e Number 2 Volume 21
Welcome message from author
This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.
Transcript
e
Number 2 Volume 21
Red LineGrand Opening
In stunning fashion, the RTD turned a dream into realityJanuary 30, as it inaug-urated service on what will be the spine ofthe world's most modern transit systems, the Metro Red Line.Tight teamwork and top RTD security combined to make openingday a fabulous success. Nearly 53,000 riders were welcomedaboard the Red Line cars by eager RTD volunteers. On Sunday,another 91,000 riders were carried, exceeding ridership on theBlue Line for a comparable two-day period.
As the gleaming Red Line train pulled into thePershing Square Station, 'Star Wars-esque' mu-sic echoed throughout the cavernous undergrounddepot. Red lights illuminated the tunnel as thetrain, loaded with politicians, pulled to a stop.
"This is a great day," said Governor PeteWilson, after disembarking. "In 30 years, this willbe the most mag-nificent transportation systemin the world."
(Above) Merger Task Force Chairman RichardAlatorre with the governor aboard the train.Behind Alatorre is RTD Board PresidentMarvn Holen.
(Left) Following the break fast reception,Governor Wilson and Mayor Bradley leadthe way to the Metro Center Station.
HEADWAY 2
Former RTD BoardPresident Nick Pats-aouras, among thosecredited with securingfederal funding for theRed Line, is pictured inthe center of this photo.
FranklinOfficer.
These three events have special significance,because they will accelerate the development of anintegrated, efficient, service-oriented transporta-tion system. The Red Line is only the most recentexample, following our success with the Blue Lineand the continued round-the-clock operations ofthe nation's second largest bus system.
1 want to express my admiration for all RTDemployees who worked to bring the Red Line intoservice, who planned and trained and built andmaintained the system. Those who volunteered tohost the overwhelming crowds -- more than 140,000boardings in two days -- and who operated thesystem without a glitch, have my most sincereappreciation for a j ob magnificently accomplished.
The opening of the Red Line demonstrated thatRTD employees are the experts, tried and true, atoperating a high-tech transportation system. lt wasan exciting ending to an RTD tradition and anoutstanding beginning of a new MTA tradition of
Continued on page 23 . . .
A new day has dawned formass transit and transportationin Los Angeles with the openingJanuary 30 of the Metro RedLine, the inauguration Febru-ary 4 of the Los Angeles CountyMetropolitan Tran sportationAuthority, and the selection of
E. White as the MTA Chief Executive
Manager of GovernmentAffairs Gary Clark shakesthe hand of Governor PeteWilson in the foyer of theHyatt Hotel. Chief Papawatches.
RTD VolunteerDiana Parra,OCPM secretary,assists patrons atthe Metro CenterStation. Almost4,800 passengersboarded a RedLine car at thatstation on Open-ing. Day.
Governor Wilson withTransit Police ChiefSharon Papa. The twohad met briefly duringthe civil unrest in April1992. She told Head-way:"OpeningDay wentbeautifully."
Controller-TreasurerTom Rubin was avolunteer at the opening.Cracked Rubin, "Youwouldn't believe howmany people were askingme how to get toPasaclena!"
HEADWAY 3
Franklin White NamedChief Executive Officer
Frank/in White at the first MTA Board meeting
Franklin E. White, the commissioner of theNew York State Department of Transportation,has been named chiefexecutive officer of the newly-formed Los Angeles Metropolitan TransportationAuthority (MTA), Chairman Richard Alatorre an-nounced.
The unanimous decision choosing White from afield of three finalists to head the agency was madeat the first meeting of the 13-member MTA Board.His compensation and starting date as CEO of theMTA are yet to be determined.
As commissioner of the New York DOT since1985, White, 51, was responsible for 11,500 employ-ees and an annual budget of $4.3 billion. He previ-ously was secretary of transportation and publicsafety in Virgina and prior to that served as associ-
Continued on page 26 . . .
MTA Board Meets for the First TimeThe 13 members of
the newly-formed LosAngeles County Metro-politan TransportationAuthority (MTA) weresworn in, and L.A.Councilman RichardAlatorre was selectedthe Board's first chair-man, at the MTA's firsthistoric meeting Thurs-day, Feb. 4, 1993 at theHall of Administrationin downtown Los Ange-les.
The new MTA com-bines the powers, du-ties, and responsibilitiesofthe Los Angeles Coun-ty Transportation Com-mission (LACTC) andthe Southern CaliforniaRapid Transit District(RTD). The merger isthe result of legislationpassed by the state leg-islature and signed intolaw by Governor PeteWilson.
To comply with theauthorizing legislationthat created the new pol-icy board, the MTA pol-icy makers voted to del-egate back to both theRTD and LACTC eachagency's current re-sponsibilities and legalpowers until such timeas the MTA deems ap-propriate. This actionwill allow both agenciesto carry forward currentprograms and serviceswhile the new agencyorganizes.
The 13 voting mem-bers of the MTA are:
• The five Los Ange-les County Supervisors:Gloria Molina, YvonneBraithwaite Burke, EdEdelman, Deane Danaand Mike Antonovich.
• Mayor Bradley andthree mayoral appoin-tees: City Council mem-bers Richard Alatorre,Marvin Braude andMark Ridley-Thomas.
• Four representa-tives from the Leagueof Cities: Long BeachCity Councilman JamesCragin, Duarte MayorJohn Fasana and Glen-dale City CouncilmanLarry Zari an .
Representing theState of California in anon-voting capacity isCal Trans District 7 Di-rector Jerry B. Baxter.
MTA Board mem-bers will be compensat-ed $150 per meeting at-tended, up to a maxi-mum of $600 permonth.
bout the Cover
Pictured on our cov-er this month are, fromleft, Red Line OperatorNorbert Martinez, andTransit Police OfficersAlbert Calibet and MikeRodriguez.
A former bus andBlue Line Operator,Martinez has worked forthe RTD for 18 years.He makes his home inMoreno Valley.
Calibet, who joinedthe force in December1990, and Rodriguez,who came aboard in May1991, are among 45Transit Police officersassigned to patrol theRed Line.
The photograph wastaken at the WestlakeStation.
HEADWAY 4
MarvinBrau de,LarryZarian,MikeAn to no-vich, andJamesCragintake theoath ofoffice.
Meet MTA's Newest:
James Cragin,Larry Zarian, and
John Fasana
Soon after the MTA Boardmet for the first.time on February4, Headway contacted the threenewest‘pity Selection Committeerepresentatives to the MTA Board:Gardena City Councilman JamesCragin, Glendale Mayor Pro-temLarry Zarian, and Duarte CityCouncilman John Fctsana. Thetrio is joined by RTD Board Di-rector Evan Anderson Braude.
We inquired about each of thenew member's background intransportation and his thoughtson the- first meeting. Here aretheir impressions:
A merger is old hat tonew MTA Boardmember James Cra-gin. After all, thecolorful Cragin was
the stores "manager for PacificElectric Railroad when it wassold in 1953 to MetropolitanCoach Lines, a firm specializingin operating buses.
For a number of years, he alsohad handled claims for the com-pany, riding the buses all overtown and learning the territory.
But when the merger camealong, he wondered if he wouldhave a j ob.
Much to his surprise, thingsat the company improved. "Wegot better management than wehad before."
"I kept my j ob," he related. "Igot an increase in salary and abetter working envionment."
"The new management wasso accessible, he recalled. "Andthey were good at public rela-tions. "You could go up to thepresident and ask for two min-
"Teil all yourpeople," James Cragintold Headway,"tobe optimistic. We'regoing to take off like a rocket."
utes of his time -- and you'd getit."
But five yearslater, when theMetropolitan Transit Authority
a public agency took over thechore of carrying passengers fromthe privately-owned Metropoli-tan Coach Lines, he saw bitterpolitics at play and left the com-pany, going to work for the AutoClub.
Later, he did claims work forCarl Warren, the biggest insur-
Continued on page 27 . . .
HEADWAY 5
y girlfriend had a gun pointed in her mouth asshe drove her bus the other day," Eloisa Diaz,a Division 10 operator, told her horrified col-leagues. "Has anyone called her from thiscompany to ask how she is?"
As her colleagues shook their heads in disg-ust and shared similartales of perceived management indifference, Transit Police SergeantNick Aldana stood up.
"There's no way on God's green earth that you should feel thisway," he said, his voice choking with emotion. "We're concerned aboutyour safety you are our city. lt angers me that the operators who arethe backbone of this system should feel this way. This shows methere's a problem somewhere."
"We need to sit down and talk about it," he pleaded, poignantly tothe 30 operators who had assembled at Division 1 for the first evermeeting of the OperatorAdvisory Group. "We must not throw daggersat each other."
The group, brought together by Director of Transpor-tation Dan Ibarra and supported by the United Tran spor-tation Union, has been months in the making. lt iscomposed of representatives from each of the bus and rauldivisions, as well as operators selected previously by theUTU to serve on the Transit Police task force. Represen-tatives and alternates were elected in November by theircolleagues. Meetings are held on the first Wednesday ofevery month.
Ibarra, a former operator who has long argued thathis former colleagues' suggestions play a major role in thesuccess of the District' s operation, was quick to establishthe forum, where gripes are aired and solutions
The first meeting featured presentations by TransitPolice Chief Sharon Papa and her senior officers.
