Old Town Newhall Renaissance, ctd.

By Jeff — Jeff Wilson

Last year I remarked on how nice Old Town Newhall was becoming in the wake of Phase 1 of the Streetscaping process. I even called it a “Renaissance.”

Well this year is even better. With Phase 2 of the Streetscaping complete, all of Main Street is now attractive, walkable, and welcoming. And the City is taking advantage of it: last Thursday they held, for only the second time, a combined farmers market, art walk, and small food truck festival on Main Street. At least 1,000 people strolled through while I was there, and I even spied Mayor Marsha McLean who was eating food in the street like the rest of us.

Here was the scene:

As you can see, Old Town Newhall has taken yet another critical step toward becoming a true downtown hub: it now attracts street performers. The guitarist in the foreground was belting out tunes in English & Spanish and, get this! He was taking donations for his impromptu performance. And there was another guitarist (of the Latin variety) on the south side of the street too.

What are we, Santa Monica? How awesome is this?

I’m really excited about OTN’s redevelopment. It’s coming along quite nicely. Sadly the Cookbook store is going out of business and there are still quite a few vacancies, but you can’t deny the streetscape has had a positive impact on OTN at large. The theaters are still drawing crowds (to the point where they complain about parking) and people I talk to are quite pleased with how the streetscaping has improved the look of OTN.

Are the Old Town Newhall haters ready to admit they were wrong? Do they now see that in order to have a welcoming and ped-friendly atmosphere that encourages commerce and socialization you can’t have a high-speed, two lane highway running smack through your downtown core? Are they ready to admit that the redevelopment committee, the OTNA, and the City -for all its faults- have managed OTN’s redevelopment quite well?

It’s only going to get better as the new Newhall Library takes shape and as developers and real estate people begin to see that they can make a buck in Old Town Newhall. Already there are signs that money is being spent in OTN- a building at the corner of Lyons & Chestnut is getting a facelift and a new wine bar has opened on Main Street.

Comments (29)

LarMccMarch 7, 2011 at 10:41 am

Not sure I agree on how great things are in Old Town. They city has driven several businesses out and they are in the process of driving even more out. I have personally talked to 5 business owners who tell me that they are hanging on by a thread. Ever since the city re-routed traffic their business is way, way down. The city is trying to create this Arts district with neat shops without looking at the area. This area has always been the bad side of town. It is full of stores that cater to the local Hispanic Community. There is nothing wrong with this, but really I have no need to buy water, wire money to a foreign country, buy soccer accessories or botanicas. Plus, how many taco stands are too many? A big win for the city is the opening of Pulchella Winery. I just hope they can survive, I stopped in and was very impressed. But the city needs about 100 more stores just like this. They also need to police the area better as per shop owners, public drinking and drunkenness are still a problem. The city is plugging the hell out of Old Town and their farmers market. I visited the market over a year ago and was unimpressed. I will have to give it another try. But, it better be more than good because the market at COC on Sundays has been outstanding. Ultimately, this is Santa Clarita though. The area needs a bland crappy chain restaurant to attract people. People I talk to on the west side of town are unimpressed with anything less. I am not a hater, but just realistic. I hope they succeed.

NateMarch 7, 2011 at 12:32 pm

You sure hate a lot for not being a hater.

MikeMarch 7, 2011 at 1:59 pm

There may be such a thing as too many taco stands, but I haven’t seen it. I’m over El Taco Llama, but El Pariente is great. I believe those are the only two on the street. Multiple instances of similar owner-operated restaurants in close proximity is the ultimate catalyst for great, local food. I say, bring them on.

LarMccMarch 7, 2011 at 6:25 pm

So who wins in a fight? Pariente or Las Delicias (which is still my favorite). Have not been to El Pariente Taqueria, but was down at Taqueria El Pariente and was not too impressed. I am eager to hear who is the taco king in our valley. From my comment, Mexican restaurants would be a better description and not taco stands. To be fair, I included the following: El Mas Cafe El Trocadero Tressierras (does serve tacos) El Taco Llama El Pariente Jasmines Mi Casa If you expand this out to the surrounding area, there are even more: Darios La Delicias El Pato Taco Madre Taqueria El Pariente Carniceria Market Latina Tortas Agohaddas La Villa Maria Tortillaria I have my favorites and I love good Mexican food. The $1 al pastor tacos at Las Delicias are as close to TJ street tacos I have been able to find. I am all for the free market, if these businesses can survive, great. But the city is taking our tax dollars and trying to change the area. I was fine with the way it was before. I don’t feel like we are getting what was promised. Perhaps it is too premature to render a decision. But, the city has been crowing about the area as if it is complete. It still has a long way to go to be what they promised. I personally think they are being unrealistic. The businesses reflect the demand of the residents in the area. The city has spent a boatload of money here and will continue to. I am concerned that this will be another waste of money by our city.

