Anchor ads are not supported on this page.

4S Ranch Allied Gardens Alpine Baja Balboa Park Bankers Hill Barrio Logan Bay Ho Bay Park Black Mountain Ranch Blossom Valley Bonita Bonsall Borrego Springs Boulevard Campo Cardiff-by-the-Sea Carlsbad Carmel Mountain Carmel Valley Chollas View Chula Vista City College City Heights Clairemont College Area Coronado CSU San Marcos Cuyamaca College Del Cerro Del Mar Descanso Downtown San Diego Eastlake East Village El Cajon Emerald Hills Encanto Encinitas Escondido Fallbrook Fletcher Hills Golden Hill Grant Hill Grantville Grossmont College Guatay Harbor Island Hillcrest Imperial Beach Imperial Valley Jacumba Jamacha-Lomita Jamul Julian Kearny Mesa Kensington La Jolla Lakeside La Mesa Lemon Grove Leucadia Liberty Station Lincoln Acres Lincoln Park Linda Vista Little Italy Logan Heights Mesa College Midway District MiraCosta College Miramar Miramar College Mira Mesa Mission Beach Mission Hills Mission Valley Mountain View Mount Hope Mount Laguna National City Nestor Normal Heights North Park Oak Park Ocean Beach Oceanside Old Town Otay Mesa Pacific Beach Pala Palomar College Palomar Mountain Paradise Hills Pauma Valley Pine Valley Point Loma Point Loma Nazarene Potrero Poway Rainbow Ramona Rancho Bernardo Rancho Penasquitos Rancho San Diego Rancho Santa Fe Rolando San Carlos San Marcos San Onofre Santa Ysabel Santee San Ysidro Scripps Ranch SDSU Serra Mesa Shelltown Shelter Island Sherman Heights Skyline Solana Beach Sorrento Valley Southcrest South Park Southwestern College Spring Valley Stockton Talmadge Temecula Tierrasanta Tijuana UCSD University City University Heights USD Valencia Park Valley Center Vista Warner Springs

Christmas Malling

Girlfriend Jill wanted to hit the malls, but she needed help. She’s pregnant and has a couple of little ones besides. I called around to see what was out there.

Sonia at Mission Valley Center (619-296-6375) told me that they did indeed have expectant mother parking, “between Target and the Outback Steakhouse. We also have some on the other side of the mall by Nordstrom Rack. And there’s a family lounge where mothers can nurse their babies. It features private booths with curtains, and there is also a TV with a DVD player, some books and toys, a restroom, and bottle warmers for formula.”

Once inside, we could hit the concierge “in the center of the mall. They have strollers for rental there — $4, with a $1 refund upon return. They’ll help with shopping questions — they’ll offer gift ideas, and if you’re looking for a particular item, they can direct you to a store. You can also go to them if you need package carry-out to your car. You can also purchase gift cards there, and if you spend $250 on any given day between December 1 and December 15, you can bring your receipts to the concierge for a free gift.”

Sponsored
Sponsored

So much for shopping; what about activities? “Santa arrived on November 25, and he’s here for pictures and wishes. We’ll have carolers here on December weekends from 3 to 6 p.m. On December 5 at 6 p.m., we’ll have a Christmas tree-lighting ceremony by Nordstrom Rack, and at 6 p.m. on December 6, 13, 20, and 23, we’ll have artificial snow for kids to play in. And, of course, we’ll have the Salvation Army Giving Tree by the food court. You pick a name off the tree, purchase the specified gift for that child, and drop the gift back at the tree.”

Annie at Parkway Plaza (619-579-9932) offered expectant-mother parking “over by the JCPenney. Our concierge station is by Pat & Oscar’s — we have some awesome women there who love to help. They have free wheelchairs, but the strollers are $5 to rent, with $1 back upon return. And if you purchase something heavy or awkward, we can help carry it to your car.”

