at least at one macy's in san francisco.german tells us why the store had to give him the eve ho -- ho ho ho. >> reporter: good. you have heard of the miracle on 34th street. you might want to call this is misunderstanding onagri boulevard. macy fired its long-time santa and a lot of people are asking, why? >> reporter: where does santa stay when he is not at the north pole? next to the dollar store here on market at the budget inn. let's go in and say hello. [ coughing ] >> reporter: 68-year-old john toomey had some trouble catching his breath today. he has been explaining over and over and over again why after 20 years as one of the main santas, macy's fired him. >> this couple came in and sat on my knee and i asked them if they had been good. and they said, oh, yes. and i said, well that's too bad. >> reporter: santa john says that was it. the couple complained. it's the first time that's happened and a few days later macy's called his manager and told her he was fired. >> they told her to get rid of me right now. >> repo

he's the famous santa, macy's santa. this year not everyone is smiling. that's because tumey or santa john won't be there. he's been fired by macy's because of a complaint about a joke he told to an adult couple who sat on his lap. santa began his usual by asking them if they had been good. >> they said, oh yes, santa. and i said, oh, that's too bad. and then i said, you know why santa is so happy and jolly all the time -- and they said no. and i said, well, that's because santa knows where all the naughty girls and boys live. >> reporter: tumey says he never jokes with children and will only tell jokes to adults hoping to get a laugh. >> i've used it for over 20 years and no one has ever complained about it. they didn't complain about it to me. they went right up to management. >> reporter: some said the controversy has a strange similarity to another macy's santa claus depicted on miracle on 31st street. he was fired for claiming to be the real santa claus. macy's confirmed that tumey had been let go but would not say anything more calling it a personne

i said that is too bad. >> that is one of the jokes jant told an adult couple at macy's. he joked about the reason why santa was always happy. >> santa so happy and jolly. he knows where all of the naughty girls and boys live. >> the couple complained and john was fire forward telling jokes he said he told other adults for 20 years. >> get out of here! that is pathetic. >> no one we spoke with could believe macy's would fire a santa i heard news this morning i said i've got to do something about this. >> nick owns the lefty odoule's on union square. he thought would it be great for a fire fighter toy drive. the goal is to get 10,000 toys. >> i know when they hear that santa is going to be here, maybe we'll go for a double goal. >> he told us he wanted to offer jant a job. the restaurant you called the north pole on santa hot line but got only vice vois mail. abc 7 news arranged a meeting with the two at his hotel. >> and there is a gentleman here offered you a job. >> can i get a hug? >> and we'll offer double what macy's paid and you can drink and eat all day long as muc

at least one macy's in san francisco thinks so. we see why the store gave him the heave ho, ho, ho. >> reporter: where does santa stay while he's not at the north pole? at the budget inn. let's say hello. 68-year-old john had trouble catching his breath today. he's been explaining over and over and over again why after 20 years as one of the main santas macy's fired him. >> this couple came in and sat on my knee and i asked them if they had been good, and they said oh, yes. and i said well that's too bad, you know why santa is so happy and jolly all the time, tonight you? they said no. and i said well that's because santa knows where all the naughty girls and boys live. >> he thought it was a cute joke for grownups and telling it for 20 years but that couple complained so macy's called his manager and told her the gig was up. >> they told her to get rid of me right now. >> reporter: really? that's all? we wanted to get macy's side of the story but they said they tonight comment on personnel matters. but santa john is still laughing

. >>> management of macy's union square fired their santa clause. the fellow was sacked after he cracked a joke that some visitor said wasn't funny. >> he has been known to a lot of local san franciscoen as santa clause because he looks and acts the part. >> ho! ho! ho! >> he's the famous santa at macy's square but not everyone is smiling because he won't be there. he's been fired by macy's because of a complaint about a joke he told to an adult couple that sat on his lap. he began as usual by asking them if they had been good. >>then i said you know why santa is so happy and jolly all the time, and they said no. and i said, well that's because santa knows where all the naughty girls and boys live. >> he says he never jokes with n , and only tell jokes to adults hoping to get a laugh. >> i've used it for over 20 yeas , and no one has ever complained about it. >> macy's confirmed that he had been let go but wouldn't say anymore and calling it a personnel issue. >> it's ridiculous that someoned for a simple mistake. >> it seems a little harsh. u do a

