Is   the   Holiday   Light   Display   a   City   event?
The   annual   holiday   light   display   along   Thoroughbred   and   Jennet   is   not   a   city ‐ sponsored   or   city ‐ sanctioned   event   and   the   city   has   no   role   in   coordinating   or   planning   the   event.
For   20+   years,   it   has   been   a   tradition   for   the   homeowners   around   the   Thoroughbred   and   Jennet   Streets   area   to   celebrate   the   holiday   season   with   an   extraordinary   light   and   decoration   display   at   each   individual   home.
The   decision   to   do,   or   not   to   do,   these   displays   is   entirely   upon   each   of   the   homeowners   and   the   City   is   not   in   any
way   involved   in   that   decision ‐ making   process.
Can   the   City   shut   down   the   Holiday   Light   Display   or   prevent   it   from   occurring?
No,   the   City   cannot   shut   down   the   light   display   or   prevent   it   from   occurring.
The   City   of   Rancho
Cucamonga   does   not   have   the   authority   to   prohibit   homeowners   from   decorating   their   private   property   during   the   holiday   season.
It   is   quite   common   for   residents   throughout   the   City   to   express   their   holiday   cheer   by   decorating   their   homes   during   the   holiday   season.
Just   like   the   City   cannot   prohibit   other   homeowners   from   decorating   their   homes,   the   City   cannot   “cancel”   the   displays   on
Thoroughbred/Jennet   Streets   as   the   nature   of   the   event   is   such   that   each   individual   homeowner   chooses   to   decorate   or   not,   chooses   the   scope   of   their   decorations,   and   the   days   and   times   they   turn   the   lights   on.
The   City   has   no   jurisdiction   to   regulate   this   as   it   is   a   private   activity   done   on   private   property.
Is   the   City   able   to   regulate   the   hours   and/or   the   days   when   the   holiday   lights   are   on ?
As   previously   noted,   the   City   has   no   authority   to   regulate   the   Holiday   Light   Display,   including   the   hours
and   days   when   the   lights   are   turned   on,   as   it   is   considered   a   private   activity.
The   City   may   request   that   the   lights   be   turned   off   at   a   certain   time;   however,   it   would   be   up   to   each   homeowner   to   voluntarily
consider   honoring   that   request.
Why   does   the   City   commit   substantial   law   enforcement   and   other   municipal   resources   to   a   non ‐ City   event?
While   it   is   not   a   city ‐ sponsored   or   city ‐ sanctioned   event,   the   City   of   Rancho   Cucamonga   has   no   choice   but   to   respond   to   the   massive   crowds   that   visit   the   neighborhood   to   see   the   holiday   lights.
The   neighborhood   is   ill   equipped   to   handle   such   a   large   influx   of   visitors   and   the   traffic   and   additional   pedestrians   present   significant   public   safety   and   traffic   concerns   that   affect   an   area   much   larger   than   just   the   immediate   Thoroughbred/Jennet   neighborhood.
In   order   to   partially   alleviate   the   traffic   congestion   and   provide   some   level   of   public   safety   to   the   large   crowds   in   the   area,   as   well   as   other   residents,   the   City’s   Police   Department ‐ in   coordination   with   the   City’s   Traffic   Engineer,   Public   Works
Department   and   the   Fire   District  ‐   is   strategically   deployed   to   the   area   during   the   most   impactful   times.

City   of   Rancho   Cucamonga
Holiday   Lights   FAQ’s
Page   2   of   6
Why   does   the   City   implement   a   traffic   management   plan   and   what   is   the   plan?
On   busy   nights   during   the   holiday   season,   thousands   of   visitors   arrive   to   enjoy   the   holiday   light   displays.
The   residential   streets   in   the   neighborhood   along   with   Sapphire   Street   and   Carnelian   Street   were   not   designed   to   handle   this   volume   of   cars   and   pedestrians.
The   result   is   traffic   congestion   in   the   neighborhood   and   surrounding   area.
This   traffic   congestion   has   a   negative   impact   on   critical   services   such   as   Police   and   Fire   and   their   ability   to   respond   to   emergencies   in   the   area.
In   order   to   minimize   these   impacts,   the   City   created   an   event   traffic   management   plan.
This   plan   utilizes   several   components   to   varying   degrees   depending   on   the   number   of   visitors   that   arrive   each   night.
These   components   include   temporary   parking   restrictions,   road   closures,   one ‐ way   traffic   flow,   regulating   pedestrian   access,   and   directing   of   traffic.
Some   components   such   as   parking   restrictions   are   in   place   every   night   during   the   holiday   season   while   others   such   as   road   closures   are   implemented   on   busier   nights.
The   plan   is
reviewed   each   year   for   adjustments   based   on   the   experience   of   the   previous   season.
