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Number 20 November 1991

owle90,44,*

Welcome RTD

Transit Police

Rookies:

Hand-picked anL.

Ready to Roll

rrABLEi0FCONTENTS

A Word from the General Manager 3RTD Initiates Commuter Discount Program 4Teresa Moren: She Makes CTP Work 4Customer Relations Department Wins Top Honors 5Introducing New Board Member Evan Braude 6An Update on the War on Graffiti 7Windows to be Replaced and Redesigned 8The Down Side...The Cost 8Head Ghost Haunts Vandals 9What Local Government is Doing 9RTD Engineers Focus on Electric Trolleybuses 11Swanson is Instrumental in Peninsula Service 11RTD, Raiders Kick Off Clean Air Campaign 12On Division 15's CNG Fast Refueling Facility 13RTD to Begin Selection of Red Line Operators 13Roll Out the Red Carpet...Again for Div. 16 15Bailey: "Where lt Had to Do With Service" 16Wilson Named Acting Dir. of Transportation 16What's in a Name? 17RTD Scores in New Transit Guide 18Transit Police Make lt a Family Affair 19Transit Police Chief Sharon Papa on Security 22HIT Scores with Scholarship Fundraiser 23Public Commendations 24Happy Birthday RTD, 25Just Marriedt 25Commendations 26Officer Estrada: Going for the Gold 30Random Alcohol, Drug Testing May Be Implemented 31Schedule Changes 32Shifting Gears 33Calling the Doctor For Your Child 34Births 34New Law to Provide Special Buses for Disabled 36In Memoriam 37A Footnote 37About Open Enrollment 39We're On Line For You 39What Do You Know About Smoking 40Recreation News 42

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Views and opinions contained herein do not necessarilyrefleet official District policy.

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.4Neither the Headway nor the RTD endorses the productsor verifies the accuracy of the claims made in the advertis-ing, which has appeared, appears, and will appear on thepages of the Headway. The advertising is simply a rev-enue-generating measure. Further, we reserve the right toreject any objectionable ad.

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NOVEMBER 1991 HEADWAY 2

A Word from the General Manager

We have a brandnew department, and I'dlike to introduce it to you.

RTD's CorporateTransit Partnership (CTP)Program was created tohelp businesses find waysto comply with the recently-passed laws that require acompany ridesharing plan.

The program head isTeresa Moren, who brings11 years of RTD planningexperience to her newresponsibilities. You mayknow Teresa from herrecent excellent work as theDistrict's liaison with ourdisabled riders.

Teresa and her staff of12 have hit the groundrunning. The CTP's repre-sentatives are visitingcompanies to help them setup their own transportationinformation centers. Theyare helping survey thecompany's employees tofind out what their trans-portation needs are, andtailoring their programsaccordingly.

You may already befamiliar with our CorporatePass Program that encour-ages firms to buy RTD buspasses and make themavailable to their employees

at reduced costs. TheCorporate Transit Partner-ship takes this concept andexpands it even further.

Through the CTP,employers can get reduced-cost bus passes throughconsignment sales pro-grams, maul order or ourdiscounted ticket books.The CTP also is in charge ofTransLink, the computersystem that providespersonalized travel itinerar-ies on public transportationfor every employee at thecompany we are workingwith.

To help find out what aparticular firm's exacttransit needs are, CTP repscan custom-design em-ployee survey forms. Theytake the data collected inthe survey to determinehow much demand there isfor transit services and howto tailor the service to theneed.

With the advent of theCorporate Transit Partner-ship, RTD is now in aposition to provide veryspecialized service to thosewho request it. One of themost interesting ways isthrough a "subscriptionservice." If enough busi-nesses in a certain geo-graphical area request busservice and are willing tocommit riders to it, RTDcan create a new line toserve those businesses.

Here is an example.Right now, the program isworking out the details ofan agreement between atleast eight major firms inthe South Bay area. CTPhas already done itshomework by surveying thecompanies' employees. The

firms must now work out afinancial plan where theycommit to "buying'' acertain number of bus seatsevery day.

Once the details areworked out, the Districtcould put up to six busesinto service along a specialroute designed to carry1,200 employees. There willbe 26 runs each morningand evening during rushhours.

Ridesharing requirescommunity spirit to besuccessful. The CorporateTransit PartnershipProgram exists to demon-

strate to Southern Califor-nians that our strict newair pollution laws need notpose a problem to those whoare accustomed to drivingalone. So far, nearly 1,000businesses have contactedour CTP Program for itshelp.

This kind of responsegives our new program --and all of us who providequality transportationservice -- something to beproud of, and something towork for in the future.

Alan F. Pegg

VETERANS DAY: November 11A Time of Remembrance

From the HeartTo All Who'ue Stood Tall for Freedom

Those of uswho've never served

can't truly understandthe sacrifices that you made

protecting life and land.You were called

from hornes and jobs.You never turned around.

You did more than was asked of youin air, on sea, on ground.

You gave for usin freedom's name

'til now the time has comefor us to give you in returnA "thank you!" every one.


the cooperation betweenRTD and Manulife RealEstate is an excellentexample of the spirit ofpartnership between public

and private organizationsthat is essential to thesuccess of wide-rangingefforts such as the Com-muter Discount program.

Teresa Moren: SheMakes CTP Work

Employees who ride-share at least once a weekare eligible. Participatingdowntown merchants willdisplay a "CommuterDiscount" decal in theirwindows for easy identifica-tion.

Pegg said if the re-sponse continues to bepositive, the CommuterDiscount program will beexpanded to include all ofLos Angeles County.

RTD Initiates Commuter Discount Program

Downtown LosAngeles merchants, employ-ers and transportationofficials gathered in thecolorful confines of OlveraStreet Sept. 23 to officiallykiek off the "CommuterDiscount" ridesharingincentive program as partof Rideshare Week (Sept.23-27).

RTD and co-sponsorManulife Real Estate joinedforces to create the pro-gram, designed to rewarddowntown Los Angelescommuters for using publictransportation, car poolingor van pooling.

The Commuter Dis-count program providesridesharing employees ofparticipating firms with atleast a 10 percent discountwhen they shop at any of116 downtown merchantswho have agreed to be apart of the program.

"The CommuterDiscount program is a winfor everyone who works orruns a business downtown,"said Marvin Holen, RTDBoard president. "Firmsthat give 'CD' cards to theirridesharing employees aretaking a crucial step towardmeeting Regulation XV airquality standards.

"Merchants offeringdiscounts also will benefitfrom having more business,and the employee isrewarded with at least a 10percent discount on goodsand merchandise," Holensaid. "I can't think of amore pleasant way to helpunclog freeways and cleanthe air."

RTD General ManagerAlen Pegg pointed out that

RTD and co-sponsor Manulife Real Estate Officials teained up September 23 to kick off theDistrict's new Commuter Discount program. On hand to help unveil the program were,from left: Tom Patton, Los Angeles manager for Manulife Real Estate; Marvin Holen, RTDBoard president; Arlene Steger, transportation coordinator for Manulife Real Estate; TeresaMoren, director of RTD's Corporate Transit Partnership Department; Gary Spivack, RTDassistant general manager for planning and public affairs.

As acting executive consumer advocacy, Terrydirector of the the state Moren has exuded abound-Demoratic Party, Terry ing energy and compassion.Moren coordinated the Today she's the womanlargest delegate selection to charged with administeringthe national convention in the District's Corporate1980. In 1984, she ran the Transit Partnershipfirst state-wide phone bank

Department.

for Walter Mondale. About

"Im very, very excitedthe same time, she was the about the program becauseone person at the District

it's the answer to so many

who the disabled counted

things," the East Loson to get them out of the

Angeles native says. "Thishouse and into the world

allows us to establish a

beyond. For all her years ofpolitical canvassing and

continued on page 5...


Marvin Holen, RTD Board president and Robert Williams,director of customer relations, are praised for RTD'sachievements at the SOCAP awards banquet in LosAngeles.

Teresa Moren

Customer Relations Department Wins Top HonorsThe District's

Customer RelationsDepartment has beenhonored with a pair ofprestigious awards from theSociety of Consumer Affairsin Business (SOCAP), aninternational non-profitassociation of high levelprofessionals in the con-sumer relations arena.

Marvin Holen, RTDBoard president, acceptedthe regional award Sept.19, 1991 at the localSOCAP awards dinner ofthe New Otani Hotel.Hosted by K.NBC-TVpersonality Fritz Coleman,the ceremony included a

Continued from page 4...

great relationship with thebusiness community, whichwe've never had before. It'sa way of expanding ourpresence while cleaning the

air."She says companies are

frustrated becalise they'vebeen told to meet Regula-tion XV, yet they haven'tbeen given the tools tomake the regulations work.Until now.

special address by consumeradvocate David Horowitzvia telephone hook-up fromMiami. In presenting theaward, State SenatorHerschel Rosenthal andState Deputy Director ofConsumer Services LindaSmith Gaston applaudedthe District's Transit RiderBill of Rights and On-TimePerformance Warrantyprograms. The success ofthe Customer RelationsDepartment in respondingto the challenge of theprograms was instrumentalin the judges' final choice.

The RTD competed inthe company category. Last


With Moren at thehelm, more than 1,000companies have signed intothe program. Bus ridershipamong company employeeshas jumped an amazing 74percent. The biggest mythamong employees whichMoren and company havehad to crumble is thatpublic transit is just for thepoor.

"We have to educate

people about the fundingsituation, too," Moren says.They tell us they voted forPropositions A and C toimprove transit, and theywant to know where theresults are. They're an-noyed that the funds beinggenerated don't solve thereg-ulations now, but in theyear 2000."

Moren has alwaysfought for the consumer.

As a youngster growingup in East Los Angeles, shewas well aware of vendorswho would take advantageof people in the neighbor-hoods. Consumerism hadjust come into vogue whenshe graduated fromGarfield High School in1973. She intended to majorin consumer affairs at USC,but the school didn't offerthe studies and she selectedcourses in business andpublic administration.

Her aspirations wererealized, finally, when theschool selected her to go toWashington . . . and workin the Office of ConsumerAffairs.

She graduated fromUSC in 1977 at a timewhen the passage ofProposition 13 made itdifficult to find a govern-ment job. She did get aposition with then Assem-blyman Art Torres (now astate senator). The Demo-cratic Party, impressedwith her organizationalskills, soon hired her andbefore long she was manag-ing their offices in LosAngeles, Sacramento, andSan Francisco.

The highlight, sherecalls, was when she wasworking in the Los Angelesoffice prior to the 1980



Introducing New BoarMember Evan Brande

Moren...continued from page 5

election. Chip Carterworked alongside her in theoffice, and his father,President Jimmy Carterwould call to talk to him.Half the time, she pickedup the phone. " `Hello, thisis Jimmy,' he would say. Hewas so nice. One time hetold me he was concernedabout his re-electionchances." (Carter ultimatelylost to Ronald Reagan.)

"lt was such a let-downalter the 1980 campaign,"Moren says, with a sigh. "Iworked around the clockplanning the statewideconvention."

"It was one of a few

jobs in the District

where you could

establish a relation-

ship with people and

hug and cry."

Tired and burned outon politics, Moren thoughtshe'd give public service ashot. She joined RTD as aplanning trainee. Some-times, public service provesfrustrating to the goal-oriented Moren.

"I've always understoodpolitics. Either I knew thepolitician or the politician'sstaff person. I always wantto make a phone call to getthe job done, but you can'tdo that here."

Moren found her nichewith the elderly anddisabled, or rather theyfound her.