>> we wanted to get macy's side of the story. they told us, they don't comment on personnel matters. >> but santa john is still laughing. there's now a facebook page to get him rehired and 900 comments on sf gates. i met him ten years ago when he taught me how to be a santa. santa john is known as one of the real pros. >> owner nick bogus worked the toy drive with city firefighters. having such a celebrity santa would be great. he is a celebrity. >> tv stations, radio stations, print media, all want a piece of santa now. >> reporter: getting fired could be the best career move this santa ever made. >> he might consider working again as macy's santa in the future. but he said he's doing just fine at lefty o'dulle's. >>> what elizabeth edwards family is saying about her fight with cancer. >>> one local city today addresses a spike in violent crime just this week. we'll have more coming up. >>> san francisco continues its bid to host one of the world's premier sporting events. at what cost to taxpayers? >>> plenty of rainfall out th

some macy's employees say the stor overreacted they said they're devastated. macy's won't comment because it involves an employee. >> mike nicco ahead with our forecast. >> nice outside. what do you say we take a look. a few high clouds. calm and warmer than avere day today. but it looks lik we're going to have rain on the way. i'll tell you when it gets here. >> mike, thanks vermuch. >> ahead, the man accused of attaing the priest he says abused him returns to court. force force save $523! 16 minutes could se you 16%! come on... isn't it time an auto insurer gave it to you strght? that's why you should talk to state farm. but not yet. first, talk to any one of the 40 milliodrivers who already have state farm. million. yeah, that's more an geico and progressive combined. by a lot. 40 million drivers. more savings. and discounts up to 40%. where else you gonna get discounts likehat? call an agent at 1-800-state-farm or go online. ♪ >>> in the south bay, a man is in court today to enter a plea. he's accused of brutally beating father lindhner may 10th. he says h

job after making headlines but the last seven caused and what he has to say after being joined from macy's. the inflatable roof of the metrodome in minneapolis collapsed and we will explain what will happen to the scheduled vikings came out there. the morning and i am gonzaleses and take a look downtown the fog has lifted. but a stick a look the bride and as the forecast. >> a lot of fog of their this morning and we will see the sun shine is c'mon late sen late this afternoon and it should be a nice day. the temperatures are mild and today mid-60s and perhaps some of for six days into san jose and for this evening partpartly cloudy skies. high temperatures this afternoon and as i was mentioning the 60s all around the bay area with mid-60s and take antioch enter fill close to 70 degrees was said is they are high as 69 mid-60's through oakland and san francisco. we do have wet weather in the forecast and i will let you know what it will ride coming up and around. >> thank you brian, workers in the nablus are assessing the damage to the metrodome. the inflated roof collapsed overnight and it

. >>> an unexpected surprise at a popular san francisco department store, why christmas at macy's is a little less jolly this year downtown. >>> and we'll have the forecast in the area where you live. >>> and bay area construction workers may soon wish they lived in san francisco. find out the story, life in the city straight ahead. wikileaks founder is behind bars in london. this is video showing supporters of him running up to the van that reportly was transferring him to jail. a judge denied bail for the -- 39-year-old australian saying he had grounds to believe he wouldn't show up for his hearing. he surrendererred to british police today as part of a sex crimes investigation. he had been hiding in britain since wikileaks was releasing diplomatic cables last week. he denied sex crimes al fashions and told the court this morning he'll fight ex digs to sweden. meanwhile a wikileaks spokesperson said the secrets would keep flowing regardless of what happens to the founder. >>> who gets hired in san francisco on construction jobs may come down to whether or not they live in the city.

. >>> all right, still ahead, from macy's how the bay area's bad santa rang in his new job today. >>> the sorority scam. police make an arrest after a man uses facebook to dupe college students. >>> and why the faa says a security gap could give criminals and terrorists the or haht back. >>> are improved student test scores really the sign of a good teacher? there is plenty of debate on how to measure effective teaching or if it's even possible. a new report by the bill and melinda gates' foundation shows a teacher's past success in raising test scores is the best predictor of his or her ability to do it again. the findings come as the states are working to change how teachers are evaluated in order to make the ratings more objective. >>> an alarming new report shows the faa has lost track of who owns a third of all the private and commercial planes in the united states. that amounts to more than 100,000 airplanes. faa officials say its records are in such disarray that criminals such as drug traffickers or terrorists could buy planes without the government knowing it. the faa does as

at least one macy's in san francisco thinks so. he got the ho ho ho. >> reporter: where does santa stay in right next to the dollar store on market at the budget inn. let's go in and say hello. [ coughing ] >> reporter: 68-year-old john tumey has been explaining over and over again why, after 20 years as one of the main santas, macy's fired him. >> this couple came in and sat on my knee and i asked them if they'd been good and they said "oh yes" and i said"well that's too bad. you know why santa is so happy and jolly all the time, don't you. they said no, i said well that's because santa knows where all the naughty girls and boys live." >> methot it was a cute joke for grownups, he has been egg the it for 20 years. that couple complained. when macy's called the manager and told her the gig was up. >> they told her to get rid of me right now. >> reporter: really? that's all? we wanted to get macy's side of the story but they told us they don't comment on personnel matters. >> ho ho ho. >> reporter: but santa john is still laughing.

