Number 11 Volume 16 November 1988

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ft 0 : rrABLE Happy Thanksgiving °F CONTENTS From the Headway

Each year in the United States we set aside one day to meditate on the blessings we appreciate as its citizens. Jenkins Appointed To RTD Board Along with the freedoms and rights we enjoy as American citizens, we reap the benefits of a plentiful food supply and Division 3208 and 9306 Make Safety Roll the opportunity for personal success. A fitting way to RTD Rides in 16 de Septiembre Parade celebrate our gratitude would be to spend part of this Thanksgiving Day in giving to others who are less fortunate. Operator of the Month Even though America is the richest nation on earth, approxi- mately one-third of its families live below the poverty level Marketing News and will not get the chance to feast. There are those too who will be lucky to eat one good daily meal. Sharing with the Credit Union News needy will allow us to better appreciate what we have. As we celebrate Thanksgiving—November 24, 1988—remember to Notice of Asbestos give of yourself to make Thanksgiving Day a joyous occasion for all. Top Operators

Public Commendations Those of us who work at the headquarters building on Main St. are acutely aware of the unfortunate, dispossessed Shifting Gears members of our affluent society. On a daily basis as we enter the building to begin our day's work many of us pass the Commendations homeless huddled in "cardboard condos" on the sidewalks, alcoholics passed out from the evening's binge, and the Schedule Changes mentally deranged who in their hopeless muddle and paranoia frighten us. Add to this the constant panhandling In Memoriam and the groups who prey on the vulnerable or anyone who happens to be on the street at the wrong time and you've got Facelift for a Museum Piece a demoralizing, potentially violent, and constantly fear- Kern Retires from 3216 ridden situation. Those employees who have already fallen victim to our mean streets will read this as an extreme Type of Bus: Plan or Luck? understatement. This month more of the headquarters stall who were dispersed after last year's earthquake are return- Mechanic Gives Love a Second Chance ing to the building. The threat the surrounding neighbor- hood presents to these returnees is renewed; many are To Your Health anxious about their return and fear for their safety when walking to and from either their parking lot or bus stop to RTD—Remembrance of Things Past the building. The nature of the neighborhood has been a problem Restaurant Review since I started working here. In that time there has been A Hole in One! much hue and cry and some action taken. One such ap- proach was to run a shuttle to outlying bus stops and Births parking lots in the downtown area to deliver and pick up employees at the building, another was a self-defense Social Security Adds New Phone Lines program sponsored by the Transit Police Department. These programs were canceled for lack of use and interest. If you Cooper Brings Home the Gold have an idea or a suggestion for effectively dealing with the neighborhood please send it to the Headway. We will publish RTD Goes to the Movies your suggestion in the next Headway and direct it to the appropriate department for implementation. We are looking Mrs. Transportation Dies at 102 for 'realistic, practical solutions, please. For Sale Mary E. Reyna Headway Editor NOVEMBER 1988 HEADWAY 2 Jenkins Appointed Divisions 3208 and 9306 To RTD Board Make the Safety Roll

JeffJenkins, 26, a member of lst District County Supervisor Pete Schabarum's•staff, was appointed by the supervisor to the RTD Board of Direc- tors. Sworn in by District Secretary Helen Bolen on September 20, Jenkins replaces Director Erwin RTD Board Director Jeff Jones. "I think as a director Jenkins is sworn in by I will be working more District Secretary Helen closely with Supervisor Bolen on September 20. Schabarum. My views are closer in line with his," said nities," he said. Second Quarter Safe Performance Awards were given to Jenkins. As a staff aide to Division 9306 Manager Michael Bottone and Division 3208 Schabarum for the last two Manager Bill Griffin at the September 22 Board of Director's years, Jenkins said he has meeting. Front row, from left to right: Safety Engineering "I encourage contact, worked with RTD stall and Assistant Rufus Francis, Maintenance Instructor Chuck board members. "I look King, Division 3208 Manager Bill Griffin, and Director of and am waiting to forward to this appoint- Risk Management Barbara Akk. Back row, from left to right: ment. I have worked with General Manager Alan Pegg and Director Nick Patsaouras. hear new, the board in the past and I innovative ideas." like them. I think they are Safe Performance Awards last quarter, for a decrease thoughtful, unique individu- were presented to Division of 74 percent. The division is als." Jenkins also looks 3208 Manager Bill Griffin 57 percent below the n 1111111111 111M11111MI forward to interacting with and Division 9306 Manager District's goal of 9.0 lost The new director says the District community. "I Michael Bottone at the time injuries per 100,000 his primary concern for the encourage contact, and am September 22 Board of work hours. These impres- RTD is meeting the diverse waiting to hear new, Directors' meeting. sive safety gains were made demands of the region with innovative ideas. Employees The Safe Performance as the division increased its fewer transit dollars. "Given can call me anytime." Award Program continues to miles driven by 4 percent; the current 'situation, RTD Jenkins, who describes play a major role in the that is, 2,284,428 miles for will not be able to meet the himself as a conservative, reduction of fleet and the second quarter as expanding demands of pragmatist, and fiscal occupational accidents both compared to 2,198,300 in transportation in the realist, admits having in transportation and the first quarter. Division 8 county," said Jenkins. He ambitions toward elected maintenance. has won the award five sees a need to create the office. He is not married, Division 8's Perform- times previously. right atmosphere in order to "but looking," he said. ance reaped a 14 percent Transportation Man- provide the best public The new director decrease in fleet accidents ager Bill Griffin said that transit. The right atmos- attended Damian High from the first quarter. The Division 3208 has always phere according to Jenkins School in La Verne and, general manager's goal for been a good safety per- includes a lessening of later, the University of fleet accidents is 4.2 per former. "I think the contrib- tension between the RTD Denver. He holds a 100,000 miles; Division 8 uting factors to our success and LACTC, reducing bachelor's degree in busi- sets at 3.1 or 1.1 reports have been threefold. internal RTD costs, and ness administration from better. Even more impres- Namely, the Target Line brokering out of service. "It Cal Poly, Pomona. Jenkins sive is the division's reduc- Program with which we try is not in the best interest of resides in the city of tion in lost time injuries: 11 to improve operators' the RTD to limit its opportu- Walnut. lost time injuries below the continued on page 4... NOVEMBER 1988 HEADWAY 3 RTD Rides in 16 de Septiembre Parade Urso Chosen Greeting some of the nearly Operator of the Month goodwill in the community Operator of 300,000 spectators who Rogelio Chacon from and to say thanks to its lined the route of the annual Division 12. RTD Commu- many Hispanic patrons who the Month East Los Angeles parade nity Affairs Representative use RTD every day. Slightly held September 11 are bus Nell Soto is in the driver's more than half of the 1.3 operators Jose Arizmendi seat. million riders carried by the from Division 9, 1988 Bus RTD participated in the RTD each weekday are Roadeo winner and the June festive event to foster Hispanic.

Ärei RIO BUS GiZ WINNER & OPERATOR Operator of the Month Dainton Urso.

Division 15 Operator Dainton Urso was named Operator of the Month for August. He received a certificate of merit from the Jose Arizmendi, Rogelio Chacon, and Nell Soto participated in the 16 de Septiembre parade the RTD Board of Directors in East Los Angeles. on September 22. Urso has been an Operator with the District ...Safe Performance it rather than hiding his reported 15.3 incidents in for 13 years. He has re- ...continued from page 3 head in the sand like an the first quarter; these ceived the maximum performance; the change in ostrich," said King. decreased to 5.7 at the end amount of merits awarded claims administrators, we're Bottone, in a later of the second quarter. The to an operator with an getting a faster response interview, stated the success general manager's goal is outstanding performance now; and the instructors' of the division is all credited 8.5 lost time injuries per and safety record. In follow-ups to accidents," to communication. "I 100,000 hours, Division addition, he has received Griffin said. communicate with the 9306 is 2.8 reports below it. numerous letters of com- "Our instructors use mechanics. Together we The division showed a mendation from his division video cameras to tape work out the safety issues decrease of 4,021 in hours manager and the public. dangerous situations and before they become Prob- worked when compared to "Dainton Urso is a locations to focus the lems. I also had a very good the first quarter, but model employee," said operators attention toward safety coordinator in Jim increased their hours General Manager Man safe performance. They also Pilon. As a group at the between injuries from 3,321 Pegg. "His performance over act immediately on follow- division we all became to 11,275. The division has the years sets a standard of up rides after an accident," aware by talking about earned the award five times excellence for all our he said. safety at our meetings once since the inception of the operators to follow." Maintenance Instructor a week. If any issues came program. Bottone has won a Urso drives line 90 Charles King received the up, we took care of them as safe performance award which operates between award for vacationing fast as we could," said previously. Sunland and downtown Los Division 9306 Acting Bottone. Both managers received Angeles. He enjoys camping, Maintenance Manager Mike Division 9306 reduced an incentive award in the hiking, and cookouts with Bottone. "I think Mike its lost time injuries by 63 form of a $100 check and a his family on his off time. makes it work because when percent from the first plaque from RTD Director Urso resides with his family he sees a problem he attacks quarter. The division Nick Patsaouras. in Palmdale. NOVEMBER 1988 HEADWAY 4 MARKETING NEWS

