Taking a Stand

You got my vote my buddy, as long as you can shorten the line to get a cup of coffee at the Starbucks. Just kidding. Yesterday was a fantastic show in my opinion. Yes the Rent a Cops can be real weenies, but my fear is that one of these days someone is going to lose control leaving the parking lot and either hurt themself or some innocent bystander and than you can say goodbye to CC. David, what do you have in mind?

 

Take a shot at it. Be prepared to discuss and resolve possible issues:

1. Noise abatement. No engine revving. No ‘display revving’.

2. No exhibition of speed: drive bys and/or gratuitous smoky burn-out exits.

3. Safety: Spectators on PCH waiting for #2.

4. For Sale Signs: Actually against Newport Beach regs. You can get a ticket for displaying a For Sale sign on private property. The RAC used to write these tickets authorized by NBPD. This I know first hand. No dealer cars or displays. Also prohibited by law. This requires a permit, which none of the dealers have. Yes, we get the opportunity to see some great cars from the dealers. But how about making it a whole lot less obvious. Why bring your whole inventory of Lambos and your sales girls? How about the M5 yesterday with the Sticker in the window and the dealer plate tossed on the rear package shelf. These guys can ‘come for coffee’, certainly, but they should not park in the display area.

5. No vendors (i.e. Leather Seat Cover guy, Wheel Repair guy, etc). Again there are regs on this (business license, etc). No vehicles that display sponsorship stickers, obvious attempts to build brands and/or generate website traffic (Car Crazy VW Phaeton, various others with windshield banners (Audi yesterday) etc.

6. Litter. Is everyone cleaning up after themselves? What about leakage (oil, coolant, etc)

7. Dogs: It's not all about the cars. Is the property owner cool with the sub-show : Dogs of Crystal Cove?

8. Security: Property and cars. Has there been damage to the property? They may point out how we all cut through the bushes, asphalt damage from leakage, etc. How about our security? The RAC are not there for us, not there to watch the cars or crowd. They are in place to manage traffic and control the cones! We have done a pretty good job of policing ourselves.

9. General Courtesy: Everyone must be courteous, drive carefully, give Peds the right of way, and watch out when you open your door!


Donut Derelicts has none of these issues (at least that I am aware of). Does the success of that event involve the ‘sponsorship’ of the donut shop? Perhaps some communication with them can help with our dilemma.

So the task entails formalizing the basic common sense rules and regs and somehow communicating them to the attendees. It entails creating a SHOW from what was and still is a spontaneous event with no organizer. How does one control, regulate such an event? How far do you go?

 

You need to be very careful with the way you approach the Irvine Company. To be honest the way to make it work for everyone is to rent the parking lot from the Irvine Company. This way you can call the shots and can say what or where you want things. The issue is being is that if you rent the parking lot that cost money and then you need to find a way to cover that, Plus you are responsible for everything at the event the RACs, damage and so on…..It would be easier to bring a 3rd party to do this.

Negative- yes it would turn a free event to something that may cost money.
Positive- is with a company doing CC you can make it much larger and better.


If you have any questions on how to do this or what to do just ask this falls right in with what I do so…..

 

I posted this message in the CC pics thread after Jay and others brought up the RAC issue. My post has to do with a specific issue, that of CC management possibly trying to ban any dealer from bringing any dealer car, even if they are not advertising, which I think is a VERY BAD idea. I do agree 100% with management stopping the vendors, the for sale signs, and the dealers from putting out cards and brochures (ie Phillips, Redline).

"That's not all, Jay, I came with Mike Berger from Newport European today as I do regularly. We came in a 360 (the one with the pop-out roof), and as we were in the line-up with our engine off patiently waiting, a RAC came by with a notepad looking at the license plates on all of the cars. When he saw the Newport European holder plate, he jotted it down.
Mike Berger leaned out and asked the RAC politely what he was doing. The RAC replied that he was writing down the license plates of every dealer car, because apparently no dealer cars are allowed.

Keep in mind - Newport European does absolutely no advertising whatsoever at the show, with the exception of the holder placard that would be in the frame of any new car. That is it. They do not put out any information on the car, they do not put out business cards, they do not put out brochures, nothing.
The very inquisitive woman who is always asking questions about all of the cars asked Mike why he does not put out business cards under the wipers, such as other dealers do. Mr. Berger replied that it was not in the spirit of the show for Newport European to advertise. He and occasionally Tim bring the cars solely for the enjoyment of those who attend the show, and for no other purpose. Mike said that the people that come to the show come to admire the cars and enjoy a cup of coffee, not to be inundated with advertising.

This is the same dealer that has brought the Aston Martin Vanquish, numerous 360's, Rolls Royce Phantom, the notorious Spyker, among others. I don't know about you gentlemen, but I have enjoyed these cars and would be very upset if the RAC's banned any car that was owned by a dealership or driven by a salesman. We would be losing a lot of automotive enjoyment.

