by The Editors on June 3, 2024
Carlsbad, California based purveyor of fine fish tacos Rubio’s Coastal Grill announced to employees on June 1, 2024 that they have closed 48 restaurants in California, reportedly giving employees in the affected stores zero warning nor severance, according to a story in the Orange County Register.
“Making the decision to close a store is never an easy one,” the company said in a statement. “Rubio’s … after a thorough review of its operations and the current business climate, has decided to close 48 underperforming locations in California as of May 31. The closings were brought about by the rising cost of doing business in California. While painful, the store closures are a necessary step in our strategic long-term plan to position Rubio’s for success for years to come.”
Looks like the once regal, local restaurant success story has fallen on hard times . . again. We never eat there, so maybe management knows what’s up. These closures leave the company with a total of 86 stores still operating in California, Arizona, and Nevada. More on this story as it develops.
[Editor’s Note June 6, 2024: The company has now filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for the second time since 2020. This time the owners hope to sell the business.]
[Link: Orange County Register]
by The Editors on April 26, 2024
Hard to believe that it’s already been more than 25 years since we voted “NO” for a proposed Legoland theme park in our beloved city of Carlsbad, California. But it has. Somethings we predicted happened: Legoland built hotels and restaurants so they could keep more of their visitor’s money for themselves. But others, weren’t so bad. The park is still virtually invisible on its hillside and it doesn’t often cause the traffic jams we were so worried about. So, overall, not a bad addition to the City. Anyway. . .
To celebrate the 25th birthday of the Carlsbad park Legoland is introducing some new costumed characters to what will be North America’s First LEGO® World Parade.
In honor of LEGOLAND California’s 25th birthday, Fire Chief Freya, Scuba Diver, Scallywag Pirate, Lloyd and Hopsy will star in The LEGO World Parade with an all-new original soundtrack that will have visitors bopping along throughout the summer. . . The Parade will be the perfect finale to a day spent riding, climbing, splashing, and building throughout the theme park’s 60+ rides, shows, and attractions.
Sounds like it will be an epic addition to your next visit to the park. For all the official details, please follow the jump.
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by The Editors on April 12, 2024
Grab the whole family and come on out for some good old-fashioned fun at the Hot Rods & Cool Treats Carnival on Saturday, May
11, 2024 at Pine Avenue Park, 3333 Harding Street in Carlsbad, California.
We’ll have activities for the young and young at heart, including Can-Knock-Down, Ring Toss, Frog Hopper and more. Enjoy crafts, face painting and a Fun Zone. Build your own sundae at the ice cream bar and vote on your favorite car in the classic car show.
We’ve also got live music covering decades of sounds.
What else you going to do on an overcast Saturday morning in May?
by The Editors on February 15, 2024
Proving once again that Carlsbad, California is a city owned and operated by a cartel of those well over 50 years of age, the City has shamelessly announced that (after decades of ignoring skateboarders in Carlsbad) the City Council has approved locations for the “design and construction” of eight new, outdoor pickleball courts and NOT ONE new skateboard park. Not one.
When approving the master plan last September, the City Council considered how to best meet the growing demand for pickleball courts, ultimately deciding against converting existing tennis courts or creating shared courts, even though those options could be completed more quickly than designing and constructing new pickleball courts. Feedback from tennis players and pickleball players alike led the City Council to opt for new, dedicated pickleball courts. The proposed eight courts will take about two years to complete.
Guess the pickleball players are loud in more ways than one. For the official word from the City of Carlsbad, please follow the jump.
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by The Editors on January 19, 2024
The City Council in Encinitas has taken action on loose shopping carts in their city and Carlsbad is seeing them stack up as well. Market reps in Encinitas have claimed they avidly round up their lost carts. Some residents, however, disagree.
This cart (branded as Pavilions) has been parked at the corner of Tamarack and Carlsbad Blvd. for most of the week, doing what in skateboarding would be called a boardslide.
On Friday morning, January 19, 2024 we called the Vons store on Tamarack and reported the lost cart. The friendly customer service representative took down the address and said, “We have a guy who picks them up for us. I’ll let him know when he comes in.”
In the interest of field testing Vons’ cart retrieval process, we’re letting the cart sit there, blocking the sidewalk, to see how long it takes before it is removed. Hopefully, it will be soon.
