Number 9 Volume 18 September 1990 DISABILITY RTD INSURANCE

Disability Insurance For RTD Employees

❑ No Relations to Earnings Clauses. ❑ We CANNOT Cancel or Decrease Benefits to Age 65. ❑ Limited Renewal Ages 65 - 70. ❑ Confinement Not Required to Collect Benefits. ❑ We Pay For Your Policy After 90 Days TOTAL DISABILITY. ❑ We Refund Premiums Paid During ist 90 Days TOTAL DISABILITY. ❑ No Limit an Numbers of Injuries or Illnesses. ❑ Restoration of Benefits Upon Return to Your Regular Occupation for 6 Months.

WOMEN: ❑ Complications of Pregnancy Are Covered.

RTD EMPLOYEES

If You Knew What We Know You Would Call Us. (75 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE)

Don Jacobs Associates P.O. Box 6860 Torrance, CA 90504

(213) 768-8174 • (213) 768-8175 • FAX (213) 324-5587

SEPTEMBER 1990 HEADWAY 2 rrABLE loF ONTENTS The Headway... is published by the Southern California Rapid Transit District for the employees, retirees, and its friends every is guided by a policy approved by the Rail Makes a Comeback in LA with the Blue Line 4 month. Headway General Manager and published in the Human Resources Metro Rail Tunnel Repairs Under Way Policy Manual. A copy is available on request. Following Fire 16 Views and opinions contained herein do not necessar- ily reflect official District policy. Transit Rider Bill of Rights 17 The Headway welcomes contributions from RTD Guaranteed On-Time Performance or Patrons employees and retirees--letters to the editor, story ideas, opinions, employee and staff activities, and other submis- Ride Free 19 sions. Deadline is the first day of the month for inclusion RTD Offers Experimental Service to in the following month. Submissions should be typed northeast SFV 20 double-space and signed by the author or on disk using the Wordstar 4 program. Opinion pieces and letters to the Metro Rail Employees Get 6-Month Buffer 20 editor should not be more than 500 words and should be Affirmative Action Program Praised by LA County submitted on disk whenever possible. The editor reserves the right to select, edit, and position all copy. Grand Jury 21 Stories may be reprinted with acknowledgment of FY 1991 Goals for Equipment Maintenance 22 source. No Surprises in Dueling 1990 Roadeos 23 Editorial Office: Administration Building, 425 S. Main St., Personnel Department, Second Floor, (213) 972- An Interview with Neil Peterson, Executive Director 7165. of LACTC 28 Printing Department Staff: Photo Lithographic Operators--Rob Hartert and Ferrol Yeakle; Pressmen II-- First Light Rail Information Specialist Pat Bates, Eliud Castellanos, Oscar Arzadon, Roberto Class Graduates 31 Arrivillaga; and Bindery Operators II--Manny Alvarez, Walt Billingsley, and Luis Melendez. Schedule Changes 32 Typesetting, design, and makeup: Scheduling and Shifting Gears 32 Operations Planning's Typesetting & Layout Section-- In Memoriam 32 Layout Supervisor Susan Chapman, Typesetting & Layout Operators Jean Williams, Just Another RTD Story in the Naked City 33 Michael Laichareonsup, and Julie Ortiz. Summer Graduate 33 Editor: Mary E. Reyna Business Manager: Stacy Tran Public Commendations 34 Contributing Editors: Paul Lonquich, M.D., Sue Commendations 36 Harvey, Axel Heller, Carolyn Kinkead, and Luanna Urie. Member: Hartpence Celebrates 30-Year Anniversary 39 International Association of Business Communicators and California Association of Public Art For Light Rau). Stations 40 Information Officers. Blue Line is Exciting Blast from the Past for The Headway is printed on recycled paper. Director Price 41 October 1-7 is Rideshare Fair 42 Rail Brings Out the Artistic 42 California Rideshare Week Division 10 Hosts Black Tie Affair 43 Remember: Lone Riders Why Give Blood? Who Does It Benefit? 44 Get Left Out! Running Club 44 Neither the Headway nor the RTD endorses the products Births 44 or verifies the accuracy of the claims made in the advertis- ing, which has appeared, appears, and will appear on the Motivating Younger Workers 45 pages of the Headway. The advertising is simply a reve- Recreation News 46 nue-generating measure. Further, we reserve the right to reject any objectionable ad.

SEPTEMBER 1990 HEADWAY 3 Rail Makes a Comeback While the French cele- want to make sure that brated their version of everyone who wants to try independence with Bastille the trains gets a chance to Day on July 14, the RTD do so. We extended the free and the Los Angeles County ride period till the end of Transportation Commission the month to enable (LACTC) gave the county of everyone to get that Los Angeles something to chance," said Patsaouras. celebrate and a way of life The day started quite that may eventually free early for Dennis Villard and Angelenos from the tyranny Warren Stockton, the of the automobile, smog, operators of the first two congestion, and ubiquitous cars to travel the inaugural gridlock--the Blue Line. route on July 14. The men In order that everyone arrived at Division 11 would have the pleasure of before sunrise bristling riding the Blue Line, RTD with anticipation in their On July 12, Supervisor Ed Edelman (left), RTD Board Board Presi ent Nick stiffly starched new President Nick Patsaouras (second from left), RTD General Patsaouras d LACTC uniforms and spit-polished Manager Alan Pegg (second from right) and Supervisor Chairman E Edelman shoes. Villard pulled out Kenneth Hahn announce that the Blue Line will be free to announced jointly on July the first car at 6:00 a.m. the public through the end of the month of July. 12 that they would seek heading for Pico and Flower Villard figures this will be approval from their respec- Station. Stockton followed Supervisor Ed Edelman, as close as he comes to his tive boards for Supervisor several minutes later. Both served as master of cere- childhood dream. Kenneth Hahn's suggested operators, along with Metro monies and commenced the "I always had a fantasy free ride plan for two Blue Line Supervisor Rita celebration. Speakers as a kid of being selected to weeks. Malone and Rail Operations included Mayor Tom pitch on opening day for the The RTD Board of Superintendent Paul Bradley, U.S. Congressman Dodgers," said Villard, a Directors unanimously O'Brien, saw to it that the Glenn Anderson, RTD former semi-pro baseball approved the motion set light rail vehicles were Board President Nick pitcher. "As a railroad buff, forth at its regular meeting staged in the tunnel at 12th Patsaouras, LACTC Com- I guess this is sort of like on July 12. Street awaiting the signal missioners Christina Reed my dream coming true-- "The RTD's going to to open the line. Villard, and Jacki Bachrach, and opening day and all that on take the public for a free 41, said it was "simply an Lieutenant Governor Leo the Blue Line. It feels ride," said Patsaouras. "We honor" to be chosen. McCarthy. All joined great." Supervisor Edelman in "It was like being ringing a symbolic Red Car picked to play in the Super bell to signal the first light Bowl--being in the lime- rail commuter train to run light," said Stockton, 42. "I in Los Angeles after an think operating these absence of 27 years. The magnificent trains is Los Angeles Railway exciting. miss the (LARY) Yellow Cars ran `hellos,"good mornings,' service from Los Angeles and `good-byes' I said for down into the South Bay two decades on Line 204 until 1963. but I'm proud to be a part "I feel like dancing," of rauf history in Los said RTD Board President Angeles." Nick Patsaouras in both The official opening English and Spanish. "A began with a spectacular lot of the skeptics said this inaugural ceremony at the would never happen. The Pico and Flower Street By sun-up at Division 11 on July 14 business had already skeptics were wrong. The Station. LACTC Chairman, started hours earlier. trains are back. This is the

SEPTEMBER 1990 HEADWAY 4 in LA with the Blue Line ceremonies being held by 103rd Street Station, Watts local officials. Tower art exhibit and jazz Councilwoman Joan concert near the Imperial Milke Flores and Supervi- Station, grand opening of sor Kenneth Hahn spoke at the Compton Transit the 103rd Street Station. Center and an air fair at Mayor Walter Tucker of the Compton Station, a Compton, Mayor Robert transportation expo and Henning of Lynwood, and Samoan dancing at the Del Mayor Thomas Jackson of Arno Station, and a country- Huntington Park joined the western festival at Veter- train party at the Compton ans Park near Willow Station. The train's last Station, in Long Beach. stop was at the Del Amo After the ceremonies Station where Mayor Vera along the alignment, the Del Amo station at 7 a.m. on At 7:40 a.m. Operator DeWitt of Carson and other Blue Line actually opened July 14 was a lonely place. Joseph Roque leaves his officials came aboard. at 12:30 p.m. to the people Compare this photo to one train in the yard at At its final destination, who paid for it. At that taken 6 hours later which Division 11 to change the the Willow Station, the time 150 RTD volunteer appears on page 12.. track switch mechanism. train was greeted by Mayor staff members assumed Ernie Kell of Long Beach, their positions as Los beginning of a transit on long lines many blocks Supervisor Deane Dana, Angeles' version of Japa- renaissance." long for their turn. and Councilman Ray nese subway packers. By The audience became Superintendent of Grabinski as well as the afternoon about 80,000 electric with excitement Operations at the Central hundreds of citizens eager people converged on the when they heard the Pico to take a ride on the new different stations trying to Control Facility Dan Ibarra Station Manager Russ said the scheduling ran light rail system. get a seat on the Blue Line Wilson converse with Metro The opening ceremony light rail trolley. The 20 smoothly with trains Control in final preparation and inaugural train ride cars operating Saturday arriving on time or no more for the first inaugural ride. than three minutes late. kicked off a weekä-nd of could accommodate a Amid a fanfare of fireworks, "There were no major festivities that included a maximum of 25,000 riders blue smoke, and confetti, hiccups," Ibarra said. community fiesta held at between 12:30 and 6 p.m. the sleek Metro Blue Line "With all the planning Roosevelt Park near the This lead to some frustra- . train driven by Villard we've done, it doesn't Florence Station, a health tion as many waited for emerged from the tunnel fair and talent show at hours under a blazing sun surprise me that it ran so and ceremoniously broke smooth." through a blue banner. "I was very pleased the Big band sounds from way things went on the the days of the Red Car opening day. It was picture played as dignitaries perfect," said Assistant boarded the inaugural General Manager for train. As Metro Control Operations Art Leahy. declared "all systems go," "The RTD volunteers made airplanes marked the Blue quite a differente as far as Line's course with trails of crowd control went. I don't blue smoke and balloons know what we would have were released signaling the done without them....we train's departure from the had 27,000 going through station. Anaheim Station alone on The first train of digni- that day--that's a station taries made three stops on that was never meant to be its inaugural journey to a terminal. They've done a Long Beach to allow its pas- At Division 11 at 7 a.m. Metro Operators John Woods (left) bang-up job. And I've got to sengers to join smaller and Hilliard Vickers (right) are ready to roll. hand it to them." Rider-

SEPTEMBER 1990 HEADWAY 5 ship in the first 3 days of operation was reported to have passed the 130,0000 mark. A breakdown for the first 23 days of operation follows. Ridership on July 14: 32,600; July 15: 69, 800; July 16: 29,000; July 17: 35,000; July 18: 37,000; July 19: 37,000; July 20: 33,000; July 21: 43,000; July 22: 62,000; July 23: 30,800; July 24: 31,300; July 25: 31,000; July 26: 31,000; July 27: Using the lever, Roque 27,000; July 28: 32,000; switches the track over so July 29:( 48,000; July 30: that he can make a safe run 30,000; and July 31: 33,000. into Los Angeles. Fare service began on August 1: 13,800; August 2: Planner Art Henry from the Scheduling and Operation 16,800; August 3: 16,600; Planning Department directs all 150 of the RTD staff August 4: 18,200; and volunteers to their separate teams. August 5: 19,960.

At Division 2 at 7:45 a.m. Senior Planner Russ Wilson gives precise instructions to all the planners on his committee who will act as team leaders for RTD station volunteers at each one of the 17 stations open to the public on July 14.

Schedule Supervisor John Greene leads his team to their bus heading to Slauson Station.

SEPTEMBER 1990 H E A D W A Y 6 By 8:30 a.m. Joseph Roque has staged his car at the San Pedro Station on Washington Boulevard. His will be the third car to pull into the Pico and Flower Station on July 14. At Pico and Flower Station Rail Operations Superintendent Metro TOS Luke Scott keeps Paul O'Brien (right) and News Bureau Representative Greg in close contact with Davy inform Channel 7 reporter Charmaine Wilkerson of operations staff. what she and her camera crew can expect on the ride and along the alignment.

