The city's police force launched its annual safety campaign Wednesday in an effort to keep parade-goers safe this year.
Days before the /*parade*/, large RVs were already parked near the parade route. For the past nine parades, /*Pasadena*/ police have been enlisting the help of volunteers to check up on each parked RV as part of a safety program called Parade Watch.
The program utilizes 45 volunteers who check every motor home, trailer and large vehicle within a block of the 5.5-mile parade route.
Every vehicle that makes it through the security check gets a commemorative sticker certifying that it's received the thumbs-up for safety.
"It's important because in terrorist conditions we live in today, we have to be concerned about somebody importing something that would be detrimental to the tranquility of the parade," said Bert Tibbet, chairman of Parade Watch.
The volunteers do not inspect directly inside the vehicles. They approach the owners to go through all of the safety rules they need to be aware of. Also, the owners must agree to contact police if they see any suspicious activity.
All vehicles within one block of the parade route are subject to inspection by the Pasadena Police Department.
New Year's Day lineup on ABC7:
- 5 a.m.: ABC7 Eyewitness News at 5am
- 6 a.m.: ABC7 Eyewitness News at 6am
- 7 a.m.: Good Morning America Weekend
- 8 a.m.: Tournament of Roses Parade (See prep work for the Roses Parade)
- 10 a.m. 2011 Outback Bowl: Florida Gators at Penn State Nittany Lions
