Max, 6, and Adam, 9, Hegert, of Torrance, were among nearly 300 kids who visited with Santa at Gum Tree in downtown Hermosa Beach on Sunday. The annual photo event has raised over $40,000 for the Hermosa Education Foundation since it was founded nine years ago by Gum Tree owner Lori Ford (left). Kendall Wallace has been Santa for all but the first year. Photo