Why   are   there   parking   restrictions   along   Thoroughbred   and   Jennet   Street?
During   busy   nights   of   the   holiday   season,   these   streets   can   become   very   crowded   with   cars   and   pedestrians   and   pose   a   public   safety   concern.
The   added   space   gained   by   restricting   parking   allows   for   more   room   for   pedestrians   and   cars   to   spread   out   and   lessen   vehicle ‐ pedestrian   interactions.
This   makes   it   easier   for   Police   and   Fire   to   direct   pedestrians   to   one   side   of   the   street   in   order   to   make   a   path   for   emergency   vehicles   if   needed.
Restricting   parking   also   improves   safety   by   minimizing   congestion   points   where   pedestrians   have   to   maneuver   around   parked   cars   on   the   route.
As   the   crowds   have   grown,   these   types   of   precautionary   measures   have   taken   on   increasing   importance.
Can   the   City   outlaw   the   food   vending   that   occurs   at   the   Holiday   Light   Display?
AB   1616,   also   referred   to   as   the   Cottage   Food   Operations   Law,   went   into   effect   on   January   1,   2013   and   allows   certain   low ‐ risk   foods   and   baked   goods   to   be   made   at   home   and   sold   directly   to   consumers   or   through   stores   and   restaurants.
While   the   new   law   has   certain   permitting   requirements   and   allows   for   certain   conditions   to   be   imposed,   local   cities   and   county   public   health   departments   cannot   outright   ban   cottage   food   home   sales   so   long   as   all   requirements   are   met   including   obtaining   all   necessary   permits   and   approvals.
Any   foods   not   covered   under   AB   1616,   including   pre ‐ packaged   foods   are   prohibited   from   being   sold.
For   a   list   of   allowable   food   items   and   other   information   related   to   the   Cottage   Food   Law,   please   visit   the   San   Bernardino   County   Public   Health   Department’s   website   at   www.sbcounty.gov/dph/dehs .
Will   previous   year’s   changes   still   be   in   effect   for   the   2015   holiday   season?
Yes.
Changes   in   state   law   and   local   ordinances   that   had   an   impact   on   the   Holiday   Light   Display   the   last   two   years   as   well   as   operational   changes   implemented   by   the   RC   Police   Department   will   continue   for   the   2015   holiday   season.
A   summary   of   these   changes   include:
 The   Rancho   Cucamonga   Police   Department   will   limit   pedestrian   traffic   into   the   holiday   light   display   area   at   9   p.m.
on   weekdays   and   10   p.m.
on   weekends.
This   adjustment   allows   for   some   relief   for   the   surrounding   neighborhoods   and   somewhat   decreases   the   blending   of   pedestrians   and   vehicles   in   the   streets.
 AB   1616,   the   Cottage   Food   Law,   went   into   effect   statewide   on   January   1,   2013,   and   allows   for   certain   low ‐ risk   foods   to   be   prepared   and   sold   from   a   residence   under   certain   conditions.
These   specific   items   include:

City   of   Rancho   Cucamonga
Holiday   Lights   FAQ’s
Page   3   of   6   o Baked   goods   without   cream,   custard   or   meat   fillings   such   as   breads,   biscuits,   churros,   cookies,   pastries   and   tortillas   o Candy,   such   as   brittle   and   toffee   o Chocolate ‐ covered   nonperishable   foods,   such   as   nuts   and   dried   fruit   o Dried   fruit   o Dried   pasta   o Dry   baking   mixes   o Fruit   pies,   fruit   empanadas,   and   fruit   tamales   o Granola,   cereals,   and   trail   mixes   o Herb   blends   and   dried   mole   paste   o Honey   and   sweet   sorghum   syrup   o Jams,   jellies,   preserves,   and   fruit   butter   that   comply   with   certain   standards   o Nut   mixes   and   nut   butters   o Popcorn   o Vinegar   and   mustard   o Roasted   coffee   and   dried   tea   o Waffle   cones   and   pizzelles   o Cotton   candy   o Candied   apples   o Confections   such   as   salted   caramel,   fudge,   marshmallow   bars,   chocolate   covered   marshmallows,   nuts,   and   hard   candy,   or   any   combination   thereof.
o Buttercream   frosting,   buttercream   icing,   buttercream   fondant,   and   gum   paste   that   do   not   contain   eggs,   cream,   or   cream   cheese.
o Dried   or   dehydrated   vegetables   o Dried   vegetarian ‐ based   soup   mixes   o Vegetable   and   potato   chips   o Ground   chocolate
Any   foods   not   covered   under   AB   1616   (listed   above),   including   pre ‐ packaged   foods   as   well   as   hot   beverages   (cocoa,   coffee,   cider,   tea)   are   prohibited   from   being   sold.