For kids, “There’s a play town, and next to that, there are some rides that cost a few coins. And there’s a double-decker carousel for $3 a ride. I’ve heard that it seems faster if you ride on the upper level. On December 7, kids can come and have breakfast with Santa for free. We’ll have activities and a little snack breakfast.”

Nancy at Horton Plaza (619-239-8180) told me that the downtown mall’s parking garage featured expectant-mother parking on levels four and five. “It’s painted with blue and pink stripes — for either a boy or a girl. You can get three free hours of parking by validating your ticket at one of the five stations inside the mall. The concierge station is on level one of the mall, by Victoria’s Secret; they have wheelchairs and strollers available for use in the mall at no charge.”

The mall’s gift-wrap station was set up on level five, “overlooking Santa’s House. It’s a brand-new Winter Wonderland this year, very white and snowy-looking. You can bring your children there for pictures, and on December 14, the day of the downtown Santa Paws parade, you can bring your pets. Outside the mall, there’s a skating rink — from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., you can skate for two hours [$10-$12, including skate rental], and all the proceeds go to Children’s Hospital.”

Kyle at UTC (858-546-8858) told me that their Santa was “available for photo ops on the mezzanine level.” The concierge, meanwhile, was “located by the large water fountain in the center of the mall. We can provide wheelchairs or strollers free of charge; you just need to fill out a liability form. We can help with package carry-out, provide customer escorts, call you a cab, or make you a dinner reservation. Expectant-mother parking is in the Sport Chalet Wing down Towne Centre Drive — the first two rows. For kids, we have a kiddie train [$3 a ticket, buy five tickets and get five free], three rock-climbing walls [$5 for all three], and an Astro Jump [$3].”

Summer at North County Fair (760-489-0631) told me to look for a large black sign designating expectant-mother parking “at all major entrances. There are strollers [$5 for a single, $7 for a double] at the entrances as well.” The wheelchairs, however, are kept at the concierge station. “And we have a family lounge with changing stations, nursing areas, a family bathroom, a TV, and a few books. There’s also a kids’ play area on the second level. And Santa’s here from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m.; kids or four-legged animals can have their picture taken with him.” Grownups can enjoy the music of “several musicians, providing entertainment throughout the mall. And the Salvation Army Giving Tree is here.”

Finally, I spoke with Kirsten at Viejas Outlet Center (619-659-2070). “We have wheelchairs available at the security office, but no stroller rental. Santa is here for photos — you can take pictures using your own camera if you want to. And we have a wonderful Christmas tree. Our skating rink is the largest in Southern California. It’s open Monday through Friday, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. The cost is $12 — that includes skate rentals and 90 minutes of skating.”

The latest copy of the Reader

Please enjoy this clickable Reader flipbook. Linked text and ads are flash-highlighted in blue for your convenience. To enhance your viewing, please open full screen mode by clicking the icon on the far right of the black flipbook toolbar.

Here's something you might be interested in.
Submit a free classified
or view all
Previous article

Gonzo Report: Three nights of Mission Bayfest bring bliss

“This is a top-notch production.”
Next Article

Jazz guitarist Alex Ciavarelli pays tribute to pianist Oscar Peterson

“I had to extract the elements that spoke to me and realize them on my instrument”

Girlfriend Jill wanted to hit the malls, but she needed help. She’s pregnant and has a couple of little ones besides. I called around to see what was out there.

Sonia at Mission Valley Center (619-296-6375) told me that they did indeed have expectant mother parking, “between Target and the Outback Steakhouse. We also have some on the other side of the mall by Nordstrom Rack. And there’s a family lounge where mothers can nurse their babies. It features private booths with curtains, and there is also a TV with a DVD player, some books and toys, a restroom, and bottle warmers for formula.”

Once inside, we could hit the concierge “in the center of the mall. They have strollers for rental there — $4, with a $1 refund upon return. They’ll help with shopping questions — they’ll offer gift ideas, and if you’re looking for a particular item, they can direct you to a store. You can also go to them if you need package carry-out to your car. You can also purchase gift cards there, and if you spend $250 on any given day between December 1 and December 15, you can bring your receipts to the concierge for a free gift.”

