It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas …
But it could’ve looked even merrier at the Bridgeport Courthouse
Some time ago while I was at a Board of Supervisors meeting in Bridgeport regarding the Walker Community Center Area Master Plan, I had the opportunity to sit through an agenda item titled “Memory Lane – A display of Christmas Decorations in Memory of Deceased.”
This agenda item was championed by Supervisor Tim Hansen on behalf of several Bridgeport residents. These residents were requesting permission to display various Christmas decorations, in memory of deceased loved ones, on the courthouse lawn during the holiday season.
After Supervisor Hansen introduced the item, the public was allowed to speak. One of the residents requesting this “Memory Lane” spoke about what they envisioned out in front of the Court House. She spoke about lining the walkway up to our historic Courthouse during the holiday season, how this would look beautiful in addition to the other Christmas decorations that are placed out front. The picture she was painting in my mind was a beautiful sight. I was getting so excited that I really could not wait to see this “Memory Lane.”
What occurred next had me scratching by head. How something so simple could not be figured out right then and there really surprised me (but then again, maybe I should not have been so surprised)!
The Supervisors asked many questions, some had valid concerns and some made mention to some sort of guidelines so that everyone is on the same page. On one hand, I understand what the Supervisors were saying regarding the guidelines, but by not trying to solve the concerns right then seemed to me to make no sense. It seemed that the BOS wanted Staff to come up with guidelines, but Staff themselves asked “What does the Board want as guidelines?” To which the Board had no reply.
What saddened me most was the fact that these residents were so pushed to the point of frustration that they just threw their hands up, called it quits and walked out. A simple idea and desire by the local residents turned into something much larger than was needed.
Despite the fact that the proponents of “Memory Lane” left, the Board continued the discussion, all coming up with questions, but no answers. I found myself getting frustrated by the Board coming up with concerns, but no solutions (guidelines) that I finally borrowed a piece of pencil and paper, wrote down some simple guidelines answering their concerns and presented it to Supervisor Hansen. He then read these to the Board, which felt this was in the right direction. Supposedly, staff is to look into drafting something using these guidelines.
At this time, I am not aware of anything more happening on the County side. What I do know is that these dedicated Bridgeport residents decided that they would create their “Memory Lane” on non-County property. If you would like to see this beautiful display, stop by next to the Ruby Inn in Bridgeport some evening between now and the New Year. I’m sure you will agree that the County and the historic Bridgeport Courthouse truly lost out this year!
And while I’m on the topic of Christmas decorations, there are three very nice displays of Christmas lights and decorations in the Antelope Valley. All three can be viewed by driving a loop through the valley. Just follow these simple directions.
From U.S. 395 in Walker, turn north on Eastside Lane. At the first street, turn right on Camp Antelope, then make another right on Burcham Flat Rd..
The first home is presented by Bob and Brenda Musil located. Their entire yard is a Christmas wonderland. Please drive down the driveway then take a right just before their home. Follow the driveway down around the home and back out to the Burcham Flat Rd., then out to Eastside Lane. Make sure you stop and listen to the music and the light show that they put on. This one is truly a sight to see and hear!
The second location is presented by the Ames’s. Make a right turn on Eastside Lane (north), drive through the ‘S’ turn then make a left (west) on Larson Lane. Just down a ways on the left is yet another wonderland (do not attempt to drive through).
For the third and final location, continue down Larson Lane to U.S. 395. Turn left (south) and continue into Walker. At the big AmeriGas propane tank, turn right on Hackney and follow the road to its end. Turn left on Deer Mule then make an immediate left on Western. Just down a bit on the right is the home of Gary and Becky Holden. Turn right into their driveway and follow it around and back onto Western. Make sure you go slow as you do not miss seeing the wonderful characters that they have produced. You may even want to drive around a second time as there are a lot of characters all created with love.
I would like to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! May God protect you and your loved ones, and this great country of ours. See you in 2012!
Tim Fesko is the owner of the Meadowcliff Resort. Send your questions, concerns and the inside scoop to tim@monocounty.info
