‘Santa’ Sues Glendale Over Citations

A 63-year-old self-styled Santa Claus filed a $1.5-million claim against the city of Glendale on Monday rather than remove thousands of lights, ornaments and statues that transform his rented home into a year-round Christmas shrine.

Robert George, who for years officiated at White House Christmas festivities, said city officials were unfair in citing him for zoning and building code violations, adding that city building inspectors were trespassing when they went onto his property to make inspections.

In December, neighbors complained that George’s gaudily decorated house drew hundreds of visitors and caused constant noise, traffic and parking problems. He had similar problems in 1976, when he lived in Sierra Madre and city officials refused to grant him a permit for a 42-foot sleigh with mechanical reindeer.