Rain prompts cancellation of Escondido Christmas parade
By: SCOTT MARSHALL - North County Times | ∞
ESCONDIDO - Police canceled Escondido's annual Christmas parade Saturday for the first time in almost six decades because of traffic safety concerns related to early-morning rainfall, officials said.
Parade organizers, city officials and a longtime parade participant expressed disappointment at the decision, which Escondido police made around 5 a.m. Saturday. Some said, though, that they understood the move was based on public safety.
Saturday would have been the 57th consecutive installment of the Escondido Jaycees Christmas Parade. More than 110 groups - including marching bands, Scout troops, baton twirlers and dancers - were scheduled to participate in the 9:30 a.m. procession.
"Right now, we should be in the middle of the parade with kids smiling and lots of good things going on," Wally Gutierrez, vice president of the Jaycees, said by telephone Saturday morning.
Gutierrez said the Jaycees work all year to put on the parade, which has never before been canceled.
"We're disappointed, but we understand the police are the ones who protect us, and they made the call," Gutierrez said.
Escondido police Sgt. Dana Ray said he called off the parade because of overall traffic safety concerns.
The parade requires 74 road closures, including 68 that must be staffed by police personnel. Rainy conditions such as those in Escondido early Saturday morning can make traffic conditions dangerous, and an hour-by-hour weather forecast Ray said he saw online showed rain expected to continue in the city through 4 a.m. Sunday.
Police from other departments, including Oceanside, San Diego, National City, La Mesa, and Chula Vista were scheduled to come to Escondido to assist during the parade. Those included police motorcycles, which generally are not ridden in the rain, and if the assisting officers did not come, public safety would have been at risk, Ray said.
Ray said his decision was analogous to one by the state Department of Transportation last week to close parts of highways 76 and 78 over the weekend because of possible mudslides from expected rainfall in areas burned by the October wildfires.
"You make the best decision you can based on public safety," Ray said.
A letter last month from the city to the Jaycees stated a special event permit for the parade was approved with 25 conditions, including Escondido police having the right to take control of the parade if necessary "to ensure the safety of participants/spectators."
Rainfall in the city had stopped by the time the parade was scheduled to begin, however.
"The sun's out," Gutierrez said. "It's not raining. The street's dry. I wish I had the magic answer."
Ray said the Jaycees were told a decision on whether to cancel the parade would not be made before Saturday morning. Ray said he had to make the decision by 6 a.m. Saturday.
Escondido Mayor Lori Holt Pfeiler said the cancelation was disappointing, but that a decision had to be made. Although the sun came out for a while, skies appeared to be growing cloudy again as Pfeiler spoke by phone to a reporter Saturday morning.
"It just wouldn't have been a pleasant experience," Pfeiler said of the cold and rainy conditions for the parade.
Escondido Councilman Ed Gallo, a longtime Jaycees volunteer involved with the parade for more than 30 years, said all of the groups scheduled to be in the parade had made their plans and paid their expenses to be in the event, but the weather did not cooperate.
"I know it was a judgment call at the time, and for that time, he probably made the right call," Gallo said of Ray's decision to cancel the parade. "I probably would have waited longer, but I'm not in public safety."
In an e-mail addressed to Jaycees volunteers, a copy of which Gutierrez provided to the North County Times, Jaycees President Leone O'Neal wrote that she was devastated by the parade cancelation and that she believed it was called off entirely too soon.
In a separate e-mail addressed to the mayor and City Council, O'Neal wrote that she believes the city owes the Jaycees a detailed explanation of why the parade was canceled.
Gutierrez said the Escondido Jaycees are scheduled to meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Royal Travel Service, 125 N. Kalmia St., to discuss the cancellation. The organization welcomes people to tell what they think about what happened, Gutierrez said.
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Alan & Janie wrote on Dec 8, 2007 12:56 PM:10:50 AM:It's been sunny off and on, with clouds, but no rain at our house. So, we're a little confused why the Christmas Parade was called off. What a shame, my family has been looking forward to this, it's our tradition.
Jaque wrote on Dec 8, 2007 12:57 PM:12:10 PM:Classic lack of accountability. Nobody knows nobody who cancelled the parade. Geez, get the facts straight Stuard.
