But much of Desert Plateau was undeveloped when the first luminarias started. There were dead-end streets, which made for traffic congestion. Now, that problem doesn't exist because the streets have expanded, but a tour by car through all the lighted area can still take an hour, residents say. The only hindrance in past years has been heavy wind, which makes it hard for people to keep the candles lit. As in previous years, the luminaria is organized by neighborhood block captains who knock on doors soliciting funds.
Neighbors are on their own when it comes to sand.
But Desert Plateau is full of open, sandy spaces. Some residents use blocks of wood in which to place candles, eliminating much of the mess on Sunday morning. Despite the work involved, few want to be left out of the luminaria. There's no hirings and firings. The luminaria begins at 6 p.m. Saturday.