"I'm the first to say we're understaffed," she told thegroup of operators, some of whom have yet to be con-vinced that Transit Police works for them. "In previousyears, you were virtually on your own. But now we're up
HEADWAY 6
OAG Members
The following is a list of oper-ators elected by their peers to bemembers of the Operator Adviso-ry Group. On the second line arethe names of those Transit PoliceTask Force members who repre-sent each division as members ofthe OAG.
Division 3201Robert RodriguezConnie Johnson
Division 3202Leon Ro eertsonLinda Banks
Division 3203Ruben PerezJoe White
Division 3205Franklyn VookeCharles Jenkins
More names on page 8. . .
to 198 officers, and we have a proposal on the table for the addition of44 officers a year for each of the next three years."
Papa also addressed concerns by operators that officers are in-volved in other law enforcement activities which have nothing to dowith the buses. "You wonder why the officers pursue drunk drivers orpull over speeding cars, when it doesn't affect the buses. Well, theyshouldn't be pulling over traffic unless it is a flagrant violation.Transit Police officers have to intervene because they are state-certified peace officers."
"Well, what can we do to appropriate funds for more officers?"asked Tom Perna, a long-time bus operator, who now works on theRed Line.
"I'm concerned that I'm the only voice at the Board meetings,"answered Chief Papa. "The (MTA) Board listens to you. You have tocome down to the meetings and talk to them. When you do that, yousee things change."
Captain Dennis Con-te told the group that topbrass will continue todecentralize the transitpolice operation. "With-in the nextthree months,we're going to put a sub-station at El Monte andPomona and increase thesize of °lir unit at Divi-sion 15," he told the op-erators, who lookedpleased. "We also haveplans for substations at5 and 18."
Sgt. Aldana, whowent to school with Con-te, spoke next. "In thosedays, back when I joined
Continued on page 22 . . .
HEADWAY 7
Mai ntenanceemployees(from left toright) ArthurWinston, FayTinson, andQuincy Bushare among thedozens ofRTDworkers whomust cope dai-ly with thegraffiti-vand-alism prob-lem.
Ambitious New Program Tolerates
Zero Graffiti on Line 30-31
Zero tolerance is the goal of a new RTD graffiti abatement demonstration project on Line 30-31, whichoperates from the Wilshire District, through the heart of downtown Los Angeles, into East Los Angeles andMonterey Park.
Beginning Jan. 16, all Line 30-31 buses based at RTD Division 1 were graffiti-free when they left theyard. Any graffiti accumulated during a bus trip was removed within one round-trip, or the bus wasremoved from service until it could be cleaned. Vandalism to windows and seats were repaired before thenext day's runs.
To ensure that the 45 buses assigned to Line 30-31 remain graffiti-free, the RTD has stationed teamsof service attendants in terminals at either end of the line. The buses will be thoroughly cleaned each
evening. Early rem ovalof graffiti should pre-vent it from permanent-ly bonding to vehiclesurfaces.
RTD General Man-ager Alan Pegg saidmore bus lines at Divi-sion 1 may be added tothe zero tolerance pro-gram as maintenanceteams gain experiencein dealing with graffition a quick turnaroundbasis.
Key to the pro-gram's success is a com-munity outreach effortwhich enlists the sup-port of community andbusiness leaders, school
oisa and law enforcementThomas Reclusado
laz John WardLinda Brooks
OAG Representatives
Division 3206 Division 3211 Division 3260Thomas IssacsGeorge Craver
Division 3212Eliseo VillanuevaPeter Cardias
Division 3215Cora HooksLuis Rodriguez
Division 3216Tyrone SlaughterJames Murphy
Division 3218
Thomas PernaYandell Lister
All operators are encour-agd to contact their divi-sion OAG representatiuewith any concerns orideas helshe feel shouldbe addressed.
Cornelius WilliamsMary White
ivision 3207Juan PenaDebra Simental
Division 3208Vester GraysonJorge Lopez
Division 3209Luis EndaraMaxine Lewis
Division 3210
HEADWAY 8
1111.1111.11.11r .rat
Chief Papa, Supervisor Burke and RTD's Holen
Crime Drops on Line 204As the result of a 30-
day test program thatput more Transit Policeofficers on RTD buses,crime on Line 204 buseshas dramatically de-creased, according toLos Angeles CountySupervisor YvonneBraithwaite Burke.
Prior to the specialcampaign, Line 204 wasthe most vandalized busline in the District' s 200-route system. lt is alsoolle of the District'shighest ridership lines.
Supervisor Burkeprovided the RTD $1.4million to add four bus-es during morningweekdayrush hours andsix duringtheafternoonperiod, as well as suffi-cient Transit Police of-ficers to insure that, onaverage, one officerrides at least 20 min-
officials, neighborhoodgroups,youth organiza-tions and others.
These groups willwork within a DivisionAdvisory Committee(DAC), which will in-clude Division 1 man-agement and employeevolunteers. Also, theRTD is expected to signa new contract soonwith the County Proba-tion Department, whichwill again assign juve-nile offenders to workin the District' s graffitiremoval program. The
utes on everybus on theline.
During the firstmonth of increased bussecurity on Line 204(Vermont Avenue),RTD Transit Police
project also will give theRTD an opportunity totest new graffiti-remov-al products and to de-velop graffiti-resistancematerials.
An in-depth evalua-tion of the program,noting labor costs, timespent removing graffitiand repairing damage,cost of materials andcommunity involve-ment. Data obtainedwill be used in the de-velopment of a long-range, system-wide pro-gram.
have issued over 220 ci-tations and arrested 55individuals.
Transit Police ChiefSharon Papa noted thatsinceDec. 13, 1992, RTDTransit Police have
Division 18Steals QualityService Award
Division 18 cap-tured the Quality Ser-vice Award for themonth of December,announced Ken Miller,acting assistant direc-tor of maintenance.
The Carson divisionimproved its pull-outperformance by a great-er percentage than didany other division. Itson-time performancerate -- 99.43 percent!
boarded buses alongVermont Avenue morethan 4,700 times. Inaddition, officers havemade 13 felony arrests,mostly for narcotics useand sales, and havemade 40 misdemeanorarrests, mostly for out-standing warrants.
n•••n•nnBlue LineRidership Up
More than 11 mil-lion people boarded theBlue Line in 1992, itssecond fullyear of oper-ation, representing arobust 16.7 percent in-crease over the previ-ous year.
The Los Angeles-toLong Beach light raulsystem, which has beenserving passengersalong the corridor sinceJuly 14, 1990, carried atleast 900,000 riders for10 of the 12 months in1992. In August, the onemillion plateau was sur-passed when the trainscarried 1,015,350 peo-ple. The total Blue Lineridership for 1992 was11,328,650.
"We knew thatwhen commuters, stu-dents and shopperslearned how convenientand reliable Blue Linetrains are, they wouldclimb aboard," saidRTD General ManagerAlan F. Pegg.
HEADWAY 9
One Day Before
Reporters from all over the country set up shop in LosAngeles the last week in January. Not only was the Red Linemaking news, but the Super Bowl, too, was expected to drawtens of thousands. Like it has on so many occasions, the RTDwas involved in the thick of that operation, coordinating threeshuttle routes, one express route, and a charter special serviceto Pasadena.
On the day before this "Super Weekend," the Districttreated the press to a tour of the Red Line and used theopportunity to share with Southern Californians the messagethat first-class RTD bus service was, indeed, available to theRose Bowl.
The public responded: an RTD fleet in superb shape carriedover 40,500 boarding passengers.
H EADWAY 10
(Top left)"We are ready!" RTD BoardPresident Marvin Holen toldthe packof reporters who toured the Red Line24 hours before the festivities began.
(Top right) Director Jim Tolbert withRTD Recording Secretary MichelleJackson.
(Above) Holen chats with former RTDBoard President Gordana Swansonaboard the train.
(Left)A photographer tails AssistantGeneral Manager of Operations ArtLeahy. Board Director GordanaSwanson follows.
Red LineGrand Opening
(Left) News Bureau Manager JimSmart with former SupervisorKenneth Hahn.
(Bottom) "I want to be a walking -- in this case a parking ad for agreat (transportation) system,"Mayor Bradley told the mediawho had gathered to recordhistory in the making at thePershing Square Station. Here,Richard Alatorre, chairman ofthe MTA, hands Bradley a"shoe,"which rides on the third rau,enabling the train to get its power.
HEADWAY 11
Sharon Papa, Tran-sit Police chief, withRich Morton, railequipment main-tenance superinten-dent.
Dan Ibarra, director of transportation and JesseDiaz, acting rau l superintenclent.
With Alan Pegg in the foreground,the governor greets forrner SuperivsorKenneth Hahn aboard the inauguraltrain.
Art Leahy, assis-tant general man-ager of opera-tions, and JohnByrd, Division 20transportationmanager.
Governor Pete Wilson makes the firstofficial Red Line ticket purchase.
Outside the Pershing SquareStation, Lieutenant Jack Hermanand Sergeant ScottAnderson discusslast minute security arrangements.
Construction on theproject began by the RTDin October 1986. The sys-tem will cost about $4 bil-lion by the time the sec-ond and third stages arecompleted. By 1996, theRed Line is expected toextend to Wilshire Boule-vard and Western Avenue,and out to North Holly-wood by 2001.
Bud Moore, superintendent of raulfacilities; George Matejovsky,railfacilities manager; and WymanJones, raul safety engineer had beenwaiting for this day for a long time.
HEADWAY 12
HEADWAY 13
(Top right) Transit Police LieutenantJack Herman with Chief Sharon Papa.