a lot have come from macy's to see me here because i have been their santa claus for 20 years. they are coming here. >> reporter: seven people came in today that had years of pictures they brought in. they are attached to this guy. they used to pay for pictures of santa claus and now they donate and it adds up. >> $7,500. >> thank you macy's. >> i think he is really santa claus. i think that we really got the real guy. >> reporter: he is coming back next year. >> i told him i will be here till they drag me out. >> a copy of "avatar" and ipad -- sorry. >> reporter: as you can see, we are getting into the christmas spirit here at lefty o'doul's. you have been seeing a lot of jocosity. >> yes, it's amazing. i was overwhelmed with the u. of toys. >> reporter: people can still bring toys down. >> yes, yes. and we will make sure they get to the firefighters. >> reporter: you might even get to meet santa claus. going on till 1:00 a.m. here at lefty o'doul's, jonathan bloom, kron 4 news. >> many people around the bay area are still trying to squeeze in last minute shopping. kronhas tha

harry, inside to you. >> thanks, dave. >>> today is macy's national believe day. true for seriously ill children. recently we met a teenager with an autoimmune disorder that threatened her passion for dancing. cbs news correspondent michelle mill hear her story. >> reporter: 16-year-old katerina diaz was alone with her mother in new jersey. when not in the classroom, this honor student spends most of her free time on the dance floor. >> i've had this weird obsession with dance since i was little. just choreographing things for my mom and grandma. even at a young age. >> reporter: last year the music nearly stopped after experiencing numbness in her limbs and exhaustion. katerina was diagnosed with mixed connective tissue disease. >> there was a time there right before and after she was hospitalized that she couldn't do anything for herself. i had to feed her. i had to bathe her. i had never experienced that in my life with her, except when she was a baby. >> reporter: with countless hours of hard work and a remarkable will, katerina became an accomplished performe

santa claus is been fired for macy for being a little too jolly. he's been there for 20 years he was told that his whole, ho, ho days are over. because a couple complained about his jokes. >> sent to john spent years listening to the christmas wishes of children and adults like to get into the act as well. john had a different it for them. >> have you been good this year? they said yes and i said oak that's too bad. at that point i said you know why santa so happy in jolly all the time. it's because he knows where all the naughty girls and boys live. and that was the extent of bed. >> apparently still was offended by the joke of light to the store management who reports to supervisors in new york. >> they said far him out. with the order from new york santa john's run was over. >> i was watching a miracle on 34th street is paid for it yesterday i'm sure of our age macy would be spinning in his grave something fierce. but, it's no longer our age may see its federated department store the don't care. in san francisco jeff bush kron 4 news. >> when it

a few days later macy's called the manager and told her he was fired. >> they told her to get rid of me right now. >> reporter: really? that's all? we wanted to get macy's side of the story but they told us, they don't comment on personnel matters. >> ho ho ho... >> reporter: but santa john is still laughing. there is now a facebook page to get him rehired and 900 comments on sfgate. i met him 10 years ago when he taught me how to be a santa. in the bay area santa community, santa john is known as one of the real pros. >> if you come forward we'll give you a job double what you used to make with a chair twice as big. >> reporter: they are ready to hire him at lefty o'doul's bar and grill down the street from macy's. another wants him to work a toy drive with city firefighters and thinks having a celebrity santa is great. he is a celebrity. >> tv stations, radio station, print media, all want a piece of santa now. >> reporter: getting fired could be the best career move this santa ever made. >> ho ho ho... >> reporter: so there was this other joke told. he said, you know, why santa so

a lot of them have come from macy's to see me here because i've been there set up for 20 years.they're coming here and said macy is >> i will be there until they trade might step said it park is all of the checkered >> is not just your frolics he's raised more than $7,500 for the toy drive. $10 donations from people that are given to sit on his lap. senate is sitting on top of the growing mountain twice. that is just the tip of the iceberg. that even more to stop that in the kitchen in the basement and they're making their way up to the ceiling. the firefighters had stopped off with the law of fire engine selection get in and out of the restaurant. when will go out on his flight to deliver presents to boys and girls. >> be incurred tutoring in the new year with kron4 news appeared to agree with the biggest and best parties in the bay area. tune in at 11:38 p.m. for years let. it is the only local mayors show at the bay area's favorite. we will be right back. >> well because of what what they're headed towards the bay area on this christmas eve. it is not here yet but will be her

macy said they won't comment because it involves an employee. maybe des moines i can see that happening but the jokes weren't that racy. >> and a problem sitting on santa's lap. that i haven't seen at the mall. >> maybe that should be the issue. grownups sitting on santa's lap. >> you're making me laugh again. >> we'll stop with the laughter here and go over there for a look at the forecast. >> mike, don't make her laugh. what are you saying, i'm not funny. pretty sure that's what you said. >> no, mr. persony, i did not say that. >> how about a smile. >> how about you do it first. good morning, everybody. made it to tuesday. you'll notice the lack of clouds has made it much cooler. in fact, we only have san francisco at 50 while all of us were in the 50s yesterday. we're dipping to 40 in fairfield. dress for slightly cooler conditions. 10 degrees cooler in concord, 12 livermore, 11 fairfield, 12 napa, 11 santa rosa. 9 san rafael, 8 oakland, 11 redwood city and 8 san jose. so if you're meter was running all night, that's one of the reasons why. t