The RTD Marketing sector guides to present the Department produces a wide public with accurate and variety of brochures which timely information in a enable District riders and format which conforms to the public to locate route the District's budget information easily and requirements." Marketing and Communications Representative Ed Langer quickly. The brochures help The guides feature and Production Coordinator Sharon Sherman Litt man proof people get the most out of points of interest in the artwork for the South Central Los Angeles Sector Guide. bus service both for com- area, general bus informa- muting and leisure travel. tion, RTD bus line numbers Detailed maps of the in the area, and RTD a better value for their service we offer," says District's nine service areas, telephone information. advertising dollar and are Wiggins. "The brochures we brochures describing special Marketing and Commu- very pleased to represent produce are often our only services, and tips on using nications Representative Ed the area on a piece with direct link with our passen- the RTD are all prepared by Langer sells the covers on such a wide circulation," gers and the general public." the Marketing Department many of the guides. Smith says. In addition to serving as as an extended service to "It's a very inexpensive Marketing and Commu- an attractive information our patrons. In addition to way for points of interest to nications Representative source, the guides generate line information, these get wide exposure through- David Wilson has sold the income for the District. publications feature sugges- out the region," he said. "I cover of the Burbank, "There is usually more tions for using the RTD for often have several locations Glendale, and Pasadena than one request to sponsor recreation and other non- that want to be featured on Sector Guide to the Glen- each sector guide," Langer work trips. the sector guide for their dale Galleria. says. "Sponsors not only reach potential customers, For each service area area." MIMROMNIMM the RTD Marketing Depart- "I'm beginning to get but get their message out "It's a very inexpensive ment has created a sector requests for advertising throughout Southern Cali- guide. The guides are photographs in other parts way for points of interest fornia." updated three times each of the guides," Langer The Marketing Depart- to get exposure year to reflect route and line added. "The Huntington ment developed the sector changes. These sector Park Chamber of Commerce throughout the guides in response to public guides give our patrons sees the South Central request for additional bus region..." current information on the Sector Guide as an unbeat- information. n routes near them and saue able way to promote the city MIRIMM MORI "Several years ago we the District the expense of and its merchants. They're "The market area became aware that our line- frequent updates of a paying for the cover of this exposure was very attractive specific materials did not system-wide map. sector guide and a one-page to Galleria management. fully meet the needs of the "With the end of a ad inside featuring their They have been so pleased public or the District," subsidized 50-cent fare, our annual Christmas Parade." with the results that they've Wiggins says. "The sector routes began to change Marketing and Commu- purchased the cover of the guides were created to much more frequently. The nications Representative East Los Angeles Sector communicate information cost of producing a system- Scott Smith has sold the Guide for Montebello Towne about route changes in a wide map four times a year cover of the San Fernando Center, another mall they positive fashion. Public became prohibitive," Sector Guide to Fallbrook manage," Wilson says. literature such as the sector comments Promotions Unit Mall for the last two "Outside of basic bus guides are promotional and Manager Alice Tolbert- printings. service, public information enhance the image of the Wiggins. "We designed the "They feel they can't get is the most important Di stric t."

NOVEMBER 1988 HEADWAY 5 Credit Union News FSLIC'S Negative Net Worth OP Is Debated PERATORS for August by Debbie Flores-Pollock, books as contingent liabili- Marketing Director ties. The numbers are The Federal Savings and consistent with estimates The awards for the Operator 3203 Stephanie Loan Insurance Corporation made by Danny Wall, Recognition Program for the Houdashelt (FSLIC) recently disclosed chairman of the Federal month of August were Baudilio Santos that the negative net worth Home Loan Bank Board. announced in the latter part Frank Zamora of the insurance fund at the These estimates, however, of September. The presenta- Mario Cancio end of 1987 nearly doubled are far smaller than those tions include the Manager's Foster Taylor from the end of 1986. They given by private analysts Award and the Sweepstakes Kris Sharp estimate the deficit to be and economists. Those Awards for both full-time Timothy Van Horn $11.6 billion at the end of estimates range from $40 to and part-time operators. Larry Pollard 1987, compared to $6.3 $60 billion. The program has as its Ramtin Gholizadeh billion at the end of 1986. The actual amount of purpose to recognize and John Fangon, Jr. deficit is important because reward the many bus Rene Olivares the Congress' General Ac- operators who consistently 3205 Edward Granados ...Congress' General counting Office is conduct- perform in an outstanding Tommie Johnson manner. The theme of the Accounting Office is ing an audit of the FSLIC. If Jimmy Brown the GAO and the FSLIC fail program is "In Pursuit of Thui rnon Green conducting an audit to agree on a figure, the Excellence." Those operators Richard Lewis of the FSLIC. GAO will not certify the succeeding in their pursuit Frederick Chavez FSLIC's financial statement. are listed below. Wayne Davis This would surely further Albert Stanislas erode public confidence in Manager's Award Ernest Miller Officials of the fund estimate that the cost of the FSLIC. 3201 Victor L. Arriola Anthony Galbreath merging or liquidating the Announcement 3203 Rosie L. Banks Obbrie Martin 3205 Eddie Lee Bryant 3206 Eva Guillory 204 hopelessly insolvent The winner of a sailing savings and loans across the lesson plan on board a 3206 Part of Div. 3212 Melvin Braxton 3207 George Anderson 3207 Carlos Iglesias country has climbed to $15.3 luxurious sailboat is Harvey 3208 Richard Piche Barrion Marsh billion. These amounts are D. Parnell. carried on the FSLIC's Congratulations, Harvey!!! 3209 Leoncia T. Sia Dale Kinkade 3210 Winston Fisher Raymond Duncan 3212 Earnest Pate William Thomas 3215 Dainton Urso Francisco Escobedo

3216 Robert Blake Eddie Razo

3218 Ethel M. Jefferson Reynaldo Aparicio Notice of Asbestos Sweepstakes Award Demetrius Jones Full-Time Operators John D. Saunders In compliance with the Safe State of California to cause 3201 Carlos Hernandez Columbus Burnette Drinking Water and Toxic cancer. Eugene Ransom 3208 Steven Churchill Enforcement Act, the owner The owner maintains Mark Tat-Tong William Marshall of the building which the that he has established a David Sanderson Benny Fox RTD uses as its headquar- comprehensive program of Enrique Quezada David Franco ters building (411-425 S. building maintenance Adolph Saenz Manuel Estrada Main St.) is notifying designed to effectively Henry Langsner Joseph Eckhart tenants, employees, and manage all asbestos con- Eldon Jamison Candelario Gomez neighbors that the building taining materials located in Alvaro Bolanos 3209 Luis Alvidrez may contain some asbestos, the building. Guillermo Perez Francisco Cordova a chemical known to the Peter Gerrits Mike Estrada

NOVEMBER 1988 HEADWAY 6 Hisaias Gonzales Herman Koenekamp Robert Hall Paul Brooks Sally Lemkuhl Robert Descombes Eimer Lewis Keith Sands Gabino Limon Tilmon Perry Damian Lopez 3218 Ignatius Arellano Robert Sweatt Donald Bowman OMMENDATIONS Earnest Williams Darryl Brooks 3210 Eloisa Diaz Briggie Coleman Ronald Kelsey Leon Harrison Clyde Lewis Dexter Jennings Robert Biedron Jimmie Land Thanks for a Job Hunt, Mervin N. Embry Hayes Joyce McKenzie Marcozzi, Patricia Rogelio Madrigal Lauretta Meadows Well Done! Division 10 Thomas Mattocks Renard Perkins Garcia, Ramon George Samoylenko Jimmy Render Below follows a list of the Harvey, Jay Edmund Pemberton Sweepstakes Award people who merke us look Division 12 Jimmy Williams Part-Time Operators good. Guevara, Carlos A. Jose Perez 3201 Francisco Sandoval McKay, Major 3212 Harvey Brown Hernan Navarrete Division 3 Murillo, Rafael M. Robert Ferrell 3203 Josephine Robles Carmier, Walter Petry, Josephine S. Thomas Fortes Jorge Baltazar Charles, Paul Schuster, Zachary W. A. Lam 3205 Humberto Moreno Dee, Willie Division 15 James Coleman Raul Montenegro Macklin, Fred Berkowitz, Carl F. Daniel Gavurnik 3207 Lee Bentley Nguyen, Thi X Robinson, Frank E. Samuel Licon George Mann Division 5 Sira, Jawahar S. Bobby Tifft 3208 Michael Reed Daniels, Richard G. Smith, Williams Peter Car dias Juan Rosas Hollingquist, Frank V. Sobray, Thomas J. 3215 Elizabeth Harvell 3209 Alex Duran Kuykendall, Howard T. Uvals, Eduardo A. David Iglesias Alice McDonald Lampkin, Warren L. Vasquez, Jose Jesse Kirkland 3210 Joy Parker Lewis, Patrick D. Velez, Norma E. Nicholäs Tummolo Joseph Passaretti Luke, Gerald F. Williams, Lester E. Gernot Hilke 3212 Joseph McDaniels Pope, Charles I. Division 18 Lester Williams Donald Biehn Trezuant, Cheryl D. Bonville, Gwendolyn George Jackson 3215 Salvador Castro Division 6 Gosha, Thomas Jessie Wilson Luu Phong Nguyen Mary Collins Neal, Emery L. Willie Garrett 3216 Angela Hale Division 7 Poe, Joann Webb Phillip Patton Debbie Everett Baines, Vanessa F. Simpson, Ronald Gary Miller 3218 Nho Van Le Feldra, Larry F. Turner, Debbie 3216 Clarence Dine George Tillmann Graham, Keith A. Ogle Menees Jones, Demetrius D. Sanders, Vassielonia To: RTD Courtesy Dept. Sharp, Anthony Madam: Sidney, Meredith I am writing to con- Washburn, Dennis gratulate RTD for having GREAT AMERICAN sl'`mlEsocigE Williams, Alton the insight to hire a driver Division 8 like Mr. Gerald Luke and Buell, David A. also to thank him for his Ferraro, Robert courtesy, patience, and SMOKEOUT Scott, Randy H. ability to keep his cool. Division 9 While on his bus, Mr. Bernstein, Andrew Luke had two wheelchair Cunningham, Ralph C. customers, one who was Foster, Ronald L. completely helpless and Granado, Richard could not verbalize. The first NOVEMBER 17 Gutierrez, Jose D. customer got off easily, but Hawkins, Raymond H. continued on page 8...