Evan AndersonBraude, an attorney and aLong Beach city council-man, was appointed to theRTD Board of DirectorsAug. 1, 1991 by the CitySelection Committee.

Braude earned abachelor's degree in politi-cal science from UCLA in1970, and a law degreefrom Loyola UniversitySchool of Law in 1973. Heis an attorney with the lawfirm of Bennett, Kerry,Kistner and Garcia in LongBeach, where he specializesin business, municipal andadministrative law.

He held the post of vice

"lt was one of a fewjobs in the District whereyou could establish arelationship with peopleand hug and cry," she says,passionately. "RTD is theironly option in life. We givethe disabled person themeans by which to visitfriends, to do things wenever think about. They areso thankful when we do agood job. We just don'tunderstand what it's like."

"I would go out at three

president and generalcounsel for MercurySavings and Loan Association for five years, and win private practice for fivyears in Long Beach. Hehas served as attorney-advisor for the Office of tSecretary of the U.S.Department of Transporttion, and was deputy cityattorney for Los Angelesthree years in the rnid1970s.

Braude is a membernumerous professional,civic and communityorganizations, including theLos Angeles County BarAssociation, the Boys Clubof Wilmington, the LongBeach Chamber of Com-merce, the Long BeachDemocratic Club and theLions Club International,downtown Long Beachchapter.

He has one son, JaysHis interests includeworking with severalcommunity and chalitablorganizations. He enjoyscomputers and supportinUCLA's athletic program.

in the afternoon in adisguise, and I would watchto see that che wheelchairpatron made it on to thebus okay. Only by beingthere can you make ithappen. Change occurs onlywhen you're active."

In the last few years,Moren's priorities havechanged significantly. Shemarried a sales applicationengineer, Mathew, and nowhas two young children,Amy and Paula.

Top Honors...continued fronz page 5

year's recipient wasUNOCAL, for its SouthCoast Recycled AutoProgram (SCRAP), in whichthe company offered cash inreturn for old, air-pollutingcars.

Other winners includedLos Angeles Times writerSusan Diamond for herweekly consumer educationcolumn and the City ofSanta Monica for its PublicElectronic Network per-sonal computer bulletinboard and electronic maulsystem.

The Customer Rela-tions Department also wonthe international award,which was presented Oct.14 at a special luncheonmeeting at the annualSOCAP meeting in Toronto.Holen and Robert Williams,director of customerrelations, accepted theaward. Previous interna-tional winners haveincluded Coca Cola andGeneral Motors.

SOCAP, headquar-tered in the Washington,D.C. area, has 2,500members worldwide.

•"All of a sudden politics

seemed so time-consuming,"she says, thinking. "ltwears you down."

Her new positioncombines the best of Terry'stalents. With her blend ofconsumerism and human-ism, the business commu-nity is in for the best andmost caring kind of service.


Woodland Hills residents George and Nona Heytens

An Update on the War on Graffiti

RTD Gets a Helping Hand

Since the Districtescalated its war on busgraffiti three years ago, theappearance of the fleet hasimproved significantly.Despite a continued highincidence of vandalism, theDistrict has in place anextensive graffiti abatementprogram which purports toraise the level of awarenessin the schools and withcommunity leaders. As partof the program, RTD addedstaff for cleaning graffitiand repairing vandalism,replacing cut seats andetched windows. Staff hasalso increased paintingwith a more cost effectiveexterior paint scheme.

The Transit PoliceGraffiti Task Force hastripled in size, and legisla-tion was signed into lawwhich increased fines andpenalties against perpetra-tors of vandalism andgraffiti.

RTD Transit Policehave played a major role inthe abatement of busgraffiti and vandalism.From April 1989 throughAugust 1991, officers made823 arrests for vandalismand have issued another1257 citations. Much of thecredit goes to the GraffitiHabitual Offenders Sup-pression Team, or GHOST,which consists of twosergeants and 15 patrolofficers who patrol activegraffiti and vandalismareas during various shifts.

When arrests are madeby Transit Police officersand/or agencies, theoffenders' names are putinto the General ReportingEvaluation and Tracking

(GREAT) system. Thissystem tracks taggers andhighlights repeat offendersand probation violators,aiding officers and thecourts in carrying outsuccessful prosecutions.Sergeant Shari Barberic,who heads up the GHOSTteam, says her officers haveentered some 4,000 names.

"We have the largest

Over the years,Customer Relationsrepresentatives havedeveloped a number of doseworking relationships withpatrons who are equallydedicated to solving transitrelated problems. Perhapsno relationship has been asmutually productive as thatwhich has developed withGeorge and Nona Heytens,a couple who is waging aprivate war against graffiti.

On any given day, youare likely to find theHeytens patrolling streets,alleys, and parkways in

number of names and themost amount of informationon suspects than of anyother agency," she saysproudly. "We've trainedsheriff s deputies in thecataloguing of taggers."

Barberic now uses avideo camera to record ontape the suspects herofficers arrest.

Woodland Hills andsurrounding areas to searchout and remove graffiti.Their first anti-graffitiefforts began over eightyears ago when the couplebegan hand-scrubbing busbenches. When victimizedRTD buses gained theirattention and ire, theHeytens made the first ofwhat would be many phone.reports to CustomerRelations.

Recently, SharonSterling and Linda Carpen-ter of Customer Relationsmet with the couple to

discuss and coordinate anti-graffiti efforts. The Heytenshave expressed enthusiasticapproval for the District'sprompt response to theirreports and were particu-larly impressed withCustomer Relations policyof calling them with statusreports on repairs.

When a complaintregarding a vandalized busis received, CustomerRelations immediatelyforwards the report to theappropriate maintenancedepartment with a requestfor a copy of the completedwork order. After mainte-nance personnel completethe repairs, a CustomerRelations representativecalls the complainant toadvise them that thegraffiti has been removed.The Heytens report that itis this commitment, promptattention and strong follow-through that have wontheir respect and admira-tion.

The Heytens have beenjoined in their efforts by

...continued on page 8


The Heytens...continued from page 7

The Down SideThe District's FY 92

budget does not adequatelyfund the Graffiti andVandalism AbatementProgram, which wasdesigned to meet theBoard's graffiti roll-outrequirement.

The allocation forovertime to combat theproblem has been cut inhalf because of budgetshortfalls. A lack of re-sources resulted in the mid-summer curtailment of theinnovative County Probe-tion Department Anti-Graffiti and VandalismProgram. That project, ajoint effort between RTDand the Probation bepart-ment and the first of itskind among transit proper-ties in the nation, involvedjuveniles from detentioncamps cleaning buses tomake restitution.

"A good program," seidEquipment Maintenance'sJane Bouffard of the 18-month experiment. "Therewere very minor disciplin-ary problems and theprogram seemed to instill a

. • The Cost

work ethic and injectresponsibility into the livesof the offenders."

She is in the process ofsubmitting a requisition sothat a funding source canbe identified and theprogram continued. TheDistrict also is looking for anew youth services supervi-sor. Problems that existedbetween the ATU andDistrict over the using ofnon-union employees toclean the buses have sincebeen resolved.

The program, whichcost the District $750,000last year, served threepurposes: lt cleaned graffitifrom the interior andexterior of District buses atterminals during theservice day, therebymaintaining the fleetappearance for more hourseach day; the Countyconducted a worthwhilework program for youthfuloffenders; the program setan example of the type ofwork which can be accom-plished by vandals who arein County custody.

Sharon Sterling and Linda Carpenter, both RTD CustomerRelations Representatives pose with George and NonaHeytens.

200 members/volunteersand are looking to add moreindividuals to supervisetheir "Clean Teams," workgroups made up of courtappointed communityservice workers. Member-ship in their organization,"The Neighborhood Beauti-fication Program," is $20,the cost of one day's supplyof sand for the sandblaster.

Additional support,paint, rollers, trash bagsand pick-up come from the

This year, the Districtwill increase significantlythe installation of buswindows to replace thewindows which havebecome opaque by acombination of ultra-violetlight, abrasion from buswashers, and vandalism.

Staff will replaceapproximately 800 sets ofwindows. Also underconsideration is the futureprocurement of buses withglass side windows. TheEquipment MaintenanceDepartment is reviewingthe possibility of ordering

Woodland Hills, Tarzanaand West Hills Chambers ofCommerce, the WarnerCenter Marriott Hotel andDeputy Chief Kroaker, headof operations for the LAPDValley Division.

If you would like to joinor contribute to the Neigh-borhood BeautificationProgram or simply reportgraffiti, the Heytens inviteyou to call the GraffitiHotline at (818) 346-4082.

split, flat glass windows forthe 203 methanol buses,now on order. There wouldbe a standees window inthe upper portion of thesash area which usuallyremains unmarked. Thelower half of the standeeswindow which is vandalizedmost often would be smallerand, therefore, less costly toreplace.

The District continuesto contact other transitagencies and paint/windowvendors to gain newinformation to combat busvandalism.

Windows to be Replacedand Redesigned

NOVEMBER 1991 HEA DWAY 8

Might now, the heaviest graffiti area is a tossup between the SanFernand° Valley and South Central L.A.," says Sgt. ShariBarberic. "lt used to be South Gate and Huntington Park, but weworked those areas really hard."

Head GHOST Haunts Vandals

Sergeant ShariBarberic, who directs theGraffiti Habitual OffendersSuppression Team, iscontemplating where tosend her officers next.

There's trouble in theSan Fernando Valley,between Ventura andSepulveda, but the realtrouble of the week is beingcaused by a gang of 200whose name, coincidentially,is Nothing But Trouble.

"I'd say they're respon-

sible for vandalism on 65 to70 percent of the District'sbuses these clays," she says,assuredly. "Operating out ofLeimert Park between

Crenshaw and Vernon,they've assaulted our busoperators and have beenknown to write on thepassengers, even drawingblood."

According to the feistyBarberic, Nothing ButTrouble, or NBT, is not yourtypical tagging crew. Theycarry big sticks and havebeen known to not andterrorize in the HawthorneMali. Somewhere along theline, its members made aconscious choice to not onlyvandalize, but to rob, shoot,steal cars, and deal dope.But typical tagging crews,who continue to destroy

District buses to the tune of$10 million annually, arenot traditional street gangs.They are not territorial.They are not, as a generalrule, involved in narcoticsales. They don't carry

guns. They don't do drive-byshootings. They do it, shesays, because it's a way toget attention.

"Ironically, they feel it'sa good alternative to drugsand gangs, and eventuallythey will outgrow it."

"The driver's side of

the bus is more

prestigious. lt boils

down to attention

and a Zack of

respect for other

people's property."

She remembers one kidin particular, a student atWashington High schoolwho was taking classes likecalculus, and chemistry. Heplayed an instrument andwas getting good grades.

"He graduated fromhigh school, enrolled at CalState Long Beach, and quittagging."

"It's like an addiction,"she insists. "The driver'sside of the bus is moreprestigious. lt all boilsdown to attention and alack of respect for otherpeople's property. And thekids come from all back-grounds. We've had kids inPacific Palisades tear upbuses." Barberic says sheand her officers see thesame young suspects overand over again. She's citedone youth five or six times."It's frustrating. Peopletend to look to the police tosolve the problem."

But, she says, it doesn'tmatter how many officersyou rely on to knock downthe problem. She points herfinger at the juvenile justicesystem. "There's really nosufficient deterrentsattached by the system, soessentially you're reinforc-ing that it's socially accept-able and not a crime tovandalize. And," she adds,"graffiti breeds graffiti. Thelonger it stays on, theincentive is bigger. When akid puts his or her taggingname on the bus andnobody see it, there goesyour incentive."

