City Grinches Halt Pedestrians At Neighborhood's Holiday Display

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA —Drive through restrictions have been put into place in this San Gabriel Valley neighborhood known for its Christmas decorations. Starting Friday, Dec. 14 through Christmas Eve, pedestrian traffic is no longer allowed on Thoroughbred and Jennet Streets and portions of Turquoise Avenue.

Residents of this area have decorated their homes for the holidays for years, one-upping each other Griswold-style. For many southern Californians, visiting these streets on foot, cocoa in hand is a time-honored holiday tradition. No more, the city has said, passing their "Drive-thru only" ordinance.

Some residents aren't pleased with the city's mandate, recalling years gone by when people could stop and chat with homeowners about the decor, or warm up around a front yard fire pit before continuing their holiday trek.

Residents Marco and Marilyn Macias both told KTLA5 that "it's not the same" this year. If they have guests wanting to park and walk to a holiday party, "they have to show ID to authorities and let them know where they're going," Marco Macias told reporters. With nowhere to park, from all the traffic, sometimes his guests have to walk a mile to get into the neighborhood, he said.

Both agreed that "some of the newer neighbors" like the way things are headed.

The event is not a city-sanctioned function, and cannot be shut down. However this year they have laid down the law for the sake of public safety, they said. Food sales is also being regulated in the area.

The Rancho Cucamonga Police Department said, "the ordinance was put into place for the safety of all." Routes for driving through the Holiday Lights can be seen here.

If you are heading to the popular light show, here are some suggested directions, according to the RCPD:

Vehicles exiting the 210 freeway at Carnelian Street will be directed south on Carnelian Street, west on 19th Street, and north on Sapphire Street to access the holiday lights in the Thoroughbred and Jennet neighborhoods.

Local residents only can still travel north on Carnelian Street from the freeway exit.

Renee Schiavone Photo