Number 8 Volume 20 August, 1992

RTD's Danny Keosababiall Masters the Winning Loo and the 1992 Roadeo rTABLE The . . . is published by the Southern California I°F ONTENTS District for the employees, retirees, and its friends every C month. Headway is guided by a policy approved by the General Manager and published in the Human Resources Policy Manual. A copy is available on request. Views and opinions contained herein do not necessarily reflect official District policy. The Headway welcomes contributions from RTD em- ployees and retirees—letters to the editor, story ideas, opinions, employee and staff activities, and other submis- AWord from the General Manager 3 sions. Deadline is the first day of the month for inclusion RTDPioneers Rail Safety Curriculum 4 in the following month. Submissions should be typed 1992 Bus and Maintenance Roadeo Thrills Crowds 5 double-space and signed by the author or on disk using the Toasting the '92 Roadeo 6 WordPerfect program. Opinion pieces and letters to the 50-Cent Continues to Be Resounding Success 8 editor should not be more than 500 words and should be Division 6 Wall Salutes Vietnam POW's/MIA's 9 submitted on disk whenever possible. The editor reserves Leo Bevon Selected to Top Virginia Transit Post 10 the right to select, edit, and position all copy. RTD Promotes Bob Williams 10 Stories may be reprinted with acknowledgment of What's New on the Red Line 13 source. District Launches Employee Program 14 Editorial Office: Administration Building, 425 S. Rideshare Week is Sept. 14-18 15 Main St., Human Resources Department, Second Floor, After 24 Year Search, Operator FindsMissingKids....16 (213) 972-7165. Schedule Changes 19 Printing Services Section Staff: Photo Lithographic Shifting Gears 19 Operators—Rob Hartert and Ferrol Yeakle; Pressmen In Memoriam 19 Il—Pat Bates, Eliud Castellanos, Oscar Arzadon, Force ofGold 20 Roberto Arrivillaga; and Bindery Operators Il—Manny AIDS: RTD's Response to its Employees 92 Alvarez, Watt Billingsley, and Luis Melendez. CTP Shakes Community 22 Public Commendations 23 Editor: Andrea Greene ARTYWins at ACT Conference 24 Business Manager: Stacy Tran Will the Merger Affect MyDistrict Pension? 25 Contributing Editors: Cheryl Brown, Luanna Urie. NewLaw ChangesLump SumDistributionRules 25 Design and Layout: Shawn D. Lowe-Ewing OCPM Salutes Employees 26 Presenting Child Care Options 28 Member: International Association of Business Com- Commendations 33 municators and California Association of Public Informa- Recreation News 38 tion Officers. The Headway is printed on recycled paper. NATIONAL e/..nfflr/A HISPANIC HERITAGE SEPT. 15- MONTH OCT. 15 n Neither the Headway nor the RTD endorses the prod- ucts or verifies the accuracy of the claims made in the advertising, which has appearcd, appears, and will appear on the pages of the Headway. The advertising is simply a revenue-generating measure. Further, we reserve the right RTD charges ahead with Red Line preparations. to reject any objectionable ad.

AUGUST 1992 HEADWAY 2 A Word from the General Manager

Budget woes. The two lt also provi des for additional positions for the Electric words seem to have become Trolley Bus project. And, as part of the Enhanced Bus synonymous with the early Security Program begun in Fiscal Year 1992, our Transit 1990s as organizations, both Police Department will continue to hire more oftleers to public and private, struggle increase public visibility. to rein in the freewheeling Programs in which the District has played a leading spending associated with the role, such as our alternative fuels demonstration programs 1980s. and the improvement of fleet accessibility, remain high Our newspapers and priorities in this budget. magazines are filled with The capital budget provides funding for renovations for gloomy stories about how many of the District's facilities and for new equipment one company will have to lay where needed. The budget anticipates replacing 333 , off 800 workers because of a tobe delivered by December ofthis year. lt also funds a Bus budget crunch, or how an- Refurbishment Program. other will haveto close down I consider RTD's employees the best public transpor- due to bankruptcy. tation employees in the nation. This view was enhanced by I am pleased to be able to report to you that, while RTD your extraordinary performance during the recent civil is certainly not immune from its own budget problems, we unrest, for which we have received much praise. in the local public transportation industry face a consider- I believe the upcoming reorganization will make us an ably brighter future as a whole than many other industries. even stronger, more fiscally sound agency. As transition Since most news media tend to report on budgets from efforts move forward, I urge everyone to keep in mind our the viewpoint of an outsider looking in, I'd like to take a number one task: We must continue to serve the public to moment to let you know what our new Fiscal Year 1993 the best of our ability. I've pointed out that they need us. budget looks like from an employee's point of view. But, as a public agency, we also need them. First, and more important: This budget does not call for any layoffs. There will still be a hiring freeze imposed on most District departments. Alan F. Pegg At a time when many of our local industries are suffering from a stubborn recession, the need for public transportation services continues to be great, and in fact is rising. As professional providers of publie bus and train service, we find ourselves in a position of being able to help About the Cover those who need our service more than ever. Los Angeles County citizens need us. They need us to put as many buses and trains on the road as often as Our front cover this month salutes Division 3 Operator possible, so they can continue to look for work and get to the Dalle Keosababian, winner of the 1992 Roadeo. He is shopping they need to do. Those who have jobs need us to pictured with his wife, Patsy, at the annual Roadeo Ban- get to them, so they can cut their own transportation costs quet, which was held in early August at the Almansor Court by leaving their cars at home. inAlhambra. About 200 people RTD employees and their This need was especially high in the aftenriath of civil guests enjoyed a delicious chicken dinner and the awards unrest in the South Central area of Los Angeles. That is why ceremony which followed. our Board of Directors decided to offer a 50-cent fare, available in books of 10 discount tickets, through Septem- ber 30. Our new budget takes this program into consider- Pietured on the back cover are, from left to right, Sergeant ation. Shari Barberic, Lt. Ernie Munoz, Officer James Grimes, For a few District departments, the new budget will Investigator Frank Higuera, RTD Board President Marvin mean opportunity for growth. The first phase of the Metro Holen, Officer Richard Estrada, RTD General ManagerAlan Red Line subway system is now scheduled to open in March Pegg, Investigator Johnnie Jones, Investigator Lee Tainter, of 1993. This budget allows for the hiring of people to help Sergeant Bill Thomson, and Chief Sharon Papa. run the subway.

AUGUST 1992 HEADWAY 3 RTD Pioneers Rail Safety Curriculum in Classroom

mendous effort into rail safety educa- tion." Lesson One in the curriculum, developed by the RTD's Local Gov- ernment and Public Affairs Depart- ment, is an animated video and flip chart discussion of rail safety rules. Lesson Two is a field trip that includes a visit to the Blue Line facilities and safety-oriented ride an the train. More than 6,000 children and adults have participated in the RTD's Blue Line tours. Other lessons emphasize train eti- Travis the Owl was on hand at the quette, damage caused by graffiti and 92nd Street School to help introduce vandalism, train schedules and the RTD 's new raul safety curriculum. times, bus and pedestrian safety rules Assisting Travis were (from left) Herb Teacher Nora Simpson discusses raul and the history of raul transit in South- Cranton, local government and safety lessonwithfilih-graders at 92nd ern California. The lessons make lib- communityaffairs representative and Street School. eral use of word-search and cross- Alan Pegg, RTD general manager.

Some 60,000 el- word puzzles, sym- ementary pupils who bol recognition live and go to school in garnes, multi-choice the Blue Line corridor quizzes and dass ac- ofLos Angeles will re- tivities. ceive concentrated The District training in rail safety launched an inten- this fall. sive rail safety edu- The RTD will cation program in the mau l 40-page raul schools in February, safety curriculum 1991, following a se- guides, lesson folders, ries of vehicle and safety brochures, col- pedestrian accidents oring books and other involving Blue Line materials to some trains. To date, RTD 3,000 elementary public affairs repre- school teachers in the sentatives have made nextthreemonths. The presentations to program will cover 84 more than 25,000 elementary schools in students at a rate of the five-school dis- five to 10 presenta- tricts bordering the tion s each week Blue Line. "Public safety has tobe as much a part of Marvin Holen, RTD Board president, introduces the District 's raul the RTD's business as safety curriculum at a July news conference. From left are Sid operating the train," Thompson, deputy superintendent of L.A. Unified School District; said RTD Board Presi- Alan Pegg, RTD general manager; NancyParachini, school principal; dent Marvin Holen. and Antonio Villaraigosa, RTD Board member. "The RTD has put tre-

AUGUST 1992 HEADWAY 4 1992 Bus and Maintenance Roadeo Thrills Crowd Division 3 's Keosababian and Quality Assurance's Markey, Judson, Knutson are the Big Champs of the Day.

Sipping an ice cold soda, you could almost convince That competition included the Roadeo's perennial win- yourself that the RTD's third joint Bus and Maintenance ner, Howard Brenchley of Yorba Linda, whose consistent Roadeo played out in cooler temperatures. bus driving prowess over the years has netted him several Veteran judge Gwen Keene speculated it was because first place titles. Brenchley finished a close second with 621 the festivities were held at a different location this year at total points, a hair's breadth behind Keosababian's 624. the opposite end of the Santa Anita Racetrack parking lot, Arnold Herrera of Los Angeles placed third with 597 which is flatter, and more likely, therefore, tobe a receptacle points. for the freer flow of air. Last years winner, Sam Morales, made the finals, but Nevertheless, temperatures meant nothing to RTD's did not place in the top ten. A good sport, the easy-going champion drivers nor to their kids who staked claims to the Division 1 operator said he had the time ofhis life competing bot dogs brovvning on the in Toronto last year and barbecue and to the cans of that it was time for some- Pop which packed the one else to experience the freezer. incredible year that he had. And the heat meant Veteran Roadeo at- nothing to Daniel tendees cheered on the two Keosababian's parents who women finalists, Susan were among the hundreds, Tompkins and Lisa who flocked to the Santa Arredondo. Anita Racetrack to see the Lisa Arredondo of La burly Division 3 operator Verne placed sixth, making win first prize and the right her the highest placing to compete in the Interna- woman in the history of the tional Bus Roadeo on Oc- Roadeo's bus driving com- tober 17. petition. No one was more sur- "I felt I did better in the prised than Keosababian preliminaries," said the himself, who thought he had smiling Arredondo, who goofed when he "pulled for- was competing in only her ward negotiating the left- second Roadeo. "I was ner- hand reverse turn" which vous because my family and frequently stumps even the friends were there." most skilled competitors. Arredondo and Keo- "I turned to the judge sababia.n are both out of who sat with me on the bus 1992 Bus Roadeo Champion Dann)) Keosababian gets a big Division 3, which placed and said, 'There goes first hug from his Division 3 colleague, Lisa Arredondo. five of the 31 operators in place,' "Keosababian says. the finals. Despite the one problem on the obstacle course, "We are obviously very proud of our strong showing Keosababian's performance in the finals of the Roadeo's in the Roadeo," said Division 3's Assistant Transportation bus driving competition at the Santa Anita Racetrack Manager Chuck Lerud. "I think a great deal of our opera- parking lot was good enough to earn him first place, three tors' success has to do with their attitude. They always root points ahead of the second-place finisher. The finals culmi- for each other, and demonstrate a lot of conmmnity spirit. nated two weeks of competitions that began with a field of Our drivers love what they do, and it shows." 450 contestants. Meantime, Gwen Keene, who has judged five Roadeo "I was totally mystificd" admits the Whittier resident, competitions, so enjoys her assignment that she uses her who was competing in his fifth Roadeo. "I was totally vacation days to judge the preliminary competition held the mystified about who the wirmer was until my name was week before. called. The competition is really stiff, so I really didn't think continued on page 11. . . I had a chance."