MikeMarch 7, 2011 at 9:54 pm

It’s largely a question of time of the day. For my money, El Pato has the best daytime tacos (live charcoal fire – get ‘em while they’re fresh) and the al pastor at Las D are the best nighttime tacos. If I’m not mistaken, the redev. is being funded from property taxes from the immediate area (I’m no expert on this issue, but this was my understanding). Up until a couple months ago, I’d be with you on this, all the way. But recently, I see it turning a corner. It now rests on some business to jump in and take the risk (and it’s a big one). To the wider point, I think the City is going to be in the renewal business for a long time. It’s a function of geography, really. The town is constantly being re-centered. Business relocate to the shiny new buildings and the older areas are left to rot. When businesses leave an area, it isn’t so much a downward slide but a fall from a cliff. A reverse tipping point almost. I don’t say this to propose some mass-subsidized program, but sooner or later, the city’s chief interest in economic development is going to be in encouraging re-development, as opposed to new development (and certainly more so than film and tourism – sorry). As for the city’s relentless PR, I’ve been put off by it, but an effort like this takes outward optimism and vision. Someone needs to look at a solution several steps removed from the present situation.

TimBen BoydstonMarch 7, 2011 at 10:47 am

Thanks for coming down Jeff. Mark your calendars for April 7th for the next First Thursday Art Walk, Farmers Market, and Food Truck Fest. It will be a blast!

CCMarch 7, 2011 at 11:05 am

I think OTN will need more than the occasional City event to keep the business owners interested. It’s a shame how many good businesses were driven out with increased rents and changes in traffic flow. Gone are Newhall Hardware, and the Santa Clarita Art Assoc along with other fine businesses. Hopefully, more businesses will move in, but frankly it is just a rare planned destination for me and I doubt that will be enough to keep it progressing. The library will be a nice addition, but it will be on the backs of several great auto repair shops that are being forced out in favor of a Disneyesq theme.

IHeartSCVMarch 7, 2011 at 11:18 am

Exactly. OTN has become a place where Pulskamp, McLean, Weste, etc… project their fantasies of what *should* be. A repair shop that’s locally owned, staffed, and patronized? No way! They want art galleries. Little markets and liquor stores and taquerias? Nope–wine bars. Well, the taquerias are probably OK because they may appeal to the foodie crowd. Your “Disneyesque” label is an apt: (1)Everything’s just so gosh darn themey with hitching posts and sage and wooden accents, (2)It’s all about catering to whims (theater, wine, historic nostaliga) instead of practical necessities like auto shops and laundromats, and (3)The majority of visitors are going to have to drive in from far away.

JeffMarch 7, 2011 at 11:43 am

And yet, it’s attracting crowds like it never has before. Would you dispute that?

IHeartSCVMarch 7, 2011 at 12:13 pm

No, I do not dispute that when you hold a farmer’s market, food truck event, and art walk in the same place at the same time that more people show up than usual.

LarMccMarch 7, 2011 at 12:24 pm

I agree. And the city tirelessly promotes this with press releases in the signal, advertisements, a website, etc.

JeffMarch 7, 2011 at 12:24 pm

There wouldn’t be a reason to hold those events at all in OTN if it was simply Creekside Jr. that could be missed as you drive through at 40mph. In your rush to lay blame on the city, you’re also ignoring the other things it has done in OTN: the community center, veteran’s park etc. When was the last time you took a stroll there?

IHeartSCVMarch 7, 2011 at 12:50 pm

I was last there in January, eating at the Way Station. I don’t think it’s the speed of cars through the area that matters but the volume. Most of the time when I’m driving, I have a destination and don’t just stop because I happen to be driving slowly enough to notice the charm of a little shop. Despite the old traffic pattern, I knew where I could get donuts in OTN as I drove to hike Placerita Canyon. RE: Veteran’s Plaza, I agree that’s nice.