If it's such a vicious


What Local Government is Doing . . ."It's like squeezing a

balloon," MannyHernandez, director of localgovernment and communityaffairs says of graffiti. "Theballoon just gets.fattersomewhere else."

For 16 months,Hernandez' departmenthas stumped Southland

schools in an effort toconvince students andadministrators thatvandalism is a seriousproblem. Their efforts to, atleast, increase awarenessare working. "When we firststarted, there was somereluctance on the part ofthe school principals," says

Jim Retana, who puttogether his department'sGraffiti Abatement Pro-gram. "They thought thatvandalism on our buses wasnot their business. Now,some of those same princi-pals are calling us back togive repeat presentations."

In 1990-91, the depart-

ment contacted 40 percentof the schools within theDistrict's service area.Forty percent of the schoolswere in the south LosAngeles area, 30 percentwere in the San Fernando



Head GHOST...continued from page 9

"I would not let the juveniles loose so quickly," saysSergeant Shari Barberic. "But then again, I'm not incharge of the juvenile facilities."

"Taggers are uery organized. They carry beepers and keep intouch with each other by walkie-talkies."

cycle, why does she con-tinue? "Because it's achallenge," she says,without pausing. "It'scompetition with thetaggers. We have expertisein a field that no otheragency has. We've trained

Barberic's bones. Her great-great g-randfather was thesheriff of Brown County,Kansas. She is married to aHawthorne police officer,who also happens to be onthe SWAT team.

"In order to keep mysanity, I don't worry abouthim anymore. I know he's agood officer. The only timeit hits home is when I see a

police funeral on televi-sion."

Her husband, likewise,has made peace withBarberic's career. "He toldme if this is what I want todo, then fine. He just wantsme to be happy."

When the attractivesergeant is not plotting


sheriffs deputies in identi-fying taggers. I like dealingwith people, especiallyjuveniles. They're likeable,They're not the bad seed.They just really don't havea concept of the problem."

Police work is in

Local Government...continued from page 9

Valley, and the remaining30 percent were in the EastL.A. area. A total of 43,442students have beenreached. The departmenthas organized 12 ParentAwareness Nights, involv-ing about 2,380 adults andhas contacted another 120businesses about vandalismabatement.

Hernandez' staff hasdistributed 103,900 piecesof graffiti abatementinformation, consisting ofbookcovers, informationflyers, pencils and eraserswith anti-graffiti slogans.

Hernandez says he's inthe process of developing agraffiti curriculum, muchlike the District's clean airlesson plans which were

introduced to Los Angelescity schools last spring. Hesays he wants to tailor thecurriculum to specificclasses. "For example, amath teacher can teachstudents about responsibilityby showing them how to

" It's your fault,' the

kids say. 'You

eliminated

recreation and after-

school activities.' "

budget money to buysomething they reallywant."

"When you assignnumbers to damaged

properties, students getangry. When they realizethey're on the receiving endof the damage and have tostand in crowded buses,they wise up."

He says their attitudechanges after they watch avideo, produced by theMarketing Department,called, "No More FreeRides." He says that someof them even come up to

him and want to know whatthey can do to help. He

carries to classrooms anetched window from theBlue Line train that hasbeen inscribed with thewords, "Please don't destroyme."

Hernandez says thejuvenile who tags has not

assumed responsibility forbeing a member of thehuman race. He says thathe recently went withBoard member NickPatsaouras to visit aclassroom. " `Its your fault,'the kids said, Tou elimi-nated recreation and afterschool activities.' "

"But," Manny says, "Wecan't teach them moralsand ethics. We can do somuch, but the burden ofwhat they can do rests withthe decisions they make."

NOVEMBER 1991 HEADWAY 1 0

RTD Engineers Focus on Electric Trolleybuses

In Vancouver, British Columbia, red-colored electric trolleybuses on downtown streets appear to have frequent headway.Notice how overhead wires are barely visible, and blend in with the trees.

by Anthony Greno,Press Relations Rep.

Nearly three decades

after electric trolleybuslines went the way of streetcars in Los Angeles, RTDengineers are re-examiningelectric bus technology as ameans of meeting airquality standards.

Construction on thefirst trolleybus lines in LosAngeles in nearly 30 yearscould begin in 1992, withcompletion and startup of

operations by 1995."I'm reluctant to set a

definite start-up date, but I

hope we can have some-thing running by 1995,"said Albert F. Perdon,director of RTD TransitSystems Development. "Ithink that can be done,what with all the environ-

mental clearances andpermitting required, as wellas working with the cities

"We're basically

targeting high

density routes."

involved. This is new. We'recharting new territoryhere."

Perdon is projectdirector for the electrictrolleybus effort. NadeemTahir, supervising engineerfor project development,

and an RTD employee since1976, is project manager.He is assisted by seniorengineers Rudi Beuermannand Anton Andersen. Allfour are professionalengineers.

"RTD now leads theway in bringing electrictrolleybuses back to LosAngeles, just as we had arole in starting constructionof heavy raul and in operat-ing light rail between LongBeach and Los Angeles,"Perdon said.

Los Angeles had

RTD bus service hasbeen enhanced on the PalosVerdes Peninsula, thanksto RTD Board Member andRolling Hills Mayor Pro-Tem Gordana Swanson.

Since Sept. 5 RTDLines 225 (LAX TransitCenter via Aviation Blvd.-Palos Verdes Peninsula),

electric trolleybus servicefrom 1947 to 1963. OnMarch 31, 1963, theMetropolitan TransitAuthority, predecessor ofthe RTD, eliminated thetwo trolley coach routes andthe last five streetcar lines,


226 (LAX Transit Centervia Aviation Blvd.-PalosVerdes Drive West-SanPedro) and 444 (LosAngeles-West Torrance-Rolling Hills-Rancho PalosVerdes Freeway Express)have been modified toinclude additional trips asdemand warrants.

Swanson is Instrumental inGetting More Peninsula Service


RTD, Raiders Kick OffClean Air Campaign

R.TD and the LosAngeles Raiders areteaming together in anenvironmental campaignthat encourages residentsto ride the bus to help cleanthe air.

At a September 16news conference thatshowcased the clean airplayers, RTD BoardPresident Marvin Holensummarized the message:"Ride the bus, avoidtraffic, fight pollution, andhelp make Los Angelesbeautiful."

Mayor Tom Bradley,also on hand, added hissupport for the campaign:"This public service

campaign represents a civiceffort by different organiza-tions to help clean the air inLos Angeles. The Raiders,the RTD and the agenciesin this joint effort are to becongratulated for helpingcarry the message to thepublic."

On hand at the Coli-seum were Raiders playersand samples of ads to bedisplayed on donatedoutdoor advertising com-mercially valued at morethan $600,000.

"I am very pleasedthat the RTD and theRaiders were able to workwith advertising outlets to


...continued from page 11

which were replaced bydiesel buses. The MTAtrolleybus lines totaled 23one-way miles whensuspended.

"What we're looking atis an outlay on the order of$600 million for a represen-tative 10-route system ofabout 158 miles of route.Long-term, we're probablytalking 20 to 30 routes,"said Perdon.

The conversion by theyear 2010 to electrictrolleybus service of 30percent of diesel bus linesnow operating in LosAngeles County is one ofthe major guidelines in theSouth Coast Air QualityManagement District'smost recent air qualitymanagement plan.

The AQMD goal callsfor 30 percent of about3,000 buses to be operatingat near-zero emissionlevels. "Electrified buseswould be those that operateon 15-minute headways orless," Perdon said. "We'rebasically targeting high-density routes."

On the initial studylist, 15 RTD lines, oneMontebello Municipal BusLines route and four LongBeach Transit routes areidentified for evaluation.The list will be narrowed toeight to 10 candidates, anda final short list of three tofour lines will be madewithin 12 months, Perdonsaid.

Funding for the electrictrolleybus project has beenprovided by the Los AngelesCounty TransportationCommission. Last March, asix-month study wascompleted by RTD andBooz-Allen Hamilton, Inc.

on an initial grant of$750,000. On Aug. 28 theLACTC approved $8 millionfor a study that will includepreliminary engineering,environmental clearances,and the selection of three tofour routes as initialcandidates for conversionfrom diesel.

Of the $8 million, up to$6 million will go to ICFKaiser Engineers ofOakland for consultingservices on the electric

trolleybus project. Thatcontract is under review bythe RTD Board of Directors.

Even before any busroutes have been chosen asfinalists for conversion toelectric trolleybus service,the prospect of which RTDdivisions might becomeinvolved has alreadygenerated considerableinterest among employees.

Among RTD divisionsbeing considered forparticipation in the electric

trolleybus program are: 1,2, 5, 6, 10 and 15. Division2, known as Location 2, hasbeen the Transit Policeheadquarters for severalyears. But the TransitPolice are moving to arented building at Eighthand Figueroa streets, thusleaving Location 2 at 15thand San Pedro streets opento possibly becoming anelectric trolleybus division.

"Those closely involvedwith the electric trolleybusproject, or directly affectedby it, have very strongopinions about whichdivisiotis should be chosen,"said Tahir, the projectmanager. "The opinionsvary from 'Over my deadbody' to 'When can we startconstruction?'.

"We had mixed divi-sions before, and I thinkwe're heading toward mixeddivisions again," said Tahir."As for operators, we stillhave operators in servicewho were working astrolleybus operators whenthe last lines were discon-tinued in 1963."

The 15 RTD lines underinitial study are: 4 (SantaMonica Boulevard), 16(West Third Street), 18(West Sixth Street-WhittierBoulevard), 20 (WilshireBoulevard-Santa Monica),30 (West Pico Boulevard-East First Street-FloralDrive), 40 (HawthorneBoulevard-Union Station),45 (Broadway-MercuryAvenue), 66 (East OlympicBoulevard-West EighthStreet), 76 (Los Angeles-ElMonte via Main Street-Valley Boulevard), 180(Hollywood-Glendale-Pasadena via ColoradoBoulevard), 181 (Holly



On Division 15's CNG Fast Refueling Facility . . .

It looks, rides anddrives just like a regularRTD bus, but buried andhidden from view withinthe floor structure of thisnew coach is a reinforcedarea holding six large fuelstorage cylinders of Com-pressed Natural Gas(CNG). Also missing isblack smoke spewing fromthe tailpipe. Compared todiesel, natural gas emitsalmost four times lessparticulate matter or soot.

A way for the futurehas become a living reality

for einployees at Division15 in Sun Valley. Thedivision houses theDistrict's CNG demonstra-tion program that encom-passes a fleet of 10 newFlxible coacheslpuilt fromthe ground up to run onCNG.

Nearly a year old and a180,000 miles strong, theprogram strengthens theDistrict's commitment as a

pioneer in clean air technol-ogy and in experimentingwith alternative fuels.

"The District's CNGproject is designed to testthe feasibility of CNGfueled buses in the transitenvironment. The projectwill evaluate the CNGtechnology against thesame criteria as Methanoland other alternative fuelsin order to fairly evaluatethe positive and negativeaspects of each alternativefuel," said Michael Marelli,RTD's Alternative FuelEngineer in charge of theCNG program.

Two distinct enginetechnologies are beingdemonstrated in thisproject. Four of the buseshave a Cummins sponsoredengine design that is abasic, carbureted, openchamber, lean burn naturalgas engine. The remainingsix buses utilize enginetechnology developed by the

Southwest ResearchInstitute and sponsored bythe Southern CaliforniaGas Company, which uses aprecombustion chamber

spring, about 25 senior busand Blue Line operatorswill have an opportunity totrain as operators on theRed Line.