By 8:50 Senior Planner Callier Beard (far right) is on the platform at Pico and Flower Station. She explains her method for crowd control to Caltrans Engineer Rasheed Sheik (left) and RTD Light Rail Information Specialist Supervisor Maria Gil. Planner Dave Wilson enters Pico and Flower Station looking for the train while LACTC Media Specialist Erica Goebel looks on in disbelief.

SEPTEMBER 1990 HEADWAY 7 Waiting in the tunnel for the Signal to pull out are, from left to right: Metro Operator Warren R. Stockton driving the second car, Rail Operations Superintendent Paul O'Brien, Metro TOS Rita Malone, and Metro Operator Dennis L. Villard driving the first car out.

By 9:00 a.m. Supervisor Kenneth Hahn and his grandsons had arrived eagerly awaiting their first ride on the Blue Line.

County Supervisor Kenneth Hahn happily greets RTD Board President Nick Patsaouras and LACTC Commissioner Jacki Bachrach on the Pico platform.

Rail Maintenance Superintendent Richard Morton (left) and Occupational Safety and Health Manager Robert Torres (right) join forces to surveil Pico and Flower Station ensuring that the inaugural car will have a perfect ride.

By 9:30 a.m. the line begins to form at Stanford Street with all those hopeful to get on the train at Grand Station.

SEPTEMBER 1990 H E A D W A Y 8 Crowds at the Pico station grow anxious for the train to Heeerrrrreee she comes! appear.

0 fficials ring the old, symbolic Red Car bell to signal the Past the banner threshold and into a new rail era for Los start of the new Blue Line. Clockwise, LACTC Angeles. Commissioner Christine Reed, Nick Patsaouras, Supervisor Kenneth Hahn, Mayor Tom Bradley, Supervisor Edmund Edelman, and Lt. Governor Leo McCarthy.

RTD staff member August Lopez ink-stamps an "M" an one of the Metro's youngest riders at Washington Station.

SEPTEMBER 1990 H EADWAY 9

A scout leader emphatically admonishes his troop not to Team Leader Mike Brewer takes a breather with his team run an the platform of Vernon Station. members, from left to right: Pat Clark, Nanette Clegg, and Willa James at 103rd Street Station.

Jeanette Sprowls teils kids at Florence Station what they can expect an their first Blue Line ride.

"Stay off the tracks, the Blue Line train runs fast and quiet!" repeats Mike Brewer to the children gathering at 103rd Street Station.

Les Durant and his colleague set up orderly waiting lines at Firestone Station.

SEPTEMBER 1990 H E A D W A Y 10 At Imperial Station, Press Relations Manager Jim Smart teils a rider where the festivities are being held along the route.

Director of Transportation Leilia Bailey and Scheduling and Operations Planning Director Steve Parry monitor the CCTV panel with Lt. Jim Holts of the sheriffs department.

Inside the Central Control Facility near Imperial Station Metro TOS's (from far left to right) Nigel Philcox, Jess Diaz (with his back to us), unidentified rail equipment supervisor standing, Everett Wooden (standing), Doug Cale and Rick Richards keep a careful watch over their terminals. At 12:30 p.m. things are running better than expected.

Retired RTD Mechanic Flood Washington and his family were able to get an the third car out of Pico and Flower Station. At their stop at Imperial Station they teil the reporter "We Love lt!"

SEPTEMBER 1990 HEADWAY 11 Ruth Moreno and Martin Meier take their well-deserved "We love it too!" lunch break at 2:00 p.m. at Artesia Station.

Madeleine Van Leuwan Herb Cranton loves his job doesn't let anyone get past as gatekeeper at Del Amo her at Compton Station Station as the long line until she gets the go-ahead. snakes around the station.

Art Henry (left) and Jon Hilmer (right) discuss how many passengers they can allow an the next car coming in.

Information Specialist Terri Hernandez took a 3:00 p.m. soda break at Wardlow Station. Packing trolley cars is thirsty work.

SEPTEMBER 1990 H E A D W A Y 12 Dr. Paul Lonquich finds that 3:20 p.m. is a peak riding hour at Willow Station as he tries to placate the youth impatient to get their ride on the cars.

Anaheim Station has lines that stretch 4 blocks long at 4:00 p.m. Staff says its much better now, at 1:00 p.m. the line was 6 blocks long. Two hundred passengers are allowed on at a time.

Shila Azbi (left) and Rosa Garcia (right) have to teil the children there's no cutting in the line at Willow Station.

Passengers disembarking at Anaheim Station. Staff says it was an unending flow coming and going. On July 14, 27,000 people were moved through the station.

SEPTEMBER 1990 HEADWAY 13 Moving the cars and the people as quickly as they can are, LACTC's Public Information Officers Judy Schwartze from left to right: Metro TOS Houston Gregory, Operations (left) and Lupe Valdez (right) help with crowd control at Manager John Byrd, unidentified rail equipment Pico and Flower. Both are former RTD employees, but supervisor, and Metro TOS Russ Gasser. readily admit that the District will always hold a special place in their heart. Your first transit company is like that.

Government Relations Manager Gary Clark directs exiting RTD workers huddle for last minute briefing before the passengers to north and south shuttle buses at Anaheim official opening at Grand Avenue Station. Station.

SEPTEMBER 1990 H E A D W A Y 14 One Week Later . . . .

General Counsel Suzanne Gifford helps out as a light rail Joe Lyle came out of car packer and crowd controller at Pico and Flower Station. retirement to help out an the platform at San Pedro Station.

Executive Secretary Jean Unger hands out Blue Line schedule information to the long lines gathered at Pico and Flower.

Chauncey Carter and Robert Jackson enjoy a brief lull at Washington Station.

SEPTEMBER 1990 HEADWAY 15 Metro Rail Tunnel Repairs Under Way Following Fire

A fire beginning in the southern segments. crater caused by its partial trans to dose down U.S. maintenance tunnel in the Fire in the northern collapse, and moderately 101 for four days while early morning hours of section was put out by toxic fumes from the workers finished building Friday, July 13, nearly firefighters in the late polyethylene lining were braces to shore up the engulfed 750 feet of the afternoon on Friday. Fire discharged. These fumes tunnel walls and prevent subway which runs from continued to smolder at the dispersed into the air and any further cave-in. The Union Station, under the southern end of the tunnel were not a hazard to the construction workers Hollywood Freeway and to through Saturday evening public. The tunnel that erected 12-foot sections of a maintenance yard at the but burned itself out burned will not be used for aluminum scaffolding to intersection of Center and Sunday morning. passenger traffic, but will shore up the charred Commercial streets. At the height of the be used to carry empty tunnel. Several hours into the fire, temperatures in the trains between Union "The entire tunnel will fire, a middle portion of the tunnel reached an esti- Station and the Mainte- have to be reconstructed," tunnel, about 150 feet long, mated 2,000 degrees, smoke nance-of-Way Building just said the Assistant General caved in, dividing the billowed from both the off the 4th Street bridge. Manager of Transit Sys- tunnel into northern and tunnel entrance and a huge The fire caused Cal- tems Development Al

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The strain caused by witnessing the fire and the damage in From a vantage point dose to Macy Street and Vignes its wake was clearly registered in the face of Assistant smoke is seen billowing from the cave-in across U.S. 101. General Manager for Transit Systems Development Al Perdon.

Metro Rail officials survey the damage caused by the fire and the subsequent cave-in from their perch on U.S. 101 Burnt-out timbers and smoldering embers floated in the which was closed down for four days. now-darkened water used earlier to put out the fire.

SEPTEMBER 1990 HEADWAY 16 Transit Rider Bill of Rights

Perdon. "The enormous U.S. 101 were reopened. A document designed to and comfortable transporta- steel bands that encircle RTD Board President Nick solidify the agency's tion plus treatment in the tunnel were distorted Patsaouras offered commut- commitment to safety, courteous and pleasant and twisted by the heat, but ers on the San Bernardino courtesy, convenience, manner." they retained their Freeway free rides on RTD access, timely information, Patsaouras noted that strength." buses using the El Monte quality service, and free- with 1.3 million passenger The section of the Busway beginning at 3 a.m. dom of choice was unveiled boardings per day during tunnel beneath the freeway, The busway was opened to on July 19 in the form of the work week, the RTD "is he said, did not cave in all automobiles in order to the Transit Rider Bill of striving to offer the best because soil surrounding it ease congestion. Rights by RTD Board service to every passenger had been injected with The fire's impact on the President Nick Patsaouras. on every bus and rail chemical grout that bonded schedule for the Metro Rail The two-page docu- vehicle." the earth. Grouting was Project is not yet known, ment, Patsaouras' vision of "We want to make not used along the segment but it appears that crews the District's mission, is metropolitan Los Angeles an of the tunnel that collapsed may be able to use the being distributed in bro- example for the nation in because it runs beneath a second adjacent tunnel to chures and bus cards public transit courtesy and vacant lot, Perdon said. hold the project to the aboard RTD buses in both efficiency," he said. "The The cause of the blaze current schedule. Manage- English and Spanish. RTD will continue to lead has yet to be determined. ment of the tunnel con- the way, as it already has MMIZMIMMIIIIIIIIIIIIIMMI Investigators have found no struction contract was been doing." evidente of arson, but transferred to the Rail Safety, courtesy, admitted that any clues left Construction Corporation, a "I also believe this convenience, and access to were doubtless destroyed by subsidiary of the Los transit stops and vehicles the intense heat of the fire. Angeles County Transporta- message will inspire are contained as clauses in Commuters found tion Commission, on July the document. our employees to getting to work on Monday 10, three days before the morning a problem as only fire occurred. strive for a higher The complete text of the two northbound lanes of document follows below. level of public service." RTD Transit Rider Bill of Rights 111n1n•n••n11•1 For more than 25 years, "This declaration today the Southern California is the first of a series of Rapid Transit District has actions intended to restore operated with one mission the District's confidence in mind: To provide each and credibility with the passenger with safe, public," said Patsaouras. "I reliable, efficient, and also believe this message comfortable transportation, will inspire our employees treating each patron in a to strive for a higher level courteous and pleasant of public service." manner. With more than He added: "It is our 1.3 million daily boardings, belief that RTD bus and rail the fulfillment of this riders have the right to a mission is no easy task. We statement of policy commit- know that we don't always ment from the agency that meet your expectations or was formed more than 25 ours. We are striving to years ago to serve them." offer the best service to "Today we are proud to every passenger on every Within 10 feet of the quieted freeway, the tunnel caved in. formalize our pledge to bus. For this reason, we are At the end of the elongated fissure in the earth, smoke provide each passenger pleased to introduce our spewed out. with safe, reliable, efficient, Transit Rider Bill of Rights.

SEPTEMBER 1990 HEADWAY 17 Transit Rider Bill of Rights continued from page 17 unforeseen events, and country. We believe that traffic congestion may every rider has the right to hinder that effort, though expect that our vehicles will our intent to provide be well-maintained, clean, convenient service will not and free from graffiti. We

LUP change. have committed more than $10 million annually to • Access to Transit Stops combat vandalism and and Vehicies graffiti and have invested heavily in repainting and When designing refurbishing our equipment. passenger stops, we always keep the needs of the rider Those are the clauses of in mind to assure conven- our Bill of Rights for our ient access. The RTD is riders. If you have any committed to making its suggestions, concerns, RTD Board President Nick Patsaouras (center), RTD fleet 100 percent accessible complaints, commenda- General Manager Man Pegg (left), and Transit Police Chief to seniors and the disabled. tions, or ideas on how we Sharon Papa introduce the Transit Rider Bill of Rights to If a wheelchair passenger can better serve you, we the public. has trouble boarding one of want to know. For those our buses, we will make matters, you can resch us You Have The Right • courtesy every effort to ensure that at 1-800-2LA-RIDE during To: the passenger completes business hours. Or, you the trip. The RTD has can record your message We believe that established 1-800-621-7828 any time of day or night everyone should be as a "Hotline" for wheel- and well get back to you. • Freedom of Choice treated with courtesy and chair lift service problems. We will respond within 10 respect. working days to your We believe that • Timely and Accurate questions, concerns, and consumers should have the Information complaints. opportunity and the "We want to make freedom to choose their Each rider has the If you wish to write to us, means of transportation. metropolitan Los right to receive correct and our address is: We believe that employers Angeles an timely information on should allow employees the transit service and fares. Southern California Rapid option of driving or taking example for the At the RTD, we make every Transit District public transit to work. nation in public effort to advise our riders of Transit Rider Bill of Rights Today, few companies changes in service, routes, 425 S. Main St. subsidize employee use of transit courtesy and other pertinent infor- Los Angeles, CA 90013- public transit while almost mation. We have telephone 1393 and efficiency" all subsidize parking. information operators available to provide assis- We are committed to • A Safe Journey • Convenience tance at 1-800-2LA-RIDE quality service. Join with which is available from 6 us to • ake it a reality. In operating our Our goal is to make a.m. to midnight, 7 days a week. transit system, we believe sure our buses are there when you need them and that safety is the primary a-32-01,tv-> • Quality Service consideration. When you are routed to where you ick Patsaouras go. Every effort step into an RTD bus or need to President, RTD Board train, we make every effort will be made to meet Today, the RTD has published transit schedules to provide a safe journey, one of the most modern and comprehensive mainte- whether you're going down so you can travel as Southern California Rapid planned. Safety concerns, the block or across town. nance programs in the Transit District

