As I continue researching public entries into the 2009 Tournament of Roses Parade let me share my latest report on the city of LaCanada-Flintridge. Their 2008 self built entry, “Rainforest Fiesta,” won for best “animation & motion.”
I just spoke to someone in their city hall and confirmed that their city council has approved $15,000 for their 2009 entry which is named “Mechanical Melodies.”
Earlier today I spoke to one of their float volunteer who said they are already building now and have just ordered their flowers. While she could not give me their total budget I asked if it was around $50,000 which she said was probably close.
Like other groups they hold year long fundraisers for this annual community project.
The following link contains a brief clip of last year’s winning entry.
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=PEGM0_TP8uk&feature=related
Pictured on the link are “Ling Rao, 15, Eng Hong Chin, 22, and Goldie Young, 15, all of La Cañada, put the finishing brush strokes of paint on drums featured on ‘Rainforest Fiesta,’ the 2008 Rose Parade entry created by the all-volunteer La Cañada Flintridge Tournament of Roses Assn. Ruth Longoria/Valley Sun
Behind her, dozens of volunteers, from teens to older folk, worked patiently and rapidly, preparing the last details for the 50-foot-long, brightly colored structure: the 2008 La Cañada Flintridge Tournament of Roses’ float themed “Rainforest Fiesta.” The float was moved Wednesday afternoon from the construction site at Foothill Water Company, where it has been lovingly worked on by hundreds of volunteers for the past few months,to its pre-parade location under the Foothill (210) freeway at Hampton Road and Foothill Boulevard
That’s where about 600 volunteers will cover the freshly painted float with about 260,000 flowers, including roses, orchids, carnations, chrysanthemums, daisies, statice and dried materials, such as seeds, bark, fruits and vegetables. Every visible part of the float must be covered with natural materials, according to the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association’s float guidelines.”
Stay tuned. More stories on this topic to follow.
Instead of taking the city employees to task over this ridiculous project, Mayor Trish Kelley is likely deciding what she’ll wear while riding on the float and waving to the crowd. Get rid of these people in city hall! Get rid of the council members! Council members have no function in city government except to allow wrongdoing and perpetuate irresponsible behavior.
I hope all activists and other informed residents are ready to work together to throw out the council. With only Frank Ury running for reelection, this should not be a daunting task. As soon as Ury is dumped, I will be happy to work on recalling Lance MacLean. If people are not willing to work together to change things, they should expect more wasteful and ridiculous projects.
Observer.
Having just completed writing my Public
Comments for tonight’s meeting perhaps you can tune in. Anyone can watch our Mission Viejo council meetings in person or from the comfort of their computers. Earlier other cities have provided an update on their float activities, especially fundraising.