Vice Mayor Laura Flores Espinosa agreed, noting that the Recreation Commission had received a report on the 2001 event, which drew over 300 children.“My intent was an open house where Santa Paulans can meet Santa Paulans,” said Luna.Suggestions for dates included Thanksgiving weekend, specifically staging such an open house immediately after the Optimist Club’s annual Christmas parade.Interim City Manager Paul Skeels said staff could study the issue and come back with estimated costs of such a gathering.Espinosa suggested that it be kept simple, “cookies and punch or a potluck. . .”Councilman John Procter suggested that a theme be considered for such an event.
City Council: Santa Paulans meeting Santa Paulans to be studied by staff
February 23, 2002
Santa Paula City Council
Santa Paulans meeting Santa Paulans is a good idea, but the City Council must still decide just what would be the best occasion and venue for a community open house. One councilman rejected the idea of Santa at the Depot as a “mistake. . .”
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesSanta Paulans meeting Santa Paulans is a good idea, but the City Council must still decide just what would be the best occasion and venue for a community open house. One councilman rejected the idea of Santa at the Depot as a “mistake. . .”Mayor Ray Luna had requested that the concept of a city sponsored meet and greet event be studied by staff.At the Feb. 4 meeting Brian Yanez, community services director, said the “only thing we’ve come up with is using the Depot for the come see Santa,” event held each year at the Community Center in December. “We can move this event to the Depot and add to it some other activities. . .” Yanez noted that the Santa gathering is a preliminary idea, as staff “didn’t really get much direction,” on the original request.“I think Santa would be a mistake,” said Councilman Don Johnson, who noted the annual Community Center event could not be transplanted to the Depot as it draws “far too many people; there’s too much going on to move Santa over there.”Johnson said he believed the original request had centered more on an informal gathering with refreshments.
