Well, These Folks Aren't Moving Here ...

I'd earlier posted about an email I'd received from a Long Beach couple who thought of moving to San Juan Capistrano, but weren't happy with what they saw on Parade Day.

I'd responded you can't judge the town by one day, anymore than you can judge New Orleans on Fat Tuesday or Long Beach on Grand Prix weekend. To put it bluntly, they didn't agree. Their response:

"Thank you Jonathan for your prompt response.

Yet I can assure you that what I saw on San Juan Capistrano doesn't happen in Long Beach during the Grand Prix or the Gay parade or any other event.

 

If the best you can do is to tell me that the city gets out of control because of a parade and Sallow's Day then that makes my point even stronger. Swallow's Day is supposed to be a day for a family to enjoy and not a day taken by unruly crowds.

 

I've been all over the world in many different events and I haven't seen the debauchery I saw in SJC over the weekend.

 

You can keep the insider's tour to yourself! A city must be appreciated any day of the year without a need for an "insider's tour."

 

Regards,

George and Robin Schneider"

 

Well, I responded, your loss.

 

(And kudos to Councilwoman Laura Freese, who also wrote them a really nice note about the beauty and wonder of our little town.)

 

Here's a link to their earlier email.

 

Comments

[Steve Lyons]

Swallows Day has gotten out of control with all the beer gardens and loud music. Swallows Inn is always a problem but because Steve Nordick is tied so close with the ranch and other SJC insiders nothing ever gets mentioned.

I have lived in SJC for 10 years and I don't bring my family down any longer....the City looks the other way while the Fiesta Ass. and Swallows Inn reap tons of money and the City has to clean up after there mess.

It's about time to reduce the beer stands and music areas and return the parade to the families of SJC.

[Gia]

I agree there should be more family-friendly fun and less overt alcohol comsumption.

[Jennifer Pointer]

I guess you have to take the day for what it is, Swallow's Day. For those that don't remember the 70s when Tequila was in squirt guns because booze was banned from the parade route. While yes, the town does get unruly, it is a family day. The beer/wine areas are contained and if those folks get out of the area drunk or with drink then that is the guards fault. I love the pancake breakfast where my 3 year old daughter sees the Marine Corp, Sheriffs, bagpipers and school kids all coming together. We then hit the Mercado before the crowds and then have our seat. After it is over, home we go. The evening can be interesting, but it is MUCH calmer than years past when dozen not one like this year are arrested. At least we still have a parade. Most cities are reducing due to budgets. There will always be a few that spoil it for the rest of us. Don't take Swallow's Day away.

[Former SJC Resident]

George and Robin,

Read your letter and had to laugh at your claim that you were taken by an unruly crowd and forced to witness acts of debauchery. Its just so silly.

I’ve lived in So Cal most of my life and have traveled the world. Swallows Day is one of the most tame events I’ve ever experienced. The city and local businesses work hard to make Swallows a fun, enjoyable and safe experience for the whole family. They should be commended for their efforts, not ridiculed.

Undoubtedly, you would experience rowdiness if you were to go into Swallows Tavern on parade day, just as you as you would at popular gay bars on Gay Pride Day in Long Beach. However, the parades remain wholesome family fun. It’s up to you to choose the type of experience you wish to have.

That being said, may I suggest some of the more remote areas of the Bible belt as the destination of your relocation? Surely, the neighborhoods of San Juan Capistrano could do without such repressed and scornful residents.

[Bennie Payne]

I feel compelled to remark that I, for one, am very thankful that George and Robin Schneider of Long Beach have decided not to move here. They don’t seem to be up to Capistrano standards. In the first place, I don’t believe they had any thoughts of moving here, but were using that as an excuse to criticize something they know nothing of. Secondly, I’ve seen the Gay Parade on TV. Give me a break!! Their loss is right and may they continue to be very happy far, far away from here.