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Published on 12/07/1998 All articles from this issue

Santa has breakfast with Los Altos kids

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By Clyde Noel

Special to the Town Crier

Jolly Old Saint Nick is filling up the Los Altos retail landscape these days, not only putting in daily appearances at Rancho Shopping Center, but also managing two appearances at the Los Altos Village Association's "Breakfast With Santa" events.

The first one, held this past Saturday at Jocco's Restaurant in Los Altos, had youngsters giddy with excitement in anticipation of the bearded one. Selecting a kazoo among their gifts, the kids hummed "Jingle Bells" and "Here Comes Santa Claus," while waiting.

Finally, Santa arrived with his long white beard, red coat and shiny boots. There was room for more than one kid to sit on his lap at the same time.

Madeline Bagby, sister Kaitlin and brother Austin, came to see Santa with their parents. They live about four blocks from Jocco's. They sat at the counter so they could watch Jamie Carpenter and his wife Meredith put sausages and french toast on plates for 73 people.

"I love Christmas, the holiday spirit and kids," said Jamie Carpenter, owner of Jocco's. "I get great pleasure out of doing this. The community supports me all year long and it's great to see their kids here."

Jed Drexler and his parents came to see Santa for the second time at Jocco's.

Kathleen Byrne, executive director of the Los Altos Village Association, said the event was sold out months ago.

This coming Saturday, a second "Breakfast with Santa" will be held at Maltby's restaurant on Fourth Street.

"This event is in demand and sells out quickly. We could very easily have another breakfast or make it bigger, but then it loses the holiday spirit," Byrne said.

Dennis Ronberg owner of Linden Tree Children's Records & Books, and Linda Dodge owner of Lin's Toy Cupboard, joined in serving food.

"You get in the holiday spirit doing this. Our kids are grown and its great to see the enthusiasm that kids have," Ronberg said.

Three generations of the Strangenes family came to see Santa. In the past, the Los Altos residents met at the Neiman Marcus Breakfast with Santa, but it was cancelled so they came to Jocco's.

"It's Christmas, and what a better way to celebrate and be with each other. We live all over Los Altos and work, but this Saturday morning all nine of us are together to celebrate," said grandmother Kari Strangenes.

Byrne said "Breakfast With Santa" is a community event the association puts on to bring visibility to the downtown area.

For more information, call 949-5282.