Christmas Tree Lane (Daisy Avenue)

  News Details     Daisy Avenue Christmas Tree Lane's Parade Central
Parade, Saturday Dec. 12th, 5:00 P.M.
Thank you for visiting the Seventh District website and official site of the 56th Annual Daisy Lane Parade, a unique community event sponsored by the City of Long Beach.
Daisy Christmas Tree Lane Parade Information
The fun starts Saturday, December 12th, 5:00pm
Daisy Avenue, from Hill Street to Pacific Coast Highway
Parade History:
The parade began in 1953 as the brainchild of Gertrude Whittle. Ms. Whittle was able to persuade the Long Beach City Council and Council of Churches to help decorate the grass median on Daisy Avenue, between Pacific Coast Highway and Willow Street, with a Christmas Village and nativity scene. Soon after, many area residents began decorating their homes and Daisy Lane as we now know it, was born! The event grew to include more displays, entertainment and a parade.
These days, the parade not only receives support from the City of Long Beach, but also from its numerous sponsors and community members.
Groups wishing to participate in the parade may fill out the following participation packet and return to the 7th Council District office by Thursday, November 19th.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wrigley Battle Over Christmas Decorations Heats Up

^{By Leslie A.M. Smith
Staff Writer}

^{Published: Wednesday, April 22, 2009 1:11 PM PDT}

Daisy Avenue dispute may go to court

CHRISTMAS: Groups are fighting over the removal of displays; one side claims theft. By Greg Mellen, Staff Writer Posted: 04/07/2009 09:47:26 PM PDT

LONG BEACH - A long-simmering dispute between two neighborhood groups could be headed to court.

The Wrigley Area Neighborhood Association hired a law firm and sent a letter to the Wrigley Association with a deadline of today to return items it claims were stolen.

Ever since the Wrigley Area Neighborhood Association broke off from the Wrigley Association, the two groups have argued over ownership and control of the dozens of displays that make up the popular Christmas Tree Lane along the grassy median of Daisy Avenue during the Christmas season.

The dispute reached a new level on March 6, when workers hired by the Wrigley Association began picking up and moving displays that had been sitting on the lane for more than two months, while WANA sought storage space.

Wrigley representatives, who say their group owns the displays, claimed WANA had missed several deadlines to clear the lane and worried the property would be declared abandoned by the city and sold at auction.

On the morning of March 6, Wrigley workers began taking the items to an undisclosed location.

Members from WANA reacted quickly and tried to stop the removal. When police decided not to intervene, volunteers from both groups raced to claim different displays.

At a closed-door meeting Thursday, WANA leaders decided to hire a law firm to represent the group in an attempt to retrieve the displays.

They have since referred all questions to the law firm of RM Anthony Cosio, which did not return a phone call from the Press-Telegram.

The Wrigley Association responded to the demand letter with a press release claiming that WANA has twice ignored attempts to resolve the dispute and refused to negotiate with board members seeking amicable resolution.

The Wrigley Association says despite its ownership of the displays, it has offered to sell the property to WANA for $1,800, a fraction of the $14,000 it claims is the documented construction value alone.

Wrigley Association President Annie Greenfield says she has ample evidence that supports her group's ownership of the displays.

Greenfield said she has seen the letter but that no decisions have been made by her group.

"I can tell you we are evaluating the letter and we are not going to respond by (today)," Greenfield said. "Whatever happens is going to happen."

It is unknown what WANA's next move will be, although the Wrigley Association quoted the lawyer's note as saying "I shall take appropriate action and seek all remedies available to my client."

Although Greenfield says the dispute has gone on much too long, she admits "I'm not real hopeful there's going to be a quick resolution."

greg.mellen@presstelegram.com, 562-499-1291

 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

 THE WRIGLEY 55th ANNUAL DAISY CHRISTMAS TREE LANE PARADE

 
                             COME BE FESTIVE AND MERRY........
 

 SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2008

DAISY AVENUE, BETWEEN PCH AND WILLOW

5:00 TO 8:00 P.M.

