Where’s Blitzen?

One beard wasn’t enough for Newport Beach Mayor Don Webb, who has his own but on Thursday donned one better suited to a portrayal of Santa Claus.

Webb dressed up for a toy drive for local military families that was held in front of Newport Beach City Hall. California National Guard members and representatives of local legislators turned out for the drive, which is part of Operation Christmas for Our Troops II.

Three Humvees full of toys and about $1,500 were collected, and trees and fire hydrants around City Hall were festooned with yellow ribbons for the event.

The city will continue to collect toys through Wednesday, and they’ll go to families of National Guard members based in Fullerton. People can drop off toys at City Hall, 3300 Newport Blvd., or call (949) 644-3005 for information.20051216irkfr9ncPHOTOS BY DOUGLAS ZIMMERMAN / DAILY PILOT(LA)Cassandra Mohr of Costa Mesa test rides a donated bicycle. 20051216irkfqpnc(LA)Newport Beach Mayor Don Webb, dressed as Santa Claus, takes a ride around Newport Beach City Hall on Thursday during Operation Christmas For Our Troops II. The event was a toy drive for military families.