After six years of running only half its route, the Torrance Police Officers Association\u2019s Santa Float will return to its full 26-night trek through the citye.<\/p>\n
The kick-off will begin on Sunday, Nov. 30, with Santa landing in a different kind of sleigh \u2013 Torrance\u2019s very own red and shiny Robinson R66 helicopter.<\/p>\n
Robinson Helicopter Company, a local helicopter manufacturer that has operated in Torrance for more than 50 years, has contributed the funding to return the float to its tradition of visiting every residential street in Torrance from Thanksgiving through Christmas since 1992.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor more than 30 years, the Torrance Police Officers\u2019 Association Santa Float has brought smiles and excitement to families across Torrance,\u201d said Marc Sandoval, TPOA president. \u201cThe idea was first conceived by a group of dedicated police officers who wanted to share the joy of the season with the children and families they were proud to serve. What began as a simple sketch on the back of a napkin soon became a reality through the hard work and dedication of the entire Police Officers\u2019 Association and its members.\u201d<\/p>\n
But because of staffing shortages and then the COVID-19 pandemic, the TPOA Santa Float was limited to 10 nights in recent years, stopping at only major points of interest like Torrance Beach and City Hall.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis multiyear commitment from Robinson Helicopter, in conjunction with TPF (Torrance Police Foundation), provides the necessary resources to not only restore and operate the float for the current holiday season,\u201d Robinson Helicopter Company said in a statement, \u201cbut also establishes a framework for its sustained presence in Torrance\u2019s future holiday celebrations.\u201d<\/p>\n
Residents are invited to see Santa land at the Robinson Helicopter Company campus at 4 p.m. on Sunday. After the landing, Santa will board the float and begin his 26-night route throughout December.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re proud to see the float return to the neighborhoods where this tradition was born, and where the true spirit of the season and our beloved community continue to shine,\u201d Sandoval said. \u201cThis effort truly reflects what makes Torrance special \u2013 partnership, pride and community spirit.\u201d<\/p>\n