By Kaila White | The Republic
Nearly six months after controversy initially broke out over whether a holiday tree should be allowed on the summit of Camelback Mountain, a city of Phoenix committee voted unanimously Monday night recommending the city ban the tradition altogether.
“I was totally surprised, as was everyone else there,” said John Cressey of Scottsdale, who is known as “Camelback Santa” for dressing up, handing out candy canes and posing for photos on the mountain every weekend in December.
About a dozen people attended the meeting to the show support for the tree, Cressey said, and he is aware of about 70 people who e-mailed the city in support. Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department spokesman Gregg Bach said three people spoke in support at the meeting.