NOVEMBER 1988 HEADWAY 7 ...continued from page 7 that more than made up for California, including the rider needed assistance and the inechanism hol ding the any bad ones you may have. Transit Police were attempt- personally escorted him to second chair would not Operator Ed Uvals ing to locate him with the the Altadena Police Station, function. Mr. Luke, through picked up a blind passenger assistance of local radio where relatives were his ingenuity, was able to who was very upset and media. Ms. Sepulveda contacted. dislodge the second chair confused because he had observed that her young but throughout he was worked late and missed his reassuring the customer in connection into town. such a kind tone of voice, Your driver calmed and was so pleasant. If he hasn't assured him it would be all received an award, he right. When we arrived at IFTING certainly should as the most the Golden Mall in Bur- courteous, pleasant, and bank, before going out of EARS helpful driver I have met. service and before I could Thank you, oller to help since I was Doris Bruce going in the same direction, your driver took the young Dear Sirs: man by the arm, walked e I boarded the RTD bus him to the corner and then for my daily trip down PCH. across the street to a bus At our first stop, one of the bench where he introduced Brett, Jerry W., began 23, 1963, retired as an passengers had a grand mal the young man to others with the District on April Operator on September 6, seizure which was very there that promised to help 17, 1965, retired as an 1988. traumatic to the victim and him the rest of the way. Operator on August 21, to witnessing passengers. Considering how eager we 1988. Newman, Maria, began Your driver, Rafael all are to go home at the end with the District on Febru- Murillo, acted with dispatch of a work day, I can better Castro, Victor M., began ary 9, 1974, retired as a in hastening to the victim's appreciate him taking time with the District on Septem- Janitor on July 27, 1988. aid. He called the paramed- to help. ber 15, 1972, retired as an ics. He translated for the Being one that believes Operator on May 16, 1988. Pearce, Robert D., began paramedics and saw to it in accentuating the positives with the District on July 13, that his other passengers instead of blowing up the Crise, William K., began 1964, retired as an Operator were able to board the next negatives, I am sending the with the District on Decem- on August 31, 1988. bus. As soon as the para- Herald-Examiner a copy of ber 11, 1978, retired as a medics took over, Mr. this letter. Staff Assistant on July 1, Pentek, Robert G, began Murillo had us on our way Sincerely, 1988. with the District on Decem- again and I reached my Melba Jimenez ber 6, 1976, retired as the work place on time. Kern, Dexter V., began Director of Management In this world where so Division 15 Operator with the District on January Information Systems on many people seem to pass Anita Sepulveda was 20, 1955, retired as an September 6, 1988. by those in need, I felt Mr. commended for her assis- Operator on September 10, Murillo should be recog- tance to a differently abled 1988. Reiff, Donald R., began nized for his compassion, with the District on April caring, and quick response. ...Mr. Murillo should McCoy, Ronald D., began 11, 1974, retired as an The remaining passengers with the District on April Operator on May 6, 1988. felt the same as I do. Thank be recognized for 22, 1974, retired as a you for a driver we all feel Transit Operations Supervi- Scott, Bonnie, began with his compassion, comfortable with on our sor on August 31, 1988. the District on December 26, daily excursions. caring and quick 1974, retired as an Operator Sincerely, McLean, Clyde A., began on August 16, 1988. Dolly Ahrens response. with the District on Septem- ber 26, 1970, retired as a Smith, Calvin W., began Dear Manager: young man. The twelve- Transit Operations Supervi- with the District on May 8, With all the negative year-old unknowingly sor on September 30, 1988. 1965, retired as an Operator publicity going around about boarded RTD Buses instead on August 31, 1988. a very few RTD drivers, I of his regular school bus. Morad, Deeb, began with would like to single out one Police throughout southern the District on November

NOVEMBER 1988 HEADWAY 8 MENDATIONS

RTD Retirees were recognized at the September 8 Board of Directors' meeting and were presented with plaques by RTD Director Carmen Estrada. The retirees included, from left to right: Division 9 Operator Hugh B. Group, Division 15 Operator Carl E. Jones and his wife, and Division 15 Operator Calvin W. Smith and his wife, and behind them, Division 12 Operator Joe A. Muckelroy. Back row, from left to right: Director Estrada, General Manager Alan Pegg, Asst. Director of Transportation Ralph Wilson, and Mr. Muck- Certificates of Merit were presented to the August Employees elroy. of the Month at the September 22 Board of Directors' meeting by RTD Director Jay Price. Those employees included, from left to right: Division 15 Operator Dainton Urso, Telephone Information Operator Debbie Coddington, and Division 9 Utility A Leader Jesus Gonzalez. Back row, from left to right: Division 3215 Manager Ron Reedy, General Manager Alan Pegg, Division 3309 Manager Ray Kunkle, and Director of Customer Relations Robert Williams.

Personnel Department Electrician Don Goodwin Benefits Technician Andre was chosen the Facilities Hanna sports a happy Maintenance Employee of baker's senile as he displays the Month for August. His the cakes that brought him supervisors praise his to prominence in the county. craftsmanship and ability to Andre was awarded the support and repair any first-place blue ribbon at the equipment that malfunc- Los Angeles County Fair in tions. In the past few moizths POM071a this September for Goodwin has been working bis golden butter pound cake an the automated fueling (left), the second-place project at Division 3308 and ribbon for bis sweet potato fabricating a filtering system pie, and an honorable for transnzission oil at the mention for his German CMF. When a problem chocolate cake (right). occurs, Goodwin gets the work done quickly and efficiently.

