In defense of Hobie

Mark Christy

In the last issue of the Coastline [“Hobie’s behavior is out of

character,” (Coastline Pilot, Nov. 22)], Matt Smith expressed concern

about the Hobie store asking McCalla Pharmacy and Generations to

leave. I, myself, make it a point not to write letters to the editor,

as inevitably, I don’t know all of the details. But I appreciate

Matt’s concerns and thought it might be wise to shed some light on a

few facts:

* From the moment we purchased the building in 1987, we made it clear that it was our intention at some point for the Hobie store

(then owned by Hobie and Dick Metz) to occupy most, if not all of it.

Despite no existing leases, we in good faith entered into a new lease

with McCalla’s at a sub-market rate.

* McCalla’s and Generations have been month-to-month tenants for

years at substantially below-market rents. We routinely ignored

other, much-higher offers, choosing instead to support these local

businesses by keeping their rent affordable.

* We gave both tenants written notice in March of 2001 indicating

that we would need their spaces at the end of January 2002, allowing

them the holiday season.

* Around September 2001, both tenants essentially pleaded for

another year to give them further time to relocate. Despite the fact

that we had already ordered extensive merchandise for our intended

use, as a courtesy to the McCalla and Generations families, we

granted their extension requests. They in turn promised their support

of our move in 2003. In essence, we gave them a 23-month notice.

* During this period, we maintained their rent rates at the

pre-existing below-market level, with no increases at all.

* I am currently in discussions with McCalla’s in an effort to

give them an opportunity to stay.

I’m hopeful that if you consult either Susie at McCalla’s or Vicky

at Generations, they will tell you I have been a generous and

courteous landlord. I have at all times tried to accommodate their

needs, keep their rents low and help their respective businesses

prosper. I will have owned the building 15 years upon their move-out

and have foregone tens of thousands in potential rent. At what point

might you feel I have given them enough time?

Further, your letter recalled “Mr. Hobie,” our founder, as being a

humanitarian, a good neighbor and a man without arrogance. You are

absolutely correct with the exception of his name.

Hobie Alter is a good friend of mine, and he is completely aware

of what is happening with the tenants. Hobie supports our plan and

knows we have patiently waited many years to implement them. He and

his family are still very much a part of our Hobie family. He is

still shaping surfboards for us (he has not lost his touch), his sons

make our skateboards and manage our license, and his daughter-in-law

works at the store.

In fact, it was Hobie himself that encouraged me to buy the

stores. He is happy that Hobie Sports is locally owned and is such a

strong supporter of our local community and schools. This is the way

he always envisioned it should be.

At Hobie’s, our devotion to the community is unwavering. We love

Laguna. It has been our home for decades. Ask around a little bit.

Start with the tenants in question. Perhaps you’ll find we’re not as

heartless as you might paint us. And as for your comparison of myself

to the current chairman of the Irvine Co., get serious. I believe I

am at least 20 years younger and several inches taller, unless he

happens to be standing on his wallet.

* MARK CHRISTY is a Laguna Beach resident and co-owner of Hobie

Sports.