and macy's gets a new gig and the last laugh. om the pond, huh ? is this the new way to experience your favorite things ? play to media sharing on the new lg quantum with windows phone 7. is it a smartphone or something better ? would. >> a big thank you from the grandmother of a kidnapped virginia girl found safe in san francisco. the resolution came thanks to one observant woman. >> a woman who did something when she recognized the girl and the man suspected it of killing her mother. >> dan, police in roanoke says you can imagine how grateful they are to this san francisco woman. they say their police station took on a party atmosphere when they got the call that their suspect was in custody and the 12-year-old victim was okay, all thanks to a woman who watched the right tv show today. >> there you can see the 12-year-old girl and 32-year-old kidnapper. >> it was nancy grace that helped crack the case of missing 12-year-old britney smith. she featured britney on her show and urge pleaded for viewers to look for her. a san francisco woman saw grac

john toomey has been santa at the union square macy's the last 20 years but he was fired after an adultple complained about a slightly naughty joke he told him while they were sitting on his lap. the owner of the bar offered him a new gig with a nice pay increase. he will start at 3:00 this afternoon through christmas eve. anything who visits is asked to bring awe new unwrapped toy for a holiday-sponsored holiday toy drive. >> many familiar faces helping to ring in the holidays for the salvation army in san francisco's union square today. ho ho ho! merry christmas! >> have you seen the gentleman before? i have. he's abc 7's own arts and entertainment reporter don sanchez and he got into the act a short time ago in front of macy's. this marks the 30th year local celebrities are ringing bells to encourage people to toss coin and bills into the salvation army kettle. the bell-ringing tradition started in san francisco in the 1890s before going global. i don't remember who used to drop 20-dollar gold pieces in there back then. >> all that small change does add up though. it really doesn't.

we're going to be there live as the fire macy santa starts his new job this afternoon. >> time now fory's perfect pet. >> introduce us to some new fries. >> a couple new friends. robert, if i'm not mistaken. fairly young, also. >> yes. >> hi, kerry, how are you? >> good. >> decided to tell us about unique names, also. (laughte >> yes. this is clarence. yes and boots. and i brought them here tod because we have so many cats at the marin humane soety now and so many that we reced our adoption fees for the month of december. >> that's great. >> i brought a two--month-ol you might want to bring her home for the holidays, all deed out for the holidays. it would b great if they could stay together. but along with kittens, we have a lot of adult cats fo adoption. >> and unual at this time to have that. >> it is, it is! we really hope by reducing the adoption fee that we'll be able to adopt a lot in time for the holidays. >> okay. you can get more information by calling 415-506225. and check out my weather blog on abc7news.com. so cute! have a great weekend >> love the little things around the

macy's is amazing. we're so thrilled to be in partnership with macy's.d david. merry christmas, happy new year, and to all the children who have been supported by make-a-wish, we say happy holidays to them as well. now here's russ. >>> you open the presents on christmas morning, and now comes the hard part, assembling all the toys. if you don't have any elves to come to the rescue, need to listen to "the early show" contributor shannon eiss. she can get it done. what's the one thing with folks with kids at home who know they're going to have to put something together on christmas day should have in their closet? >> i wish it was one thing. there's actually several things. there's all manner of devices and mechanisms. we can start there. some of these things are around the house. scissors are really important. batteries of all shapes and sizes. love what duracell did with packs. >> very smart. >> you may not think you need it but wire cutters to get the packages open. i live by my i-grow mini screwdriver. a lot on the market, but these are invaluable for

macy's fired him. he says a joke he's been telling for years a couple about his age who sat on his lap. he told us the joke. >> then i said you know why santa is so happy and jolly all the time? and he said, no. and i said, well that's because santa knows where all the naughty girls and boys live. >> macy's wouldn't comment saying it's a personnel issue. but santa does have a new job down the street at lefty o 'doules that will pay him more money. >>> at the end of october, up 12% from september. it's the highest number of job listings for more than two years. in san francisco the focus today was putting more city residents to work. the board of supervisors approved a measure requiring city funded construction projects. the number will go up to seven. in five years. san francisco has $27 million in prompts planned for the next decade. >>> in news of the world tonight in haiti, a french scientist has determined the source of a cholera outbreak was more likely united nations peace keepers. some 2,000 peo

lefty o'doul's hired him after he was fired from macy's.ew job at the pub includes twice the salary and a bigger throne. you can see santa at lefty o'doul's now through december 24. and santa john as he is known not just the bay area's most famous santa. his story went big time. jay leno poked fun at macy's last night on the tonight show for firing santa claus. could write a movie script about that. >>> talk about being bad. if she was one of santa''s sleigh pullers she would be called dasher. apparently she checked her list twice and being confined at a christmas tree lot at santa maria wasn't on it. the reindeer ran wild for hours through the field and then a neighborhood. >> we were putting up christmas lights. >> we were in here and the next thing you know, a reindeer is coming down the street. >> sure it was... who has been dipping into the eggnog? no, it was! and a cowboy working nearby at a cattle ranch came over and lassoed the animal. they strapped her to the light pole. now it looks probably worse than it is because santa's respon