The six weeks ofintensive training willprepare the new operatorsfor the opening of the firstphase of the Red Line,MOS-1, which will provideservice along 4.4 miles oftrack running from UnionStation to Westlake(Wilshire/Alvarado) Station.

Red Line operator

with an electronicallycontrolled ignition and fuel-management system.

Marelli notes, "In the


volunteers will be selectedon the basis of seniority forone of four training classescovering rail concepts,safety, terminology andoperations.

"We're gearing thetraining to be very compre-hensive," says John Byrd,Red Line rail operationsmanager. "There's a realdifference between operat-ing a bus and a train.You've got to be able to'walk the walk and talk thetalk.'...continued on page 18

RTD to Begin Selectionof Red Line Operators


CNG...continued from page 13

beginning, we had a fewproblems to overcome,which is characteristic withany new product, but so farthe program is progressingvery well and reliabilitycontinues to improveeveryday."

At a cost of $1 million,the District has constructed

"From day one both

Paul Rankin and

Paul Stanley,

Warranty

Equipment

Mechanics have

been at Division 15

ensuring the

program 's success."

a permanent CNG fastfueling facility at Division15 which should be up andrunning by mid-November.

"This fast-fuelingfacility will be capable ofrefueling four buses in tenminutes and one bus everyten minutes thereafter,"said Marelli. "With the old

temporary fueling station,it took between 60 and 90minutes to refuel a singleCNG bus."

In total, the CNGprogram cost $3.2 millionand is being funded by thefederal government,Southern California GasCompany and RTD. TheDistrict's investment todate is close to $200,000.

The District still has afew hurdles to cross in thedevelopment of a clean-burning, low emissionsCNG bus. Currently theprogram lags behindMethanol development andthe engines still need to becertified for clean emissionsby the manufacturer. Thatcertification is expected bymid-1992.

The District also wfllneed to demonstrate that itcan refuel CNG busessimilar to diesel buses. Thishopefully will be accom-plished with the newrefueling station now inplace at Division 15.

"I'm excited about theprogram and tip my hat toall the employees atDivision 15," said Marelli."They have been realsupportive of the program

with bus operators andmechanics pulling togetherto make it work."

"From day one bothPaul Rankin and PaulStanley, Warranty Equip-ment Mechanics for theDistrict, have been atDivision 15 ensuring theprogram's success," addedMarelli. "It's through theirefforts and hard work,coupled with the dedicationof all Division 15 employ-ees, that the program isbeginning to take shape."

In addition to the 10CNG buses, the District hasconverted one Carpentermini-ride bus from diesel toCNG to test the feasibilityof converting other dieselrunning buses to analternative fuel.

"We have reached avery exciting stage in theprogram where we can nowbegin to truly compare CNG

to diesel and other fuels toobtain important data thatwill be used in years tocome in determining whichalternative fuel is best,"said Marelli.

The District has themost comprehensivealternative fuels and lowemissions test program inthe nation. In addition toCNG, the District is alsotesting Methanol, Avocet, amethanol additive, andparticulate traps for dieselbuses.

"RTD leads the way indeveloping and testingclean air technologies thatfuture generations willappreciate for decades tocome," said Alan F. Pegg,RTD general manager."RTD employees should beproud of being part of thesolution in fighting airpollution."


It's deja uu at Division 16 where employees again are the kings of the road.

Roll Out the Red Carpet . • . Again for Division 16

ccy ou g-uys may not

know this," RTD BoardVice-President CharlesStoring related to Division16 employees, "but everyday each board membergets a sheet on what's goingon in a division's servicearea."

"Well, 98 percent of thetime, you guys record 100percent every day inpullouts and zero, zero, zeroon missouts."

And for the second timein a year, Division 16chalked up the most pointsto claim Division of theMonth honors. Recipients ofthe award for August 1991,employees at the PomonaDivision have long im-pressed staff with theirconsiderable pride, unityand spirit.

At a mid-morningceremony on Sept. 26,Storing, joined by GeneralManager Alan Pegg and

executive staff members,made the proclamationofficial.

"You have plenty to beproud of," Storing told thejubilant operators, mechan-ics, and support staff."We're all behind you."

"It's a real pleasure,"said Pegg, who presentedDiane Frazier, thedivision's acting manager,with a plaque signifyingservice excellence. "You arethe winners and you makeRTD the winner."

The selection of thewinning division is basedupon performance compari-sons that apply to bothTransportation and Equip-ment Maintenance. Thecriteria for the formerinclude total days per FTEabsenteeism for July 1991vs July 1990; trafficaccident frequency rate per100,000 hub miles for July1991; occupational injuries

per 100,000 hours ofexposure for July 1991;number of cancelledtransportation and latetransportation assignmentsfor July 1991; number ofbus-related customercomplaints registered forJuly 1991 vs July 1990.

"Well, 98 percent of

the time, you guys

record 100 percent

every day in pullouts

and zero, zero, zero

on missouts."

Equipment Mainte-nance was judged on theimprovement of milesbetween road calls for July1991 vs July 1990; improve-ment of accessible servicereliability for July 1991 vsJuly 1990; occupational

injuries per 100,000 hoursof exposure for July 1991;improvement in coachcleanliness for July 1991 vsJuly 1990; absenteeismreduction for July 1991 vsJuly 1990; number ofmaintenance relatedcomplaints for July 1991 vsJuly 1990; number ofmaintenance related latesand cancellations for July1991 vs July 1990.

Division 16 led thepack in accessibility andmiles between road calls.They placed lowest in thenumber of lates andcancelled service and saw asignificant drop in thenumber of customercomplaints.

"What do you say afterall has been said?" askedActing TransportationDirector Ralph Wilson ofhis Pomona troops. "Well,congratulations and keepup the good work."

To commemorate theachievement, the customarywhite flag signifying theoutstanding division willgrace the flag pole in frontof the division for themonth.

Following the cer-emony, Division 16 employ-ees snacked on a buffetlunch.


"I grew up in a strict and staunch family," said Lei Bailey. "My mother was a no-nonsensewoman. I said I neuer wanted to be like her. Well, you're looking at my mother."

Ralph Wilson Named ActingDirector of Transportation

Ralph Wilson, a 24-year veteran of RTD whofirst joined the District as abus operator, is theDistrict's acting director oftransportation.

The 47-year old ChinoHills resident succeedsLeilia Bailey.

For Wilson, the ap-pointment is a dream cometrue. Unlike many otherswho've wound up in publictransit by accident, Wilsonpicked a transportationcareer on purpose. "I wasfascinated by trolleys as achild," he says. "Where elsebut RTD can you live out achildhood dream and be areal part of a business?"

"This appointmentaffords me the opportunityto really get adamantlyinvolved in decision-makingand make sure that some ofthe events that don'thappen. . . happen."

Wilson, who served asthe District's assistantdirector of transportationsince 1986, oversees anapproximately 5,000member department thatincludes bus and trainoperators from 13 RTDoperating divisions in LosAngeles County. He also isresponsible for managingthe central radio dispatch


"Where lt Had To Do With Service . . .That Was Where Her Heart Was"

"There are no wordsto say how I feel aboutMs. Lei Bailey. WhenI was a child andused to sit behind mymot her on the bus, Ineuer thought abouthow her career wouldaffect my life . . Iknew she was workingto take care of us. Shewas gone because shewas taking care of

business. She instilledin us a sense of

independence,responsibility bothof which I hope topass on to my son."

Jimmy Bailey

She was barely at herdesk that muggy morningin Cleveland, when thephone calls began.

"We've already talkedto her two times," herdoting transportation staffchorused. "She says shemisses us."

assistant general managerof operations for theGreater Cleveland RegionalTransit Authority.

True to form, the no-nonsense Ms. Bailey was onthe new job Mondaymorning - some 60 hoursafter well-wishers clamoredto the podium at the NewOtani Hotel to shareimpressions and heappraise on the departingmother of four. Dining onbreast of chicken and newpotatoes, the 300 attendeesheard Barbara Anderson,director of risk manage-ment, declare that duringBailey's tenure, the Districtsaw a substantial reductionin the number of trafficaccidents. As a result, shesaid, the District savedsome $10 million between1987 and 1991. And lastfiscal year, Anderson

" . . There were

those of you who saw

through my

abruptness and

gruffness and we

bonded."

continued, the fleet re-corded the lowest numberof traffic accidents per100,000 hub miles in nineyears.

Acting AssistantDirector of TransportationDan Ibarra recounted to theparty-goers that he wouldalways remember theconfident, statuesque walkhis boss had when he was a

That they miss her isno understatement. OnSept. 20, amid a sea of pinkballoons, District staff bade

a fond farewell to Directorof Transportation LeiliaBailey, who chose to furtherher career in Ohio as


rookie operator at Division1. Assistant GeneralManager of Operations ArtLeahy said he wished everypublic servant was like LeiBailey. United Transporta-tion Union General Chair-man Earl Clark declareclthat it was a little knownfact that Bailey ran for localUTU chairman. "I'm gladshe didn't win," he half-teased. "She would havebeen chairman today."

But it was the tributeoffered by her son, Jimmy,that was perhaps the mostpoignant, the one thatbrought most of the houseto tears.

"We need strongersupport of role models,particularly black models,"he said, pausing. "We didn'thave to look far. . . we wereblessed we had one in our

own home."That prompted the

woman of the evening torise. "I need to say that Idid spend and dedicate a lotof my time to my career. ltfills my heart as well as myeyes to hear my childrenspeak of their love for me.lt wasn't always easy."

Bailey, honored twoyears ago by the Woman'sTransportation Seminar asthe "Woman of the Year,"joined the District as a busoperator in July 1971. Fiveyears later, the formerteacher became a divisiondispatcher; two years latershe was promoted toassistant manager atDivision 5. By 1980, shehad become the divisionmanager of old Division 8 inVan Nuys, a post which sheheld for 16 months beforeaccepting the transporta-tion superintendent'sposition in 1981. Shesubsequently was promoted

...

1

"Our real elia71 enge," says Ralph Wilson, "is to get peopleout of the auto and using public transportation."

...eontinued from page 16

center for buses, the California State University,Central Control Facility for Dominguez Hills as athe Metro Blue Line and business administrationthe operations training major and completedunit. several business manage-

The Birmingham, Ala. ment courses at the Univer-native has served in sity of California at Losnumerous capacities with Angeles. He also served asthe District including one of the District's princi-superintendent of bus pal negotiators in the RTD'soperations, division man- 1982, 1985, 1988, and 1991ager, assistant division labor negotiations.manager and staff assistantsince joining the RTD in

He and his wife,Oneitha, have two sons,

1967 as a bus operator. Eric and Christopher.Wilson attended

to assistant director of

her shop. "But just do it."transportation and, then, And a lot of people founddirector of transportation in

that they could.

1987. "I never really set outBailey told her admir- for people to understand

ers that she never settled

me," she continued. "Butfor excuses. "Do it and come there were those of you whoback and teil me later you saw through my abruptnessdidn't like to do it," she and gruffness, and wesaid, recalling how she ran

bonded."

Emcee Art Leahypresented Bailey with acommendation signed byMayor Tom Bradley onbehalf of the city of LosAngeles. "Lei Bailey,"summed up Leahy, "was apioneer in this nation forwomen in public transit."

