San Francisco rallies around fired 'Santa'

SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 9 (UPI) -- A veteran Santa at Macy's in San Francisco, known to many in the area as Santa John, says getting fired has made him an international celebrity.

John Toomey was dismissed Saturday after an older couple complained about an off-color joke -- knowing where the naughty boys and girls lived. He told the San Francisco Chronicle his voicemail box filled up quickly after the newspaper ran a story Monday.

Toomey, who had been a Santa at Macy's for 20 years, already has a new job. Lefty O'Doul's, a landmark tavern, has hired him to officiate over the Fire Department toy drive.

"It's a little overwhelming," Toomey said. "It feels very nice to have all this support, and I do like the idea of helping with a toy drive. Helping the kids -- that's what it's all about, you know."

Nick Bovis, one of the pub's owners, said he had been taking his kids to see Santa John for years.

The Chronicle said it received more than 1,000 calls and e-mails. One man picketed in front of Macy's with a sign telling the store to rehire Santa John.

Xavier Montaigu said when he brought his 4-year-old daughter to see Santa this year he left immediately when he saw Santa John was not on his throne.