Scouts wrote on Dec 8, 2007 12:58 PM:12:27 PM: Someone really screwed up! Does the Police Department melt in the rain? I am 12 years old and I can handle rain Why can't they?
Fred A wrote on Dec 8, 2007 12:58 PM:12:29 PM:The Police Department should apologize to the Parade Committee (Jaycees)
Sad Day in Escondido wrote on Dec 8, 2007 1:09 PM:12:34 PM: Alan & Janie are right
Pat wrote on Dec 8, 2007 2:59 PM:It is a disappoint to everyone and I remember being in the parade many times when it was raining. But, I think the police department was looking out for everyones safety. I drive up and down Broadway every day and just with the rain we have had....there are many puddles. Who would be blamed if someone was seriously injured??
Out of the mouths of babes... wrote on Dec 8, 2007 3:21 PM:"Does the Police Department melt in the rain? I am 12 years old and I can handle rain Why can't they?"--- Kid, I'd trust YOU to be mayor of the city, of chief of police, or ANY other government position. You are cool, unlike the "adults" who do not take responsibility, have no accountablity, no relatability, and are continually enthralled with their own sphere of authority.
Santa, we missed you wrote on Dec 8, 2007 3:35 PM:We agree, what a sad day indeed. Not a lot of rain fell in our neighborhood--we're confused and disappointed. Our city really needed a parade right now!!
ok... wrote on Dec 8, 2007 4:51 PM:It WAS A PARADE! NOT A TERRORIST PLOT!! GET OVER IT!!...(fireworks are better) YAY PARADE!
to "ok"... wrote on Dec 8, 2007 5:16 PM:No, it's not just a parade. It is a tradition in Escondido that's lasted for over 50 yrs and has involved several generations of Escondido residents. Yeah, "fireworks are better..." Why don't you talk to the local firefighters about that one. GET OVER YOURSELF! The Jaycees parades mean alot to many people in Escondido
Concerned wrote on Dec 8, 2007 5:58 PM:I heard they are robbing the Donut shops..... You had better not go out today.
Adam wrote on Dec 8, 2007 6:00 PM:I'll bet it was a cruel joke done by the Muslims. LOL
paul wrote on Dec 8, 2007 6:04 PM:My granddaughter was supposed to be in the parade and didn't find out it was canceled til we showed up at 8:30 a.m. What's up with with that?
Handyman wrote on Dec 8, 2007 6:26 PM:I kind of liked it ( NO PARADE ) You can get around town with out a nitemare!
Grench wrote on Dec 8, 2007 7:55 PM:Grench = Escondido Police Department
Phil wrote on Dec 8, 2007 7:58 PM:Handyman only cares about himself! NOT the children of Escondido The Grench is Handyman. Handyman might be a retired Escondido Policeman
We support Jaycees wrote on Dec 8, 2007 8:14 PM:We know that beautiful red head Leone from our chuch. She is a one in a million, we know what a gift she is. Our hearts go out to her as we know she put her heart into this parade ! God bless you, Leone! You are a blessing to us and Escondido.
to "Handyman" wrote on Dec 8, 2007 8:21 PM:Hey, "Quality Handyman"-why don't you learn how to spell, maybe you'd get more business. Do you think you could at least install a mail box correctly? We're all wondering. tee hee. You're such a Quality Handyman, dont' let us down.
Merry Christmas wrote on Dec 8, 2007 8:27 PM:God Bless the Jaycees for trying!
re: paul wrote on Dec 8, 2007 8:30 PM:sorry pal, do you really think they had time to call each and every entry?? they probably did their best, what can you expect with a parade so large? we took a proactive approach and checked their website before we left. survival of the fittest, man
J.C,s We LOVE YA wrote on Dec 8, 2007 8:32 PM:we love the fact you are so dedicated. don't matter if the parade didn't happen. you tried, that's what matters.
grench the second wrote on Dec 8, 2007 8:48 PM:...might be someone that wants to call it a HOLIDAY parade.
when's the rescheduled parade? wrote on Dec 8, 2007 8:58 PM:Are they rescheduling the parade, or what? Let us know, Escondido Police Department, you're the ones' that cancelled it. Santa is upset with you! And the rest of San Diego County,as well. What in the world were you thinking. Kudos to the Jay-cees.
hey neighbor lady! wrote on Dec 8, 2007 9:19 PM:we love you Leone and support you wholeheartedly. Queen of the tennis court, you rule!