(Middle) RTD Board PresidentMarvin Holen with his wife, Marta.
(Bottom left) Director of Risk Man-agement Barbara Anderson andCMF"s Robert Kang wereRTD's spirited volunteers.
(Bottom right) RTD Board PresidentMarvin Holen, LACTC ExecutiveDirector Neil Peterson, Mayor TomBradley, and RTD General ManagerAlan Pegg.
Operator Vincent Owens and hiswife share the night together andwith their friends at the Pride atFive dinner dance.
Pride at Five DanceDivision 5 held its first annual dinner dance on Saturday, Jan. 23.
About one hundred employees celebrated the "Pride at 5 Spirit," at theMain Event Sports Lounge in Culver City.
Employees, many of whom were dressed in tuxedos and eveninggowns, dined on prime rib and cornish game hens. The outing was theidea of Senior Instructor James Bernard. Division 5 Manager RoyStarks, Operator Lonell Anderson, and Assistant TransportationManager Diane Frazier organized the festivities, which includedcomic routines and songs performed by retired Operator Doug Mad-ison. Employees danced on into the wee hours of themorning to tunes performed by both a live band anddisc jockey.
Division 5 employees said they had a wonderfultime interacting with each other away from the job,and agreed to stage another dinner dance in thenear future.
The husband and wife operator team of Lemuel andPhyllis Smith.
Husband and wife operator team ofCatrissa and Tracy Seale.
TOS Verena Stewart and Mopper-Waxer Juretta Turner.
HEADWAY 14
Division 5 Forms ChoirDivision 5 has orga-
nized a Pride at FiveGospel Choir, which isoff to a hot start. Oper-ator Lonell Anderson,organizer and founderof the choir, says he'svery excited about thework the choir does inthe community. Thegroup has performed atthe Fox Hills Mali andat other locales aroundthe city. The group re-cently sang at the fu-neral of their Division 5colleague Verdell
Anderson says thatthe performances havebeen met with greatenthusiasm by the au-diences. Choircolors, hetel I s Headway, are greenand gold, and membersare now raising fundsto purchase rohes for
each choir member.There are 25 faithfulmembers, and Ander-son says they are en-couraging MTA employ-ees and family memberssystem-wide to becomepart of the Pride at FiveGospel Choir. He saysthat they also needmusicians who wouldlike to participate withthe choir.
The choir practiceson Thursday eveningsfrom 7 111161 9 p.m. atDivision 5, and on Sat-urday afternoons from4 to 6:30 p.m at theChrist Baptist Churchon Martin Luther KingBlvd.
If you're interestedin joining, give Ander-son a ring at 6205.
Operator Lisa Burnley enjoys herself at recent Pride atFive Dance.
TOS Eduardo Uvals andOperator Rose Mendoza.
Operator Hazel Brooks.
MattieStarks,wifeofDivisionManager Roy Starks.
HEADWAY 15
CHEDULANGES
Golden, Grace Lou-ise, from Senior Tran-sit Operations Supervi-sor to Assistant DivisionTran sp ortati o n Manag-er.
Gordillo, Edgar A.,from Mechanic "B" toMechanic "A".
Mechanic "A".
Massey, Helen M.,from Bus Operator (P/T) to Bus Operator (F/T).
Mathews, John S.,from Mechanic "C" toMechanic "B".
Alcid, Teresita B.,from Secretary to Se-nior Secretary.
Barron, Sergio 0.,from Mechanic "B" toMechanic "A".
Bausley, Lujen, fromBus Operator (P/T) toBus Operator (F/T).
Becerra, Marie E.,from Transit Police Of-ficer (Trainee) to Tran-sit Police Officer.
Bennett, ElizabethT., from SystemsProject Leader to Sys-tems Project Manager.
Borg, Gary W., fromTransit Police Officer(Traineee) to TransitPolice Officer.
Carruitero, Gino A.,from Bus Operator (P/T) to Bus Operator (F/T).
Chow, Tony C., fromMechanic "C" to Me-chanic "B".
Coffey, Dana M., fromTransit Operations Su-pervisor to AssistantDivision Transp Man-ager.
Cormier, Lionel F.,from Mechanic "A" toMechanic "A" Leader.
Delorito, SimplicioP., from Mechanic "C"to Mechanic "B".
Espinosa, Viola V.,from Bus Operator (P/T) to Bus Operator (F/T).
Falcon, James, fromSchedule Maker II toTransit Operations Su-pervisor.
Fernandez, Fran-cisco J., from Mechan-ic "B" to Mechanic "A".
Fitzgerrell, Bruce C.,from Mechanic "B" toMechanic "A".
Fluker, Dorothy A.,from Senior Transit Op-erations Supervisor toAssistant DivisionTransportation Manag-er.
Fuhrman, Jay L.,from Planning Assis-tant to Planner.
Giannetti, Gianni,from Transit Police Of-ficer to Senior TransitPolice Officer.
Guerrero, Georgina,from Typist Clerk toGeneral Clerk.
Gutierrez, Jose L.,from Bus Operator (P/T) to Bus Operator (F/T).
Harper, Joanne K.,from Division Stenog-rapher to Secretary.
Hernandez, HectorL., from Bus Operator(F/T) to Transit Opera-tions Supervisor.
Hooks, Frank J., fromBus Operator (F/T) toTransit Operations Su-p ervi sor.
Johnson, Cleve A.,from Bus Operator (P/T) to Bus Operator (F/T).
Magan.a, Henry F.,from Bus Operator (P/T) to Bus Operator (F/T).
Malone, Rachel B.,from Equipment Rec-ords Specialist to Sched-ule Clerk.
Mardikian, Harout,from Mechanic "B" to
Maynez, Irma, fromBus Operator (P/T) toBus Operator (F/T).
Melendez, LorraineM., from Senior StaffAssistant to GeneralServices Supervisor.
Moran, Gurkirpal S.,from Bus Operator (P/T) to Bus Operator (F/T).
Mouakkad, Honein,from Mechanic "B" toMechanic "A".
Newton, Gayla E.,from Bus Operator (P/T) to Bus Operator (F/T).
Nguyen, Si T., fromMechanic "B" to Me-chanic "A".
Olivarez, Gloria A.,from Bus Operator (P/T) to Bus Operator (F/T).
Orozco, Julio R., fromBus Operator (P/T) toBus Operator (F/T).
Pedraza-Cazares,Melissa, from TypistClerk to Clerk.
HEADWAY 16
Pineda, Rodolfo, fromMechanic "B" to Me-chanic "A".
Pippins, Esther M.,from Schedule Checkerto Transit OperationsSupervisor.
Provencio, RichardR., from General Ser-vices Supervisor to Sup-port Services Supervi-sor.
Quintanilla, Omar,from Bus Operator (P/T) to Bus Operator (F/T).
Ramirez, Ricardo G.,from Schedule Checkerto Transit OperationsSupervisor.
Rice, John W., fromTransit Police Officer(Trainee) to TransitPolice Officer.
Rivera, Sergio, fromMechanic "B" to Me-chanic "A".
Robinson, Bryant,from Bus Operator (P/T) to Bus Operator (F/T).
Salazar, Juan A., fromBus Operator (P/T) toBus Operator (FIT).
Sandoval, Tony C.,from Transit Opera-tions Supervisor to As-sistant Division Trans-poration Manager.
Seyler, Paul C., fromBus Operator (P/T) to
Bus Operator (F/T).
Spata, John M., fromMechanic "B" to Me-chanic "A".
Tadena, Manuel B.,from Mechanic "B" toMechanic "A".
Trulock, Todd N.,from Transit Police Of-ficer (Trainee) to Tran-sit Police Officer.
Valles, Blas J., fromBus Operator (P/T) toBus Operator (FIT).
Baria, Warren L., be-gan with the District onSeptember 22, 1972 andretired as a Mechanic"A" on September 23,1992.
Brodsky, Allen P.,began with the Districton September 23, 1970and retired as a Bus Op-erator Full Time onDecember 23, 1992.
Brown, Walter, beganwith the District onJune 09, 1967 and re-tired as a PropertyMaintainer A on Janu-ary 05, 1993.
Cain, Nathaniel, be-gan with the District onAugust 29, 1960 andretired as a Transit Op-erations Supervisor on
Vandeventer, GaleE., from Rail Opera-tions Superintendent toAssistant Director ofTransporation.
Vejar, Scott L., fromBus Operator (P/T) toBus Operator (FIT).
Walters, Charles V.,from Mechanic "B" toMechanic "A".
Wilkinson, Paul J.,from Senior Program-mer Analyst to SystemsProject Leader.
January 18, 1993.
Chakmakian, Ge-orge, began with theDistrict on January 03,1970 and retired as aBus Operator Full Timeon January 09, 1993.
Deal, Dick E., beganwith the District onApril 15, 1960 and re-tired as a Mechanic "A"Leader on January 16,1993.
Ellison, Clifford, be-gan with the District onDecember 20, 1969 andretired as a Bus Opera-tor Full Time on Janu-ary 05, 1993.
Fields, James E., be-gan with the District onDecember 07, 1968 and
AMERICAN
HEARTMONTH
retired as a Bus Opera-tor Full Time on De-cember 09, 1992.
Garcia, Vincent A.,began with the Districton July 22, 1974 andretired as a Bus Opera-tor Full Time on Janu-ary 22, 1993.
