Hopefully this will be the end of my Series on the 2009 Tournament of Roses parade entries.
As everyone reading these posts surely comprehends we have been in a recession for more than a year yet the Mission Viejo city council majority felt compelled to enter a float knowing that our revenue would be negative by a few million dollars going into 2009. Further we are a bedroom community with no venues to promote to justify our participation. Now that the official list of entries has been published I can report that there will be 17 entries from CA cities including the “Making a Splash” entry from the city of Mission Viejo. Some cities are celebrating their Centennial while others justifiably promote their popular destinations.
A review of CA population data confirms there being 50 cities larger in population than Mission Viejo who chose not to enter a float in the parade. In alphabetical order they are:
Bakersfield; Berkeley; Chula Vista; Corona; Costa Mesa; Daly City; El Dorado Hills; El Monte; Escondido; Fairfield; Fontana; Fremont; Fresno; Fullerton; Garden Grove; Hayward; Irvine; Lancaster; Modesto; Moreno Valley; Norwalk; Oakland; Oceanside; Ontario; Orange; Oxnard; Palmdale; Pasadena; Pomona; Rancho Cucamongo; Richmond; Riverside; Sacramento; Salinas; San Bernardino; San Buenaventura; San Diego; San Francisco; San Jose; Santa Ana; Santa Clara; Santa Clarita; Santa Rosa; Simi Valley; Stockton; Sunnyvale; Thousand Oaks; Vallejo; Victorville; and Visalia.
2009 Tournament of Roses parade sequence
http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/ci_11330551
Parade entries, in order of appearance
PARADE ENTRIES, in order of appearance
1. MARINE CORPS MOUNTED COLOR GUARD
The only remaining Mounted Color Guard today, the team has participated in the Rose Parade since 1990.
2. AMERICAN HONDA: “Hats off in Celebration”
A 49-foot-tall, formally-clad replica of the company’s humanoid robot, ASIMO, ceremoniously doffs its black top hat, signaling for the entertainment to begin.
3. PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY MARCHING STORM BAND
The Marching Storm is well-known for its energetic marching drumline.
4. TRADER JOE’S: “Saturday Matinee”
The “Saturday Matinee” jumps from the movie screen to real life on Trader Joe’s seventh Rose Parade entry. Colorful film strips tie all the elements together as the characters provide a moving depiction of film history.
5. SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF THE REEL WEST
The riders are all sons, daughters and grandchildren of film and TV Western heroes, such as John Wayne and Will Rogers.
6. LA CANADA FLINTRIDGE TOURNAMENT OF ROSES ASSOCIATION: “Mechanical Melodies”
A trio of robot musicians is the hottest group on the Integrated Circuit. Chip plays sax, his sister, I/O, is on guitar, and Big Bot handles keyboards and CPU.
7. WEST COAST COMPOSITE MARINE BAND
The band consists of about 120 musicians from Southern California Marine Corps bands.
8. RFD-TV: “Hee Haw”
RFD-TV begins the celebration for the 40th anniversary of the first airing of “Hee Haw” with this salute to the show, which entertained television audiences for years.
9. ALL AMERICAN COWGIRL CHICKS
These rodeo cowgirls from Texas dedicate their performances to those battling cancer.
10. RAIN BIRD CORPORATION: “Entertaining Expedition”
Rain Bird’s float depicts an African safari expedition through the wilderness of the Savannah grasslands. Animal experts Jack Hanna and Walter Crawford ride in an open, four-wheel-drive vehicle.
11. SCIENCE HILL HIGH SCHOOL TOPPER BAND
The Band will be performing “Don’t Rain on My Parade,” using umbrellas in the colorguard. The school mascot is a top hat and cane.
12. CITY OF MISSION VIEJO: “Making a Splash”
The float showcases iconic Mission Viejo community landmarks – Lake Mission Viejo and the Oso Creek Trail – and reflects the city’s orientation toward family and community.
Making Sierra Madre’s Bollywood float for the Rose Parade. (Staff Photo)
13. PASADENA CITY COLLEGE HERALD TRUMPETS
The nine Herald Trumpeters represent the top high school performers in Southern California.
14. MACY’S: “Presenting the Royal Court”
The 2009 Tournament of Roses Rose Queen and Royal Court are presented in an outdoor Renaissance garden setting framed by an intricately carved Roman colonnade.
