by The Editors on August 20, 2010
Carlsbadistan will get its first chance to hear from our four three of our mayoral candidates as the Carlsbad Republican Women Federated host the first forum/luncheon on Tuesday August 24, 2010, according to as story in the San Diego Union-Tribune.
The forum will following a social hour and luncheon that begins at 11 a.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn, 6450 Carlsbad Blvd. . . Tickets for the luncheon are $25. Reservations can be made by calling (760) 434-6478 or by email at bevy17@att.net
We’re not really sure which candidates will be there. Keith Blackburn, Matt Hall, or Walt Meier? Glenn Bernard said in an email that he was told only “registered Republicans could be there, so I’m left out.” Maybe this luncheon is simply a fund raiser for Matt Hall. If the Carlsbad Republican Women Federated ever get back to us, we’ll let you know.
[Update: 10:42 PM August 22, 2010] This morning we received a polite email from Carlsbad Republican Women Federated’s Judy Rees, VP on behalf of Crystal Harris President, explaining that Keith Blackburn, Matt Hall, and Walt Meier will be speaking at the Mayoral Forum on Tuesday, however because of the Carlsbad Republican Women Federated’s bylaws “Article 1V- Section 2” which states that “This Club shall not invite nor permit a person registered in any party other than the Republican Party to speak at any meeting” the other candidate was not invited to speak. Rees went on to say that while everyone who has a reservation is welcome at the forum, only Republican candidates can speak.
For a slightly less polite, more biting reiteration of the above information, be sure to read Carlsbad Republican Women Federated associate member James McMillen’s comments listed below.
[Link: San Diego Union-Tribune]
by The Editors on August 20, 2010
On Thursday, August 26, 2010 Carlsbadistan’s Ivanffy-Uhler Gallery will be hosting an opening reception for artiest Susan Weller.
Weller’s paintings are both reflections of her life spent near the ocean and of her travels in Europe. Weller lives and works in Laguna Beach and in Verona, Italy, in a 12th century palazzo, where she is inspired by the country’s rich cultural and architectural history. Art critic Roberta Carasso, Ph.D., says, “The artist is drawn to generations of history embedded in the facades” of ancient buildings. “Layers of generational narratives, each with its own mystical essence, find their way into her art.”
Those who enjoy the kind of art that hangs in the lobbies of some of the world’s largest corporations will not want to miss this.
Ivanffy-Uhler Gallery, 565 Grand Ave, Carlsbad, CA 92008, (760) 730-9166
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by The Editors on August 16, 2010
Following the close of the Carlsbadistan candidate filing period on Wednesday August 11, 2010 it appears that we have four mayoral candidates, four City Council candidates and a couple people who want to be treasurer come November, according to a story in the North County Times.
As expected, two councilmen —- Keith Blackburn and Matt Hall —- as well as former Marine Glenn Bernard and landscape company owner Walt Meier will be seeking the mayor’s spot. The city’s current, longtime mayor, Bud Lewis, decided at the start of his term four years ago not to seek re-election. Hall’s council seat is up for re-election this year, but he is not seeking that post. . . . Four people are seeking the two City Council seats on the ballot. They are city Planning Commissioner Farrah Douglas, incumbent Councilman Mark Packard, frequent council candidate William Jubb and Carlsbad education company employee Jon Wantz.
Oh, this election season his is going to be fun. We can hardly wait for the candidates forums. . .
[Link: North County Times]
by The Editors on August 16, 2010
by The Editors on August 16, 2010
A “boy” who was arrested for allegedly trying to steal alcohol from the Vons on El Camino Real Monday escaped from Carlsbad Police custody even though he was wearing handcuffs, according to a story on NBC San Diego.
The boy fought with officers during the arrest, hurting both officers and ultimately broke free, Williams said.. . . The suspect was wearing handcuffs when he fled the scene. Williams said the youth was hit in the nose during the fight and may have been bleeding when he left the parking lot.
If the kid in the straw hat look familiar please call the Carlsbad Police at (760) 931-2197
[Link: NBC San Diego]
by The Editors on August 16, 2010
Hard to believe it’s over, but what better way to shut down the 25th anniversary season of Carlsbadistan’s TGIF Jazz in the Park than with the Blu-ro-so-funk of Earl Thomas playing Calavera Park.
His 1991 major label debut Blue . . . Not Blues blended the sensuality of Stax soul with the grittiness of modern electric blues, but the real indication of his talent is the power of his voice and his knack for crafting memorable contemporary blues and this is what made Earl Thomas one of the most highly respected blues artists in the world.
And he’s playing Carlsbadistan. Earl Thomas is your last chance this summer. He is likely the best vocalist to Carlsbadistan in years. Don’t put TGIF Jazz in the Park off any longer. Just go. Show starts at 6 PM.
[Link: TGIF Jazz in the Park]
by Richard J. Riehl on August 13, 2010
Why does mayoral candidate Matt Hall continue to mislead Carlsbad voters about a measure on the November ballot?
His website was revised a day after my July 30 Carlsbadistan column criticized him for wrongly claiming the city charter amendment up for a vote would create a two-tiered pension plan for city employees. He now says he “successfully persuaded” his fellow council members to adopt the plan last spring, continuing to imply it covered all new city employees. He failed to point out that only police and firefighter benefits were affected.
The charter amendment would require a vote of the people for future pension benefit increases for safety employees. The council would retain the right to reduce them. Hall says he supports “fair” and “balanced” public employee pensions. He doesn’t explain why he should only be trusted to cut them.
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by The Editors on August 12, 2010

The sun was out. The water was cold. And the yellow sludge snaked off to the horizon. We were kind of glad there were no waves.
P.S. We know it’s algae, but still…
by The Editors on August 12, 2010

Club member Kelly Alkire-Moriarty demonstrates her agility skills at Chargers Junior Training Camp.
Carlsbad Boys & Girls Clubs members got a chance to train with lightening last week at the San Diego Chargers Training Facilities, according to the clubs.
Located at the Chargers Training Facilities, the Junior Training Camp is a free, non-contact football program designed to teach children the basics of football, exercise and sportsmanship. The youngsters were put through drills by PAL volunteers. The highlight of the day was when 4th round draft pick Darrell Stuckey came out to briefly speak to the kids about the importance of goal setting and education. . . “Even though I don’t want to be a football player when I grow up, I had a really good time,” said 11 year old Kelly. “The training camp was so much fun!”
Sounds like a pretty great field trip to us. Kind of wondering why we never joined when we were kids. . .
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by The Editors on August 9, 2010
As musical partner of blues diva Candye Kane, Sue Palmer has seen the world from both sides of the keyboard. This Friday night (August 14, 2010), however, she will see our backsides shaking to the boogie woogie blues of her Motel Swing Orchestra and they cast a spell on Carlsbadistan’s Calavera Park.
San Diego’s Queen of Boogie Woogie, Sue Palmer, has amazed audiences all over the world with her unique style and phenomenal left hand. She delights in creating an atmosphere reminiscent of the small clubs and cafes of 1932 Paris, Harlem, West Texas and Hawaii.
Prepare to be amazed. Show starts at 6 PM. You know the drill.
[Link: TGIF Jazz in the Park]