Los Angeles, Ca
Floatfest showcases Rose Parade floats for limited time
Floral floats, marching bands and equestrian units took to the streets under a sunny California sky as the 135th Rose Parade drew hundreds of thousands of spectators on New Year’s Day.
Many of the people that lined the 5.5-mile parade route camped out overnight on the sidewalk to secure the best viewing spots while millions more watched the event from around the globe.
For Southern Californians or visitors who were unable to see the parade live, there’s still a chance to see the colorful floats in person at FloatFest located at E. Sierra Madre and East Washington boulevards in Pasadena on Tuesday.
One of the biggest and brightest floats was the San Diego Zoo float “It Began With a Roar,” which won the parade’s top award, the Sweepstakes Trophy.
“The details are spectacular and having worked on the floats, it gives you an idea of just how much effort goes into each and every float,” a parade representative told KTLA’s Jennifer McGraw.
According to a news release from the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, the float depicted iconic wildlife from the zoo, including Rex the lion, whose roar more than a century, inspired a dream for the world-renowned zoo.
“We are humbled and honored to receive the Sweepstakes Trophy, but more importantly, we are grateful the Rose Parade allows San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance an opportunity to share our conservation message with a global audience,” Paul A. Baribault, president and chief executive officer, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, said in the release.
The float representing One Legacy, an organization that helps patients seeking organ donations, was especially important for some of the volunteers that worked on it.
“My son was actually an honoree. He has his photograph [on the float],” a woman identified only as Margarita told KTLA. “He registered at the DMV and once he passed away, he was able to save eight lives by donating his corneas and tissue.”
In addition to the amazing floats, there were 21 bands marching down Colorado Boulevard and 19 equestrian units.
Taking home the parade’s Extraordinaire Award was the city of Newport Beach’s “Jingle on the Waves” float. At 165 feet, it was the parade’s longest float.
“The usual size is anywhere from 38 to 55 feet, so this is triple,” a parade representative explained.
From 7-9 a.m., Floatfest is having senior and handicap viewing, with the general public allowed at the event from 9-5 p.m.
More information on how to attend Floatfest can be found here.
Southern California remains under an extreme heat warning as residents brace for the hottest day of the week on Wednesday.
“It will be roasty toasty in the valleys, lower mountain elevations and far interior, with highs ranging from 100 to 110 degrees,” the National Weather Service said. The warmest conditions are expected in the western San Fernando Valley.
An extreme heat warning remains in effect for much of Southern California until 8 p.m. Thursday. Forecasters say there is a high risk of heat-related illness for anyone outdoors for extended periods. Heat advisories are also in place for areas along the coast.
“Highs for today: 98 in Ojai, 100 in Ontario. Temecula, good morning to you, 100 degrees expected there. 112 in Palm Springs. Unbelievably hot,” KTLA’s Kirk Hawkins said Wednesday morning.
Residents are urged to adjust their afternoon plans to limit strenuous outdoor activities during the heat of the day, stay hydrated and check in on elderly neighbors and loved ones.
The Weather Service said record highs are slightly warmer than those forecast for Wednesday. As a result, despite the extremely hot conditions, few, if any, temperature records are expected to be broken.
A few degrees of cooling are expected Thursday, but a more significant cooldown will arrive Friday as onshore winds increase.
Afternoon highs are expected to cool even more over the weekend, with below-average temperatures possible in some areas.
A Chino Hills man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following a violent incident at a local liquor store, authorities announced Tuesday.
The July 13 incident occurred around 5 p.m. in the 4000 block of Descanso Avenue, according to the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department, which responded to reports of a stabbing at the location.
Arriving deputies found a stabbing victim inside the store and rendered medical aid until personnel with the Chino Valley Fire District arrived. The victim was transported to Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center, where he remains in stable condition.
While being treated at the scene, investigators said the victim repeatedly stated that someone named Alex was responsible for the attack.
The suspect, now identified as Hayden Alexander Marquez, 30, was located not far from the liquor store and taken into custody, sheriff’s officials said.
Investigators did not provide a motive for the stabbing or detail the relationship between the two men.
Marquez was booked into the West Valley Detention Center on suspicion of attempted murder.
Anyone with information about the investigation is urged to contact the Chino Hills Police Station at 909-364-2000. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call the We-Tip hotline at 800-78-CRIME or submit tips online at www.wetip.com.
An early morning crash involving a big rig scattered cinder blocks across the northbound 101 Freeway, prompting a SigAlert in the San Fernando Valley Tuesday. The incident was reported around 4:10 a.m. when a big rig overturned on the freeway at Tampa Avenue. The crash occurred on a stretch of the northbound 101 that curves […]
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