California Great America (CGA) Discussion Thread

[MechanicCan you see the donkey in my toast?]

^ I received the same "out of office" form email. I'm glad you liked my message enough to use it as well. I have no idea if emailing will help or not, but if it does, so much the better.

All of us here know how desperately the park really does need a new coaster. Personally, I'm more a fan of steel than wood, but that's mainly because most of the admittedly few woodies that I've ridden have declined in ride experience pretty significantly over time. That said, Im fairly certain that I'd enjoy the new ride for at least a few years. Hopefully, with new leadership in place at the upper levels of CF, they might see their way clear to add another coaster by the time the new woodie begins to fade.

Although I don't want to get my hopes too high, I feel better about the future of this park than I have in quite some time. I honestly went to last year's CGA day of the TPR Bay Area Bash expecting that it might be my last visit to CGA ever, since I really did feel the park's days were numbered. I don't see the park as being turned around by any means, but the new woodie would be a huge step in the right direction.

[TmcdllrWhy do I still have a donkey title???]

Add a couple of thrilling coasters and this park will be popular again.

[Angry_GumballIt's All About Quality!]

^I remember my 1999 visit to GA, and that park had quite a bit of people for a typical summer Saturday. By the time night fell, I still had about a 20-minute wait for Drop Tower. Stealth was still under construction but GA had Tidal Wave still running (which was my first and only ride). After 1999, I hadn't gone to CGA until 2007 when I became a 'regular visitor' as I had a SFDK pass, then had college taking over everything. As far as flat rides go, I think at the moment GA is pretty solid. They could definitely use atleast 2 coasters: 1 as a much needed coaster and the other to replace Invertigo. As of right now (or when S:UF get's built) CGA won't have the most coasters in Northern California as what is played over their PA system entering the park.

Mechanic: your letter was very well written. While mine covered the same/similar points, looking back, I probably could have worded it better. If anyone's curious, here's what I wrote:

To whom it may concern:

I am a frequent visitor of the California's Great America (CGA) amusement park and have come across efforts for a proposed wooden coaster for CGA. I first heard about this back in 2008 where there was to be a 111-foot coaster in the northwestern part of the park when plans came to a screeching halt due to noise concerns from the neighboring building, ultimately being concerns from Prudential. From that point, it seemed that the project went on hold, or vanished altogether.

Several years later (Last June and moreso last February) I saw that the plans were revived for revised plans. Being curious in how the project was rolling along, I recently saw the same noise concerns. While I don't know the exact details this time as it has not made it to any news sites, only seeing an appeal from Prudential, it concerned me that the same dilemma is bound to happen 4 years later.

Why am I concerned? As a frequent visitor to CGA from Hayward (and a member of the general public), I feel that adding a major attraction (something the park has not seen since the early 2000's) would be a huge draw for the park, attract more visitors (I'm sure you are aware of how successful the Haunt event has been, that's 1 thing that's new for the park since 2008 and has grown over the years), and in the long run be more beneficial to the city. Many people were actually let down just before the 2011 season when one of the park's major (and very popular) attractions were pulled, in hopes that something major will replace it.

I do understand that there are neighbors next to the park, and back in 2008, it was noted that the park already makes too much noise. Realistically, what should one expect when they choose to set up shop right next to a theme park? Prudential (and tenants renting the office spaces) should have already aware that if they move next to a theme park, they should expect noise. It is up to them if they want their employees to be easily distracted or not, thus if being in that location will provide distractions from their workflow, that location is probably not the best for them. What should one expect when they choose to live right by the airport or next to the train tracks? I do realize there are efforts to keep noise levels under control, and there are several modifications that have been done to roller coasters to help muffle the screams and noise (whether if it's some form of sound wall, or 'scream tunnels' that cover portions of the track that are most likely to cause a rider to scream).

As much as I'm just a regular park guest, I feel that giving my feedback representing the public is important and I hope you take these thoughts into consideration (if the city council team hasn't already).

Thank you for your time.

I know it's not perfect but I think I delivered my point.

[disney4me2001Have I mentioned how awesome donkeys are?]

I just sent in my own email. I've never visited CGA (I'm from AZ), but I do visit SoCal multiple times per year, and a new coaster at CGA would be a good reason for me to make a special trip to NorCal. So I made a point of stating this in my email to let the city know that this decision could affect future tourism and that allowing CGA to go forth with their plans would make it a favorable destination for tourists such as myself. Hopefully it will help, although I'm assuming I'll get the same canned response that everyone has gotten. We can only hope that the Mayor and city council will actually take the time to read what we wrote!

[gromithereI think Intamin should make a donkey!]

Finally got around to writing a letter very similar to those I've seen posted in this thread. I am expecting a form letter response soon.

[MrSum1_55The only thing better than a naked woman is a naked donkey!]

I am currently working on my letter to the council. In addition to the points brought up, I also plan to mention the closures of Geauga Lake and SFKK. I hope to get it done soon, but I may not be able to until Monday. (When is the final voting session?) If anyone else plans to write to the mayor and council, I would love to see someone bring up GL and SFKK, considering how these parks closed, at least in part, due to a lack of new rides.

[larrygatorObsessive Overlord of the TPR Park Index]

Remember if you guys are spending your money up in Vallejo instead of Santa Clara that's important to point out also.

[RAWKIN_coaster38Jar-Jar Binks smells like Donkey]

^I've thought about writing a letter for that reason. I haven't been to CGA since '06 when I hit all the coasters and haven't felt the need to go back since, partially because there hasn't been anything new. However, I go to SFDK every year and they always have something new.

Where's the e-mail address you guys are sending to? I somehow missed it if it was posted.

[XYZA village is missing its IDIOT!]

Remember if you guys are spending your money up in Vallejo instead of Santa Clara that's important to point out also.

I was a CGA season pass-holder in 2007, 2009, 2010, & 2011 with 2008 left out because of the recession. In 2012, I did not get a CGA season pass, but a SFDK season pass because of S:UF and that I wanted to try out an amusement park with more massive roller coasters.

I will get around in sending the letter soon.

[TmcdllrWhy do I still have a donkey title???]

^I've thought about writing a letter for that reason. I haven't been to CGA since '06 when I hit all the coasters and haven't felt the need to go back since, partially because there hasn't been anything new. However, I go to SFDK every year and they always have something new.

Where's the e-mail address you guys are sending to? I somehow missed it if it was posted.

Santa Clara mayor's office email


Click on ' send message to' and scroll down to "Mayor, Council, Board & Commissions"