Seriously? Who does this sort of thing? (Solana Beach, Commerce: neighborhoods, school)

[Bakeneko]

We weren't going to go to the fair this year because parking/driving has been such a nightmare the last couple times we went...but we scored some free tickets so I decided to check out the fair's website to see about maybe taking public transportation.

Anyway - on the public transportation page they had information about a "shoppers shuttle"

Make a getaway while you're at the Fair—take a break from the kids, from family, from friends, for any reason—by taking the Shopper Shuttle to Del Mar or Solana Beach for a restaurant meal or browsing in fine shops. Make it an opportunity to discover the local flavor! (Plus, you won't lose your parking space, and the shuttle is absolutely free.)

So basically go to the fair, occupy parking space , then take shuttle go shopping/eating out elsewhere? What sort of person does this?

I get it that it can be loud, crowded , hot etc at the fair...but when you've had enough, how 'bout you just leave and let some else have a parking space?

[Jenkay]

Originally Posted by Bakeneko

We weren't going to go to the fair this year because parking/driving has been such a nightmare the last couple times we went...but we scored some free tickets so I decided to check out the fair's website to see about maybe taking public transportation.

Anyway - on the public transportation page they had information about a "shoppers shuttle"



So basically go to the fair, occupy parking space , then take shuttle go shopping/eating out elsewhere? What sort of person does this?

I get it that it can be loud, crowded , hot etc at the fair...but when you've had enough, how 'bout you just leave and let some else have a parking space?

Are you talking about the shuttle between the fair and Solana beach? The shuttle runs both ways, to and from the train station, which is the whole reason it's in service in the first place. What you quoted sounds like it's just Solana Beach Chamber of Commerce trying to parlay it into some extra $$ for their city's economy. I seriously doubt any real number of people would utilize it that way.

[Bakeneko]

I'm all for people hopping on at Del Mar and Solana and taking the shuttle to the fair for their own convience and to help elevate some of the traffic and parking issues

But the website didn't say anything about doing that; it encouraged them to do the opposite - Park at the fair then take the hsuttle to shop/dine while keeping your parking space at the fair making it unavailable to other fair-goers. I feel like - if you're not at the fair, your car shouldn't be either!

[earlyretirement]

Originally Posted by Jenkay

Are you talking about the shuttle between the fair and Solana beach? The shuttle runs both ways, to and from the train station, which is the whole reason it's in service in the first place. What you quoted sounds like it's just Solana Beach Chamber of Commerce trying to parlay it into some extra $$ for their city's economy. I seriously doubt any real number of people would utilize it that way.

Exactly. As Jenkay mentioned. NO ONE would want to deal with all that traffic and waste of time just for a free parking spot. LOL. I just can't see that happening.

[sschibuola]

Is parking in downtown Del Mar or Solana Beach really so bad that people would pay $10-$20 dollars to park at the Fair and take a shuttle over and back - especially Southern Californias who break out in a cold sweat if they are ever more than 300' from their car? The only people who would do this are folks who went to the Fair, need a break, but still have family/friends at the Fair - otherwise they would just leave and park again in DM or SB.

Not to say I'm one of THOSE nasty people . . . but there's also another school thought . . . if I've shelled out $10-$20 for the privilege of parking somewhere, I've rented it for the day (or whatever time period). If I'm still in the area, why would I give it up? Nice guys finish last, and all that . . .

[earlyretirement]

Originally Posted by sschibuola

Is parking in downtown Del Mar or Solana Beach really so bad that people would pay $10-$20 dollars to park at the Fair and take a shuttle over and back - especially Southern Californias who break out in a cold sweat if they are ever more than 300' from their car? The only people who would do this are folks who went to the Fair, need a break, but still have family/friends at the Fair - otherwise they would just leave and park again in DM or SB.

Not to say I'm one of THOSE nasty people . . . but there's also another school thought . . . if I've shelled out $10-$20 for the privilege of parking somewhere, I've rented it for the day (or whatever time period). If I'm still in the area, why would I give it up? Nice guys finish last, and all that . . .

No it's not. I go to Del Mar several times per week and almost always able to find a parking spot FREE on the street. Up near the post office you only have 2 hour parking but you can go into the residential neighborhoods near there or also down below near the lifeguard station around those various streets and typically find a free spot.

As well they have paid parking that isn't too much behind the post office. They also have that parking garage on Camino del Mar (Del Mar Plaza) that you can get validated at a few places.

I just don't see this as a problem at all.

[Encinitan]

I don't know. I could see people maybe needing a break from the noise and dust and crowds at the Fair and wanting to go grab a healthy salad at a nice bistro in Solana Beach or Del Mar and do some window shopping instead of eating a deep-fried Twinkie. It can be a long day at the Fair if you get there early and stay late.
No offense, but I think the OP is making a whole lot outta nothin.

[1AngryTaxPayer]

Just go to the horsey grounds and take the buses. Who wants to deal with the mess of getting in and out of the fair? Gnarly.

[Encinitan]

Originally Posted by 1AngryTaxPayer

Just go to the horsey grounds and take the buses. Who wants to deal with the mess of getting in and out of the fair? Gnarly.

Or better yet, MiraCosta College in Cardiff. Less crowds than at Horse Park, super convenient. Parking at the Fairgrounds is for suckers! haha

[1AngryTaxPayer]

Originally Posted by Encinitan

Or better yet, MiraCosta College in Cardiff. Less crowds than at Horse Park, super convenient. Parking at the Fairgrounds is for suckers! haha

^^ This