One visitor arrived at 6:45 a.m. to wait for Santa, who was due to arrive at 10:30 a.m. Miguel, who is physically disabled and recently moved from Mexico to Santa Paula, “had never seen Santa Claus before and he believed that Santa was the real Santa…that’s what innocence is.” Miguel also stuck like glue to Santa’s side throughout the five-hour event, supplying the man with all the toys, plenty of water and candy canes.So struck by Miguel’s strong belief and efforts to help Santa entertain the other children were Senior Officer Jimmy Fogata and Gonzales, that they have since purchased the boy special toys. “It was the first time that Miguel had ever seen Santa,” noted Dominguez. “He was there at 6:45 a.m., the first in line,” and was the last to leave the event.Those who did not receive gifts on Saturday were given a ticket to redeem on Sunday when more toys arrived at the community policing building where carolers entertained with songs of the holiday. “We had so many good things happen to us,” including donations from area businesses and individuals, noted Dominguez.Meeting Miguel and sharing his wonder at seeing Santa for the first time was a highpoint. “While Miguel rides his bicycle he comes home and there are more presents under the tree he believes that Santa brought him,” said Dominguez. “Miguel this year is my symbol of Christmas, he is what Christmas is or what it should be…the innocence of being 9 years old and he still believes.”
Miguel waits four hours to meet Santa at Las Piedras Santa & Me
December 24, 2004
Santa Paula News
Although there were close to a 1,000 people Saturday at Las Piedras Park for the annual motorcycle Santa & Me holiday celebration featuring the Santa Toy Run, it was 9-year-old Miguel who best demonstrated the spirit of Christmas, according to the park’s Community Policing Building coordinator.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesAlthough there were close to a 1,000 people Saturday at Las Piedras Park for the annual motorcycle Santa & Me holiday celebration featuring the Santa Toy Run, it was 9-year-old Miguel who best demonstrated the spirit of Christmas, according to the park’s Community Policing Building coordinator. Calla Dominguez and other LPPCPB volunteers welcomed “989 people Saturday…I took down names, ages, gender and addresses so next year I can use that list” to pass on to Toys for Tots to supply presents for children of needy families.Dominguez said that “close to 600 toys” were distributed, many supplied by the motorcycle riders who arrived for the event “just packed with gifts, full of gifts” to distribute at the annual event that features a visit and photos with Santa (AKA SPPD Chief Bob Gonzales).Although the weather was hot and windy, “everyone stood in line and it was very orderly, really nice,” Dominguez noted.