AUGUST 1992 HEADWAY 5 Toasting the '92 Roadeo

Among the well-wishers who dropped by were Time outfor a breather. Pictured from left, are John Kemp, Ralph Wilson, assistant director of Division 16 operator; Rogelio Chacon, a former Operator transportation, and Anita Allen, general of the year from Division 12; Don Karlson, Division 9 services superintendent. manager; and Luduvico Castro, Division 16 operator.

The Hererra family. Arnold Hererra wrapped up third place.

Nobody could believe that Division 3 Operator Susan Thompkins could be a grcmdmother. But here the finalist is, pictured with her biggest Transportation's Vicki Varga, who always does such a fan, her aclorable little superb Job of coordinating the Roadeo, gets a boost and granddaiighter, Natalie. five seconds of rest from raul TOS Duane Martin.

AUGUST 1992 HEADWAY 6 Danny Keosababian gets a -hearty congratulations from one of his challengers, Division 7's Eddie Cooper.

At the end of the grueling compe- Antonio Villaraigosa, RTD director, tition and after she was out early to see the action. A big got a cold soda, supporter of the troops, Villaraigosa Roadeo Judge Gwen never misses the chance to share Keene poses for a thoughts with employees. picture. Keene is the office manager in the Employment section of Human Resources.

Meet the 1992 Bus Roadeo finalists.

AUGUST 1992 HEADWAY 7 50-Cent Fare Continues to Be Resounding Success

Division 1 Operator Richard Cuevas estimates that about 80 percent of his passengers use the discount ticket fare. "They like it a lot," the 10-year RTD veteran says. "I tell the ones who buy a pass, 'Hey, did you know about the special fare?' "He says he 's pointed a good many Los Angeles visitors to the nearest quick cash outlet where discount tickets are for sale.

by Anthony Greno, tickets had been sold. ready to add more service when fund- News Bureau Representative "The program has been very popu- ing is available." lar and seems to be accomplishing its Meantime the Customer Relations In phenomenal numbers, the RTD intended purposes, which are to offer Department drew favorable comment 50-cent discount ticket is flooding the relief from the recession and to assist for pursuing new locations for ticket fareboxes, heading for record sales of community recovery from the riots," sales. "As ofJune 17, the Department' s 12 million by mid-August. General Manager Alan F. Pegg re- aggressive approach has resulted in a Instituted last June 1, the 50-cent ported to the RTD Board of Directors. 20 percent increase in the number of discount ticket, which replaces the Pegg praised RTD operators and ticket sales outlets," Pegg said. "Cus- former 90-cent discount coupon, be- the Customer Relations Department tomer Relations continues to work came an overnight success with one for making a success of the program with other departments and groups to million tickets sold in the first 10 days. proposed by RTD Director Antonio expand the ticket sales network." Thus Booklets of 10 tickets each are sold for Villaraigosa. the list of check-cashing firms, gro- $5 at all 10 RTD Customer Service "The acceptance by operators of cery stores, supermarkets and phar- Centers and more than 300 private a new form, the Customer Overload macies functioning as sales points for agencies in metropolitan Los Angeles. Report, has been instrumental in moni- the RTD 50-cent discount ticket con- Preliminary figures showed a six toring overcrowding and will enable tinues to exp and. percent average increase in ridership, us to focus on loading problems lt was last May 21, in the wake of and better than doubling of weekday brought on by the reduced fare sys- the April 29-May 3 Los Angeles riots, ticket use to levels well over 130,000 tem," Pegg said. By mid-June, one that Director Villaraigosa obtained a per day as compared with 60,000 in peak-hour bus had been added morn- 10-0 vote with one absence to institute the month of May. By mid-June, al- ing and evening on Line 16 (West the 50-cent discount ticket beginning most four million 50-cent discount Third Street). "The District stands June 1. "The RTD should show initia-

AUGUST 1992 HEADWAY 8 Division 6 Wall Salutes Vietnam POW's/MIA's by Bill Heard, He had made it News Bureau home from that war, but the names he One man wore a read on the wall were red jacket and a those of men who black leather cap as had not. A total of he stood at the back 2,273 of them are ofthe crowd, focus- still listed as prison- ing intently on the ers of war or miss- hundreds of names ing in action. inscribed on the A giant mural west wall of Divi- entitled, "You Are sion 6 in Venice. Not Forgotten" was A cascade of dedicated in ceremo- warrior' s medals nies, June 20, to spilled a rainbow of commemorate the color down the front sacrifices of the of the red jacket -- Vietnam POWs and three Purple MIAs, and to salute Hearts, a Bronze the veterans of Star, silver combat America' s five con- badges, the yellows flicts ofthe 20th cen- and reds, w_hites and tury. Some 200 vet- greens of the rib- erans, their families bons that to any and friends, attended veteran' s eye sig- the ceremony. nify service in the Lending new Vietnam War. RTD Board President Marvin Holen with the wall's creator, Peter Stewart hope to the event was the announce- tive and be pro-active in meeting the still interested in funding all or part of ment earlier that week by Russian needs of the transit dependent," the four-month reduced fare program. President Boris Yeltsin that Ameri- Villaraigosa said. "There must be a "The FTA's response may be cans had been held in the Soviet Union transit component to any effort to dependent upon the demonstration of following World War II, Korea and build this City," said Director new riders being attracted to the tran- Vietnam. Some were thought to stillbe Villaraigosa. sit system and by the financial partici- alive, although a search of one prison Second District Supervisor Ken- pation of the local and state govern- camp that same week had turned up no neth Hahn, who is represented on the ments," Pegg said. Americans. RTD Board of Directors by Mas Early data was sketchy, but a six "The announcement is good news Fukai, pledged up to $2 million from percent average increase in patronage for the families of those men," said his available Proposition A local re- was seen in the first week of the pro- RTD President Marvin Holen, key- turn transit funds to be used toward gram, based on point checks at 10 note speaker at the mural dedication. subsidizing the revenue loss incurred locations over two days. "We can only pray that some have by the 50-cent discount ticket over the If the six percent ridership in- survived and can return to their homes. four months to expire Sept. 30. Cost crease holds steady, it could more than If not, perhaps the knowledge of their of the program was estimated at be- double the initial forecast of a 2.5 to 3 fate will be of some small comfort to tween $2.5 million and $3 million. percent increase in boardings as a their families. Work continues by RTD to iden- result of the attractiveness of the 50- "Hundreds of RTD employees -- tify additional subsidies, at the federal cent discount ticket. men and women -- have served as level. The District' s grant application members of the Armed Forces and are to the Federal Transit Administration veterans of the Gulf War, Vietnam, in Washington, D.C. was still under review, with the FTA at last report Continued on page 32. . .

AUGUST 1992 HEADWAY 9 Leo Bevon Selected to Top Virginia Transit Post Orleans. He received his master's de- gree in planning from Florida State University in 1973. He began his ca- reer at the District 10 years later as planning manager. In 1987, he was appointed assistant director of trans- portation. The Pasadena resident cites as his chief accomplishment the role he played in helping to turn around the image of a transportation department battered by the media in the mid-80s. "I was able to show that the people who work for the department are ca- pable and, when confronted with lead- ership, they can achieve." He says he was never so impressed with the department than during the Leo Bevon, who was selected by the governor of Virginia to the prestigious recent riots when his people worked directorship of the state agency. "He 's one of the sharpest guys 1 know," says around the clock to ensure that the law RTD's Director of Transportation Dan lbarra. enforcement authorities were served and the buses and trains rolled on Leo J. Bevon, assistant director of keen appreciation of policymaking. schedule. transportation, has been named direc- "The state is in the midst of ex- Bevon will reside in Richmond, tor of the Department of Rail and panding between the state's capitol. His wife, who is Public Transit for the state of Vir- Church Falls and Dulles," he says. currently the planning director for the ginia. "And there' s talk of building city of Pasadena, will join him on the The 48-year-old Bevon, a nine- from Norfolk to Virgina Beach." East Coast as soon as she locates a year veteran of the District, was ap- Bevon, a Louisiana native, is a new position. pointed to the newly-created position graduate of the University of New by Virgina Governor L. Douglas Wilder on August 3. Bevon will as- sume the j ob, for which there were RTD Promotes Bob Williams more than 260 applicants from around the country, on September 14. Robert G. Williams, who has di- "The new department was estab- rected RTD's Customer Relations De- lished by the legislature just this year partment for most of his 21 years with to give high visibility to public transit the District, has been promoted to the in the state," says the excited Bevon, position of Assistant General Man- who will report directly to the gover- ager -- Customer Relations. nor. "It's a policy position as opposed In making the announcement, Alan to one that oversees day-to-day ser- Pegg, RTD gcneral manager, said the vice. My background as a planner fits Park La Brea resident has guided the this." Customer Relations Department's In his new position, Bevon will growth in scope importance and com- seek funding and assistance for local plexity, especially during the last three transit agencies in Virginia. He will years with the advent ofnew computer Williams will continue his duties over- work closely with the Washington programs. The department has won seeing the Customer Relations De- Metropolitan Transit Authority numerous awards for innovation in partment, with an emphasis on pre- (WMATA) which runs transit lines patron-oriented programs, and the use paring his department for the creation into Virginia. He says his job will of new technology to improve effi- of the new L.A. County Metropolitan oversee myriad projects that require a ciency and performance. As AGM, (MTA).