NateMarch 8, 2011 at 9:59 am

IhateSCV is sippin that Haterade

navigatorMarch 7, 2011 at 11:48 am

Some folks like living between laundromats and liquor stores and auto repair shops. Others don’t. My auto repair is done on Creekside, my laundry is done at home and Rite Aid and Ralphs have whatever libations I may need. Every business going belly up is being blamed on redevelopment. Big roomy box stores with items everyone needs replaced Newhall Hardware (I loved the store and bought many items there but screws and nails don’t pay the rent). The Cookbook went under because her main business was on-line and how many cook books does one buy (her selection was very extensive). The Art Association never had the capital to keep their building open. This one may have done better, however, if there had been more amenities to draw people in. People dropping their car off for a fender replacement are not going to stroll around OTN and shop.

navigatorMarch 7, 2011 at 11:06 am

Thanks for noticing Jeff. OTN still needs the little sidewalk bistros that we fought for and were granted the zoning for. We still need quaint little shops for people to stroll in and out of. We still need to get the parking that is badly needed. There are still a few things that need tidying up. But all in all the transformation has begun.

gregory molineriMarch 7, 2011 at 12:52 pm

The biggest boner of OTN is that the city apparently spent so many millions on streetscape, library, and eminent domain that they now don’t have $18,000 a year to rent a parking lot. Then again, maybe that’s more about payback than funding. There’s no removing the egg from Pulskamp’s face on that one.

ReaderMamaMarch 7, 2011 at 1:05 pm

I don’t “hate” the new look of OTN, but I have serious doubts about how successful it will be in attracting sidewalk bistros and quaint little shops. The population most likely to stroll that area is simply not in the demographic that would use such amenities. They do, however, need convenience stores, laundromats and auto repair shops within walking distance of their homes. An awful lot of money has been spent on a project that wasn’t really needed in my view. The community center was a worthwhile endeavor because it gives the local youth an opportunity to participate in healthy and fun activities — much better than roaming the streets and getting up to no good. And the veteran’s park is okay too, but neither inspire me to stop and stroll on my way past every day. I thought Newhall was just fine as it was.

Coastal SageMarch 7, 2011 at 1:08 pm

There’s a breaking news story on the LA Times that cities around California have misspent redevelopment money to the tune of $40 Million: http://co123w.col123.mail.live.com/default.aspx?wa=wsignin1.0 In essence, there’s a California statute which requires a certain percentage of “tax increment” owned by redevelopment agencies be sent to local school systems or be used to develop low income and very low income housing. The story the LA Times is breaking is that some cities have ignored those requirements. That may lead to lawsuits against cities by their local school districts who have been ripped off, and lawsuits in some cities by low income housing advocacy groups where they are active. As to Santa Clarita, I want to point out that presently there is NOT a huge amount of “tax increment” income to the city from the Newhall redevelopment area, so I doubt the LA Times/Jerry Brown camp’s blockbuster investigation, and subsequent tug of war over money to make things right, will have any relevance to Santa Clarita.

navigatorMarch 7, 2011 at 2:29 pm

Very true J. and the Newhall Redevelopment incremental funding has passthroughs going to both education and low income housing. That’s why we need to repositions the housing funds to another project before they go bye bye.

Alan FerdmanMarch 7, 2011 at 3:07 pm

We should have our fingers crossed there is at least the amount required to pay off the $30 million of redevelopment bonds. If not, guess who will be stuck with the bill.

Coastal SageMarch 7, 2011 at 1:39 pm

Full LA Times story referred to above: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2011/03/california-redevelopment-agencies-shortchanged-schools-review-finds.html

Joe GrandeMarch 7, 2011 at 2:13 pm

Maybe it’s just a name problem. No one attracted to the name “Old Town” is going to see downtown Newhall and return for a second visit. Call it what you would like it to become, not what it used to be.

Cheryl PhillipsMarch 7, 2011 at 8:16 pm

Ever been to “Old Town” in Temecula? It’s a great place with a combination of antique shops, boutiques, diners – some old and some new. It’s a fun place to wander around, eat and shop. Calling it “Old Town” seems to attract visitors not scare them off. Every revitalized Downtown neighborhood I have visited took years to become what was finally a successful community destination. Take a day sometime and visit Brea, Monrovia, Main St. Ventura, Montrose, So. Pasadena, to name just a few. They are not the mall, but a different destination for a different experience. Someday – someday – someday. We all have a problem delaying our gratification. We want it and we want it NOW! BTW – where is the darm Independent Movie Theater we were told about????

NickelDimeMarch 7, 2011 at 9:14 pm

Agreed !

