by The Editors on December 8, 2007

Every Carlsbadistanian needs a least one good skateboard around the house. They are perfect for checking the surf, rolling to 7-Eleven for milk, or worst case, shoving under a heavy piece of furniture to make the move smooth and protect the floor.
We found the perfect board at Witt’s Carlsbad Pipeline. It’s a Sector 9 Bamboo Series “Maccas” ($160). The board has no nose or tail kick so older skaters won’t be tempted into doing potentially injurious tricks from back in the day. The bottom graphic is of the Mentawai surf break Macaroni’s. And the coolest part? The board is made from 100% bamboo: one of the best renewable resources on the planet. Bamboo is strong, light, and it looks great, too. As Sector 9 says, “Save a tree. Ride a weed.”
Witt’s Carlsbad Pipeline, 2975 Carlsbad Blvd, (760) 729-4423.
by The Editors on December 7, 2007
[This item has been updated.] Slowly the story is becoming clearer: according to am article in the North County Times, the man who was stabbed last night (December 6, 2007) in Barrio Carlsbad was trying to find a house that had something for sale on ebay.com.
The incident occurred about 8:18 p.m. after the victim, who was described as a white Oceanside man is his early 30s, confronted a small group of Latino men he accused of throwing rocks at his car as he passed. After a short conversation with the suspects on the corner of Jefferson Street and Palm Avenue, he called police to report the vandalism. . . . While police were en route, another group of about four Latino men approached. One punched the man in the face then stabbed him multiple times with a four-inch blade before fleeing, (Lt. Kelly) Cain said.
The man is “expected to survive,” and police believe it was “gang related.”
[Link: North County Times]
by The Editors on December 7, 2007

The cool thing about wooden toys is their mass appeal. They look almost as good sitting on a shelf as on the floor being slobbered on by kids. The Automoblox are one of those toys that are great for kids, but even better for grown-up boys. Available in six models, the Automoblox are made with German beech wood and brightly-colored injection-molded polymer model cars. They’re a sleek, modern little gift and if a kid (or Dad) gets more than one he can interchange parts of each car to custom-design his own model. Pick yours up today for $33.95 at Maukilo European Toy Store.
Maukilo European Toy Store, 2835 Roosevelt St, (760) 730-3633.
[Editors’ Note: For the full Carlsbadistan 12 Days of Christmas Gift list click here.]
by The Editors on December 7, 2007
In a proposal that will be presented to the Carlsbad City Council, Legoland is asking permission to allow up to 275 guests to camp inside the park in 80 to 85 tents, as well as trying to limit the City Council’s power to approve future ride development. The Carlsbad Planning Commission has no problem with it, according to the North County Times.
Park general manager John Jakobsen said the nightly campout sessions would mostly take place during the summer and would only be open to amusement park visitors.
We agree with Commissioner Bill Dominguez when he says that Legoland’s new owner Merlin Entertainments Group — is “really untested at this time.” So now may not be the best time to give the Merlin unchecked freedom in developing the park.
[Link: North County Times]
by The Editors on December 7, 2007

The Carlsbad Pita Pit opened last Friday, however, it took us a couple days to find it thanks to it being hidden in that vortex known as Village Faire mall (it faces the tracks between Linda’s Gift and the Skinsational Spa). But we’re glad we found it. We haven’t had a good, quik falafel in Carlsbadistan since The Greek Corner Cafe pulled up and handed their space over to Las Olas.
Although technically a chain restaurant, there is a lot to like about The Pit. Firstly, it has great pitas (stuffed Lebanese style) that are custom built to customer spec each time. It stays open late: until at least midnight every night, Thursday until 2 AM, and Friday and Saturday until 3 AM and it even serves breakfast starting at 8 AM every morning. Most importantly, there is finally an alternative to Denny’s or Alejandros for after-the-bars-shut grinds. It’s been far too long.
The Pita Pit, 300 Carlsbad Village Dr. #120, 760/720-7482.

by The Editors on December 6, 2007
When we were kids, one of the spoiled wunderkinders down the street got gift certificates from McDonalds in their stocking each Christmas. Though we now understand that’s like slowly giving someone a heart attack, as a ten year olds these annual gift certificates were enough to toss us into a envious funk.
Food is a still a quick way to our hearts, but this year we’d prefer a tasty sandwich from Prontos’ Gourmet Market. Prontos serves up delicious deli-style sandwiches, homemade soups, pastas, salads, and even desserts Monday through Friday. Plus, the deli case is always stocked full of fresh dinners to go for those nights you want to eat at home but just don’t feel like cooking.
Prontos’ Gourmet Market, 2812 Roosevelt Street, (760) 434-2644.
by The Editors on December 5, 2007

The reported swell rolled in last night and had everyone amped for this morning. Unfortunately, the messed up west northwest ground swell put on a great show for wave watchers, but not much good surf for the crew in the water.
The largest crowd was a Tamarack where the rights were charging through every 30 minutes or so. Warm waters was completely junked up, but outside Taramar was breaking with some bomber crumbles coming through. We’re going to wait and see if it cleans up a little later in the day, but we’re not expecting anything.
by The Editors on December 5, 2007
When ever the County Sheriff bird comes flying in at night we know something must be up. Last night around 9 PM we heard it circling. Now we know it was the 7-Eleven at the corner of Oak and Carlsbad Blvd.
The robber walked into the store about 8:45 p.m., displayed a pistol and demanded money. He escaped with an undisclosed amount of cash. . . . He was described as a man of unknown race, possibly in his 20s, 5 feet 7 inches tall, 155 pounds, with a shaved head, wearing a mask and a tan jacket, Carlsbad police said.
We’re glad we weren’t in there getting a Slurpy refill.
[Link: Sign On San Diego]
by The Editors on December 5, 2007
In light of the recent firestorm in San Diego County, we’re going to have to take California’s State Law to keep 100 feet of defensible space around structures to heart. By the looks of it there are plenty of Carlsbadistanians who need help trimming their own underbrush, and Mîchel Petite Spa and Skin Care Gallery in the village may be just the ones to do it. ‘Taint only women who get waxed at Michel’s: men’s Bikini ($50) and Brazillian waxes ($75) are also the menu. This is one gift certificate that may truly be better to give than to receive.
Mîchel Petite Spa and Skin Care Gallery, 2815 Roosevelt Street, 760-730-1772.
by The Editors on December 4, 2007
We were making jokes earlier about Christmas consumption driving a rash of Carlsbad robberies, but this isn’t funny any longer. The Bank of America branch at the corner of Roosevelt and Carlsbad Village Drive was robbed yesterday (December 3) at about 2:30 PM. This is the same bank that was robbed on July 12 by a guy who looked like Elmer Fudd.
Police said the man gave the teller a demand note and showed a handgun in his waistband. The teller then gave the robber cash before he fled on foot, police said. . . .The thief was described as a white male, about 30 years old, with brown hair and a mustache. He was also described as about 5 feet 7 inches tall, wearing a blue jacket, a polo shirt, and blue jeans, police said.
And the bank robbery tote board (counting since May 07) moves to nine. This is the second Carlsbad B of A robbery in three days.
[Link: Sign On San Diego]