Hopefully, they will crack down on the dealers that do overt advertisement, and leave the quiet ones alone.

I personally think it IS a big deal, and it's something I will definitely be paying attention to very closely.

Regards,
Dave"

 

Spectators on PCH just looks like trouble from anyone passing by. It just looks like a teenage gathering to me. This would also stop the encouragement for the launch control exits. Hey, I'm the first in line to join in on the "fly-by" but 1 or 2 tickets and maybe a Ferrari impounded for 150 MPH+ should deter us from this exhibition. The rest of the show is awesome and I don't recommend any changes other than the RAC firm. Just my $.02

 

just very simple, dont go too CC any more just drive up too Motorsports Sunday in the Valley

 

Sorry, there's only one CC.

 

See this thread:

http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showpost.php?p=135411832&postcount=22

My suggestion is to just let things go and play their game. It's the Irvine Co's sand box and they're nice enough to allow such a great event.

 

I would definately not want the show be put in a position where it gets cancelled altogether because of someone trying to play hardball with them.

All I want is for the RACs to treat attendees like adults. If they have new rules regarding dealers, etc., why not hand out sheets that say that ______ will be enforced as of _____ date. If they don't want people to stand in certain areas....put a sign there. If someone is somewhere that they don't want them, ask them to move, and explain why (safety, etc.)- not just be an ass and say it's private property.

It's not tough to do...

 

If you want to resolve the people standing on PCH problem, simply ask the drivers of the cars on display to exit through one of the peripheral entrances. There are two of them, not including the main exit that most cars enter/exit through, unfortunately both of them go into private housing developments, but I don't expect the 40 or so cars on display to cause enough added traffic to get any notice

edit: just remembered, might want to confirm that the approach angles aren't too steap for the front spoilers prior to recommendation. It has been quite a while since I last visited CC and I never paid much attention prior since I was not in a low clearance vehicle.

 

CC is an amazing event. It blows me away that people who come to advertise dont realize that it will have a possible negative effect on their business.

T.W., I can appreciate your thoughts and efforts, but I am curious how many people will think that you are trying to take the credit, or will not appreciate your good ideas.

As per the landlords/property owners, they probably dont care about the event, unless there is an "issue", so i woule be careful there. In their eyes and assuming that they know the event is in existence, they figure "out of sight, out of mind." Becareful on that accord.

My suggestion would be to talk to the regulars you know inperson and see what they think. Remeber, Starbucks people and the Whey people are not car people. From a monetary stand point, it is in their best interest, otherwise they could probably care less.

Once you start telling people what they can or cant do, even if it is in the best interest of CC, they will get pissed.

Perhaps you could get 2 menu boards that you place each time with "suggestions" on them, kind of like:

CRYTSAL COVE ATTENDEES: In order to keep this event alive,

RESPECTFULLY,
NO Loud Stereos
No Revving
NO Burnouts
NO High Speed Fly-bys
NO selling of products
etc.

I would put this out over winter, and then in summer pick up your efforts. But, if you do it in this fashion, you are not telling anyone anything, they are reading it and it gives them time to consider it, without confrentations. As the structure is laid, people will fall into place.

If the flybys are no longer wanted, aske the local P.D. to park a car there, or a motor cop to drive around. If a few big tickets get written, it will slow everyone down.

As per selling the products, easy: The businesses that pay rent in the center are pissed because people are selling products in the parking lot and they do not pay rent. The contracts between the landlords and the business stipulate that this cannot occur. IF it keeps up, CC is dead.

Lastly, people who say they will back you up, might not...so only count on yourself to do the dirty work. But, if i were you, i would do my research before you put forth the efforts, they may not be wanted or appreciated.

Good luck.

D.

Ps., get ready for egos....

 

What about the two individuals that already interact with the Irvine Co?
Have you talked with them?
Sounds like you are trying to step over them and they are already on the Irvine Co speed dialer. Check with Nate, he had already done all this.

 

I suggested some kind of hand out of the rules to the head of security. He said Irvine Co. won't do that because then it looks like they are endorsing the event and they may become liable if something happens. Security met with the guys that started CC and the Irvine Co. and based on the list of top complaints, what you're seeing now is the outcome. BTW, the top complaint wasn't from neighbors about noise(except for that certain 16 cylinder car that someone revs every time it's there ) but dealers showing up and trying to sell stuff. The show if for enthusiasts, period. Once again I think the best thing is for everyone to go along with it and enjoy CC for the fantastic weekly event that it is. Just relax and enjoy........

 

I agree.

 

although I am not a regular poster, I hope that my comments are welcome. I can be found at CC every Saturday morning from 7-9 and of course have seen the steady decline in moral of frequent attendees - it feels like a matter of time until we are forced to go elsewhere (losing our sun-rise and ocean view). David, if there is any way that I can be of help, please let me know. Some of you know me from the VIP Auto Fashion event last weekend in Anaheim... some from the Hot Import Nights series. If any of this experience can be utilyzed in securing CC for years to come, it would be my great pleasure to join the team.

