Altadena Christmas Tree Lane Lights Coming Down Slowly

Taking down the lights (Photo – JerryShots)

Christmas Tree Lane Association is a little more than half way done removing the lights from last year’s display.

By Jerry Friedman

Progress has been good despite the wind causing some lines to be tangled in the branches. The CTLA volunteers are still working with a reduced work force. Due to concerns about the spread of Covid, they are unfortunately not encouraging additional volunteers at this time.

Over the last 100 years CTLA has endured many transitions in the equipment and the people who keep it organized and get it done. This year two long time volunteers retired so they could be free to pursue other interests. There was also a death in the group, the core of which are older people. Despite those losses, and the Pandemic, CTLA is continuing with its efforts. This year they are implementing a new system to keep track of the 1000 or so strings of light. The new, color coded, method should make it easier to keep them sorted and easier to access when it comes time to put them back up. Once they get them all down, they will make all the necessary repairs to the wires and sockets. A little later in the summer any new lines that are needed will be made ready for the next year’s decorations.

It is unfortunate that the association is not able to welcome all who want to get involved. It’s really a fun activity and always more fun when more people from the community are involved. With luck, in a few months, when it’s time to put the lights back up, more people can participate in bringing life to this amazing local tradition.