More than a dozen ofBailey's devoted employeeshelped orchestrate thegood-bye banquet. DuaneBonner, a Division 5 busoperator, recorded thefestivities on videotape;Anita Cooper, a secretaryat Division 20, arranged forthe lovely flowers; GeraldMasters, a secretary inTransportation General,touched Bailey's heart witha poem he wrote that wasdedicated to her and


What's in aName?

While Lei Baileywas contemplating a careermove to Cleveland, her staffwas busy submittingentries for a winning sloganthat would set the tone andcapture the spirit of whatthe department hoped toachieve this fiscal year.

A total of 153 entrieswas received. The winningslogan, "Dedicated To aNew Era in Public Trans-portation," was submittedby Michael Turk, seniorTOS, Operations Control.

"I didn't give it a wholelot of thought," the 17-yearRTD veteran said, smiling."lt just seemed the perfect



What's in a Name?...continued from page 17

Michael Turk, senior TOS, Operations Control, TheodoreTruslow, TOS, Operations Control, Virgil Malonzo, staffassistant, Transportation General pose with their plaquesand Lei Bailey, former director of transportation.

saying considering theDistrict is beginning tooperate new forms oftransportation that willrequire the coordinationand pulling together ofeveryone."

Virgil Malonzo, staffassistant, TransportationGeneral, and TheodoreTruslow, TOS, OperationsControl, tied for secondplace. Malonzo said hethought of his entry,"Shifting Gears TowardExcellence" as he watchedrace car drivers shiftinginto higher gear during atelevised competition.

Theodore Truslow,TOS, Operations Control

penned "RTD Transporta-tion . . We're Moving LosAngeles." The 15-year RTDveteran declared his radiodispatcher position was"the best job in the world."

Other runners-upincluded Damion Garcia,Division 3 operator with themotto, "Image of Excel-lence," David Woods, TOS,Operations Control, wasthird runner-up with "Ridethe RTD into the Twenty-First Century," DianeFrazier, acting Division 16manager rounded out thepack with the fourth placecatch phrase, "RTD, We areon the move for you!"

Red Line...continued from page 13

The training classeswill emphasize safety forpassengers and Red Lineemployees. Comprehensionof rules and procedures andknowledge of the vehicle,including inspections andtrouble-shooting, andpassenger relations, will betaught as a means ofensuring safe, reliable andfriendly service.

"Bus operators will findthat there's a different feelto a vehicle that runs onrails and can't be maneu-vered left or right," Byrdsays. "We introduce ouroperators to a whole newprocess of thinking, ofinterpreting roadwayconditions and signals."

He notes that a railoperator not only mustwatch the red, yellow andgreen wayside signals, he orshe also must be aware ofwhat is happening alongthe track, on the stationplatforms and in the cars,themselves. In addition,important signals aredisplayed on the cab'sconsole that indicate theoperating status of thetrain.

The first segment of theRed Line also will have 22supervisors, drawn from

the ranks of current BlueLine supervisors or BlueLine operators promoted tosupervisor. Their tasks willinclude patrolling thetracks, supervising yardoperations, working astrain controllers at the CCFand as instructors.

The Red Line will servefive stations during the firstphase of operation--UnionStation, Civic Center,Pershing Square, 7th andMetro and WestlakeStation. lt will operate fivetrains during peak hoursand four trains during thebase period on a 21-hourschedule beg-inning at 4am. and ending at 1 a.m.the following day.

A round-trip on the RedLine will take 20 minuteswith the trains operating onfive- and ten-minuteheadways. Peak hours willbe 6:30 to 8:30 am. and3:30 until 5:30 p.m.

The second phase of theRed Line, MOS-2, isscheduled for completion in1996 and will serve twoadditional stations alongthree miles of trackwestbound from WestlakeStation to Wilshire/WesternStation.

RTD Scores in New Transit Guide"California Transit

Guide," a new transit guidecovering all of California,has given the RTD a four-star "very good" ratingbased on the frequency ofdaytime and eveningservice.

"We are pleased at the

four-star rating, whichprovides recognition of thehigh level of service andfrequency provided by theRTD," said Alan Pegg, RTDgeneral manager. "The RTDis the major transit opera-tor in the Los Angelesmetropolitan area and will

continue to adhere to highstandards in serving thepublic."

The "very good" ratingby the guide was given forservice with frequentheadways during the dayand evening on majorroutes, usable night service

in the most importantareas, and availability ofall-night service.

The book lists all ofRTD's bus lines plus theLos Angeles-Lang BeachBlue Line service. The 176-page paperback guide sellsfor $19.95.


Transit Police Make lt a Family Affair

"After tonight, some of his enthusiasm is rubbing off on me," said veteran Division 3 bus Operator Joann Johnson of her son,Brent, a Transit Police cadet. "Actually, 1 thinh he'll be safer on the street as an officer." Brent's fat her, John, joins the pairin the picture.

For 13 years, BrentJohnson worried about hismom navigating a busaround town. She drove thetoughest of lines throughHuntington Park, andoccasionally had to summonthe Transit Police to breakup a gang fight. Next year,it may be her son, Brent,who will respond to the call.If all goes as planned, theRTD cadet will be a full-fledged Transit Policeofficer by February. Andnow, naturally, his mom isworried about him.

Rudy Serrato knew hewanted to be a policeofficer. But, he needed to,as he put it, get his feet onthe ground. So he gotmarried, joined RTD as abus operator and with the

money he earned, bought ahouse. That accomplished,the seven-year RTD veteranfigures he can now do whathe always wanted to do.

Being Hispanic andgrowing up in East LosAngeles, Martha Lopez wasstruck by the number ofpolice officers who didn'tunderstand her culture orspeak the language. "Itruly, truly believe that Ican do some good," she said,earnestly.

Whatever their reasonsfor applying, Johnson,Serrato, and Lopez made it.Hand-selected to join theforce, they survived a fourto eight month exhaustivebackg-round check. Lopezhad survived academytraining; Johnson and

Serrato were to leave forthe academy the followingweek. On Friday night,October 4th, their faces,like helicopter beacons

"The Air Force

was a piece of

cake compared to

this. But 171 make

it, God willing."

searching for a suspect, litup with enthusiasm. TheBoardroom, normally asanctuary for politicaldiscourse, was transformedinto a theatre of unspokenemotion that night. Insidesat 17 cadets, clad in their

khakis, pensive about thenext 17 weeks in theacademy. In uniform satfourteen others, fresh out ofthe academy. With the firstgroup looking on, thesecond group was sworn in.For the first time ever, bothgroups shared the momentwith their families.

Explained SergeantNick Aldana, "We wantedour families to meet eachother. So often, we officersforget our families, andforget that they care. Wewant them to know whowe're speaking of when wetalk about someone atwork. lt makes us one."

"Besides," he added,with a smile, "we wanted to



Family Affair...continued from page 19

"The Transit Police chief is a woman," says rookie TransitPolice officer Maria Miller (left) posing with fellow officerMartha Lopez. "If that's not inspiration, 1 don't know what

is."

"It's very demanding on the streets," said Sgt. NicholasAldana, as he swore in 14 new transit police officers.

"You feel for officers who've lost their Uz'es on the streets,"says Transit Police cadet Maury Winet, with wife, Maria."I've developed a desire to pick up where other officershave fallen."

a great leader and motiva-tor. He did make us reachdown and pull up. I thinkmentally is where it's at."

Maria Miller, sworn inearlier that evening, wasobviously relieved heracademy days were over.Tonight she was speculat-ing on life as a policeofficer.

"This agency is great,"declared the tall redhead."Unlike the other agencies,RTD prepares you for theacademy. And they prepareyou afterwards . . . beforeyou go in the field."

One of the cadets RTDis helping is Dyane Harris,an Ohio native who was amilitary policeman in theAir Force.

"The Air Force was apiece of cake compared tothis," he said. "Butmake it, God willing,make it."

"And," he added with atwinkle in his eye, "I wantto be here in four and a halfmonths when you comeback and interview meabout what it's like to begoing not into the academy,but into the field."

send our cadets off to theacademy with a bang."

Families of the cadetslistened intently to Aldanaas he outlined what theycould expect from theirloved ones during therigorous days at theacademy. "When they comehome dead tired, it'sbecause they've beenpushed to beyond what theythink they can endure."

To the cadets, he said,gently, "None of you willquit, you've come too farnow. You will come back

and we will swear you in.Help one another."

Afterwards, someanxious cadets speculatedon what lie before them.

"It'll be okay," saidBrent Johnson, afterwards,over punch and cookies,"because we've alreadybeen in pre-academytraining downtown. Afterthe first couple of days theycut you some slack. They'rebehind you 100 percent."

"I'm more anxious thannervous," piped up MauryWinet. "Sergeant Aldana is


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Transit Police Chief Sharon Papa on Security . . .

I'd like to take amoment to express myconcerns for the welfare ofall RTD employees. Todaywe live in a society whichdemands we maintain anawareness of our surround-ings.

Many of us have beenthe victims of an assault,theft, etc. These incidentsare traumatic and manytimes cannot be erasedfrom memory. When theseincidents occur, our firstthought is, "Where arethe police?" I understandyour frustrations andanger. I can assure you thatthe Transit Police officerscare and understand yourfeelings. However, I believe,we must work together toprevent and reduce thenumber of criminal inci-dents. I urge you to readthe following informationreprinted from the SCRTDEmployee Safety and CrimePrevention brochureprepared by the TransitPolice Department andmake these precautions apart of your life.

Although no one canguarantee that you won'tbecome a victim, thisinformation has beenprepared so that you will

not take unnecessary risks,and will help you becomemore aware of dangersignals and the necessity tocontrol your personalproperty.

Precautions to Use atWork:

Personnel are requiredto wear employee identifica-tion highly visible whenthey are in the administra-tion building. The wearingof this identification ismandatory to promotebetter security. Securitypersonnel have beeninstructed to enforce thispolicy.

1. Keep purses, moneyand other valuables lockedin a desk or other desig-nated secure area.

2. Observe and reportunauthorized peoplewandering in your workarea or anywhere in thebuilding to the TransitPolice Dispatcher (972-6280).

3. Lock and secureopen doors and windows, ifpossible, before leavingwork.

4. Employees workinglate or coming to work earlyshould be aware of un-locked or open doors whichare normally secured.

5. Employees workinglate or coming to work earlyshould check open stalldoors in restrooms beforeusing. If a stall door islocked, look under the doorto see if someone is inside,make small talk to see ifyou get a response and youcan identify the voice.Employees must be awareof who should or should notbe working or usingfacilities in their work area.

Call the Transit Policedispatcher and report anyunusual activity.

Precautions to UseTraveling To and FromWork

1. Carry attache casesand/or purses tightly inhand and in front of you, ifpossible.

2. Carry shoulderpurses zipped or lockedclosed, strapped over yourshoulder with your armsover the straps. Don't carrypurses down on the side ofthe body in one hand.

3. Find out whichparticular areas of the localneighborhood are the mostdangerous and avoid them,even if it means traveling ablock or two out of yourway. Police officers on footpatrol, local businessoperators and other employ-ees are good sources for thisinformation.

4. Don't walk throughor across alleys. If it isnecessary to cross an alley,walk as close to the curb ofthe street as possible andlook down the alley as youcross.

5. Don't wear unneces-sary jewelry to work,especially gold chains. Ifyou do, keep them out ofsight, tuck them inside yourshirt/blouse while walkingto and from your car orwhen leaving the buildingduring lunch.

