Police Escort Brings Santa to Special Event

Santa Claus arrived early in South-Central this year, cruising in Wednesday not on a reindeer-led sleigh, but atop the hood of a police car with flashing lights.

Shouting “ho, ho, ho,” Officer Frank Flores of the Los Angeles Police Department’s Hollywood Vice Unit waved at 40 children waiting eagerly in a courtyard decorated with bright flags. He then called out each of the children’s names and gave them brightly wrapped gifts.

“Este regalo es para Brian!” Flores said in Spanish. “Brian Pichardo!”

A 2-year-old toddled to Flores and got a large green package almost half his size.

The warm day did not stop Flores from wearing a fuzzy hat, bulky red velvet suit with faux fur trim and a curly white beard. Several of his vice unit colleagues, wearing shorts and short-sleeve shirts, stood nearby, cheering and clapping.

The event marked the second year the police unit has thrown a holiday party for the children of South-Central Los Angeles Ministry Project, an early childhood development program, said Sgt. Chuck Buttitta, who coordinated the party at the Juan Bosco Chapel.

Handmade paper decorations with festive designs were strung from wall to wall. Children played musical chairs and jumped like popcorn in a giant inflatable castle.

Jose Luis Cazares, 10, said he has been to many Christmas parties before but “not like this one.”

Mothers praised the party and the childhood development program, which provides parenting workshops, support groups and English classes for women with small children. The program was started in 1996 after several Catholic nuns studied community needs after the 1992 riots, said Sister Cathy White, executive director.

“I learned how to talk to my kids, how to solve problems. I learned about nutrition, vaccination,” said Irma Cornejo, who has three children. “I learned about myself. I learned self-esteem.”

Sandra Ruiz, who has two children, said the party was beautiful. “For the kids, it’s like a dream to see Santa Claus so close to them.”

Several officers said they hoped the event would improve their image in the community.

“It contributes to building a positive relationship,” said Officer Trina Franklin.