AUGUST 1992 HEADWAY 10 Roadeo continued from page 5 "lt gives me a chance to match the voices on the phone with faces," ex- plains the human resources office man- ager as to why she participates. "I'm interfacing with the employees who make RTD tick." This year, Keene judged the pas- senger stop obstacle, of which only one contender actually achieved a per- fect score. Swathed in sunscreen and wearing sunglasses, Keene watched and measured as each Operator stopped his or her moving bus. "Their front wheel had to come within six inches of the curb and their back wheel within 15 inches," she Quality Assurance's Brion Markey is intent on diagnosing what's wrong with said. "And for every inch the operator the powerpackage assembly , which in layman's terms, means the engine. Many traveled too far, I took away the say that the troubleshooting category is the Roadeo's most difficult. points." And no Operator sports a superior Ten teams competed. Brian Markey of Chino, Louis attitude, she says. "There 's such ca- The thirty participants were judged Knutson of La Crescenta and Charles maraderie that everybody roots for the in four categories: brakeboards, wheel Judson of Manhattan Beach came out other, and when someone doesn't do inspection, engine teardown, and en- the champions. Markey was on the that well, the other Operator comforts gine trouble-shooting. winning team last year. Judson's team him or her." Maintenance Roadeo coordinator had come in second the year before. Just off to the right of the barbe- Steve Mullaly says that the trouble- The second place team from cue was the Maintenance Roadeo, shooting category is the trickiest be- RTD's Central Maintenance Facility which collected crowds of up to three cause it requires the highest level of included Javier Castro ofWest Covina, deep. technical expertise. Sal Bottancino of Rosemead and Mark Hamasaki of Los Angeles. The third place consisted of Divi- sion 10's Alan Wong, Doug Creveling, and Greg Hines. Markey, Judson, and Knutson of the District's Quality Assurance De- partment will fly to Orlando in No- vember to compete in the Intemationals. First place runners in both com- petitions received a $1,000 cash award plus an expense-paid trip to their re- spective national Roadeo competitions, Second place winners received $500 and thi rd place winners received $250. Vicki Varga, as she does every year, coordinated this year's Bus Roadeo. CMF's Mike Buttone over- saw the Maintenance competition. Di- vision 5 Maintenance Manager Rick CMF's Sal Bottancino and and Javier Castro, who were on the second place Hittinger did a splendid job as this tearn, tiy to diagnose precisely the problem with the engine. year's emcee.

AUGUST 1992 HEADWAY 11 Art Leahy, assistant general manager ofoperations, with last year's winner, Sam Morales of Division I. Leahy congratulated each and everyfinalist.

Roadeo Photo Roundup

The Lim family. Wisconsin Conseco Lim was among the 30 finalists. As you can see, the whole family was on hand to cheer him on.

You've no doubt heard RTD's Greg Davy on the radio speaking about the District's pro grams and policies. The senior communications representative was on hand at the Roadeo to help the media interview the winning contestants.

AUGUST 1992 HEADWAY 12 Welding at Union Station. Onefloor above, and what seems like light years away, the business of catching Amtrak goes on. Much more work needs to be done here, at Union Station, before the Red Line opens.

Keeping Tabs This mural at the east end of Union station was designed by artist Terry Schoonhaven. Called Trav- on the Red Line eler 1991, his stunning work depicts travelers from different eras.

Dreamed I could Fly is artist Jonathan Borofsky's interpretation ofhis owndreams offlying at the Civic Center Station. The six fiberglass figures, all resembling the artist, soar serenely through the high bay area ofthis station and cast large shadows on the ceiling, accompanied by the occa- sional peaceful trill of a bird. Many cul- tures have stories and traditions based on The neon lights of the Pershing Square Station capture the ilying. Flying as a spiritual journey is a energy and vibrancy of the urban center ofLos Angeles. Well common motif in Native or South Anieri- known for his work with neon, artist Stephen Antonakos uses can tradition. This station, like the one at 12 sculptures, of assorted shapes and bright colors in his Pershing Square, was designed by Arthur work, called Neons for Pershing Square. Erickson Architects.

AUGUST 1992 HEADWAY 13 District Launches Employee Vanpool Program Division 15 Commuters from Antelope Valley Cut Gas Expenses, Traffic Frustration

by Jay Fuhrman, Planning Assistant

Martin Austin is a long-distance commuter who used to fight 75 miles of troff-1c commuting from his Ante- lope Volley home to Division 15 where he works as a mechanic. Now, thanks to a District-sponsored vanpool pro- gram, Austin and 12 colleagues can ride in comfort, style and convenience from the Antelope Volley to work at Division 15 in Sun Volley. Mechanics Robert Blackwood, Carroll Farris and Frank Blankenship hop "I used to drive over 3,000 miles a month just to get to work," says Aus- in for the party back to Palmdale! tin. "This vanpool is terrific because I save more than $150 a month alone on gasoline. 1 also don't have the ö ... . . headache and stress of having to fight :PI ' .,,'4, :,' .‘ ' ,e, 't M , (AOK 11111113, , traffic," he added. ..,,, The vanpool was originally the ,, i%1 ' ‘' ,,, , 1. %). K V 27*. idea of Employee Transportation Co- \ • : 7 I • ordinator Freeman Crutchfield."Once '‘t‘' ' ' I heard the District vVould help us form (., 4,2, 4 ', , I instantly thought of the ,

- , , potential of Division 15," he says. '‚ ' r /111111ii , "We have 100 or more employees Robert Blackwood and Dean who live in the Antelope Volley area. After a grueling day of fixing They all have to fight traffic and waste Arain get ready to sleep their buses, Dean Arain, Frank time and money. What a waste!" way back to Palmdale! Aguiar, Hyon No, and John The key to success was whether Lopez are anxious to get home. Freeman could find enough employ- ees on the same shift who could take advantage of the vanpool's set sched- ule. He went to work and talked it up until he identified a group of first-shift mechanics eager to form the vanpool and pay the $48 necessary to recover costs. "Forty-eight dollars is very rea- sonable considering I still save $100 a month on gasoline, plus wear and tear on my car," he says. "It's less stressful and overall I feel better when I get to work." Vanpool participants also get two hours each day to sleep, listen to mu- Division 15 Vanpoolers are, from left to right (seated): Robert sic, or do anything other than fight the Blackwood, Frank Aguiar, John Lopez, Hyon No. Standing are trottle on Highway 14. "For me, it's Celia Euredjian, Dean Arain, Winetta Harden, Frank kickback time," said Bob Stofik. Blankenship, Freeman Crutchfield, and Bob Stofik "When I'm not sleeping to and from

AUGUST 1992 HEADWAY 14

RTD E LOY

Rideshare Week is Sept. 14-18!

California Rideshare Weck will be At the District, your ETC will be Simply fill out the pledge card and held during the week of September 14 distributing t-shirts, hats, and other return it to your ETC by September - 18. Last year, almost a quarter of a prizes to those of you who sign up for 10, at the latest. Ifyou don't rideshare, million Californians pledged to the day. here is a great chance to try it it's rideshare and freeway speeds actually About twenty percent of RTD only one day. See your ETC and he or increasedbetweenthree and eight miles employees (1700 persons) already she will try to match you with some- per hour at monitored locations. rideshare. one in your area. At RTD, we received 600 pledge cards to rideshare last year. This year, according to Planning' s Jay Fuhrman, Who Should I Call to Rideshare ? the District is hoping for 1,000. If If you would like to rideshare to your division or work location, contact the everyone pledged to rideshare just one Employee Transportation Coordinator at the numbers listed beim: day a week, our streets and highways would move faster and we would all Div. 1: Div. 6: Div. 11: T. Police: save time, money and our environ- Dan Ruiz Frank Cola Rick Flores Mich eile Berry ment. 2-6251 2-6206 2-5596 2-3684 You should have received a pledge card from your Employee Transpor- Div. 2: Div. 7: Div. 12: South Park: tation Coordinator (ETC) recently. If Milton Jackson Steve Cralvford Patsy Goens Russ Meeks you fill out the card pledging to 2- 3684 2-6207 2-6212 2-7064 rideshare on Thursday, Sept. 17, you will be making a significant contribu- Div. 3: Div. 8: Div. 15: Headquarters: tion to clean air. Your name will also Manuel Guerra Paul Terrazas F. Crutchfield Jay Fuhrnran be entercd into a Commuter Transpor- 2- 6303 2-6308 2-6315 2-4827 tation Services (CTS)-sponsored drawing to win onc of hundreds of Div. -1: Div.9: Div. 16: CMF: prizes. Several grand prize trips will Pur Orr Harry Finley Dwight Forel! Helen Miller- also be awarded Nvith winners receiv- 2-6304 2-6309 2-6316 Ray ing trips to London, Paris, Hawaii, 2-5836 Mexico and other plum vacation spots Div. 5: Div. 10: Div. 18: around the world. Sandra Royster Mike Ortega Juanita Wright 2-6305 2-6310 2-6218 work, Fm working on the Little League great idea and a great way to promote assignmcnts or trying to balance my ridcsharing. I also notice that employ- Mail Call checkbook." ees are more alert at work." And just svho does all the driving Senior Supervisor Robert Torres svhile everyone's having such a good echoes Adams. "There's more cama- time? He is Mechanic Hyon No. raderie. I think attendance will im- "I used to drive my own van to prove because of their investment in work, so this is no big deal," he says. the vanpool." "Plus it saves me $120 a month on Winetta Harden is the vanpool gasoline, plus wear and tear." bookkeeper and one of only twowomen No adds that surprisingly there aboard the van. When asked if she haven't been any fights or probims minds being with all those guys, she RTD 's Corporate Transit Partnership aboard the van. "Everyone gets along chuckles."I had my doubts, but every- recentlyparticipated at the US. Post great. I like to put on KNX radio. If one gets along. In fact I love it!" Office 's Cultural Fair in Pasadena. they don't like it, they listen to their The District will be adding Shown here instructing a postal walkman or book on tape." vanpools soon at Divisions 5 and 8.1f employee in the particulars ofdriving Division management is also sup- you have questions about the Vanpool a bus is Operator Donctld Sinkfield portive of the vanpools. Says Mainte- Pilot Program, call Jay Fuhrman at from Division 9. CTP's Ed Langer nance Manager John Adams, "It's a extension 4827. snapped the picture.