6. To prevent unneces-sary exposure whilefumbling for keys, and toprovide yours elf with animprovised offensiveweapon, have your vehicledoor key in hand and readyto use as you approach yourvehicle. Make a quick check

through your vehiclewindows to make sure thatno one is inside beforestepping up to the door. Ifthe inside of your vehicleappears to be normal, getinside and lock all doors asquickly as possible.

7. Don't walk alone ifpossible. Try to walk with agroup of people. If you areleaving work in the com-pany of a co-worker, youshould walk together to thenearest one of your vehicles(or the vehicle that is saferto get to) and drive togetherto the location of the otheremployee's vehicle. Thedriver should then remainuntil the second employee issafely inside his or hervehicle and underway. Bothdrivers should then departfrom the location together.

8. Men should place asmall comb in the foldedarea of their wallet. Thisprocedure makes it difficultfor anyone to remove yourwallet without detection.Also, if you wear a coat youshould consider carryingyour wallet in your insidecoat pocket.

9. Carry a police-typewhistle around your wristor on your key chain anduse it as loudly and persis-tently as you can if youneed emergency assistance.

Remember, whenconfronted by a subject witha weapon, the loss ofpersonal property is notworth resisting and riskingserious injury or death.

Sharon PapaRTD Transit Police Chief


Alan Pegg, RTD general manager, and Tacho Puente,

retired security guard.

HIT Scores With Scholarship FundraiserEarlier, then Board mem-ber Carmen Estrada hadformed a group of enthusi-astic RTD employees whowere committed to support-ing the promotion ofHispanics at RTD. Ahandful of employees,among them Allen, RalphCarapia, and Dan Ibarra,spearheaded the group'sfirst event on Cinco deMayo. Since then, the 50-member group has pre-

pared papers to become anon-profit corporation andhas hosted three highlysuccessful events.

"We're looking to geteven more involved in thecommunity," adds Allen, aresident of Diamond Bar.

Allen says HIT is opento all District employees.Membership dues are $20.A spouse can join foranother $10.

With Transporta-tion's Jesse Castorenaspinning records, about 100members and friends ofHispanics in Transit (HIT)twisted to tunes from the'50s and '60s and tastedsome of the best hot dogsand hamburgers around onSaturday night, Sept. 21.

Proceeds from thedance, billed as a scholar-ship fundraiser, will go tofurther the education ofstudents interested in atransportation career. AnitaAllen, co-chair of HIT's •Steering Committee andthe District's superinten-dent of facilities mainte-nance, hopes that by next

fall, the organization canaward two $500 scholar-ships.

"We also are in theprocess of adopting a schoolin a Hispanic area so thatwe can help meet the needsof those students," saysAllen. "Because we believeeducation is so critical, wewant to be out thereencouraging young Hispan-ics to stay in school." Shesays that the group hasalready interviewed oneschool and will make itschoice shortly.

According to Allen, theorganization has beenbuilding momentum sinceNovember of last year.

Perfect form - HIT members and their guests twist andtwirl to the hits of the '50s and '60s at the West San GabrielRealtors Hall.


Thanks for aJob Well Done!

Division 3201Catherine Lumpkin

Division 3207Alfreda Lanoix *

Division 3208Jack BartmanRichard KickJames Boyd

OMMENDATIONS

Division 3209Willis Caffrey

Dear RTD:I am writing to express

my profound gratitude toyour organization and toyour wonderful employeeswho helped me yesterdaywhen I needed them.

At about 4:15 p.m., Igot off a Line 487 bus,leaving my purse behind. Irealized it immediately, butit was too late to hail thebus which disappeareddown Grand. The first thingI did was panic because inthat purse, on the bus, wasmy bus pass, my money, mykeys and much more. Ididn't have transportationor even the means ofmaldng a phone call.

When I got my witsback, I boarded the nextbus. That bus carried a twodigit number which I can'trecall because I was tooupset, but I wish I couldbecause that driver wassuch an angel. I told himmy plight and he immedi-ately tried to place a call toyour organization to try totrace the bag. By that timewe had reached SeventhStreet. He advised me to goto your main office to makethe report and gave me two

transfers so I could take a7th Street bus to Main anda Main Street bus to youraddress.

The driver on the MainStreet bus was verycourteous about pointingout where your office was.He told me you would beclosing soon and I dashedacross the street and ran toyour Security Officer. Hisname is Bowlin and hecouldn't have been nicer.After asking me someidentifying questions hemade several telephonecalls to try to trace the busand the bag, and atter hegot some feedback, he toldme that they had locatedthe bag! I can't begin toexpress my reliefi justabout everything I need tolive with was in that purse.I don't think I had beenbreathing until he told meit had been turned in. Notonly that, he told me thatone of your people wasgoing to bring it to me!

After a reasonablewait, Supervisor Brissencame in with a smile andthat ugly but importantbag. He asked me to lookthrough it to make surethat all of the contents werethere (they were) and tosign for the delivery. He,

too, couldn't have beenmore pleasant.

And then, Mr. Bowlintook the trouble to findout where I could catchthe Line 16 bus I neededto get home, and whattime it would reach thecorner. At 5:15 p.m. I wason my way home. Thewhole scary episode hadtaken about an hour andyour organization sent mehome with my purse.Need I say more? Thoseemployees of yours wentout of their way to help anold lady. (I"m 76 and needall of the help I can get.)God bless the RTD and itsvery nice people.

With much apprecia-tion and thanks to allconcerned,

Belle Rogoff

Dear RTD:I have to teil you

about one of your driverswho serves above andbeyond the call of duty.His name is Boyd, driver#4301. He drives Line 560in the mornings, leavingfrom the Federal Buildingat 7:30 a.m. He recognizesme as a regular passengerand treats me more like afriend than a passenger.That's a nice feeling.

When we were havingcold weather he let me waiton the bus, where it'swarmer, before he startedhis route. One morningwhen a bum was botheringme for money, he saw theman yelling at me andasked what happened. Heasked me to make sure thatI was alright as he saw thebum shaking his finger atme. He is an all-aroundgood person who asks whatis wrong when I don't showup, and he knows whatdays I don't work.

In a city where we areall so anonymous, it is verynice to be recognized bysomeone who I trust withmy life on a regular basis.

Let driver #4031 knowhow much his service isvalued.

With thanks,Renee Rubenstein

Dear RTD:I am writing in

acknowledgement andpraise of the attitude ofservice of one of yourdrivers, Willis Caffrey. Iregularly take the 436 busfrom Venice to downtown at6 a.m. (actually, I wouldlike to commend the regulardriver on that route as well-- Vanessa -- for herconstant smiling andpleasant attitude).

One morning this iahstweek, I arrived at the busstop as the 436 pulledaway. Willis was drivingthe 33 right behind that busand recognized me as aregular on the 436. Hestopped and offered to tryto catch the bus alongVenice Blvd. We did and Imade it to work on time,thanks to his willingness to"go the extra mile."


Happy Birthday, RTD!

Librarian Dorothy Gray: ". . . And one to grow on."

continued from page 24

Just Married!

Maria Palomino-Reynolds and Rich Reynolds

This attitude ofconsideration makes theexperience of relying on theRTD a pleasure. Pleaseencourage all of yourdrivers to have this samelevel of customer aware-ness.

Thank you,Al Konow

Dear RTD:I am writing this letter

to commend one of yourdrivers, namely Alfreda,

#6994.I am a senior citizen, 71

years old and have beenusing the RTD facilities forthe past 42 years since Imoved to Los Angeles. In allthis time I have neverencountered a driver quite

like Alfreda. She is theessence of kindness,patience, and caring for herpassengers. She takes timeto greet them lovingly andtakes a personal interest inthe people who ride withher. In view of the fact thatthe majority of people usingLine 217 are senior citizensusing canes and often slow-moving, she has the

patience of a samt and it isa great privilege for us tohave her as our driver. Iknow I speak for all of herpassengers in appreciationof her wonderful qualities,both as a human being andan excellent and carefuldriver.

Sincerely yours,E. Goldstein

Dear RTD:When I boarded a bus

yesterday, I was surprisedwhen I was greeted warmlyby the driver namedAlfreda, #6994. She alsogreeted everyone the sameway. In addition, she was agood driver.

lt makes a differencewhen the driver speaks tothe riders, so she is to becommended.

lt would be appreciatedif you could advise her ofthis letter.

All the best wishes,David Arthur White

Rght after DorothyGray had cut the cake, thephone rang.

The man on the otherend identified himself as adivision employee, informedDorothy he was doing anastrological chart on RTDand wanted to know whenthe District was born. Thetiming of the call, Dorothythought, was incredible.

"I told him he wasphoning in the middle ofour ceremony in honor ofRTD's 27th birthday," shechuckled. "On August 22,1964, the District wasofficially born."

The library festivitiesincluded the cake and theawarding of two doorprizes. Planning's IkeUbaka won a historical

Transportation'sMaria Palomino wed RichReynolds in a beautifulceremony at the UnitedMethodist Church inOrange on Aug. 17, 1991.Following the ceremony, thetwo hosted a reception for250 friends and familymembers at Anaheim'sGrand Hotel. Maria teils

transit book, entitled RedCar Days Rebirth of thePacific Electric, by RaphaelLong. Edith Ratliff, also inthe Planning Department,took home the book, Lifeand Times of the PacificElectric, published by theOrange Empire RailwaysMuseum.

To commemorate thebirthday, Dorothy and herstaff displayed postersasking questions about theDistrict. (How manydivisions does RTD operate;how many employees workhere, etc.)

The question whichseemed to stump the mostemployees? Name theperson who signs ourpaychecks.

Headway that she met herhusband on a blind datearranged by one of herbridesmaids, former RTDhuman resources analyst,Stephanie Olesh-Keyes.The newlyweds honey-mooned in Las Hados,Manzanilla, Mexico. Theymake their home in Azusa.


MENDATIONS

In his nearly 10 years of service, Operator of the Month forAugust 1991 James 1'. Amos has neuer had a chargeable

accident and has received a safe driving award every year.When it comes to attendance and punctuality, he excels. He

has not had a sick day since May of 1985, and only onemissout in nearly 10 years of service. Operator Amos is a

line instructor at Division 18 and also works a regularassignment, Line 81, servicing Figueroa St.

Married with a daughter and son, Amos spends muchof his spare time with his family. He enjoys fishing, hunting

and bowling. Amos is a member of the Masons and areservist in the United State Arne Reserve.


If you've euer talked to Maria Alamilla, then you knowyou've received District information from one of the bestoperators the District has euer had. She was recently selectedInformation Operator of the Month for August 1991. Notonly is she praisecl by patrons, but her pleasant manner andwillingness to go that extra mile for her callers wins rauereviews by her supervisors. With the District two years, shecontinues to maintain an impeccable work record. Thishonor, incidentally, places her in the running for Operator ofthe Year.

Mechanic A Leadman Leroy Brown was chosen FacilitiesMaintenance Employee of the Month for August 1991. A 22-year veteran of RTD, Brown has climbed the District careerladder. Originally hired as a Utility A, Brown decided thathe would work towards becoming a mechanic. To qualifhe formally trained in the automotive field and in 1966 wasreclassified as a Mechanic C. He continued to learn andwas promoted to Mechanic A Leader. Brown is a highlyreliable and competent leader who willingly worksalongside his men to complete a job. He prioritizes his shiftwork with minimum supervision, assuring that buses areauailable to meet the demands of the afternoon pull-out. Heis well-respected by his fellow workers and managementstaff.