some macy's employees say the store overreacted. they said they're devastated. macy's won't comment because it involves an employee. >> mike nicco ahead with our forecast. >> nice outside. what do you say we take a look. a few high clouds. calm and warmer than average day today. but it looks like we're going to have rain on the way. i'll tell you when it gets here. >> mike thanks very much. >> ahead, the man accused of attacking the priest he saysñññññiÑiÑiÑiÑiÑiÑiÑiÑiÑiÑiÑiÑ/ñ/ñ/ñ ♪ >>> in the south bay a man is in court today to enter a plea. he's accused of brutally beating father lindhner may 10th. he says he molested him and his brother when they were children. the catholic churched paid them a settlement. there was a six year statute of limitations in the 1970s. this case is drawing attention to how long survivors from that time have time to look for justice. >> a smokeless tobacco company will pay $5 million to the family of a north carolina man who died of mouth cancer. it's believed to be the first wrongful delegate settlement of its kind and analy

macy's fired him. he says a joke he's been telling for years a couple about his age who sat on his lap. he told us the joke. >> then i said you know why santa is so happy and jolly all the time? and he said, no. and i said, well that's because santa knows where all the naughty girls and boys live. >> macy's wouldn't comment saying it's a personnel issue. but santa does have a new job down the street at lefty o 'doules that will pay him more money. >>> at the end of october, up 12% from september. it's the highest number of job listings for more than two years. in san francisco the focus today was putting more city residents to work. the board of supervisors approved a measure requiring city funded construction projects. the number will go up to seven. in five years. san francisco has $27 million in prompts planned for the next decade. >>> in news of the world tonight in haiti, a french scientist has determined the source of a cholera outbreak was more likely united nations peace keepers. some 2,000 peo

in fact, you were a balloon in the macy's thanksgiving day parade this year. how was that? know, why don't you explain the story. >> well, it's all about me trying to prove that santa is real. >> which is a big undertaking for a little girl. >> kinda. in the show, i have to go across the entire city to find proof. >> that's right. you go to the new york public library. you go to harold square. >> yeah, that's where mire friends ollie and i met a guy named scraggly santa. >> didn't even some people try to get in your way? >> well, on tried. >> right. because, in the end, you wrote a letter to the editor of the "new york sun" asking him? >> yeah. my papa always told me if you see it in the sun, it's so. >> sounds like a very smart man. of course, the editor's response is famous to this day. and what was it? >> yes, virginia, there is a santa claus. because he exists as certainly as love and generosity exists. >> and fortunately for us, you never gave up. i see you even brought a letter for santa today. >> yep, i'm going to mail it it at macy's after the show. >> and what did

goal, and for more on macy's believe campaign go to our website.n. >>> dave is here with another check of our weekend weather. young man? >> yes, sir. let me just give you advice. i'm going to stand over here. now, watch what happens when a weatherman approaches the believe-a-meter. there we go. >> cameron has to learn that. >> work on it. a check of the weather, what's happening across the country. shall we, everybody? to the maps we go. this is what's happening. we're talking about snow rolling through sections of the dakotas in >>> and that's a quick look at your forecast. erica, send it inside to you. >> thanks. >>> we are just about three weeks away from christmas. time to get serious about choosing that tree, and joining us this morning from his christmas tree farm in west greenwich, rhode island is the legendary big john leydon. i'm excited. this year i get to talk to you. you are a legend right here on "the early show." >> welcome, welcome, welcome. welcome, erica. welcome, cbs, and welcome to big john leydon's christmas tree farm where we

and i said, well, that's too bad. >> he was fired at macy's but is now hired somewhere else. for a bay area santa who was let go for what some say was a naughty comment. ,, ,,,,,,,,,, have you tried honey bunches of oats with real strawberries? wow. it's seriously strawberry. they're everywhere. it's in the bunches, on the flakes, even real strawberries in the mix. can i have some more? honey bunches of oats with real strawberries. it's delicious. nobody does it quite like us. ♪ [ male announcer ] we touch a lot of things throughout the day. so it's nice that clorox disinfecting products help kill the germs that can live on surfaces for up to 48 hours. ♪ feels sweet when i can touch you ♪ because some adults thought he was a little more naughty than >>> from you're fired to you're hired. that santa who was let go because some adults thought he was naughty has a brand-new big this morning. he has taken a job at lefty o'doul's. that's a irish pub just half a block away. 68-year-old john toomey was fired after 20 years as the santa at macy's in san francisco. he says it's all ov

