NEWPORT BEACH : No Reindeer, but Santa Arrives by Air

Thousands of children anticipating the arrival of Santa Claus in city schools Thursday chanted, “Santa! Santa! Santa!” and jumped up and down hysterically as he and his wife arrived via a police helicopter.

“I didn’t know that Santa drove in a helicopter that says police on it,” said 12-year-old Amber Wildeisen, squinting her eyes as the police chopper landed on the playground at Newport Elementary School. “I thought he drove with reindeer.”

Newport Beach police flew Mr. and Mrs. Claus to eight elementary schools as part of the department’s annual attempt to spread the holiday spirit to young students throughout the city.

That Santa’s reindeer weren’t accompanying the jolly couple puzzled some of the students who tugged on his long, curly beard and received hugs and candy canes.

Others, like 6-year-old Vincent Mungo, offered explanations. “The reindeer would take too long,” he said.

“They’re probably getting their rest so they can have their fun later when they come to my house on Christmas Eve,” said Ashley Steen, 7.

Many of the children asked if the Christmas couple--played by Newport Elementary fifth-grade teacher Ralph Whitford and community activist Jean Boyd--were “real,” Boyd said at one of the stops. “I just love the things the children say to us. And seeing their smiles--I love that,” she said.

While some of the children questioned Santa’s authenticity, most agreed that he was either the real thing or at least a Santa’s helper.

There was no fooling Vincent Mungo though. “He’s the real Santa. That’s for sure,” he said.

“We feel it’s important to spread that spirit of Christmas cheer and show the children that police have those qualities of honesty and good morals that Santa does,” said one of Santa’s elves, Officer John H. Ludvigson.