CARMEL VALLEY, Calif. -- Carmel Valley residents told Central Coast News they're up in arms about a decades-long Christmas lighting ceremony that won't happen this year.
And it's all because the owner of the property doesn't like the look.
"It's kind of heartbreaking that one person can just decide to take something away from a whole entire community," said Kim Martin of Carmel Valley.
Martin has lived at the same home in Carmel Valley her entire life.
And for at least the last 30 years, the tree across the way has been lit up for the holidays for the entire community to enjoy.
"It's just knowing that it's there, you know? It's just part of the valley. It's been here since I can remember," she said.
But this year the owner of the property, who declined an on-camera interview, told Central Coast News he's not having it.
He said his holdup is since volunteers butchered the tree a couple of years ago it doesn't even look like a Christmas tree anymore. Not only that, he said the city's been using strong LED lights that make it look "ridiculous" and he said he doesn't want that happening on his property.
"the PG&E bill isn't even taken care of by the gentleman," Marin said. "It's taken care of by the fire department. As a person, heck it can't be that much. Why can't we say as a community we'll take care of it?"
The Mid Carmel Valley Fire Department said it's respecting the wishes of the property owner.
And based on the logistics of trying to secure another location, electrical permits, liability insurance, etc., it couldn't move this year's tree lighting at another location.
"It's still something that's here and part of Carmel Valley and I just can't see why one person would want it gone," Martin said.
The property owner said he's not against the tree lighting happening on his property.
He just hopes in the future it could have the traditional look it used to have over the years.
