Rose Parade security to be heightened

PASADENA, Calif., Dec. 9 (UPI) -- Security will be heightened for this year's Rose Parade in Pasadena, Calif., but Occupy protesters say that won't interfere with a planned post-parade march.

The Los Angeles Times reported Friday Pasadena police and Occupy the Rose Parade members met Wednesday to talk over issues regarding the back-to-back events. The protester told police they intend to march down Colorado Boulevard but will not disrupt the parade. In turn, police said Occupy demonstrators would be treated fairly.

"We want to make sure this is completely non-disruptive to the main parade," the Times quoted Occupy the Rose Parade organizer Peter Thottam as saying.

City police Lt. Phlunte Riddle told the Times police will work with the Occupy protesters to ensure the 123rd Rose Parade Jan. 2, which is expected to draw about 800,000 spectators to Pasadena, "goes smoothly and they have the opportunity to have their voice."

Los Angeles County Supervisor Mike Antonovich said Tuesday county law enforcement personnel will back up Pasadena police for the parade.