Santa Claus Visits Redondo Beach

With a little help from the Redondo Beach Police Officer's Association, Santa Claus wrapped up his pre-Christmas visit to Redondo Beach with a trip to in the north end of the city Saturday.

Dozens of people gathered at the park to take photos, eat hot dogs and drink hot chocolate until it started drizzling, forcing Santa and his helpers to pack up at about 6:30 p.m.

Due to budget cuts, there to escort Santa through the streets of Redondo Beach—a decades-old tradition—so the RBPOA —one to in South Redondo Beach on Dec. 10 and one to Anderson Park.

"We just knew we couldn't give 100 percent to 18 days," said Officer Scot Martin, the vice president of the RBPOA. He also said that additional officers have been hired since the organization decided not to do the neighborhood rounds; however, the new officers would not have completed training in time to help.

Still, there was no question that Santa would be making an early visit to Redondo.

"We knew that Santa was going to come out in some form or another," so officers came up with the idea of the park visits, Martin said.

"We totally expect that next year we'll go back to normal," Martin said.

Nevertheless, some of the adult attendees were overheard saying that they preferred this year's format.

"I'm enjoying it more because when they just came to the house, it's just a few minutes and they're done," said Laurie Young, whose niece and nephew live near Anderson Park. She called the park visit "more social," and noted that it gave the kids the opportunity to eat hot dogs, drink hot chocolate and hang out with friends.

Her nephew, Zachary Young, said he enjoys Santa's yearly visits.

"I like seeing Santa a lot," said the 9-year-old student. The best part? "Sitting with Santa and taking the picture."