008 8:18 AM:I hate to tell you this. Please brace yourself for this one. I know this is going to be difficult for you and I am not sure how to tell you this, but you know your favorite place Linen's & Things...... well. It is out of business. It’s going to be okay, we still got Bed, Bath and Beyond. Please don't cry. Tell ya what I will take you to the Cheesecake Factory if you stop crying. How about Mimi's! Yum!

Wait a Minute wrote on Nov 13, 2008 8:35 AM:I thought this was already a Retail Shopping Plaza. Looks like what you see in TJ.

to Stadium Anyone wrote on Nov 13, 2008 8:44 AM:It's FIFTEEN ACRES ...! Get a clue, you need at least 70 acres, to include the stadium AND parking. Geez, some people make me laugh.

Weathering the Economic Storm wrote on Nov 13, 2008 8:54 AM:It really is time to revitalize this area, it is a scar on the city and looks blighted. In this economy, the council should consider Costco or WalMart because that is where people shop during financially tough times and they could still benefit. They put too much faith that the auto parkway would provide the revenues and now it looks like some of the automakers may not even be in business next year. And, many retailers have already announced their growth plans for next year and they do not include opening stores, but rather closing them. Costco and WalMart are still planning new retail outlets, though scaled back in scope. It is time for the council to live in the real world and realize this recession will be severe and long. Choose wisely.

to Gringo wrote on Nov 13, 2008 9:01 AM:You tell em GRINGO!!!...paid for by the "Gringo for Mayor" committee

Get rid of it wrote on Nov 13, 2008 9:07 AM:The swap meet needs to go, the sooner the better. So much could be done with this piece of property to help our floundering little city. Anything would be an improvement!

Too bad the high school district already has a piece of property for their new magnet school. This would be a better location for the school than the west side of town. It's much more accessible to students and a lot of money could be saved because the 15 acres is ready to build on.

To to Stadium Anyone wrote on Nov 13, 2008 9:23 AM:Well with the struggling economy and all the stores closing and auto dealers out of business we sure can take these land and build our stadium. Oh and SEATS? well I figure you guys have a nice seat at home and a TV to watch the game, so we don't need seats except for the bench players. With the way the economy is going, who can afford to go to the games anyway. YOU GUYS GET IT !

Yikes wrote on Nov 13, 2008 9:38 AM:If your culture revolves around a dump like this, you've got far worse problems to deal with. I miss the drivein theatre.

Lourdes wrote on Nov 13, 2008 9:44 AM:Swap meet time is over, what about a Costco or a Walmart, residents from Escondido has to go to other cities to shop.

BOLTS FANS wrote on Nov 13, 2008 10:02 AM:THERE IS MORE THAN ENOUGH ACREAGE IN THE SWATH OF RUBBLE BETWEEN LOWES AND THE TRANSIT CENTER, INCLUDING HORDES OF CITY OWNED PUBLIC WORKS YARD SPACE AND THIS ENTIRE AREA IS A MULTI FREEWAY ACCESSIBLE GATEWAY. HANG ON TO YOUR HATS BOLTS FANS. THIS SAME AREA WAS DESIRED BY FAMOUS MALL DEVELOPER ERNEST HAHN SOME DECADES AGO. THE RECENTLY APPROVED STATE BOND FOR THE NORTH SOUTH TRAIN ALSO COULD HAVE A TERMINUS ALONG THE QUINCE CORRIDOR. THERE IS NO BETTER LOCATION IN NORTH COUNTY FOR THE CHARGERS TO RELOCATE. KUDOS TO THE FORWARD THINKING COUNCIL FOR UNDERSTANDING THAT THIS AREA IS HIGHLY STRATEGIC FOR ESCONDIDO'S FUTURE JOBS AND REVENUE GROWTH.

Esco-Mo wrote on Nov 13, 2008 10:18 AM:We the monied elite demand that you build a Ritz-Carleton. You can't possibly expect us to stay in a Marriot can you?

good times wrote on Nov 13, 2008 10:28 AM:How about mixed use retail, office,and residential. This concept seems to be really successful in Escondido.

WHAT ARE YOU PEOPLES SAYING wrote on Nov 13, 2008 10:31 AM:IM HISPANIC AND I GREW UP IN VISTA. MY PARENTS HATED GOING TO THE SWAP MEET MY DAD THINKS PEOPLE GO THERE TO GIVE OTHER PEOPLE THEIR JUNK.. I WENT THERE WITH MY HUSBAND ABOUT 3 YEARS AGO AND WE BOTH THINK THATS ITS A DUMP!!!ESCONDIDO NEEDS SOMETHING NICE...HOW ABOUT REBUILD THE WHOLE CITY. EVERYTHING IS SO GHETTO!!!

