No to Home Depot
What a most triumphant time! It's a great day in Sunland-Tujunga.As I told the folks in Sunland-Tujunga, it pains my free enterprise heart and libertarian brain to come to the conclusion that Home Depot should not open there.
Not because the Home Depot project is ultimately inappropriate, its just that I'm not a big fan of government control in the marketplace.
But much in the way someone who is drunk and disorderly has to be handled by the police, the city in this sense has to step in to deal with a corporate citizen who has refused to be "orderly" and deal with the project in a way that makes sense with the land use and the community around it. Considering how Home Depot wants to build out and operate the store, its not consistent with the lay of the land. Indeed, there's a greater business opportunity there to create destination lifestyle retail location with a fabulous view of the surrounding hills as only one amentiy.
Sunland-Tujunga is a wonderful community with a fantastic history and immense sense of place. In many ways, I'm envious my own community has not matured to this point. I was more than impressed with the graciousness of the people there.
Home Depot on the other hand has bungled the PR war every step of the way, their actions are in fact a major part of my decision. Considering how hot this issue has been on this blog for some time, and given that this blog is the digital fishwrap of record for Los Angeles politics, Home Depot was pretty stupid not to contact us months ago. Finally, we heard from their Communications Manager, Kathryn Gallagher who wasn't so much interested in having a conversation with us it seemed, but I think hoped the blog would fall to lazy fishwrap style press release journalism. Indeed, when Home Depot's private security attempted to remove myself and local publisher Nina Royal from the public sidewalk and bar us from shooting photos/video, Gallagher herself did not take my call nor return my message. Bungle, bungle, bungle.
All of this being said, lets just move on, send Home Depot back to Georgia, end the silly lawsuit and find a responsible developer willing to invest in this community. It will pay rewards.
Savvy?
Thanks to Joe Barrett, Abby Diamond, Nina Royal, Katherine Russ and crew for an amazing tour, day and experience. I certainly look forward to my next visit!
Labels: home depot, los angeles politics, sunland-tujunga
Posted by Mayor Sam @ 1/14/2008 12:59:00 AM
38 Comments:
Hi Mayor, It's Abby. Just a big thank you for spending time with us today!
Your post shows that you really get it ( and you really did listen :))! You're a true ally and a new friend.
You are welcome in this community anytime, just say the word!
I agree Mayor Sam. Sunland-Tujunga is a wonderful community. I haven't met that many genuinely nice and friendly people in one room in a long time. I was sorry I missed the tour and just stopped in to your party later. My loss.
I also enjoyed meeting the other "burros" although I've not quite figured that out yet..what the heck is a burro in relation to any of you? I missed you though Zuma..
Good luck on changing MS's mind. Hardcore, kick butt residents. I love your relentlessness!
Really sorry I missed Jack Hoff. I heard you were a class act who snuck in and out bearing gifts.
A warm welcome aboard the No Home Depot in Sunland-Tujunga train to Mayor Sam! Glad to see you have come to the realization that Home Depot just 'aint right for the site, as we in Sunland-Tujunga have known all along!
You're right, Mayor!
Get government out of the marketplace! We don't eat enough rat shit in our sausage!
Dumbass.
Home Depot:
That electromagnetic energy one feels while driving past the H-D box is stuff that comes off it's walls. I have actually measured it using my zapchecker at a safe distance from the sidewalk. Full frontal exposure at it's doors and the electricity can easily jump a couple of feet off the end of your fingers. My point ladies and gentlemen is two-fold, that the light at the end of the tunnel is a black hole, and secondly that these box stores do have a place here in L.A.; about 25 miles offshore to be exact. Professor Irwin Corey does have integrity!
Soto and Washington? Hocky Burger's? I'm on my way-! (-:
But the most important question was not answered. . .
Did Red Spot show up?
