18 Responses to “Parents Fired Up Over Fashion Island Carousel Closure”
Comments
PH
September 23rd, 2009
About a year ago, Fashion Island took out all the hand-painted tiles kids & parents made back in 2000. They were very meaningful and my son loved to show friends his tile when we walked around. No word, no notice. One day we they were gone. Never got clear statement from Fashion Island why this was done. One more kid friendly feeling gone!
cynthia
September 23rd, 2009
I understand growth, development and dollars but I think the most insulting part of this was the corporate quoting done by Ms. Robinson; “Fashion Island remains a wonderful place for visitors of all ages and is proud to be a popular destination for families.” This answer perfectly describes what's really going on, which is they don't care, they don't value the community, they value internal ego. And the fact that Nina Robinson is a corporate drone who probably stares at you like a pagent veteran as she presses her public relations tongue against the back of her teeth as she smiles her misplaced integrity states clearly their emotions and intent towards this community. In other words, there really is none. It's business, that's all, it's business, the value of the real estate, the cost/benefit of retail not entertainment space. PS - A light-up oblisk fountain, really? Is it Vegas or Fashion Island?
Corona del Mar Today Staff
September 23rd, 2009
Let's admit it, though -- it's nice that there isn't a JC Penney tire store there. Anyone know where that used to be? Was it where Flemings is?
Frank
September 23rd, 2009
Amy, You got it right - the Penney's tire center is where Fleming's, Roy's, and the former Hard Rock Cafe are currently at, though I believe Roy's is an add-on to that structure.
September 24th, 2009
Irvine Co. -- have a heart will ya? I grew up in Newport and this is the kind of stupid ill thought out action that gives corporations a bad name. Maybe you'll become known as the "AIG of Newport Beach" I hope that is not what the Irvine Co. is hoping for! I have a 6-yr old who grew up with the Carousel. The attraction is a big draw for families and kids. The parents quoted in the CDM Today story are right ... your family/kid friendly approach seems to be going by the wayside with little concern for that segment of your audience/clientele at Fashion Island. Bottom line -- that is not a smart long-term "business decision" Move it if you must, but don't get rid of it. There is a reason why Fashion Island has been known to locals for a long time as "Fascist Island" You just gave parents another reason to pass along that decades old tag to Fashion Island. Will I still come .. of course, will I still spend as much money, no I won't. Do the right thing and save the Carousel!
Mike D
September 24th, 2009
After the tire store it became Amen Wardys - a stupidly high end clothing store that had a huge space available for parties. Then it became Hard Rock Cafe and Warehouse Records (where Fleming's is now).
nblocal
September 26th, 2009
I remember visiting Fashion Island when it opened. We came down from Yorba Linda and JCPenney suited us just fine. And I for one think we need more 'service' businesses, at Fashion Island and environs, such as office supplies, newstands. As for the dogs, am I the only person who has allergies to dogs, especially when their owners stand them on the counter at the Apple Store?
Patty
September 27th, 2009
The carousel gives Fashion Island an inviting feeling, like you want to hang around and enjoy your time there. It gives it atmosphere, not just cement and stores. The fountain and the carousel are a welcome addition. Removing the carousel is bad enough, but all the dogs on their leashes everywhere, walking in front of you, pooping who knows where, going to eating establishments, gag, leave your little darlings off the beaches during the day, as is the law, and leave them home while you shop, it is very annoying. I love dogs, but not while I am trying to shop and eat. Maybe you should have a dog park they could take them to while they shop. Charge them for it, of course.
Bobby
November 12th, 2009
More grass for my dog? AWESOME.
carlota
November 16th, 2009
Something should be done about all the dogs! It has become ridiculous. Just went there Sunday and couldn't believe all the dogs. It is so annoying. I remember the days when the mall was a clean beautiful place to go on the weekends, but now it has become a dog show. The sidewalk is filthy now and owners walk them into the stores as if the dogs are humans. Nobody seems to care and it is a real shame. I love pets, but they don't belong in public places like this and around restaurants. Is there a petition to ban this? People, leave your pets at home while you shop and remember everybody doesn't think it's cool. Of course, most don't care if people are annoyed because it's all about "I, me, my."