Grinch is City of Escondido wrote on Dec 8, 2007 9:20 PM:what happened?
Jaque wrote on Dec 8, 2007 9:30 PM:Merry Christmas everyone, from your friendly city of Escondido. Send Lori Holt an email exclaiming how happy you are with her staff.
Nobody knows! wrote on Dec 8, 2007 9:44 PM:that's the answer you'll get from the city authorities. What a joke, i feel sorry for all the familes with kids that were involved. it's not fair
what an abomination wrote on Dec 8, 2007 9:53 PM:Christmas Parade cancelled, WHAT???? We hope you can look at yourselves in the mirror tomorrow morning. Think long and hard at what your decision has done to thousands of people that were expecting a parade. Just think about it.
a crying shame wrote on Dec 8, 2007 9:59 PM:never thought I'd live to see the day Escondido didn't have a Christmas Parade.
Thank You! wrote on Dec 8, 2007 10:16 PM:We are personal friends of Jaycee President, Leone O'Neal. You don't know how hard this woman worked, how much personal time she and her fellow volunteer Jaycee members sacrificed, how concerned she and they were about this entire parade. Our thoughts are with her and the entire organization of the Escondido Jaycees, what a devastating thing to have happen...
EscoRes wrote on Dec 8, 2007 10:28 PM:Thank goodness the likes of Corbin Bleu, Mario Lopez, Drake Bell, and latest Disney star weren't part of the march. I can imagine their sissy fits if they had planned. . .
Former Escondido Resident wrote on Dec 8, 2007 10:44 PM:Glad to be out of Escondido.
Too Much power? wrote on Dec 8, 2007 11:05 PM:Since when did the Police get all this power??? They also closed the Escondido street fair. The police said it was due to wind but at the time it was closing the wind was not as bad as it was earlier in the day. They were yelling at vendors who were still selling some stuff when they were closing. From what I heard no one wanted to close nor felt the wind was too bad for their tents.
Band Geek wrote on Dec 8, 2007 11:07 PM:If anyone's ever had a band geek child, you'll understand that the schools are freak'n anal about the band uniform getting soiled or wet. Even when sunny and dry out, the kids still aren't allowed to sit down on the ground, grass, etc. I would venture to speculate that closure of the parade had something to do with band-geek uniform issues.
Former Esco Res wrote on Dec 8, 2007 11:13 PM:We're Glad to be back in Escondido! We've missed it, the people, all of the art galleries and restaurants. We are happy to be back HOME! Merry Christmas, Escondido. We LOVE you!
that's so weird wrote on Dec 9, 2007 12:46 AM:Uhhhh -- it's a CHRISTMAS parade. At times that might mean that the weather outside is frightful, but the show must go on! Do they cancel the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade in New York when it is snowing? --- Nooooooo! There are Christmas parades that go on all over this country in rain, snow, sleet, you name it. This was a ridiculous decision. Public safety???? Maybe people should learn how to drive, walk, go around the puddle, etc!!
Escondodo wrote on Dec 9, 2007 3:27 AM:Is there really anything of quality and spirit left in Escondido? I am a 'young senior' and I walked down to see the parade. It is one of our most beloved and long-standing traditions. It was rain. Rain isn't an emergency. Whoever authorized this decision should be very ashamed. What a sad day, indeed!
Stop Whining Please wrote on Dec 9, 2007 7:27 AM:While I can understand the disappointment of those planning on participating, all I see here is much whining. The Police had to base their decision on forecasted weather. While it may have been mostly sunny at parade time, the article clearly explains the need to have extra officers from out of town in to man the entire parade route. They don't just arrive at the drop of a hat and I apologize to the EPD for my fellow citizens who can't see past the ends of their own noses for your decision to cancel the parade. I can appreciate that many people put many hours into the planning of this annual event. Having marched in it a couple times, I'd not want the responsibility of getting large groups of kids safely to their parents had the parade stepped out and then midway through the winds and hail that were predicted had arrived. Please get over yourselves.