MikeMarch 7, 2011 at 2:16 pm

I’ve never understood or been 100% down with the Old Town Newhall efforts. In many ways, it’s myopic, misguided, ill-informed, and so forth. For a while, it seemed both too expensive and a failure. I no longer think it’s a failure. As a policy initiative, I think we’re far from the break event point. I’m not going to call it a success yet, but for the first time, it looks like it might be. The street fairs have been fantastic, the new business strike the right note and the streetscape really looks nice. The surrounding area, moving down Lyons, is becoming more vibrant as well.

Josh PremakoMarch 8, 2011 at 7:10 am

I dunno….street performers? I sure hope the city institutes a substantial street-performance permit fee to ensure quality music. Better yet, we should probably just limit live music in downtown Newhall to some of the cover..er, “tribute” bands that play the concerts in the park. We don’t need “artists” rocking the boat here in beigetown. (Removes tongue from cheek.)

navigatorMarch 8, 2011 at 9:36 am

@Josh. After hearing some of the cover bands at CIP I would love to see them in OTN. Party time!

navigatorMarch 8, 2011 at 9:37 am

BRING BACK DSB!!!

LarMccMarch 7, 2011 at 10:41 am
Not sure I agree on how great things are in Old Town. They city has driven several businesses out and they are in the process of driving even more out. I have personally talked to 5 business owners who tell me that they are hanging on by a thread. Ever since the city re-routed traffic their business is way, way down. The city is trying to create this Arts district with neat shops without looking at the area. This area has always been the bad side of town. It is full of stores that cater to the local Hispanic Community. There is nothing wrong with this, but really I have no need to buy water, wire money to a foreign country, buy soccer accessories or botanicas. Plus, how many taco stands are too many? A big win for the city is the opening of Pulchella Winery. I just hope they can survive, I stopped in and was very impressed. But the city needs about 100 more stores just like this. They also need to police the area better as per shop owners, public drinking and drunkenness are still a problem. The city is plugging the hell out of Old Town and their farmers market. I visited the market over a year ago and was unimpressed. I will have to give it another try. But, it better be more than good because the market at COC on Sundays has been outstanding. Ultimately, this is Santa Clarita though. The area needs a bland crappy chain restaurant to attract people. People I talk to on the west side of town are unimpressed with anything less. I am not a hater, but just realistic. I hope they succeed.
NateMarch 7, 2011 at 12:32 pm
You sure hate a lot for not being a hater.
MikeMarch 7, 2011 at 1:59 pm
There may be such a thing as too many taco stands, but I haven’t seen it. I’m over El Taco Llama, but El Pariente is great. I believe those are the only two on the street. Multiple instances of similar owner-operated restaurants in close proximity is the ultimate catalyst for great, local food. I say, bring them on.
LarMccMarch 7, 2011 at 6:25 pm
So who wins in a fight? Pariente or Las Delicias (which is still my favorite). Have not been to El Pariente Taqueria, but was down at Taqueria El Pariente and was not too impressed. I am eager to hear who is the taco king in our valley. From my comment, Mexican restaurants would be a better description and not taco stands. To be fair, I included the following: El Mas Cafe El Trocadero Tressierras (does serve tacos) El Taco Llama El Pariente Jasmines Mi Casa If you expand this out to the surrounding area, there are even more: Darios La Delicias El Pato Taco Madre Taqueria El Pariente Carniceria Market Latina Tortas Agohaddas La Villa Maria Tortillaria I have my favorites and I love good Mexican food. The $1 al pastor tacos at Las Delicias are as close to TJ street tacos I have been able to find. I am all for the free market, if these businesses can survive, great. But the city is taking our tax dollars and trying to change the area. I was fine with the way it was before. I don’t feel like we are getting what was promised. Perhaps it is too premature to render a decision. But, the city has been crowing about the area as if it is complete. It still has a long way to go to be what they promised. I personally think they are being unrealistic. The businesses reflect the demand of the residents in the area. The city has spent a boatload of money here and will continue to. I am concerned that this will be another waste of money by our city.
MikeMarch 7, 2011 at 9:54 pm