i'm going to mail it at macy's after the show. >> what did you ask for?donate $1 up to $1 million to make-a-wish foundation. we actually happen to have a mailbox right here. >> that's great. >> why don't you go ahead and drop it in. with that, we'll have $875,568 letters. >> but you know, we still need more. >> we sure do. virginia, that you so much for visiting. >> thank you. >> now, anything else you'd like to add this morning? >> just merry christmas, everyone. >> merry christmas, virginia. happy holidays. the new "yes, virginia" is now a book or dvd. you can also watch virginia's story tonight at 8:00, 7:00 central on cbs. for more on make a wish campaign and macy's go to earlyshow.cbsnews.com. now here is rebecca. >> great stuff. thank you, harry. we've all been told how important daily exercise is to good health. it can be challenging to find an activity that keeps you coming back day after day. early show special contributor is here with a story of a fun sport that is getting people off the couch and outside. great to have you with us. >> good morn

and so jeremy hubbard is back on the beat tonight, outside macy's in new york city. and jeremy, they were telling me there are still shoppers out there behind you. >> reporter: good evening, david. yeah, it is the 11th hour, but there are plenty of shoppers behind me tonight. this macy's in new york city, one of several national chains to remain crowded late into christmas eve night. other retailers sending out e-mails as late as this afternoon reminding shoppers that it's not too late to buy e-gift cards. and for stores, this buyer blitz has paid off big. with a strong finish, believe it or not, this holiday shopping season could be one for the record books. >> we're seeing the consumer really has a little bit of strength left. people are still going out and spending on discretionary things and things they don't necessarily need. >> reporter: what a differences a couple of years make. struggling since the record 2007 shopping season, this year, holiday sales shot back, more than $451 billion, and climbing. you know christmas is just a few hours away, right? still sh

a police escort, carried him around union square past macy's the he smiled and waved, apparently with the department store that canned hip last week and made him famous. in the end he did not make good on an earlier promise. >> i figure as i pull past facies i am going to ask that they drive slowly -- and i am going to give macy's the biggest raspberry i can. >> well, he arrived at his new job, helping lefty odoole's restaurant with the toy drive. since he was fired last week, gotten national attention appeared on the tonight show and landed a job that pays him more. >> and got a lit publicity. >> darn sure. wonder how that worked out? >> how many will stop by to see the famous santa. >> one of the biggest names in basketball in town to take on the warriors. >> plus, kris hits the water in the bay area. >> and just ahead, battleground san francisco. veterans fight to keep space in a >> a to showers crossed the area today the a to are still around tonight. coming up. take a look at the weekend evenca s day forea ca i tstheeven day forecast. stick around. . >>> free iphone tuesday. sear

you see crowds packing into macy's. it was a similar scene around the square. >> it was a mob scene in there. >> expensive an the lines are too long. >> are you coming back? >> i am. going to try to come early in the morning to beat the crowds. >> reporter: for many, this is the start of many long shopping days ahead. >> a few gifts left. i'm a quarter of the way there i think. >> reporter: others came out for a few stocking stuffers. >> i learned my lesson from last year and got most of it done already. >> reporter: it didn't matter if your list was long or short, no one had enough time to let the wet weather slow them down. >> doesn't matter if it's pouring or hailing, we're here. got to get it done. >> reporter: even at this late hour, you can still see folks going into macy's. a lot of stores open late trying to finish the shopping. and be advised if you come out here tomorrow, you'll deal with big crowds tomorrow and possibly wet weather. kron 4 news. >> the storms are continuing also to create problems for people

. >>> john tumey also known as santa john had been a macy's santa in union square for 20 years. he says the department store fired him on saturday after a couple complained about an inappropriate joke. tumey says it's a joke he's been telling for 20 years and he only tells it to adults. macy's would not comment. >>> and needy families will have something to eat these holidays thanks to a donation from wal-mart. the money will go toward backpacks, school and food for 2,500 children in the bay area. for more information just go to our website ktvu.com and look for a link under holiday charities. >>> san francisco supervisors want to keep hiring close to home. the action they took today to guarantee local jobs. >>> a bay area man restores the damage sculpture. the cost of vandalism in golden gate park, coming up. >>> also ahead, san francisco flips the switch on a new solar power plant. the new direction the facility is taking the energy's grid. >>> and rain drops back on the radar. we have showers to talk about. this system will impact your day tomorrow. absolutely both commutes w

but, i think it's no longer are macy's, it's and federated department stores. they don't care. speaking well, one man is taking a stand for testing the dismissal of sand that might here along with his four year-old daughter states up for just said macy's, he's as children and his family have been going to see santa drawn for 15 years and is obliged to resort to helping the salvation army. speech we come here every year to see him it's all that she could talk about it broke my heart to see her sitting governor santa. it's not santa john. santa john is like the santa from america on 34 straight the first time i laid down by the senate was adjourned a true fighter of the boy. i believe in christmas. >> he's created a facebook page for santa john mayo bolster made his heart. but as we've mentioned he is doing ok, he starts on saturday and, he's a russian getting paid more straw nor to want to go back.so i do not l want to go back. (laughter) we will be right back with the kron 4 morning news, weather and traffic in just a few moments. and we are back, we're running from an earlier