Mr. Grinch wrote on Dec 9, 2007 7:50 AM:The Escondido Police Department is Grinch’s who stole Christmas in Escondido!
Macy's Parade wrote on Dec 9, 2007 7:53 AM:At the Macy's Thanksgiving is sometimes rains or even snows but the Parade still goes on. What up in Escondido ????? Rain 4 hours before and the Parade gets called ?&%$#@
longtimeres wrote on Dec 9, 2007 8:09 AM:What a blessing! Christmas Parade day is always the worst day of the year to be in Esco--and believe me, there are many bad days here. I always get up very early and leave town, do my Christmas shopping elsewhere because of the police shutting down most of the streets in town for this hick thing. I finally decided they do this to both try to aggrandize the pd and also to make sure they all get lots of overtime for their Christmas shopping.
Parade not for the mayor wrote on Dec 9, 2007 8:16 AM:Boo hoo. So our mayor says it wouldn't have been a pleasant experience. Since when is the parade all about her? It's not. It's about the kids who came out to get in line at 9:00 on Saturday morning when the sun was shining. Sure it was cold, but they were prepared and ready to go. I guess our mayor just wanted a few more hours of sleep.
Slappy wrote on Dec 9, 2007 8:51 AM:We march rain or shine for the last 56 years and all of a sudden we are afraid to get wet. what a joke. That would have probably been one of the best parades ever. Thanks grinch
Cougar wrote on Dec 9, 2007 8:56 AM:Scouts, you'd have to know Dana Ray!
i cant wait wrote on Dec 9, 2007 9:35 AM:Till next year when they cancel the parade for snow. I hate the road closures...for what? A bunch of dumb floats noone goes to see anyway? Floats are a waste of time and energy. Go build something useful to society, not something you use once then destroy. Didn't a US President die in a parade? See? They're dangerous and useless. BAH HUMBUG!
to former Escondido Resident wrote on Dec 9, 2007 9:36 AM:Im glad you're gone too! YAY!
Whats wrong with wrote on Dec 9, 2007 10:26 AM:next Saturday, some magic wizard says it must be held on December 8th?
Get a grip wrote on Dec 9, 2007 10:48 AM:They canceled the parade because they start setting it up at 4 or 5 in the morning when it was still pouring rain. Back east, things get canceled all the time due to weather, it's just a fact of life. Here in sunny CA everyone freaks out when it rains. Everybody calm down, it will get rescheduled.
Fred wrote on Dec 9, 2007 10:50 AM:I believe the Police made the right decision. If it had gone bad they would have been blamed. So they cannot win.
Public Funds? wrote on Dec 9, 2007 10:55 AM:Who's paying for all of the police presence for this "Christmas" parade? Tax payers? NC Times needs to investigate who's footing this bill. Good call by police... there's a reason why they're in the business of public safety ...
to "Fred" wrote on Dec 9, 2007 11:08 AM:you obviously have no inkling about what would have to be done in order to reschdule such an event: the permits. insurance policies. band scheduling. realize the facts, it would take another year to "reschedule"
Concerned Mother wrote on Dec 9, 2007 11:25 AM:So it seems that most of the complainers are not concerned about public safety. Hmmm? Oh and by the way I live less than a mile from the parade route and we had pouring rain and hail mid-day. Maybe we should be thankful all those little girls scouts weren't walking in the rain instead of complaining. Public safety and the availablity of police officers to respond to emegencies away from the parade route was obviously a valid concern. Hopefully they will be able to reschedule it.
To Fred wrote on Dec 9, 2007 11:36 AM:You must not believe in Christmas. The Police made the WRONG decision. They called the Parade at 5am. The rain stopped around 8am. Isn't 1 1/2 not enoungh time to get to there post. "Not if you have to stop at the Donut shop"
ICanJust wrote on Dec 9, 2007 11:50 AM:I can just see all those posts if the parade hadn't been cancelled and the rain had produced major negative consequences. "Couldn't they see it was going to rain, the clouds had been up there since Friday?" "Didn't they know that rain was going to leave them short-staffed for traffic control?" "Couldn't they tell that the roads get slippery when it rains and that lame driver was going to blow through the intersection and plow into the band?" Yep, we'd have seen all those and more. NCT Comments Section, the 20-20 hindsight message board.