According to my sources, who phoned me on the way home from S-T, Red Spot DID show up!!!!
xoxo
I am so sorry I missed all the fun yesterday! :(
I missed visiting with my Queen (kim thompson), meeting the other burros ... and Jack Hoff! Jack, baby ... if I knew you were going to show, I woulda fo' sho' cancelled every plan I had so that I could have said "halloo" :)
I hear you were very, very enjoyable for the short time you were there. And I love the gift you brought!!!
xoxo
As the frenzied search for the earth's remaining natural resources by corporations continues, issues of environmental sustainability and human rights take a backseat to corporations' drive for profit.
Home Depot is the largest retailer of old growth rainforest wood in the U.S.!!!!!
Mayor Sam, Sorry I could not attend and meet you in person. BUT, I'm so happy you saw the light as will anyone who just looks at that property and drives the surrounding area.
Thanks for visiting our beautiful enclave.
It was a great time and very interesting. I think one of the most educational parts was our time at Bolton Hall. People in LA likely don't know it's there. But you have to spend some time there, its amazing.
Thanks again to everyone.
here's the quick link
What amazes me most about all of Home Depot's other hubris is speaking completely from a property operations and logistics standpoint how they anticipate they can operate one of their stores on that site. It really doesn't look like the Home Depots I know. It's almost like trying to put a Wal-Mart into a Trader Joe's building (well maybe not quite that extreme but you get my drift).
What I am beginning to believe is that Home Depot is more concerned about "winning" here than actually running a logical, profitable business. The ST site is obviously a linchpin to other sites.
By the way if Santa Clarita wants to give me a tour and party for Las Lomas, there may be time on my calendar. :)
Dowd this is not open thread. I'm starting a new one.
Good morning Ladies and Gentlemen (removes hat and bows low with flourish):
We sent an incognito pirate who reported that a fine time was had by all, although, if you will, Jack Hoff was not what he thought him to be. And Professor Spot did show up, as we were tipped off by one of our Five that he would be there. Sots, you could learn a few things from the Spot who, if you will, cleans up nicely and looked sharp in black and white, savvy?
corporate development is corporate development Mr Sam.
we definitely see the connection.
Captain Jack I saw that guy.
Mayor Sam,
Thanks for coming to our town to see the Home Depot issue first hand. You can see where there are fine opportunities here which are win win for the residents, the city and business people who actually see what thoughtful, not reckless developmentcould do for the area. Home Depot is not that business.
To paraphrase the famous Bill Clinton comment "I feel your Pain", No Home Depot and S.T., "I feel you spirit!!". Thanks to all at last night gathering for your warmth and welcome. To the "AFFAIRS OF THE ENVIRONMENT", i will be in contact.
phew, we had to step out for a minute. lucky we had the relief bloggers to carry on for us.
now, where were we? oh, a new thread? too late now, it's already up.
and Matt's always been completely anti-Home Depot (except when they demonstrated our point about message bearing T shirts.)
so Mayor Sam, ur just the prodigal son now champ. you only just got here. Home Depot are just like all the other bloodthirsty corporates, bleeding communities white in the name of bottom line profits.
all your free market friends. employ child labor in India or wherever so they can compete in the great USA against mom and pop.
inject animals with hormones to extract every last nickel worth of product.
sell budget Made in China goods that are cheap because they don't have standards or environmental or health regulations.
convince you that somehow a 'light' cigarette is better for you than regular.
use physical harassment as you witnessed to prevent you exposing any truth.
.....so that's why we can't let the 'free market' be free. too many voracious sharks in that pond.
don't get me started next on gambling and Indian casinos. the social costs of gaming revenue are horrendous.
because the government is only getting a small percentage of what the community is 'losing' on the roulette wheel.
NO on S
NO on 94 thru 97
its after 9 a.m. so this IS our open thread of the day.
thanks for reading. :)
Why does everyone think that Home Depot,needs to have a store at that site? (in Sunland) no matter what?
"Eminent Domain"
There are many "Secret Plans for the Community". Foothill Blvd, the wash area and Commerce.
Home Depot is demanding that spot because it has friends in high places (low friends in high places)
that give them this information.
If Home depot comes in we lose about 16 local businesses.