[Editors’ Note: The cart was gone in about an hour! Great work on Vons’ (or someone else’s) part. It appears making the call works. . . maybe. Good to know.]
by The Editors on December 11, 2023
On December 10, 2023 Carlsbad’s own Jack Van Wagoner won the 2023 Surfing For Hope Longboard Classic in pristine, two-to-three foot conditions at Morro Rock over a heavily-contested field. This marks Van Wagoner’s maiden World Surf League win, pushing him right to the top of the North America rankings.
“I’m super stoked, I definitely want to give my mom a shout out since she said she wanted me to win for her birthday so I delivered, happy birthday mom (laughs),” said Van Wagoner. “All the boys were ripping. Richie’s 10 in the Semifinals was insane. I can’t believe it and I’m just so stoked. “
The men’s Final got underway with reigning North America Longboard Regional victor Richie Cravey (USA) taking on 2023 standouts Chase Lieder (USA) and Jack Van Wagoner (USA) along with event threat Noah Shimabukuro (USA). Van Wagoner took the best of the opening exchange, earning a 7.50 and backing it up quickly to gain an early advantage. But, Lieder, Cravey, and Shimabukuru all were right behind him with a solid score of their own. Cravey’s sensational form carried into the Final to take the lead from Van Wagoner. But, the dying minutes provided Van Wagoner one last opportunity to strike and he capitalized to earn a near-perfect 9.25 for his maiden WSL victory.
Congrats, Jack. We’re all stoked, too! And we know this will not be the last time you get chaired up the beach!
by The Editors on December 7, 2023
Join the holiday party at Señor Grubby’s Carlsbad (377 Carlsbad Village Drive) on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 beginning at 6 PM.
Featuring photos with Santa, cookie decorating, face painting, music, food, drinks and MORE to raise funds and awareness for ‘Got your Back San Diego!’
As if we really need another reason to grab some fish tacos. Bring some canned soup to donate to a great cause.
[Link: Señor Grubby’s]
by The Editors on December 4, 2023
The La Costa 35 Athletic Club, a local nonprofit organization, hosted its 12th Annual Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament on November 4, 2023 benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad.
“There were 15 poker tables and close to 150 players,” said Tournament Director Rob Holzman. “In the end, it’s the kids who win. Over $45,000 in net proceeds was raised for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad!”
. . . Adding to the atmosphere was catering from Gregorio’s Restaurant, Mendocino Farms, Baja Jerky, and BJ’s Restaurant, generous donations by HRE Performance Wheels for a full set of custom wheels and Haro Bikes for two Beach Cruiser E-Bikes, all of which were auctioned off to the highest bidder, and large screen TVs broadcasting the blinds as well as football games, courtesy of Home AV-TV & Design.
For the official word from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad, please follow the jump.
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by The Editors on September 20, 2023
Join police officers from the Carlsbad Police Department, and surrounding cities, on the morning of Saturday, September 30, 2023 for delicious pancakes while supporting the happiness of local children during the holidays. It all goes down beginning at 8 AM in Magee Park at 258 Beech Avenue, Carlsbad, California.
Established in 1994, Shop with a Cop is an annual event sponsored by local law enforcement agencies, SeaWorld, Target and STAR/PAL that aims to provide children with a happier holiday season and encourage positive relationships with police. . . This year’s host agency is National City PD and in December, over 300 uniformed officers from over 30 different local, state, and federal agencies will volunteer their time and partner with a deserving child, selected from local schools, for a fun-filled day of private animal shows at SeaWorld and a holiday shopping spree at Target.
This event is generously presented by Richness of Giving who is joined by supporters including the City of Carlsbad, Mas Fina Cantina, Handel’s Ice Cream, Choice Juicery, Scripps, Baba Coffee, The Compass, Star/Pal, Señor Grubbys, and the Carlsbad Police Department.
For more info click the link.
[Link: Carlsbad Village Association]
by The Editors on September 20, 2023
Join your friends and neighbors on October 7, 2023 in celebration of the changing season (and beer) at the 41st Annual Oktoberfest Fall Festival sponsored by the Carlsbad Rotary Clubs.
The event, held at The Strawberry Fields at 1050 Cannon Road in Carlsbad, features authentic German meals from Tip Top Meats, kids and adult activities, live German music, and of course a biergarten! For all the details please click the link.
[Link: Octoberfest]