Poetry Sought on Highway 126 Safety

Poets of the highway--truckers, ranchers, cowboys and commuters--are being challenged to write a poem about California 126 as part of a traffic safety campaign called “Stay Alive on This Beautiful Drive.”

The highway winds through the scenic Santa Clara River Valley between Ventura and Santa Clarita, but also has a reputation for being among the county’s most dangerous roads.

Eleven people died during a five-week period in December and January, prompting state officials to unveil safety measures ranging from a heightened police presence to lower speed limits in two construction zones along the route.

Ventura-based public relations firm Halsted Communications Inc. is offering $1,100 in prizes, including $500 for the best poem and $100 for the worst.

A four-person panel that includes Jack Ledbetter, a Cal Lutheran University English professor, will judge the contest.

Prizes will be awarded at Fillmore’s Independence Day car show and chili cook-off.

Entries should be mailed, faxed or e-mailed by June 13 to Highway 126 Partnership Poetry Contest, c/o Halsted Communications Inc., 56 E. Main St., Suite 200, Ventura CA 93001. The fax number is: (800) 600-7112. The e-mail address is keverett@halsted.com

For more information, call 648-9844, Ext. 228.