SEPTEMBER 1990 HEADWAY 18 Guaranteed On-Time Performance or Patrons Ride Free

RTD Board President Nick ridership crested at a high focus on customers, which trips on any given day now Patsaouras on July 25 of 1.8 million passengers a is a definition of good run about 15 minutes late. unveiled phase two of the day, it has fallen to 1.3 service. Second, it sets From September District's Transit Rider Bill million. Ridership has clear performance stan- through December, if an of Rights and announced a remained flat in the dards, which boost perform- RTD bus is more than 15 proposal designed to intervening years. He did ance and morale. Third, it minutes late in arriving, improve on-time bus acknowledge that some of generates undeniable data then the patron rides free. performance by offering the loss in ridership was (through payouts) when RTD patrons who use a free rides to patrons whose attributable to the loss of performance is poor. monthly pass would be bus is more than 15 Proposition A subsidies Fourth, it forces an organi- given a fare receipt good minutes late. The proposal which held the fare down to zation to examine its entire towards a discount on the was approved by the RTD 50 cents. service delivery system for purchase of a monthly pass Board of Directors at their possible failure points. at a later time. regular meeting held July 1131131131111111311M111111111111111111111111M Finally, it builds customer Drivers are on an honor 26. loyalty, sales, and market system regarding any An attempt to improve "The RTD will share. reconciliation with passen- the District's on-time "We are going to put gers who are kept waiting. continue to lead performance, the plan, put our money where our If any dispute arises, in place September 1, the way as it mouth is," said Patsaouras. Patsaouras said, "The encompasses all bus lines in He added that the program customer is always right." the District's 1,400 square already has been will probably cost the "We want to make mile service area, said District $1 to $2 million in metropolitan Los Angeles doing. Our Patsaouras. lost revenue. "This is a an example for the nation "According to a recent employees will be long-term investment and in public transit efficiency report issued by the we should be willing to pay and reliability," Patsaouras Southern California proud to make for it." he said. said. "The RTD will Association of Govern- Assistant General continue to lead the way as this work." ments, a major concern Manager for Planning and it already has been doing. among Los Angeles citizens, Public Affairs Gary Spivack Our employees will be MIMMII1111111111•111•111n1 third only to crime and said that there was no way proud to make this work." drugs, is an alternative to "This on-time guaran- of telling how the experi- On completion of the driving their cars. Conges- tee, coupled with the ment would work out. program, the on-time tion is a big concern," said Transit Riders Bill of "What we do know is that performance of RTD Patsaouras. Rights, is intended to we will respond to the services will be evaluated, "We should run the restore the District's service needs of our pa- generating valuable data RTD organization as a confidence and credibility trons." He admitted that that can be used to set clear business because that's with the public we serve," about 2 percent of all bus performance standards. what it is. It employs over said Patsaouras. "I also 8,500 people and has an believe this message will annual budget of $615 boost employee perform- million," he said. "There's a ance and morale." perception that people can't Patsaouras believes depend on us and some- the service guarantee will times it's justifiably so." work because it will push Patsaouras emphasized the entire organization to that the RTD could learn much from the private AGM for Planning and sector regarding customer Public Affairs Gary Spivack behavior and attitudes, gave details to the press marketing, management by about the RTD's new on- objectives, and commitment time service guarantee to excellent service. He program which began noted that since 1985, when September 1.

SEPTEMBER 1990 HEADWAY 19 RTD Offers Experimental Service to Metro Rail Northeastern San Fernando Valley Employees Get a

interfaces more often with 6-Month Line 169 (Saticoy Street- Sunland Boulevard). Buffer Period Finally, a new Line 90-91 (Routes 406-407) terminal The District continues to was established at Main manage many facets of and 11th streets replacing Metro Rad construction the current layover location until the Los Angeles near Venice Boulevard. County Transportation Over the last six Commission's Rail Con- months, area residents and struction Corporation elected officials including (RCC) has hired sufficient Los Angeles City Council- staff and consultants to man Ernani Bernardi, manage the project. County Supervisor Michael RTD, public officials, and community leaders welcomed LACTC has not been able to Antonovich, and State new bus service which extends to Sylmar, Lake View fully staff the RCC as Assemblyman Richard Katz Terrace, and Pacoima. Cutting the ribbon on the new quickly as expected. have requested the service. service were, from the left to right: RTD Board President Likewise, the Metro Rail Additionally, the feasibility Nick Patsaouras, Los Angeles City Councilman Ernani staff have found there are of adding such service was Bernardi, County Supervisor Michael Antonovich, Chair of many close-out responsibili- tackled at the recent the Northeast Valley Community Improvement Association ties and a need to keep the summer meeting of the San of Pacoima Ray Jackson, and RTD General Manager Man project an schedule in the Fernando Valley Transpor- Pegg. transition. In order to do tation Summit. The this, Metro Rail staff have organization is comprised of been retained beyond the RTD Board President Nick section of the San Fernando representatives from a transition date of July 1, Patsaouras, joined by Valley," said Patsaouras at number of public agencies 1990, when RCC expected County Supervisor Michael a morning ribbon-cutting under the leadership of to assume responsibility for Antonovich, Los Angeles ceremony at a bus shelter Patsaouras. the entire Metro Rail City Councilman Ernani on the grounds of the Olive "We expect this management. Bernardi, and local commu- View Medical Center in extension to attract signifi- In order to smooth this nity leaders an July 12, Sylmar. "The District is cant new patronage along transition, employees had 1990, officially welcomed implementing this route the Foothill Boulevard to be given an extra guaran- the extension of RTD extension because of corridor," added tee that they would not be service into the expanding mushrooming residential Patsaouras. summarily laid off. The northeastern San Fernando and commercial develop- Added Bernardi: "The RTD Board of Directors in Valley. ment that has occurred community must work June approved a one-time Calling transportation along Foothill Boulevard together to ensure that the modification to the regular options to the area "critical north of Sunland." needs of the northeast layoff policy which protects and crucial," Patsaouras Line 90-91 route Valley are not overlooked, Metro Rail employees for said RTD will lead the way modifications, which were and that residents get the six months if they have not toward transit solutions by instituted on a six-month services they deserve. RTD been hired by the RCC extending on an experimen- test, include extending is part of that solution and when their position is tal basis Line 90-91 to the service from Sunland to the will provide this area with abolished at RTD. They Lake View Terrace and Olive View Medical Center affordable public transit." will be given temporary Olive View areas of the City via Foothill Boulevard. The District expects the positions in other RTD of Los Angeles. Also the turnaround loop new ridership and revenue departments, to be used on "RTD is responding to operation at Foothill and generated should offset the various special projects the lack of public transpor- Sunland boulevards is to be slight increase in the cost of tation in the northeastern modified slightly so that it operating the extension. . . . continued on page 21

SEPTEMBER 1990 H E A D W A Y 20 Metro Rail Affirmative Action Program Praised by Employees continued from page 20 Los Angeles County Grand Jury which cannot be completed by existing staff. This will The Los Angeles County also provide the displaced Grand Jury issued a report employees with time to on July 10 recommending seek other employment. that RTD be the sole agency Approximately half the used to certify all Disadvan- Metro Rail-funded staff taged Business Enterprise have elected this special (DBE) programs in the protection package. Those county. Metro Rail employees who The report, prepared have thus far left District for the Grand Jury by the employment have chosen international accounting the traditional layoff policy, firm of Ernst and Young, with severance package. praised RTD's certification As of July 27, 20 people process as "thorough and have been hired by RCC, 25 professional" and urged have taken other jobs that the District assist outside the District or RCC, other county agencies in Assistant General Manager-Equal Opportunity Walter and 16 have transferred to their DBE certification Norwood addresses a prees conference held July 10, other District departments, procedures. following the release of the recommendation of the District's Seventy-four employees "RTD is going to Affirmative Action Program by the Los Angeles County remain on Metro Rail staff. contact all agencies who Grand Jury. He was joined by RTD General Manager Alan have DBE programs and Pegg (center) and RTD Board President Nick Patsaouras work with them to comply Rideshare (right). with the Grand Jury's Program recommendation for Nobody needs to tell you standardizing certification businesses. By giving them as required by the federal that the air quality in procedures," säid RTD the opportunity to obtain Department of Transporta- Southern California is Board President Nick contracts financed with tion (DOT) regulations. terrible. The worst in the Patsaouras. "We have public funds, RTD is • Verification proce- country as a matter of fact. proven to be a leader in this sparking economic growth dures were consistent with So the RTD is doing its part important area and we are in our ethnically diverse DOT guidelines. to clear the air by getting willing to work with others community." • All files reviewed its own employees out of to involve DBEs in the The purpose of the indicated certification was their cars and into Ride mainstream of American study was to review and properly granted to the Sharing. business enterprise." document the procedures, businesses and per the The RTD Ride Share The Grand Jury also applications, and processes material submitted by the Program will include found that because RTD local government agencies business and per DOT commuting options and will was so thorough in its use in certifying disadvan- guidelines. provide incentives and certification process many taged business enterprises. • All field visits rewards to those who other local entities accept Additionally, the report conducted verified offices participate. The program its certification rather than assessed how effective and owners as they were kicks off with Ride Share establish their own proce- these programs have been reported to the RTD, and Week, October 1-7, offering dures. in fostering economic documented within their environmental education, "We are proud of our development in minority- certification files. "meet your match" car- Affirmative Action program owned businesses. pooling get-togethers, and pleased with the Grand The Grand Jury issued Patsaouras also noted prizes, and lots more! Jury's findings," said the following findings about that the Grand Jury's Watch for upcoming Ride Patsaouras. "For a decade the District's DBE program: report specifically com- Share Week announce- the District has played a mended Assistant General ments and get with the key role in helping minori- • Most files were Manager for Equal Oppor- program! ties and women build their complete, with information tunity Walter Norwood.

SEPTEMBER 1990 HEADWAY 21 FY 1991 Goals for Equipment Maintenance

by Michael Leahy, Asst. and the number of passen- late in the fiscal year automobiles, fork-lifts, Director of Equipment ger complaints. These period. Equipment Engi- trucks, and other specialty Maintenance indicators will be measured neering will also be respon- equipment for use at the for both bus and rail operating divisions and the July 1, 1990 marked the activities. CMF. start of the District's FY Goals for the CMF Key indicators for the The department will 1991 budget period. Each include 600 engine over- continue its training year at this time, the hauls, 200 mid-life buses, department continue programs, and continue the department starts over as 600 complete bus paint division quarterly award far as measuring its goals jobs, and approximately to be the timeliness of program for excellence. In and objectives. For FY91, 300 bus sets of windows to PMP (inspections), the the new year, we will put in the Equipment Mainte- be replaced. place a program to recycle nance Department, has an The District's Alternate number of service our antifreeze as a means operating budget of Fuels Section will run to reduce the hazardous $142,525,000 and nearly one million miles of cancellations, number waste output. We will $24,466,000 for its capital service with methanol of buses out late, miles bring oil analysis to expenses. The budget also buses and approximately function in house as provides for 1,974 stall 325,000 miles with CNG between road calls opposed to continuing the positions. buses. Up to 12 buses will contracted service. n111•n•••• We have a goal to sible for preparing specifi- improve overall department cations for over 200 new attendance by 5 percent.

ARE YOU Interested in your Retirement Plan Options with the RTD?