NOVEMBER 1988 HEADWAY 9 ...continued from page 9 CHEDUL, ,, ANGES 2

Alvarez, Norma G., from DeSouza, John P., from Division Stenographer to Operator Trainee to Opera- Secretary. tor. Alvarez, Ramon, from Dominguez, Henry, from Operator Trainee to Opera- Mechanic B to Mechanic A. tor. Dunn, David J., from Bagwell, Frederick D., Operator Trainee to Opera- Human Resources Analyst Julie Regnier won a blue ribbon from Operator Trainee to tor. at the Los Angeles County Fair for her entry in the table Operator. Dwyer, John C., from setting competition at the Home Arts Building in Pomona. Banks, Paul M., from Operator Trainee to Opera- Julie competed in the theme settings, choosing a Christmas Operator Trainee to Opera- tor. dinner table motif tor. England, Edmond, from Bingley, Jeffrey T., from Operator Part-time to Operator Trainee to Opera- Operator Trainee. tor. Espinoza, Frances, from Brown, George C., from Typist Clerk to Secretary. Operator Trainee to Opera- Frias, Daniel M., from tor. Operator Part-time to Butler, Martha K., from Operator Trainee. Ticket Clerk to General Gallegos, Alex T., from Clerk/Marketing. Operator Trainee to Opera- Byers, Joseph, from Op- tor. erator Part-time to Operator Garcia, Manuel, from Trainee. Operator Trainee to Opera- Cabison, Esther G., from tor. Staff Aide to Staff Assistant. Gonzalez, Joe M., from Canales, Joel A., from Operator Part-time to Mechanic B to Mechanic A. Operator Trainee. The RTD presented a plaque on October 3 to the East Los Cerda, Juan A. from Gonzalez-Arias, Julio R., Angeles Neighborhood Center to express its appreciation for Typist Clerk to Messenger from Mechanic A to Me- the invaluable support given by the center in allowing the Clerk. chanic A Leader. District to use its facility as a testing site for over 10,000 Chapman, Bettie L., from Guevrekian, Simon, from applicants seeking employment opportunities as bus opera- Operator Trainee to Opera- Planner to Statistical tors, security guards, stock clerks, information clerks, and tor. Analyst. other positions over a two-year period. The District with the Chavez, Mario A., from Gustafson, Jerome L., help of the East Los Angeles Neighborhood Center has been Operator Trainee to Opera- from Operator Trainee to able to employ over 1,500 individuals coming from this and tor. Operator. various other communities; thus enriching both the Los Cole, Mary A., from Opera- Hansson, Bo L., from Angeles community and the RTD as an organization. tor Trainee Full-time to Senior Engineer to Project Accepting the plaque on behalf of the center from RTD Operator Full-time. Engineer. Director of Personnel Gayel A. Pitchford are, from left to Cover, Jaime A., from Harrott, Sandra, from right: Center Security Guard Rose Griffieth, Assistant Center Mechanic B to Mechanic A. Operator Trainee Full-time Director Josephine Marquez, Gayel Pitchford, Senior Center Daniel, Robert St. Rose, to Operator Full- time. Aide Josephine Rea, Center Director Richard Murillo, RTD from Operator Part-time to Hayforth, Barbara A., Human Resources Assistant Janell Ishii, RTD Senior Operator Trainee. from Typist Clerk to Human Resources Analyst Patricia K Padilla, and RTD Deluca, Donn A., from Division Stenographer. Human Resources Analyst Mario Perez. Store Clerk to Storekeeper. ...continued on page 11

NOVEMBER 1988 HEADWAY 10 ...continued from page 10 Development. Materiel Control Clerk to Attendant Leader. Her, Ferdinand, from McCoy, Katie D., from Materiel Expediter. Young, Nathan C., from Electrician to Electrician Typist Clerk to General Riley, William A., from Operator Trainee to Leader. Clerk II. Operator Trainee Part-Time Operator. Hess, Maria C., from Medrano, Juan A., from to Operator Part-Time. Yu, Philip, from Operator Janitor to Mopper Waxer. Operator Trainee to Opera- Rose, Fern L., from Staff Trainee to Operator. Hicks, John E., from Stock tor. Aide to Staff Assistant. Clerk to Traveling Store- Mercer, Philip R., from Sandberg, Joel J., from keeper. Operator Trainee to Opera- Systems Engineering and Hooks, Deborah A., from tor. Analysis Manager to Operator Trainee to Opera- Merrick, Michael F., from Director of Systems Design tor. Utilities Engineering and Analysis. IN Horta, Bonifacio J., from Manager to Project Engi- Sivadon, Marta Ann, from Operator Trainee to Opera- neer. Operator Trainee to Opera- MEMORIAM tor. McGowin, Carol, from tor. Johnson, Glenn E., from Ticket Clerk to Ticket Office Smith, Gregory K., from Mechanic C to Mechanic B. and Reports Clerk. Operator Trainee to Opera- Juarez, Madecadel H., Montoya, Joe M., from tor. Ball, John, began with the from Materiel Control Clerk Stock Clerk to Utility A. Stanton, Frederick M., District on December 3, to Stock Clerk. Moreno, Hector L., from from Operator Trainee to 1934, passed away on Kelley-Yanuzzi, Lorene, Operator Trainee to Opera- Operator. February 19, 1988. from Senior Secretary to tor. Tahir, Nadeem, from Davidson, Tory, began Staff Assistant. Moreno, Judy V., from Senior Engineer to Project with the District on August Kennedy, Michael D., Operator Trainee to Opera- Engineer. 12, 1947, passed away on from Printing Supervisor to tor. Thomas, William J., from August 17, 1988. Printing Production Estima- Pang, John C., from Op- Senior Materiel Supervisor Ferguson, Gerald, began tor. erator Trainee to Operator. to Production Planner. with the District on August Lane, Pamela M., from Partida, Pablo E., from Townley, Robert P., from 5, 1946, passed away on Vault Truck Driver to Cash Truck Driver/Clerk to Relief Senior Engineer to Project May 7, 1988. Clerk/Relief Vault Truck Stock Clerk. Engineer. Freestone, Charles, began Driver. Parker, Pamela E., from Tubbs, Lawrence G., from with the District on March Lee, Scott G., from Opera- Operator Trainee to Opera- Operator Part-time to 10, 1923, passed away on tor Trainee to Operator. tor. Operator Trainee. May 10, 1988. Lewis, Ted H., from Senior Parnell, Rhea S., from Vasquez, Tadeo R., from Fulkman, Marie, began Engineer to Project Engi- Word Processor Operator to Operator Trainee to Opera- with the District on August neer. Stenographer. tor. 17, 1956, passed away on Lim, Isaac Seung, from Perez, Jose J., from Typist Wells, Harold W., from September 10, 1988. Operator Trainee Full-time Clerk to Assistant Adminis- Truck Driver/Clerk to Hull, Rosella, began with to Operator Full- time. trative Analyst. Storekeeper. the District on June 19, Lin, Roland Q. C., from Perez, Salvador, from Wells, Rodger K., from 1978, passed away on May Operator Part-time to Mechanic B to Mechanic A. Operator Trainee to Opera- 23, 1988. Operator Trainee. Portillo, Jose D., from tor. Michaud, Raymond, Lizaola, George A., from Operator Trainee to Opera- Williams, Cherri Y., from began with the District on Operator Trainee to Opera- tor. Staff Aide to Staff Assistant. February 16, 1968, passed tor. Pouliot, Thomas P., from Withers, Laura L., from away on May 1, 1988. Lopez, Manuel V., from Operator Trainee Full-time Mopper Waxer to Mail Rodgers, William, began Operator Trainee to Opera- to Operator Full-time. Carrier. with the District on Septem- tor. Puckett, Stephen R., from Wong, John, from Operator ber 13, 1987 passed away on Lopez, Sylvia, from Opera- Operator Trainee Full-time Trainee to Operator. June 3, 1988. tor Trainee to Operator. to Operator Full-time. Worthington, Hunter R., Semenoff, Bernie, began Magana, Henry, from Ramirez, Epifanio 0., from Operator Trainee to with the District on Novem- Operator Trainee to Opera- from Property Maintainer A Operator. ber 9, 1978, passed away on tor. to Property Maintainer A Wright, Juanita I., from June 8, 1988. Marshall, Velma C., from Leader. Senior Secretary to Staff Tinsley, Henry, began Assistant Director of Real Rankin, Paul A., from Assistant. with the District on January Estate and Development to Mechanic B to Mechanic A. Young, Brenda G., from 12, 1937, passed away on Director of Real Estate and Regalado, Rudy R., from Service Attendant to Service May 18, 1988.

NOVEMBER 1988 HEADWAY 11 FACELIFT

FOR

Richard Coruera begins the masking process before the A 5600 series Flxible segment is painted and refurbished. MUSEUM

PIECE

Voila! And on the fifth day there was a brand-spanking new bus, complete with dazzlingly shiny chrome bumpers. Richard, Rudy Melendez (center), and Larry were ready to give it bach to the children of Los Angeles.

There is one bus (actually a the headsign handle as fast the seat. quarter of a bus) in the RTD as it will go. They also like Supervisor Rudy Richard Coruera and Larry fleet that has an estimated to jump for the windshield Melendez said the project Luna cover the front end of ridership of over a quarter wipers." With that kind of offered his shop several the bus in preparation for million children a year. It wear-and-tear over the last opportunities. "We were the paint job. has no wheels, no engine, six years, Kuhns was able to try out some equip- and, worse, no driver, but desperate to call the RTD ment recommended by the we assure you it carries the Equipment Maintenance Air Quality Management children, none the less. Department for refurbish. District, a high-volume No, it is not a school He contacted Paint pressure paint system. The tripper but a quarter slice of Shop Supervisor Rudy mechanism stops overspray a 5600 series front end that Melendez and Upholstery which is a great aid with in- sits in the Los Angeles Shop Supervisor Steve door jobs like this. Ordinar- Children's Museum. Stairs. Each sent their ily people would have had to With that much specialists to do a job in a leave the building because ridership and attention you space not set up for refur- the fumes would have been can bet the surfaces get bishing. Mechanics A Larry too strong to stay," said worn fairly thin. "The bus is Luna and Richard Corvera Melendez. the first big thing the kids began the stripping and "And," he smiled, "We see when they come in," said refinishing to completion in felt good doing it for the kids Museum Facilities Manager five days. Mechanic A of Los Angeles," he said. Michael Kuhns. "All of them Leadman Sal Sagesse did Melendez, Luna, and try to get in the driver's the trim work and managed Corvera appear on this After the paint work, brand seat. The bigger kids try to to hunt down all replace- month's cover showing off new parts and accessories jump on the ceiling of the ment parts for the 5600 the fruits of their labor—a are installed by Larry and bus, but we try to discour- series Flxible. The Uphol- shiny, just-like-new bus Richard. age that. They do try to roll stery Shop reupholstered before the kids got to it.

