Most of 2024 was devoted to launching Procession, a work that features a lineup of twenty flags moving very slowly—8 inches per hour, to be exact—across a freeway overpass in Santa Clarita, California. The grouping was planned to take 21 days to traverse the span.

The work needed the approval of Caltrans, which has jurisdiction over the affected roadways. Caltrans required that I gain the sponsorship of a “local agency” and the most natural partner was the Santa Clarita Arts Commission, representing the City of Santa Clarita. They indicated they may be able to support the project but only if Caltrans would approve it.

Caltrans very quickly denied my request. But they did so unfairly. The official who made the denial had only heard about the project third-hand. They never even saw my proposal. So I appealed to the office of State Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo. They kindly interceded to ask Caltrans to reconsider and made every effort to guide all the interested parties to a positive conclusion.

Was hoping, to all get final approvals by the end of 2024. Unfortunately, by year’s end, it hadn’t happened.

UPDATE, MARCH 2025 — The City of Santa Clarita has given provisional approval to the project. Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo’s office is now scheduling a time for the City and me to make a joint presentation to Caltrans. At that point, hopefully, we’ll gain their final approval and we can begin to raise funds for the project. Looks like that this meeting could happen as soon as late April. Still hoping to launch in October 2025 but that target is starting to look ambitious.

UPDATE, APRIL 2025 — The City of Santa Clarita and I will be making a presentation to Caltrans on May 6. Wish us luck!

UPDATE, MAY 6, 2025 — Caltrans leadership abdicates its authority to interpret its own guidelines. After 18 months of work: Project denied. But look for its resurrection in a more art-friendly state … like Texas.