Hairston, Bobby, be-gan with the District onNovember 17, 1969 andretired as a Utility "A"Leader on December 18,1993.
Harrison, W. E., be-gan with the District onOctober 25, 1969 andretired as a Bus Opera-tor Full Time on Janu-ary 04, 1993.
Continued on page 18
QHIFTINGEARS
HEADWAY 17
Shifting GearsContinued from page 17
Heffler, William L.,began with the Districton July 29, 1974 andretired as a FacilitiesMaintenance Manageron January 02, 1993.
Henderson, Estela,began with the Districton October 19, 1978 andretired as a Bus Opera-tor Full Time on Octo-ber 14, 1992.
Hirth, John R., beganwith the District on Sep-tember 25, 1975 andretired as a Mechanic"A" on January 09,1993.
Jackson, Sylvia A.,began with the Districton November 12, 1962and retired as a Mail &Duplicating Clerk onJanuary 18, 1993.
Jackson, William, be-gan with the District onDecember 13, 1969 andretired as a Bus Opera-tor Full Time on Janu-ary 18, 1993.
Khan, Larry, beganwith the District on Au-gust 09, 1982 and re-tired as a Mechanic "A"on January 03, 1993.
La Curan, James R.,began with the DistrictonJanuary 12, 1986 andretired as a Bus Opera-tor Full Time on De-cember 01, 1992.
Manahan, MamertoG., began with the Dis-trict on May 12, 1986and retired as a Securi-ty Guard II on Decem-ber 07, 1992.
McReynolds, Sam-uel, began with the Dis-trict on November 01,1969 and retired as aBus Operator Full Timeon January 04, 1993.
Morales, Frank J.,began with the Districton August 13, 1969 andretired as a PropertyMaintainer "A" Leaderon December 19, 1992.
Morris, Benjamin J.,began with the Districton December 26, 1974and retired as a BusOperator Full Time onJanuary 02, 1993.
Nilo, Jorge H., beganwith the District on Jan-uary 12, 1976 and re-tired as a Bus OperatorFull Time on January19, 1993.
Nordstrom, RobertR., began with the Dis-trict on September 29,1972 and retired as aBus Operator Full Timeon January 04, 1993.
Palacios, Antonio,began with the Districton September 06, 1969and retired as a Bus Op-erator Full Time on Jan-uary 17, 1993.
Ramos, Manuel V.,began with the District
on April 19, 1982 andretired as a Welder(CMF) on January 16,1993.
Rand, R. H., beganwith the District on De-cember 04, 1965 andretired as a Bus Opera-tor Full Time on De-cember 31, 1992.
Rodriguez, Art L.,began with the Districton October 13, 1972 andretired as a Bus Opera-tor Full Time on Janu-ary 18, 1993.
Rubin, Joseph P., be-gan with the District onApril 22, 1968 and re-tired as a Mechanic "A"on January 16, 1993.
Sailor, Charles J.,began with the Districton November 02, 1968and retired as a Bus Op-erator Full Time on Jan-uary 18, 1993.
San Juan, Carlos 0.,began with the Districton December 06, 1969and retired as a BusOperator Full Time onJanuary 05, 1993.
Sprein, Joseph, beganwith the District on Au-gust 16, 1981 and re-tired as a Locksmith onDecember 15, 1992.
Stelly, William F., be-gan with the District onJune 28, 1969 and re-tired as a Bus OperatorFull Time on January11, 1993.
Suarez, Manuel T.,began with the Districton April 26, 1974 andretired as a PropertyMaintainer B. on Janu-ary 02, 1993.
Wheeler, Gerald E.,began with the Districton December 12, 1974and retired as a Bus Op-erator Full Time onJune 22, 1992.
Woodard, Luevinia,began with the Districton March 22, 1976 andretired as a Bus Opera-tor Full Time on Sep-tember 20, 1992.
o are theOldest LivingRetirees?
In case you werewondering who the old-est living RTD (or itspredecessor) retiree is,we combed through ourfiles and came up withthe name of WilliamMills of Torrance, whowill be 99 years old. Hestarted in 1921 as a Pa-cific Electric conductorout of Division 2 andretired in 1952.
Close behind him isJohn Hunsaker, age 96,who lives in San Jacin-to. He began his careeras a conductor with Pa-cific Electric in 1920.
William Reynolds,age 94, of Escondido, isthe third oldest. Rey-nolds finished his careeras MTA's director ofpurchasing and stores.
HEADWAY 18
In Memoriam
Barnett, Edwin W., began withthe District on April 30, 1937,retired as a Bus Operator andpassed away on October 21, 1992.
Boyer, Joseph C., began withthe.District on January 08, 1957,retired as a Bus Operator andpassed away on December 21,1992.
Clements, William C., beganwith the District on March 20,1942, retired as a Railroadmanand passed away on October 12,1992.
Gardner, Harold G., began withthe District on October 03, 1983,retired as a Bus Operator PartTime and passed away on De-cember 16, 1992.
Gould, Delmar G., began withthe District on October 21, 1953,retired as a Bus Operator FullTime and passed away on No-vember 26, 1992.
Griggs, Floyd A., began withthe District on July 17, 1946,retired as a Bus Operator andpassed away on December 26,1992.
Homrighausen, Leroy G., be-gan with the District ön Decem-ber 06, 1945, retired as a Assis-tant Division Manager and passedaway on December 05, 1992.
Lewis, Melvyn D., began withthe District on March 27, 1975,retired as a Bus Operator FullTime and passed away on De-cember 07, 1992.
Looney, Benjamin F., began
with the District on July 15, 1957,retired as a Bus Operator andpassed away on December 22,1992.
Lowell, James R., began withthe District on April 05, 1929,retired as a Bus Operator andpassed away on December 02,1992.
Powell, George H., began withthe District on August 01, 1945,retired as a Superintendent andpassed away on December 02,1992.
Ridge, Jackson, began with theDistrict on September 04, 1956,retired as a Bus Operator FullTime and passed away on No-vember 27, 1992.
Ritch, Horace R., began withthe District on October 30, 1965,retired as a Schedule Checkerand passed away on December29, 1992.
White, James K., began withthe District on September 04,1957, retired as a Transit Opera-tions Supervisor and passed awayon November 25, 1993.
(Right) Born to Diane Ull-rich, a typist clerk in the HumanResources Department and to herhusband, David, a customer in-formation supervisor, a son, Rob-ert David, on August 20, 1990 atVerdugo Hills Hospital in Glen-dale. The little guy weighed ahealthy 10 lbs, 4 oz. and was 21inches lug. Our congratula-tions!
(Above) Born to Lorraine Her-nandez, a typist clerk in the Hu-man Resources Department, andto her husband Paul, a daughter,Tyler Amanda, at 5:57 a.m. onAugust 21, 1992 at Kaiser Hospi-tal. The little one weighed 7 lbs.7 oz., and was 20 inches long.Tyler joins her big sister Vanessaat the Hernandez homeMonterey Park. Writes her proudmom, Lorraine,
"Take my hand, my baby.We welcome you to our world.God has given you life.Our beautiful baby girl."
HEADWAY 19
Donald Chui receives one of the gifts from ShopSteward Gabriel Martinez. Among the presents werebarbecues, a case of Farmer John hams, andmerchandise donatedby Mac Tool Man and Snap-OnTool Man.
The celebrators inclu-ded, from left, ShopSteward Frank Bosco,Gary Markarian, ChuckPowell, Mike Silva, TedBrown, Mike Ballew,and brothers Rick andGeraldo Silva.
Party Timeat CNIF
Hard-working cooks include (from left) DesmondWilliams, Edmund Loya, and James Robinson.
The CMF Paint Shop splashedwith holiday spirit on December24. Shop Steward Gabriel Mar-tinez organized the party, whichincluded a menu fare of barbecueribs, beans, carne asada, corn-on- the-cob, chicken, potato sal-ad, cole slaw, and dessert.
Thanks to the RTD and ATU,the group was able to put on theentire celebration without col-lecting funds from employees.
With the supervisors serving, 400 employeeswere served and seatedin 15 minutes. Above,Supervisors George Asato and John Rivenesdish it out while James Robinson looks on.
HEADWAY 20
BLICOMMENDATIONS
Division 3218Charles ConnerRobert Co oksSamuel 0. DaughtreyOdessa Lewis
Thanks for a Job Well Done!
Customer Service Repre-sentatives:
Melba Jane Sarris
Division 3202Lindley J. AmparanoLencall R. Washington
Division 3203Andre C. PerezSalvador RojasWilliam Stelly
Division 3205Vincent Owens
Division 3207Hardie GillieTonita HarrellFrancisco Sand oval
Division 3208Edmond L. WhiteWilliam RobinsonJavier G. Robles
Division 3209Raymond Hawkins
Division 3210Allen DadeJuan Vasquez
Division 3212Warren KoonsGeorge Stafford
Division 3215Arlene AlvidrezVirginia MiddletonHerbert MooreGeorge Nelson
Division 3216James W. Murphy
•Dear RTD:I want to commend bus driv-
er Javier Robles for histhoughtfulness and consider-ation. On December 7, I discov-ered that I had lost my bus passat Farmer's Market. I had board-ed the 3rd St. bus at Aiden, andhad no idea where the pass hadsubsequently disappeared.
That evening, Mr. Roblescalled my home my card withthe address and telephone num-her had been in the folder. Hehad found the pass in the seatwhere I had sat and agreed tomail the pass back to me, whichhe did.