To the City and Police wrote on Dec 9, 2007 11:53 AM:I really do not believe you understand how important this Parade is to us citizens.
Timing wrote on Dec 9, 2007 1:24 PM:I think the question isn't so much "Should they have canceled the parade"? I think the question is "Should the police have canceled the parade when they did?" Sgt. Ray said he had to make the decision by 6:00 am. So why didn't he wait an hour and make the call at that time? What was the benefit of not waiting another hour?? The weather started to clear by 6:00 and it was obvious that things were looking better by that time. It was a judgment call, just premature, I believe.
To ICanJust wrote on Dec 9, 2007 1:46 PM:If it was rainning at 9:00am I could have understand. But 5:00am ? Like Fred said you must have been at the Donut shop with the police
I agree wrote on Dec 9, 2007 1:53 PM:If it was raining at 9:00am or 9:30am I could have understood the cancellation BUT 5:00am give me a break.
Santa wrote on Dec 9, 2007 1:55 PM:The Police was naughty not nice. The will have COAL in there stockings.
Im a resident of escondido wrote on Dec 9, 2007 6:42 PM:My family and I have been for over 30 years. I see no reason for this parade. Im glad it was cancelled because we can actually drive around toen on a saturday close to Christmas llike we should be able to. Good call EPD...this parade is a disaster without rain.
Derick wrote on Dec 9, 2007 7:58 PM:Get over it Escondido, it's to bad for all the hard work that went into it but god forbid if anything went wrong the lawyers and the sue happy citizens would be having a field. It's just not worth it. It really is a shame how everybody just wants to sue.
Blame The Weatherman wrote on Dec 10, 2007 12:24 PM:He didn't keep his word. Had to go with his best guess. Call time for City workers and PD was long before parade time. The "no way to win" call had to be made early. And wasn't it great to see Councilmember Ed Gallo step up with his statement. C'mon Ed, the guy wasn't going to win with any decision. The least you can do is back him up or shut up until the voters can do it for you.
To Blame The Weatherman wrote on Dec 10, 2007 2:59 PM:Ed Gallo's statement?.... C'mon! Did you read Escondido Mayor Lori Holt Pfeiler statement?" "It just wouldn't have been a pleasant experience," Pfeiler said of the cold and rainy conditions for the parade." Mayor Pfeiler do you cancel work for the city employees if it rains 4 hours before their shift?...
Another Former Escondido Resident wrote on Dec 10, 2007 5:35 PM:I'm glad I lived there during all of the 1980s when Escondido was still a nice community and a great place to live. But with all of the growth and the problems growth brings, maybe it's time to realize that the Escondido Christmas Parade should be a thing of the past.
Escondodo wrote on Dec 11, 2007 4:08 AM:The sad irony is that for those of us who actually attend this parade - we see more goodwill between our various ethnic groups than at any other city event that I have attended. Everyone is included and applauded. Everyone comes away from the parade with renewed spirits. It is truly a community event. The mayor would not have been missed if she chose not to attend. The rest oof us would have had a much more pleasant experience.
Escondodo wrote on Dec 11, 2007 4:09 AM:The sad irony is that for those of us who actually attend this parade - we see more goodwill between our various ethnic groups than at any other city event that I have attended. Everyone is included and applauded. Everyone comes away from the parade with renewed spirits. It is truly a community event. The mayor would not have been missed if she chose not to attend. The rest of us would have had a much more pleasant experience.
Current Escondido resident to 'Another Former Escondido Resident wrote on Dec 11, 2007 4:19 AM:Escondido has its problems but we could turn it around with new leadership. Escondido can become a nice community again if it doesn't become a sacrifice to border politics. Our very future depends on how we deal with this issue.
To Current Escondido Resident wrote on Dec 11, 2007 2:47 PM:Many of us former Escondido residents think that it's already too late. That's why we moved.
One of the participants wrote on Jul 6, 2008 9:29 AM:The call to cancel the parade was made correctly. Yes, it was dissapointing. I ride a horse. Riding on slippery wet pavement is not fun. This is completely a safety concearn.
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