AUGUST 1992 HEADWAY 15 After Searching 24 Years, Division 8 Operator Finds Missing Children

Jim Hawkes pledged tody of the children, to himself and to his he divorced. Needing passengers an the 427 money, he went to line that before he died work in a glass fac- he was going to find tory in Newhall. His his two children. ex-wife and two chil- Twenty-four dren moved to Ox- years had passed since nard. He had visita- the Division 8 opera- tion rights and the torhad seen his young- countless two and a sters, who had disap- half hour drives he peared with his ex-wife made to be with them from their Ventura were arnong the hap- County home. Over piest times he ever the years, he had spent knew. thousands of dollars "I would go with and followed countless him," says his sec- leads, but the few leads ond wife, Leanne, that he had all but who married Hawkes evaporated. the year after his di- What had hap- vorce. "Cheryl was pened, he wondered, as cute as she could to the tow-headed little be. She looked like boy he had walked the this little doll. Jimmy pier and fished with? was the picture of his And what of the little Dad except that he girl with the pale curls was blond," she with whom he had laughs, affection- Father and son reunited. "I still can't believe it," says veteran RTD shared days at the zoo? ately. Operator Jim Hawkes. They must be 34 and For the next eight 35 years old by now, he figured, one His story begins in 1953. He was years, Hawkes was greeted with the day last month as he started up his bus a Navy man. He had just come home chorus of "It's daddy!" as he drove up in downtown. Aboard his coach, which from boot camp when he learned that to the children' s apartment. By now he rolled at 4:03 p.m. sharp from the he would be shipping out the next day had three children with his second Convention Center each weekday, sat on the aircraft carrier Midway. That wife. She had two from a former mar- a judge, a district attorney, and day, he got married and after a ten- nage. He would bring the gang to visit wouldn't that be incredible, he often month tour of duty, returned home. with Cheryl and Jimmy frequently. thought, if there sat his children. Curly-haired Cheryl was born in The Hawkes clan had grown to seven. Frequently, he scanned the side- 1957 in Japan where he was reas- His heart broke in the spring of walks for the curly locks and dancing signed. "We had so much fun to- 1968. He pulled up to the apartment hazel eyes that he remembered so well. gether," he recalls. The following year, building in Oxnard, but instead of His nights were spent imagining what his namesake, James Hawkes III was finding his children, he found his his children would look like today. born. mother-in-law and an empty apart- Then when it became too painful, he "They were my life," he says of ment. blocked out the past, giving his ex- his eldest children, choking back the "They've left," was all she said. hausted heart to the five children he tears. Shocked, Hawkes called every- raised with his second wife, Leanne. But he was unhappy in his mar- one he knew, searched everywhere he But still he wondered. nage and in 1960, in a year when the could think of. They had simply van- mother almost automatically got cus- ished. Someone told him they went to

AUGUST 1992 HEADWAY 16 By then, Jim, who his family, Danny, 38; Anna, 36; says he and his family Fonda, 29; Howard, 27 and Francine, are direct descendants 22. of President John lt was six months ago when Quincy Adams, was Leanne, who supported her husband's working as an RTD bus efforts to find his children whole- operator and malcing a heartedly, was watching the popular nice salary. He put in a Sally Jesse Raphael television show. few years as a supervi- lt featured a segment on finding miss- sor but so enjoyed his ing loved ones, and at the end of the passengers that he re- program, broadcast the name and ad- turned to driving. dress of an agency in San Clemente And to so many that had some success in solving the false hopes. One day in toughest of cases. 1971, he and his family They wrote a letter, and were dis- had just returned from mayed that they had to pay $200 up an outing, when his next front to the agency, called Worldwide door neighbor, an Tracers. But they did, and an arrange- LAPD officer, said a ment was worked out whereby they man had come to their paid 50 bucks for each new lead they home looking for him. dug up. Hawkes said the neigh- • bor didn't even get the On July 27, the phone rang in their man' s name or number Tehachapi home. Minutes later it rang because he thought the in Division 8 for Hawkes. Finally. This picture was snapped the second after visitor could have been "Sit down," Leanne said to Jim, Hawkes spotted his son. a bill collector. crying over the phone, "Just sit down." • "The first thing I thought was that Saskatchewan, Canada. Nine years ago, Jim relocated his something had happened to our son, Jim and Leanne Hawkes went to five children and wife to Tehachapi, Howard, who works up in the wind the Ventura County D.A.'s office. where the air was clean and crime farm in Tehachapi," he recalled. "Ev- "Okay." they said, misunderstanding sparse. To this day, he rents a room in eryone I ever knew who died I the couple' s plea for help. "We'll put a mobile home near Division 8 where received the word by phone," he re- something in your divorce docket that he sleeps at night. He drives to counted to this writer later. indicates if the kids are found, you Tehachapi every weekend to be with "We found him," cried Leanne. won't have to pay back child sup- ." "I was so mad," recalls Hawkes. "But the bureaucrats -- so cut and dry weren't going to do a thing about it." Next, they heard about some miss- ing person detectives in Texas. They sent money and pictures. They got nothing in retum. "Holidays were the hardest," re- calls Leanne over the phone from the couple's Tehachapi home. "And ev- ery year it just got worse." "I couldn't forget about them," Hawkes says, simply. "The love in my heart was so strong for them." "lt is so unbelievable," says Jim Hawkes of the similarities between father He began making bargains with and son. "I've been a licensed pilot for 17 years. Jimmy is 13 hours away God. "I just wanted to know if they from getting his license." The Hawkes family poses for a picture . Jimmy, were alive." Jim, Howard are in the top row. Fonda and Franeine are on the bottom.

AUGUST 1992 HEADWAY 17 "Found who?" asked a puzzled really gets me is that they moved to when the weekend ended. Hawkes, taken aback. New York, right near where I was Hawkes called Cheryl, who lives "Found Jimmy," his wife sobbed. raised, where my parents lived." in Amarillo, with a child. She started "There was silence," he recalls, Arrangements were made for crying. They bought her a plane ticket. "and then I just started crying." Jimmy and his wife to fly into LAX At press time, she was due to fly in to A conference call between four. days later. Hawkes couldn't wait. the Bakersfield on August 28. Hawkes, the detective agency, Leanne The conversation on the 427 line that He can't wait to introduce his and Jimmy, was arranged for that weck was ofJim's upcoming reunion. children to his Line 427 passengers. evening. The detectives warned him How he got to the airport that Leanne says she can't keep Jimmy and that the phone reunion was probably night he'll never know. His wife and her husband off the phone with each not going to be harmonious because two daughters accompanied bim. "Ev- other. "About $200 dollars worth," the son had not been told kind things erybody started out of the plane," he she chuckles good-naturedly. Jimmy about his father. But still, and his family will return to Hawkes figured, the son Tehachapi that last weekend must be interested enough in August to greet Cheryl. to call. "But I don't know if I can He told his passengers wait two weeks to sec Jimmy the news that afternoon. His again," says Hawkes. "I might passenger, the judge, al- drive to Utah this weekend," most cried. "Everybody on he says, excitedly. the 427 was on pins and He says he can't wait to needles," he remembers. introduce his children to his Then his wife called to Line 427 passengers. "I'm so say they wanted $200 more proud of them," he tells this before they started the con- writer, beaming, "They're the ference call. She had to go first in my immediate family back to San Clemente that to graduate from high school." afternoon to pay them. These days Hawkes can't "My daughter had just left believe his fortune. Neither her Oceanside home to meet can his passengers. "If any- us in Tehachapi. body has lost something they "1'm sitting there at love," the 21-year RTD vet- Division 8 scared out of eran tells them as they pile my mind," he remembers. aboard his bus that will take "I wouldn't let anyone get them home after a weary day, near the phone." Then "Never, never give up look- came the ring. ing." "This is Jimmy," said the voice at the other end. ("lt was so weird," Jimmy, age 18 months, and Cheryl, age 3. Hawkes says now, "he sounded exactly like my other son.") says. "They were the last ones out. "Oh my God," he blurted out, "1 They told me later they were too scared love you, son," was all that he could to come out." say. Leanne recalls that it was their Then son Jimmy broke down. youngest daughter, 29-year old Fonda, Hawkes says that July 27 is his who jumped into her half-brother's son's new birthday. amis first. "Then Jimmy and my hus- band just grabbed each other," she His son, Jimmy, he found out, says. owns a motorcycle shop in Bountiful, Over volleyball and beer that Utah. He is married, and has two weekend, father and son became reac- children. Hawkes say his ex-wife had quainted. told him and Cheryl that their father "Thank you for bringing my Dad had walked away andleft them. "What back to me," he whispered to Leanne,

AUGUST 1992 HEADWAY 18 Pippins, Esther M, from Bus Operator (F/T) to CHEDUL Schedule Checker. Ramsey, Kyle E, from Investigator HANGES /-7 to Transit Police Sergeant. Ii Slocum, Mark D, from Transit Police Officer to Transit Police Investigator.

Sun,Hsiao-Man, fromMe- Craig, Charles C, from Montez, Mary L, from chanic "B" to Mechanic Warranty & Equip Me- Mechanic "B" to Mechanic “A" . chanic to Equipment Main- "A". tenance Supervisor. Zebrowski, Gerald A, Moreno, Antonio J, from from Bus Operator (F/T) to Garcia, Dagoberto, from Mechanic "B" to Mechanic Schedule Checker. Mechanic "A" to Equip- CC A.23 ment Maintenance Super- Born to OCPM's Ted visor. and Dolores Montoya, a baby boy, James "Matthew" Hubbard, Charles, from Montoya, on November 25, Mechanic"B"to Mechanic 1991. The tot weighed in at 9 lbs. 5 oz. Pictured with Matthew is his adoring big Jackson, Vernon E, from EARS sister, Sarah, who turned Mechanic "C" to Mechanic four years old on July 31. 4 4.13 >>.

Jake, Efren, from Me- chanic "C" to Mechanic Butler, Marietta, began Mckay, Major, began with Saenz, Adolph M, began with the District on August the District on June 01, with the District on August 28, 1978 and retired as a 1967 and retired as a Bus 02, 1969 and retired as a Jones, Stephen 0, from Bus Operator Full Time on Operator Full Time on July Bus Operator Full Time on Transit Police Investigator January 15, 1992. 31, 1992. August 03, 1992. to Transit Police Sergeant. Chung, Tom, began with Moss, Linda R, began with Woods, John W, began Jules, Michael K, from the District on February 17, the District on June 04, with the District on March Transit Police Officer (Tm) 1985 and retired as a Bus 1979 and retired as a Bus 28, 1974 and retired as a to Transit Police Officer. Operator Full Time on July Operator Full Time on Feb- Train Operator (F/T) on 21, 1992. ruary 21, 1992. April 07, 1992. Magee, Douglas C, from Electronic Maintenance Cruise, Stephen F, began Mouldin, James, began Supervisor I to Facilities with the District on Sep- with the District on Janu- Maintenance Engineer. tember 15, 1972 and re- ary 18, 1969 and retired as In Memoriam tired as a Bus Operator Full a Bus Operator Full Time Martinez, Jose M, from Time on June 21, 1992. on August 03, 1992. Transit Police Officer (Tm) Urso, Dainton L, began to Transit Police Officer. Franklin, Willie J, began Ortiz, Leo E, began with with the District on Febru- with the District on the District on February 23, ary 03, 1975, retired as a Matsubara, Ronald J, ary 24, 1968 and retired as 1981 and retired as a Me- Bus Operator Full Time from Mechanic "B" to Me- a Bus Operator Full Time chanic "A" on August 02, and passed away on July chanic "A". on July 21, 1992. 1992. 10, 1992.