Sponsored
Sponsored

So much for shopping; what about activities? “Santa arrived on November 25, and he’s here for pictures and wishes. We’ll have carolers here on December weekends from 3 to 6 p.m. On December 5 at 6 p.m., we’ll have a Christmas tree-lighting ceremony by Nordstrom Rack, and at 6 p.m. on December 6, 13, 20, and 23, we’ll have artificial snow for kids to play in. And, of course, we’ll have the Salvation Army Giving Tree by the food court. You pick a name off the tree, purchase the specified gift for that child, and drop the gift back at the tree.”

Annie at Parkway Plaza (619-579-9932) offered expectant-mother parking “over by the JCPenney. Our concierge station is by Pat & Oscar’s — we have some awesome women there who love to help. They have free wheelchairs, but the strollers are $5 to rent, with $1 back upon return. And if you purchase something heavy or awkward, we can help carry it to your car.”

For kids, “There’s a play town, and next to that, there are some rides that cost a few coins. And there’s a double-decker carousel for $3 a ride. I’ve heard that it seems faster if you ride on the upper level. On December 7, kids can come and have breakfast with Santa for free. We’ll have activities and a little snack breakfast.”

Nancy at Horton Plaza (619-239-8180) told me that the downtown mall’s parking garage featured expectant-mother parking on levels four and five. “It’s painted with blue and pink stripes — for either a boy or a girl. You can get three free hours of parking by validating your ticket at one of the five stations inside the mall. The concierge station is on level one of the mall, by Victoria’s Secret; they have wheelchairs and strollers available for use in the mall at no charge.”

The mall’s gift-wrap station was set up on level five, “overlooking Santa’s House. It’s a brand-new Winter Wonderland this year, very white and snowy-looking. You can bring your children there for pictures, and on December 14, the day of the downtown Santa Paws parade, you can bring your pets. Outside the mall, there’s a skating rink — from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., you can skate for two hours [$10-$12, including skate rental], and all the proceeds go to Children’s Hospital.”

Kyle at UTC (858-546-8858) told me that their Santa was “available for photo ops on the mezzanine level.” The concierge, meanwhile, was “located by the large water fountain in the center of the mall. We can provide wheelchairs or strollers free of charge; you just need to fill out a liability form. We can help with package carry-out, provide customer escorts, call you a cab, or make you a dinner reservation. Expectant-mother parking is in the Sport Chalet Wing down Towne Centre Drive — the first two rows. For kids, we have a kiddie train [$3 a ticket, buy five tickets and get five free], three rock-climbing walls [$5 for all three], and an Astro Jump [$3].”

Summer at North County Fair (760-489-0631) told me to look for a large black sign designating expectant-mother parking “at all major entrances. There are strollers [$5 for a single, $7 for a double] at the entrances as well.” The wheelchairs, however, are kept at the concierge station. “And we have a family lounge with changing stations, nursing areas, a family bathroom, a TV, and a few books. There’s also a kids’ play area on the second level. And Santa’s here from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m.; kids or four-legged animals can have their picture taken with him.” Grownups can enjoy the music of “several musicians, providing entertainment throughout the mall. And the Salvation Army Giving Tree is here.”

Finally, I spoke with Kirsten at Viejas Outlet Center (619-659-2070). “We have wheelchairs available at the security office, but no stroller rental. Santa is here for photos — you can take pictures using your own camera if you want to. And we have a wonderful Christmas tree. Our skating rink is the largest in Southern California. It’s open Monday through Friday, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. The cost is $12 — that includes skate rentals and 90 minutes of skating.”

Comments
Sponsored

The latest copy of the Reader

Please enjoy this clickable Reader flipbook. Linked text and ads are flash-highlighted in blue for your convenience. To enhance your viewing, please open full screen mode by clicking the icon on the far right of the black flipbook toolbar.