I certainly appreciated theaccommodation, which eased thestress of the season. I also thoughthis boss would appreciate know-ing of bis kindness.
Yours truly,Blanche MorschWest Hollywood
•Dear RTD:Today I had such a wonderful
blessing. Being the first day ofthe New Year, I was anxious thatmy day would be a special one.
Yes, I had gotten what I hadbeen looking for.
At 12:10 p.m. while walking,or should I say running, to theWestern and Beverly Boulevardintersection, I noticed that my
bus was coming. Would I be ableto get to this bus? As I was strug-gling to get to the bus stop, thebus driver went out of his way towait for me. And then instead ofbeing mad and up set, I was greet-ed politely with, "Happy NewYear"
I was so impressed that I knewthat I had to write to tell the buscompany that driver FranciscoSandoval is a very special per-son and needs to be praised andthanked for his goodness andkindness. How wonderful itwould be if all the drivers were asgood and kind as he.
Please thank him. I feel safeand happy to ride on his bus.
Thank you again for suchwonderful service.
Sincerely,Maria KineLos Angeles
•Dear RTD:This note is in regard to Oper-
ator George Stafford. Recent-ly I was a passenger on his busand felt compelled to thank himfor his intelligence and courtesy.
This man is so outstanding,he should be training all of youremployees. You are most fortu-nate to have him in your employ.Please thank him for making my,and others', day much brighter.
Sincerely,Margaret MinterLong Beach
•Dear RTD:I would like to commend one
of your operators, EdmondWhite. He' s a driver on the 420line. I've been an RTD rider forover 25 years and have experi-
Continued on page 22 . . .
HEADWAY 21
Steve Parry Selected to Expert PanelSteve Parry, RTD's director of scheduling and operations plan-
ning, has been selected by the Transportation Research Board (TRB)to provide overall counsel and technical guidance for bus routeevaluation standards.
Parry supervises 152 employees who arecharged with routing service on one of this coun-try's most complex systems. His department haspublished a series of highly-regarded papers onbus service. Parry credits a "very large checkingforce and state-of-the-art hand-held computers"for his department's doing the job so precisely.
Parry, who is in his 20th year at the RTD, isvice-chairman of the American Public Transpor-tation's Multi-Modal Operations Planning Committee. He has spokenat myriad industry workshops on bus service and scheduling.
The panel on which he will sit will be administered by theTransitCooperative Research Program, in cooperation with the FederalTransit Administration (FTA) and APTA.
Steve Parry
Public Commendationscontinued from page 21 . . .
enced many indifferent and rou-tine drivers.
This driver was far and abovethe average. His professionalismand kind manner were outstand-ing. He drove very carefully andmade a point of announcing allmajor stops and connectingpoints to other bus lines. I felt asif I were being chauffeured to mydestination.
Such service, I feel, shouldnot go unnoticed and I wouldrecommend him for any awardyou can bestow in his favor.
Sincerely,Rocco DiGiovanniNorth Hollywood
•Dear RTD:I am extremely busy, work-
ing more than eight hours a dayand "shopping 'till I drop," likemost other people this season,but I must take the time to com-pliment you on having the goodsense to hire RaymondHawkins as one of your drivers.
Ray has driven the 470 BreaMali bus that I take to work mostmornings, and it is a pleasure toride with him. Not only does hegive his passengers a smooth ride,but he has a friendly word forevery passenger who enters orexits his bus. He will be missedwhen he starts his new assign-ment.
Congratulations on havingRay as an employee!
Sincerely,Ann MorelandLa Habra
Op. Advisory Group. continued from page 7
RTD, Transit Police officers weresent down to Division 9 to learnhow to operate the coach. "We didit for four days and I was deadlyafraid to operate the machinery,"he said, respectfully.
"The biggest problem
is that people think of
us as not hing."
"My number one concern isyour safety," he went on. "I enjoybeing apart of you. You teach mea lot of things."
Operator Peter Cardias wasnot satisfied. "In Vietnam," hesaid, "you talk to talk and walk towalk. I don't see any one walk-ing. It's we who have to deal withthe slime on the streets."
But Division 1 Operator Ri-chard Rodriguez was impressedby their force's new attitude.
"I'm going to take up theiroffer to operators that we jointhem in the patrol cars for a ride-along," he said. "And, likewise, Ithink they should spend a daywith us on the bus."
Rodriguez, like many of hiscolleagues, told Heaclway the big-gest problem on the streetsis notthe officers but that "people thinkof us as nothing. They don't givea damn about us," he empha-sized.
He said he knows that theestablishment of an OperatorAdvisory Forum means that Ibar-ra and Papa will tackle the prob-lem head-on.
"I tell my officers time andtime again to wave at the opera-tors when they pass them on thestreets," Papa said to the opera-tors. "We're hiring new officersall the time and I hope, by doingthat, I'm changing the mindset."
Near the end of thesession,Division 2 Operator Flo-rence Henry stood. "The officerswho do wave to us make us feelgood," she said.
HEADWAY 22
bicknellk
Text Box
Steve Parry Selected to Expert Panel
General Manager. continued from page 3
service.And now, as employees of the
new MTA, we all should welcomeour new chairman, CouncilmanRichard Alatorre, and vice-chair-man, Supervisor Ed Edelman.
These two, along with MayorTom Bradley, Supervisor Micha-el Antonovich, RTD director EvanAnderson Braude and other MTABoard members are well-knownto most of us. Joining them onthe MTA are supervisors YvonneBraithwaite Burke, Deane Danaand Gloria Molina, Los Angelescity council members MarvinBraude and Mark Ridley-Tho-mas, and the City Selection Com-mittee members James Cragin,John Fasana and Larry Zarian.
As one of its first actions, theBoard selected Mr. White, com-missioner of the New York De-
partment of Transportation, asour new CEO, following a na-tionwide search. His extensivebackground in transportationand public policy is discussed else-where in this edition of Head-way.
Also at its first meeting, theMTA Board delegated authorityback to the RTD and LACTC.This will keep us in operationunder our current organizationuntil April I, when the MTABoard and the new CEO are ex-pected to assume full responsi-bility for all activities.
At that time, I expect all em-ployees to show to the new MTABoard and to CEO White thesame loyalty and devotion topublic service that you haveshown to me and to the RTDBoard ofDirectors over the years.
You have my personal grati-tude and my utmost respect asthe finest transportation profes-sionals in the nation.
Red LineGrand Opening
1 (Top) Transit Police officers whopatrol the Red Line include: (top)Lt. Jack Herman; (nziddle) OfficerTony Rodriguez and SeniorOfficer Scott Pawlicki; (bottom)0 fficers Richard Lewis, MikeSingleton, and Richard Mena.
(Bottom) General Manager AlanPegg gives an interview about RedLine service to KCAL-TV.
HEADWAY 23
Los Angeles City Councilman John Ferraro, presidentof the Council, with plaque declaring January 30Super Saturday.
Earl Clark, generalchairman of the UnitedTransportation Union(UTU), toasted formertrolley car operators onopening day.
Youngsters played a key role in the openingceremony. In fact, perhaps the best speech ofthe day was given by the little girl in the blackand white checkered dress.
Promotion Manager HarryGoldsborough bags souvenirscommemorating the Red Line. Withhim,in the background ,are marketingrepresentatives David Wilson and LizMacGowan.
HEADWAY 24
Surrounded by dignitaries, Governor Wilson shows off thelicense plate he presented to Mayor Bradley. To Wilson's leftis Supervisor Yvonne Braithwaite Burke. The child in theforeground is Jason Braude, RTD Board Director EvanAnderson Braude's son.
Tony Greno, news bureau representative,and Rick Jager, senior communicationsrepresentative, provided the press withdetails about the train's operation.
(Bottom)RTD's rail safety mascot,Travis the Owl, gives RTDProduction Coordinator AliceDickerson a squeeze. TheMarketing Department organizedcelebrations at the Red Linestations during the first week ofoperation.
HEADWAY 25
Newly-elected MTA Chairman Richard Alatorre, Mayor Tom Bradley,and Los Angeles City Councilman Marvin Braude were among the 13sworn in at the first meeting of the Board. MTA Board Secretary HelenBoten does the honors.
White is New CEO. continued from page 4
ate director for the justice anddomestic policy staff in the Cart-er White House.
"This is a very exciting op-portunity," White told the MTABoard following his selection. "Iam honored that the MTA Boardhas expressed its confidence inme. In return, I pledge to give LosAngeles County my best effort inbringing to it the highest qualitypublic transportation. A city thisgreat deserves nothing less."
Commenting on White's se-lection, Mayor Tom Bradley said,"We considered him the mostimpressive candidate, with abreadth of experience that willenable him to lead us into a newera of transportation."
"We are eager to put Mr.Whiteto work toward implement-ing the new MTA policy agenda,"said Alatorre. "Foremost on ourminds is an efficient organiza-tion that gets the job done."
"Mr. White is a consensusbuilder with a reputation as anexcellent administrator," saidSupervisor Ed Edelman, newlyelected vice-chairman of the MTABoard and chairman of the LosAngeles County Board of Super-visors. "We believe he will be ableto bring a balanced view to tran-sit and transportation needs, bothfor today and for the future."
White currently serves aschairman of a review board thatapproves the existing billion cap-ital program for the MTA in NewYork. He is vice chairman of acommittee that is developing NewYork's plan for the implementa-tion of the Clean Air Act of 1990.
