Response to ‘Concerns Over Conservancy’
This is in response to the Letter to the Editor from boater Carlyn Nelson of Dana Point that appeared in last week’s edition of the Catalina Islander.
I have lived on the Island for almost 10 years.
My livelihood comes from the mainland, although I did have a couple of tourist type companies until recently here on the Island.
Point being, I pretty much get to see things from both sides of the channel.
Response to ‘Concerns Over Conservancy’
This is in response to the Letter to the Editor from boater Carlyn Nelson of Dana Point that appeared in last week’s edition of the Catalina Islander.
I have lived on the Island for almost 10 years.
My livelihood comes from the mainland, although I did have a couple of tourist type companies until recently here on the Island.
Point being, I pretty much get to see things from both sides of the channel.
First let me say I respect Carlyn’s thoughts and want to stress that all of us that live here, work hard to constantly make the Catalina experience a memorable one for not only its residents but visitors as well.
I appreciate her thoughts and her taking the time to send a letter to the editor.
However, I could not disagree with her more.
It sounds like she would just like Avalon to stay the same and she would be happy with just laying down a couple coats of paint every few years.
We are a very small community and if we don’t evolve, we won’t attract new visitors and retain the current ones, so, we avoid the old adage, “been there … done that.”
Trust me, I go back and forth on the ferry weekly and hear it all the time that people want more to do and improvements here and there.
We are in competition with so many wonderful places in SoCal as well as Mexico that we have to work hard to attract visitors or they will not come, the revenue will slow to a crawl and then the town you love to visit runs the risk of falling into the history books … and not in a good way.
It sounds like Carlyn is getting a spin from her friends and /or others that our city planners, chamber, staff, and business owners are drunk and disorderly.
It also sounds like she and her friend are confused by what the Conservancy charter is and what they have to do with Avalon planning versus who really sets the pace for Avalon development and planning.
The Santa Catalina Island Company and the city of Avalon set the pace.
Sure, other entities participate, but those two have the funding to finance the big projects you were referring to on a continuous basis.
Carlyn spoke of charm.
That is exactly what we’re going for. More charm!
Let’s face it; there are a few areas that have gotten a little long in the tooth and it’s time for a facelift here and there.
What the Island Company, the city of Avalon and other entities are sinking money into is impressive and very welcomed.
Have you been to Descanso Beach lately?
Amazing.
Have you seen the plans for the new Museum?
Impressive.
Have you seen the plans for the spa you are referring too?
Have you seen the plans for the new Blue Water Grill?
The expansion of Steve’s Steakhouse?
What they are planning for the arcade? What they did with the old play arcade?
Have you gone up to City Hall and read the City Plan?
Did you provide feedback to that plan when there was an opportunity for the public to weigh in? How could anyone not be impressed?
The changes are so impressive and our little community and visitors alike are excited to see what will be unveiled by this summer.
I think you do have a very good observation in that if you are not comfortable with the Avalon changes, then the Isthmus is the place to be.
It is a great destination for boaters and maybe more conducive for folks that would like to see time stand still.
But even the Isthmus will change in time too. So hang in there.
Try to weather the storm and please come back.
Michael Fields, Avalon
