What to do about Thoroughbred
John Valenzuela/Staff Photographer
Thoroughbred is a pretty big deal. Last year's event, pictured here, had a better turnout because of warmer weather but many still drove up in recent days despite the pouring rain.
The city has a neutral position on the Christmas lights affair. It does not sanction or prohibit the event. Instead, about 15-20 sheriff's personnel and volunteers go to monitor traffic and keep watch in the week prior to Christmas.
"It's not a sanctioned event. It has nothing to do with us," said sheriff's Capt. Joe Cusimano. "It's just a matter of we know it's going to happen and we have to maintain public safety."
Some residents think the city should do more.
Roger Baer, who lives on the corner of Thoroughbred and Sapphire, said the city spends thousands on marketing itself so why not use Thoroughbred to promote the city and take control of the event. That way, Thoroughbred can become pedestrian-only, eliminating so much of the traffic problems that plague the neighborhood.
Sue Jones, who lives in the neighborhood east of all the hoopla, said motorists ignore barricades and park in front of fire hydrants.
"The parking laws just go out the window," said Jones, but added she doesn't know what the solution is.
But according to Cusimano, turning the event into a street fair with foot traffic only creates problems for residents who use their cars to get in and out of the neighborhood. Plus, that takes a lot of man power and therefore a lot of city resources.
What do you think? Should the city do anything different in regards to Thoroughbred?
I like the idea of walking - for years we have walked. But we are able to park nearby. If they switch to walking only, then there will be a massive parking problem. I can't think of anywhere close that could handle that many cars.
No. The money coming into the city from tourism helps the city especially in these economically depressed times. Restaurants, movie theaters, the mall, and especially local limo services all receive more business. With empty store fronts, empty office buildings, and half built neighborhoods, Rancho has seen better days. The city is having trouble even maintaining it's landscaping, so any money coming into the city is a good thing. And 15,000 tourists and locals every night on the weekend stimulates our devastated economy. I live on Sapphire and Banyan with only one outlet into my neighborhood. The police handle the situation perfectly. The city should take control of the trash problem though. They should hire a trash service to pick up the diapers and beer bottles left by those who aren't so...civic minded. As for changing anything on Thoroughbred I say don't mess with a good thing.
I love Christmas but dread this event every year.My home of 25 years backs up to Carnelian and the noise is so bad I have taken to wearing ear plugs for the entire time. Takes the fun out of the music and family thing. Each morning I pick up the used diaper and beer bottles while smelling human urine.These are presents from those wishing to bypass the traffic on Sapphire. I have tried leaving a trash barrel on the easement but its use seems to be foreign. If this becomes a walking event where will these people park? EVERYWHERE. The people who live between Carnelian and Sapphire and Orange and Lemon do not have barriers or increased patrols but we do have the trash, litter,stench and increased prowling. I say let it become a city event, manage it with all the resources needed to protect everyone ( collect taxes and business fees on items that are being sold and charge an entrance fee ) or GET RID OF IT
I have lived in Alta Loma for 25 years not far from Thoroughbred. I have seen the lights and activity on Thoroughbred grow from beginning to what it is now. It amazes me to look down Sapphire and see the endless line of cars inching there way up to view the lights. In past years of have been critical of the traffic, cops, etc. and blame the residents for creating such a community mess.
Recently the last couple years I have had a complete change of heart. Maybe its the situation with our politicians, (two faced, and create more problems than they ever solve) the economy, or I'm just getting old and realizing "why worry about the small things in life". I really think its because I too visit and walk the "lights" each year and see what happiness it brings to people of all ages. It really is a community event already.
The people of the Thoroughbred neighborhood enjoy putting up the lights, paying the bills, tolerating the traffic and probably endless visitors during four weeks between XMAS and New Year's each year.
Thank you folks for creating this enjoyment!
Keep the politicians out of it. Enjoy the efforts of those who spend hours on end to set it up and take it down! Yes I am sure that some living on surrounding streets suffer the side effects, but sometimes we just have to accept some inconvenience. Suck it up! I too have found myself stuck in traffic jams because of the lights, but have come to grin and bear the situation, realizing I too will be viewing and enjoying the lights each year.
Thanks again to all those in the Thoroughbred neighborhood for creating this amazing light display.
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