He is past president of theNortheast American Association
of State Highway and Transpor-tation Officials. As a member ofthe Association of State High-way and Transport Officials, heis chairman of a committee onintermodal issues and domesticfreight policy.
The Merger Steering Com-mittee, a joint RTD and LACTCpanel, conducted a nationwideexecutive search for the CEO.The Los Angeles firms of R. RolloAssociates and Norman Roberts& Associates, Inc., conducted thesearch.
A 1961 business administra-tion graduate of City College ofNew York, White earned a lawdegree in 1965 from ColumbiaUniversity Law School. He grad-uated with honors from both in-stitutions. He lives with his wife,Diane, in Ballston Lake, N.Y. TheWhites have three son, FranklinJr., 27; William, 25; and Andrew,17.
"He wholeaves notrace hasno past."
—Chinese proverb
NATIONALNUTRITION
MONTH
HEADWAY 26
ance and consulting company inSouthern California. He special-ized in bond and fiscal losses andhe says that some of the compa-nies that he represented, in turn,represented cities. He handled,among others, police brutalitycases. Hence, his introduction tocity politics.
Cragin, a member of the Gar-dena City Council since 1982,has high regard for his communi-ty.
"We're the best run of all thecities," he says, proudly. "We'vestill got our head above waterdespite hits by the state. We haverun our own bus system at bud-get for 30 years. We are the onlycity which has its own insurancecompany and the only one whichhas a first-time homebuyers pro-gram."
That program, which Craginhelped engin eer and may eventu-ally serve as a model for othersaround the country, now spon-sors 80 young families.
He, like his City Selectioncolleägues on the MTA Board,emphasize that they are not rep-resentingjust their cities. "We'renot carrying one agenda," he says."We represent not one, but fourmunicipal bus fleets."
Cragin thought the first meet-ing of the MTA Board was inter-esting. "I could see all the politi-cal inuendoes," he laughs.
"He's a good man," he says ofnew CEO head Franldin White."I knew that right away," he toldHeadway, kiddingly "because weboth were wearing the same tiewhen we interviewed him."
Seriously, though, Cragin,who was past chairman of theLACTC Citizen's Advisory Com-mittee wants to stress his com-mitment to the bus system.
"It' s absolutely assinine to let
the bus fleet go to hell while webuild sexy railroads," he says,emphatically. "Up until nowthere's been a motorman at eachend of the train."
Editor's note: For years, in thePacific Electric monthly maga-zine (the predecessor to Hectdway,there appeared a column calledWalter Watchall. lt was a gossipcolumn, of sorts, and featured thelatest doings of employees.
Well, all those years passedand Cragin never once got hisname into the column. He couldn'tunderstand why. Then, years lat-er, his father, who was the head ofthe company's purchasing depart-ment, confessed. He was the col-umn's author.
M ayor Pro-tem Lar-ry Zarian has beena retailer for morethan 20 years. He
has been a member of the Glen-dale City Council since 1983 andhas twice served as the city'smayor.
In the interview with Head-way, , Zarian said he was one ofthe few people who realized earlyon that unless action was taken,the City of Glendale was going tobe excluded from public trans-portation plans.
"I have fought to get Glen-dale recognized," he said. "I madesure that we bought an Amtraktrain station in the city whichwill make us a transportationcenter and serve as a connectionto the San Fernand° Valley."
He is particularly proud ofthe local shuttle that rollsthrough Glendale, called the "BeeLine."
"It's a new baby," he said, ofthe bus line he pushed for, "and
we're already carrying 1.2 mil-lion people a year and we're ex-panding."
Zarian says he rides it fre-quently. "What a wonderful wayto meet people," he says. "I feelas an elected official, I need to getinvolved continually in the for-
Larry Zarian
mation oftransportation policy."He was an outspoken mem-
ber at the first MTA Board meet-ing. "I wanted to make sure thatall 88 cities in Los Angeles Coun-ty are represented," he said. "Wehave not been in the past. Only ifwe are part of the discussion willthe 30-year plan work"
In fact, supported by the oth-er City Selection Committee rep-resentatives, Zarian was nomi-nated as vice-chairman of theboard, losing in the balloting toCounty Supervisor Ed Edelman.
He told Hectdway he felt goodabout the first meeting. "Muchwas accomplished," he said. "Ithought it went smoothly. Nowwe need to stand behind Mr.White."
"Each member on the MTABoard is pivotal," he insisted."No legislation is worth a darnunless you have seven votes."
Continued on page 28. .
HEADWAY 27
New MTA Memberscontinued from page 27 . . .
Zarian says the only way toget people out of gridlock is to getthem out of their cars. He likensthe public's perception of ridingthe bus to seeing someone on thestreets with dirty clothes. "Wedon't want to get near it," hesays, earnestly. "Until we runbuses that are clean, we are notgoing to succeed. If the bus isclean and service good, peoplewill become addicted."
Where is the money to cleanthe buses going to come from?
"Through a healthy subsidy,"he suggests, "and then the publicwill pay the fares."
Zarian hosts a weekly call-intalk show called "Government inAction" on KIEV radio in Glen-dale. He says the signal of thestation goes from San Diego toSanta Barbara. His show can beheard every Saturday afternoonfrom 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
In addition to his mayoralduties, Zarian sits on the State ofCalifornia Regional Water Qual-ity Control Board, and is one ofthe founding members of the LosAngeles Economic DevelopmentCorporation. He also was appoint-ed by President Reagan to sit onthe National Highway SafetyBoard.
He has three sons.
t 'm looking forwardto great things fromMr. White," DuarteCouncilman John
Fasana told Headway in an inter-view. "I thought our first get-together as a group was really
interesting."Since moving to the city in
1985, Fasana has immersed him-self in trasportation issues, serv-ing on the League of CaliforniaCities Transportation Commit-
John Fasana
tee and the SCAG Transporta-tion and Communications Com-mittee. He also is chairman ofthe San Gabriel Valley Transpor-tation Coalition and is Duarte'srepresentative to the FoothillTransit Zone.
He says that he has been longfrustrated at the growing level ofcongestion. "I think we need tomake the best case possible to
obtain more funding," he says."The federal government has todo its part."
Fasana says that he thinksthe cities will be represented onthe new MTA Board. "We've comea long way and I want to empha-size that werecognize the need torepresent all 88 cities in the coun-ty, not just our own constituen-cies."
He says that the people he'stalked with are not yet fully awareof the new MTA. But because ofsome articles in the newspaper,"the knowledge is changing," hesaid.
Fasana says he wants to be-come more familiar with whathas happened to the RTDthrough the years.
"Foothill Transit is here tostay," he says. "And we must in-crease our understanding of oth-er operating agencies. We mustlook at those existing practicesand contractural agreements.Let's look at Foothill Transit. Ifwe see something we like, let'scopy it.
Fasana has three children.
HEADWAY 28
PUT YOUR HEALTH TO THE TEST
—2ILAmerican Diabetes Association This test will helpyou understand the symptoms and risk factors associated with dia-betes. lt cannot determine if you will or will not develop diabetes.Only a medical doctor can determine if you have diabetes.
Circle the points next to statements which are true for you and addup your total score.
1. I have been experiencing these symptoms on a regularbasis (These are the common symptoms of diabetes):
• excessive thirst
30
• frequent urination
30
• extreme fatigue
10
• unexplained weight loss
30
• blurry vision from time to time
20
2. I am over 40 years old (diabetes risk increases with age) 10
3. My weight is equal to or over that listed in chart below(Weight plays significant role in diabetes development) 20
4. I am a woman who has had more than one baby
20weighing over 9 lbs. at birth (This could be a signof diabetes during pregnancy)
5. I am of Native American, Hispanic or Black descent(Minorities have a very high rate of diabetes)
10
6. 1 have a parent with diabetes(Diabetes often runs in families)
10
7. I have a brother or sister with diabetes 20
WE1GHT CHART
For women For Men
Ht. Wt. Ht. Wt.
4' 9" 120 5' 2" 1424' 10" 123 5' 3" 1474' 11" 127 5' 4" 1515' 0- 131 5' 5" 1545' 1" 134 5' 6" 1605' 2" 139 5' 7" 1655' 3" 142 5' 8" 1705* 4" 145 5' 9" 1755' 153 5' 10" 1815' 6" 158 11" 1865' 7' 163 6' 0" 1915 8- 167 6' 1" 1975' 172 6' 2" 2035' 10' 177 6' 3" 209
(These weighta sm 20%heavier than ideal weights)
TOTAL SCORE 7How to Evaluate Your Score
Scoring 30-50 points: You probablyare at low risk for diabetes. But don'tjust forget about it — especially if youare over 40, overweight, or of NativeAmerican, Black, or Hispanic descent.Be sure you know the symptoms of dia-betes. If you experience any of them,contact your doctor for further testing.
Scoring over 50 points: You may beat high risk for diabetes. You may evenalready have diabetes. SEE YOURDOCTOR PROMPTLY to find out if
you have diabetes. Even if you don't, know the symptoms. If you ex-perience any of them in the future, see your doctor immediately.
For further information, call the American Diabetes Association
(213) 381-3639
K aiser Permanente' s Wellness Care-A-Van will be at the Central MaintenanceFacility on Friday, March 26 from 10:30a.m. until 1:30 p.m. to provide free
diabetes screening. This is a five to ten minuteappointment and is limited to the first 90 partici-pants. There also will be representatives from theAmerican Diabetes Association available for con-sultation.
