One week after a mass shooting that left four people dead and thirteen others wounded, thousands of Stockton families gathered downtown Friday night for the city's annual Christmas tree lighting.

An event many hoped would offer comfort in the midst of collective grief.

Residents described the night as emotional but necessary, saying being together felt like an important step toward healing.

"I'm just praying for everyone, for everything to be positive and for all that stuff to go away," said Stockton resident Gina Mannings. "Nothing like that can happen again."

Parents who attended said they showed up despite the pain, hoping the celebration would give their children something to smile about after a traumatic week.

"It's very hard after what happened," said Nadalie Bernadl. "But

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