Eucalyptus Avenue in San Carlos has dressed up for Christmas for about 50 years now, drawing huge crowds to see the lights and decorations. But this year, the city wants those crowds to drive by, not walk by, to reduce the spread of the coronavirus.
Brian Cary is Communications Coordinator for the City of San Carlos, and he told KCBS Radio that the two-block stretch of Eucalyptus Avenue was converted to one-way traffic and signs are posted to stay inside your car.
Sign on Eucalyptus Avenue in San Carlos asking holiday lights observers to stay in their carsTim Ryan / KCBS Radio
“This is something that folks look forward to every year and it does draw a crowd,” he said. “This year, we are really requesting that anyone that comes down to view the beautiful decorations on Eucalyptus [Avenue] does so from their vehicle.”
Cary said that this is the best way to keep everyone safe—including the street’s residents—while taking in the holiday joy.
Tom Lease told KCBS Radio that he loves the lights but will be taking a pass this year.
“It boggles my mind that people would even think about gathering, even if it’s outside, because there’s no social distancing there and the pandemic is raging right now,” he said.
Some homeowners have toned down the decorating this year or skipped it all together.
Residents said there are still a lot of people walking the streets to enjoy the light show with, fortunately, most of them wearing masks.
Holiday decorations on Eucalyptus Avenue in San CarlosTim Ryan / KCBS Radio
