Joseph Taylor, an out-of-work sign spinner, donned a Santa outfit Sunday and spun some holiday magic while panhandling in Balboa Park.
But it would take a Grinch to toss Taylor, 31. He was seeking donations for Chica, his 6-year-old long haired dwarf chihuahua. She has five infected abscessed teeth, he says. Needs surgery.
Fortunately, the Whos of Whoville (from Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”) surrounded the newly lit Old Globe “Grinchmas” tree behind Taylor. Backed him up.
“Security here hasn’t bothered me because the theater’s closed,” he said. “When the theater’s open, I clearly got to be further away from this tree.”
But with the “entertainment business shot,” Taylor said, his appearance offered park-goers a small taste of musical cheer.
Story continues below
Joseph Taylor as Santa tries to raise money for oral surgery for his dog at The Old Globe Christmas tree. Photo by Chris Stone
The Christmas tree at The Old Globe is lit up without fanfare because of COVID-19. Photo by Chris Stone
Joseph Taylor of downtown, dressed as Santa, tries to raise money for oral surgery for his dog at The Old Globe. Photo by Chris Stone
Chica, a long haired dwarf chihuahua, waits at The Old Globe as her owner, Joseph Taylor, tries to raise money for oral surgery for the dog. Photo by Chris Stone
Joseph Taylor, dressed in a Santa costume, pets his chihuahua, Chica, as he raises money for oral surgery for his pet. Photo by Chris Stone
Children stop to get a small gift from Santa — Joseph Taylor, who lives in downtown San Diego. Photo by Chris Stone
Kerri Ewing of Tierrasanta snaps a shot of her dog, Sugar, a pitbull mix in front of the lighted tree at The Old Globe in Balboa Park. Photo by Chris Stone
A father and daughter enjoy the lit up Christmas tree at The Old Globe in Balboa Park. Photo by Chris Stone
Josephine, 2, daughter of Joe Denesowicz of Joe’s Barber Shop in El Cajon, visits the Whos. Photo by Chris Stone
A girl holds hands with her father as she passes by sketches of the Whos hand-in-hand. Photo by Chris Stone
Lupe Frias and Alex Johanson stopped off for a photo of Baby Yoda at the Christmas tree at the Old Globe. Photo by Chris Stone
The Christmas Tree at The Old Globe, whose lights turned on about 4:45 p.m., was lit without fanfare this year, but was celebrated online. Photo by Chris Stone
A woman snaps a photo of The Old Globe Christmas tree. Photo by Chris Stone
Joseph Taylor as Santa Claus hands out unsigned Christmas cards as he tries to raise money for oral surgery for his dog at The Old Globe. Photo by Chris Stone
The Christmas Tree at The Old Globe, whose lights turned on about 4:45 p.m., was lit without fanfare this year, but was celebrated online. Photo by Chris Stone
He played Christmas tunes on a bluetooth speaker, including “All I Want for Christmas is You” by Olivia Rose Olson from the 2003 film “Love Actually.” He handed out unsigned “Warm Holiday Wishes” cards. He invited people to pose with him.
Donations also help him pay the rent. “Greatly appreciated,” said Taylor, a graduate of Highlands High School near Sacramento.
“I’ve got a whole list of things to use my money for,” he said. “I’m doing everything I can. … I don’t have a job right now because my employer got sick with the COVID … and before that he got hit by a train. So his luck’s not good right now.”
Taylor said Sunday was his second day at the 22-foot tree, lit for the 15th year in an online ceremony. He plans to return “every single day, past Christmas.” He also launched a GoFundMe drive — a page called Healing Baby Chica.
“I’ve got the suit, make kids happy,” he said. “It is a small way of giving back.”
Linda Wright, a professional landscape photographer, shared her image of The Old Globe tree from Sunday night.