Merrill Lynch cordially invites you and a guest to attend our special RTD Retirement Planning Seminar. NEXT RTD RETIREMENT PLANNING SEMINAR Specific department be modified to operate an Upcoming Dates: September 10, 1990, goals for the year include methanol-avocet and 21 or October 8, 1990, Operation of 100,775,000 buses will be modified to or November 12, 1990 hub miles for the bus fleet. operate with particulate Time: 7:00 p.m. traps. The District will Length of Seminar: One hour This translates to approxi- Place: 400 South Hope Street mately 1,400 inspections of have a total alternate fuel 3rd Floor the bus fleet per month. clean diesel fleet of 74 Downtown Los Angeles buses. The Light Rail group will Refreshments will be served operate just under 2 million The Emission Lab Parking Validation Available revenue miles. construction project will Key indicators for the continue through most of To Reserve a space or for more Information department continue to be the year, with a scheduled the timeliness of PMP opening date of June 1991. Call Roberta Mitchell, Financial Consultant (inspections), the number of Equipment Engineer- (213) 236-2125 or (800) 937-0620 x 2125 service cancellations, ing Plans to buy 71 addi- tional new Flxible buses by Seminars are one hour in length, are held every second Monday of the month, and number of buses out late, cover the important decisions you have to face regarding your retirement from the miles between road calls, November and complete RTD. We strongly recommend that both you and your spouse attend. Please cal' cost per vehicle mile, specifications for another ahead to reserve a space at the Seminar and for directions. The Seminar is free, there is no obligation. passing CHP inspections, 150 buses to be advertised

SEPTEMBER 1990 HEADWAY 22 No Surprises in Dueling 1990 Roadeos This year the Maintenance particularly frustrating for competition will get more 21, and Carrie, 18, quietly and Transportation Depart- Jackson because he lost by intense at the internation- celebrated his victory. He ments held their Roadeos only one point. As a als," he said. enjoys the competition and concurrently at Santa Anita consolation, Jackson took a The international just likes to see how he Race Track. The stage was monetary prize of $750. competition is sponsored by stacks up against the other set for a break with the Division 9's Robert Apodaca the American Public competitors. When not past; perhaps some big came in third with a score Transit Association and will driving or competing, upset, a darkhorse candi- of 597 and he took home match Brenchley against Brenchley's hobbies include date coming up from behind $500. Fourth-place winner, scores of the best drivers woodworking, shooting, at the last moment. But no, Candelario Gomez from from throughout the United camping, and water sports it didn't happen that way. Division 8, scored 594 States and Canada. The with his family. On that blazing hot July 21 points and won $250. winner of the international Transportation Roadeo Division 12 Operator Brenchley won his first competition takes a $1,000 competitors were judged by Howard Brenchley won his Roadeo in 1977, his second savings bond and a trophy RTD staff, DMV, and law fifth Roadeo in his 19 years in 1980, his third in 1982, as the prize. Brenchley enforcement officials as of service and Division 10's and his fourth in 1986. His placed sixth twice in the they steered their buses Mechanics won for the placement and score of 622 international competitions through 11 grueling, second year in a row. allows him to go on to in 1977 and 1980, in 1986 simulated road problems in However, the big difference compete in the Interna- he tied for sixteenth place. 7 minutes or fess. The was that for the first year tional Bus Roadeo held at "I think the Roadeo is formidable course required ever a woman placed in the the end of September in great! It's money well spent. each Operator to take his or top-ten circle of the Trans- Houston, Texas. As the I think the RTD should her 13-ton bus through portation competition. winner of the 1990 Trans- make it more attractive to obstacles called the serpen- Helen Cruz, a part-timer portation Bus Roadeo, get entrants. I've noticed tine, rear dual clearance from Division 15 placed Brenchley takes home a other organizations manage (means you have to maneu- sixth out of 29 competing check for $1,000 and prizes to get 50 to 65 percent ver your rear wheels finalists with a score of 580. that include an all-expenses participation from their through a narrow row of Helen has competed paid trip to the internation- drivers while we are lucky tennis balls without three times previously but als. to get 5 percent," said upsetting any), left- and this was her first time Brenchley, a resident right-hand reverse, and making it to the finals. "I To be eligible to of Yorba Linda where he finally, a barrel of fun--the was nervous my first time resides with his wife diminishing clearance. The being out here, but it wasn't enter the roadeo, Connie and their three course is designed to test a as bad as I thought it was children, Scott, 23, Stacy, an operator must going to be. Once I got continued on page 24 . . . started I felt pretty com- measure up to a set fortable," she said. Helen is a part-time student at Cal of rigid standards State-LA where she is that take into majoring in psychology. She plans to become an account his or her elementary school teacher. Division 9 Operator past driving Robert Jackson tried hard record and OAF3D,Btl$ to break out of his second- place syndrome. But as personal 5445 1 luck would have it for the I HE third year in a row, Jackson appearance. ntei took second place again 42 421∎ ‘, with a score of 621. "Al- "I was surprised," said I 524 0 ways the bridesmaid but Brenchley. "I never think I Director of Transportation Leilia Bailey announces Howard never the bride," as Direc- do as well as I do. They are Brenchley as the Transportation Bus Roadeo winner for tor of Transportation Leilia all good drivers, maybe I 1990 with a score of 622. This is Brenchley's fifth time to Bailey said. This loss was just had a good day. The win the honor.

SEPTEMBER 1990 HEADWAY 23 . . . Roadeos . . . continued from page 24 driver's ability, judgment, dents, must have had no and knowledge of safety more than three missouts, regulations. and must have had no sus- To be eligible to enter pensions. the Roadeo, an operator During the driving test, must measure up to a set of a pair of judges rides with rigid standards that take each operator, scoring him into account his or her past or her for smoothness of driving records and per- operation and safety skills. sonal appearance. In This test must be com- addition to successfully pleted in less than seven completing a written safety minutes to prevent loss of test, the operator--for a points. Each contestant period of one year prior to begins with 700 points, the competition--must have with points subtracted for mistakes made while had no chargeable acci- RTD Instructors Frank Alejandro (left) and Frank Cecere maneuvering through the (co-coordinator of the Roadeo, center), and Chris Wood from course. The demands of the the Pasadena Police Department sit in judgment at the course are unsparing, for diminishing clearance obstacle on the course. each second over 7minutes, one point is deducted from the total points given. Operators, mechanics, judges, family, and on- lookers were treated to a breakfast prepared by San Gabriel Valley Boy Scouts and their leaders. The com- petition began promptly at 8:00 a.m. Operators TOS Tony Malone signals started down the course the drivers to move out and every five minutes while begin their turn on the every third Operator was a formidable obstacle course. mechanic completing the driving obstacle segment of Division 7 Operator Aubrey McGlory and his wife Tracy the competition. wait patiently for his turn on the course. McGlory's rooting This combined competi- section also includes daughter Brittaney and son Jason.

Little Raymond Ramirez, a Ninja Turtle fan, found the Maintenance Department's static displays of equipment, Eating a Boy Scout-made namely the tow truck a lot breakfast. more interesting. Judge Russ Wilson calmly makes his call. continued on page 25 .. .

SEPTEMBER 1990 H E A D W A Y 24 Dina Luna judges at the first right turn. Dina is from the DMV--Montebello office. Division 15's Helen Cruz, the only woman to compete this year, gets a respectable sixth-place showing in her third year of competition.

Judges Gwen Keene and Vernon Monroe do the measuring at the second passenger stop.

Boy, what an intense day!

The Maintenance Roadeo continues an page 26. Vicki Varga and Leilia Bailey join in a tribute to the finalists.

SEPTEMBER 1990 H EADWAY 25 . . . Roadeos . . . continued from page 25 Pedemonte. "I feel real tion marks Maintenance's good about winning this second interdivisional year. I think I did a lot Roadeo competition. The better than some of the bus Maintenance Roadeo drivers an the driving included a three-part course. The nationals will competition: be tough, but I think we'll • Power Train Defect-- pull it off. Last year we two team members were re- placed tenth, this year we quired to identify various should do better." mechanical defects for "It's exciting!" said one cumulative points within 10 of Division 10's winning minutes, correct them, and team members Michael maintain an idle of 600 Junyk. "But this is just a rpms. stepping stone to the • Vehicle Inspection-- nationals. We can't afford two team members in- to relax because now we spected a coach for opera- represent the RTD and we tional readiness and don't take that lightly. We recorded all related abnor- want to do well in Cleve- malities within a specific land, so we aren't taking amount of time. anything for granted." • Driving the Obstacle Division 10's team won the Maintenance Roadeo title. The The CMF team ranked Course--one team member members include Marco Pedemonte (standing an ladder) second with a total score of operated a coach through Michael Junyk (left), Miguel Enriquez (right), and Richard 519 points. Each team the same driving course an Reynoso (front) member took home a $750 which the bus operators competed. The team mem-

Timekeeper Roslyn Townsend readies the contestants from Behind a stainless steel partition, Maintenance Instructor Division 10 for the power train event. Michael Junyk (left) Richard Au and Ron Cotroneo bug the seif-standing engine and Miguel Enriquez (right) were required to stand behind which bedeviled each contestant who confronted it. a line until Roslyn told them to go. ber was rated an safety monte, Michael Junyk, and possession of the perpetual monetary prize. Their team habits and was timed their coach/alternate trophy. The team members included Charles Judson, throughout the course. Richard Reynoso racked up became eligible to represent Javier Castro (one of last Division 10's crack cumulative points of 578. the RTD at the National year's winners), and Sal team won for the second Each team member was Roadeo in Cleveland, Ohio Bottancino. Division 9 held consecutive year. The first- awarded $1,000, a plaque, a held August 17-19. an to third place with a place winners, Miguel watch, event tickets, and "It feels great to win," final score of 507. The Enriquez, Marco Pede- the satisfaction of retaining said Division 10's Marco team was comprised by

SEPTEMBER 1990 HEA DWAY 26 Jesse Estrada, Rene ence as well as the judges Martinez, and Jaime while they figured out what Lozano, each of whom won was wrong with the self- $500. Division 12's team, standing engine specially which included Larry rigged with 7 defects. The Tilley, Timothy Burke, and mechanics had to isolate Albert Semadeni came in the bugs within 10 minutes fourth with a combined in order to score in this part score of 460 points. of the competition. Division 7's team was The 1990 Maintenance the first to include a Roadeo Coordinating woman. Service Attendant Committee was chaired by Eva Torres, 29, drove the Ray Kunkle; members obstacle course for her included Annie Zavala, team. Yolanda Perez, Mike Each participating Bottone, John McBryan, Junyk and Enriquez work as a team to detect each of the 7 contestant offered valiant Marco Sanchez, Vicki bugs that cripple the engine. performances considering Varga, and Mike Stange. the time pressure and the close scrutiny of the audi-

"Just a stepping

stone to the

Nationals."

Marco Pedemonte and Enriquez locate bus defects during the Vehicle Inspection.

Division 7's team includes from left to right: Paul Rivera, The Roadeo coordinators, from left to right: Mike Stange, Eva Torres, and Tom Blatz. Vicki Varga, and Ray Kunkle.

SEPTEMBER 1990 HEADWAY 27 An Interview with Neil Peterson,

at all bittersweet for the Headway: Congratu- Commission as the build- lations on a most successful ers of the Blue Line to give inaugural of the Blue Line. it to another organization How have you been faring to run? Any reluctance? I since the opening? Are you guess maybe some in your still cautiously optimistic organization would say it about the ridership level? was like having to hand Peterson: We need to over your baby? be cautious in reading too Peterson: No, we much into these early stats. have much more a feeling Lots of people want to feel of pride. This is our "son and touch our system, but or daughter" and we look this doesn't mean our at how well they are doing. projections of ridership It's comparable to your should rise. Let it settle daughter getting married out a bit. I'm not reading and you realize she's a much into it. woman in her own right or Neil Peterson was transportation and water when your son goes off to appointed to serve as quality. He also held posts college. The major feeling executive director of the Los in the state of Washington's Headway: Have you is one of pride and it Angeles County Department of Social and spent any time this week should be for both agen- Transportation Health Services previous to observing firsthand the cies. It is in the interest of Commission in February venturing into Blue Line operation? both agencies that the Blue 1989. transportation. Peterson: Yes. I live Line succeed. We want the Prior to joining the Peterson earned his in Long Beach and I plan to RTD to succeed in the LACTC, Peterson was B.A. at Williams College in take it every day. operation of this line. The president of his own Massachusetts, and holds a Headway: How do you RTD wants us to succeed Seattle-based company masters degree in public think the RTD is doing as in the construction of the EXECUTEMPS which and international affairs an operator so far? What other lines. provided interim from Princeton University. kind of grade would you management services for He and his wife haue give the RTD? Headway: Although I private and public sector four children. He currently Peterson: I think the enjoyed the technology of organizations. resides in Long Beach. RTD is doing beautifully. the Blue Line and the His experience in Peterson is 46 years old. I've got a good sense of comfort it provided, I transportation includes His affiliations include: what the RTD has had to go couldn't help but notice serving as interim general chairman, Strategie through during the last few that some of the neighbor- manager to the Alameda Planning Committee of the days to come through with hoods that the alignment County-Contra Costa American Public Transit almost flawless service. I travels through are some of County Transit District in Association; president, think it is way beyond what the most blighted in the 1988. And for six years, Williams College Alumni could have been expected. county. Is the Commission Peterson was the executive Association of Washington; Everybody at the RTD planning to initiate any director of the Municipality and coach, Seattle Youth deserves the highest marks, joint development on its of Metropolitan Seattle Soccer Association. the performance over the own rights of way or (METRO), the agency This interview with Mr. last few days rates an A to adjacent parcels in an responsible for public Peterson was held July 17, A+. The thanks go to all effort to stimulate revitali- 1990 the operators, maintenance, zation in those areas. the CCF personnel, sched- What kinds of land uses ulers, and all the hundreds are practical in those of RTD volunteers who areas? acted as ushers and guides. Peterson: We are aggressively looking for Headway: Has it felt joint development opportu-