NOVEMBER 1988 HEADWAY 12

Kerns Retires The Type of Bus: From 3216 Is lt a Plan Or Luck of the Draw? Operator Dexter Kerns was given a family farewell by Barbara Olson, potluck by his division Operations General Administrative Analyst friends at 3216 on Septem- ber 16. Well-wishers Have you ever wondered general, new coaches are included UTU General why your line or bus run placed in base service so Chairman Earl Clerk and always gets a certain type of they may run all day. The Local Chairman John bus? Yes, it is planned. Over newer coaches usually have Cockburn. the years, the District less frequent road failure Kerns is obviously much purchases a variety of and less maintenance work. loved by his peers judging Older coaches may start Dexter Kerns retires from coaches depending on our by the appearance of the needs and the bus types falling apart before we are Division 3216. train room. It was decorated available when the coaches allowed to seil them, so with oversized banners are built. We now have "new these coaches are used only proclaiming Kerns "shy, good to me. I've been very look" and "advance design for peak period service, or meek, wonderful, terrific, happy here," he said. buses." We also have trippers, as this service is marvelous, innocent, "I can vouch for that," different sizes of buses, called. outstanding, gorgeous, said his wife Jo who had ranging from 30 feet to the Bus assigners must also beautiful—Dexter, we love accompanied him to the long "articulated" and the determine whether the you and we lie a lot!" And, a party. contemplated assignment is buffet table was set teeming The entire division in conformance with the with different courses. chipped in on the buffet Our primary goal District's accessible service Kerns hired on with the luncheon and gifts. The policy. All the coaches MTA in 1955 and drove the UTU presented Kerns with is to cover lines purchased in the last ten old H4 streetcars before the a wall plaque clock. Division with buses running years have been equipped RTD went totally bus mode. Manager Harold Hollis gave with wheelchair lifts, except Looking back, Kerns Kerns a traditional RTD all day. for the articulated and the recalled that while the memento: his very own bus double decker buses. Lines equipment driven may have stop sign. designated accessible (as been different and the "double deck" buses. Each you will note on the bus conversion from streetcar to bus type has its own stops, timetables, and bus confusing, "The passen- Kerns is obviously capabilities which work best paddles) are given accessible gers were about the same as on certain types of lines. coaches. Our primary goal is much loved by his they are now," he said. "I For example, the RTS to cover lines with buses think the one improvernent peers judging by the bus is best used on local running all day. These are with the buses is that my service. Its low gearing usually given the coaches hands don't get the calluses appearance of the enjoys peak operation at low with new, improved lift they used to when I had to speed travel. The 1100 technology. Tripper coaches train room. ring the streetcar bell all series Neoplans were for the rush hour may get day." purchased with high-backed older coaches with the less He admitted that Grateful for the ap- seats for added passenger reliable lifts. originally he had no inten- plause and pleasantly comfort on long haul routes. The final consideration tion of retiring but health surprised with all the fuss The single door on these given in equipment assign- problems took that decision being made over him, Kerns coaches makes it difficult to ment is an attempt to out of his hands. "This is my thanked friends individu- use in local service with lots minimize the variety of company, I love it. It never ally. Proud of his day and of on/off passenger traffic. coaches at an operating entered my mind to retire. I touched by his co-workers Other factors to be division. Every coach type thought I'd go out behind love, Kerns said, "This considered in assigning requires separate parts, the wheel. The company and company has been darr coaches are the age and mechanical training, and the union have been very good to me—I love it." reliability of the coaches. In continued on page 14...

NOVEMBER 1988 HEADWAY 13 ...continued from page 13 Planning and Scheduling. If operator familiarity. Our a new bus type is to be goal is to have only one or introduced to a line, the Mechanic Gives two major coach types at division managers and each division, plus one instructors (senior TOS) Love a Second Chance speciality type, if needed. may run a test trip to see if We have begun the process the new coach can handle Nine years ago Mechanic Al of consolidating coaches and the route. Anderson, 46, ended his reducing odd-ball types, This plan (the Equip- marriage to his wife Jac- when possible. ment Assignment Report) is queline. Al sought therapy Many bus operators printed and distributed to while undergoing the believe that their own all operating divisions. It is process. He managed to get division gets short- changed also used by the Operations a grip on things and pull Planning and Scheduling himself back into the Department to prepare the mainstream of life. Predicta- roll-out sheets, where each bly, life threw Al a few more So, the next bus run is given a preferred curveballs that sent him Al and Jacqueline Anderson bus type. Then, each day, make it work the second time time you back several times to this Equipment Maintenance therapist, whose support around. wonder why personnel at each division would prove most significant (usually the Equipment in the years to come. his former wife Jacqueline you got a Records Specialist) prepare Some time after the with him. "Something the roll-out sheets using the seemed to draw us back particular type divorce counseling, Al pre-printed equipment type returned to the office of together," said Al. They of bus, chances as a guide. The ERS has to therapist Charles Browning. were interested in working keep in mind the constantly This time he wanted pre- on a new relationship are it was changing number of avail- marriage counseling. Al had together. Ironically, Carol's able buses, by type, in last words before her death planned that met Carol who was to assigning buses to bus runs become his second wife. The were, "I just don't want Al to way. for the morning and evening three of them worked be alone...I pray God will roll outs. Because of the together in pre-marriage bring someone special into requirement to rotate buses and then in marriage his life...he shouldn't be for preventive maintenance counseling. alone, and I know God will in getting new buses as well as for reported bring someone to love him." compared to other divisions. defects and bus breakdowns, Her prayers were Actually, in terms of the age it is not always possible to "...with a commit- answered for Jacqueline and of the buses, they are quite fill each bus run with the Al were married this March evenly spread a.mong the designated type of bus. ment to work on the in their therapist's office. divisions. From time to time So, the next time you Browning had the honor of relationship, they these divisions will receive wonder why you got a being the best man. new buses, as is being done particular type of bus, can make it work..." "Their decision to currently with the new chances are it was planned `return to their first love buses received by Division 1 that way. There are times, MM1111111111•111111111M1 also has important and Division 5. However, however, when despite the Some time after that significance to me in that it buses assigned to the best-laid plans we may run encounter, the therapist shows couples who may be central area divisions do out of the right equipment worked with the couple on the verge of ending their receive more wear and tear and the bus operator may again, but this time with a marriage that with a due to their assignment-to end up with something more tragic event—Carol commitment to work on the heavy major bus routes. strange like a mini-bus on a was diagnosed as having a relationship, they can make The stall of the Assis- long haul run. We regret the terminal illness. The it work—even better than tant General Manager for temporary inconvenience to therapist worked to prepare before," said Browning. Operations develops the both our operators and them to say goodbye to each What does our me- master plan for assignment passengers when we are other and then to help Al chanic say about his second of coaches to lines and presented with a choice of handle the emptiness and time around? He smiles divisions, in conjunction an odd- ball assignment or loneliness in his life. broadly and says, "I was with Equipment Mainte- canceling the run for lack of The fourth time Al meant to be married, life is nance and Operations buses. sought Browning he brought beautiful."

