In September it hired a new executive manager, Norma Ruiz, and recently the association hung lighted garlands and decorations along Lincoln Avenue. Now it just needs some electricity to light the ones between Minnesota and Willow streets.

During the last week of November, the decorations hung between Minnesota and Coe avenues remained unlit, but the decorations between Coe and Willow were lighting up.

"They were lit before," WGBPA President Cara Finn said at a general members meeting on Nov. 26. "Did someone unplug the extension cord?"

WGBPA Second Vice President Waltrip suspects that the decorations were hooked up to power sources provided by an unsuspecting restaurant or salon. But the power for the decorations should be provided by the city.

Waltrip said she'd contacted Fresno-based Sierra Display—the decorations consulting company the association hired to adorn the avenue—to fix the problem by Dec. 5, which is the date WGBPA helps launch the Willow Glen Holiday Traditions, a month-long event that commences with a tree-lighting ceremony at Willow Glen Elementary School, 1425 Lincoln Ave., and includes horse and carriage rides through the neighborhood on Thursday nights throughout the month of December. Carolers will be strolling along Lincoln Avenue on Thursday nights and Sundays. Some merchants will also be staying open later.

WGBPA Business Manager Norma Ruiz discussed the insurance and liability needed to cover Santa's House, 1141 Lincoln Ave., formerly occupied by the West Coast Martial Arts Studio. The association also voted unanimously to be liable for the horse and carriage rides.

Santa's House will be open Thursday nights and Sundays starting Dec. 5.

The association also discussed its upcoming election. Ruiz said the board is determining which positions are open and which board members intend to renew their positions.

Ruiz said the association needs a new treasurer and also asked the merchants to nominate a certified public accountant as a board member.

The WGBPA normally meets the fourth Tuesday morning of the month, but in December the association will meet Dec. 17 to consider nominations. The bylaws require the association to approve nominations four weeks prior to an election. The ballot will be approved by the end of December and mailed to business license owners. The election is scheduled for Jan. 28.

For more information on the Willow Glen Business and Professional Association, 1275 Lincoln Ave., Suite 3, call 408.298.2100 or visit www.downtownwillowglen.org.