Blessing of the Cars relocates

Alexa Capeloto

Glendale will no longer be home to the Blessing of the Cars, the

annual hot rod showcase known for providing a Catholic priest to bless

classic automobiles.

For the past five years the event was held at Verdugo Park, attracting

more than 7,000 spectators and 800 cars in 1998. This year, organizers

decided to rent Sun Valley’s Hanson Dam Park for the July 29 event

instead.

Organizer Stephanie Baltierra said she and husband Gabriel decided

more than a year ago that the event had outgrown Verdugo and needed a

bigger space. Therefore, they didn’t bother applying for a Glendale

permit this year.

According to Lt. Don Meredith of the Glendale Police Department, the

Baltierras would not have been granted a permit anyway until they pay off

an $870 bill charged to them from last year’s event.

Meredith said police were called to Verdugo Park last July and filed

reports of one assault with a deadly weapon, one stolen car, alcohol

violations, hazard to pedestrians and illegal traffic. The department

billed Baltierra for the hours police spent there, said Meredith, and

Baltierra has not responded to two notices of the outstanding bill.

Meredith noted that prior to last year’s event, the Police Department

had no problems at the Blessing of the Cars.

Baltierra said the relocation has nothing to do with the bill.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: The 2000 Blessing of the Cars.

WHERE: Hanson Dam Park, at Dronsfield and Osborne.

WHEN: Saturday, July 29. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m for the general

public; 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. for cars.

COST: $5 to the general public; $20 to enter cars.

FOR MORE INFO: Call (323) 663-1265.