Santa Claus is coming to town early this year... and Santa Monica's firefighters and police officers are leading the way!  Santa and his public safety helpers will be distributing good cheer and thousands of candy canes as part of the thirteenth annual "Candy Cane Drive".

Everyone is invited to join in the Candy Cane Drive.

Santa's scheduled stops are as follows:

Saturday, December 4, 2004:

10:30 - 10:50 a.m. Douglas  Park - California Ave.  &  25th  Street

11:00 - 11:20 a.m. Christine Reed Park - California Ave. & Lincoln Blvd.

11:30 - 11:50 a.m. Third Street Promenade & Wilshire Blvd

 1:30 -  1:50 p.m.   Memorial Park - 14th Street Parking Lot

 2:00 -  2:20 p.m.   Marine Park- Marine St. & 17th St

 2:30 -  2:50 p.m.   Clover Park – Ocean Park Blvd & 25^th Parking Lot

Santa Monica children are encouraged to look and listen for the lights and sirens of the public safety vehicles, while parents are encouraged to bring their cameras.

For more information, call the Santa Monica Police Department, Community Relations Office at (310) 458-8474.