Teens organize Metrolink candlelight vigil

Two Chatsworth teens are organizing a candlight vigil to honor the victims, survivors and heroes of the Metrolink and Union Pacific train crash last Friday, according to the latest newsletter from the Chatsworth Neighborhood Council.

The vigil will be held at 6:45 p.m. Friday at the Chatsworth train station, 10046 Old Depot Plaza Road.

Haley Giz and Kristen Kiertzner met at Pepper Tree Ranch in Chatsworth as horseback-riding partners when they were in the fourth and sixth grades. Haley, now 15, is a sophomore at Chaminade College Preparatory and Kristen, 17, is a senior at Opportunities for Learning Independent Study.

After the Metrolink tragedy, Haley and Kristen were so devastated by the incident that they called each other and collaborated on organizing a candlelight vigil. They handmade more than 200 tea-light candles, but realized there was more they wanted to do.

They decided to get the community involved. Soon, friends and neighbors began donating their time and talents to make the vigil happen and local businesses were quick to support the teens by posting their fliers to inform the community of the event.