AUGUST 1992 HEADWAY 19 Force of Gold Transit Police Capture 26 Medals from Law Enforcement Summer Garnes

Police ChiefSharon Papa congratulates swimming champions Richard Estada, a Pico Rivera resident, whowon seven medals in as many events. Gold and bronze medalist Frank Higuera, of South Gate is on the left. Ernesto Munoz, of Carson,who won a silver medal in racquetball, grand masters series is on the right.

Fifteen RTD Transit Police officers Officer Richard Estrada of Pico winning medals in our events," Estrada captured a total of 26 medals in ath- Rivera, participating in his third sum- said. "We win more than our share of letic and marksmanship competition mer games, continued his near-perfect medals for a department of our size. lt against law enforcement agencies record of achievement by eaming med- gives me a strong sense of pride to from throughout California at the als in all seven swimming events he represent the Transit Police Depart- California Law Enforcement Offic- entered. He took gold medals in the ment." ers Summer Garnes held July 5-11 in 100-yard individual medley and the San Diego. 50-yard breaststroke; silver medals in RTD's team of officers, vying the 100-yard breaststroke, 50-yard against approximately 6,000 other butterfly and 200-yard medley relay, participants, won 11 gold medals, six and bronze medals in the 200-yard silver medals and nine bronze medals freestyle relay and in water polo. in events ranging from swimming, Estrada also participated in the body building, wrist wrestling and Arizona Law Enforcement Officers shooting accuracy. Summer Garnes, April 16-18, where "The most effective police offi- he won 10 more medals two in track cer is one who is physically fit," said and field events, and eight in swim- Sharon Papa, chief of RTD Transit ming events . Estrada has now medaled Police. "Our officers' performance in 48 of the 50 events he has entered in at the summer games underscores the various competitions over a three-year importance we have always placed on period. Sergeant Shari Barberic was medaled staying in shape. I'm very proud of "Everyone at the competition four times over. our winners." knows who RTD is because we're

AUGUST 1992 HEADWAY 20 RTD's Dream Team. • • Letter to the Editor Open Letter to Transit Sergeant Shari Barberic of Investigator Johnnie Jones of Police Chief Sharon Papa Redondo Beach: Gold mcdal, team Ontario: Gold medal, bodybuilding. biathlon; gold mcdal, tcam action pis- tol; silver mcdal, individual action pis- Lieutenant Ernie Munoz of Carson: Dear Ms. Papa: tol; bronze medal, practice police Silver mcdal, racquetball (grand mas- I would like to commend you and all of course (PPC) four-man tcam. ters). your officers for the great job you are all doing! The footpatrols along Broad- Officer James Grimes ofAzusa: Gold Investigator Lee Tainter of River- way and other downtown streets, at medal, team action pistol; bronze side: Gold mcdal, team biathlon; gold peak service hours is exactly what we medal, individual action pistol; bronze medal, tcam action pistol; bronze as operators and passengers needed. mcdal, PPC four-man team. mcdal. PPC 4-man team. The high visibility of the Transit Police patrol cars is also evident. The Officer Tony Hackett of Panorama • Sergeant George Thompson of Tor- passengers have commented that they City: Silvcr, basketball. rancc: Gold mcdal, dccathlon. fecl more secure knowing that help is nearby. I nvestigator Frank Higuera of South Sergeant Bill Thomson of Hunting- Chief, you can count on each and Gate: Gold medal, team action pistol; ton Beach: Gold medal. \ vrist wrcs- cvery Operator to help out in any way bronze mcdal, individual action pis- tling, we can. This is where my idea comes tol; bronze mcdal, PPC 4-man warn. in. Every member of this company strives to make it the best transporta- tion company in the nation. Transpor- tation and Maintenance have devel- Window Dressing opcd a program in which a couple of maintenance personnel work for aweek

"Chief, you can count on euch

and every Operator to help out in

any way we can."

in transportation and vice versa. Per- sonally, I think the program should be expanded to the downtown office (all departments) and Transit Police. This would eliminate the phrase of "Them and Us" and quickly change it to "we." Especially now more than ever with the merger and the air of uncer- tainty prevailing, we need something like this to create a bond with each A couple of months ago, RTD York window dressers, the Marketing other. Friendships will undoubtedly Marketing Department staff was given Department set about getting a cre- be created and trust for each other will an offer it couldn't refuse. ation in the window that would be eye- follow. Just think of the potential a Draper and Kramer, the manag- catching. The result was a beautifully close-knit working family can bring to ers of an empty building in an upscale lit display featuring paintings of Red our ffiture. section of downtown, offered RTD a Line excavations by artist David Rose Sincerely, window. The street-level window is against a mylar backdrop. Richard A. Lopez near a and receives a high Stop by and see the display. lt is Operator, Division 7 volume of pedestrian traffic. So, in a located at 612 South Flower Street fashion reminiscent of the old New and is lit until 8 p.m. every night.

AUGUST 1992 HEADWAY 21 AIDS: RTD's Response to its Employees by Luanna Urie, HR. Analyst

Employee or Mary Conforti at 7169 for help yourself that the dentist is, indeed, in Activities: with questions or free literature. compliance with the law, what to watch Diane for, etc. Talton, Em- AIDS Education: The District The answer is "No, one is not p loyee Ac- will purchase a video featuring name going to acquire the HIV virus from tivities coor- actors and sponsored by the same one's dentist here in California." dinator, will organization which helps distribute Other questions involved hot tubs begin stock- Magic Johnson's book. This video and swimming pools, various types of ing the trav- will be available for viewing this fall kissing and physical intimacy, bleed- eling Employee Activities van with at all the divisions. In addition, AIDS ing and other ways the virus is trans- Earvin "Magic" Johnson' s book, presentations with plenty of time for mitted. What You Can Do To Avoid AIDS. questions and answers will continue to The presentations also included This book contains 156 easy to take place at the divisions. practical advice on what kinds of read, very explicit directions on how Five divisions have been sched- sexual protection items to purchase to protect oneself in any and all situa- uled thus far. Employees who attended and how to use them. Several partici- tions involving sexual contact. The the sessions told me they really en- pants wanted the presenter to return book answers all the questions about joyed the presentation and felt the because they found the information whether or not the HIV virus, \vhich material was very important and inter- helpful and interesting. causes AIDS, can be transmitted esting. For example, one of the ques- Remember watch for the little through various ways of kissing, em- tions which came up several times fluorescent signs around your depart- bracing and so on. lt is explicit and involved going to the denti st. The pre- ment or divisions they announce the thorough. I personally believethis book senter explained the new laws govern- up and coming free Health and belongs in the home library of anyone ing California dentists, the specific Wellness events coming to your work with single adults and or teenagers machine used for sterilization, the location. We'll see you there. living in the home. I do believe parents questions to ask your dentist to satisfy should read the book before leaving it around or discussing it with their teens. lt is difficult to know how much to CTP Shakes Community tell a young person, and at what age. This book makes it clear that educa- RTD's Corporate Transit Partner- tion is the key to safety, and that clear, ship (CTP) is busy this month con- specific information needs to be given ducting focus groups throughout the to young people, well before their first county to help corporations identify experience with sexual intimacy. Diane and address problems that cmployees Talton will have this book available have about public transportation. soon. "The more we talk with employ- ees in these groups, the more we learn AIDS and the RTD: The District that it is not the transit patrons who are will not practice any form of discrimi- dissatisfied with bus service, but those nation against employees infected with who have had little or no exposure to the HIV virus. Employees are wel- riding the bus," says CTP Represen- come to work as long as the employee tative Linda Casey. "The challenge is can perform his or her job. Benefits to develop a marketing plan that over- will be treated or handled the same as coines inaccurate perceptions of tran- for any other illness. Medical records sit." are kept confidential. After they conduct the focus Maureen Micheline, CTP The Medical Desk and the groups, Casey and her colleagues ana- representative, promotes public Wellness Desk will answer questions lyze employees' comments and de- transit with the employee from employees regarding AIDS, ben- velop a customized marketing plan for transportation coordinators from efits, etc. Phone Luanna Urie at 7164 each company. Karen Kane, Inc.

AUGUST 1992 HEADWAY 22 Thanks for a Job Well Done! repaired. Within general bounds, most of the drivers were pleasant and effi- Division 3203 cient. However, Ms. White was the Ronald Camarillo exception to the rule. Antonio Sanchez She was exceptional! She was very Cheryl Zoler helpful in giving me direction and assistance. Her driving was excellent, Division 3206 and she announced each stop (some- Andrew Fowler OMMENDATIONS thing not all the drivers did). But most Mary White of all she was cheerful, courteous, and gave the impression that she really Division 3207 Blue Line from Los Angeles to Long cared. Joel Aceves (3) Beach. I got home by 5:00 p.m. at She is one of your most valuable Joseph Byers which time I discovered that I had employees. George Spencer forgotten my briefcase on the train. I Very truly yours, called RTD (1-800-2LA-RIDE). Very Stephen M. Loeb Division 3210 sympathetically, I was asked to call Beverly Hills Reynaldo Couts another number (213-563-5015). I • Debbie Flores called and there was Mr. Crial. Dear RTD: Harry Schouten He got all information very po- Please be advised that RTD Driver Jimmy Williams litely and equally precisely, he asked Mr. Romeo (Tony) Cardoza, me to hold on for a minute. I was trying #18410, who has driven the 443 line Division 3211 to make a list of banks, companies, for the past six or seven months has Larry Jarman offices I would have to call that evening been the most courteous, informative, to notify them of my personal items. enjoyable and safest driver that, I, as Division 3212 Mr. Crial broke my chain of thoughts a passenger have had the pleasure of Jimmy Rodgers and told me that he had located my riding with every day. I have been a briefcase on a train. He asked me if I passenger on the 443 bus line for Division 3215 could meet the train at a station to pick almost two years and feel that I could Rosa Macklin it up. not have had a better driver. Mohan Singh I rushed to the . I was I would highly recommend Mr. greeted by the RTD Supervisor Mr. Cardoza for any position that he Division 3218 Don Little. He walked up the plat- chooses to get into and that he also be Romeo Cardoza form with me and waited until the train recognized for his courteousness as Vicki Lindsey came. There was the driver who found well as his awareness as a safe driver Catherine Silva the briefcase standing at the window in any other position or department for looking for me. which he elects to pursue his career Dear RTD: I came home feeling proud of the with the RTD. Living all my life on the East Blue Line -- honest and efficient! And Very truly yours, Coast (New York, Atlanta, Washing- it is so because of its dedicated work- Patsy A. Charles ton, D.C.), riding a train or a bus for ers who are going out of their way to Los Angeles a daily commute was as natural as convince the public that the Blue Line • breathing air. So when I moved to Los is a new friend to L.A! Dear RTD: Angeles, I made sure Ilived and worked Thanks a lot for helping me out. I am writing about a driver on on a train/bus line. Soon I realized that S ince rely, your bus who I believe is worthy of a the Metro Blue Line had become part Chandresh Shah little appreciation. This driver is John of my life. Not only did I take the Blue Lakewood Holmes on Line 40. This is why: He Line to downtown on weekdays, but I • calls out every street that he is going to ride it often on the weekends for the Dear RTD: stop at loud and clear like bus drivers Convention Center events, Little To- I wanted to write to teil you of a used to do. He is courteous enough to kyotour, Broadway Fiesta, Chinatown wonderful person who is your em- greet his passengers with a smile, and Parade, etc. I took the Blue Line even ployee. That person is Ms. Mary if they are departing from the front during the riots. lt was safe, secure, White, #10060. door, he says, "Have a good day." reliable and dependable. I recently took the bus for a num- The other day I took the 4:10 p.m. ber of days while my car was being Continued 011 page 24. .

