Security Ready In Riverside Ahead Of Festival Of Lights At Mission Inn

RIVERSIDE (CBSLA.com) — The countdown is on in downtown Riverside for the annual Festival of Lights, which is expected to draw tens of thousands of people on Friday.

But before the lights go on, heightened security plans are in place at the Mission Inn because of the recent terror threats. Officials declined to comment Wednesday, but according to the Press-Enterprise, the inn has beefed up private security and is taking other steps ordered by Homeland Security as a precaution.

A facilities director said he has "directed the entire staff not to answer questions by phone about the opening night event or provide any related information, such as what time the lights go on, which nearby freeway exits are open or closed or how many people are expected for the last week."

Riverside police say they'll work with security at the Mission Inn to monitor the crowds and the area. Nearby businesses are also making sure their employees and customers will be safe.

"Every time I work, it's about two security guards. I'm pretty sure during that Friday, there's gonna be like five," said Vicanda Ma, who works at Molino's Coffee.

Employees there welcome the added safety measures. People who plan to be here Friday do, too.

"It's nice to know they're having the show of extra security. I think that will be nice," said David Poletti, a Riverside resident.

But the show of force won't dampen the spirit.

"I'm not giving up my joy, my happiness, my Christmas, my holidays, because somebody wants to scare me," said Liz Thomas, also a Riverside resident.