-Editorial
Shoppers at the Imperial Valley Mall and The Plaza experienced a magical surprise this holiday season when Santa Claus made an unexpected yet grand appearance aboard an El Centro Fire Department engine. The sight of the Santa waving from the red firetruck brought joy and wonder to children and adults alike, as festive sirens wailed and holiday lights sparkled.
Children were heard exclaiming, “It’s Santa!” as the firetruck made its way through the shopping centers. Adults paused to snap photos and record videos, capturing the heartwarming moment.
The return of the beloved “Santa’s Jingle Bell Journey” this year brought a new twist with its “Rockin’ Santa” theme. From December 15 to 21, Santa Claus traveled through seven zones of El Centro aboard a firetruck, ensuring every resident had a chance to see him.
“This is something that the City of El Centro has been doing for many years,” said Battalion Chief Eduardo Ainza. “It’s kind of a spin-off of the Rockin’ Santa event that the city puts on. It involves the fire department driving around the city with some lights and the sirens every now and then, just spreading the holiday spirit and reaching out to all the residents here in El Centro.”
The festive journey aims to ensure that everyone, including those who may not be able to attend city events, gets to experience the joy of the season. “Not everybody has a chance to make it out to our fantastic city events,” Ainza explained. “We just want to bring that to everyone’s doorstep.”
The tradition shows no signs of slowing down. “For next year, it’s going to be the same thing,” Ainza added. “I think this can be considered a staple for the City of El Centro at this point.”
Beyond the holiday season, the fire department remains deeply engaged in the community.
“There’s always plenty on our roster,” Ainza said. “We have our signature Open House in October, but we’re also constantly reaching out to different demographics in our city, engaging with schools, and promoting community education. It’s about maintaining safety and taking care of our loved ones.”
The Adam Car Club followed closely behind Santa’s firetruck, showcasing beautifully decorated cars covered in twinkling Christmas lights.
Robert Ruiz, a member of the Adam Car Club, shared the motivation behind their participation. “We’re just doing this for the community, to give back to the city of El Centro,” Ruiz said. “More than anything, we want to help out the kids who are going through tough times, put a smile on their faces during the holidays. With all the struggles people face, we just want to spread some joy.”
The glowing parade cars captivated onlookers, who snapped pictures, recorded videos, and pointed excitedly at the festive vehicles. “It was great,” Ruiz said with a smile. “The lights alone get people’s attention. They start lighting up, pointing at the cars, and you can feel the excitement.”
Known for its emphasis on car audio, the Adam Car Club added a unique touch to the event by playing music that got people moving. “We had music playing that made people want to dance,” Ruiz explained. “It’s so much fun seeing them not know whether to take pictures or start dancing.”
