Karen Bass Blasted for Suggesting July 4 Parade Date Change
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass sparked outrage by proposing organizers reschedule a 50-year-old Fourth of July parade to cut costs amid escalating city fees that could reach $40,000.
The suggestion from the mayor’s office comes amid escalating financial pressure on the Sunland-Tujunga Fourth of July Parade, which has celebrated American independence for more than five decades but now faces an uncertain future due to mounting city fees.
According to New York Post, the parade was initially threatened with cancellation in late May after Los Angeles officials declined to cover $20,000 in traffic-control and street-closure costs for the first time in the event’s 50-year history.
Community members and patriotic Americans rallied to raise the necessary funds to keep the parade alive as the nation prepares to mark America’s 250th birthday. However, organizers report that additional charges continue to arrive from city hall.
The parade committee has now been billed an extra $5,000 for no-parking signs and expects further invoices for barricades and other event necessities.
Lydia Grant, president of the Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council, told New York Post the mounting uncertainty has left organizers in the dark about total costs.
We have no idea what this is actually going to cost us, Grant stated, adding that the bill could potentially reach $40,000.
The cascading fees have thrown the parade’s future back into jeopardy despite strong community support and fundraising efforts. Organizers are working to establish an online donation portal through the Sunland-Tujunga-Shadow Hills Rotary Club to handle contributions transparently.
Grant revealed that city officials even suggested moving the parade away from Independence Day itself to lower costs, a proposal that has deepened frustration among parade supporters.
Permit Still Pending as July 4 Approaches
The ongoing billing dispute means organizers still lack a permit to proceed with the parade. The Los Angeles Police Department and Department of Transportation, which typically coordinate staffing and traffic plans months in advance, have not communicated with event organizers.
Grant confirmed the parade’s status remains uncertain despite the community’s determination to move forward.
The local area has already lost its summer festival, watermelon festival, and National Night Out celebration due to rising municipal costs.
City Spending Priorities Under Fire
Grant questioned the city’s financial priorities, noting that Los Angeles has funded various demonstrations and protests while declining to support a unifying community tradition.
She highlighted the parade’s multigenerational significance, with Little League teams, cheerleaders, veterans, historical groups, and community volunteers participating annually.
Grant expressed her personal connection to the event, noting she attended as a child, brought her own children, and now hopes her grandchildren can experience the same American tradition.
The mayor’s office has been contacted for comment but has not yet responded to inquiries.
With information from New York Post