AUGUST 1992 HEADWAY 23 Public Commendations your employees when I phoned in for information. The won3an's name was Surf's Up on continued from page 23 Liliana Chavez and I spoke with her I think that is beautiful when there on July 20. She was most courteous, Line 434 is so much hatred in this city. He says friendly and helpful in my request for it to everybody, black, brown, white directions to various attractions in the or whatever ethnic group. I have not LA area. lt was a pleasure talking with heard these streets called out since the her and she is a terrific representation '60s and early '70's. for RTD. Thanks, S ince rely, Nola Baker Holly Boyd Inglewood SouthWest Community Based • AIDS Treatment Group Dear RTD: Los Angeles I am a regular RTD passenger of • Lines 10 and 11 along Temple Street, Dear RTD: Los Angeles. I enjoy ridingRTD buses, I want to compliment one of your and I appreciate the service of your service reps for excellent service. Her RTD 's Marketing Department donned courteous drivers, especially that of name is Della Montes and when I sunglasses and sunscreen when they Perumadura De Silva. Besides being called on Friday morning June 19, I erected their information booth on a good driver, he is very respectful and was prepared for a struggle to find out the Santa Moni ca Pier Saturday, June courteous to the passengers. how to get from Highland Park to 27. Above, Marketing 's David Wilson I wish that these kind of RTD Hollywood. Della was so helpful and chats with a senior RTD patron as employees will keep up the good work made it seem possible for me to actu- part of the department's Line 434 and service to the public. ally get to my destination. Summer Beach Bus Promotion. The More power to RTD! I am not an experienced bus trav- American Cancer Society and Heal Sincerely, eler but with her help, maybe I will at the Bay made it a threesome under Boni Rosario least have the confidence to try it. the large umbrella by distributing Los Angeles Please thank Della for me. information and sunscreen. • Thank you for excellent service. Arrowhead donated water which was Dear RTD: S ince rely, distributed to the public. I'm writing to tell you that I re- Karin Tancrell ceived wonderful service from one of San Diego RTD's "ARTI" Wins Prestigious Award RTD's new regional bus and Blue Line route information system was honored recently by the Association for Commuter Transportation. The system, which is called "ARTI," is the creation of the tele- phone information section of the Cus- tomer Relations Department to an- swer queries from the public seeking route and schedule information. ARTI puts the District in the forefront of patron information and is marketed to companies through the District's award-winning Corporate Transit Partnership (CTP). RTD 's Doug Anderson, who over- saw the development of the system, accepted the award from ACT's South- Customer Service 's Doug Anderson accepted the Association for Commuter cm California chapter. Transportation 's Award ofExcellencefromChapterPresident Rita Brohman.

AUGUST 1992 HEADWAY 24 "Will the Merger Affect My District Pension?"

by Ed Paull, tions with your union, if appli- ments apply. Pension &Benefits Manager cable. The Board of Directors of the MTA will have the same rights, Y-es, the merger between the Dis- 4. If you are not yet eligible to restrictions, and responsibili- trief and the LACTC into the Los retire, anything is possible for ties on making plan changes as Angeles Metropolitan Transportation the future; however NOTHING the current Board of Directors of Authority, will affect your pension! can be done to reduce what you the RTD. Just about the only Just how it will eventually affect have already earned. See para- sure thing about the plan is it you, no one can be sure at this time. graph number 3 above regarding is sure to change. The new agency will assume full re- future changes, as these com- sponsibility for the Pension Plans on April 1, 1993. Although I do not have a crystal New Law Changes Lump Sum ball that allows me to predict the fu- ture, there are some facts I would like to mention that may allow you to sleep Distribution Rules easier. By Ed Paull, Pension & Benefits Manager 1. All four District sponsored pension plans are over 100% On July 2, 1992, Congress passed overpaid, you get a refund. If you funded. The funds in your Plan H.R. 5260 to extend unemployment underpaid, you must pay the IRS. have been extremely well man- insurance benefits. The President In a worst case scenario, the tax aged over the last several years. signed the bill and it.is now law. As liability on a lump sum distribution is There is enough money in the part of the financing, Congress also as follows: plan to pay all earned benefits. adopted changes to the rules govern- ing the tax treatment of lump sum Federal marginal tax rate: 33% 2. If you are currently retired, distributions from pension plans. you will continue to receive your Effective January 1, 1993, if an Penalty for early withdrawal: 10% pension benefits. The merger employee elects to receive the lump (prior to age 59 1/2) will not affect you! NOTHING sum option from the pension plan, the California Marginal Tax Rate: 11% WILL CHANGE. You will con- plan is required to withhold 20% for tinue to draw your pension as if taxes TOTAL 54% the merger had not occurred. The UNLESS name of the Pension Plan may The employee directs the pension Nothing has really changed with eventually change. plan to make his/her lump sum pay- this new law, except you must do what ment directly to his/her Individual you were supposed to do anyway -- 3. Ifyou are currently eligible to Retirement Account (IRA). and that is to do some advance plan- retire, but have chosen not to at What this means is that if you ning for your retirement. this time, you can still retire after want the lump sum, you have to do the merger. The merger will not some advance planning, that is you Any questions about pensions, affect the amount of pension ben- must have your IRA arrangements or if you want an estimate of your efits you have already earned. made prior to your retirement date. District retirement benefits, feel free However, it is possible for the To put it as simply as possible, if to call the Benefits Section of the new agency to modify the plan to you pick up the check, 20 percent will Human Resources Department at affect future accruals of pension be withheld for taxes. If the Pension (213) 972-7182 or extension 7182. benefits, or to modify how the Plan maus the check to your pre- plan is administered. Changes selected IRA, no taxes will be with- are not likely to occur without held. advance notice. Historically, Remember, withholding has noth- when changes do occur, they are ing whatsoever to do with your tax usually for the better. Plan liability. You must file your tax retum changes are subject to negotia- at the end of each year, and if you

AUGUST 1992 HEADWAY 25 OCPM Employees Saluted Tributes to Those Who Helped During Riots

by Cheryl Brown hazardous duty, while others came to work with sleeping bags so that they would be prepared to stay on duty if necessary. The employees who re- ceived special commendations in- cluded: Tonya Allen, buyer; Manuel Chavez, storekeeper; Dan Duncan, Sr., truck driver; Lawrence Kelly, senior truck driver; Henry Koerv, assistant director of OCPM; Al Mitchell, se- nior buyer; Rudy Regalado, junior buyer; William Ruiz, stock clerk; and Loveice Stewart, truck driver. OCPM's truck drivers delivered to a BBQ feast provided by RTD. The materiel to various divisions which celebration was coordinated and pre- were located near the "epicenter" of pared by employees of the Mainte- the civil unrest. And they did this nance Department. John Rivenas, CMF production manager at the grill Exchanging

On July 24, Paul Como, Director of Phone Numbers Office of Contracts, Procurement & Materiel (0 CPM), recognized the em- ployees of the Materiels Division at Division 5 and CMF for their out- standing contributions during the civil unrest that occurred last April. To commemorate their efforts, five employees from the Stores Sec- tion of Division 5 received beautiful plaques. These employees were Stock Clerks Lindsey Jiles, Ronald Marshall, Daryl Mickens, and Greg Norris and Store Keeper Louis Walker. These employees reported to work \vithout police escorts! at considerable personal risk and "The trickiest part of all this was worked together to ensure that all es- coordinating the schedules of the Po- sential materials and supplies that were lice and the drivers for the unleaded and diesel fuel deliveries," said Koerv, needed were distributed to meet the Recently RTD's Corporate Transit critical demands of the main "Emer- "because none of the outside contrac- tors would deliver fuel to the divisions Partnership (CTP) participated in a gency Command Post" at Division 5. Rideshare Fair at General Telephone According to Ted Montoya, ma- that were within the areas of the civil unrest without an escort. in Pomona. Many times we call teriels manager, "We were able to directory assistance asking for meet the increased demand for all ba- "We had to make sure that enough fuel was delivered on a timely basis information, but how 's this for a sic items, from fuel to flashlight bat- switch. . . here GTE employees are teries and paper towels." for all of the service vehicles, includ- ing those of the Police, Fire, National asking RTD staffers for information The employees working at OCPM on the best bus route to take to work. were also recognized with plaques. Guard, as well as the District." After receiving their plaques, all Shown above helpinga GTE employee Some ofthese employees, like Manuel is CTP's Ed Langer. Chavez, storekeeper, volunteered for of the employees of OCPM sat down

AUGUST 1992 HEADWAY 26

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AUGUST 1992 HEADWAY 27 Presenting Child Care Options for RTD Employees

The RTD is a part of the Alliance of Businesses for Child Care Development (ABCD). As a part of this network we receive information about child care centers which have vacancies. The following centers are part ofthe ABCD Child Care Center Network, and they have been invited tobe part ofthe network because they meet AB CD' s quality criteria:

The centers' operating standards are higher than those required by State Licensing. Specifically this means that the ratios of adults to children are generally better than the minimum required.

The p-rograms clearly demonstrate a knowledge of good child development practices. Indoor/outdoor curriculum is based on childrens' developmental needs which allows them to choose between individual and group activities while under the supervision of professional staff.