people are out and about and they'll walk to macy's, bring something by and drop it off.t's very nice. >> organizers say come on now, san francisco. santa can use a little help this year. >> welcome back to outside lefty's. you see santa and one of the fire department representatives thanking each other, santa waving and kids out in front. it's a heck of a scene down here. if you're anywhere down here near the union air, they'll be accepting toys until 11:00 tonight. ho ho ho! >> ho ho ho to you too, thank you, terry. let's check with lee ann who is live at the church in san francisco where a big lunch is about to be served. lee ann. >> i tell you, what would christmas eve or christmas day be without glide memorial. today is of course the traditional prime rib dinner served from 11:00 this morning to 2:00 and donated from the house of prime rib. 2,000 pounds will be served and that will help feed about 3,000 people. and, of course, tomorrow will be again the traditional christmas dinner and even though it's called a dinner, they begin serving at 9:00 in the morning from 9

we're going to find out a little bit. >>> also, sam is going behind the scenes at macy's santa land.ing. >>> we begin this hour with a social break-in. this particular, breaking into a washington, d.c. house, taking a coat and cash. and then, posting it all on the facebook account of the people he was stealing from. how about that for audacious? pierre thomas has the latest. pierre? >> reporter: good morning, george. call me old-school. but back in the day, thieves did not taunt their victims. this is a story about burglary in the 21st century. and a criminal who is, well, either stupid or bold. recently mark fisher of "the washington post," had his home broken into. >> and we came rushing home. called 911. and we and the police arrived at the same moment. >> reporter: besides the indignity of having their home violated and personal items stolen, the burglar decided to engage in one more very personally injustice. he stole fisher's son's laptop. and decided to post his picture on the facebook page, so all of the young man's 400 friends could see it. the burglar wore a new coat mr. fi

and i'm sorry macy's doesn't feel that way anymore but that is mace eye's new york. because people here in san francisco have always been very nice to me. and last saturday i was getting ready to pack up my stuff and go back home z i've got a job. through christmas this year. >> are you ready for santa this year? >> he's going to be here until mid day on the 24th. christmas eve. and then he had another place i guess he has to go. they're expecting to pick up 10,000 toys during this drive. here at lefty odoule's. john says he'll be back here next year. >> thank you, and there is a lot more still to come tonight at 6:00 including injured sea lion being treated tonight in the marine mammal center for multiple gunshot wounds. >> a reading on the local economy. a greeting card company where business is better than ever this year. >> visibility is good in downtown now. but there is dense fog coming to the bay area tonight. i'll show you where in my accu-weather forecast. >> and i'll have the story underwater sanctuaries off the california coast and a last-ditch effort to e

. >> as we approach the holidays macy's has fired santa.r for 20 years he was told he was never it was not willing what did he asks older people when they sit on his lap if they've been good to me says he does not make such jokes with kids he's not asking macy's to reconsider macy will not comment on personnel matters. >> the approach to the bay bridge you can say really backed up right now the bay bridge toll plaza will have to drive times and a couple of minutes. a look at the big board the dow is up a looking good 84 points to the positive right now. save $523! 16 minutes could save you 16%! come on... isn't it time an auto insurer gave it to you straight? that's why you should talk to state farm. but not yet. first, talk to any one of the 40 million drivers who already have state farm. 40 million. yeah, that's more than geico and progressive combined. by a lot. 40 million drivers. more savings. and discounts up to 40%. where else you gonna get discounts like that? call an agent at 1-800-state-farm or go online. kron 4 all morning news'

. >> we're going to have much more on the last laugh for the santa fired from the union square macy's.@t i came up with this mobile a gallery to bring art to the people. sharing aris the highest calling for me. if i want keep doing this i have to start taking care of my heart. so i'm starting with cheerios. [ male announcer ] got something you'll love to keep doing? take care of your heart. you can start with cheerios. the natul whole grain oats can help lower cholesterol. this is what makes me happy, so i'll probably do this until the wheels fall off. [ male announcer ] it's time. love your heart so you can do what you love. cheerios. >>> good morning. it's 8:17 on this saturday. on the golden gate bridge, a lot of places along the coast is experiencing this type of thick fog. if you are planning to head out on vista roadway, plan on that. but it's a great weekend on and about because we won't get rained on. >> a california sea lion suffering from buckshot wounds to in the head is in critical condition at the marine mammal center. he lost his right eye and the pell etsd are too close