 

For those that can't visualize the scene...
(Photos courtesy of Oli)
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

i've been going to cc for about a year now and the only true concern i have are the people at the exits. I admit that i have been out there myself a few times. Yes, it is stupid and yes, it has the protential of being very dangerous. if that area were blocked off then there wouldn't be any peoblem.

as far as the dealer issue goes, i don't see why there is a real problem. we all enjoy the wonderful cars that they bring out. either way, i totally support you as a spoke person for all of us!

 

well back when they were doing construction on PCH and there were the cement barriers around that corner, it was a far safer place to stand. i actually like the idea of standing there to hear all the cars up close as they take off, but admittedly i have never done that (because i always have someone nagging me to leave)

 

I wasn't even allowed to take pics from up on the hill. This is a good 20 feet higher than PCH, and about 20 yards away as well. Now I guess I'll just use a longer lens from the parking lot....

 

I had to chime in, this was too good to pass up.

I too have been coming to CC for a while (nearly two years), and have watched the event change several times during that period. Initially, there were no cones keeping people out of the "display area". Rather, early risers got the best spots. Likewise, as people left, more people were able to get in and park in the center. While I admit that this encouraged many of us to hang around well into the "primetime" shopping periods, it was much more friendly. Since that time, I've watched us be coned off from even entering the plaza, and when NBPD put a stop to that, coned off from the central area, but allowed to park in the "side" lots.

Someone commented early in the thread that we shouldn't play "hardball" with the Irvine company, implying that there may be reprecussions - the event shut down, presumably. This leads to several questions:

1) How does the Irvine Company (indeed, anyone) "shut down" an event in a parking lot? We don't pay to be there, and we're not trespassing, since we're patrons of the establishments open during that time (Starbucks, Pacific Whey Cafe). Indeed, perhaps we're all waiting for Banana Republic to open so we can be the first through the doors.

2) Since they (the property owners and Security Company) have been prohibited from denying access to the side lots in the morning, why not just hold the show in the side lots? (I.e. What is the fascination with parking in the center?) This way, no one needs to move their cars between their initial arrival and their later departure and removes one piece of "leverage" the RAC's have. Not to mention, it takes away one of the arguments I've heard aired - that we occupy the prime parking spots for non-show people who want a morning cup of coffee and/or breakfast. Furthermore, lets face it, we usually see the same cars inside the "center" every week, so what's the point? (Several of these cars are not "exotic" or "unique" by even the furthest stretch of the imagination.)

3) Honestly, what prejudices prevent us from finding a different location? I keep hearing "there's only one Crystal Cove" voiced by its supporters, but really, what is the fascination? Yes, there's an ocean view, and yes, on the clear days you can see Catalina, but are we there for a car show or for the senic view? Is someone actually going to argue that the senic vistas afforded by the Crystal Cove lot somehow contribute to the experience of all this fabulous machinery? Personally, I attend the show to see all the cars, as well as meet new friends and chat with old ones. Whether it's at Crystal Cove or two miles up the road at Fashion Island (which is much larger and more accessable) is of little consequence to me.

4) While I don't agree with dealers taking up several spaces in an attempt to sell their cars, what is the problem with letting them attend? I fail to see the point in denying a dealership who wants to bring a unique car to show at the event. Isn't the point of the show to see this exotic machinery first hand, regardless of the source? (I do, however, have a problem with bringing multiple copies of the same car as well as your sales force to hock them.) Showing a car is not "display for sale". Bringing sales people who actively engage showgoers with pitches IS.

As an aside, when the RAC's ask for your registration, you might ask them to point out the section in the California Vehicle Code where you are required to comply. (Considering there hasn't been an accident on their private property with which you were involved, they're counting on blind compliance to their request.) A simple, relatively non-confrontational way could be, "Pardon me sir, with what authority are you requesting my personal information, and why am I required to furnish it?" It might be mildly amusing to watch them stretch for an answer. From a practical standpoint, they COULD ask you to leave, but they'd be hard pressed to make everyone leave if so challenged. (Again, back to my "Why not just stay in the side lots?" question.)

The bottom line is, for some inexplicable reason, they (Irvine Company, RAC's, whatever) are trying to make it progressively more difficult for this show to continue. Why they would turn away considerable business from the two establishments open at that time of the morning in their center is beyond me. If we simply departed for greener pastures, the majority of morning revenue stream for Saturdays would dry up, and perhaps those establishments would bring some pressure to their landlord.

Those were my unsolicited thoughts on the matter, anyway. Worth about what you paid for them.

JM

 

While I most certainly do not agree with all of your thoughts, this last part of your post struck a chord with me, especially the first line. I do not understand why they want to make it so difficult to have the show. They seem very interested in micro-managing every aspect of a show to a point where it really detracts from the fun of even going.