This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Back in 1955 Sears Roebuck & Co. printed an advertisement for children to call Santa. They misprinted the telephone number and a tradition was born.
Instead of reaching Sears' "Santa" the kids were connected to the CONAD Commander-in-Chief's operations "hotline." According to the website, "The Director of Operations at the time, Colonel Harry Shoup, had his staff check the radar for indications of Santa making his way south from the North Pole. Children who called were given updates on his location."
How do they track Santa? Using complex radar systems and satellite. For a detailed account click here.. Above see Santa's latest location in the Azores. Track his current location here.