PLEASE COME JOIN OUR GRAND MARSHALLS:  LONG BEACH MAYOR AND FIRST LADY, BOB AND NANCY FOSTER AND FORMER MAYORS:  EUNICE SATO, TOM CLARK AND BEVERLY O'NEILL AS WELL AS OUR COUNCIL MEMBERS 

AND OTHER DIGNITARIES. ENJOY THE BANDS, VINTAGE CARS, YOUTH GROUPS, AND MEMBERS OF LONG BEACH'S FINEST FROM OUR POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT. A COMMUNITY TENT WITH FOOD AND BEVERAGE WILL BE 

AVAILABLE. ALL OF THE CHILDREN WILL BE WATCHING FOR THE SPECIAL MAN IN RED....YES. SANTA WILL BE 

THERE ... HO... HO... HO'ING. 

**VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED FOR MANY FUNCTIONS. VOLUNTEER MEETING WILL BE HELD AT VETERAN PARK AT

101 E. 28TH STREET, THURSDAY, 12/11 AT 6 PM. STUDENTS WILL RECEIVE COMMUNITY SERVICE CREDITS. 

TO VOLUNTEER OR FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL P.G. HERMAN, V.P. OF WRIGLEY ASSOCIATION AT (562) 595-6460 OR EMAIL AT: AMAUIGIRL@HOTMAIL.COM

                            HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL THERE.....

                            TIS' THE SEASON FOR PEACE.....

SPONSORED BY WRIGLEY ASSOCIATION, THE CITY OF LONG BEACH PARKS, RECREATION AND MARINE AND THE OFICE OF SPECIAL EVENTS AND FILMING AND THE 7th DISTRICT COUNCIL OFFICE

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

A time-honored tradition of the Christmas Tree Lane Parade on Daisy Avenue continues, open all during the holiday season for carloads of cheery and peaceful holiday sightseeing (between Pacific Coast Highway and Willow).

Donations & Tax-deductible Contributions accepted year roundDonations should be made out to
Daisy Christmas Fund
and mailed to:
The Wrigley Association
c/o Daisy Christmas Fund
PO Box 16192
Long Beach, CA 90806

Daisy Lane's Parade

The parade began in 1953 as the brainchild of Gertrude Whittle. Ms. Whittle was able to persuade the Long Beach City Council and Council of Churches to help decorate the grass median on Daisy Avenue, between Pacific Coast Highway and Willow Street, with a Christmas Village and nativity scene. Soon after, many area residents began decorating their homes and Daisy Lane as we now know it, was born! The event grew to include more displays, entertainment and a parade.

 

 

Wrigley Association Funds Lighting on Daisy Avenue  Christmas Tree Lane

November 7, 2007. Long Beach.  Last night, David Carlton, President of the Wrigley Association along with Treasurer Annie Greenfeld-Wisner presented City Council member Tonia Reyes Uranga with a check in the amount of $7,000 dollars to upgrade the lighting on Christmas Tree Lane insuring festive lights will be possible for years to come.  This is in addition to the $12,200.00 the Wrigley Association had previously given to Partners of Parks for Christmas Tree Lane that will be used by the City of Long Beach for this purpose.  The City of Long Beach will provide the rest of the funds necessary for this project.

David Carlton, President of the Wrigley Association said that "these funds will arrive in time to ensure that we will have festive lighting along the parade route and for all the visitors who come to see the decorations this Christmas.  We should never go without lights again like we did last year." Carlton added "The Wrigley Association is proud to be the organization behind the great Christmas Tree Lane tradition for almost twenty years and to be able to make possible its continued presence in our community for generations to come."

"This has been quite a week for the neighborhood.  On Wednesday we had hundreds of kids join us for a Halloween Carnival, Saturday we planted 150 trees, Monday we hosted a forum for the 55^th assembly election attended by more than 80 people and today we ensure the Christmas Tree Lane will flourish for years to come.  I am humbled to be a part of such a far reaching all volunteer organization of concerned citizens."

Councilwoman Reyes Uranga was thrilled to continue this community tradition, "when you have involved citizens like the members of the Wrigley Association in your district it makes things a lot easier for me as a representative.   Since last year's parade I have worked closely with the Wrigley Association to ensure that the lights on the trees would return, and I am proud to say that they have come through to fill the gap between what the city had available and what needed to be spent."