SEPTEMBER 1990 H E A D W A Y 28 the Executive Director of the LACTC nities on the rights of way. Rail tunnel fire sends two not occur without some must be ready by the start Because of the perception messages to the public: 1) blood-letting, perhaps on of 1992. Many RTD that developers hold of It emphasizes the difficulty both sides? employees, and I am sure, those areas we haven't of constructing a complex Peterson: Yes. LACTC employees, wonder received as much interest. rail system. When com- how you interpret this But I think it's just a pleted the entire system Headway: You were mandate. Do you envision matter of time. A real will be the second largest in quoted in that same the RTD and the LACTC opportunity exists here, but the United States and we Journal article as saying merging, remaining sepa- it will take time as opposed will spend $10 billion doing "that historical animosity rate agencies with more to MOS-1 where the it over a 20 year period. [between the RTD and the clear, specifically defined developer community can And, 2) A lot of the public is LACTC] can play no part in roles, sharing the same see the potential. confused among the Blue, the future. There's no room board, or what? What form Headway: An article Red, and Green Lines. We for it." How will you do you believe the next in the July 2 issue of the had a schizophrenic situ- prevent that? When the incarnation will take? Los Angeles Business ation in one weekend. One RCC assumed its role as Peterson: This means Journal described you as day we have this fire and on Metro Rail builder, the we submit a plan by 1992. the "Jesse Jackson of the next day we have this practical result was that This is not my call. The transportation" in Los international news story on several hundred people lost boards will come up with Angeles. How do you keep the return of rail to Los their jobs. That's bound to proposals. It's premature hope alive regarding Angeles--it boggles the leave a lot of people with a to comment on the form and transportation solutions? mind of the public. bitter taste. How can you makeup. The Legislation What's the strategy, the People rise to the overcome that? appears to expect a pro- agenda? occasion and come together Peterson: Someone posal dealing with a single Peterson: I have no in emergencies I find. The who loses their job won't agency. The important comment on the characteri- tunnel fire, as bad as it feel positive. We want to thing from the point of view zation, that's just journalis- was, it was something that try to be sensitive to those of employees is that the tic license. But the major the RTD and the Commis- people. I know the RTD day-to-day requirements of issue facing us is the issue sion shared together. The Board has approved a six- operations of the RTD are of hope. Lots of Los cooperation between the month cushion for those there today and will be Angeles citizens have lost two agencies over this has people. We are trying to get there tomorrow regardless hope that things will get been spectacular, not to through so that, at the very of the organizational better in the future and mention with Cal-OSHA least, people know where structure. Reorganization that we can do something and Caltrans. In a they stand. Everyone who deals with a common policy about it. Without hope way...the events of the last wants a job with the RCC is direction so in this region people won't invest, or few days have put in encouraged to apply and we are not going different support agencies like the perspective the issues that can compete in the selection ways. RTD that need it. We need have been in front of these process. If they aren't Day-to-day work at the a strategy that the public two agencies for the last hired, they are given six- RTD, an agency that wants can embrace and believe in. few years. The fire and the month's notice. I know this to be the best transit For instance, we need to Blue Line opening...they may not sound like the operator in the United hold out to the public where were so significant. They greatest idea to someone States--both rail and bus-- we say "if we do the put our institutional battles who is losing his job, but at will still be there. following 10 things, this in perspective because least he knows where he will happen" and then these two things were stands. Worse is not Headway: You were make it happen. That's the really important. knowing. the general manager of the way to set up a strong Headway: The Com- Alameda County-Contra following. mission's subsidiary, RCC, Headway: Let me Costa County's Transit now has the leading role as jump right into the middle District. While the GM Headway: Has the the planner and builder of of the puddle now--AB there you were credited Metro Rail tunnel fire set Metro Rail, a role which 1784--the bill requires the with eliminating a $7 back that strategy in any until this year the RTD RTD and the LACTC to million deficit within 6 way? held. Wouldn't you agree reorganize into a unified Peterson: The Metro that this development did organization and that plan . . . continued on page 30

SEPTEMBER 1990 HEADWAY 29 • • • Interview with Neil Peterson continued

ees. Some municipal Headway: What will operators and other service that system look like? providers are concerned about the Commission's Peterson: RTD's sudden growth. They mission is to be the best worry that the money going major transit operator in to fund the Commission's the United States in bus expansion should be going and rail. I think the RTD to them. Should they be has all the human re- worried? sources to pull that off. The Peterson: The LACTC wants to be in the concern is legitimate. We position to do whatever we watch this very carefully. can to help make that All of us watch to see that happen. the scarce dollars go out to I think we all are months. How did you do the riding public. The sig- working to the same end that? arrangement with the nificant increase in our and goal. As employees of Ever consider working private sector regarding staff is related to the Rail the LACTC and the RTD with the feds, the RTC and the sale of some of our Construction Corporation begin to believe that then the S & L bailout--they assets. On the revenue and its construction efforts all that has been viewed as probably can use your help. side we adjusted our fare on the MOS-1. battles will just be viewed Peterson: There's no structure. This resulted in Headway: Similarly, as differences of opinion. simple answer. We looked raising the fares on some cities in the Blue Line I think we are all in at both the cost and routes and lowering them corridor worry that the this together. We are revenue side. We saw the on others in order to better local assistance they entering a new era. If we ways we could be more reflect our costs. We receive in Prop A dollars can begin to work together productive. We isolated our undertook some creative will be diverted from bus to make this a reality it's least productive routes. We financing with the sale of services to rail since the better not only for us as provided alternative service our assets such as the sale cost of running a rail employees but for our to meet night and weekend of our headquarters system is so much more customers, the riding needs. We refocused our building and retaining our costly. Is their concern public. I really do see service to more dramati- occupancy through an legitimate? something occurring here cally feed BART instead of economical leaseback Peterson: Again, it's slowly. lt is a significant trying to compete with it. arrangement. We also a legitimate concern. happening of improved, We invested heavily in went after additional Anyone who has taken a cooperative relationships. maintenance in order to federal and state funds. look at what it will take to But sometimes if you are reduce road calls. We operate a bus and rail too close to it, you can't see looked at our assets and Headway: The system knows it will take it. We will continue to do determined whether we LACTC approves projects more resources. Having our part to keep it going in could arrive at some and provides funds to said that, you're always that direction. transportation depart- dealing with scarce ments of the 86 cities in resources. We've got to Los Angeles County, the stretch our dollars. We've RTD, Caltrans, and 16 got to integrate systems as public and private bus best we can so that we are companies. This means using them efficiently. We you oversee freeway and have to integrate all bus highway construction and systems with Metro Rail, repair, bus service, and rail operate them effectively construction. About 18 and efficiently so that we months ago, the Commis- can ride out that financial sion only had about 100 crunch that is coming upon employees. Since then it us. That system has to be has grown to 389 employ- developed.

SEPTEMBER 1990 HEADWAY 30 First Light Rail Information Specialist Class Graduates The RTD's official "greet- Because the LACTC Department, Scheduling could get them into the ers" for the Metro Blue Line doesn't maintain those and Operations Planning, RTD system, and then were graduated from their operational positions within and the Customer Relations later transition them into special training dass the their organization, they ap- Department lent its best the RTD's permanent day before service began on proached the RTD in April talent to the success of this workforce as Telephone July 14. Dressed in smart to staff them. RTD's Equal project," said Smith. Information Clerks or in uniforms consisting of Opportunity Manager Targeting the unem- other related Fields." white shirts, maroon vests Roger Smith thought the ployed and underemployed Smith wrote the and gray slacks or skirts, program had great poten- in the Blue Line corridor, proposal and developed a the new Light Rail Informa- tial and willingly took the the RTD developed a list of budget for the program. tion Specialists proudly lead as project coordinator. community centers, The LACTC approved his accepted their certificates of The program was churches, schools, and job proposal and funded completion at a commence- funded by the LACTC and referral agencies from $260,000 to the program. ment exercise held at the developed and administered which to recruit in those "Next we found the depart- RTD Headquarters Build- by the Equal Opportunity communities. "We wanted ment [Employee Develop- ing. Department of the RTD. to train these candidates as ment] to do the training On opening day they "Specifically, RTD's Equal information clerks for the and Customer Relation ac- fearlessly and ably faced Opportunity Department, short-term, about 14 weeks, cepted administrative the throngs of thousands of Employee Education, on the platforms," said responsibility for them," he riders directing them to the Training and Development Smith. "It was our belief said. trains, answering scores of Department, Personnel that this was one way we "Every community in questions, handing out the corridor is represented reams of transit literature, and a good percentage of and all of it done with a these specialists are bilin- smile in order to generate gual in English and Span- community goodwill ish," he noted. through a positive introduc- The agencies were tion to the Blue Line looking for a few good service. people, 25 along with 3 The 80-hour curriculum supervisors to be exact, they received enabled them who they considered to be to inform riders about vital people-oriented and even- facts about the line, the fre- tempered, professional, quency of service, required neat, and able to learn and transfer points, proper retain transit information. fares, and transfer fees. "We felt we could find They were also available on The first dass of Light Rail Information Specialists quality people and we did. the platform to demon- graduated on July 13, just in time for the Grand Opening on In fact, these clerks sur- strate use of the automated the 14th. A more congenial group would be hard to find. passed our highest expecta- ticket vending machines, The bright, young graduates included, front row, from left to tions. They were bright, and report emergencies or right: Robert L. Brannan, Arthur G. Lowe, Cornelius energetic, enthusiastic, a any unsafe or unsanitary Lawler, Salvador Chavez, Jesus Lantigua, Elwynn Kirby, real pleasure to be around conditions at the station to and Greg Averetta (supervisor). Second row, from left to and work with," said the dispatcher. right: Angela C. Jones, Martha E. Williams, Violeta Smith. Ellen Nagler-Voce Many months in the Alvarez, Lisa R. Furby, Renee A. Ware, Victoria Woods, and and Deborah Bishop began planning, the genesis of the Maria C. Camacho. Third row, from left to right: Debbie training the dass for their training and placement Bishop (training coordinator), Terri E. Hernandez, Maria J. assignments at the Blue program was the LACTC's Gil (supervisor), Wendy B. Givan, Colette L. Thomas, Lola Line stations on July 2. interest in creating a S. McDaniel, DelAndrea McDaniels, Marian A. Bennett, Their assignments are demonstration project in Robin Hall, Francisca Conant, Ellen Nagler-Voyce funded through October 20. order to prove the viability (instructor), and Roger Smith (Equal Opportunity manager). Prior to the termination of of developing additional Fourth row, from left to right: Scott Mugford (assistant the program each specialist transit-related job training director of Customer Relations), Tom Longsden (Prepaid will receive follow-up in the communities served Sales manager), Estella M. Brown (supervisor), and Estella career counseling. by the Blue Line. Gail Ligon.

