Yellow-Bearded Santa Gets His Job Back
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MISSION VIEJO — Maybe they were moved by the spirit of Christmas. Or maybe it was the calls from hundreds of angry customers threatening to take their business elsewhere.
Mission Viejo Mall officials on Friday rehired the 68-year-old Los Angeles man who was fired from playing Santa Claus because his yellowish whiskers weren’t white enough.
Richard Lintz, who plays St. Nick each year to supplement his Social Security checks, will return to the mall today at 9 a.m.
“I can’t wait,” Lintz said. “I miss the kids.”
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