It’s largely a question of time of the day. For my money, El Pato has the best daytime tacos (live charcoal fire – get ‘em while they’re fresh) and the al pastor at Las D are the best nighttime tacos. If I’m not mistaken, the redev. is being funded from property taxes from the immediate area (I’m no expert on this issue, but this was my understanding). Up until a couple months ago, I’d be with you on this, all the way. But recently, I see it turning a corner. It now rests on some business to jump in and take the risk (and it’s a big one). To the wider point, I think the City is going to be in the renewal business for a long time. It’s a function of geography, really. The town is constantly being re-centered. Business relocate to the shiny new buildings and the older areas are left to rot. When businesses leave an area, it isn’t so much a downward slide but a fall from a cliff. A reverse tipping point almost. I don’t say this to propose some mass-subsidized program, but sooner or later, the city’s chief interest in economic development is going to be in encouraging re-development, as opposed to new development (and certainly more so than film and tourism – sorry). As for the city’s relentless PR, I’ve been put off by it, but an effort like this takes outward optimism and vision. Someone needs to look at a solution several steps removed from the present situation.
TimBen BoydstonMarch 7, 2011 at 10:47 am
Thanks for coming down Jeff. Mark your calendars for April 7th for the next First Thursday Art Walk, Farmers Market, and Food Truck Fest. It will be a blast!
CCMarch 7, 2011 at 11:05 am
I think OTN will need more than the occasional City event to keep the business owners interested. It’s a shame how many good businesses were driven out with increased rents and changes in traffic flow. Gone are Newhall Hardware, and the Santa Clarita Art Assoc along with other fine businesses. Hopefully, more businesses will move in, but frankly it is just a rare planned destination for me and I doubt that will be enough to keep it progressing. The library will be a nice addition, but it will be on the backs of several great auto repair shops that are being forced out in favor of a Disneyesq theme.
IHeartSCVMarch 7, 2011 at 11:18 am
Exactly. OTN has become a place where Pulskamp, McLean, Weste, etc… project their fantasies of what *should* be. A repair shop that’s locally owned, staffed, and patronized? No way! They want art galleries. Little markets and liquor stores and taquerias? Nope–wine bars. Well, the taquerias are probably OK because they may appeal to the foodie crowd. Your “Disneyesque” label is an apt: (1)Everything’s just so gosh darn themey with hitching posts and sage and wooden accents, (2)It’s all about catering to whims (theater, wine, historic nostaliga) instead of practical necessities like auto shops and laundromats, and (3)The majority of visitors are going to have to drive in from far away.
JeffMarch 7, 2011 at 11:43 am
And yet, it’s attracting crowds like it never has before. Would you dispute that?
IHeartSCVMarch 7, 2011 at 12:13 pm
No, I do not dispute that when you hold a farmer’s market, food truck event, and art walk in the same place at the same time that more people show up than usual.
LarMccMarch 7, 2011 at 12:24 pm
I agree. And the city tirelessly promotes this with press releases in the signal, advertisements, a website, etc.
JeffMarch 7, 2011 at 12:24 pm
There wouldn’t be a reason to hold those events at all in OTN if it was simply Creekside Jr. that could be missed as you drive through at 40mph. In your rush to lay blame on the city, you’re also ignoring the other things it has done in OTN: the community center, veteran’s park etc. When was the last time you took a stroll there?
IHeartSCVMarch 7, 2011 at 12:50 pm
I was last there in January, eating at the Way Station. I don’t think it’s the speed of cars through the area that matters but the volume. Most of the time when I’m driving, I have a destination and don’t just stop because I happen to be driving slowly enough to notice the charm of a little shop. Despite the old traffic pattern, I knew where I could get donuts in OTN as I drove to hike Placerita Canyon. RE: Veteran’s Plaza, I agree that’s nice.
NateMarch 8, 2011 at 9:59 am
IhateSCV is sippin that Haterade
navigatorMarch 7, 2011 at 11:48 am
Some folks like living between laundromats and liquor stores and auto repair shops. Others don’t. My auto repair is done on Creekside, my laundry is done at home and Rite Aid and Ralphs have whatever libations I may need. Every business going belly up is being blamed on redevelopment. Big roomy box stores with items everyone needs replaced Newhall Hardware (I loved the store and bought many items there but screws and nails don’t pay the rent). The Cookbook went under because her main business was on-line and how many cook books does one buy (her selection was very extensive). The Art Association never had the capital to keep their building open. This one may have done better, however, if there had been more amenities to draw people in. People dropping their car off for a fender replacement are not going to stroll around OTN and shop.
navigatorMarch 7, 2011 at 11:06 am
Thanks for noticing Jeff. OTN still needs the little sidewalk bistros that we fought for and were granted the zoning for. We still need quaint little shops for people to stroll in and out of. We still need to get the parking that is badly needed. There are still a few things that need tidying up. But all in all the transformation has begun.
gregory molineriMarch 7, 2011 at 12:52 pm