NOVEMBER 1988 HEADWAY 14 3. You are over 40 years old, diet, and participate in 4. You are a minority; regular exercise. If you do especially Black or His- have diabetes then it is very panic, and/or, important to begin treat- 5. You have a family ment immediately! member who is diabetic Good News and New News For the Insulin- Dependent Diabetic If you have a Just released but requiring a prescription for Diabetes, lt May Getcha If combination of use is a portable self- You're Not Careful these symptoms, contained insulin injection by Elia Hager, R.N. device with needle attached. please don't panic The device is the size of a large fountain pen and but contact your Diabetes Mellitus is a very amputation of toes, feet, needs no refrigeration. It is common condition com- etc.; failing eyesight to doctor as soon easily carried in a suit monly called "Sugar" by blindness; kidney failure to pocket or in a lady's purse. some and which means dialysis; and premature as possible. literally, sugar-in-the-urine. death. 1•111n1 There are two types of In most cases of IBMIMn 11 Just released but diabetes, the first is Type diabetes, it is probably One or the kind people call inherited, you get the Signs To Watch For requiring a juvenile diabetes. It is the tendency from your mother TYPE 1 (Juvenile Diabetes) kind found in children and/or your father, as Frequent urination prescription for use where the pancreas fails to opposed to the temporary Abnormal thirst and/or is a portable seif- produce insulin and the diabetic state women get unusual hunger diabetic needs daily injec- during pregnancy. In all Weight loss contained insulin tions of insulin to control cases, both the Type 1 or Irritability his/her diabetes. In Type 2 Type 2 diabetic warrants Weakness and fatigue injection device with diabetes, the condition careful thought in his/her Nausea and vomiting needle attached. doesn't appear until adult- heath care. hood that is why many call TYPE 2 (Adult on-set) 11n1111MIII this type of diabetes adult Overweight 1111111111111111n1 on-set. In this type of So inany people have Unusual sleepiness diabetes the body for some Blurred vision The device has been reason cannot use the either one of the two Tingling, numbness of designed so that the dosage insulin that the body is hands and feet types of diabetes and of insulin is delivered in a producing. This type of Infections of the skin or uniform dial-a-number diabetes may be temporary they may fool them- unusual itching technique so it's ideal for during pregnancy, or Cuts that won't heal teens on the go, older accompanies excessive selves into thinhing Increased hunger and thirst diabetes with diminished weight gain but usually can vision and primarily for that diabetes is no be controlled by weight loss, If you have a combina- those diabetics who may not diet, and exercise. big deal... tion of these symptoms, be home when they need So many people have please don't panic but their next dosage of insulin either one of the two types contact your doctor as soon and are required to perform of diabetes and they may as possible. If the symptoms overtime, etc. fool themselves into think- Can I Avoid Becoming A are not those of diabetes If you or anyone you ing that diabetes is no big Diabetic? then probably the negative know is a diabetic and you deal and discount the You can't catch diabetes symptoms you have indicate would like to get more danger they run when they like a cold or the flu but you a poor diet and your doctor information on diabetes you don't take care of them- can set yourself up for the will put you on a good diet. can call the American selves. This kind of thinking "BIG-D" if: To help yourself, in all Diabetes Association in may cause neglect of simple 1. You are overweight, instances you need to eat a Washington, D.C. at (800) problems that could lead to 2. You are pregnant, well balanced, nutritious 232-3472.

NOVEMBER 1988 HEADWAY 15 —ememberance

Editor's Note: We have been collecting stories, anecdotes, and photos of the company's history over the years and so do many of our readers. With this issue we thought it appropriate to dust off the collection and take a look at all the memorier we've had tucked away in the files and in various boxes. If you are interested in seeing more entries like this one, then send us your memorabilia and share your story with us.

30-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF TYPE H CAR RETIREMENT by Allan Styffe

Thirty years ago, during the were made to wee hours of September 14, these cars 1958, the last type H car resulting in pulled in from Line "S"— the final des- San Pedro St.—W. Eighth ignations St. being, cars The demise of the Type 1201 through H cars marked the end of an 1415- Type important period of Los H-4, cars Angeles history. The first of 1416 through these 250 cars was delivered 1450-Type H- in 1923 and this dass of car 3, and cars saw service throughout Los 1501 through Angeles. The "H" dass cars 1560- Type were numbered 1201 K-4. Type H car went out of service 30 years ago. through 1450 and were built During by the St. Louis Car Com- the 1930's cars 1416 center sections and open air The last H type car to pany. There was also a look- through 1450 were modified end sections. These cars run over the streets of Los alike series of cars num- by enclosing all the windows were all double-ended and Angeles was car #1450 bered 1501 through 1560. with glass and the Installa- could be operated from which in April 1959 was Those 60 cars were home tion of leather cushioned either end. operated on a special tour by built by the Los Angeles seats thereby creating Type From 1948 on, well into this writer prior to being Railway Company at South H-5. After World War II the 1950's the 310 H and K sent to the Orange Empire Park Shops in 1925 and those Type H-5 cars (1416- cars along with the 165 PEC Trolley Museum at were designated type "K". 1450) were once again cars were the mainstay of California where it may be The major difference modified for one-man the Los Angeles Transit seen and ridden in 1988. between the Type H and operation and were re- Lines system. The 35 H-3 Type K cars was that the H designated Type 1-1- 3. cars and a mixed group of Allan Styffe, former RTD cars were constructed of Cars Type H-4 (1201- about 10 H-4 cars operated Administrative Services steel while the K cars were 1415) and Type K-4 (1501- last on Line "S" which was Officer, describes himself, made of wood. 1560) lasted out their days the only line to be so foremost, as a retired During the years of as California type cars, equipped from November of Operator of street cars and service, several refinements wooden seats with enclosed 1956 to September 14, 1958. lesser tasks.

NOVEMBER 1988 H E A DWAY 16 Of Things Fast

"THE GOOD OLD STREET CAR DAY???" by Operator Forest N. Churchill, Division 15

When I was asked the other sand in front of the wheels of the line was to transfer equipment simultaneously day how it was driving a to help stop the street car all of your work equipment to the other end of the car, street car, I compared it to faster. While the feet were from the operating end to you had to walk back to the the well-known phrase, previous operating end and "one-armed paper hanger." put the end trolley on the We used both hands and wire. The trolley was a wire both feet to drive the street which was attached to an car. overhead wire containing When loading passen- 660 volts of energy that gers you had to make powered the street car. change for any amount of If the car turned the tender, up to, but not corner too fast or the trolley including twenty dollar rolled past the overhead bills. The fare was deposited wires that crisscrossed at an in a manual type fare box. intersection, the trolley After examining the money, would fall off rendering the you had to flush it down into streetcar powerless. Of the box, turn a hand trank, course, you had to get out take it out of the box, sort and put it back on line. the coins, and return them As you walked back to to the proper barrel of the the new operating end, you changer. By the time this would grab the handle of was done, you had the Conductor Forest Churchill in 1955. each passenger seat and change for the next set of pull it back so that it is passengers. You were facing forward. After you constantly grinding money busy, the left hand operated the opposite end. The finished this task, you pull through the fare box to the controller. The control- opposite end became the the front trolley down from restock your changer for the ler monitored the amount of new operating station. the wire and secure it to the next passenger stop. power going to the motor There were five things to front of the street car. When Driving the street car thus enabling the street car transport from one end to you finally get to the was similar to operating the to move forward. On the the other: the control opposite end of the line, you old type train. You used all other hand, the right hand handle, brake handle, had to repeat this process four limbs. The right foot was operating the brake changer, fare box, and stool. all over again...and was always on the dead- which decreased the speed The stool was like a milking again...and again! man's control pedal. If, for set by the controller. When stool. It was round with no any reason, the operator money was taken in from back and had four legs. The Reprinted from the Sun became incapacitated his the passengers, the brakes only good thing about it was Valley News—Division 15. foot would leave this button were always set. This was that you could stand up or The author has served the and the car would stop very necessary—no one has sit down while driving the RTD for 36 years. He has automatically. The left foot five limbs! car. In this sense, it was less attained number 1 seniority not only rang the bell but The most time-consum- tiresome than driving a bus. at his division and is also hit a lever that released ing task on reaching the end After you carried all the number 2 Districtwide.

NOVEMBER 1988 HEADWAY 17 —Remembrance of Things fast

A LADY CONDUCTOR IN THE FORTIES

Louise White hired on with the company decided all the Los Angeles Railway personnel should be able to Company in 1944. She handle both ends of the Los Angeles Railway Co. Line Instructor Al White in remembers getting static streetcar," said Al. Motorlady Louise White in 1959. from some of her male Louise quit the Railway 1957. counterparts. "We were to care for her terminally taking the positions left husband. Following his open by the men who had death in 1950 she returned gone off to World War II. to work. She and Al began Any job a woman took in to court in 1959 and married those days,...well, you ex- shortly thereafter. When pected to be treated that she married she gave up way." working the rails in the city Louise met her future of Los Angeles. "I missed it. husband, Al White, on the There is just something job. Al was a motorman on about railroading...once it Line 5 and she was a gets into your system, it is student of his. Al had joined hard to get it out," she said. the company in 1940 and The couple, now retired, retired after 34 years. "In lives in Northern California those days she was a in Paradise. qualified conductorette, but Transit employees Al and Louise White in 1988, now retired.

WHO AM 1?

Now, we fast forward a bit 1960 had no inkling then from the 20's, 30's, 40's, and that she would grow up and 50's...next stop, the 60's for become a stall member of a little audience participa- the largest regional trans- tion. Look at the picture to portation carrier in the the left. This innocent- nation. Do you know who looking three-year old in she is?

