Last week, Caltrans’ new rules for small town parades had put an end to Lone Pine’s Christmas Parade. This week, Caltrans officials have vowed to make it happen for December 15th.
On November 2nd, Lone Pine Chamber Director Kathleen New had filed an application for a December 8th Parade. Caltrans rejected it and demanded a Traffic Handling Plan signed by a traffic engineer plus other hard to understand requirements. Ms. New said she could not get anyone from Caltrans to talk to her. With the application still rejected, she cancelled the parade.
When Caltrans officials heard this, they tried to work with Ms. New, but the parade looked doubtful.
This week, Ms. New contacted us to say a Lone Pine Christmas Parade is on for Saturday, December 15th at 1pm. She said Caltrans is now “doing what it takes. They are really working hard to make it happen.” Ms. New said Jackie Hickman of Healthy Communities stepped in to ask Caltrans for additional help. Now, Healthy Communities and the Lone Pine Chamber are working together on the parade.
Kathleen New said on a conference call, she and others went over Caltrans’ requirements point by point. She said Caltrans officials told her they would make it all work, that the Chamber would provide insurance and Hickman Construction, two traffic controllers.
So, if you’re in the parade mood, call the Lone Pine Chamber to enter. 760-876-4444.
How “un-christian” to cancel the Christmas parade!
Thanks for letting us use our roads!
I knew things would work out, just needed to settle down and talk it out, with the help of some others as well. Cool.
I’m really happy to here they worked things out.
Caleb, nice sentiment… and Big Al you were right about people needing to “settle down and talk it out”, which is exactly what happened. Kathleen and Linda at the LP Chamber are two of that community’s greatest supporters, as are Jaque and Art Hickman. We have worked together many times… Read more »
I agree Charles. A good reminder, thank you. And Merry Christmas to you my friend.