The directors and other management personnel have exhibited a commitment to improving their programs in order to meet standards of quality. This has included an interest in undertaking the process to become accredited by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs.

Please note: While these centers meet ABCD's standards for network participation, their inclusion on this list is for referral purposes only and is not a recommendation. The choice of child care placement is highly individual and rests solely with the parent(s).

Bureau of Jewish Education Child Christopher Robin Nursery School East Valley Boys and Girls Club Care Center PHONE: (213) 934-6512 PHONE: (818) 338-1854 PHONE: (213) 380-9248 ZIP CODE: 90046 ZIP CODE: 91706 ZIP CODE: 90010 (Spaces for Toddler) (Spaces for Toddler, Preschool, and (Spaces for Preschool) Kindergarten) County Kids Place CAL-TOT PHONE: (213) 744-6241 East Whittier United Presbyterian PHONE: (213) 897-2991 ZIP CODE: 90007 Church Nursery School ZIP CODE: 90013 (Spaces for Infant, Toddler, and Pre- PHONE: (310) 693-5112 (Spaces for Preschool) school) ZIP CODE: 90605 (Spaces for Toddler, Preschool, and Canoga Park Preschool and Kin- Creative Kids Preschool and Kin- School -age) dergarten dergarten PHONE: (310) 379-4606 El Gaylind Nursery School (818) 346-5704 PHONE: ZIP CODE: 91304 ZIP CODE: 90266 PHONE: (818) 892-3308 (Spaces for Toddler, Preschool, Kin- (Spaces for Preschool and Kindergar- ZIP CODE: 91331 dergarten) ten) (Spaces for Preschool and School- age) Discoveryland Preschool Children's Learning Center PHONE: (818) 249-9030 First Step Nursery School & Child PHONE: (213) 749-0905 ZIP CODE: 91214 Development Center ZIP CODE: 90015 (Spaces for 2 - 5 year olds) PHONE: (818) 887-1045 (Spaces for Infant, Toddler, and Pre- ZIP CODE: 91367 school) (Spaces for 2 through 6 year-olds)

AUGUST 1992 HEADWAY 28 La Marina Preschool Playfactory Preschool USC/Anna Bing Arnold Child Care PHONE: (310) 545-1868 PHONE: (818) 285-9223 Program ZIP CODE: 90266 ZIP CODE: 91780 PHONE: (213) 743-7243 (Spaces for 2 year-olds through Kin- (Spaces for 2 year-olds through Kin- ZIP CODE: 90007 dergarten) dergarten) (Spaces for School-Age)

TheLil'RainbowMontessori & Pre- Seasprites Children's Center Victory Christian Preschool school PHONE: (310) 318-2429 PHONE: (818) 769-9864 PHONE: (818) 352-1515 ZIP CODE: 90254 ZIP CODE: 91606 ZIP CODE: 91040 (Spaces for Infant, Preschool, and (Spaces for Preschool) (Spaces for Infant, Toddler, Preschool, School-age) and School-age) Woodland Hills Child Development South Bay Center Preschool Center Lyric Preschool and Kindergarten PHONE: (310) 545-6575 PHONE: (818) 346-5156 PHONE: (213) 667-2275 ZIP CODE: 90266 ZIP CODE: 91367 ZIP CODE: 90027 (Spaces for School-age) (Spaces for Preschool and Kinder.) (Spaces for Toddler, Preschool, and Kindergarten) St. Mark's Day School PHONE: (818) 242-8045 Montessori at Long Beach, Inc. ZIP CODE: 91202 PHONE: (310) 597-5030 (Spaces for 2 1/2 - 3 year-olds) Kauai Condo Reduced !! ZIP CODE: 90815 Beautiful one-bedroom, fully- (Spaces for Infant, Toddler, Preschool, Temple Baptist Star Christian equipped condo at the Poipu Beach and School-age) School Resort in Hawaii. King-sized bed, plus PHONE: (213) 746-6900 queen sleeper inliving room. All ameni- Mount St. Mary's Child Develop- ZIP CODE: 90007 ties including pool, spa and eight ten- ment Center (Spaces for Toddler, Preschool, and PHONE: (213) 746-0789 School-age) nis courts on grounds. All for $499 a ZIP CODE: 90007 week. Reduced from $630. Call (Spaces for Preschool) (818)998-8002 for more information.

Options - Surround Care Division - MULTIPLE SITES PHONE: (818) 284-9935 Surprise Wedding Shower! ZIP CODES: Alhambra/Monterey Park/Monrovia/Rowland Hts/West Covina/Walnut/La Puente/South El Monte (Spaces for School-age)

Pediatric and Family Medical Child Development Center PHONE: (213) 747-3744 ZIP CODE: 90015 (Spaces for Preschool)

Piccadilly Preschool & Kindergar- ten On Thursday, May 14, Equipment some planning and scheming from the PHONE: (818) 289-2873 Maintenance surprised Mechanical group to pull it off, and in the end, the ZIP CODE: 91801 (Spaccs for 4 1/2 year-olds and Kin- Instruction 's Steve Mullaly and Qual- happy couple was very surprised. They ity Assurance's Mary Martinez with a were showered with many beautiful dergarten) wedding shower. gifts, a delicious cake, and "best Hosting the event were Stella wishes" from their co-workers. Con- Duncan, Norene Brown, Linda Shay, gratulations on their marriage and Jo Derry and Barbara Anaya. lt took much happiness to them both!

AUGUST 1992 HEADWAY 29 Your Credit History

By Ed Paull, Pension & Benefits Manager

Have you ever wondered what your credit history looked like? Well, it is now possible to get a copy, free of charge from TRW. A recent change in the law allows everyone to get a free copy of their credit history once per year. To receive your free copy, simply fill out the following form, cut it out of the Headway and mau l it to TRW. You should receive your free report in about four weeks. You must attach a copy of your driver's license to get your report.

Tear Here

TO: TRW Consumers Assistance P.O. Box 2350 Chatsworth, CA 91313-2350

Please send me a copy of my FREE credit report.

MY NAME:

ADDRESS:

Social Security Number:

MY SPOUSE's NAME:

Social Security Number:

IMPORTANT: ****** A COPY OF DRIVER'S LICENSE IS ATTACHED ******

AUGUST 1992 HEADWAY 30 By George A Profile of Operator Ron Pedregon who Commutes from Ski Country

A year round vacation, that's what the Pedregon Family has. Even though the snow has melted, there are fond memories. Ron, Janene, Ronnie and Jacob have their cake and eat it too! After meeting on the job as bus operators at Division 9, Ron and Janene married and moved to Wrightwood eight years ago. Ron now commutes to Division 8, and the pleasure of coming back up the mountain after leaving the noise of Los Angeles is well worth the drive. Janene took a part-time job at Mountain High Ski Lodge after an injury. Now Janene practically runs the place. The entire family enjoys skiing as The Pedregonfamiiy. Ron Pedregon is an Operator at Division 9. well as baseball, soccer or any other sports the.children participate in. Their son, Ronnie, shows poten- skiing, he knows he has a lot of prac- hopefuls. tial, according to the Ski pros. Ronnie' s ticing to do to catch up to 10-year-old Got a life outside of RTD? ambition is to be on the United States Ronnie! Drop me a line at Division 3209 Ski Team. Good luck to both the Olympic George Pepper After school, he takes ski lessons and the PTA helps out to make the cost bearable. Ronnie is currently a mem- ber of the United States Ski Associa- tion and is in the Far West division. RTD Offers Direct Dial-Dial Transit The Southern California Ski Founda- tion keeps tabs on the competition and Info Line to Downtown Visitors also awards scholarships to promis- ing youngsters. Ronnie will travel to Commuters and visitors to Los An- Direct-dial phones already are the Junior Olympics in Colorado for geles can now get direct-dial telephone available to the public at the RTD's competitions when the right time information about local bus and train 10 customer service centers in Los comes. According to the locals, his schedules at one of the city's major Angeles. The Information Line is reputation is growing in Southern downtown locations, thanks to a part- staffed by 107 operators, of whom up California skiing circles. Ronnie is nership of the RTD and the Los Ange- to 60 are on duty from 5:30 am. until already trying dovvnhill, freestyle, sla- les Convention and Visitors Bureau 11:30 p.m. daily. lom and jumping. (LACVB). For information about bus sched- During the summer when the snow The free service, located in the ules and on the RTD and munici- is gone, Ronnie to Newport Visitor Information Center at the pal carriers, as well as for assistance beach and works out on roller blades. Hilton Hotel complex at 7th and with personal itineraries. callers may Then, there's his younger brother, Figueroa streets, allows visitors to dial 213-626-4455. Phone numbers Jacob. Ron and Janene's other son is call the RTD's Information Line for for the RTD Information Line also are only four years old but he tried the transit routes and schedules, fares and listed in arca phone directories. slopes this last winter for the first pass information. Callers also can re- time. Maybe there will be two Olym- quest individual itineraries by giving pians in the family. Well, when Jacob the operator their locations and de- thinks about his older brothers pro- sired destination.