As you are well aware, there are so many devas-tating diseases afflicting Americans that diabetes isoften overlooked as a treatable problem that is notdeserving of much attention. Yet, the plain factsabout diabetes are alarming. Diabetes kills morethan 150,000 people in the United States annually.That is more than 410 people a day! Diabetes alsoresults in serious complications such as heart at-tacks, kidney disease, blindness, nerve damage,strokes, and amputations. Even more distressingishalf of the 14 million people with diabetes in thiscountry are not aware that they have the disease.
More than one million people in Los AngelesCounty have diabetes. Half ofthese people have notyet been diagnosed. These are the people that needtobe reached. Diabetes is especially prevalent in theminority communities. One in seven Latinos andone in ten African-Americans have diabetes.
Some ofthe symptoms of diabetes are: excessivethirst, frequent urination, extreme fatigue, unex-plained weight loss, and blurry vision. Get tested!
Human Resources is YourHealth Resource
Does your group, department, or division havea special health interest or concern? Would you likemore information about aparticular aspect of health,wellness, or illness, or healthy habits, or life styleareas of interest, such as nutrition? Whatever yourconcerns, Human Resources, home of the MedicalDesk and the Wellness desk, will try to meet yourneeds and interests. If you want a community ormedical resource to come to your location and puton a particular program, just call extension 7164and leave a message on the voice mail, with eithera return telephone number, or an address and worklocation. If you wish information mailed to yourwork location about a particular concern or inter-est, drop a note in the mail to Luanna Urie or MaryConforti, in care of Human Resources.
HEADWAY 29
MENDATIONS
Thomas Johnson, a Westminster resident who drives abus at night betwen San Pedro and Union Stationin Los Angeles, has been named RTD Operator of the Month for November, 1992. Johnson,works out ofDivision 12 in Long Beach. He drives the 446 line, which connects Union Station in Los Angeles with Carson,Wilmington and San Pedro via Pacific Avenue.
A 16 112 year-RTD veteran with the RTD, Johnson has 90 merits on his record, the maximum an operatorcan receive. He has maintained an exemplary accident record, and has received numerous commendationsfrom the riding public as well a,s his superiors. Johnson has had no rule violations, absences or avoidableaccidents for the past two years. Says Johnson, "A bus driver sees America first-hand, hands-on."In his spare time, Johnson walks five miles daily, plays golf on courses around Southern California, andflies small aircraft. At one time, he owned a Beechcraft Bonanza.
H E A, DW A Y 30
Alan Pegg, general manager Suzanne Gifford, generalcounsel
Perfect Attendance Starts at the Top
Tom Rubin, controller-treasurer "Who me?" asks Sharon Papa ofthe other Executive Staff mem-bers.
Four members of the District's Executive Staff Alan Pegg, generalmanager; Suzanne Gifford, general counsel; Tom Rubin, controller-treasurer;and Sharon Papa, Transit Police chief scored perfect attendance during thelast calendar year. During a recent meeting of the top brass, Gayel Pitchford,director of human resources, recently presented them with their award plaques.
Our last Headway featured the names of those racking up perfect atten-dance. We've received calls from some ofyou who were concerned thatyour namehad been left out. Keep in mind that "time offs with permission," while okay withyour supervisor, eliminate you from the perfect attendance program.
HEADWAY 31
The late Thomas G. Neusom, whoserved as president of RTD's Board ofDirectors from 1980-82, was honoredrecently with a memorial plaque thatwas installed on one of the first twoMetro Red Line subway cars. Neusomwas remembered as one who served onRTD's Board during the formative yearsof the Red Line project, and wasinstrumental in securing a subway forLos Angeles County. On hand for thededication ceremony were Neusom'swidow, Lucretia, left; Board PresidentMarvin Holen; and the Neusoms'daughters Karla (second from right) andEvelyn.
RTD Division 7 Bus Operator Charlie Williams wasrecently honored by the Board of Directors for savingthe life of a choking infant on board his bus. Williams,who retired in January after 33 years of service, wasdriving the 2 line down Sunset Boulevard intodowntown Los Angeles when he heard a womanscream. After assessing the situation in a split second,the operator unlodged a piece of candy from the littlegirl's throat. All in a day's work, declared Williams.Cheering Williams for his heroism are, from left, AlanPegg, general manager; Evan Anderson Braude,director; Charlie Williams, Antonio Villaraigosa,director; and Nick Patsaouras, director.
Richard Gallagher, who was RTD's chiefraul engineer during the early design phaseof the Red Line, was honored recently witha plaque comemorating his achievements.The Bei Air resident was presented with aframed duplicate of the plaque that wasinstalled in one of the first two Red Linesubway cars. RTD Board President MarvinHolen is in the foregro und.
HEADWAY 32
Andrea Smith, an outstandingemployee, has been selectedInformation Operator of theMonth for December 1992. This isthe third time she has received thehonor, and on one of thoseoccasions, was named Operatorof the Year. Smith laues to read,visit art museums, and attendplays in her spare time. Shejoinedthe District in April 1983.
Schedule Planner Mike Brewer and Senior Planner Callier Beard from the Scheduling andOperations Planning Department received a hearty thanks from the RTD Board of Directors lastmonth. The two, who helped facilitate the boarding of Metrolink passengers to RTD buses duringthe debut of train service, were praised for helping an elderly woman from West Covina find herway back home alter she became separated from her husband at the Metrolink Station parkingtot in Pomona (see Headway, November 1992.) The woman boarded the train while her husband,who carried the couple's traveling money, circled the parking lot, searching for a parking space.He missed the train. The two RTD managers not only gave the frightened woman bus fare for thereturn ride back, but also drove her to the bus stop and put her on the proper bus. Saluting Brewerand Beard are, from left, Board Director Evan Andersan Braude, Mike Brewer, General ManagerAlan Pegg, Ca/her Beard and Board Director James Tolbert.
HEADWAY 33
Rodolfo Rojas garnered CMF Employee of the Monthhonors recently for compiling an outstanding record ofachievements. He is assigned to CMF's Electrical UnitDepartment where he overhauls bus components, such asbattery chargers, voltage and temperature regulators,pneumatic and electrical motors and charging alternators.His boss, John Rivenes, with whom he is pictured, says histechnical knowledge and thoroughness have beendemonstrated time and time again. He was once assignedto troubleshoot a portable starter tester which had ahistory of intermittent short to ground problems. In thenick of time, Rojas found that the short was caused by adefective insulating was her on a terminal of apower relay.Recently, Rojas was assigned to build the RTSITMCwheelchair lift test box, where his technical knowledgeagain proved priceless. He built and tested four out of 11of the test boxes and their 20-foot long paired test cables.His work resulted in an error-free product. He is alwaysready to help others!
Kudos to Augusto Carrillo, whowas tapped CMF Employee of theMonth. The equipmentmaintenance supervisor isreponsible for the scheduling ofthe Paint, Trim, Window andMidlifeprograms. His efforts havealways been positive withmaximum production and lowcosts as his goals. I didn't thinkI'd stay here this long," the 12-year Burbank resident says,chuckling. "But I've become anRTD no, now an MTA --believer!"
Virgilio Garion, a mechanic A in theSheet Metal Shop, was recently namedCMF Employee of the Month. His boss,John Rivenes, says he takes pride infabricating his assignment from adrawing to the finished product. Garion,aBurbank resident, is seif-motivated andgets along well with his peers andmanagement. He is cooperative and shareshis knowledge with his fellow employees."I love it here," the 12-year RTD veteransays.
HEADWAY 34
e
Congratulations to Vazgen Varta nianwho was selected Employee of the Quarterin the MIS Department.The Glendaleresident earned kudos for his outstandingperformance supporting the HumanResources Department during theexecution of the Pay-for-Performancesystem this year. In addition, he hasconsistently exceeded the requirements ofhispositionto ensure the timely and correctprocessing of the Payroll and HRMISsystems.Since May of last year, the payroll grouphas been without a systems project leaderand down one senior programmer analyst.Vartanian voluntarily gave up hispersonaltime off to address and resolve operatingproblems and provided support to the othermembers of his group. During this period,there has been a minimum of problemswith the executionoftheproduction systemand he was able to clear up severalbothersome processing quirks ofthe systemenabling it to process more efficiently.
Elvira Valdez-Broida was namedHuman Resources Employee of theQuarter. Last year, she managed Pay-for-Performance and investedmany extrahours and weekends to insure thatretroactive checks were issued in mid-August, a record-breaker for the District.In 1.991, she served as the group leader ina large hiring of bus operators. Valdez-Broida has earned perfect attendancesince she started with the District in1989. According to her past supervisors,Mario Perez-Ceballos and Kathi Harperof the Employment Office, Elvira has anuncanny ability to produce top qualitywork under tight deadlines. She iscommended for her loyalty, strong&fflmitment, and contributions to theHuman Resources Department.
HEADWAY 35
LOOKING FOR CHILD CARE?The SCRTD Human Resources Depart-ment's Dependent Core Program hasa Childcare Referral Information Bank(CRIB) program designed to help youfind childcare that meets yourneedsll
RTD's CRIB program can provideyou with information aboutlicensed childcare centers,family day care homes,infant core centers, and/orschool-age day carecenters, within specific zipcode areas.
For information about the CRIB program as well asother Dependent Care Services and Benefits
provided by RTD, call:Dependent Care Office at (213) 972-7155
PLEASE NOTE: The RTD does not endorse or make recommendations regarding thequakt y of ony child core provider andior program. Parents are fesponsible for
moking oll final selection decisions.