Esco-Mo wrote on Nov 13, 2008 10:35 AM:WE also need a Rolls Royce-Bentley dealership. I'm so tired of driving to Beverly Hills when I need to buy a new one. P.S. talked to Wolfgang Puck, he wants to open up an upscale taco shop in our fair city.

I see NCT wrote on Nov 13, 2008 10:40 AM:isn't printing anything THEY don't agree with as usual.

Its time that.... wrote on Nov 13, 2008 10:41 AM:this dump and hostel of illegal activities is closed. It is and has been a blight of the area and city for way too many years.

Bed Bath and Beyond, our very own Walmart or Costco. Come on city council open your arms to places like this. Or quit complaining that the revenue from sales taxes is down.

Karl wrote on Nov 13, 2008 10:56 AM:Sorry Linens and things fans, they are going out of business. How about an executive golf course?

GREAT NEWS wrote on Nov 13, 2008 10:58 AM:Temecula has a budget surplus, reserves over 20%. Many choises other than Wal-Mart for shopping. Half a billion dollars of private capital is being invested. Over 1500 new good paying jobsare being created. New Marriot in construction. Mercedes Benz comming anouther 100 new jobs. Plus the new Hospital soon to break ground, 700 more jobs. Many other exciting new projects are under way. Could this be why so many Escondido niebors have moved here.

Citizen J wrote on Nov 13, 2008 11:12 AM:Just what Escondido needs, more empty office spaces/storefronts! When will this city sit down and make a plan to put this city back on track. Just think about the iminent domain they put on El Escondido, in favor of another car dealer! So now we can be called, Mile of Cars North.

to Great News wrote on Nov 13, 2008 11:20 AM:If Temecula is swimming in money and jobs, then why are most of its residents crowding the I-15 every morning and evening commuting down here to work? Where's their job base, pray tell? Yeah, everything is wonderful in a city where 1 out of 2 or 3 homes for sale is in foreclosure or otherwise bank-controlled. Give me and other truth-seekers a blessed break!

good times wrote on Nov 13, 2008 11:22 AM:What, no comments from King Abed?

wow wrote on Nov 13, 2008 11:29 AM:What great news.... Time for Costco or Walmart.... Escondido needs a big store. So we don't have to travel to other areas to shop. Make this opening something useful council. Hear us...

To Great News wrote on Nov 13, 2008 11:30 AM:Ummm....in case you hadn't heard there is this great big building being built on the west side of Escondido. Yah... that new building is going to be the most advance medical center in the county. That new hospital being built in Temecula (aka a band-aid station) will send trauma and many others to the new medical center here in Escondido. This is kinda of a big deal since it will create a lot more jobs then the dinky little hospital Temecula is getting. Oh and we are getting a brand new Lexus dealership which actually out sell Mercedes-benz. So have fun in Temecula.

get rid of it wrote on Nov 13, 2008 11:42 AM:Get rid of that filthy swap meet. Forget WalMart etc. A gigantic In n Out burger. Yeah thats the ticket.

No thanks Chargers wrote on Nov 13, 2008 11:53 AM:If the Chargers organization started sniffing around Esco for a stadium site, I'd make it a personal mission to ensure that it never gets farther than Mark Fabiani's special dreams. Who wants all those shiftless, thickheaded football fans roaming the streets looking for tickets, then passed out drunk in the gutters after the games? It could be worse than the swap meet is today. So get over yourselves, there's no way it's going to happen, esp. next to the city's trash processing facility. Your dreams are way overpriced, fans.

OMG wrote on Nov 13, 2008 12:14 PM:to "I see NCT"
I guess that means they agreed with you on that coment...LOL

shiver wrote on Nov 13, 2008 12:55 PM:The coolest Costco ever is in Temecula.
Retail in Temecula is like going to Disneyland.It's fabulous!
ummmm..I guess I could do a few hours of shopping.....gotta go

TED wrote on Nov 13, 2008 12:57 PM:It's too close to the Nordahl Walmart & Costco.
That sty of a Swap meet has to go.Hope they don't want their options to keep leasing.

taco Shelly wrote on Nov 13, 2008 12:59 PM:I'm with Shiver,Temecula shopping is the bomb!