Gina Ross
November 25th, 2009
There's an old saying: "if mama ain't happy, NO ONE is happy." Moms are really angry about this closure. Please come to South Coast Plaza to ride the carousel there Thursday December 3rd and sign the online petition at ipetitions to save the one in Fashion Island. Perhaps if enough of us moms show with our children, the Irvine Company will realize that the carousel is VERY important to our families. It's shocking they didn't include it in the final plans given how much of the weekday traffic consists of mothers and their children. Let's remind them.
david
December 21st, 2009
I used to own one of the carts at Fashion Island. I'm not always the biggest fan of The Irvine Company, but I'm always fair. Like any other business, they're there for one reason.....to make money. Getting stuff for free is great (I.E...bail-outs,wellfare, free health care) but nothing is really free. Someone has to pay to operate the ride, fix it when it breaks down, and can you imangine the insurance? Sorry guys, but the buck you pay for a ride ticket doesn't pay for the lights on the ride. Here's an idea instead of compaining, how about you pull the money up and buy it. About 5 mill should do it.no proplem. Instead of dragging little Zach, Cody, or Connor to the mall, read them a book. Get over yourselves.
neetu
December 26th, 2009
And I thought Sept. 11th was bad. No pop-up fountain? Where are all the free-loading, ageing moms going to take their kids? First the World Trade Center, and now this? I just don't see the point in living anymore.
christy
January 1st, 2010
Dear God, what are we going to do? First Oprah is calling it quits and now no pop-up fountain? there's only one thing us Newport Moms can do...remember ladies, cut wrist going the direction of the vein not across. See you on the other side friends.
Brenda
January 3rd, 2010
I agree firmly with many of the parents, I now have a son 11 yrs of age I enjoy taking my nieces and nephews, seeing there laughter and smiles, remember "Kids say and do the funniest things" they give many of us great joy. I'm wondering how many of the corporate gurus have small children, neices nephews, or grandchidlren?these little ones also grow up and become adults that have to make many decisions. Will they stay in Orange County? and remember the fond memories of a very unique carousel outside looking over the water, it really is magnificent. I'm not here saying that Donald Bren has not given to his community , think about the parents that your turning away with the children who will run to the pet store to buy a puppy spur of the moment just because they were there to ride the carousal. There parents will also spend money at of the many stores just because they were there with there children. But then again maybe it's only the money that keeps the Irvine co going ? What is enough? How many smiles,and laughter will you receive from the expantion? Only time will tell...
christy
January 6th, 2010
Malls are there for you to buy stuff, not drag your kids to for free entertaiment. Guess who GAVE the cityof Irvine an entire park....Donald Bren. The same guy you idiots are upset with. Take them to Disneyland. What your kids arnt worth the money? You only want things for free? All of you are just sad. Maybe killing yourselves isn't such a bad idea after all.
CORONA DEL MAR TODAY » Fashion Island Carousel Gets New Home
May 11th, 2010
[...] Read our earlier stories about the carousel and the petition to save it here. [...]
Lisa M
August 16th, 2010
We came from Long Beach, even after the PBS store and the train store were gone, as a DESTINATION for our family for over 10 years. We always shopped and bought, but the highlight was the pop fountain. Why would anyone-- outside of the chi-chi who otherwise populate SCP-- come any distance now? When I was in jr. high, high school and college, all of my shopping dollars went to to the upscale Penneys, Sally's and Broadway, spent during our one week on Balboa Island or while attending UCI. When I heard a spokesman say, "Essentially, we aren't interested in serving the Penneys shopper at Fashion Island" I decided Fashion Island didn't need my dollars at all. I did not return until lured by the pop fountains. I had hoped to bring grandchildren someday! Can anyone give me a reason why I should EVER return?