SEPTEMBER 1990 HEADWAY 31 IN MEMORIAM

Nguyen, Tai N., from Alvarado, Romaldo G., CHEDUL Janitor to Mopper Waxer. began with the District as a Palmero, Juan E., from Mechanic A on January 8, ANGES Mopper Waxer to Janitor. 1945, passed away on May Partida, Pablo E., from 1, 1990. Storekeeper to Stock Clerk. Cortez, Jesse M., began Robles, Jesse M., from with the District as a Bus Mechanic B to Mechanic A. Operator on June 23, 1963, Bangee, Bilal M., from mation Clerk. Schroder, Frank E., from passed away on May 16, Mechanic B to Mechanic Jackson, Edward J., from Schedule Planner to Sched- 1990. A. Information Clerk to Stock ule Manager. Breaux, Velma S., Clerk. Schwent, George D., from Desimone, Joseph T., from Transit Police Jackson, Jack L., from Stock Clerk to Storekeeper. began with the District as Officer to Transit Facilities Maintenance Siemens, Arthur, from a Bus Operator on Police Investigator. Supervisor I to Building Electrician Leader to Rail December 21, 1945, passed Clark, Leonard W., & Grounds Maintenance Traction Power Inspector. away on June 27, 1990. from Storekeeper to Supervisor I. Samiley, Romanitchiko, Stock Clerk. Loo, James P., from from Typist Clerk to Secre- Hicks, William 0., began Dolly, Debra L., from Senior Engineer to Senior tary. with the District as a Bus Personnel Clerk to Facilities Maintenance Taylor, Sam B., from Util- Operator on November 21, Clerk. Engineer. ity A to Utility A Leader. 1950, passed away on June Ebarb, Lorraine P., McWaters, Paul D., from Tena, John E., from Me- 20, 1990. from Clerk to Typist Transit Operations Super- chanic B to Mechanic A. continued on Page 33 . . . Clerk. visor to Senior Transit Op- Washington, Elaine A., Fluker, Dorothy A., erations Supervisor. from Mopper Waxer to from Transit Operations Mirabedy, Cambyse, from Janitor. Mitchell, Lawrence, Supervisor to Senior Programmer Analyst to Wilber, Sue B., from In- began with the District on Transit Operations Senior Programmer Ana- formation Clerk to Infor- June 14, 1969, retired as a Supervisor. lyst. mation/Schedule Room Senior Transit Operations Frazier, Errol, from Clerk. Supervisor on July 2, 1990. Mopper Waxer to Stock Ruiz, Ralph, began with Clerk. the District on January 14, Gomez, Jose S., from 1967, retired as a Bus Mechanic B to Mechanic Operator on June 30, 1990. A. -1IFTING Sloan, Richard E., began Gutdardo, Felipe lt., with the District on May 6, from Mopper Waxer to EARS 1964, retired as a Me- Messenger Clerk/Relief chanic A on June 12, 1990. Mail Carrier. Steward, Lewis E., began Ha, Huan Q., from Pro- with the District on July 1, grammer Analyst to 1974, retired as a Bus Senior Programmer Burney, Billie G., began Holt, Melvin M., began Operator on July 8, 1990. Analyst. with the District on Janu- with the District on March Tunstall, Fred, began with Hittinger, Myron F., ary 17, 1957, retired as a 20, 1971, retired as a Bus the District on May 27, 1967, from Equipment Service Storekeeper on July 5, Operator on July 9, 1990. retired as a Bus Operator on Supervisor to Equip- 1990. Jennings, Charles H. July 9, 1990. ment Maintenance Bush, Denver L., began began with the District on Villard, Earl E., began with Supervisor. with the District on April 3, March 2, 1967, retired as a the District on August 18, Howard, Kenneth D., 1965, retired as a Bus Utility A Leader on June 1972, retired as a Bus Opera- from Stock Clerk to Operator on July 1, 1990. 16, 1990. tor on February 18, 1990. Truck Driver/Cierk. Elks, George L., began Manier, James, began Witcher, Elmer D., began Igna, Marilyn J., from with the District on July 8, with the District on May 1, with the District on June 17, Information/Schedule 1967, retired as a Bus 1967, retired as a Me- 1967, retired as a Bus Op- Room Clerk to Infor- Operator on July 17, 1990. chanic A on July 2, 1990. erator on June 29, 1990.

SEPTEMBER 1990 H E A D W A Y 32 Just Another RTD Story in the Naked City Summer by Service Inspector #11419 operator motioned to her to woman and many passen- Graduate remain seated. It was gers were overheard On June 9, 1990 an elderly obvious that this poor praising the operator, Michael E. DeGhetto, son of Oriental woman was put on woman had no idea where exclaiming about all that he Division 9304 Equipment Operator Rolando Lopez' ehe was and was very went out of his way to do Maintenance Supervisor bus by a relative who paid nervous. At 3rd and Bixel for her. Michael S. DeGheto and her fare and then alighted. another Chinese woman I was truly impressed Irene DeGhetto, graduated The woman did not take a boarded and the operator by his concern for this from California State seat but stood standing had her reassure the woman and by all the effort Polytechnical University- near the operator. Lopez elderly woman that he was he put into helping her. I Pomona with a bachelor of asked the woman where taking her to her transfer hope he is commended for science in Mechanical she was going, but she did point. At that time the the fantastic job he is doing Engineering. Michael not reply. The operator elderly woman got out of out there. It's too bad we attended Rowland High asked again how far she her seat, walked over to the don't have more operators School. He has just was going, but the woman operator to pat him on the like him. accepted a position with the responded in Chinese. shoulder to express her Los Angeles Department of Realizing he would need a appreciation for all his help. P.S. Operator Rolando Water and Power. translator to help this Shortly thereafter the Lopez was commended by woman, he asked if anyone woman began to cry. She the Division Manager and EAP spoke Chinese. was obviously very grateful given two free tickets to a Unfortunately, no one for all the help she was Los Angeles Dodgers game lt Works did. By this time quite a given. Passengers were for displaying such exem- Call 1-800-221-0942 few passengers became truly touched by this plary service. concerned and began to oller helpful suggestions. Another passenger who was . . . IN MEMORIAM alighting at 3rd and . . . continued from page 32 Alvarado, suggested that the woman accompany her Goehler, George F., Randall, Richard D., Worsham, Elbert L., into a store adjacent to the began with the District began with the District as a began with the District as a stop to enlist the help of the as a Director of Bus Operator on April 11, Bus Operator on May 29, store owner who is Chinese. Transportation on June 28, 1956, passed away on June 1926, passed away on May The operator agreed and 1930, passed away on June 25, 1990. 22, 1990. had the passenger ask the 26, 1990. store owner to come out to Tatum, Calvin C., began Yocas, Peter P., began the bus to translate for him. Johnson, Roland R., with the District as a Bus with the District as a Shop About 30 seconds later, began with the District as a Operator on August 1, Clerk on Feburary 25, 1947, the passenger and the store Chief Clerk on October 1, 1960, passed away on May passed away on June 1, owner came out to the bus. 1946, passed away on May 29, 1990. 1990. The store owner questioned 15, 1990. the elderly lady who told Torres, Manuel C., her that she wanted to go to Lujan, Pedro M., began began with the District as For Sale Chinatown. The operator with the District as a a Bus Operator on had the store owner teil the Property Maintainer A September 9, 1944, passed woman to take a seat and Leader on September 10, way on April 26, 1990. he would take her to 6th 1956, passed away on 1982 Honda 185-S ATC, and Broadway where she January 30, 1990. Virden, Artra, began 1984 Honda 200-S ATC, could transfer to the 45 bus. with the District as a Bus 1987 Zieman 12' ATV She translated the message Lundine, Stanley M., Operator on July 1, 1947, trailer with side rails, and then alighted. Several began with the District as a passed away on June 3, ramps, and easy lift. times along the way the Bus Operator on April 3, 1990. Complete package $1600 elderly woman got up from 1946, passed away on May firm. Call Jerry at (213) her seat to alight, but the 25, 1990. 921-3882.

SEPTEMBER 1990 HEADWAY 33 Avenue, beeped his horn at possesses is his friendli- a critical moment, when the ness. occupant of one vehicle Any time a passenger

fired , four rounds of a asks a question about how weapon at the other vehicle. to get from one place to OMMENDATIONS As school had just dis- another, Cliff does his best missed, his action caused to answer, and to make both vehicles to move out of sure that the answer has the intersection and been understood. He ultimately out of the area. makes sure the flow of Thanks for a Job Well Blocker, R. F. Thus, no Westchester High people on a crowded bus is Done! Gonzalez, Victor School students were as orderly as possible. He Habler, Loren injured in the violent makes sure handicapped Division 3201 Leon, Robert altercation. passengers are given Cordova, Efrain Palmer, Michael After our investigation, convenient seats up front. Hinojos, Alberto Pepper, George we have determined that it He has a friendly hello for Legier, Vernon appears that no students everyone, and a warm good- Lopez, Rolando Division 3210 presently enrolled at bye when we reach our McClinton, Dale Villagomez, Mary Westchester High School stops. All his regular Quintero, Clift Yepiz, Waldo were involved. Thanks to passengers love Cliff. Reeves, Lorraine the fast thinking and Tomorrow will be his Division 3212 bravery of Mr. Dancy, there last day on our run. I have Division 3203 Cardias, Peter were no innocent victims. looked forward to seeing Cowherd, Precious It pleases me to report him at the end of each day Hicks, Preston Division 3215 to you this action of courage and, as I have already told Jones, Bobby Buchanan, Robert on behalf of one of your him, I will miss him. Moran, Ramon Mayes, Norman* employees. Cliff Quintero surely Sovde, Howard Robinson, Frank deserves to be recognized as Sweeney, David Sincerely, a shining example of what a Division 3205 White, Reyna bus driver should be. He is Eileen B. Banta reliable. He is in command Davis, Lee Division 3216 Principal of his vehicle and his Ellis, Wendall Ballard, William passengers respect him. He Dear RTD: is kind and friendly and Division 3206 Division 3218 I am writing this letter helpful. He should be Krause, Rudy Williams, Freddie to praise one of your finest rewarded in whatever ways bus drivers, Mr. Cliff RTD has available, whether Department 3296 Quintero, who has been it is promotion to Line Division 3207 Dancy, Eddie driving the 14 line for the Instructor, or some other Coble, Willard past several months. position, or just a raise or a Dytuco, Ronaldo I have been an RTD bonus. I hope you will find Fair, Freddie *Received more than passenger for about 12 a way to show appreciation Oliver, Joe* one commendation years, traveling to and from to him. He is truly one of Weathersbee, Handy work every day. Of all the the best! Dear RTD: drivers I have ridden with Division 3208 I would like to com- over this time, I have never Sincerely, Hawks, James mend to your attention the been as impressed as I am McCreery, Robert action of RTD Supervisor with Mr. Quintero. He is Judy Rose Negri, Ron Eddie Dancy on the after- extremely professional Plummer, William noon of May 21, 1990. about his job. He always Dear RTD: Schmidt, Leonard Mr. Dancy, noting two tries to give us a safe, I am writing you to call Spencer, Laverne vehicles in a car chase at smooth ride. He is a very to your attention the the intersections of Manch- good driver. But the most extreme courtesy and con- Division 3209 ester Avenue and Hasting outstanding quality he sideration shown by one of

SEPTEMBER 1990 H E A D W A Y 34 your drivers, Dale McClin- ate its values nor the bus To All Transportation ton. drivers. Rail Operations Employees: I was late for a medical I've been riding the Dear Editor: Thank you! appointment, and as I saw RTD euer since eighth On or about June 1, Thank you! the bus approaching, I tried grade. I just wanted to drop 1990, the riders of one of Thank you! to run to be at the next bus a line and say that the RTD the early #444 buses to You did it, and with stop. As I am a senior has a heck of a lot of downtown presented a "Bus such dass and style. I am citizen and it was sizzling wonderful bus drivers. Driver of the Year" award so pleased and proud to hot--I was sure I couldn't Let me tell you some- to Peter Cardias. The have been part of this make it. To my surprise, thing. I was so scared to signers of this certificate tremendous project with the driver slowed down and start high school. And I thought it would be a good you. It was a long and often allowed me to catch the remember that the first news item for the RTD difficult project, but I bus. person who wished me a newsletter. A Mr. James C. always knew that you would I thanked him and he nice day on my first day of Yang, an employee of your succeed. Work conditions said, "It's too hot for a lady high school was a bus department, and a fellow were not always optimal, your age to be running for a driver. And I really needed passenger, suggested that I but you dug in, hung on, bus." I noticed he was very that. You know it's really write to you. and delivered. You have patient and kind to a couple hard for me to get up early Since this presentation, provided a historical of other passengers. in the morning and think Mr. Cardias has had his moment in time which will about a new school day. route changed to, I believe, not be forgotten. Thanks Sincerely yours, Well, just the thought of #232 to Long Beach. The again. seeing such nice people 27+ of us want it to be Janet Terhoeven makes me want to hurry known, here and now, that and not miss my bus. we miss him and should the Leilia M. Bailey Dear RTD: I do have to teil you occasion arise that he be Director of Transportation This driver, Handy that there are some particu- transferred back to our Weathersbee, is an example lar bus drivers who have in route, WE WANT HIM for other drivers to be. I fact waited for me a couple BACK! was in my wheelchair at of minutes. Tomorrow is Freda Maltin the next stop after 7th my last day of school and I Street in Santa Monica. He really want to thank Loren was so polite and so Hubler and Victor Gonzalez How To Use the TVM's understanding, courteous, for making this year one of RTD monthly bus pass users can use their passes to neat, and such a safe the best. They are the first ride the trains at no added cost. driver. It was a real people I talk to in the The system operates on an honor system. Once a pleasure to ride with him. morning and they really patron buys a ticket he or she will not have to show it to His stops were so cheer me up! If it wasn't for board. smooth. I sat in my the RTD being on time (you To purchase a Blue Line ticket from one of the new wheelchair and didn't worry guys are great!) I'd probably ticket vending machines, patrons must follow these steps: about a thing. We got off at be late to school, or have to 1. For regular fare, press either "rail only" for a trip 8th and Hill streets. walk a long way. ending at a rail station, or "rail/bus to continue the trip on Thanks to the company To make the story a bus. (When boarding a bus from a train, the ticket for having a driver like him. short, the bus drivers are should be handed to bus operator, not inserted into the all nice people. I wish I'd electronic farebox). Maudie Campbell meet nice people like you 2. Press "senior/disabled" if qualified for this dis- everyday, but that's asking counted fare. Dear RTD: for too much. Well, keep up 3. Deposit the appropriate fare shown on the screen. My name is Consuelo the good work. 4. Receive ticket and change. Tickets will be valid Galvez, a freshman at until the printed expiration time (normally about two Pasadena High School. It Sincerely, hours) and riders must retain their tickets throughout the has come to my attention trip. that many people who ride Consuelo Gomez 5. A cancel button is available to terminate a transac- the RTD bus do not appreci- tion at any time before printing begins.