All   County   and   City   permits,   approvals,   and   requirements   will   need   to   be   met   in   order   to   sell   cottage   food   items.
This   includes   obtaining   a   County   Health   permit,   City   Home   Occupation   Permit,   and   a   City
Business   License.
Other   Cottage   Food   Law   requirements   include   preparing   food   inside   the   house   (preparing   food   on   the   driveway   is   prohibited),   completion   of   a   food   handling   training   course,   and   labeling   and   packaging   of   all   food   items.
The   San   Bernardino   County   Public   Health
Department   is   responsible   for   enforcing   provisions   of   the   Cottage   Food   Law.
For   more   information,   visit   the   San   Bernardino   County   Public   Health   Department   website   at   www.sbcounty.gov/dph/dehs .
 RCMC   17.92.030
allows   for   the   sale   of   cottage   food   products   between   8   a.m.
and   8   p.m.
in   all   residential   neighborhoods.
ANY   SALES   PAST   8   P.M.
ARE   NOT   ALLOWED.
These   hours   of   operations   apply   in   all   Rancho   Cucamonga   neighborhoods   year ‐ round   in   order   to   minimize

City   of   Rancho   Cucamonga
Holiday   Lights   FAQ’s
Page   4   of   6   disruptions   in   these   residential   areas.
There   are   no   special   exceptions   for   certain   neighborhoods   or   for   certain   time   periods   during   the   year.
 The   retail   sale   of   prepackaged   foods   and   beverages   such   as   sodas,   bottled   water,   candy   bars,
Twinkies,   etc.
do   not   fall   under   AB   1616,   the   Cottage   Food   Law,   and   therefore   is   prohibited.
These   items   cannot   be   sold   from   a   residence.
 The   retail   sale   of   any   non ‐ food   items   such   as   holiday   ornaments   and   decorations,   scarves,   clothing,   jewelry,   arts   and   crafts,   glow   sticks,   glow ‐ in ‐ the ‐ dark   toys,   etc.
from   a   home   is   not   allowed   in   any   residential   area   in   the   City   year ‐ round.
This   prohibition   includes   during   the
Holiday   Light   Displays.
 Outside   food   vendors   (anyone   other   than   the   homeowner)   are   not   allowed   to   sell   cottage   food   items   from   a   home   they   do   not   reside   in.
Both   the   Cottage   Food   Law   and   the   Rancho
Cucamonga   Municipal   Code   prohibit   this   type   of   arrangement.
 All   above   vending   regulations   will   be   enforced   for   the   2015   Holiday   Season   and   throughout   the   year.
Have   the   holiday   light   display   and   the   crowds   of   people   it   brings   led   to   an   increase   of   home   burglaries   in   the   area?
The   Rancho   Cucamonga   Police   Department   has   carefully   reviewed   crime   statistics   in   the   area   over   the   last   several   years   and   has   NOT   found   any   patterns   that   would   indicate   an   increase   in   crime   due   to   the   holiday   lights.
With   that   said,   homeowners   should   always   exercise   caution   and   be   extra   vigilant   during   the   holiday   season.
Any   suspicious   activity   should   be   promptly   reported   to   the   Rancho   Cucamonga
Police   Department.
Will   the   City   provide   restroom   facilities   (porta   potties)   for   the   public   that   come   to   see   the   lights?
The   holiday   light   display   is   not   a   city ‐ sponsored   or   city ‐ sanctioned   event.
The   City   has   no   authority   to   regulate   whether   the   event   occurs   or   not   and   consequently,   is   not   in   a   position   to   provide   this   type   of
amenity   for   the   event.
Can   there   be   trash   receptacles   placed   in   surrounding   neighborhoods   outside   of   the   holiday   lights   display   area?
Burrtec   has   agreed   to   not   only   provide   trash   receptacles   and   service   again   free   of   charge   for   the   2015   holiday   season   but   to   also   expand   it   outside   the   immediate   display   route   as   well.
The   limited   trash   service   donated   by   Burrtec   will   follow   a   strategic   route   that   covers   the   most   impacted   areas.
What   else   is   the   City   doing   to   address   the   trash   issues   in   the   neighborhoods   surrounding   the   holiday   light   display?
In   response   to   concerns   about   trash   and   littering   that   were   expressed   by   area   residents,   the   City   will   be   expanding   its   street   sweeping   service   for   the   area   surrounding   the   holiday   light   display   during   the   month   of   December.
We   believe   that   the   increased   street   sweeping   together   with   the   expanded   trash   service   provided   by   Burrtec,   the   limited   pedestrian   access   (no   pedestrians   after   10   p.m.
on   weekends
and   9   p.m.
on   weekdays),   and   the   limited   food   vending   (no   vending   after   8   p.m.)   will   help   reduce   the   amount   of   trash   that   is   left   behind.