Our Middle school is bringing down all of the school reputations.
(common thread- Mayor's office)
1. Destroy the local schools
2. Destroy the local businesses
3. Continue trying to shove more residences into a failing infrastructure
4. Lower Property values
5. Encourage unhappy residents to leave
6. Declare Eminent Domain
7. Use Home Depot for all of your evil new businesses, They will be happy to supply the material.
After all, that was the plan from the start.
While we are at it, let's all vote for Tamar Galatzan (not)
and her Home Depot supporting husband, to take over Wendy's CD2 seat.
Then we won't have anyone standing in the way!
Echoing earlier comments - thank you, Mayor Sam, for taking a tour of Sunland-Tujunga, seeing first hand what is unique about this community. I agree with you regarding Bolton Hall. It represents the heart and soul of this area, preserving the history and recognizing the unique and free thinking individuals who settled here in late 1880s.
You also got to see that Sunland-Tujunga is not a semi-industial area. It's actually cradled between the mountains, north and south, having one main artery, Foothill Blvd., which allows us our east-west mode of travel.
Last night you commented on the location of the old KMart property, almost in the middle of that main artery, with no quick freeway access, one way or the other. You were able to see our concerns about vendor's, contractor's, and even Home Depot's heavy trucks clogging our main street.
You were able to see where family neighborhoods are located right next door to this property, with an elementary school sitting half a block away. You saw the old 1970s building that Home Depot said they were 'remodeling'.
I agree with your comments about the free enterprise system not being a one way street. Major corporations have a responsibility not only to their shareholders, but also to the communities in which they operate or want to operate. On the latter Home Depot has failed miserably in the small communities they are now trying to invade.
Picking up old KMart leases, Home Depot continues to bully their way into small communities across the country. Like a wolf in sheep's clothing, they say they are just like the old general merchandise stores they are replacing. We know they are not. Similarly,
Thank you, Mayor Sam, for coming up to check out what Joe, Abby and the community has been saying. Measure the words of the people who live here against that being cranked out by Home Depot's PR and there's no contest. But then that would be a whole nuther column!
Samista's...
X marks is the point where we will tap the water main which supplies the Home Depot camp. We will empty twelve cylinders of REVERSO into this pipe slowly- one gallon per hour. In 24 hours the whole HOME DEPOT camp will be in confusion! Ha!
PS. Map will be sent by special currier to Mayor Sam's Tent for final confirmation.
MEMO TO THE "JACK HOFF",
Nice to meet you in person. Next time our paths cross, you can bring a "FREE ENTERPRISE, RIGHT TO WORK, COORS BEER".
In Friendship,
Spot
There is a rumor that a Home Depot is going to be built on Sepulveda Blvd. at Chatsworth St.
I have gotten many calls about this and all of them say the same. It's all about their Tru-Value Hardware store that they have shopped at for years.
One quote verbatim, "There is no traffic problem there and I can just pull up to the front door. The minute I walk in, I am greeted by a KNOWLEDGEABLE salesman who helps me secure every thing I need and tells me if I forgot anything. I don't have to pass aisles with floor-to-ceiling stacks of lumber to get to a damn light bulb and it's worth it to me to pay an extra $5 for a product."
So this is not a political person in any way. I doubt he even knows there is a Home Depot "crisis" anywhere in the city. I don't think he even reads the papers. He never mentioned illegals. He is just an average citizen who is freaking out because he doesn't want a Home Depot in his neighborhood because he likes his hardware store.
I checked and their are THREE Home Depots within a FIVE mile radius and there are 6 within a 20 mile radius.
I can certainly understand why people fight these chain stores now.
So he needs to be referred to his council person. Who is that over in that area? Alarcon? Wendy? Smith? Cardenas? IF it's Wendy's, then maybe the rumor is true and that is the spot Wendy traded off to get Sunland-Tujunga people off her back. Maybe I'll drive over there and see what's there.
Samista's...
