the movie "Wall Street" - "Greed is good!" That 1987 film
sort of set the stage for what was to be. Ken Lay - Enron,
Bernie Ebbers - World Com and a list as long as your arm of
Hedge Fund and Derivative dealers...literally making millions
and millions a year, just in brokerage fees.
Oh, it's easy to say....that those of us here in the hinterland
are nothing but jealous twits that don't understand how business
in America and the world works! Perhaps, those observations are
correct - but we do understand that Wal-Mart, Costco, Target,
and all the other "Big Box Stores"...have changed our lives by
a huge margin. The day of the Mom and Pop Stores are quickly
approaching extinction. What seems amazing is how landowners
and landlords are so quick to assist in accelerating their
demise.
Case in point: Sandpiper on Balboa Island. The store was first
founded in 1938. Sandpiper, Hershey's Market and the Village Inn
are the last remaining original use facilities left on Balboa
Island. The Daily Pilot reported today...that Gail Hammerschmidt,
the very responsible proprietor of the Sandpiper for the last five
years...is up against a nasty new owner..that wants to raise her
rent 22% this year. We guess the new owner, neither understands
the value of the Sandpiper to the community or the current state of
the economy. In either regard, pushing Gail out with an egregious
rent increase is certainly not "Community Friendly"! For those
who don't know Gail.....this is one of the most efficient, caring
and customer responsive shop owners we have ever had the pleasure
to do business with. We are not alone! Literally, everyone that
lives on Balboa Island, Corona Del Mar and the rest of Newport
Beach...knows the Sandpiper is a special place to get those very
cute and unique items..you can't get at Costco, Target or Wal-Mart.
OK, we are prejudiced, because we appreciate all the hard work that
Gail has put into the Sandpiper. In fact, we might say...the love
that she has provided both her shop and those that have visited and
bought from her throughout the last five years. One thing is certain,
Sandpiper now...is better than it has ever been. We are hoping
upon hope that the Greedy, Rotten Scoundrel (new owner)...that
wants Gail out and isn't willing to work with her will see the
error of his ways....or sell the property to someone who will.
A couple of years ago, we fought this same battle over the Omelet
Parlor in Costa Mesa on 17th Street. Finally, that Property Manager
saw the light and Omelet Parlor was saved for the time being. We
believe that a community effort needs to be made to save Sandpiper.
If you know the owner of this property...or are willing to find out
who it is....please contact him and explain that there are many
senior citizens on Balboa Island that do not drive and rely on Gail
for gifts to their grand kids! Some things have a price, others
are priceless! We implore Mayor Ed Selich..who serves as both
Councilman and Mayor for Gail...to step up to the plate and give
her a personal hand in saving the Sandpiper for the citizens of
Newport Beach and Balboa Island!
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