15. PASADENA CITY COLLEGE TOURNAMENT OF ROSES HONOR BAND
The Pasadena City College Tournament of Roses Honor Band has appeared in every Rose Parade since 1930.
16. VALLEY HUNT CLUB HITCH & RIDERS
The Valley Hunt Club founded the present day Tournament of Roses in 1890.
17. VERA BRADLEY: “Hope Grows”
Amongst the flowers are Vera Bradley handbags, part of the “Hope Garden” collection, which was designed to raise funds for breast cancer awareness.
18. ROTARY INTERNATIONAL: “Make Dreams Real”
The float design is based on Shakespeare’s romantic comedy and one of his most beloved and entertaining plays, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”
19. NA KOA ALII – THE HAWAII ALL-STATE MARCHING BAND
The performers will wear Raffia skirts, green haku-style head lei, long shell (Niihau type) lei, wrist leis and leather fern type neck lei.
20. DUNKIN ACRES MINIATURE DONKEY SIX HITCH
Legend says the dark stripe that forms a cross down the back and across the shoulder is a sign that these Miniature Mediterranean donkeys have been touched by the hand of God.
21. LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAl: “The Miracle Workers”
A gigantic, gold-framed “floragraph” depicting Helen Keller and her teacher, Anne Sullivan, is the centerpiece of the float, which salutes the award-winning movie and play, “The Miracle Worker.” Guide dogs for the blind join float riders and walk alongside the float.
22. UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
23. USC MARCHING BAND
24. FARMERS INSURANCE: “Family Outing”
A colorful country scene provides the backdrop for a traditional “family outing.” The 75-foot-long float features a quaint country inn nestled alongside a stream that’s accented by a water wheel, stone bridge and an archway. The elegant centerpiece of the outing is a 1926 Cadillac Phaeton.
25. MEDIEVAL TIMES DINNER & TOURNAMENT
One of the rarest breeds in the world, the Spanish Andalusian Stallion is the pride and joy of Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament.
26. CITY OF CERRITOS: “Camelot – A Knight’s Tale”
The entertaining Medieval legends of great classical literature are depicted in this dramatic floral salute to King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. Framed by colorful stained glass and arched columns within the castle of Camelot, King Arthur and his bride Guinevere kneel as they perform their marriage vows.
27. THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION YOUTH BAND BRENTWOOD, ENGLAND
The Band was originally formed as a bugle band in October 1990. It was formally adopted by The Brentwood Branch of The Royal British Legion.
28. TOURNAMENT OF ROSES PRESIDENT
President Ronald H. “Corky” Conzonire and his wife Marilyn are joined by their family along the parade route in the Glacier Park Transport Co. Bus No. 39, which was used to carry visitors in the Glacier National Park in 1925.
29. CITY OF ALHAMBRA: “Salute to the USO”
A gigantic 45-foot-long American flag provides the backdrop for four U.S. military veterans from the War in Iraq, Vietnam War, Korean War and World War II. Accompanying the float will be 20 singers and dancers performing on the street as a “Salute to the USO.”
30. ALHAMBRA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT BAND
Band director Carla K. Bartlett has composed a piece for the band and specifically for the Parade, titled “Rose Parade Cha Cha.”
31. MARTINEZ FAMILY
Benny Martinez Jr. and his wife, Rosa, have performed throughout the U.S. in Wild West shows as trick ropers.
32. SIERRA MADRE ROSE FLOAT ASSOCIATION: “Bollywood Dreams”
Sierra Madre recreates a classic Bollywood wedding scene. The bride rides in a “dholi” carried by 12 men. Her groom follows atop an ornately adorned elephant. Bollywood dancers portraying wedding guests perform alongside the float to the beat of a contemporary Bollywood soundtrack.
33. NEW MEXICO: “Hats off to New Mexico – Beep Beep!”
Zooming down the roadway of old Route 66, cartoon character Wile E Coyote, strapped atop an ACME rocket, is making yet another futile attempt to catch the Road Runner, just as he shifts into high gear.
34. HOLLYWOOD PASO FINOS
Hollywood Paso Finos is an equestrian performance group dedicated to promoting the Paso Fino horse.