SEPTEMBER 1990 HEADWAY 35 MENDATIONS

Electronic Communication Technician Kay Koopman was selected as the Facilities Maintenance Employee of the Month for May. Assigned to Division 2, Ms. Koopman is responsible for repairing radios, electronic headsigns, public address systems, and electronic fare boxes. She has been with the District since September 1989 and has an excellent attendance record. She is a skilled radio technician and does an outstaruling job at whatever task she is assigned. During May she was assigned to break in a new technician along with managing an extremely heavy work loacl. She has shown she is capable of performing a difficult work assignment and at the same time able to extend herself to her coworkers.

Alan N. Luke was selected as the Operator of the Month for June. Luke works out of Division 8 and has been with the District since 1974. He also has worked at Division 1, 3, and 15. He received his 14-year Safety Award last year. Alan has neuer had an avoidable accident; he has had only one missout since being employed; and has been sick only 4 times in 14 years. He consistently maintains the maximum number of merits currently allowed. With the accident record he has maintained, it can be said that he operates his bus with the deftness of a master.

SEPTEMBER 1990 H E A D W A Y 36 Shawn Lowe-Ewing was named the Personnel Department's Employee of the Quarter for the Fourth Quarter. Shawn has been with the District for less than a year but she has already proven to be a valuable asset to the department. Her recent presentation to members participating an the Personnel Department Peer Review regarding the computer systems she uses to produce the volumes of letters and other critical reports garnered her kudos not only from Employment Office staff but from outsiders as well. Shawn is always willing to share her technical expertise with those who have computer anxiety. While she keeps hidden away in an obscure corner in the Employment Office, her talents are widely known and appreciated by everyone in the department. In addition, she has maintained excellent attendance and continues to impress her fellow staff members by her high level of productivity.

Electrician Luis Perez was named Facilities Maintenance Employee of the Month for June. Perez is a skillful and cooperative employee whose good reputation is known throughout the District. The Spirit of cooperation that he brings to his job is um, important because a combination of skills and individuals must work together to operations running smooth. Perez handles whatever assignments are given to him and skillfully completes them with time to spare. In June, he easily handled the installation of emergency lighting throughout the Telecommunications and Instructions Building.

SEPTEMBER 1990 HEADWAY 37 Commendations . . . continued from page 37

Maria Alamilla was chosen Telephone Information Operator of the Month for June. Ms. Alamilla has been with the District since November 1989. She has established herself as a courteous and conscientious employee; a definite asset to the District as well as to the Information Department. Because Ms. Alamilla is fairly new to the District, her selection is a result of hand work, diligence, and a commitment to excellence.

Martha Fuentes was chosen the General Services Employee of the Month for June. She is a dedicated employee who has maintained near perfect attendance over the last 18- plus months. She is always on time and "ready to work." Martha is devoted and dedicated to her duty in the Mail Services Department at the Headquarters Building. During June, the new Mail Services supervisor came on board and with her help and guidance was able to continue the smooth running of the department. Martha was given a $50.00 U.S. Savings Bond and a plaque by Rick Provencio, her supervisor (left) and General Services Manager Brian Soto (right)

SEPTEMBER 1990 H E A D W A Y 38

Commendations Mike Hartpence Celebrates

continued from page 38 30-Year Anniversary

Assistant Director of OCPM RTD employee whom he Mike Hartpence was given fired in 1970; retirees Pat a surprise 30-year anniver- and Patty Kelly; District sary party by his colleagues Secretary Helen Bolen, in the Purchasing Depart- Investment Manager Mel ment on July 18. Marquardt, and other Hartpence joined the friends from around the District in 1960. He told District. the guests assembled in the Hartpence was pro- OCPM conference room moted shortly after hiring that the very first item he on to a Specifications Ana- bought for the District's lyst. He moved on up the predecessor was 30 tons of ladder to become a Senior horse manure to nourish Buyer and by 1985 was the grassy areas around the promoted to Assistant Red Car electrical stations. Director. "It's ironic when you "Thirty years went by think about it, but I saw very quickly, I never the Red Cars go out and thought I'd make it this now as I get dose to long. I've enjoyed it retirement, I get to witness enormously," he said. the Blue Line come in. I Hartpence was pre- guess that's been the most sented with a huge greeting memorable period of my card, a golf putter ostensi- Ha Chau was selected the General Accounting Section career," said Hartpence. bly sent by Lee Trevino, Employee of the Fourth Quarter. She joined the department He was joined at the party assorted other gifts, and a beautiful cake. only eight months ago but has learned her task sd well and by his wife, Millie, a former has so quickly achieved a high productivity level that she deserves this recognition. In addition, she has maintained perfect attendance since she joined the department. Although young in years, she conducts herself in a very professional manner and is a very cooperative worker. Her supervisors believe she has set an example for the rest of the department.

OCPM Director Paul Como enjoys the 30-year anniversary celebration along with Asst. Director Mike Hartpence and his wife Millie.

SEPTEMBER 1990 HEADWAY 39 Art for Light Rail Stations by Clara Potes, LACTC nouncement of the artists community involvement in unique "cancel" stamp for News Bureau who were commissioned for the program, public meet- them. These "mail art" the first six of the twenty- ings were held along the pieces were distributed at The grand opening of the two stations on the Metro entire Metro Blue Line Del Arno station. Metro Blue Line on July 14 Blue Line. The balance of corridor. In addition, A-R-T Mayde Herberg and was enlivened by the work the Blue Line commission program stall held a series Nancy Webber received a of nine artists and more will be made by year's end. of artists' meetings which grant for Old Red Meets than two dozen musicians Community participa- were cosponsored by New Blue, a collaged commissioned as part of tion is a key element in various local arts agencies, photomural installed at the Los Angeles County LACTC's artist selection and spoke at gatherings of Veteran's Park, near Transportation Commis- process. The Commission is various civic organizations. Willow station in Long sion's Art for Rail Transit committed not only to Area residents were invited Beach. The mural includes (A-R-T) program. enhancing the aesthetic to participate in the images of local residents, Frank Romero, promi- appearance of the stations, program as artists, mem- local heroes, and celebrities, nent in the Los Angeles but also to giving each of bers of a community along with cutouts for the Chicano art movement for them a unique personality, advisory group, or as faces of visitors to the park many years, was commis- developing a sense of place panelists. Community who wish to have their sioned to create a com- pictures taken. memorative poster for the Robert Gil De Montes, grand opening, and five Margaret Garcia, and other artists or groups of Elliott Pinkney collaborated artists were awarded on a limited-edition broad- grants for temporary side printed at Seif-Help installations along the line. Graphics. In addition, fourteen J. Michael Walker performing arte awards designed two Blue Line were given to provide banners for the Firestone entertainment during the Station. course of the celebration, Keith Williams con- and an exhibition of ducted free workshops at children's art, part of Art the grand opening in which for Rail Transit's Train participants painted their Week art education pro- Frank Romero's commemorative poster for the opening of own designs. gram, was scheduled as the Metro Blue Line. part of the weekend event. and contributing to neigh- advisory groups for six of

These efforts all borhood pride. This the Metro Blue Line supplement the regular commitment to community stations have completed Correction

involvement is an impor- their work, and the remain- activities of the A-R-T program, which will tant part of the LACTC's der are in formation. The July issue of the policy statement of June, In addition to Frank commission permanent Headway erroneously 1989, creating the A-R-T Romero's commission for reported that Diane E. works of art for every program, and is strongly the grand opening com- Glaser had passed away on station on the Metro Blue supported by LACTC memorative poster, five March 21, 1990. This Line and on each of the Executive Director Neil awards were made for other lines on L.A.'s new mistake occurred as a Peterson. "We believe," temporary works to be rail system. result of a transposition of says Peterson, "that a installed as part of the The A-R-T program badge numbers when the just completed the final public process which is both opening celebration. records were processed. responsive and responsible, Grants of $1500 were given stages of the community Ms. Glaser's badge number outreach phase of the artist and which fosters the for proposals from the was similar to another participation of local following artists or groups employee's who had passed selection process for permanent art for the artists, will yield stations of artists. away. We regret the error that area residents will Kalyn Cambell de- Metro Blue Line. Those and apologize for any take pride in." signed commemorative distress this misprint may efforts culminated this summer with the an- In order to facilitate stamps, envelopes, and a have caused.

SEPTEMBER 1990 H E A D W A Y 40 Blue Line is Exciting Blast from the Past for Director Price by Ken Echard, News Bureau Representative never would permit him to chew or smoke." For 10 cents, RTD Board The Red Cars were Director Jay Price at one taken out of service in the time could climb aboard a early 1960s--an angry Pacific Electric Red Car in moment for Price. "One of Pomona where he lived as a the greatest crimes ever teen and travel all the way perpetrated against the to Balboa Beach where citizens of the greater Los weekends were filled with Angeles area was the dance bands, dancing, and political and business girls at the "Rendezvous." structure that allowed the Before such distrac- destruction of nearly all of tions, however, Price was the 1,200 miles of Red Car quite content riding with rights-of-way," he says with his father, John Berry the same passion he has Price, a motorman on the The little tyke standing on his proud father's knee, who often displayed in his Los Angeles Railway appears to be stroking his chin thoughtfully, is RTD Board nearly 20 years as an RTD Company's interurban Director Jay B. Price when he was about 2 years old. The director. Yellow Car system during opening of the Los Angeles to Long Beach light rail system Jay remembers his the World War I era of in July represents a return to a way of life on the rails that father also being "appalled" Woodrow Wilson. Price remembers with a special fondness. Price's father, when they stopped running. "I was always so proud John Berry Price (pictured hexe with his son about 1917), "If he were alive today that my dad was a motor- was a motorman on the Los Angeles Railway system during and saw one of the stream- man and that he let me ride World War I. lined, state-of-the-art Blue with him," the 75-year-old, Line rail cars, I know he'd 32-year Bell city council- railway company offered a heavy downpour," Price say, `Let me sit down. I man remembers. "They just that, along with good says. "It was a dangerous know I can drive it. I never were probably the best pay." situation, with lots of had an accident then, and I times of my life in many John Price met and horses and buggies on the won't now.' " ways. I recall sitting in the married a fellow Mis- road, all reacting their own The Blue Line cars seat behind Dad, who was sourian in 1911, and Jay way to the weather. began operating in July seated on a stool. I couldn't was born in 1915. Jay's "I saw my dad take out between downtown Los see him too well except father worked for $25 a a piece of chewing tobacco Angeles and downtown from the waist down, week as a motorman--good, from his pocket, bite off the Long Beach, 27 years after because there was a curtain solid wages for the day. plug end, and get out and the Yellow Cars made their shade behind him." He soon purchased a wipe the windshield from final run. Price already has The elder Price was a quarter acre of land in top to bottom with the had the chance to closely Missourian who came to Pomona for $1,800, with tobacco." inspect the new trains. Los Angeles in 1906 looking monthly payments of $16. The first secret the "The Blue Line cer- for a better life. He was Innovation often came youngster had just learned tainly is a design of art to among a multitude of in handy as a motorman, a was that the oil in the behold. Those passengers Midwesterners at the time 4-year-old Jay discovered tobacco could repel rain- who ride it will see many who had similar ideas. the day in 1919 when he water, helping to keep the benefits, as we did many "You must remember in learned two secrets from water from dripping down years ago. Only these rides those days almost all of his father. Jay was in the the windshield, thus will be smoother, there Southern California was Yellow Car with his father allowing the operator to see won't be any emissions and agricultural land with acres when a hard rain began more clearly. they'll get to their destina- and acres of orange and pelting down. And the second secret? tions faster." avocado groves," Price says. "There were no wind- "That was the first And it will be lot more "My dad needed immediate shield wipers then and it time I ever knew Dad comfortable in a rainstorm-- stability upon arriving in was extremely difficult to carried chewing tobacco!" especially without the Los Angeles, and the see out the window during Price laughs. "My mother chewing tobacco.

