Highland Park Tree Lighting to Be Held Dec. 15

A group of neighborhood volunteers are working to organize a community Holiday Tree lighting on Saturday, Dec. 15 in the parking lot located by Las Cazuelas Restaurant at 5707 N. Figueroa St.

The effort led by Carlos Lopez, owner of Las Cazuelas, who several weeks ago approached local Neighborhood Watch Captain Peter Bedard to see if he was interested in helping to organize the event.

Lopez will provide the location and some food, and Bedard is now pulling together volunteers to make the event a reality.

"We already have a lot of people who are stepping forward to help," Bedard said.

Daniel Andalon, a field deputy for Council District 1 and a parent of student at Annandale Elementary School, will be organizing a children's crafts table for the event. Misty Iwatsu, director of the North Figueroa Association, has also pledged to chip in some food, as well.

Andalon added that Reyes' office will also be providing the tree itself.

Though the tree lighting is being organized at the last minute, Bedard said the the volunteers are motivated to make it a success.

"It's one of those situations like, 'I have a barn, who wants to put on a show?'" Bedard said. "I think more gets done when people step forward and say, 'I want to do this."

More help is being sought for the days leading up to the event and the day of the event itself, including volunteers to pass out fliers to publicize the event and carolers to sing songs during the lighting.

For more information about the event, see its Facebook page.