Rain or Shine, Santa Claus Delivers Toys to Kids

Santa Claus came flying into Redlands a little early this year. On Tuesday morning, Dec. 22, he traded in his sleigh for a pick-up truck for the day as he came riding into various neighborhoods with presents and candy for all. The community was embraced with holiday spirit at about 9:30 a.m. where the parade started at the corner of Post Street and Sun Avenue in Northern Redlands. Santa travelled throughout several blocks greeting a myriad of community parents and children. The parade ended at the corner of East Brockton Avenue and North Church Street. Although the weather was rainy and gloomy, once residents saw that Santa Claus himself was right outside their window, they came running out to be greeted with presents, candy canes, and smiles. According to Redlands Police Lt. Travis Martinez, the parade took place in an area of the community where a few violent incidents had recently took place. Hosted by Redlands Community Policing Bureau, the Redlands Police Department as well as the whole community just wants everyone to be comforted with some safe Christmas cheer, especially being so close to the holidays. RPD Community Service Officer Christopher Mead was walking along the parade to make sure all the children were safe and not in the middle of the street due to excitement to see Santa Claus. He was also walking along the sidewalks, making sure that everyone received a candy cane. He said, “We want to make sure the community feels safe in that general area.”