The passing of beloved former TRENO resident Flo Klaasen

On July 18 an inspirational woman and former TRENO resident (and co-founding member) left us at the amazing age of 98. Florence Ambler Klaasen (Flo) was a Palm Springs treasure who was a fount of local history as she moved here in the mid 40's as a remedy for her oldest son's severe asthma. Her initial reaction to the doctor's recommendation was "Palm Springs? That's only for movie stars. We're regular people."

However, they made the move and the town ended up being a better place for it. After living in several different neighborhoods, the family of four moved into their home at 1027 E. San Lucas Road in 1956 where Flo would reside until 2015. Along the way she made a lot of great memories and some even involving famous people like Frank Sinatra (they played with his trains), Elvis (while working as an airport police officer she had to protect his car from an “over welcoming” fan) and many others. More importantly than that she was incredibly gracious and welcoming to all incoming TRENO residents.

Her energy and devotion to it (we have sidewalks north of the wash because of her) were infectious and led to many people joining it. Her co-founding partner, J Paul Crippen, recalled "at one of our annual meetings Flo made a passionate plea for residents to step up and become council members, with eight people joining." How persuasive she was. In building upon that reputation for persuasion and strength, as former TRENO Chair and resident Greg Gilman remembered, "She had her opinions but she always listened and respected those of others." 

We are forever grateful for everything she did to make our neighborhood and city a better place and her memory will live on.

Tony Vaccaro
E San Lucas resident & current TRENO council member