Editor:
After working as a volunteer with one of the organizations that helps with the Independence Day parade for many years, I would like to pass along some unofficial suggestions that may help some of you enjoy the holiday even more.
1. If you live in Fern Valley, plan to use Lodge at South Circle to enter or exit that area between 8 a.m. and noon. Avoid using Fern Valley Road at South Circle, or Jameson Drive at South Circle, as these areas will be lined up with parade entries and traffic in those areas will be at nearly a stand still.
2. If you are a business owner on North Circle, warn your employees who are scheduled to arrive at work between 10 a.m. and noon that North Circle will be closed down for the parade at 9:30 a.m. They should leave for work early and may have to walk a block or two, as parking will be difficult to find.
3. Merchants would be wise to advise their delivery services not to plan any deliveries the first half of the day and also advise your business service personnel (trash pick up, etc.), not to plan any pick ups until later in the day.
4. I would urge anyone who must use North Circle Drive to enter or exit your property to plan on doing so either before the parade (9:30 a.m.) or after the parade (noon).
Plan ahead and enjoy the holiday.
Bob Rahman
Idyllwild