X marks is the point where we will tap the water main which supplies the Home Depot camp. We will empty twelve cylinders of REVERSO into this pipe slowly- one gallon per hour. In 24 hours the whole HOME DEPOT camp will be in confusion! Ha!
*********************************
Santiago the use of the word "Samista" is so damn clever it kind of reminds me of "Wallistas" que no? We should expect some comments from s "Samista" pretty soon, que no?
Keep those funny comments coming, I am LMAO and LOL, hahahahhehehehe
How about "POLLOVILLARNISTAS"??
Maybe "HUIZZYNISTAS"??
...and also "WEAVINNICKNISTAS"
Again, thank you for coming Mayor Sam. We are hoping you will come again, along with Joseph Malindar (forgive the spelling please)I believe that you did not have a chance to see everthing due to the time constraints.
There is the beautiful historically designated McGorarty Art Center, the original home built by Senator and Ca. Poet Laureate John McGorarty, which is in the foothills just up the street from Home Depot. Also Sister Elsie Steet, the steepest street in the valley with an excellent overview of the entire S-T community. Near the bottom of the street is Day Street where deer families come to graze and linger as cars stop to take photos. Another a must see is the Verdugo Hills Golf Course, although its' furture is presently in limbo, is home to approximately 96 trees and many plants, nestled on the side of the Verdugo hills where wildlife run freely. It's not unusual to catch a glimpse of them while playing a round of golf.
S-T is a unique community and should be treasured. The only thing missing is the S-T resident's ability to obtain necessary merchandise for family needs at a local general retail store and must continue to travel to Burbank, Pasadena and Santa Clarita for those needs. The last thing S-T will ever need is the invasion of a warehouse like Home Depot into their residential area, who presence will endanger neighbors and children.
A big thank you too all who continue to support S-T's cause.
Thank you for seeing first hand the situation our community has been struggling with for over 3 years. Too bad, our elected officials and planning commission members that are so quick to accede to Home Depot's demands don't take the time to learn about the FACTS, instead of spreading lies and misinformation.
To 10:58 am:
It is NOT a rumor. A Home Depot has been proposed for the S/W corner of Sepulveda & Chatsworth. This is Councilman Alarcon's district, so good luck. This is the councilmember that ducked out of the vote on Home Depot in Sunland Tujunga when it was before the City Council. Residents in this district better REALLY make some noise if they expect Alarcon to do anything.
Thank you, Sunland-Tujunga for an enlightening (and fun) time. Please watch for stories ahead (you know where).
Hey Mayor - thank you, we can use all the help we can get. HD's tactics and reactions on this whole mess need to be exposed as much as possible. It's already a P.R. nightmare for them, and if they persist we'll have to continue to make it worse. Your welcome up here any time. thanks again.....
This comment has been removed by the author.
Sounds like MayorSam's come up with a real strategy: a pub-crawl tour of neighborhoods in crisis. He'll be a real politician some day if this keeps up!
Red Spot!
No can do on the Coors.
We buy local. There's a huge Budweiser plant over here.
But had I known for sure that you were going to be at Joselito's, I would have brought a tall boy for you, too.
As it stands, I'll probably have to bring one for Kim Thompson and Valley Doll at the next MS shindig. Ladies make sure you eat before having one of these things. I drank one at home and almost fell out of my chair.
24 oz. of beer and Clamato in a can with a hint of pepper and lime...who woulda thunk it?
A pleasure meeting you, Mayor Sam, Mailander, Joe B. and Nina! Congrats to the beautiful people of S-T!
Thanks again Jack Hoff - that, along with the less exotic plain old tomato juice and beer - is one of my favorite drinks. What's more fun is to see the shock of friends and the dumbfounded look of cocktail waitresses whilst ordering one.
Mr. Busch has hit on quite a product, which I first tasted years ago at Timmy Nolan's but had the mass market version last fall at the LA County Fair.
Do they make them there in Van Nuys? Perhaps we can just line up outside the plant, drink out of the pipe and save the can. :)
That's exactly what the Van Nuys Neighborhood Council does before each monthly meeting!
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