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Tuesday, May. 20, 2008

Some skeptical about Turlock's wedding vows

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Here are some additional comments from the business community regarding Turlock's idea to make itself the wedding capital of California ...

Santos Reyes and Ron LoBue, The Haircutters

"The plan's good. They need something to bring people down here, but I don't think weddings is the right direction. But they have the right idea in coming up with something to bring people down here," Reyes said.

"I've been down here 45 years and it was events at the fairgrounds, rodeos, with parades going through downtown, that livened things up," LoBue said.

"Those days are over," Reyes said.

"They could come back! They're not over! They could come back!"

Joe Younan, Joe's Jewelry

"Let's give them five years and see what happens."

Sandra Navanjo, Turlock Flower Shop

"As far as our business goes, it's going to be good. We've been trying to move in that direction. We'd like to have downtown known for something, something good."

Ryan Tedards, NorCal Sports

"The problem I see is it's going to be hard to rent these (buildings and store space) in this economic climate, so I don't see the owners sticking to (reduced rents for wedding-related businesses.) I don't think they can pull it off."

Terry Woodland, S&T Coins

"I don't have much of an opinion on it. Personally I don't think it will work. It's a nice idea as far as a regional (attraction). I don't think it will happen. With the diversity of businesses here, I don't see it happening. What are they going to do, close the furniture stores?"

Bryan and Julie Christenson, Vintage Rose Interiors

"Initially there was a lot of hesitation, but as it was explained we've come to like it," Julie said.

"If (business) owners dedicate something like 10 percent of their space (to wedding related items) it could really take off," Bryan said.

Olga Alvarado, Allure Salon

"I think it's great. It could really benefit my salon."

Cindy Harris, Off Leash

"Anything to promote downtown is wonderful, but I'm skeptical of the wedding theme. I think it leaves some of us out ... but I'm open to anything that brings more people to downtown."

Tamara Ferrario and Hannah Skooglund, Glitz Fine Clothing

"I like the concept, but ... I'm glad to see they have a direction," Ferrario said.

"The dress is just something you go out of town to get," Skooglund said. "Maybe because were local, but I can't see going to downtown Turlock to get it. The dress is just too important."

Kathy Holsor, Terra Chateau

"It'll be a good thing if they draw people from far away. It will help everyone find their own way, to specialize. It'll be a big boost."

Linda Mikkelson, Dean Floral

"From our standpoint, anything that brings people downtown is a good thing."

Arbella Abdal, Fingers & Toes

"I haven't heard anything officially. I had to hear it through the grapevine, so I'm not even sure what to believe and what not to believe."

Bob Endsley, Coldwell Banker, Endsley & Associates

"I like the idea that we're making an effort to brand downtown. Our downtown is unique compared to many valley communities, so if it's weddings that gives us character, that unique something, OK. Let's get something that keeps Turlock unique."

Duraye Roque, The Barber Lounge

"I never really got the whole shakedown, but I hear about it from a lot of people coming in. Until I really see what's going down, I can't say."

Carla Zamora, Angel's Boutique

"I really don't care. It's not a concern. It is what it is."

Cindy Sprinkel, Cindy's DooDads

"For me, personally, I sell mother-of-the-bride, grandmother-of-the-bride clothing, so it works. But a lot of my customers come through and don't think it can happen."

Efren Avila, Universal Jewelers

"I think it will help a great deal in my line of business. I hope it goes through and everyone will back it up. It can work and create more business for all. It'll be a killer. We're all excited and lining up for it. Out-of-towners need gas, they need to eat, they'll visit a shoe store — it'll help everyone."

— MICHAEL R. SHEA