35. CITY OF DUARTE / CITY OF HOPE: “Healthy Living is Child’s Play”
Child’s play is one of the most natural and fun modes of entertainment. In this float, a storybook garden and a whimsical playhouse emphasizes that a child’s imagination helps bring magic to the world.
36. THE SALVATION ARMY TOURNAMENT OF ROSES BAND
This year the band is made up of various groups from throughout Southern California.
37. LUTHERAN LAYMEN’S LEAGUE: “Hallelujah”
A huge, golden pipe organ provides the setting for a Lutheran choir as they perform “Hallelujah” along the Rose Parade route.
38. GRAND MARSHAL
2009 Rose Parade Grand Marshal Cloris Leachman will be joined on the Parade route by her family.
39. CITY OF ANAHEIM: “Crank Up the Entertainment”
A much-larger-than-life music box displays many of the entertainment offerings of Anaheim, including the Angel Stadium and the Disneyland Resort and its nightly fireworks.
40. DICK VAN PATTEN’S NATURAL BALANCE PET FOODS, INC.: “Natural Entertainers”
A 15-foot-long sculptured skateboard and a 16-foot-tall floral reproduction of Tillman the bulldog does a “wheelie” as the skateboard rises up on its rear spinning wheels. Tillman skateboards on a 55-foot-long oval track.
41. LONG BEACH MOUNTED POLICE
The Mounted Police will be dressed in costumes reminiscent of the early cowboy movies of the 1930s and 1940s.
42. CITY OF LONG BEACH: “Renaissance Revival”
A gigantic gondola will float along the Rose Parade route with a singing gondolier and the Long Beach Municipal Band, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
43. FRANK W. BALLOU MAJESTIC MARCHING KNIGHTS
Ballou Maching Band has appeared on “Good Morning America” and “The Ellen De Generes Show.”
44. NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS: “Celebrating the Dream of Home Ownership for 100 Years”
The pride of home ownership is celebrated in this fantasy floral depiction of the Swiss Family Robinson’s Victorian-style home on a tree. Securely nestled in the canopy of a gigantic tree, the treehouse-home is cantilevered over a tranquil pool of real water and features a fully-operational water wheel.
45. DOWNEY ROSE FLOAT ASSOCIATION: “Broadway’s Golden Age”
The design of the float represents a lavish 1920s Broadway production. A staircase that spirals towards the sky, a grand piano and performers with extravagant headdresses complete this setting.
46. THE VICTORIAN ROSES LADIES RIDING SOCIETY
This reenactment group from Southern California symbolizes the romance of the 1880s in the colorful Victorian costumes they wear.
47. KIWANIS INTERNATIONAL: “Sharing the Great Outdoors”
Hiking, boating, rafting and kayaking in nature’s greatness is depicted on the Kiwanis’ 28th Rose Parade entry. An eagle, bear and deer join in offering natural entertainment for the young Kiwanians.
48. GOLDEN VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL CARDINAL REGIME
This is Golden Valley’s first appearance in the Rose Parade.
49. MAYOR OF PASADENA
Mayor Bill Bogaard and his wife, Claire, are accompanied by California Sen. Jack Scott and his wife, Lacreta, in a custom-built 1927 Cadillac.
50. KAISER PERMANENTE: “Propel Your Dreams”
Floating high above floral clouds of solid roses, an exercise machine lifts off as it is powered by 14 energetic, young crew members as they row, jog and cycle to “propel” the machine into full operation. Gadgets, gauges, gears and wheels spin, twist, wobble and turn. Whistles blow, lights flash and steam spurts out from this colorful machine.
51. PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY
52. PENN STATE MARCHING BAND
53. WELLS FARGO
Each stagecoach – replicas of 19th century Wells Fargo stagecoaches – is pulled by four horses and is accompanied by an outrider.
54. CITY OF TORRANCE: “Mad Hatter’s Tea Party”
The entertaining and humorous scene of the Mad Hatter’s tea party from the classic children’s story, “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” is dazzlingly recreated in flowers in this whimsical and colorful floral setting.
55. WEST COVINA ROSE FLOAT FOUNDATION: “Hooray for Hollywood”
The float theme mimics a gala Hollywood premier. Extra-large film reels and an oversized director’s chair and camera are encircled by film strips.