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Wrigley Association members help set up Christmas Tree Lane

 

Vandalism on Daisy Avenue Christmas Tree Lane

Annual Displays Victims of Tagging

David Carlton, President of the Wrigley Association, announced that within days, possibly hours, of the displays along Christmas Tree Lane being delivered to Daisy Avenue, the large Christmas Tree Cut outs at the entrance at PCH were vandalized.  Wrigley Association Board members immediately came out with paint to fix the large markers at the entrance to Christmas Tree Lane .

Carlton said, "it is a sad day when something so great as the community displays on Daisy Avenue honoring Christmas are marred by those members of our community who put their personal tag on things.  This is not the first time in the history of this event that our displays have been disrupted by those who would rather tear down our community than build it up. Hopefully the fact that we quickly noticed the problem and were able to correct it will discourage other troublemakers from similar attacks.  With the hard work and help of long time community volunteers like Annie Greenfeld-Wisner and Maria Norvell who have put so much time into making this event a success, we will continue to be vigilant against future attacks."  Anyone who notices any problems or vandals on Christmas Tree Lane is encouraged to email http://us.f516.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=wrigleyvillage@hotmail.com or call 562-424-0790, and repairs will be taken care of as quickly as possible.

The Wrigley Association has partnered with the City of Long Beach to sponsor and help organize the more than 50 year old Christmas Tree Lane parade and events since its inception.  This year's parade will be Saturday, December 8, 2007. The Wrigley Association will also host a free community Christmas celebration with food from members and local businesses on Monday December 3^rd at 7pm at Veteran's Park.  Please come out to Wrigley and join the celebration.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Email us:

LBWrigley@yahoo.com

Links to articles:

http://www.lbreport.com/news/nov07/wrigchek.htm

Wrigley responds to parade criticism Article Launched: 12/05/2007 10:32:16 PM PST

Two organizations, the Wrigley Association and a spin-off group, the Wrigley Area Neighborhood Alliance, or WANA, are locked in an ugly spat over, of all things, Christmas.

On Nov. 23, I wrote a column about WANA breaking away, and have been getting ugly e-mail from Association members ever since. But when I asked the latter to explain themselves they declined, not wanting to be named or quoted.

One person did offer to be quoted, but did so while I was in the hospital. Poor timing. Not his fault.

Now, however, a Wrigley member has written a defense while still asking for anonymity.

So here, in his words, is the Association side of the story.

"`Save the Daisy Parade' makes a great sound bite, but it's utterly misleading. The truth is that parade is fine, and has always been fine.

"As always, the city pays for and organizes the event. As always, the Wrigley Association maintains its devotion to the Christmas Tree Lane and Parade (CTL). In fact, the Wrigley Association recently donated nearly $20,000 to pay for electrical upgrades along Daisy Avenue. As a result, this year the trees will be lit for all to enjoy."

Not to worry

"As you can see, the parade is in no danger. Unfortunately, you were conned by some people who seem to be willing to say anything to get their way.

"The Wrigley Association has never considered abandoning the parade. There were, however, solid business reasons for forming CTL as a legally separate entity from the Wrigley Association, including increased liability exposure and costs. There are too many others to explain here. Just consider this: the four other annual Long Beach parades are organized this way.

"Wrigley's board formalized its commitment to CTL. The motion clearly stated that Wrigley and the new CTL organization would work closely together in recognition of their traditional relationship.

"Unfortunately, the few board members (who became WANA founders) who did not agree with this decision were unwilling to accept that they did not get what they wanted.

"Apparently, they believe in majority rule only when they win. Since then, they have alleged voter fraud, mailed a fraudulent and misleading Wrigley newsletter, lied, slandered, disrupted meetings, stolen, vandalized - and deceived some credible journalists, including you, Tom Hennessy.

Self-praise

"Some of them have so lost sight of the big picture that they actually tried to turn away Wrigley Association members who arrived to set up the CTL parade route decorations. That isn't what I call Christmas spirit.

"Rather than waste time defending itself against fanatics and their fables, the all-volunteer Wrigley Association quietly continues doing the good works it is well known for.

"In one week last month, the Association:

Hosted the largest Halloween carnival in any city park, entertaining more than 400 kids with free pizza, treats, prizes and television coverage;

Held a huge, one-day volunteer tree planting (150 trees), again with free pizzas, etc.;

Conducted the first L.B. candidates' forum for the assembly seat vacated by Laura Richardson;

Helped run a skateboarding event for hundreds of at-risk youth;

Worked with the city organizing Christmas Tree Lane; and

Published and mailed a full-color newsletter.

