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Published on 12/22/1999 All articles from this issue

Another sold out crowd for 'Breakfast with Santa' at Joccos

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By Clyde Noel

Special to the Town Crier

Santa Claus loves a big breakfast and on Dec. 11 and last Saturday, he dropped in at Joccos restaurant in downtown Los Altos for his sausages, pancakes, cookies and milk.

He beckoned to the children in the restaurant to come sit on his lap while parents took pictures.

Last Saturday was "Breakfast With Santa," an annual event sponsored by the Los Altos Village Association, and as usual, some young ones got a bit tearful on their first visit with the bearded old man. Promises of candy canes and toys helped to relieve the initial anxiety.

"We love kids and being a part of the community," said Meredith Carpenter, co-owner of Joccos.

"We look forward to Breakfast With Santa every year and love putting it on. It's become a tradition with us now."

Santa, played by a local businessman, said, "I'm here because of the smiles on kids' faces. You have to be alert, because you know these pictures will be next year's Christmas card."

The affair accommodated 80 kids and their parents on each date. According to Los Altos Village Association officials, the event sells out months before Santa arrives.

"Breakfast with Santa" is run by volunteers. Dennis Ronberg, owner of Linden Tree Children's Records and Books, helps out every year with such chores as putting up tables and helping clear the dishes. "I love the reaction of the kids," he said. "It puts you in the holiday spirit."

Los Altos High School student Laura Battle was disguised as one of the volunteer elves and read off the list of children to come up and sit on Santa's lap. "It's a form of community service and helps with a school project," she said.

Nancy Zalesny of San Carlos put her son Lucas, 3, on Santa's lap.

"This is the start of the spirit of the holiday season for me," she said. "For my son, it's a small gift and a candy cane."

Wiley Rankin of Palo Alto provided entertainment during the breakfasts, leading children in Christmas songs prior to Santa's arrival.