NOVEMBER 1988 H E A D W A Y 18 Restaurant Review by Susan Harvey, Division 15 Asst. Manager

Tucked into a side street by beef stew (ask to have the Paramount Studios you mamaliba, a corn meal with will find a little gem of a the stew), chicken pilaf, and restaurant called Orza's. stuffed cabbage. You get Orza's specializes in good your choice of homemade Born to Metro Rail Secre- down-home cooking, of soup or salad. All that for tary Deanna Forrest and course down home would $8.95. If you like broiled her husband, Drew, their have to be in Rumania. The food, better try the mixed first child, Darbi Lynn on restaurant isn't fancy but grill for two, which includes August 31, 1988 in West what it doesn't have in a variety of grilled meats. Covina. Darbi was 5 lbs., 12 atmosphere, it more than The schnitzel is also oz. and 17 inches long at makes up for in quality. outstanding—pounded thin birth. "We are thrilled to I like to start off dinner with a good breading. They have her," said Deanna. "We with the combination have beer and wine but the waited over 9 years till we appetizer plate which beverage choice is the old were blessed with her." includes stuffed grape fashioned seltzer bottle leaves, hummus, white placed on the table. Don't Born to Nancy Niebrugge (RTD Headway's designer and caviar spread, eggplant forget to try the homemade layout artist) and her husband, Dan, a daughter; Devin salad, and marinated apple strudel or baklava. It's Marie, on August 30, 1988 at 6:03 a.m. in Pasadena. Devin mushrooms. The plate is just like grandma made, at Marie was 6 lbs. 14 oz. and 20 1/2 inches long at birth. $6.50 but will serve from least my grandma. two to four people. If you are Orza's Rumanian undecided what to have for Restaurant is located at 708 a main course, try one of the N. Valentino Place at Social Security Adds New combination plates. The Melrose, open for lunch and Rumanian hot plate combi- dinner, 213/465-4884. Phone Lines nation includes moussake,

The Social Security Admini- SSA-7004, for the informa- stration has added more tion. than 300 phone lines with The toll-free number A Hole in One! people instead of a computer originally had 200 phone answering them to handle lines hooked up to a com- RTD Contract Administra- Golf Digest hole-in-one the thousands of calls daily puter designed to handle tor Duane Johnson recently clearinghouse and he has from workers seeking 10,000 calls an hour, 24 posted a hole-in-one playing received a Johnnie Walker personalized estimates of hours a day. But, because at Brookside Golf Course in International Hole-in-One their future benefit checks. people were confused by the Pasadena. The ace was Award package which Now people are getting computer or the computer posted on the 176-yard, par included a personalized through on the first ring. did not understand the 3, eighth hole using a 5-iron wallet card, certificate, and Social Security Commis- addresses being given and club. golf bag tag. sioner Dorcas R. Hardy on asked for repeats, it was For golfers, a hole-in- In addition to an award August 4 unveiled the handling about 2,500 calls one is the ultimate attain- package, all acers who "personal earnings and an hour. ment in the game. In register with the Golf Digest benefit estimate statements" Hardy said that because layperson's terms it is an are eligible to play in the and invited workers to apply of the demand the agency event in which a golfer tees Johnnie Walker Hole-in-One for them. added 216 lines that are off from a hole and is able to tournaments. The agency established answered by its employees sink the ball in the cup with Johnson is a member of a toll-free number-1-800- and contracted for 120 more one swing. the Transit Golf Club and 937-2000—that Social lines through a private Johnson's hole-in-one won the club championship Security participants can service company, all on the has been registered with the in 1987. call to request the form, same 800 number.

NOVEMBER 1988 H E A DW AY 19 wo-and- half years COOPER BRINGS T ago the Headway brought you the story of Cynthia Cooper, daughter of Division 9318 Service THE GOLD HOME Attendant Mary Cobbs and one of the most promising players on USC's Women of Troy basketball team. At TO Div. 9318 that point, Cynthia was looking forward with the rest of the USC team to winning their third national championship. She came by to visit with the mechanics at her mother's division back in 1986. Since her graduation from USC, Cynthia went on assembled could get a dose to play with the U.S. look at a real-live sports National Team that traveled hero. At approximately 5' 9", to the Soviet Union for a Cynthia, 25, slightly built series of goodwill exhibition and dressed in her U.S. games. The team had the Olympic warm-up uniform, opportunity to trounce the smiled shyly as if wanting to Soviet women's team in ask why all of us are making those games. After Russia, such a fuss over her. But she started playing semi- once comfortable and seated professional woman's she seemed quite willing to basketball in Europe, based talk about her adventure in in Parma, Italy and began Seoul. preparing for the 24th After the U.S. men's Olympiad in Seoul, Korea. team was defeated by the In October 1988, Soviets, it was assumed that Cynthia revisited with the the pressure to win on the mechanics at 9318. Only women's team would be all this time she had a Olympic but suffocating. "Actually it gold medal to share. wasn't," said Cynthia. "We Cynthia was a member of felt bad for them, but our the U.S. Women's Basket- goal was to come away with circumstances no matter ball Team that successfully the gold. The only added how muck talent you have. made it through the prelimi- pressure we felt was going But you always have to go nary contests against the against Yugoslavia again in out and give 110 percent." women of Czechoslovakia, the finals. We had beat Giving her best had was one of eight children Yugoslavia, and China; them once, so we knew they become a way of life years who grew up under their Russia in the semifinals; wanted revenge." before those five pivotal mother's watchful eye in and again confronting She went into the finals games in Seoul. Her mother, Watts. Yugoslavia in the finals. with a positive attitude but Mary Cobbs, described Raising eight children Beaming and brimming cautioned herself about Cynthia as a child who was alone was not easy for Mary with pride, Mary Cobbs over-optimism. "You always "always into everything. She Cobbs. She credits her trust ushered her daughter want to come in positive. On was quick to catch on, a in God as the source of her Cynthia into the division any given day you can win good student, and a real strength. "You need to trust lunchroom so all those or lose depending on the leader in her dass." Cynthia in God first. I was my

NOVEMBER 1988 H E A D W A Y 20 myself, I was persistent... self-determined and self- disciplined. " My belief and trust in God carried me at those times when I needed to release my anxiety and there was no one around. He's always been there for me." When the buzzer went off and the games belonged to the American women, Cynthia remembers a sense of joy filling her. "I felt a 1988 Gold-Medal Olympic certain peace knowing that Basketball Star Cynthia all that hard work had paid Cooper visits at Division off. I had started training 9318 with her mother, Mary Italy last year and once it Cobbs. difficult training with her was over, it was all over. I godbrother in San Antonio, fulfilled a dream and not Texas. "He would wake me many people get to do that." up at 6 a.m. every morning Seeing the American to run 2-1/2 miles uphill." flag rise over the Eastern Afternoons were spent in a Bloc countries in the medal gym doing weight curls to ceremony was the ultimate strengthen her upper arms for Cynthia. "I was so proud and lifting weights with her to be an American." legs. The gym time was Cynthia returned to following by shooting drills Italy to continue with for one hour. The day was women's semipro basketball topped off with two hours of in Europe shortly after her basketball. "By the time I visit to Division 9318. At got to the Olympic Training that time she was hoping to Center in Colorado Springs I finalize some endorsements was in tiptop shape." with Avia, LA Gear, and Cynthia would check in Adidas. She says endorse- with her family from time to ments for women in basket- time while training. The ball aren't always the support from them was easiest to come by because Mary dreamed that her helpful yet she knew the there is no professional children would not only burden was on her. She women's league in the U.S. survive but exult in the would have to motivate "At some point I would like luxury of their dreams herself. "It is really simple... to be an administrator in children's friend, but I also fulfilled. Mary's dream came it's a lot of hard work to women's professional set limits, when I said, `this true as she was able to go to make the Olympics. To win leagues in the U.S. I'd like is it, this is what we do,' Seoul and watch Cynthia you have got to be dedicated to be a part of that move- That was it!" She urged her make her mark on Olympic to the Sport and to yourself. ment because we don't have children to develop goals history. "I paid my own Too many people set enough people who know and to become self-reliant. "I way," Mary said proudly. unrealistic goals for them- how to get a women's league wanted them to be able to For Cynthia, the selves and then are easily started." take care of themselves in precursor to Olympic joy discouraged. I made up my Sounds like we may be case I were to die." was months of sweaty hard mind that I was going to hearing more from Cynthia But as their mother, work. She recalled her most attain every goal I set for in the future. NOVEMBER 1988 HEADWAY 21

RTDI

IVIOVWES

Our Rating System upraised, towering over the brothers. The future is days when the studio bought ***** A classic; steps. It's also become a bright, as bright as the epic a string vaudeville houses to Birth of a Nation symbol of folly and extrava- Griffith is making. Then, at show its films (the "R" is for Excellent; worth gance, and of dreams gone the pinnacle of their success, "Radio," while "KO" stands paying full price for sour. tragedy strikes, destroying for the Keith-Orpheum