Here's something you might be interested in.
Submit a free classified
or view all
Previous article

Everything You’ve Ever Wanted To Know About doTERRA

Next Article

Todd Gloria gets cash from McDonald's franchise owners

Phil's BBQ owner for Larry Turner
Comments
Ask a Hipster — Advice you didn't know you needed Big Screen — Movie commentary Blurt — Music's inside track Booze News — San Diego spirits Classical Music — Immortal beauty Classifieds — Free and easy Cover Stories — Front-page features Drinks All Around — Bartenders' drink recipes Excerpts — Literary and spiritual excerpts Feast! — Food & drink reviews Feature Stories — Local news & stories Fishing Report — What’s getting hooked from ship and shore From the Archives — Spotlight on the past Golden Dreams — Talk of the town The Gonzo Report — Making the musical scene, or at least reporting from it Letters — Our inbox Movies@Home — Local movie buffs share favorites Movie Reviews — Our critics' picks and pans Musician Interviews — Up close with local artists Neighborhood News from Stringers — Hyperlocal news News Ticker — News & politics Obermeyer — San Diego politics illustrated Outdoors — Weekly changes in flora and fauna Overheard in San Diego — Eavesdropping illustrated Poetry — The old and the new Reader Travel — Travel section built by travelers Reading — The hunt for intellectuals Roam-O-Rama — SoCal's best hiking/biking trails San Diego Beer — Inside San Diego suds SD on the QT — Almost factual news Sheep and Goats — Places of worship Special Issues — The best of Street Style — San Diego streets have style Surf Diego — Real stories from those braving the waves Theater — On stage in San Diego this week Tin Fork — Silver spoon alternative Under the Radar — Matt Potter's undercover work Unforgettable — Long-ago San Diego Unreal Estate — San Diego's priciest pads Your Week — Daily event picks
4S Ranch Allied Gardens Alpine Baja Balboa Park Bankers Hill Barrio Logan Bay Ho Bay Park Black Mountain Ranch Blossom Valley Bonita Bonsall Borrego Springs Boulevard Campo Cardiff-by-the-Sea Carlsbad Carmel Mountain Carmel Valley Chollas View Chula Vista City College City Heights Clairemont College Area Coronado CSU San Marcos Cuyamaca College Del Cerro Del Mar Descanso Downtown San Diego Eastlake East Village El Cajon Emerald Hills Encanto Encinitas Escondido Fallbrook Fletcher Hills Golden Hill Grant Hill Grantville Grossmont College Guatay Harbor Island Hillcrest Imperial Beach Imperial Valley Jacumba Jamacha-Lomita Jamul Julian Kearny Mesa Kensington La Jolla Lakeside La Mesa Lemon Grove Leucadia Liberty Station Lincoln Acres Lincoln Park Linda Vista Little Italy Logan Heights Mesa College Midway District MiraCosta College Miramar Miramar College Mira Mesa Mission Beach Mission Hills Mission Valley Mountain View Mount Hope Mount Laguna National City Nestor Normal Heights North Park Oak Park Ocean Beach Oceanside Old Town Otay Mesa Pacific Beach Pala Palomar College Palomar Mountain Paradise Hills Pauma Valley Pine Valley Point Loma Point Loma Nazarene Potrero Poway Rainbow Ramona Rancho Bernardo Rancho Penasquitos Rancho San Diego Rancho Santa Fe Rolando San Carlos San Marcos San Onofre Santa Ysabel Santee San Ysidro Scripps Ranch SDSU Serra Mesa Shelltown Shelter Island Sherman Heights Skyline Solana Beach Sorrento Valley Southcrest South Park Southwestern College Spring Valley Stockton Talmadge Temecula Tierrasanta Tijuana UCSD University City University Heights USD Valencia Park Valley Center Vista Warner Springs
Close

Anchor ads are not supported on this page.

This Week’s Reader This Week’s Reader