SEPTEMBER 1990 HEADWAY 41 Rideshare Fair

RTD recently participated in a rideshare fair at California Federal Bank in Los Angeles. RTD Telephone Information Clerk Becky Moore and Ed Langer, Marketing Department Senior Communications Representative provided many of their employees with detailed bus and Metro Blue Line commuting itineraries. Pictured here are Ed Langer and Mr. William Callendar, President of California Federal Bank, discussing the new Metro Blue Line and RTD's video "Operation Blue Line." California Federal Bank is a member of the RTD Corporate Pass Program and they actively promote public transit among their employees.

The original depicted in this Rail Brings Out the Artistic photo is a pen and ink rendering painted in transparent watercolor of the first "Not in Service" train an the Metro Blue Line conceived by Indonesian-born Dutch artist Frits W. Godin. "I started with the first step in the drawing that the Blue Line train is not a single entity of its own, but that she is in some way related to another transportation unit, the RTD, thus the RTD bus in my painting," said Godin. Born in Indonesia in 1917 when it was a colony of the Netherlands, Godin believes his paintings reflect his southeast Asian roots. "I paint the panorama and objects as they are with deep low-key colors of the tropical atmosphere," he said. He classifies his style as realism and says his motto is "to paint what the public likes, not the trend of a certain era."

SEPTEMBER 1990 H E A D W A Y 42 Division 10 Hosts Black Tie Affair Division 10 Operators and their guests held a black tie dinner and show at the Hilton Hotel in Baldwin Park on July 21. Completely planned by the operators and funded by them under the theme of "life and unity," it was an occasion to spend social time with each other and build morale. "We wanted to get away from the job setting and enjoy each other while resting and relaxing," said committee person Rhonda Hawkins. "Division 7 held the first such event and we are just carrying on the tradition. We are looking for it to become a Districtwide event," she said. "But we do emphasize 'life and unity' at this event because we want to bring people together." Division 10 Operator Lonnie Carlyle acted as master of ceremonies for the evening and opened by introducing guests from other divisions and outside the District. As Leilia Bailey joined Roy and Maddie Starks for the part of the floor show, Division 10 comedian Darryl Carter combination steak dinner with chicken and shrimp. entertained the audience with his unique style of humor. The Cross Culture Band with the Smith Brothers managed to get a most impressive representation out on the dance floor when they offered their sound which is flavored with Reggae, Afro-Cuban, and Caribbean influ- ences. When the music yielded itself to line dances like the "Electric Slide" nearly everyone in the room was crowding the dance floor. The event was sponsored by operators who are entre- preneurs in their own right and included Anayas Salva- dorean Restaurant at llth and Vermont Street; Campbell's Fish Market and Diner at 745 E. Altadena Drive; Tiffany Cleaning Services at 1488 Fernando Avenue in Upland; and Vending Services. Some of the proceeds from the evening will go to the Inner City Foundation for Excellence in Education, an organization founded to raised funds for minority students. TOS Patsy Goens and her date rest a minute between The coordinating committee included: Lonnie Carlyle, Rhonda Hawkins, Alberto Rivadeneyra, Dolores Fernandez, dances. and Robert Pitts.

The Division 10 Life and Unity Dinner Committee. Front row, from left to right: Rhonda Hawkins and Dolores Fernandez. Back row, from left to right: Robert Pitts, Bill Anaya and his wife Sonia neuer say "neuer" to a good Lonnie Carlyle, and Alberto Rivadeneyra. dance number.

SEPTEMBER 1990 HEADWAY 43 Why Give Blood? Who Does Running Club lt Benefit? Manual Duarte-Orive and I are interested in forming an by Luanna Urie organized running club. It will be open to all interested runners. Actual times and distance-measured running, Your blood may save a life, athletic, an A student and Jogging, and walking will be done weekly. The Rose Bowl, prolong a life, add quality to leads a busy, full life, Griffith Park, Whittier Narrows, San Gabrielito Trail, and a life. Seven- year-old Tara complete with ballet the Santa Monica- to- Redondo Beach bike path are a few of Boss knows what it means lessons. Her relatives the designated areas at which we may run. Workshops to be given another chance continue to donate blood, discussing diet, stretching, and new products are being con- at life. When little Tara was for they understand the sidered. only 14 months old she con- vital importance of the Manuel and I have already started training with next tracted leukemia, a fatal community blood supply, year's Los Angeles Marathon in mind. We hope to partici- cancer affecting the bone and how it may give pate and make a good showing a the Marathon next year marrow which produces the someone else "another with a large contingent from Division 7. white blood cells. To save chance." If you would like to be a part of the training and her life, chemotherapy was As a close relative camaraderie of a running club, please get in touch with begun. Chemotherapy uses fought cancer, I watched Manuel or me toxic chemicals to kill her go from being so weak cancer cells. However she could not hold up her Richard Lopez chemotherapy cannot teil head, to being able to walk. Division 7 Operator the difference between A blood transfusion made cancer cells and healthy the difference. Please cells. This means many of remember to "make a the patient's healthy blood difference" to give someone cells are destroyed. To keep "another chance" with the the person alive and feeling "gift of life"-- blood. The well, blood transfusions are Administration Building will be hosting a blood drive OOOOO e... an absolute necessity. 'wo i rrvimrn I , I , After two years of on Thursday, September 20, 111.1111111111111111111i `1•4 1111111M11•11 elfte treatment with chemother- 1990. See you there. 1111.11MIN Bommes. apy accompanied by blood malcmg,1 transfusions when neces- RES1AMOS FARA VIVIENDAS sary, doctors attempted an FINANCE OR REFINANCE NIONEY IN 10 DA VS experimental procedure on honte osvner you can have $ 17,500 in ten days Tara. Physicians at Chil-

Horneow, ners Remodeling dren's Hospital extracted New and Old Room additions Tara's bone marrow, treated it to kill the Landscaping Horne Improvement cancerous cells and then replaced it. GPM Start At 7 3/4 - 30 Years 100 % Deductible Tara then required nu- Hume linpros entent Loans No Equity merous transfusions of blood platelets, which are L A MORTGAGE BANKERS crucial for blood clotting. Financing for Ist and 2nd Real Estate Loans Blood donations from the Born to Division 10 Service Office Building Shopping Centers Attendant David Vargas FHA - VA LOANS community, as well as from SBA A/ Construction Loans family and friends, helped and his wife Connie, a Also Foreclosures Tara survive. It took over daughter, Natalie Cherie, Hoblarnos Espanol

on July 14, 1990 at 11:53 Sergio J. Afortiner AlartAa A. Marios 52 donors to make the dif- Jose Pätanro 213) 595-8113 818) 969-6027 213) 717-1626 ference for Tara. The a.m. in Whittier. Natalie, surgery was a success and our official Blue Line baby, OFFICE HOURS M - F 9 - 6 SA T 10 - 3 Tara is now seven if you didn't catch the date years old and has been was born on the opening L A MORTGAGE BANKERS cancer-free or in remission day of the Blue Line Rail Business (213) 595-8113 for three years. She is service.

SEPTEMBER 1990 H E A D W A Y 44 Motivating Younger Workers

Many employers/managers who hire younger workers are having a difficult problem with turnover and absenteeism. This leads many to ask--What's wrong with today's kids? The trouble with many younger workers, according to adt management consultant George Odiorne, is that they are still kids. They find it hard to sustain interest. Like all kids, young workers are constantly seeking variety. Tip: To reduce turnover and absenteeism among younger workers try introducing more variety into work assignments. Contests, challenges, competition, and change in detail will keep them more involved. REFINANCE or PURCHASE FOR 15 YEARS AT: 6 3/4% FIXED G.P.M. ABOR DAY 1990 AND SAVE THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS. Merrill Lynch ALSO

FOCUS ON MONEY IN 10 DAYS YOUR RETIREMENT $17,500 23 AND OUT? 100% TAX DEDUCTIBLE 25 AND OUT? 30 AND OUT? • NO APPRAISAL REQUIRED IRS TAX PENALTY? CONTRACT / NON-CONTRACT? • ALSO FOR RENTAL UNITS CASH OUT? DEFERRED COMP? • NO PRE-PAYMENT PENALTY 401K? GET THE ANSWERS * RATES SUBJECT TO CHANGE For Free Information, our Seminar SE HABLA ESPANOL Schedule, or an Appointment Office Hours: Mon.-Fri.: 8:30-8:30 Call Roberta Mitchell, Sat. 10:00-3:00 Financial Consultant CALL (213) 236-2125 or (800) 937-0620 x2125 400 South Hope Street, Suite 300, EAGLE MORTGAGE BANKERS Los Angeles, California 90071 TEL. (818) 914-2796

SEPTEMBER 1990 HEADWAY 45 RECREATION WS Amusement Parks !...4 Wild Rivers Water Park Adults $9.25 Child $7.25 (Regular Adult $14.95 Child $10.95) September/ Raging Waters Water Park Adults $10.00 Child $8.00 October 1990 (Regular Adult $14.95 Child $8.50) Dodgers and Angels September

9 - Dodgers vs Reds Greatest Player Poster $7.50 Mobile Unit Schedule 12 - Angels vs Minnesota $8.50 15 - UCLA/Stanford $11.00 football USC vs Penn State $16.00 football Sept. Loc. Oct. 16 - Angels vs Seattle - Cap Night $8.50 Loc. 12 16 1 2 19 - Dodgers vs Padres $7.50 13 8 2 11 21 & 22 Anita Baker - Greek $34.50 17 3 3 1 21 - The Highwaymen - Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, 18 15 4 10 Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson - Universal $35.00 19 6 8 CMF 21 - Dodgers vs San Francisco - Team Photo Night $7.50 20 7 9 9 22 - Chicago - Universal $25.00 24 5 10 16 23 - Dodgers vs San Francisco 1:00 P.M. 25 18 11 8 Fan Appreciation Day $7.50 26 4 15 3 27 - Bonnie Raitt - Universal $23.00 27 12 16 15 29 - The Whispers - Universal $20.00 17 6 30 - Angels vs Kansas City - Fan Appreciation Day $8.50 18 5 L.A. County Fair through September 30 Adults $5.50 Child $3.50 Ride coupons $7.50

Concerts and Football For information on these or other products and services available through Employee Activities, please call 972- October 4740. Don't forget the many logo items, vitamins, stuffed animals and gift items available in our office or on the 6 - UCLA vs Arizona $11.00 football mobile center. Office hours 10-3 P.M. Monday through Fri- 7 - Phantom 2:00 P.M. matinee $50.50 of the Opera day Mobile Unit at designated locations 9:00 - 12:15 P.M. 12 & 14 Linda Ronstadt - Universal $25.00 20 - USC vs Arizona - Homecoming $11.00 Year-Round Tickets • Good any day attraction is open

Universal Studios Tour - Adults $16.50 Children $12.50 Sea World Adults $16.25 Children $12.25 IMAX Theatres Adults $3.50 Children $2.75 Magic Mountain Adults $16.45 Children $11.00

Discount Movies --Pacific Drive-In $4.50 Pacific Walk-In, Manns, Edwards, AMC, AVCO General $4.00 each

SEPTEMBER 1990 HEADWAY 46

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SEPTEMBER 1990 HEADWAY 47 Merrill Lynch

RETIREMENT DECISIONS: It's Your Money, So Know Your Choices

• How can I make my money last for me and my spouse?

• Should I go with the company plan, or take my money in a lump sum distribution? `5,1s retirement was approaching we began to wony. We knew we needed some financial counseling. We wem to several • What are some safe investment choices for my financial institutions and were shocked to leam of the high money? price for advice. Then we met Roberta and we said voila! Things began to come into focus for us just the way we • How can I guarantee the return an my retirement wante4 thanlcs to Roberta" money? Carl Jones, retired operator, with his wife Sarah.

Get your questions answered and know your choices before you make your decision.

Call for information, or to make an appointment.

Merrill Lynch, 400 South Hope St., Suite 300, Los Angeles CA 90071 Roberta Mitchell, Financial Consultant (213) 236-2125/(800) 937-0620 ext. 2125

Southern California Rapid Transit District BULK RATE 425 So. Main St., 2nd Floor Los Angeles, CA 90013 U.S. POSTAGE PAID Los Angeles, Ca. Permit No. 32705

SEPTEMBER 1990 HEADWAY 48