Meet Jose Chu Accounting and Fiscal Department'sEmployee of the Fourth Quarter, fiscal year 1991. Eventhough Chu is fairly new to the District, it seems to hisbosses as though he has been with them a long time. Soonafter he joined the Accounting and Fiscal Department, hequickly learned the system and assumed the leadership roleof his section. He's a dedicated, hard worker who oftenworks through lunch to get the job done. He has worked onthe Accounts Payable Procedures Manual and hascontributed his enthusiasm and ideas to the success of twoannual accounting picnics. Chu racked up perfectattendance during the last fiscal year. Pictured with him isController-treasurer Tom Rubin.

Masamitsu Takata, a Mechanic A in EquipmentMaintenance, was named CMF Employee of the Month forAugust, 1991. His superior work performance coupled witha positive attitude clinched the nomination, according to hissupervisor. Takata, who lives in Culver City, performssuperior. He's a model employee, says his boss, and workswell with co-workers in the Engine Shop. Takata has beenwith the District 11 years. He's shown here with Dave Lane,acting equipment maintenance superintendent. Takata willtake home a U.S. Savings Bond for $100.

Louis Hernandez, a Mechanic A in EquipmentMaintenance, captured CMF Employee of the Month honorsfor August, 1991. A Pico Riversa resident, the 11-year RTDveteran was selected because of his mechanical abilities andexcellent work performance. His colleagues in the

Transmission Section say he has a positive attitude; hisboss says he's always helping his fellow workers.

Hernandez is pictured here receiving congratulations from

Daue Lane, acting equipment maintenance superintendent.He'll also receiue a $100 U.S. Savings Bond.


Yellow beauty -- A Seattle Metro articulated electric trolleybus is shown inside one of that city's contemporae designstations. One of the exits from the Seattle tunnel stationgoes directly to a Nordstrom 's department store.

. . . More Commendations

Under Robert Kang's leadership, efficiency in the SheetMetal Shop increased over 100%. His excellent work asacting lead person was rewarded by his superiors, whonamed him CMF Employee of the Month for August, 1991.A 10-year resident of Van Nuys, Kang is a loyal, dedicated,and knowledgeable employee. He is pictured here with DaveLane, acting Superintendent of CMF. Kang collected a $100U.S. Savings Bond for his efforts.

Raiders...continued from page 12

put together an environ-mental awareness publicservice campaign worthmore than half a milliondollars," Holen said."We all need to worktogether to obtain cleanerair in Los Angeles."

A 30-second public

service announcement(PSA) featuring Raidersplayers in action will bedistributed to Los Angelestelevision stations as partof the campaign. The PSAends with a voiceovermessage: "When we allwork together as a team,we'll clean up L.A."

In outdoor advertising,the campaign involves large

and small billboards, busbenches, interior bus cardsand exterior king-size busadvertisements. NumerousRTD buses will carry the

environmental advertise-ments as interior andexterior car cards.

Contributors to theclean air campaign areMetropolitan OutdoorAdvertising Inc., Carson;Transportation DisplaysInc., Los Angeles; Carders& Posters, Bell Gardens;Gannett Outdoor Co. Inc.,Los Angeles; Coast UnitedBench Ad Co., City ofCommerce; and PatrickMedia Group Inc., LosAngeles.

"The RTD is vigor-ously pursuing a clean fuelsprogram," Holen said."With 30 methanol-powered buses in service--one of which you see heretoday-- the RTD has thelargest such fleet in thenation."

Trolleybuses...continued from pagel2

wood-Glendale-Pasadenavia Yosemite Drive), 204(Vermont Avenue), 420 (LosAngeles-Van Nuys-Pan-orama City Express), 424(Los Angeles-VenturaBoulevard-Warner CenterExpress), and 560 (LAX-San Diego Freeway-VanNuys Boulevard Express).

Among municipal busoperators, the Montebelloroute being considered forconversion to electric

trolleybus service is Line10, running on Whittier andAtlantic boulevards be-tween Pico Rivers and EastLos Angeles College inMonterey Park.

Long Beach Transitroutes to be considered arelines 40 (Anaheim Street),50 (Long Beach Boulevard-East Fourth Street), 60(Atlantic Avenue), and 90(Seventh Street-Cal StateLong Beach).

THANKSGIVING-y)www-


Transit Police Officer Richard Estrada thunders his way through water.

RTD's Officer Estrada: Going for the Gold

by Greg Davy,Sr. Comm. Rep.

It is the crack ofdawn, and while most ofSouthern California is stillhauling itself out of bed,Richard Jesus Estrada ispumping iron.

After weightlifting fortwo hours, he's running arefreshing jog that will end8 miles later at the WilliamA. Smith Municipal Parkswimming Pool in PicoRivera, where the 26-yearold Estrada has lived sinceearly childhood. There hecompletes his regimen withtwo miles of swimminglaps.

Then he starts his jobas an RTD Transit Policeofficer.

It's no big deal toEstrada. He figures it's partof his responsibility as apolice officer.

"As a policeman, yourjob is not normal," saysEstrada. "You might have

to chase someone on foot orsubdue a violent person.Staying in shape keeps yourmind sound, and it keepsyou looking presentable topeople you deal with everyday."

Estrada also discoveredthat hundreds of hours ofseat could pub him at thetop of the heap at the LawEnforcement OfficersSummer Garnes sponsoredeach year by the CaliforniaPolice Athletic Federationand its counterpart inNevada.

Competing in 1990 and1991 against hundreds ofpeace officers from all overCalifornia and Nevada inswimming and track andfield events, Estrada stolethe show. He entered 31events and medaled inevery one of them, amass-ing 19 gold, eight silver andfour bronze.

In the process, Estradashattered the Californiarecord in the 100-yard

breaststroke, the event heconsiders his best.

"lt was, quite simply,an awesome performance,"says Duke Nyhus, executivedirector of the San Diego-based California PoliceAthletic Federation, which

"I chose to become a

transit police officer

because the

department is young

and growing."

founded the games in 1967."Officer Estrada

exemplifies the veryprinciples the games werecreated to uphold: That lawenforcement officers willperform their jobs better ifthey are physically fit. RTDis fortunate to have him onits police force."

Physical fitness hasbeen a part of Estrada's lifeas long as he can remem-ber. lt wasn't until hebegan attending St. JohnBosco High School inBellflower, a private schoolfor boys, that a career inlaw enforcement occurredto him.

"I started doingsecurity work for the city ofSanta Fe Springs to makesome money duringschool," Estrada recalls. "Ifound out I liked the work.Then one day, out of theblue, I received an applica-tion from the RTD for atransit police officerposition."

Estrada is still mysti-fied about who recom-mended him to RTD, but hefilled out the applicationand returned it. Fourmonths later, he foundhimself enrolled in the RioHondo Police Academy inWhittier, one of the top fiveacademies in the state.


If you use illegal drugs,statistics compiled by theNational Institute ofDrug Abuse, show thatyou:- are 3.6 times morelikely to become involvedin accidents.- have 2.5 times as manyabsences lasting 8 daysor longer.- use 3 times the averagein sich benefits.- are 5 times as likely to

file workers'compensation claims.- are 7 times as likely tobe the target ofgarnishmentproceedings.- are estimated tofunction at only about67% of your workpotential.- are repeatedlyinvolved in grievanceprocedures.

He spent 17 weeksthere, earning honors as thetop student in his physicaltraining dass setting thestage for his later accom-plishments at the policesummer games. Estradaalso entered California's"Toughest Cop Alive"contest in 1990, placingthird out of about 200officers competing.

"I chose to become anRTD transit police officerbecause the department isyoung and growing," saysEstrada, who is a bachelor."There's lots of room foradvancement. I'm also veryinterested in helping otherofficers keep in shape, so

I'm helping to set up adepartment fitness pro-gram."

If you see a group ofyoungsters gathered in acircle around a police officeron Broadway in downtownLos Angeles sometime, it'sprobably Estrada. He keepsa supply of baseball cardsin his uniform pocket as hepatrols Broadway on foot.

"Kids are always kindof hesitant when a policeofficer walks by, so thishelps break the ice,"Estrada says.

Estrada's broad smileand his winning attitudemight have something to dowith it as well.

Estrada displays the seven medals he won in the CaliforniaGarnes. In the 50 and 100 yard free style events, he finishedthird, winning two bronze medals. He earned two silvermedals for placing second in the 100-yard breaststroke.

Random Alcohol, Drug Testing May Be Implemented Soon

Under legislationpassed by Congress onOctober 9, the Districtcould begin random drugand alcohol testing ofemployees as early as thisspring. The bill, which givesthe Urban Mass Transpor-tation Administration the

authority to impose anational drug testingprogram, is now awaitingPresident Bush's signature.lt is expected to be signedby Bush by the time this

issue of Headway goes to

press. The passage of thebill comes two months after

the discovery of an emptycrack cocaine vial in theoperator's cab of a wreckedNew York subway train.Five passengefs were killedand more than 200 injuredAug. 23 when the 10-cartrain jumped the trackswhile approaching UnionSquare station in Manhat-

tan. A blood alcohol testtaken on train operatorRobert Ray more than 13hours aller the wreckshowed an alcohol levelmore than twice the legallimit for driving a car. Raywas charged with man-slaughter, then laterindicted for murder in thedeaths of the passengers.

While the cause of theaccident has yet to bedetermined, Secretary of

Transportation SamuelSkinner is applauding thepassage of the legislation.

"The American peoplehave the right," he toldHeadway through a spokes-man, to expect a safe, drug-free transportation system."

Several years ago,UMTA had drawn up rulesthat included mass transitworkers in the mandatorydrug and alcohol testingrequired of all other trans-

portation workers.But in January 1990,

the U.S. Circuit Court ofAppeals for the District ofColumbia, ruled that theagency had no regulatorypower and could not forceits rules on the masstransit systems it helpsfinance. In the absence ofregulations, the NationalTransportation SafetyBoard (NTSB) has urgedUMTA to use the power ofthe purse to persuade masstransit systems to followuniform guidelines in drugand alcohol testing pro-grams and several othercritical safety areas.

Under the bill, transitproperties must test formarijuana, cocaine, opiates,phenacylcidine (PCP) andamphetamines. Currently,some transit properties test



CHEDULANGES

Operator (FIT).Anaya, Ray M., from BusOperator (P/T) to BusOperator (FIT).

Aranda, Steve, from BusOperator (P/T) to BusOperator (FIT).

Jenkins, Barbara J, fromBus Operator (P/T) to BusOperator (FIT).

Johnson, Darryl A., fromBus Operator (13/T) to BusOperator (FIT).

Arechiga, AntonioRafaelfrom Bus Operator(P/T) to Bus Operator (FIT).

Arriola, William A., fromBus Operator (P/T) to BusOperator (FIT).

Baltierra, Lisa K., fromBus Operator (P/T) to BusOperator (FIT).

Berkman, Boris E., fromPlanning Systems Assistantto Planner.

Brider, Ida Mae, from BusOperator (P/T) to BusOperator (FIT).

Brown-Musgrove,Troylynn, from BusOperator (FIT) to BusOperator (FIT).

Butler, Martha K., fromSchedule Maker I toPlanner.

Chacon, Xavier, from BusOperator (P/T) to BusOperator (F/r.

Chawdhry, Malika M.,from Secretary to SeniorSecretary.

Cody, Tommy W., fromTransit Police Officer (Trn)to Transit Police Officer.

Coles, Lottie E., from BusOperator (P/T) to BusOperator (FIT).

Cooper, Anita, fromGeneral Clerk to Secretary.