The biggest boner of OTN is that the city apparently spent so many millions on streetscape, library, and eminent domain that they now don’t have $18,000 a year to rent a parking lot. Then again, maybe that’s more about payback than funding. There’s no removing the egg from Pulskamp’s face on that one.
ReaderMamaMarch 7, 2011 at 1:05 pm
I don’t “hate” the new look of OTN, but I have serious doubts about how successful it will be in attracting sidewalk bistros and quaint little shops. The population most likely to stroll that area is simply not in the demographic that would use such amenities. They do, however, need convenience stores, laundromats and auto repair shops within walking distance of their homes. An awful lot of money has been spent on a project that wasn’t really needed in my view. The community center was a worthwhile endeavor because it gives the local youth an opportunity to participate in healthy and fun activities — much better than roaming the streets and getting up to no good. And the veteran’s park is okay too, but neither inspire me to stop and stroll on my way past every day. I thought Newhall was just fine as it was.
Coastal SageMarch 7, 2011 at 1:08 pm
There’s a breaking news story on the LA Times that cities around California have misspent redevelopment money to the tune of $40 Million: http://co123w.col123.mail.live.com/default.aspx?wa=wsignin1.0 In essence, there’s a California statute which requires a certain percentage of “tax increment” owned by redevelopment agencies be sent to local school systems or be used to develop low income and very low income housing. The story the LA Times is breaking is that some cities have ignored those requirements. That may lead to lawsuits against cities by their local school districts who have been ripped off, and lawsuits in some cities by low income housing advocacy groups where they are active. As to Santa Clarita, I want to point out that presently there is NOT a huge amount of “tax increment” income to the city from the Newhall redevelopment area, so I doubt the LA Times/Jerry Brown camp’s blockbuster investigation, and subsequent tug of war over money to make things right, will have any relevance to Santa Clarita.
navigatorMarch 7, 2011 at 2:29 pm
Very true J. and the Newhall Redevelopment incremental funding has passthroughs going to both education and low income housing. That’s why we need to repositions the housing funds to another project before they go bye bye.
Alan FerdmanMarch 7, 2011 at 3:07 pm
We should have our fingers crossed there is at least the amount required to pay off the $30 million of redevelopment bonds. If not, guess who will be stuck with the bill.
Coastal SageMarch 7, 2011 at 1:39 pm
Full LA Times story referred to above: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2011/03/california-redevelopment-agencies-shortchanged-schools-review-finds.html
Joe GrandeMarch 7, 2011 at 2:13 pm
Maybe it’s just a name problem. No one attracted to the name “Old Town” is going to see downtown Newhall and return for a second visit. Call it what you would like it to become, not what it used to be.
Cheryl PhillipsMarch 7, 2011 at 8:16 pm
Ever been to “Old Town” in Temecula? It’s a great place with a combination of antique shops, boutiques, diners – some old and some new. It’s a fun place to wander around, eat and shop. Calling it “Old Town” seems to attract visitors not scare them off. Every revitalized Downtown neighborhood I have visited took years to become what was finally a successful community destination. Take a day sometime and visit Brea, Monrovia, Main St. Ventura, Montrose, So. Pasadena, to name just a few. They are not the mall, but a different destination for a different experience. Someday – someday – someday. We all have a problem delaying our gratification. We want it and we want it NOW! BTW – where is the darm Independent Movie Theater we were told about????
NickelDimeMarch 7, 2011 at 9:14 pm
Agreed !
MikeMarch 7, 2011 at 2:16 pm
I’ve never understood or been 100% down with the Old Town Newhall efforts. In many ways, it’s myopic, misguided, ill-informed, and so forth. For a while, it seemed both too expensive and a failure. I no longer think it’s a failure. As a policy initiative, I think we’re far from the break event point. I’m not going to call it a success yet, but for the first time, it looks like it might be. The street fairs have been fantastic, the new business strike the right note and the streetscape really looks nice. The surrounding area, moving down Lyons, is becoming more vibrant as well.
Josh PremakoMarch 8, 2011 at 7:10 am
I dunno….street performers? I sure hope the city institutes a substantial street-performance permit fee to ensure quality music. Better yet, we should probably just limit live music in downtown Newhall to some of the cover..er, “tribute” bands that play the concerts in the park. We don’t need “artists” rocking the boat here in beigetown. (Removes tongue from cheek.)
navigatorMarch 8, 2011 at 9:36 am
@Josh. After hearing some of the cover bands at CIP I would love to see them in OTN. Party time!
navigatorMarch 8, 2011 at 9:37 am
BRING BACK DSB!!!