LongBeachReport.com | LBReport.com | Further On Daisy Lane Xmas Parade Displays: They've Been Stored Free For About a Year By Signal Hill Petroleum; They're Being Moved To City-Leased NLB Bldg. That Once Housed NLB Police Athletic League (Cut By Council) On Which Lease Remains & City Continues Paying Rent

(July 22, 2010) -- Here's more on LBReport.com's report on 7th district Councilman James Johnson's statement at his July 20 ceremonial swearing in that "surplus city property has been identified on South St. that will adequately protect the [Daisy Lane Christmas] displays from the elements and allow them to be repaired between seasons. This property is available whenever the organizers need it and will be provided without additional cost to the City during these tough times."

LBReport.com has learned that the surplus city property is a building on South St. that previously housed the NLB Police Athletic League (PAL) facility (details below). We've also learned that the Daisy Lane Christmas displays have been stored for almost a year at no charge by Signal Hill Petroleum (further below).

In September 2008, the City Council (at city management's recommendation) ceased funding the NLB PAL program despite emotional testimony by several members of the public who urged maintaining it; city management said the move would free up a number of sworn officers for other duties.

The privately owned property had been leased for the NLB PAL facility using revenue from bus-bench advertising at the urging of then-Councilman Jerry Shultz. The City's lease remains in effect and continues until roughly Aug. 2012, says 7th dist. Council office Chief of Staff Mike Clements [meaning city taxpayers are currently paying rent for the now-PAL-less facility]. Chief of Staff Clements says the Christmas decorations will occupy only part of the building, leaving its remaining square footage available for other uses.

Although the Daisy Lane Christmas displays now have a new home, they haven't exactly been homeless.

"About a year ago Signal Hill Petroleum was approached and asked if they might have space to store the Daisy Lane Xmas displays," says Signal Hill Petroleum spokesperson Diane Ripley. "The folks in the area have been very kind and supportive of Signal Hill Petroleum, so with the opportunity to give back to the neighbors -- it was an easy request to accommodate, ---SHP was pleased to be able to help out!!!"

For a time, the Daisy Lane Christmas displays were entangled in bruising rift that led a number of members of the Wrigley Ass'n to form the Wrigley Area Neighborhood Alliance (WANA); a lawsuit involving the two groups has since been settled.