AUGUST 1992 HEADWAY 31 Senate OKs Millions• • for RTD's Gateway Project by Greg Davy, transit capacity ofthe station and bring recognizes the importance ofthe Gate- Sr. Communications Rep. retail and office space into the arca," way Project as the heart of our trans- Seymour said. "When fully opera- portation system. What we do on this The Senate Appropriations Subcom- tional, the transit center is expected to project has implications for many, mittee on Transportation and Related serve more than 144,500 passengers many years to corne." Agencies July 29 earmarked $15 mil- daily." RTD Board member Antonio lion to be used for building an Funding would come from the Villaraigosa agreed that "this appro- intermodal mass transit center planned Federal Transportation's bus and bus priation puts the RTD one step closer as part of RTD's Union Gateway facility program of the Section 3 dis- toward creating a transit hub that inte- Project at Union Station in downtown cretionary capital funding program. grates bus and rail and provides better Los Angeles, RTD General Manager "By integrating life around pub- transit service for Los Angeles Alan Pegg announced. lictransportation, Los Angeles County County." "Union Station forms the center- has the opportunity to reduce automo- The House of Representatives al- piece of Los Angeles' sophisticated bile congestion and subsequently bet- ready has recommended that $10 mil- intermodal transportation network, ter our air quality, provide a more lion be earmarked for the project in its providing linkage between commuter efficient land use pattern and create a version of the Transportation Appro- rau, Amtrak, regional bus systems, better quality of life for all county priations bill. The final funding amount light raul and the Metro Red Line residcnts," said RTD Board member will be settled during a Senate and scheduled to opcn in 1993," said Sen. Nick Patsaouras, who also sits on the House conference committee expected John Seymour (R-Calif.), who was board of Union Station Gateway, Inc. to take place in September. instrumental in carrying the funding L.A. City Councilman and RTD request to the committee. Board member Richard Alatorre, who "This RTD and Catellus Devel- presented testimony about the project opment Corporation joint development to the committee on several occasions, project will enhance the intermodal said: "I'm pleased that the Senate

Vietnam Memorial without compensation for several planes. The Culver City AmVets Color weeks to create the mural as a fund- Guard opened the commemorative cer- continued from page 8 raising effort for the Vietnam Veter- emony. Following remarks by Holen, ans Aid Foundation. The work is Stewart and Shad Meshad, executive Korea and World War II," he said. estimated to cost $12,000 to $15,000 director, Vietnam Veterans Aid Foun- "We hope that those who pass by here and was supported by private dona- dation, the cloth-draped mural was every day, or who come to view this tions of funds and matcrials. unveilcd. mural from other parts of the city, the "From the moment I began work, Sponsoring the mural project were state and the nation, will pause to people have been very interested and the Vietnam Veterans Aid Founda- remember those who sacrificed so supportive ofthe mural," says Stewart. tion, Southern California Rapid Tran- much for our freedom." "I've had neighbors and many others sit District, Patrick Media Group, Viet- The 103-foot by 20-foot mural is ask to help with the painting. Many of nam Veterans of America Post 526, modeled on the Vietnam Veterans them were especially interested in let- Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2, Memorial in Washington, D.C., which tering the names of the POWs and POW Freedom Foundation, Art Wear, lists the names of Americans killed MIAs. Custom Quick Signs, Western Cos- during 10 years of warfare in South- "The interest by veterans groups turne, Gold's Gym, Sam's U-Drive east Asia. The central feature of the and family organizations from across and BFI. "You Are Not Forgotten" mural is a the country has been overwhelming," The mural project was approvcd symbolic grouping of five men and he adds. "Until I startcd this project, by the Venice City Council, the Venice women veterans dressed in the uni- I never knew so many people were so Community Planning Advisory Com- forms of their wars. The POW/MIA intensely involved in the POW/MIA mittee and the Los Angeles Cultural symbol serves as the backdrop for the issue." Affairs Committee. Division 6 neigh- group. Thc events began with a "miss- bors also have signcd a petition sup- Reseda artist Peter Stewart, 36, a ing-man" flyover by the Californiä porting the work. Navy vetcran of Vietnam, worked Condor Squadron of historic war-

AUGUST 1992 HEADWAY 32 MENDATIONS

Meet Operator of the Month Thomas Byrd, a 17-year veteran of the company, who has worked his entire career at Division 3. He drives the 28 line, because it keeps him busy and allows him to have contact with a lot ofpeople. "You see a whole cross-section of ethnic and social groups," he says. "It's interesting because I get a chance to meet many different kinds of people." Operator Byrd has had no miss-outs since 1986, no sick days, and no chargeable accidents. The resident pnicked up outstanding operator commendations in 1988 and 1989. On top of that, he has earned numerous letters of commendation. Byrd has been married to his wife, Gloria for 30 years. They have 'wo children and one grandson. In his spare time, Byrd performs with the Southern California Community Choir, a Grammy-winning gospel group. Thomas also is a sports buff He used to play basketball, but now chooses to bowl. Our congratulations

AUGUST 1992 HEADWAY 33 Easy-going Fred Hardemion was tapped Maintenance Employee of the Month for May. The Division 5 mechanic A leadman is a favorite in the Brake Shop at Division 5 where he keeps afleet of more than 200 buses in great condition. Freddie makes it known to his five mechanics in the shop that he does not expect anything less than top quality performance. As for Hardemion himself the high-energy mechanic maintains the best attendance recordin his division. When he is keeping records for others, his supervisors say he is always up to date, orderly, and his files are ready to be reviewed by an RTD supervisor at the drop of a hat. He started with the District in 1959 as a Utility A and worked himself through the ranks over the years.

Hat 's off to Ambrose Hole, RTD's Information Operator of the Month for May. His supervisor says that Haie 's personal dynamics and communicative skills consistently top that of the average employee. He 's been with the District for seven years, and maintains an impeccable attendance record. He also wins numerous commendations and awards. He has been an Operator of the month four times before and was honored as operator of the year in 1986. He excels with people, and, as you can tell from his work record, constantly goes the extra mile for his patrons. Outside of work, Haie loves to log and explore the world by bike. He 's also the first of his crowd to see the latest movie release at the theater. He 's an avid reader, too, and is rarely caught without a good book.

AUGUST 1992 HEADWAY 34 Jose Garcia was the unanimous choice to receive the MIS Department Employee of Ouarterfor the fourth quarter ofthecalendar year 1991. Garcia performed numerous complex and time consuming tasks in addition to the rigors ofhis day-to-dayduties as a systems programmer. Although Garcia 's accomplishments span across multiple activities, one project in particular -- the installation ofa complex computer program stands out as his premier contribution. Garcia devised an ingenious solution to what cozild have rendered the program inaccessible to all users. And, he did so without having any training o7'7 that particular program! Garcia was also lauded for enhancing the operations area, configuringhardware, and resolving myriad problems. He also trained other technical support staff Kudos to Jose Garcia!

Congratulations to Deserie Cargil, a typist-clerk in equipment maintenance, who recently was honored as CMF Employee of the Month for June. A 10-year RTD veteran, the Gardena resident says she enjoys working with the computer. Her boss, Production Manager John Rivenas, says Cargil performs her work, much ofit having to do with workers' comp matters, with extreme accuracy. She says she enjoys keeping his budget straight and responding to inquiries from outside the department.

AUGUST 1992 HEADWAY 35 Takeo Ige so impressed his superiors in the Body Shop that he was named CMF Employee of the Month for June. "I like everything about this place," says Ige, who is highly respected by his peers for his in-depth knowledge in the art of collision repair and frame straightening. The South San Gabriel resident has been with the District six years.

"I like working with a PC and people," says Cary Stevens, who was chosen CMF Employee of the Month for June. The La Mirada resident is an equipment maintenance supervisor in Production Control. Previously tapped an employee of the month, Stevens strives for perfection, doing an outstanding Job in scheduling all his shops. Says his supervisor, "He keeps them loaded to the max!"

Gustavo Arguello ran away with CMF Employee of the Month honors for June. A mechanic A in the Transmission Shop, he was chosen because he excels in his trade, is reliable and competent and gets along well with his colleagues. He is an asset to the Transmission Shop, say his colleagues.

AUGUST 1992 HEADWAY 36 This masterpiece, beneath MacArthur Park, is called El Sol. Inspired by the traditions of the largely Latino population that lives in this com- munity, Chilean-born artist Francisco Letelier weaves intense blues, reds and yellows to create his triumphant expression. Pictured above are Headway Editor Andrea Greene and Transportation's Kevin McGrath.

Meanwhile, while the beautiful walls wait for Angelenos to enjoy them, a myriad projects go on above the ground that Progress Check will ensure that the Red Line's inaugural runs are flawless. RTD is testing the two trains (that's four cars) received from on the Red Line the Italian manufacturer, Breda. The others, according to Rail Equipment 's Bill Hanes, are set to be delivered over the next couple of months. The sleek silver trains are pictured above.

Operators hired for the Red Line trained first, not on the cars pictured above, but on the cars loaned by Miami. Division 20 manager John Byrd says Training Exercises his first class of operators has just completel training a second class will be trained later this month. Some are former Blue Line operators; others are former bus operators.

AUGUST 1992 HEADWAY 37 Mobile Unit Schedule RECREATION The mobile center will operate Monday through Friday from 9:30 A.M. until 2:00 P.M. 3 r. 1\w-E WS Sept. Loc. Oct. Loc.

21 7 1 1 22 5 2 10 September 23 Tran. Police 5 3 24 18 6 CMF 11 Oct 4 County Fair Adults $7.50 Child $4.50 25 2 7 9 (6-12) 28 4 8 16 25 Chaka Khan - Greek Theatre $27.50 29 12 9 8 26 Dodgers vs Houston 1:05 P.M. Team Photo Day 30 11 12 15 26 Phantom 2:00 P.M. $60.50 13 7 27 Dodgers vs Houston Fan Appreciation Day 14 5 30 Phantom 8:00 P.M. $60.50 15 6 16 18 October 19 4 20 12 3 Salsa Festival - Universal $27.50 21 11 4 Billy Ray Cyrus - Universal $26.50 22 2 10 Football UCLA vs Stanford $13.00 23 1 18 Phantom 2:00 P.M. $60.50 24 UCLA vs Arizona State $11.00 30 David Sanborn - Universal $23.00 31 Ice Capades - Forum Super Spccials $15.50 Loge seats for $7.00 The Employee Activities office is open from 10:00 A.M. until 3:00 P.M. Monday through Friday. Second floor of the Headquarters' building, telephone 972-4740 Save money at the movies. Discount tickets available for the following movie theatre chains: Edwards $4.25; AVCO General Cinema $4.50; AMC $4.50; Pacific Walk-In or First East-West All-Star Game Drive In $4.50; Cineplex Odeon $4.75 Ten teams played in the District Basketball League this year. The best of the best were divided into two teams and District Basketball at its Finest! reccntly played the East -West All-Star Game at Crenshaw High School. The East was made up of players from the lt 's the Bulls in OLrad-Dribble Overtime League champion Bulls, Lakers, and Pump lt Up. The West included players from the Warriors, Lakers, Transit Police In a true defensive battle, as apparent by the final score, the and Mets. Bulls defeated the Warriors to capture the 1992 RTD The West provcd to have the edge, in a fairly even game. Basketball League crown. The final score was West -92 and East - 82. Rougeru from The Bulls, \vhose home base is Division 6, were cham- the Warriors was the high scorer for the West with 9 points. pions in 1989 and have always been in the playoffrace. Last Scott from the Bulls was the East's top performer with 20 year, they were just barely defeated by the CMF Lakcrs. points. The Warriors of Division 18 are a greativ improvcd tcam lt was a good game and a time for the teams and fans to that WC can expect to be right on top again next year. have fun after a long season. Ittook four overtimes to beat the Warriors 45 to 43. The Congratulations to the Bulls and the West for a great game was a real crowd pleaser. season.

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AUGUST 1992 HEADWAY 39 •

Transit Police officers come home Decorated with gold, silver and bronze. Congratulations!

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Chuck Judson's two biggest fans look to their Dad with adoring eyes as his team wins the Maintenance Roadeo. On to Orlando!

AUGUST 1992 HEADWAY 40