City   of   Rancho   Cucamonga
Holiday   Lights   FAQ’s
Page   5   of   6
What   is   the   City   doing   to   enforce   the   no   parking   zones?
What   should   I   do   if   I   see   a   parking   violation?
The   Rancho   Cucamonga   Police   Department   will   be   strategically   deploying   personnel   to   serve   as   “rovers”   and   patrol   the   surrounding   neighborhoods.
As   part   of   their   duties,   the   rovers   will   enforce   all   parking
laws   and   restrictions,   including   the   temporary   no   parking   zones.
If   you   see   a   vehicle   violating   the   no   parking   zones,   please   call   Police   Dispatch   at   (909)   941 ‐ 1488.
What   is   the   penalty   if   I   violate   any   of   the   vending   laws?
The   Rancho   Cucamonga   Police   Department,   City   Code   Enforcement,   and   San   Bernardino   County   Public
Health   Department   will   be   actively   enforcing   all   state   and   local   vending   regulations.
It   is   expected   that   voluntary   compliance   will   be   achieved   through   a   community   education   efforts   and   verbal   notifications.
If   further   action   is   necessary,   an   administrative   citation   may   be   issued   for   each   violation.
Am   I   allowed   to   give   away   food   and   drinks?
Distributing   food   and   drinks   free   of   charge   is   not   considered   a   retail   activity   and   therefore   does   not   fall   under   the   City’s   food   vending   regulations.
Residents   can   give   away   pre ‐ packaged,   store ‐ bought    (non ‐ homemade)   food   and   drinks   for   free,   however,   any   attempts   to   collect   donations   or   “tips”   would   make
it   subject   to   state   and   local   food   vending   regulations.
I   submitted   a   request   last   year   asking   that   the   City   restrict   parking   and/or   traffic   on   my   particular   street.
What   happened   with   that   request?
The   City   received   many   individual   requests   to   have   parking   or   vehicular   traffic   restricted   in   front   of   a   particular   individual’s   house   or   street.
The   feedback   we   received   is   greatly   appreciated   and   all   of   these   requests   were   carefully   reviewed   by   the   City’s   Traffic   Engineering   staff.
However,   any   changes   to   the
Traffic   Management   Plan   must   be   based   on   contributing   towards   the   area’s   overall   public   safety   and
enhancing   the   traffic   circulation.
Requests   that   do   not   meet   these   thresholds   cannot   be   approved.
What   is   the   best   way   to   report   a   problem   or   other   non ‐ emergency   issue   to   the   Police   Department?
For   non ‐ emergency   situations,   the   Rancho   Cucamonga   Police   Department   can   be   contacted   by   calling   the   Police   Dispatch   number   at   (909)   941 ‐ 1488   anytime   24   hours/day,   seven   days   a   week.
For
emergencies,   please   call   911.
Who   do   I   contact   if   I   have   any   further   questions?
Questions   regarding   traffic,   parking,   and   other   law   enforcement   issues:
Traffic
Rancho
T   –
Division
(909)
Cucamonga
477 ‐
2800
Police   Department
Email   –
Holidaylights@CityofRC.us
Questions   regarding   City   Business   License   and   Permits:
Minerva   Gamboa,   Business   License   Coordinator
City   of   Rancho   Cucamonga
T   –   (909)   477 ‐ 2700   ext.
2425   Email   –   Minerva.Gamboa@CityofRC.us

City   of   Rancho   Cucamonga
Holiday   Lights   FAQ’s
Page   6   of   6
Planning
Rancho
T   –
(909)
Cucamonga
Counter
477 ‐
2750
Planning
Email
Department
–
Planning@CityofRC.us
Questions   regarding   AB   1616,   the   Cottage   Food   Law:
Tia   Wilson,   Environmental   Health   Specialist
San   Bernardino   County   Department   of   Public   Health
T  ‐  (800)   442 ‐ 2283   Email   –   tia.wilson@dph.sbcounty.gov
General   Questions   regarding   Holiday   Light   Display:
City   Manager’s   Office
City   of   Rancho   Cucamonga
T   –   (909)   477 ‐ 2700   ext.
2006         Email   –   Holidaylights@CityofRC.us
Where   else   can   I   get   information   regarding   the   Holiday   Light   Display?
The   City   of   Rancho   Cucamonga   has   established   a   dedicated   webpage   on   the   City   website   in   order   to   provide   pertinent   information   regarding   the   Holiday   Light   Display.
This   webpage   can   be   found   at
www.CityofRC.us/Holidaylights .