his new job is just up the street, at lefty o'doul's, for twice his pay at macy's and he can tell asany jokes as he wants. >>> a group calmed dick deep sf is making sure there is a toy under the christmas tree for every child. this morning, a group of elfs helped pick out presents at target. they will be handed over to the salvation army tonight. fabio has one of those el everybodies picking out -- elves picking out toys for the p rogram. >>> remembering john lennon. he was killed 30 years ago t oday. weight meet a man who was with him and -- we'll meet a man who was with limb and yoko ono that day. >>> stocks are still pretty f lat. there's been mixed reaction to the news, the president has reached an agreement on republicans about extending the tax cuts. good news for consumers. bad news for the deficit. the dow is down 3, 11,355. nasdaq up 7. s&p is up 2 poi 5. >>> ever get a gift card to one store and wish you coo use it at another store? now there might be an answer. a number of websites have sprung up where people can sell u nwanted gift cards for 80% or 90% of the value and bu

if you came to see santa john at union square's macy, you will b e -- macy's, you will be disappointedhis year. we're live in san francisco. santa john may be considered a casualty of political c orrectness. on saturday, he was told his services would no longer be necessary after an adult couple complained about an adult -- an adult he pulled out of his bag. he says he's used all of his jokes for 20 years. but apparently an older woman and her husband considered his quips inappropriate. he asks if they've been good and if they say yes, they say that's too bad. and if asked where -- why he's so jolly, he says it's because he knows from where -- where all of the boys and girls are. >> you can't be mad at macy's. they did what he they felt they needed to do their image and protect the people as well. >> i don't think so. i think it was just -- he was just break -- jorking around. i think -- i think he should kind of watch because today a world. >> reporter: he told the chronicle he hopes macy's will change his mind. he will rely on social security and his savings for this holiday season.

. >>> the santa claus fired by macy's has a new gig at an old san francisco restaurant.s been kris kringle for years after a couple complained about a joke he used with grown-ups for years. >> they came and sat on my knee and i said, have you been good this year? oh yes, santa. i said, well, that's too bad. >> today lefty owe dual saved him from the grinch by offering him a job which he accepted. >> he will work straight through to christmas from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. >> i was quite touched that nick would want to offer an old broken down santa a job. >> and a job with a raise. macy's says it cannot comment on person person -- personnel matters. >> a reason to be jolly. >>> let's talk about the weather forecast. >> more rain on the way. meteorologist sand yaw patel is here -- sandhya patel is here. >> it is getting wet in crescent city. as you head down 101 toward red way and laytonville is where the light rain has been falling. as we look at live doppler 7hd there is moisture off the coast. it is about 52 miles away from the north bay. it is going to get here, but more towa

. >> reporter: santa john formally of macy's has help get the word out. >> when we found santa was outf work we put him to work here. >> $7500. >> very nice. >> reporter: while continuing to take special orders inside. >> bay blades. >> reporter: santa john says it is a tremendous turn and to go for more than 30 years of giving away presents to now accepting them from grown up children who decided it is time to give back to the less fortunate. >> i think it is wonderful that people are so generous. i mean, this is the giving season of the year but we have people coming in like that all the time with bags of toys and it is just terrific. >> reporter: we are back live. macy's of course fired santa john because of what he said to grown ups outside the ear shot of children and that got international intention. since he came here he has help them collect more than 50,000 presents and even more were donated across the city at fire departments. the firefighters have began collecting presents. one of the first stops, ken, is a shelter in the tenderloin, 10:00 a.m. in the morning taking these t

profits in the last quarter. >> there is a lot of people that are continuing buying. >> in macy's where the christmas light have been strung up, they tell us they are tired not spending money and what better time to start spending moneythan the holidays. >> that is why big business like never before is getting a head start. >> wal-mart is offering free shipping. this popcorn store outside of denver is hiring a dozen employees for the holidays. >> we're well above average of every year and so much of it is holiday traffic. >> after the last couple of years, this is one of big presents that retailers really need. >> joining us now to talk about financial literacy and what it means to you, is 7 on your side's michael finney. >> thanks for having me here today. >> are things loosing up a little bit? >> last year growth was less than half a percent. so hard not to do better this year than that. the figures that are coming in are all over the place, pay pal was seeing 25% increase and other places was 5% decrease. they expect 2.5% sales higher than last. >> so with the economy, a lot of peopl

drive slowly and i'm going to give macy's the biggest ra raspberry. he arrived at his new job helping with a toy job. getting fired, he has got national attention and appeared on "the tonight show" and landed a job that pays more money. >>> still ahead on "today in the bay," the 49ers switching out. does the spread make sense for tomorrow's game. lightning fast. lightning strong. verizo l4g. rule the air on the most advanced 4g network in the world. [ female announcer ] keurig has over 200 varieties of gourmet coffee and tea to choose from. ♪ keurig is the way to brew fresh, delicious coffee in under a minute. way to brew. [ female announcer ] so with keurig, every cup tastes like it's brewed just for you. ♪ because it is. choose. brew. enjoy. keurig. >>> we have highlights of your morning sports. >>> good morning, everybody. without stephon curry in the lineup due to injury, the warriors have the daunting task of trying to stop lebron james, chris bosh and dwyane wade as miami look to change their six-game win streak and the warriors look to snap the