By Thom Staser
Over the last 19 years, we, the board of directors of the Nevada County Food and Toy Run, like to think that we have developed a pretty good report with the four agencies of law enforcement, as well as the three branches of local government.
Before last Saturday's Toy Run, we had nearly 100 percent compliance with the mandatory helmet law, and had put an end to the throwing of candy from the riders to people lining the route.
This year, we were stunned to see the amount, even though it was less than 1 percent of the riders, who were helmetless! Worse, was the phone call from a representative of Nevada City, who called my cell phone as I was leaving the Nevada County Fairgrounds, to inform me that Broad Street in Nevada City was trashed, with candy ground into the pavement.
Four years ago, we had hand held signs, at the beginning of the Run and on Mill Street, telling the riders that helmets were mandatory, that this is a Toy Run for the kids, and not a helmet protest rally. They were, also, told not to throw candy. When the candy throwing first started, we thought it was a great idea! Something for the people along the route!
Then, I talked to Vern Taylor of the Department of Public Works, who told me that he went over Broad Street, with the street sweeper, 10 minutes after the last bike, and couldn't pick up the candy and the wrappers. It was all smashed and ground into the pavement.
Next, I hear from some Grass Valley Police Officers, who said that they had seen kids get hit in the face and eyes with thrown candy. Twice, kids had dashed out to pick up some candy, and were almost hit by the oncoming bikes. Because of that, we started on the campaign to stop the candy throwing, and to make the riders aware that they had to wear helmets.
The board of directors has decided to make the following proactive decisions for 2011. We will have four wooden signs, six feet by six feet, set in metal legs for stability and sturdiness, painted with: Please do not throw candy. Please remember, helmets are mandatory.
These will be place at the beginning of the Run as we exit the Eric Rood Center, at the top of Broad Street in Nevada City by the Methodist Church, at the intersection of the Fowler Center, and at the intersection of West Main and Mill Street.
We have no idea what this will cost the Toy Run, but we want you to know, that that will be coming out of our budget, before we buy one item of food for the families! Now, was it worth it to throw candy, or not wear a helmet?
We will need someone with a truck to deliver the signs. We will probably need two people to assemble them, and one person to stay with each sign until the Run is over and the truck comes back to pick them up. Oh, then we have to store them until the following year.
When the police come out to support us, breaking the law, is a slap in the face, and dampens their enthusiasm to help us in the future.
Last, until we finish discussions with the city officials and law enforcement, and see if they are going to impose further restrictions, regulations or fees upon us, the board of directors of the Nevada County Food and Toy Run is suspending the 20th Annual Nevada County Food and Toy Run, which is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 10.
When GM or Toyota, or any major corporation has a problem, they don't go after the individuals; they hold the board of directors responsible. We accept the responsibility.
For Chris Heller, vice president, and Jim Medlock, CFO, I extend our apologies to the cities of Nevada City and Grass Valley, and the law enforcement agencies of Nevada County.
Thom Staser, CEO and Founder, Nevada County Food and Toy Run.
Before last Saturday's Toy Run, we had nearly 100 percent compliance with the mandatory helmet law, and had put an end to the throwing of candy from the riders to people lining the route.
This year, we were stunned to see the amount, even though it was less than 1 percent of the riders, who were helmetless! Worse, was the phone call from a representative of Nevada City, who called my cell phone as I was leaving the Nevada County Fairgrounds, to inform me that Broad Street in Nevada City was trashed, with candy ground into the pavement.
Four years ago, we had hand held signs, at the beginning of the Run and on Mill Street, telling the riders that helmets were mandatory, that this is a Toy Run for the kids, and not a helmet protest rally. They were, also, told not to throw candy. When the candy throwing first started, we thought it was a great idea! Something for the people along the route!
Then, I talked to Vern Taylor of the Department of Public Works, who told me that he went over Broad Street, with the street sweeper, 10 minutes after the last bike, and couldn't pick up the candy and the wrappers. It was all smashed and ground into the pavement.
Next, I hear from some Grass Valley Police Officers, who said that they had seen kids get hit in the face and eyes with thrown candy. Twice, kids had dashed out to pick up some candy, and were almost hit by the oncoming bikes. Because of that, we started on the campaign to stop the candy throwing, and to make the riders aware that they had to wear helmets.
The board of directors has decided to make the following proactive decisions for 2011. We will have four wooden signs, six feet by six feet, set in metal legs for stability and sturdiness, painted with: Please do not throw candy. Please remember, helmets are mandatory.
These will be place at the beginning of the Run as we exit the Eric Rood Center, at the top of Broad Street in Nevada City by the Methodist Church, at the intersection of the Fowler Center, and at the intersection of West Main and Mill Street.
We have no idea what this will cost the Toy Run, but we want you to know, that that will be coming out of our budget, before we buy one item of food for the families! Now, was it worth it to throw candy, or not wear a helmet?
We will need someone with a truck to deliver the signs. We will probably need two people to assemble them, and one person to stay with each sign until the Run is over and the truck comes back to pick them up. Oh, then we have to store them until the following year.
When the police come out to support us, breaking the law, is a slap in the face, and dampens their enthusiasm to help us in the future.
Last, until we finish discussions with the city officials and law enforcement, and see if they are going to impose further restrictions, regulations or fees upon us, the board of directors of the Nevada County Food and Toy Run is suspending the 20th Annual Nevada County Food and Toy Run, which is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 10.
When GM or Toyota, or any major corporation has a problem, they don't go after the individuals; they hold the board of directors responsible. We accept the responsibility.
For Chris Heller, vice president, and Jim Medlock, CFO, I extend our apologies to the cities of Nevada City and Grass Valley, and the law enforcement agencies of Nevada County.
Thom Staser, CEO and Founder, Nevada County Food and Toy Run.
