Santa Season Getting Into High Gear

Ventura County residents reported at least two Santa sightings Saturday, removing any doubt that ‘tis truly the season.

Mr. Claus rode into Santa Paula atop a 1954 fire engine during the city’s annual Christmas Parade, bringing a bit of the North Pole to citrus country.

And in Thousand Oaks, an upscale Santa cruised up to an auto dealership in a green Hummer, a tank-like, four-wheel-drive utility vehicle and the car du jour among the Hollywood set.

“Everybody is ready for Christmas,” said Joe Traversa, a 34-year-old Santa Paula resident, who rolled down the city’s Main Street atop a float shaped like a giant gingerbread house. “It’s the hustle and bustle, the Christmas lights, the parade and the music. Thanksgiving is over.”

Kim Kavanagh, the gender-bending Santa Claus in Thousand Oaks, confirmed that people seem to be getting into the Christmas spirit.

“It’s that season when people are nice and down-to-earth and friendly,” said the 32-year-old Santa from Simi Valley as she passed out candy canes at a Hummer dealership on Auto Mall Drive.

With more than 50 entries, including horses disguised as reindeer and their riders dressed as elves, Santa Paula’s 1995 Christmas Parade drew more than 3,000 spectators who lined the city’s main drag on the warm fall morning.

Santa Paula High School’s marching band, with members dressed in poinsettia-red uniforms, blasted out a melody of Christmas tunes. Santa Paula City Council members--all wearing Santa caps--motored past in retro-convertibles. And a Ventura Girl Scout troop walked the parade route in sheepherders’ outfits and staffs to re-enact a Nativity scene.

“Being Mary is kind of fun,” said Nicole Glassey, 10, cradling a doll supposed to be the baby Jesus. “I’ve never done this before.”

Some parade entries didn’t fit the “Christmas Memories” theme, but prompted loud applause from the audience. Clad in an 1868 post-Civil War military uniform, Brian James rode down Main Street on horseback along with five other members of the New Buffalo Soldiers.

“We are calling attention to the African-American in the wars and in the services,” said James, a 32-year-old Pasadena resident. “That is often overlooked in our history.”

Home for the Thanksgiving holiday, U.S. Marine Corps Pvt. Robert Casimiro stood ramrod straight in his crisp blue uniform as he watched the parade roll through his home town.

“It’s just great being away from base and being back home,” said the 18-year-old Santa Paula native as marchers streamed past just inches from his shiny black shoes. “It makes it feel like Christmas.”

Clarice Bergantz, a former kindergarten teacher from Salinas, came to watch her grandson play trombone in the pageant, but said she was also impressed by the parade’s homemade floats and small-town flavor.

“It’s really better than great big parades,” said the 82-year-old Bergantz. “It’s so indigenous and homespun.”

Sarah Liller, a 10-year-old Ventura resident, admired the horses that trotted by wearing cloth antlers, transforming the animals into Dancers and Prancers.

Clutching a Santa Lucia Christmas doll, Sarah said the holiday decorations and music served to remind people to appreciate what they have.

“You should be thankful that you’re not homeless, that you have food and a roof over your head,” Sarah said.

The roly-poly man with the cone-shaped hat, who brought up the end of the parade, got the warmest reception.

“He says ‘Hi’ to everyone and wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and that’s exciting,” said Carmen Palacios, 9.

In Thousand Oaks, about a dozen U.S. Marines met Santa at the auto dealership to collect donations for their Toys for Tots program, which delivers Christmas presents to disadvantaged children.

But Santa was winning the popularity contest as residents flocked for candy and a chance to sit on her lap.

“Santa is cool,” said 12-year-old Agoura Hills resident Keriann Miranda, who wants a television for Christmas. “He gives you presents.”

Surrounded by Hummers, many priced at more than $50,000, 10-year-old Branden Kavanagh decided to put one of the tank-like cars at the top of his wish list.

“They look rad inside and they’re rad outside too,” said Branden, who is the Thousand Oaks Santa’s son.

Branden’s mother said she was enjoying her Santa stint, but said the job did have its drawbacks.

“I like seeing happy faces,” Kavanagh said. “But the whiskers, they do kind of itch a little, I have to say.”