Major changes coming to Candy Cane Lane in Clovis

For the last several years, Clovis' Candy Cane Lane has become a nightmare before Christmas for some residents.

"The vendors just bring trash. They bring chaos," said resident Rachael Awad.

But this year should be different.

Awad was one of roughly 200 residents who attended a city meeting months ago to demand stricter regulations.

She says it came after years of increasing chaos, ranging from illegal vendors to theft, fights and other safety concerns in the streets of the normally quiet neighborhood.

"There were vehicle code violations, people navigating through the area without their seatbelts, people being transported on trailers," said Clovis Police Corporal Anthony Puente.

This year, all vendors are banned, even those who live in the neighborhood.

"We were the hot chocolate home," said Awad. "It helped my son pay for his college. But we're okay letting that go."

Awad says other traditions, like the mailbox she keeps on her front lawn to send letters to Santa, will still be there.

And with vendors out, more officers will be turning out.

Clovis Police will increase enforcement to keep the neighborhood clean and safe this December.

"It's not going to be an overly saturated police presence. What we want is to keep the community safe," said Puente.

While many in the neighborhood said they were fed up with the ongoing issues, most residents say they still love the tradition.

They're hoping the changes mean it can continue for years to come.

"Respect the neighborhood. Respect the homeowners, respect the area. Take your trash with you. Just respect it," Awad said.

Clovis city officials say they'll see how the new rules pan out this year and will continue working with residents in the coming years.

Candy Cane Lane officially opens Dec. 1 and runs through Christmas Day.

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