by The Editors on January 17, 2014
Not sure how much longer we’ll have a Carlsbad Patch to kick around, but as long as we do it won’t be owned by AOL.
According to a story on CNBC today, AOL CEO Tim Armstrong (above right) has decided to sell a majority share of Patch to Hale Global, an investment fund.
Patch, AOL’s big bet on local news, has been a big problem for the company. In 2012 Patch had a loss of $35 million, and last year after hundreds of layoffs and shuttering many of its sites, it still didn’t turn a profit, despite a promise that it would by year-end. . . The terms of the deal were not announced, but AOL is effectively contributing Patch, while Hale contributes cash.
AOL will still be a minority owner, but they won’t have to take all the loses. Nice how there continues to be a market for businesses that lose money isn’t it? Guess everyone needs a write off here and there.
[Link: CNBC]
by The Editors on January 17, 2014

Carlsbadistan’s own professional theatre company New Village Arts Theatre has a new show (Circle Mirror Transformation) going into previews on January 31, 2014. Here’s what it’s all about:
Five brave souls (Tom Stephenson, Dana Case, Sophia Richards, Eddie Yaroch and Rhianna Basore, pictured above) come together in a weekly multigenerational acting class in small-town Vermont. As they learn about the craft of acting and the imaginative space, they discover the intimate intricacies of themselves and their relationships, both inside and outside of the classroom. CIRCLE MIRROR TRANSFORMATION explores the small changes that we all undergo, leading to our slow but steady transformations throughout our lives.
For more info and to purchase tickets, click the link.
[Link: New Village Arts Theatre]
by The Editors on January 10, 2014
The City of Carlsbad’s amazing new Alga Norte Community Park is hosting its grand opening on Saturday, January 11, 2014. The celebration kicks off at 10 AM in the aquatic center. The park will then be open to the public with open play in the swimming pools, a dive show, Skateboarding demonstrations, park turns, and a youth basketball scrimmage with guest announcer and NBA legend Bill Walton.
The Alga Norte Community Park is located at 6565 Alicante Road in Carlsbad, California. For more information please click the link.
[Link: Alga Norte]
by The Editors on December 26, 2013

Wow. The Holidays snuck up on us a littler faster than usual. Is it already Boxing Day? And for the First Day of Christmas, we’re just going to have to leave you with a Happy Holiday from the Carlsbad Village Association! Happy Holidays.
by The Editors on November 21, 2013

Pictured (L to R): EverBank team members Dennis Smith, Tammy Walsh, Rian Tobias, Cajucom, Grant Tisdale, Club CEO Brad Holland, Scott Degnan, Vicki Hamamoto, Scott Sabo celebrate their toy drive success (not pictured: Simone DeLira).
When Simone DeLira of EverBank was given the task of organizing the company’s grand opening in Carlsbad, priority one was making it be community oriented. One of the City’s oldest nonprofits, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad, was selected as the charity of choice. Each guest was asked to bring a toy or make a donation to the Club. Needless to say, it was a huge success!
“We have recently opened a new Home Loan Division here in Carlsbad,” stated EverBank Manager Grant Tisdel. “We are very excited to be a part of the community, and our Open House/Toy Drive was a way to give back in a meaningful way.” . . “Every member at our Village Clubhouse will be given a holiday gift, thanks to the generosity of EverBank as well as other local individuals and companies,” said Club CEO Brad Holland. “We are so grateful for the support Grant , Simone, and EverBank’s entire team has given our kids.”
Sounds like a great way to start. For the rest of the story, follow the jump. [click to continue…]
by The Editors on November 14, 2013
Tip Top Meats founder and Carlsbad legend “Big John” Haedrich (pictured right with his wife Diane) was recognized for his over two decades of services on the Tri-City Hospital Foundation Board of Trustees when he received the Legacy Award at the foundation’s Diamond Ball on November 2, 2013.
“Big John is one of our community’s larger than life personalities and a model citizen. His entrepreneurial successes and his tremendous generosity are a true inspiration to all who know him,” said Kevin Stotmeister, chair of the foundation’s Board of Trustees. “The Tri-City Hospital Foundation is delighted to honor him with the 2013 Legacy Award.” . . . Good health and athletics were essential to Big John’s own youth and development in post-war Eastern Germany. They gave him the confidence and discipline he needed to find success as he pursued his early career as a butcher and ultimately moved to California, started a business and achieved the American Dream.
For the official word from the Tri-City Hospital Foundation, follow the jump. [click to continue…]
by The Editors on November 6, 2013
With today’s resignation of Carlsbad City Manager John W. Coates, the city is again operating with an interim city manager (Carlsbad Fire Chief Kevin Crawford get to do it this time around) until the City Council can reportedly “develop a strategy for filling the position.”
“John was called to serve at a critical time of transition for our city organization,” said Mayor Matt Hall. “During the past 12 months, he has accomplished an ambitious agenda, leaving us well positioned to continue on our path of becoming a truly world class city.”
Coates was only officially in the position of City Manager for six months so it would seem that Council would still have a pretty good idea of what they’re looking for when it comes to a City Manager. Buy why rush things. Might as well put it off until February. For the official word from the City, follow the jump. [click to continue…]
by The Editors on October 21, 2013

Tonight, (Monday, October 21, 2013) at 7 PM the New Village Arts Theatre in the Village of Carlsbad will be presenting a playing reading of Amy Herzog’s 4000 Miles. The play was a finalist for the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and ran off Broadway in 2011 and 2012.
After suffering a major loss while he was on a cross-country bike trip, 21 year-old Leo seeks solace from his feisty 91 year-old grandmother Vera in her West Village apartment. Over the course of a single month, these unlikely roommates infuriate, bewilder, and ultimately reach each other. 4000 MILES looks at how two outsiders find their way in today’s world.
This just might be one of the best plays you’ll have read to you this year. Attendees are asked to make a $10 donation per ticket. The New Village Arts Theatre is located at 2787 State St, Carlsbad, CA 92008.
[Link: New Village Arts Theatre]
by The Editors on October 9, 2013
Carlsbadistan’s City Council last night (October 8, 2013) approved an “urgency ordinance” banning the sales of dogs and cats at retail pet stores, according to a story on NBC San Deigo.
The city is pushing the bill in an attempt to shut down puppy mills and kitten factories where profit is given priority over the well-being of the animals. . . The San Diego Department of Animal Services said these substandard facilities lack animal husbandry practices, and animals born there are more likely to have genetic disorders and diseases and lack adequate socialization skills.
But that’s exactly where consumers will have to go to buy a dog or a cat now that pet stores can no longer sell them.
[Link: NBC San Deigo]
by The Editors on October 8, 2013

Club kids are excited to perform at the annual Gala! Photo Credit: Joanna Herr
The annual “Come Play With Us” Gala held Saturday evening September 28, 2013 ended up raising a record $220,000 for the Carlsbad Boys & Girls Clubs, up 30 percent from last year.
“I am so proud of the fun, memorable evening we created,” said Chair Barbi Nelson. Co-Chair Viola Wheelihan added “Thanks to the talented members of the event committee, we were able to raise significant funds that will benefit our community’s children!”
For the official word from the Boys and Girls Clubs of [click to continue…]