56. HOMEWOOD PATRIOT BAND
This band from Alabama previously appeared in the Rose Parade in 1984 and 2003.
57. CAL POLY UNIVERSITIES: “Seaside Amusement”
Recreating the amusement parks of the earlier 20th century, the float depicts the era of timeless wooden rollercoasters, original carousels, boardwalks, electric bumper cars and entertaining fairway games.
58. NAMM (INTERNATIONAL MUSIC PRODUCTS ASSOCIATION): “Sesame Street”
On the first of the four-unit entry is Big Bird, perched on a giant red band hat, playing his trumpet. Elmo steps out with his baton, leading the way. Abby Cadabby plays her tambourine in the rhythm section, and Oscar emerges from his garbage can with his maraca.
59. HONOR BAND OF AMERICA
This band is from Indianapolis, In.
60. COWGIRLS HISTORICAL FOUNDATION
The Cowgirls are dressed in rare rhinestone-studded vintage Western wear. They ride Quarter horses.
61. CITY OF ROSEVILLE: “Entertaining Dreams for a Century”
A nearly life-sized replica of the 1909 Union Pacific engine that made the Roseville-to- Sacramento run will be a focal point of the city’s first Rose Parade entry. On the float is a depiction of a 10,000-year-old Tree of Life petroglyph carved by the Nisenan Indians.
62. MCQUEEN HIGH SCHOOL BAND
The band recently won its 11th Nevada State Marching Band Championship.
63. FTD: “The Making of an Epic”
In the grand style of Old Hollywood’s D.W. Griffith and Cecil B. DeMille, we witness an epic moment of filmmaking at its absolute best. From the set of the ancient gardens of Babylon, the history of the big screen, as seen in flowers, has been lavishly reproduced in this large-scale spectacle.
64. AGUILAS DORADAS MARCHING BAND
The band comes from a public school in Mexico, Centro Escolar Jose Maria Morelos Y Pav n de Puebla Mexico.
65. BROKEN HORN ROPERS
The ropers are riding American Quarter horses, American Paint horses and Azteca horses.
66. CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION: “Surf City USA”
The float consists of a family (mother, father, daughter, son and dog) riding a large wave off the shores of Huntington Beach. Two dolphins also ride the wave at the front of the float.
67. LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL GRENADIER BAND
The band, established in 1926, has a rich musical history, including marching in Harry Truman’s 1949 Inaugural Parade, as well as at the 1939 New York City World’s Fair.
68. THE NEW BUFFALO SOLDIERS
The group reenacts the life of Company H, 10th Regiment of the United States Cavalry from the post-Civil War era through World War I.
69. DONATE LIFE: “Stars of Life”
The float’s riders are immersed in a spectacular shower of stars climbing more than 30 feet in the air. Gold stars with floragraphs depict loved ones whose donations of organs, corneas and/or tissue saved and healed those in need.
70. CITY OF ST. LOUIS: “75 Years of Entertainment”
The city of St. Louis celebrates the 75 years that the renowned Clydesdale team has provided entertainment for audiences throughout the country. The gigantic equestrian team provides the power for this float, which additionally salutes the 150-year-old Missouri Botanical Garden.
71. BROKEN ARROW HIGH SCHOOL (THE PRIDE OF BROKEN ARROW) MARCHING BAND
The band is a 15-time Oklahoma State Marching Band Champion and is the 2006 Bands of America Grand National Champion.
72. CHINA AIRLINES: “Taiwan Lantern Festival”
The focal point of the float is the great phoenix bird rising from its ashes. Festive lanterns hang high and line the float. The phoenix resides in a magnificent garden scene of awe-inspiring floral combination.
73. SPIRIT OF THE WEST RIDERS
Equestrians embody the spirit of the American Frontier with period outfits and gear. They ride Quarter horse geldings and Arab geldings.
74. BURBANK TOURNAMENT OF ROSES ASSOCIATION: “3-D Double Feature”
A 3-D movie at a 1950s drive-in turns a bit too realistic. A giant T-Rex destroys a bridge then pops out of the screen and belches smoke. The excitement builds as alien flying saucers blast skyscrapers then leave the screen and fly toward a red convertible.
75. ODD FELLOWS AND REBEKAHS: “Going to the Fair”
A gigantic bunny has a wheelbarrow full of produce to exhibit – pumpkin, corn, grapes, carrots, beets, squash and, of course, roses.