ATTN: ALL RTD EMPLOYEESCLOSE TO DIVISION 4
YOU COULD TAKE A
P 7
il/M.271/ IEVERYDAY
IF YOU LIVED ATvom/ NAHA/4 1/77.5
CALL (310) 928-3416 TODAYLIMITED # OF 1 BEDROOMS AVAILABLESTOVE - REFRIGERATÖR - CARPETINGLAUNDRY ROOMS -SECURITY PARKING
POOL - LUSH LANDSCAPE8020 BIRCHCREST ROAD
DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA
In Honor of Black History MonthThe following poem, entitled "King," was writ-
ten by RTD's Jesse Payne, a custodian in the Gen-eral Services Department:
His name was KingThat has a familiar ring.
At times his body suffered with pain.The Prince of Peace did reign.
Many days behind bars,and his body full of scars,
The American Waycould not tarnish his fame.
The Nobel Peace prize Martin did claim.
From Gerogia to D.C.,King felt every man should be free.Many miles he marched for freedom
with his enemies near,And their hearts full of fear of this man,
armed only with a trace of a tear.
Though he was humble and meek,and he would turn the other cheek,he was a true leader of the people
as he reached his peak.
I hear him saytruth, justice, equality is the way,
as he died in Memphis that mournful day.So that his life will not have been in vain,
I plead with brothers,Stop killing each other and use your brain.
In his honor they gave us a day.But I can still hear Martin as he prayed,
"As sure as there is a moon and sun,One day we shall overcome."
Note: Payne, who has been writing poet-ry for nearly 20 years, has been with theDistrict three months. His son, Gerry, isa shop steward for the Red Line. Saysthe Gardena resident, "I find that Icompose better when Im driving. My mind is clearand things just come naturally." Payne says hewrites about conditions in this country, which are"perhaps more understandable when read by blackpeople." As for working at the RTD, he says hecouldn't be more pleased!
HEADWAY 36
Dependent Care Tip:Ifyou would like information
about services available to se-niors in your area, we suggestthat you call the Eldercare Loca-
Eldercare Locator:
1-800-677-1116
tor, a toll-free hot line, whichhelps put older adults in touchwith the community services theyneed. The number is (800) 677-
1116. The line is funded by theU.S. Administration on Agingand operates Monday throughFriday, 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The hot line' s computerizeddatabase is organized by zip code,so that callers can be referred tonearby service. All referrals areto publicly-funded, not privateprograms.
From left to right, Dudley Weddaburne,Charles Williams, and Ralph Gilmer
Gerald Lacey,
Retirees Lacey, Weddaburne, Williams, and Gilmer Honored
On Sunday, February 7, 1993,over 250 guests, including fami-ly, friends and co-workers gath-ered in incl ement weather at theRegency West in the CrenshawDistrict to honor four of RTD'sfinest operators.
The four retirees are: RalphGilmer, Division 7 -- 23 years;Gerald Lacey, Division 9 -- 23years; Dudley Weddaburne, Di-vision 7 -- 23 years;Charlie Williams, Di-vision 7-- 32 3/4 years.This is a total of 1013/4 years of service!
These retireeshave had the oppor-tunity of beingployed by MTA-RTD-MTA. They have beenwitness to structural,environmental andcultural changes inthe City of Los Ange-les. Their true storiesof daily life on thestreets of this city havebeen endless.
Charlie, for instance was re-cently honored for saving a ba-by's life. Someyears ago, while hewas driving hisbus along WilshireBoulevard, he witnessed the as-sasination of Iran's ambassadorto the United States. Dudley'sfamily expressed their pleasureof having him home to completere-inodeling projects and beingavailable to keep the automo-
biles tuned. Ralph's advise to jun-ior operators is, "You have a goodjob, abide by the mies, and youwill always be employed." Geraldplans to follow his father's stepsby managing his constructioncompany in the State of Arizona.
The party was provided bythe retirees, coordinated by Op-erators Betty and Adrienne Wil-liams of Division 7, and Trans-
portation General Sec-retary, Patricia Camp-bell.
All attendees en-joyed a wonderfulevening of good music,good friends, and goodfood as they bid thesefood as they bid thesegentlemen a fond fare-well. All oftheir friendswish them a long,healthy and prosper-ous retirement. How-ever, their loyal ser-vice to transportationin Los Angeles will besorely missed.
— Submitted by Pat Campbell
HEADWAY 37
REATION'EWS
March 28 Lakers vs Indiana - $13.50 Forum28
WWF Wrestling - Sports Arena 7:30P.M. $18.50
30
Clippers vs Lakers - Sports Arena$22.50
April 2
Clippers vs Atlanta - $19.50Dodgers vs Angels - Freeway SeriesCalendar Night $8.50
3
BB King - Universal Arnphitheatre$22.00
10
Phantom of the Opera - Matinee2:30 P.M. $60.50
12
Clippers vs Phoenix $19.5013
Dodgers vs St. Louis - Opening Day1:00 P.M. $8.50
15
Kings vs Vancouver $17.5016
Lakers vs Houston $13.5016
Dodgers vs Pittsburgh - Baseball CardNight $8.50
17
Dodgers vs Pittsburgh - Pin Day #1$8.50
18
Lakers vs Golden State $13.5024
Lakers vs Sacramento $13.5025
Clippers vs Portland $19.5028
Dodgers vs Montreal - Bat/BattingGlove Night $8.50
30
Dodgers vs Philadelphia - Fireworks$8.50
Special gifts for all occasions at discountedprices, watches, toys, stuffed animals, special bas-ket arrangements, cards, film and more. Easter iscoming.
MAGIC MOUNTAIN SPECIAL March 27, 28April 3-18, 24, 25, $14.00
Still available a few precious pieces of RTDHistory! Limited logo item s on sale while they last.
Amusement Park tickets avai1ab1. Good anyday tickets for: Knotts Berry Farm $17.00 Adults$11.95 Chiidren
Universal Studios $21.50 Adults $17.50 Children
Sea World $17.95 Adults $13.75 ChildrenMagic Mountain $19.25 Adults $15.00
ChildrenWild Bills - Dinner Show $23.00 Adults $16.50
Children
Save money at the movies, discounts for thefollowing movie theatre chains; Edwards $4.75;AVCO General Cinema $4.50; AMC $4.50; PacificWalk-In or Drive-In $4.50; Cineplex Odeon $4.75;United Artists $4.50; Imax $4.25
See's Candy Certificates 11b. $7.10 21b. $13.70
XXXX
Mobile Unit Schedule
The mobile center will operate Monday throughFriday from 9:30 A.M. until 2:00 P.M.
April Loc.
1 72 1 55 f 186 i 27 f 128 1 19 0 1 412 1113 6
The Employee Activitiee QfficO is operi from10:00 a.m.iint4 3:00p.m. MondaythroughSecond fleor of the Heädquarter's building, tele)?phone 972-4740.
HEADWAY 38
BEB
JUMBO LOANSSTART1NG AT
JUMBO= AMOUNT OVER $191,2550
BE HOME-OWNERSWITH ONLY
596DmioN3% YOUR $ 2% GIFT $
FREE PRE-QUALIFING OVER THE PHONE
$17,500 IN 20 DAYS•100% TAX DEDUCTIBLE•
Na APPRAISAL REOUIRED
NO PRE-PAYmENT PENELTY
FOR HOME INPROvEMNTS
ALSO FOR RENTAL UNITS
6 1/2 %30 YEARCONvERTIBLE
PUR CHASE CR REFINANCE
1 5 YEAR
5 1/496 FIXEDGPM
0 POINT LOANSNC LOAN FEESI
FIXED RATEOWNER OCCUPIED
EAGLE MORTGAGE BANKERS420 W. BASELINE RD. GLENDORA, CA 91740
V(818) 914-2796 =4,12'* Rates subject to change without notice
REFINANCE - PURCHASE - FAST CASHTODAY WHILE RATES ARE STILL LOW..!!
BILLS PILING UP/CONSOLIDATE BILLSCASH OUT/HOME IMPROVEMENTS/REMODELING
8 I N CO M E PROPERTY/INVESTMENTS81;" EDUCATION/MEDICAL EXPENSESBr> VACATION HOMENACATION CASH'WAND MORE!
ATIONReal Estate Broker/Ca. Dept. of Real Estate and Licensed un derDept. of Corporations.
FREE INFORM
HEADWAY 39
Southern CaliforniaRapid Transit District425 So. Main St., 2nd FloorLos Angeles, CA 90013
Bulk RateU.S. Postage
PaidLos Angeles, Ca.Permit No. 32705
Hand-picked by Manager Mike Lynch, Division 10 Operator
Patty Scranton assisted many Angelenos in making their
first Red Line ticket purchases. She was joined by friend and
raul safety mascot, "Travis the Owl."raillidiORMIII111111111»,
1J-12.,-1\1)\J\MifPublished monthly for the employees and retirees ofthe Southern California Rapid Transit District.Editorial input and suggestions are welcome. Dead-line for editorial copy is the first day of each month.Send black-and-white photography only. Requests forphotographic coverage of District events must be pre-ceded by 72 hours.
Mailing address: Headway, 2nd Floor, 425 SouthMain Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013. (213) 972-7165
Andrea Greene, Editor
Stacy Tran, Business Manager
Printed by the RTD Print ShopAl Moore, Manager
HEADWAY 40
Related Documents
