ORANGE COUNTY PERSPECTIVE : An Ear for the Job

These days, when it seems as if every other macho teen-age guy is sporting at least one earring, it should come as no surprise that Santa Claus wants to add a little twinkle to his ear as well. But “Santa,” or in this case, Bill Watkins, raised eyebrows at South Coast Plaza mall in Costa Mesa over a diamond stud earring that is as much a part of his self-expression as, well, his beard (which is real).

Watkins, 71, is one of those dream Santas whom people approach just to say “hi” and marvel over his resemblance to the North Pole’s most famous resident. Someone spotted him last year and urged him to make good use of his jolly looks by working as a department store St. Nick. Watkins wasn’t too sure, but he finally agreed and was hired by South Coast Plaza--earring and all.

To his surprise, Watkins, grandfather of seven and great-grandfather of four, fell in love with the job.

He’d had a circuitous route to the mall, having been, at various times, a truck driver, radiator man, biker, haircutter and owner of a beauty supply business. He was even a drinker but gave that up 20 years ago. These days, he’s mostly just plain retired. That is, except for playing Santa Claus.

Things went well for Watkins last holiday season, so this year he is back at South Coast Plaza. You’ll find him there wearing a new red suit. But as perfect as his appearance and demeanor are for his annual holiday role, one mall official, upon seeing the diamond stud, suggested it might have to go.

Watkins said he would quit rather than remove it. Faced with a little publicity over the matter, others at the mall insisted that Watkins was doing a great job; and that, as one put it, is “the end” of the matter. The diamond stud could stay.

That’s the spirit. After all, an earring is a small thing compared to a Santa Claus with a big heart.