76. THE BLUE SPRINGS HIGH SCHOOL GOLDEN REGIMENT MARCHING BAND
The band is recognized as Missouri’s only National Grammy Signature Music Program.
77. JACK IN THE BOX: “Jack-O-licious – Hats Off To Disco”
The float features a live disco band, flashing lights, a glittering disco ball and giant platform shoes – all surrounded by spinning records and street dancers shaking their booties to the infectious beat.
78. CALIFORNIA STATE FIREFIGHTERS’ ASSOCIATION
Eight members of the Huntington Beach Honor Guard will be leading two horse-drawn, antique fire wagons.
79. BAYER ADVANCED: “The Garden of Oz”
Bayer Advanced pays tribute to the 70th anniversary of the film classic “The Wizard of Oz.” The beloved characters from the movie – the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion and the Wizard – are featured in larger-than-life floral sculptures. The float also features a rose that flew on NASA’s space shuttle Atlantis.
80. ANCHORAGE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU: “Celebrating Alaska – Spirit of the Wild”
On Alaska’s first Rose Parade float, a sled team is running the course of the world famous Iditarod. A grizzly bear emerges from the floral forest as a moose stands guard over an abundance of wildlife shown throughout the float. The float is crowned with an American bald eagle.
81. SCRIPPS MIRAMAR SADDLEBREDS
Six world-class equestrians will ride champion American Saddlebred and American Indian registered horses.
82. CITY OF GLENDALE: “Sneak Preview”
The historic Alex Theater is the centerpiece of this float. The theater’s Art Deco tower with starburst crown, the three-dimensional marquee and the ticketing kiosk are noted elements of the theater’s design and are recreated on the float.
83. LOS ANGELES UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT ALL DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL HONOR BAND
In 2008, the band had the honor of being the “official” marching band of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ 50th Celebration.
84. CITY OF LOS ANGELES: “DiscoverLosAngeles.com – Entertainment Capital of the World”
Films and music are among the many types of entertainment highlighted on the city’s 111th Rose Parade entry. Adding to the tableau are the Hollywood sign, the Disney Concert Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, the Griffith Park Observatory and the Watts Towers.
85. RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (RMHCSC): “Time for a Family Gathering”
The float depicts a series of interlocking clock-like houses. Children who have been served by the Houses and Camp are the riders on the float.
87. RIVERSIDE CITY COLLEGE
The RCC “Marching Tigers” are celebrating their 25th anniversary season by making their fourth appearance in the Rose Parade.
88. WESTERN ASSET: “Entertaining Our Imaginations”
The float is a salute to imagination and to Leonardo da Vinci. Represented on the 35-foot-tall float are some of da Vinci’s creative visions. An automated drum leads the way, followed by an aerial screw, an ornithopter (flying machine), a rolling odometer and a depiction on the rear scroll of his self-portrait.
89. THE SHIRE RIDERS
The Shire Riders ride Shire draft horses and a Haflinger draft pony that dresses as a Shire and performs the Spanish Walk.
90. CITY OF SOUTH PASADENA: “Nature’s Entertainment”
The float reflects South Pasadena’s love of the outdoors and its focus on the family, symbolized by a young boy in his discovery of a family of musical frogs right in his own backyard.
– Source: Tournament of Roses
Happy New Year to all!
Actually, Larry, I hope this isn’t your last post about the Rose Parade float. I’d like to know the extent of the understated cost and the exaggeration of the community participation. I’m sure $360,000 isn’t the final number. Regarding the claims that gazillions of residents worked bazillions of hours, that’s just a joke.
Then there’s the gigantic tub of water. We’ll be lucky if the float doesn’t turn into an embarrassment.
Hey, I’ll bet the MV entry will re ignite the animosity of our Nor Cal neighbors over that flagrant waste of their water that Lake Mission Viejo is. I hope they make Frank Ury the ambassador to Marin (and that he stays there).
anonymous.Time for a little trivia based on your comment about “water.”
Back in 1976 we started filling our 124 acre (man made) lake Mission Viejo with fresh drinking water supplied from northern CA. Guess what. That year was recorded as the worst drought in northern CA history. So when discussing the status of our new lake with customers in the Bay area I suggested that they all shower with a friend to save their rationed water.
