Unprecedented security set for California’s Rose Parade, Rose Bowl

For the first time, the Rose Bowl and the Rose Parade – a 5.5 mile procession before the game – were designated as top-level security concerns by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, said Mark Selby, deputy special agent in charge of the agency’s investigative bureau in Los Angeles.

When Kate Gallagher passed away at 26 years old, she went from being a potential organ recipient to a donor herself. “I was excited because it was going to be my senior year that we were going to be in the parade”.

America’s Most Dominant Float Builder and designer goes for a 23rd straight Sweepstakes Trophy (the parade’s top prize), with a line-up that includes: Dole Packaged Foods, Miracle-Gro, Kaiser Permanente, City of Torrance, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Kiehl’s Since 1851, Northwestern Mutual, The Bachelor, California Milk Advisory Board, Wells Fargo and the Royal Court presented by the Tournament of Roses Association.

“My son is a hero”, Jennifer Jova said in a statement about her son, Andrew. She served as drum major for South High this year and in her junior year. Today they had their final rehearsal before leaving town. As fun and at times tedious as the jobs may be, time is ticking with only three full days left until judging.

“I wanted them to know how grateful I am for the kidney and how it has changed my life”, Samuels said in a release.

During rehearsal Monday morning, however, Christensen was still pushing the band for perfection.

“And she was able to donate herself and she saved three lives”, said Gallagher.

“I’m so proud of Jeanne”, said Sperling, the visual and performing arts director for San Diego Unified School District. He’s one of 10 directors of the marching band, and will be in charge of the brass section. “I can tell they’re in reserve mode because they’re rehearsing, but they’re great”.

“It’s five and a half miles and it’s tremendously draining, but you’ll ever forget it”, he said.

He added that the East High students prepared for the long Tournament of Roses parade by walking around the school while playing their instruments every Tuesday and Thursday. “The kids will never forget it”.

Riding in their elaborate regalia, Calizona’s parade entry is dedicated to and will commemorate the Appaloosa Horse Club’s Chief Joseph Trail Ride, of which the final segment of the 13-year journey will take place in July 2016. And it marched at the Cody Stampede and in two parades during CFD.