Hmm... wrote on Nov 13, 2008 1:03 PM:First of all, the community should have a say before anything gets done. I am tired of our city council working to advance their agenda only! We need to be careful not to gentrify our community. Also, we don't need anymore Euclidean zoning of only retail, we have enough. We need to have mixed-use that includes housing. We should look to other communities like City Heights and Chollas View to see how community input is important. The city council SHOULD encourage charettes in deciding what this new area can possibly become. These are things we need to consider for planning the "potential" area:
1. Economics
2. Environment
3. Equity
4. Civic Engagement
5. Aesthetics
By the way, Temecula is a bedroom community that is showing signs of decline...I would choose Escondido over Temecula ANY DAY! Escondido has history and culture, both of which Temecula is void of (not to mention their HORRIBLE suburban layout). Also, to those who suggest putting in a Wal-Mart here, please study the effects of a Wal-Mart on a community.
Jon Brindle and City Council, please have humanity in your plans.

Virginia wrote on Nov 13, 2008 1:04 PM:The Swap Meet is so dirty.Just driving by makes me want to go home and shower.
Let's all cross our fingers that the current tenants won't re up on the options.Can the current owners kick in some cash as an incentitive to waive the options?

Send in Code Enforcement and condemn that place.It's disgusting.

GREAT NEWS wrote on Nov 13, 2008 1:33 PM:It is interesting , the to comments about my letter no one mentioned anything about the city budget. Yes there is a lot of forecloser homes,this is a nation wide problem(not many in our neighborhood) Most of those driving to Escondido to work had their employment before moving north. I have not met many wanting to move back. Truth is many things are being done correctly up there. Maybe instead of getting uptight about what I wrote you would be wiser to learn why things are the way they are. I lived in Escondido for 45 years loved the place, but the town is not what it should be. Cities are what their people make them, read some of the other comments.

Esco Resident wrote on Nov 13, 2008 2:16 PM:Yes Temecula can have all the nice places do your shopping but don't forget that only in Escondido no matter where you are, you are stone throwing distance from a high quality Tortilla store and that is priceless my friends !!

face wrote on Nov 13, 2008 3:08 PM:office buildings? great more vacant offices...

If we dont clean up our wrote on Nov 13, 2008 3:22 PM:City you could put a nordstroms and no one would go. I use to love Mervyns but I quit shopping there and Target because it is full of women with 10 kids running wild trashing the merchandise. I am trying to be politically correct, but I am sure anyone who has been in those stores in the last 8 years knows what I mean.

Gyles wrote on Nov 13, 2008 4:19 PM:We can't even get an In-and-Out in Escondido. Let's tackle the important stuff first before we start talking stadiums and Walmarts... In terms of the Swap Meet, it'll always hold a special place in my heart ... Ahhhh...memories.

Resident and Employee wrote on Nov 13, 2008 4:40 PM:Maybe we could tear down the swapmeet and build an apartment complex for all of the city workers you people so dearly want to live in the city. Then all of you public safety haters can pipe down

ICE wrote on Nov 13, 2008 5:06 PM:Why not build an ICE facility complete with immigration, detention and exportation center? Seriously, the council has been looking to solve the problems. Escondido could act as a staging and deportation facility for the Southern California region.

Charlie wrote on Nov 13, 2008 6:36 PM:Looks like a great spot for a county jail. Plenty of clients in Esco and the city would save big $$ on gas.

leo wrote on Nov 13, 2008 7:24 PM:Hey ice,that's classic.How are these vendors getting around business licenses and sales tax?If the hard working business owners in Escondido have to abide by the law why don't the people with stores in the swap meet.they are in direct competition wtih each other.stop the discrimination against these law abiding business owners who make this town tick.

Christine wrote on Nov 13, 2008 9:10 PM:How about a nice shopping center with Penney's, Sears, Macy's, shoes stores, and some good restaurants. I don't think we need vacant office buildings but need more shopping closer to central Escondido.

All for ICE wrote on Nov 13, 2008 9:45 PM:say here here!!
HERE HERE!!!
I back you up on that idea..
they are right.. it is too close for another Walmart & Costco. I think it's like 2 miles away? I for sure do not want a jail there- but the swap meet needs to go. There is already more mexican grocery stores in Escondido then regular stores- that's pathetic

Local Yokal wrote on Nov 13, 2008 10:13 PM:Now that the mini golf place is gone, there really isn't much in the way of inexpensive, family friendly stuff to do. Keep the swap meet. Seriously. This is a family-friendly event for many - I see families there all the time. What other options exist? The movie$$$ theatre$$$?