Yes we also get a large percentage of our drinking water from the Colorado River.
Yeah, that’s the year I was thinking about Larry. Even Frank Ury was showering with friends then.
I think it was more of a timing thing, the lake and the drought. Similar in a way to the Float and the Recession.
Watched the parade just now-2 hours worth-and noticed that not one of the channels showing it, NBC,ABC,HGTV, showed the Marine Corps Band or the Lutheran Laymens League float. I wonder why.
I put in many, many hours as a volunteer working on the float, beginning in October and ending on Dec. 30th. Every day I worked side-by-side with hundreds and hundreds of other Mission Viejo residents and volunteers.
We shredded straw flowers, glued on various seeds and corn husks, prepared all the thousands of roses and other flowers in individual water vials, and finally placed the live flowers on the actual float.
Not only was the float beautiful, but there was a sincere spirit of friendship and camaraderie among the groups working on our float. We met as strangers, but became friends.
And you will be happy to know that it was only reclaimed, non-drinking water that was used to fill the pool.
Pam,
Should those young people be swimming in that water?
The engineers heated the water. Also, each of the young divers have on wet suits which keep them fairly warm, and they train in the outdoor pool in Mission Viejo in colder weather than it is today.
In the sun we were so hot working on the float this week up in Irwindale that it would have felt GREAT to take a quick dip in the float’s pool (but alas, it was not filled until Dec. 31st!).
If anyone else missed the Marines marching band, try to watch KTLA’s re-broadcast. Not only were they shown, but Bob Eubanks made a nice comment about them as they played and marched past the tv cameras.
Have a wonderful New Year’s Day. It’s warmed up to the 70s (other parts of the country would love to be here today) — nice day to go out and go for a walk, perhaps along the Oso Creek Trail so nicely portrayed on our float.
Happy New Year Pam.
While I consider a post event story let me simply say that every float volunteer should be proud of their contributions be it two hours or 20 hours.
And yes, I knew in advanvce that the divers would be earing wet suits. Did you notice the missing diving board or perhaps the lack of the name Mission Viejo on the front or sides as seen on almost every other float?
Mom. We not onlly watched the parade on channels 5 & 7 we also taped it so that I might create a post event story or to answer questions such as yours.
The Lutheran Layman’s float was #37 of 90 entries. As such it was seen virtually in the middle of the two hour parade.
I did notice that they had the name on the side of the float as part of my analysis.
Please understand that three major newtworks, 4, 5, & 7 provided virtually non stop coverage. This event is not pay-per-view. As such they do need to run a few commercials to defray some of their production costs.
Hats off to Mission Viejo for participating, as well as other L.A./Orange Co cities: Duarte, Cerritos, South Pasadena, Sierra Madre, West Covina, Huntington Beach, Downey, Flintridge/La Canada, etc. A huge thank you to places like West Convina (I’m sure they’re not rolling in cash) for amazing floats! Mission Viejo’s float was fun – and creative. It’s a celebration enjoyed by a million people (live) and tens of millions via TV – money well spent.
David.
As I do not recall seeing any comments from you during the past four months on my Rose Parade series let me start by stating that I have no issue with this annual event to showcase CA while many of the upper 48 states are shoveling snow.
My son worked as a volunteer on the Mission Viejo Co.floats over 20 years ago and had a wonderful experience.
What you are ignoring must be restated.
Let me explain what led to this series. Residents of Mission Viejo were kept in the dark on our decision to even enter a float. I won’t devote time to that debate here.
While the bedroom community of Mission Viejo spent over $300,000 for our float the city of Anaheim invested $150,000 to promote their major convention center. They also have the Honda Center (formerly Arrowhead Pond), Downtown Disney, Disneyland and all of the hotels that generate a chunk of bed taxes for their General fund. How about Anaheim’s $80 million in TOT while the city of Mission Viejo’s TOT was $575,000 last year. I support that use of taxpayer funds and have told mayor Pringle of said support.
Sierra Madre. “We are a non-profit, all volunteer organization dedicated to entering a float in the annual Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade. We are a totally “Self-Built” float–we design, construct, decorate and raise the necessary funds to produce our float every year. Funding is achieved through memberships and local fundraising activities.” Gilbert comment Fantastic example by a city of 11,000 residents.
