by The Editors on January 30, 2011

Witt Rowlett announced via Twitter (@Wittscarlsbad) today (January 30, 2011) that the new Carlsbad Pipelines website is now live. Here’s what Witt said:
The new website is officially up and ready for business! Check it out and let us know what you think.
Witt’s legendary surf/skate shop, located at the corner of Carlsbad Blvd and Elm Street Carlsbad Village Drive, has played an integral roll in the development of action sports as we know it. If you don’t believe us, just ask Tony Hawk. It’s great to see Witt embracing the digital era. Stop by, or click by the new online store and check it out.
[Link: Carlsbad Pipelines]
by The Editors on October 6, 2010
Carlsbadistan’s Raw Skin Surf N Sports surf shop owner Sandra DeLaRosa is repainting her shop, but she’s not going to get any help from the the City of Carlsbad’s Village beautification grant project because the paint she’s using is the wrong color, according to a story in the North County Times.
Debbie Fountain, the city’s housing and redevelopment director, sympathized with DeLaRosa. However, Fountain said the city is bound by the Carlsbad Village master plan, which dictates that colors must be pastel or other subdued shades. . . .”We’re not saying it’s unattractive; that’s just not the intent of the master plan,” Fountain said. . . While store owners are free to paint with unapproved colors, the city can’t help pay for it, Fountain said.
It should come as no surprise to anyone that free money is never really free. Even in the Village of Carlsbadistan.
[Link: North County Times]
by The Editors on December 3, 2009

We know why The Forum Carlsbad has free horse-drawn carriage rides and it doesn’t bother us at all because we can visit a mall without buying anything and we often do. That said the Always and Forever Carriage Company will be offering free holiday carriage rides every Saturday and Sunday until Christmas at The Forum Carlsbad.
And, yes, the ride is through a crowded shopping mall, but it’s still fun and most importantly it’s free. While you’re there stop in and see the most real Santa Claus we’ve seen. Real beard, real old, real Santa Claus. He’s sitting next to the Christmas tree by Lululemon (11 AM to 4 PM Saturdays and Sundays until Christmas).
by The Editors on September 28, 2009
Each time we roll in to Mulloys Fine Jewelry at 2978 State Street in the Village of Carlsbadistan, we are surprised. Surprised by the friendly staff, by the depth of high quality merchandise, and by the fact that we don’t do it more often as it is well within walking distance. This month, there is even more of a reason to be surprised as Mulloys celebrates “Honor Our Military” month.
“During these times of uncertainty in the economy, I’ll do whatever it takes to help my fellow Americans serving our country save money and still get the respect, dignity and customer service they deserve,” said the founder of Mulloys Fine Jewelry. “I want to continue to be a part of all of our service members lives and in doing so, I ask if you’ve had a terrific experience at MulloysJewelry.com then please spread the word and take advantage of our Friends and Family referral program specially directed to those Military servicemen and women.”
Obviously, these deals won’t do a whole lot for us, but for those in the Armed Forces it could make a huge difference. Follow the jump for even more special offers. . . [click to continue…]
by The Editors on May 13, 2009
by The Editors on December 24, 2008
A while ago we mentioned the ridiculous lengths to which Westfield (the Australia-based owners Carlsbadistan’s Plaza Camino Real) would go to stop the construction of a competitor’s mall in Oceanside.
Now, they’ve gone even farther. Westfield is suing the City of Oceanside (22-pages long) claiming that the City Council did not properly review the environmental impacts of developer Thomas Enterprises‘ planned Pavillion mall on Highway 76, according to a story in the North County Times.
[Westfield] says its tenants, patrons and employees could be affected if the Pavilion alters air quality, noise or traffic. . . . The lawsuit claims that Oceanside made numerous errors in its analysis of the project, such as underestimating its possibly harmful effects on traffic, air quality, noise, water quality and air traffic. The city also should have required the developer to build a multimillion-dollar extension of Pala Road, from Foussat Road to Los Arbolitos Boulevard, the lawsuit states.
Isn’t it nice that Westfield is so interested in the environmental health of their shoppers and not at all interested in upgrading their own mall to attract quality retailers?
[Link: North County Times]
by The Editors on December 22, 2008
The manager of the Victoria Secret store in Carlsbadistan’s Plaza Camino Real doesn’t seem to care about the rules as long as she gets her job done. Police were called when she refused to leave the business at 2:46 AM on December 20, 2008 claiming she had “some paperwork to do.”
According to the Carlsbad police log: A mall worker reported that “she is not allowed to work past midnight without a work order, which she did not have.”
She eventually left. Can someone give this dedicated employee a raise? Or at least a holiday bonus.
by The Editors on December 11, 2008
by The Editors on December 9, 2008
by The Editors on December 8, 2008
DeNault’s True Value Hardware in the Albertsons Center on Carlsbad Village Drive has never let us down. And we’ve asked for all kinds of crazy stuff: Zip Ties? Machete? Christmas ornament hooks? Lawn scissors? Urethane coated cable? Yes, yes, yes, and yes.
In fact, once when we asked for an old-school biscuit cutter (a question that drew blank stares at Sur La Table) we were directed to the isle number and shelf by a kind woman who knows her hardware.
That’s why rather than fighting the Christmas rush at the big-box-cluster stores we suggest a trip to Denault’s where this Black & Decker 12V Cordless Drill With Hand Tools, Accessories and Storage Bag ($59.99) will setup even the most incompetent handy man/woman with pretty much everything needed to fix (or destroy) anything around the house. The kit including the drill, and the following: a 12 oz. hammer, tape measure, stud finder, lineman pliers, tape measure, five screw-bits, and 10 drill bits and more. It all comes in a black nylon storage bag.
This gift will have you saying, “Merry Christmas honey, now get to work.”
DeNault´s TrueValue Hardware, 975 Carlsbad Village Dr. (760) 434-1711
Previous Carlsbadistan Days of Christmas Gifts:
1. Organic Play Dough From Rock’n Sprouts
2. Foaming Bath From Chandler’s Boutique
3. Carrera Safari From Sunglass Lounge
4. The Signature Club from The Wine Spot
5. Cufflinks & Earrings From Mulloys Fine Jewelry
6. Harry Barker Tennis Balls and Teafco Collar From Dog Mania
7. Skidless Yoga Towel From Bodacious Living