Skip wrote on Nov 13, 2008 10:13 PM:After seeing the title of this story I knew I would get a chuckle from the comments. LOL They did not let me down. Maybe tomorrow I will read the story.

face wrote on Nov 13, 2008 10:28 PM:Hey All for ICE!They are just marketing to the demographics, if there was a large Chinese population, there would be a bunch of Chinese grocery stores than regular markets! Get it? Good.
Hey ICE! I thought you were defunct.

To Christine wrote on Nov 13, 2008 10:42 PM:I am going to let you in on this secret. All those stores are already here. Right here in Esco! Its called the mall. ... They're not going to open up more stores that will compete for the same customers. Seriously people you have to travel some and realize there is a lot more out there. How about some stores that are here in San Diego County or Southern Cal.

Seamus X wrote on Nov 13, 2008 10:56 PM:Dump or no dump, people flock to that swap meet, and I would hazard to guess that they do so because they enjoy it. If that sort of thing doesn't appeal to you, then stay out of it!

From my vantage point, I'll take a smudged-up slice of reality any day over the fluorescent uniformity of YET ANOTHER corporate big box vacuum. I guess I should have expected the veiled racism and xenophobia from my fellow Esco denizens.

Seriously, a sports mecca? Do you think some fatcat is going to fund an Escondido-based team without a generous handout from the local residents?

Thawed out wrote on Nov 13, 2008 11:04 PM:No no no. ICE is not defunct. just thawed out. The heat was on regarding illegals and ICE melted. Get rid of the swap meet dump.

Anon wrote on Nov 14, 2008 3:55 AM:Replace it with a recreational complex like the Trivoli in Riverside. It's a win/win. People just need to have fun. Bowling alley for all ages, video games for the kids, Meeting rooms for all groups. Change it into a destination for all of us. Seriously, why not?

Dunkin Donuts wrote on Nov 14, 2008 5:12 AM:Dunkin' Donuts Ahhhhh

Sonic Burger wrote on Nov 14, 2008 5:13 AM:Sonic Burger yum

Innocent Bystander wrote on Nov 14, 2008 6:25 AM:Well, the swap-meet operator still has rights thru 2012, so it's not going away anytime soon. The lot-owners are just getting ready for that date, and a possible change-over. Esco City owns 2.5 acres of flood channel running thru that lot; maybe it's time to think long-term about capturing, treating, and storing rain and runoff water locally. Less than 10 years from now, water=gold in these parts. Just a thought.

juan wrote on Nov 14, 2008 8:21 AM:swapmeet is ma home is were i vivo onde vendo elotes one dolla fo one is were me and ma nefyou sleep on tha suelo

M wrote on Nov 14, 2008 9:39 AM:A small enterainment venue would be awesome! A place for local bands to hold concerts, family movies on the lawn, and place for people to go dancing. Residents of NC would flock here becuase the location is easy to get to via sprinter or freeways. I hate that my husband and I have to go to San Diego for these kinds of entertainment.

Thoughtful wrote on Nov 14, 2008 12:02 PM:Sorry Leo, All of the shops are required to get Escondido Business Licenses, print receipts, and take sales tax. People do flock there - a little less than they used to and they have less money, but for $1.25 with kids free it's a real cheap event. Last time I was there I was surprised at so many people speaking English, almost as if it was their first language, too! I'm not for keeping it, I think it's an eye sore, but since most people who are giving their opinions don't know the facts, I feel you should look into getting to know things and people before you decide you hate them.

gringo wrote on Nov 14, 2008 2:38 PM:Bring back the drive in movie theater!!!

NYHICA wrote on Nov 14, 2008 10:06 PM:CostCo San Marcos is in the final stages of sealing the deal to move down the road from where they presently are. A gas station is a part of their plans too!

How about an upscale Mexican cultural village similar to Albuquerque,NM?

Jake wrote on Nov 15, 2008 3:52 PM:Maybe they can halt the current hospital building in no-man's land and put it there. The way the hospital board rammed that project onto the voters is a joke. Costs have skyrocketed, the location is less than ideal, and it's not really adding jobs to Escondido like the claim of the tech park developers.

Mexicana wrote on Nov 15, 2008 9:08 PM:I am impressed!!!It´s incredible how you gringos can only think about eating and shopping... don´t you know that there is this world out there ?? Your way of life is not the only way. People have the right to be different. I suggest you consume less and think more.

TO ICE wrote on Nov 17, 2008 9:51 PM:hey buddy, the majority of hispanics here in econdido are in this country legaly! Sorry you can find an excuse to get rid of them. M

to ice wrote on Nov 23, 2008 5:48 PM:No they are not.