City of Long Beach. City cap for the float cost was $115,000. They are promoting the Aquarium of the Pacific, the Queen Mary,their Convention Center and the Long Beach Grand Prix. Good value and justified expenditure.
The city of Burbank’s float had a budget of $67,500. They depend extensively on volunteers and use their city yards for the construction.
One city that participated in 2008, Sante
Fe Springs, elected not to exhibit.I contacted Mr. Fred Latham months ago as part of my research. The reason is simple. They were celebrating their golden anniversary in 08.
It is worth ointing out that half of their $230,000 2008 float costs were raised from private donations.
Roseville was celebrating their Centennial. I was told that their $200,000 budget was all covered by donations including penny jars distributed around the city. Trivia. 50 pounds of pennies equals $169.52 At least that is what they told me
The city of Huntington Beach budgeted $200,000 for their float. As of July 7th they had received $110,000 in contributions toward that cost. Like the city of Roseville they too were celebrating their Centennial.
La Canada-Flintridge whose “self-built”
2008 float won the award for best Animation & Motion won the same award this year. PS: Their 2009 city budget $15,000
I believe that the float representing the city of Downey is also self funded by volunteers.
What caught my attention this year was the comment that the city of LA used ZERO taxpayer money in their entry.
David. That is the core of my angst.
Perhaps you have not been following the remodel of our County Board of Supervisors offices in Santa Ana where the cost is somewhere in excess of $350,000 which has caused an uproar in that employees are being asked to take days off without pay while others are losing their jobs. Unlike thew 2009 floats which will be dismantled in a week’s time ,at least you can see the capital project investment when you visit Santa Ana.
We have residents in our city whose 401K’s are now 201 K’s. Others have lost their jobs and some have their homes in foreclosure.
We are a bedroom community of 100,000 residents. We do not even have a minor league baseball team (as we ran the Vigilantes out of town years ago).
Perhaps you can convince us that spending over $300,000 for two minutes of air time on national TV is justified. In yesterdays OC Register council member Kelley said “I think this was an opportunity to showcase our city on national TV, and I did watch coverage and felt it did a good job of covering who we are in Mission Viejo.”
I guess we are smarter than the largest cities in ourstate such as San Diego, San Francisco, Sna Jose and other who do not need to showcase their communities. Perhaps they have a better understandning on proper use of taxpayer monies when things get tight.
Let’s look at our neighbor to the north. The city of Irvine who planned to see thousands of new homes constructed on the closed MCAS military base. Having thousands of homes to be sold why didn’t they enter a float?
One last point that I made to the Register reporter that apears in that same story. While I do not believe it is appropriate to be giving employees a raise in this recession, and knowing that our coffers will be $2 million short this year, on Monday our council will vote to reduce a pending increase to all city employees shaving somewhere over $200,000 from that promise.
Money well spent???????????????????
I await your reply.
Larry, you are entirely correct about MV and its aquatic rolling stock.
However, I do have a bit of a quibble in that I disagree about cities spending money on these extravagances at all. I find it really hard to see how a float in the parade raises a city’s visibility very much, or how the benefit of said exposure could be measured against the cost (i.e. TOT increase vs. outlay).
In any case, the cost of these things should be covered by private donations by idividuals, civic clubs, chambers of commerce, and volunteer labor.
David.
In the ideal world I am in agreement with you in that every city float should not include taxpayer monies. What impresses me this year is that a few self made floats own awards. Other winners did not sue taxpayer funds as stated. Where I might agree to use partial taxpayer funds were in the illustrations I provided. Anaheim and Long Beach are in competition for conference and related trade show exhibitors to use their convention centers. Having served as publicity chairman for an international conference and trade show, where I participated in future years conference sites selection, I still receive invitations from around the country to visit their venues. As such these two competing examples need to invest to capture the attention of prospective groups who drop millions of dollars at our events. That is in excess to TOT taxes.
Where we screwed up is not starting early with a non-profit group working together to raise funds throughout the year. It was only after I started hammering our city that any attempt was made to attract outside support.
Folks. I am going through withdrawal syndrome. We convinced the city council not to enter another Rose Parade float this year.
Therefore our city manager will not be multitasking this year as he serves on the Tournament of Roses Committee.