*** Average; use Good Morning, Babylon their happiness, just as Vaudeville Circuit, who had bargain tickets uses the building of that set America's entry into WWI previously owned the ** Fair; They tried, as the centerpiece for the caused Intolerante, with it's theaters) through the but didn't really story of two brothers, message of peace, to fail. Astaire-Rogers years, make it Andrea and Nicoli. Sons of a It's an enjoyable film, Katherine Hepburn, Orson Poor; a waste of master builder in Italy, they running just under two Welles, the ownership of time learn their trade by restor- hours, and kept me enter- Howard Hughes, until it BOMB - Ghost Warrior; ing cathedrals. When their tained while I was watching. was bought by Desi Arnez Frozen samurai comes to life father is forced to retire, Unfortunately, I'm not quite and Lucille Ball, and and terrorizes downtown certain what the movie- became Desilu Productions, Los Angeles. Yeah, right. makers were trying to say, which was sold in 1966 to and it was obvious they Gulf + Western to become Good Morning, were trying to say some- Perhaps they 1n111M Babylon - ** thing. Perhaps they wanted Babylon once existed in wanted to use the to use the brothers as a This is an excellent Hollywood. Not as an metaphor for the creative brothers as a allegory by moralists human spirit, which only series produced by deriding the lifestyle of the metaphor for the soars when it rises above the BBC film capital, but as a set for petty jealousies and intoler- D.W. Griffith's epic Intoler- creative human ance; my mind is still documenting the ance. From 1914 until the mulling it over. It's not a early twenties, the walls of spirit... movie to bring home from history of RK0 Babylon towered over the video store when you studios... Sunset Boulevard, becoming want something light, but if such a recognizable feature, you're looking for something 11111111111MIMIIIIINIII that, in 1919, there was they strike out for America, different, esoteric, and part of Paramount Studios. even talk of making it a determined to make their thought-provoking, I'd give Narrated by Ed Asner, it permanent landmark. fortune. Two kindred spirits, it a try. delves into the studio files Nothing came of the effort, they agree to share in and interviews many of the however, and the walls of everything equally, neither The Golden Age people who worked on Babylon slowly crumbled taking precedent over the Of Hollywood various projects, some of into dust as Hollywood other. Through various I don't usually cover whom have never agreed to grew. Anyone who's studied trials and tribulations, they television here, but this goes interviews before. This ran any history of the movies, or at last arrive in Hollywood, along, in a way, with the recently (when this column of Los Angeles and Holly- where they land the job of above, dealing as it does was written) on the Arts wood itself, has undoubtedly creating the elephants for with the history of Holly- and Entertainment Chan- seen a still from the Babylon Griffith's movie. They fall in wood. This is an excellent nel. As they have a tendency sequence of Intolerante, love and marry two extras, series produced by the BBC to repeat their series, I with the eight great ele- friends whose friendship is documenting the history of would be on the lookout for phants, their trunks as close as that of the RKO studios from its first continued on page 23...

NOVEMBER 1988 HEADWAY 22 ...Movies ...continued from page 22 Holiday Festivities The this one as I highly recom- Classifieds mend it. Coming Up Classified ads sent by non- Sequels employees are accepted at a More television, but cost of $3.75 per line per there are a few notes I want The Asian-Pacific and * ** * ** * ** month. Display ads are $20 to give everyone. Remember Filipino SCRTD Employees per inch per month. Please a few months ago when I Association will have their The CMF Christmas Party send payment with your suggested the turkey The annual dinner-dance on will be held at Almansor camera-ready ad and make Eliminators could be teamed November 19 at 6:30 p.m. at Court in Alhambra on checks payable to the RTD. with Robocop for an evening the downtown Los Angeles December 16. Tickets will The price for ads is subject of clean, wholesome, family Hilton. Guest speakers will seil for $20 for an evening to change without notice. entertainment? Well, I was include Los Angeles City of dinner and dancing; Send ads the first week of flipping through the chan- Councilman Mike Woo and the menu includes prime the month for printing in nels on Sunday morning, RTD General Manager Alan rib. The party will begin the following month's issue and I ran into a new cartoon Pegg. Tickets may be at 6 p.m. Call Mike Bujosa to Headway, RTD, 425 S. series. Yes, Robocop is now purchased for $30 per at 237-0041 for more Main St., Los Angeles, CA a cartoon, coming into your person. Call Carmelita information. 90013. RTD employees' and home to entertain your Romero at x6625 for more retirees' ads will continue to children and seil them toys, details. ********* run free. complete with wholesale destruction and little moral lessons at the end of each For Sale episode. I'm sure parents Mrs. Transportation are thrilled. Unique, conversational art When Baby Boom came Dies at 102 on your clothing for parties, out, I gave it a bad review, festivals, fun, and play. based on the situation of Great personalized gifts for having a successful M.B.A. Bernice Clafkin Howe shift automobiles. She family, lovers, friends, and fall coinpletely apart when Foster, 102, known as "Mrs. preferred to ride horses, her self. Contact Ferrol at (213) she's handed a baby, unable Transportation" in Alham- own taxis, buses, or the Red 698-8863 after 5 p.m. or to handle career and child bra, passed away September Cars, but as a passenger. Shelley at (213) 693-6532 care. The film made money, 6. She was born on June between 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is now enjoying life as a Mrs. Foster didn't even 13, 1886, in Westboro, Mass. Specializing in airbrush, TV series on NBC, starring know how to drive, yet she to George Henry and hand brush, and press-ons. Kate Jackson in the Diane ran the Alhambra City Taxi Harriet Frances Clafkin Keaton role. Usually, series Co. and a bus company- Howe, descendants of the Baby furniture for sale by based on movies are ter- Foster Transportation—that Hydes of London's Hyde Bassett. spindled crib, rible; the pilot episode for she and her husband, Park and from England's dresser, and changing table. Baby Boom was a pleasant Charles, founded. Gen. William Howe. Two mattresses—one water, surprise. Bearing more Formed in the 1920s, She and Charles Milton one deluxe standard. resemblance to a Woody the taxi company survived Foster were married July Bedding for both included. Allen film with its vignette into the early 70s. The bus 26, 1911 at the Methodist Also, comforter, bumper, style, it shows she's coping. company, which started in Church in Westborough, and ruffle—all matching. It's not always easy, but 1937, closed its doors in Mass. They settled in Everything like new!!! Must she's coping. I won't give a 1960 following a multi-death Alhambra. seil ... $600. Call (714) 255- day and time for this, accident three years earlier. She is survived by three 8277 for Mrs. Pairis or ext. because, given the network's Teased about heading a sons, a daughter, nine 70291 Joanne Cummings. infinite wisdom, it'll proba- taxi and bus company when grandchildren, 15 great- bly be on a different day and she was unable to drive a grandchildren, and one Ladies Ski Boots: Langes- time when this column sees car. Mrs. Foster said she great-great grandson. size 5-1/2. Used one time, print. knew how to drive a Model original cost $230, will seil Be seeing you — T Ford, but never learned to Reprinted in part from the for $100. Call Joanne at ext. Carolyn Kinkead drive the "modern" stick- Pasadena Star-News. 70291. NOVEMBER 1988 HEADWAY 23 RECREATION jj) WS

15 Vancouver Canucks

29 New Jersey Devils Dec. 1 Toronto Maple Leafs November 3 Chicago Blackhawks Disneyland —Nov. 11, 12, 13, 19, 20 and 27 $13.00 per 6 & 8 Winnipeg Jets person (Regular adult $21.50, child $16.50) 20 Calgary Flames

21 Minnesota North Stars December 9-11 Las Vegas Trip - not too late to sign-up. Call 27 Montreal Canadians

Employee Activities for details 29 Vancouver Canucks 9 Larry Carlton - Victim Benefit Concert $21.50 per Year-Round Specials person Movie tickets: AVCO, General Cinema, and Pacific 17 Moscow Circus - Forum 4:00 P.M. $17.50 for $12.50 Walk-In $3.50 Manns, United Artist $3.50 Pacific Drive 31 Magic Kingdom an Ice - Sports Area 12:30 P.M. In $4.00 $13.50 tickets for $10.50 At long last the Ladies Bulova railroad watches have Jan. 2—Rose Parade Grandstand seating @ 1650 E. Colo- arrived. Yellow Gold Ladies $65.00 White Gold Ladies rado $28.00 ea. $60.00 Lakers Basketball Colonnade Tickets $11.50 Men's Railroad watches available Bulova Gold $65.00, Nov. 18 Portland Silver $60.00, Seiko Gold $100.00 Silver $70.00. This Dec. 2 Utah represents a 60 percent savings from the suggested retail 4 Washington price. 28 Philadelphia For tickets and information, please call the Employee Jan. 6 Miami Activities Office, 972-6580. Office is open to sell merchan- Kings Hockey $40.00 - includes parking and program. dise over the counter Monday through Friday 10:00 A.M. - Nov. 10 Hartford Whalers 3:00 P.M.

Southern California Rapid Transit District BULK RATE 425 So. Main St., 2nd Floor U.S. POSTAGE HUI MAY Los Angeles, CA 90013 PAID Los Angeles, Ca. Published monthly for the employees and Permit No. 32705 retirees of the Southern California Rapid Transit District. Editorial input and suggestions are welcome. Deadline for receipt of editorial copy is the first day of each month. Send black-and-white photo- graphs only. Requests for photographic coverage of District events must be preceded by 72 hours notice.

Mailing address: Headway, 2nd Floor, 425 South Main Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013.

Mary E. Reyna, Editor Staff Writers: Elia Hager, Carolyn Kinkead, and Luanna Urie

Typesetting, design, and production: Nancy Niebrugge Public Relations

Printcd by: RTD Printing Department Al Moore, Manager

NOVEMBER 1988 HEADWAY 24