Gardena Winter Festival

Children in the city of
Gardena’s After School Program
take the stage to sing holiday
songs at “Walking in a Winter
Wonderland and Holiday Crafts
Boutique” on Saturday, Dec. 4. The
holiday classic included free entree,
snow, crafts for kids, hot chocolate
and s’mores, holiday crafts vendor
and entertainment. Santa Claus
also made a visit and Mayor Tasha
Cerda and the council kicked off
the tree lighting ceremony.
Photos by Gary Kohatsu

Aliyah Bey, 7, of Gardena, gave a solo performance of
holiday songs. She has her own foundation, “The Little
Lioness Foundation.” With her mother, Minister Aliyah
El-Bey, the foundation was formed to “focus on making the
maximum positive effort for our community. Our members
and volunteers provide the momentum that helps us affect
change. Using data driven models, we provide solutions that
make a long-lasting difference.”

Nathaniel Gomez, 6, of the city’s After School Program, flies down a snowy slope at the Winter Wonderland event. The
holiday event also featured a visit from Santa Claus, a tree lighting ceremony and a crafts boutique. The festivities were
organized by Stephany Santin, City Recreation and Human Services director and her staff.

Members of the community attend the free holiday event and some families roasted marshmallows, one of many activities
offered. After a year of modified holiday events, due to the coronavirus, the city returned this season to inviting the public
to an outdoor celebration.