"If you think about it, it's pretty pathetic that self-righteous WANA founders portray themselves as the saviors of CTL. The truth is that Christmas Tree Lane and Parade never needed saving."

All I can say to this is that it is one dumb way to spend the holidays.

Thanks to all

With more appreciation that I am able to describe, I want to thank all of you who have sent messages to me over the last few days: get-well messages and those congratulating me on retiring - whoops, semi-retiring.

I want to especially thank the doctors and nurses at Los Alamitos Medical Center, my primary physician, Larry Drum (I'm going to convert him into a Notre Dame fan soon), my friend Arthur Gottlieb, and, of course, my beloved Debbie.

LB Reporter Coverage of the Parade

Links to the Daisy Lane Parade:

7th District Information on the Parade click here 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

Christmas Conundrum

In last week's Signal, WANA president Jill Hill was quoted as saying "As instructed by our City Manager Pat West, WANA recently took possession of the Christmas Tree Lane displays by relocating them from port property to personal property until after Christmas, ending the battling question of who the rightful owner is" ["Wrigley Area Neighborhood Alliance celebrates anniversary," Sept. 11, 2008]. In fact, in his letter to Ms. Hill this week Mr. West said that the city has never taken a position on the ownership of the Christmas Tree Lane displays. [A copy of West's letter was sent to the editor under separate cover.]

Clearly, WANA took the displays without authorization.
This is an emotional issue for all concerned. The Wrigley Association has no wish to fan the flames of discontent. Our goal now, and always, is to make Wrigley and Long Beach a better place to live. Among its many community activities, for more than 20 years the Wrigley Association has been a primary sponsor of the Daisy Avenue Christmas Tree Lane and Parade.

We can prove that the displays are assets of the Wrigley Association. Until matters have been resolved and ownership legally transferred, no one else has any right to take them.
We take our responsibility as a California nonprofit corporation seriously. Unfortunately, if the displays are not immediately returned, our options are few, serious and unpleasant. Councilmember Tonia Reyes-Uranga has kindly offered to speak with Wrigley's and WANA's leadership. At her request, we are waiting until Monday to take action.
Councilperson Reyes-Uranga is familiar with the history of this issue and we commend her for her compassion and dedication.

We know there is a positive resolution for the differences separating a few of Wrigley's residents. We believe that taking the high road will ultimately result in the best outcome for everyone."

Annie Greenfeld
President
Wrigley Association

LBReport.com

 News / Photo Coverage

A Tradition Continues: 2008 Daisy Ave. "Christmas Tree Lane" Parade

(Dec. 13, 2008) -- LB's 55th annual Daisy Ave. "Christmas Tree Lane" Parade drew a large crowd tonight. Crowds lined Daisy Ave. between Hill St. and PCH and LBReport.com thanks reader Ricardo Linarez for capturing some of the moments below. (If you have photos you'd like us to show the world, email them to: mail@lbreport.com)

LB Mayor Bob Foster and First Lady Nancy Foster were among the participants.

Photo credit: Ricardo Linarez

Former LB Mayor/Councilmember (and continuing member of LB Community College Board of Trustees) Dr. Thomas Clark.

Photo credit: Ricardo Linarez

Former LB Mayor Beverly O'Neill

Photo credit: Ricardo Linarez

U.S. Vets from the Villages @ Cabrillo.

Photo credit: Ricardo Linarez

The Port of LB took part with Harbor Commissioner Mario Cordero visible.

Photo credit: Ricardo Linarez

Recently re-elected state Senator Alan Lowenthal.

Photo credit: Ricardo Linarez

This year's parade involved volunteers organized by the Wrigley Association. Entertainment, street median displays and tree lights were handled the Wrigley Neighborhood Neighborhood Alliance.

The City Council supported the parade in its Sept. 08 adopted budget and the 7th Council district took the official lead on the event...but it may take Santa himself to continue this.

Photo credit: Ricardo Linarez

The Daisy Ave. events began in 1953 when Gertrude Whittle convinced the City Hall and the Council of Churches to help decorate the grass median on Daisy Ave. between PCH and Willow St. with a Christmas Village and nativity scene. Residents then began decorating their homes and the event ultimately grew to include more displays, entertainment and a parade.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------