Cruz, Pedro C., fromInformation Clerk toAccounts Clerk.

De La Torre, Robert N.,from Mechanic "B" toMechanic "A".

Del Castillo, Floresto,from Bus Operator (FIT) toBus Operator (FIT).

Del Cid, Lucio H., fromBus Operator (12/T) to BusOperator (FIT).

Edwards, Wesley C., fromBus Operator (P/T) to BusOperator (FIT).

Estrada, Frank Y., fromMechanic "A" toMechanic "A" Leader.

Frazier, Carolyn M., from

Secretary to Senior Secre-tary.

Gallardo, Ralph, from Bus

Operator (FIT) to BusOperator (F/r.

Garcia, Juan Fernando,from Bus Operator (P/T) toBus Operator (FIT).

Garrett, Cynthia E., fromTransit Operations Super-visor to Senior TransitOperations Supervisor.

Gonzales, Adelaida, fromBus Operator (P/T) to BusOperator (FIT).

Gonzalez, Raul A., fromInformation Clerk toStorekeeper.

Green, Randolph, fromBus Operator (FIT) to BusOperator (FIT).

Guerrero, Georgina, fromTypist Clerk to GeneralClerk II.

Haines, William H., fromRail Equip. MaintenanceSupervisor to Senior RailEquip Maintenance Super-visor.

Harmon, Joanne Y., fromBus Operator (FIT) to BusOperator (FIT).

Harris, Ray D., from Sr.Public Affairs Representa-tive to Public AffairsManager.

Hawkins, Andre, fromBus Operator {P/T) to BusOperator (FIT).

Heras, George, from BusOperator (FIT) to BusOperator (FIT).

Hernandez, Richard E.,from Bus Operator (FIT) toBus Operator (FIT).

Hibbler, Shermayne,from Bus Operator (P/T) toBus Operator (FIT).

Hughlett, William, fromBus Operator (FIT) to Bus

Knapik, Joseph, from RailSignal Inspector to RailSignal Supervisor.

Latin, Teodoro A., fromBus Operator (FIT) to BusOperator (FIT).

Lindsey, Darren R., fromTransit Police Officer (Trn)to Transit Police Officer.

Lopez, Eddy A., from BusOperator (P/T) to BusOperator (FIT).

Marino, Frank S., fromBus Operator (FIT) to BusOperator (FIT).

Martin Del Campo,Roberto,from Bus Opera-

tor (P/T) to Bus Operator

(FIT).

Martinez, Librada, from

Bus Operator (FIT) to BusOperator (FIT).

Mcadory, Julia F., from

Bus Operator (P/T) to BusOperator (FIT).

Medina, Maria A., fromBus Operator (FIT) to Bus

Operator (FIT).

Micheline, Maureen A.,from Planning Assistant toPlanning Sales Representa-tive.

Montgomery, Michael J.,from Mechanic "B" toMechanic "A".


Moreno, Victor M., fromBus Operator (P/T) to BusOperator (F/T).

Morfin, Jorge Alcaraz,from Bus Operator (P/T) toBus Operator (F/T).

Noya, Fredrick J., fromTransit Police Officer (Trn)to Transit Police Officer.

Oriol, Christian, fromStock Clerk to Storekeeper.

Ornelas, Miguel E., fromBus Operator (P/T) to BusOperator (F/T).

Parra, Diana M., fromGeneral Clerk to Secretary.

Perea, Linda M., from Bus

Operator (P/T) to BusOperator (F/T).

Pittman, Cedric, fromBus Operator (FIT) to BusOperator (F/T).

Poblano, Margarito Z.,from Bus Operator (P/T) to

Bus Operator (F/T).

Polk, Charmon Bernetta,from Bus Operator (FIT) to

Bus Operator (FIT).

Quezada, Alfons°, fromBus Operator (FIT) to Bus

Operator (FIT).

Ramirez, Jose R., from

Bus Operator (FIT) to Bus

Operator (FIT).

Retana, James R., from

Public Affairs Representa-tive to Senior Public Affairs

Representative.

Rodriguez, Jose Mario,from Bus Operator (P/T) to

Bus Operator (FIT).

Rodriguez, Tony L., fromTransit Police Officer (Trn)to Transit Police Officer.

Ruiz, Gilbert, from BusOperator (FIT) to BusOperator (FIT).

Salazar, Richard M., fromBus Operator (FIT) to BusOperator (FIT).

Santiago, Steve, from BusOperator (P/T) to BusOperator (FIT).

Sears, Celeste E., fromBus Operator (P/T) to BusOperator (FIT).

Sicam, Florante P., fromBus Operator (FIT) to BusOperator (FIT).

Stokes, Phillip R., fromBus Operator (FIT) to BusOperator (FIT).

Tate, Susan M., fromInformation Clerk toCustomer Info Supervisor.

Tidwell, Birthella, fromSenior Secretary to StaffAide.

Torres, Armando G., fromRail Equip MaintenanceAssistant to Rail Equip.Maintenance Specialist.

Tran, Linh D., from RailEquip. MaintenanceSpecialist to Rail TractionPower Inspc.

Valdes, Ramon N., fromAdministrative Analyst toDBE Representative.

Vega, Hector, from BusOperator (P/T) to BusOperator (FIT).

Walton, Mark S., fromMechanic "C" to Mechanic

Andrews, Russell E.,began with the District onMarch 23, 1968, retired as aBus Operator on September11, 1991.

Bouler, Julius C., beganwith the District on August22, 1968, retired as a BusOperator Full Time onAugust 24, 1991.

Coleman, Lydia E., beganwith the District on April02, 1979, retired as a BusOperator Full Time on May21, 1990.

Durant, Gerald B., beganwith the District on August31, 1963, retired as a BusOperator Full Time onSeptember 16, 1991.

Fabiano, Gloria, beganwith the District on April19, 1972, retired as aEquipment Records Special-ist on June 4, 1991.

Warner, Mark D., fromTransit Police Officer (Trn)to Transit Police Officer.

Woodard, Otis W., fromBus Operator (FIT) to BusOperator (FIT).

Fabian°, John N., beganwith the District on August17, 1968, retired as a BusOperator Full Time onAugust 31, 1991.

Garcia, Alexander J.,began with the District onJanuary 21, 1972, retired asa Bus Operator Full Timeon April 19, 1991.

King, Vaughn L., beganwith the District on August31, 1981, retired as aMechanic "A" on September17, 1991.

Miranda, Mario G., beganwith the District on Novem-ber 12, 1980, retired as aMechanic "A" on April 25,1991.

Thompson, Richard C.,began with the District onAugust 25, 1975, retired asa Bus Operator Full Timeon August 31, 1991.

QHIFTINGEARS



Calling The Doctor For Your ChildSource: The AmericanAcademy of Pediatrics

Experts say the No. 1 ruleis to Trust Your Judgmentand Instincts

EMERGENCYSITUATIONSCall immediately if thechild:* is seriously injured* has a high fever* has difficulty breath-ing* has blood in urine orprolonged diarrhea* has an unusual rash* has a gray or ashen skincolor* refuses to eat for three orfour feedings* is extremely lethargic

CUTSIf bleeding persists, or youneed to hold the skintogether to stop the bleed-ing, the child may needstitches. Call the doctor ifyou can; otherwise, go tothe emergency room.

HEAD INJURIESAlways call the doctor whenthe child is under a year oldor when the eye is injured.In other children, callimmediately if there areany of the following symp-toms:* loss of consciousness* vomiting* behavior alteration* troubled breathing

FEVERFever is a sign that thebody is fighting infectionand is a normal part of therecovery process. However,call the doctor if the fever isunusually high- generallyabove 101 degrees, 100degrees in newborns- or if itlasts longer than threedays. Call immediately ifthe fever is accompanied byany of the following:* pain on urination* drooling or refusal toswallow liquids* breathing difficulty* seizures

Born to AimeeYvonne Boucher, daughterof CMF Equipment Mainte-nance Supervisor NormanW. Boucher, a daughter,Coral Leanne. Her proudgrandfather writes that thelittle one was born Septem-ber 8, 1991 at 2:35 p.m.Born two weeks late andweighing in at nine pounds,Boucher says his grand-daughter looks like she isalmost two month old. "Shehas beautiful dark blueeyes and thick dark brownhair and is very beautiful,"he says.

VOMITINGMake sure it isn't caused bypoisoning. If the child hasswallowed a potentiallytoxic substance, call thepoison center immediately.(The telephone numbers tothe Poison Control Centerare: (800) 777-6476 or (213)484-5151.) For vomitingfrom overeating,.give thechild liquids to preventdehydration. Call thedoctor if the vomitingcontinues after a few hours.

SIGNS OF DEHYDRA-TIONIn infants, call the dOctor ifthe child vomits or hasdiarrhea and then do. esn'turinate for eight hours.Call if there is repeatedvomiting in a brief period oftime.In older children, call if yousee the following:

* Child doesn't urinate foreight to 12 hours* Child loses fluids throughvomiting or diarrhea* Child has sunken eyes or

Shifting Gears...continued from page 33

Torres, Jorge C., beganwith the District on March3, 1981, retired as aMechanic "A" on May 16,1991.

"doughy" skin that doesn'treturn to normal whenpinched* Child is not behavingnormally, is unusuallylethargic or irritable

COUGHSA cough that appears only atnight, especially if it soundslike barking, could be a signof croup. A persistent coughcould indicate ehest or sinusinfection. Call the doctor ineither case.

COLDSCall the doctor if the coldfasts more than a week, ifthere are unusual symptomsor if there is a high fever.

EMERGENCY NUMBERSNear each telephone, youshould post the following:* Name, telephone numberand address of pediatrician* Location of nearest emer-gency room* Telephone number of localpoison center* Mother's work number* Father's work number

Winner, Barbara V.,began with the District onDecember 29, 1975, retiredas a Bus Operator FullTime on May 1, 1991.


A

em,s>‚ 4110;' —7

a ) n i t el et

ELDERCARE

BeingA Caregiver

If you have taken on the responsibility of caring for an elderlyloved one, it might help to know that you are not alone.Millions of Arnericans are providing at least some level ofcare for the elderly. How can you provide for someone elseand care for yourself, too? The tips below might offer somehelp.

Avoid IsolationOne of the biggest problems for the caregiver is the feeling ofisolation, particularly if your elderly relative is seriously iii. Ifa relative can provide some care each week, or if you canoccasionally pay for a temporary healthcare worker, take thetime to pursue outside interests. You need the time to regen-

erate and you might feel more capable of copingafter an outing to a mall or movie.

Be AssertiveIt's very easy to get caught up in the caregiverrole, then wonder why no one eise will help out.Learn now to ask for specific help. Rather thansaying, "I wish someone else would take motherto the doctor," say "Mother needs someone totake her to the doctor on Thursday at 1 o'clock. Iwould appreciate it if you would take her."

Join OthersAsk your physician, community hospital orpublic health department for referrals to supportgroups available to people providing eldercareand consider joining in. You'll not only have asource of support, but often others will havealready solved problems you might be having.They'll be happy to share their experiences andinformation with you.

Investigate DaycareSome communities have daycare programs forthe elderly and many provide transportation,

too. If your relative is not too ill to participate, he or she mightlike to be out of the house and socializing with a group ofpeers. This will also relieve you of all-day responsibility.

Avoid BurnoutMany times we feel obligated to "do it all," but providingeldercare can easily sap your inner resources without yourknowing it. The resulting stress can be uncomfortable foreveryone. Make it a point to talk regularly with others outsidethe home and don't hesitate to get counseling if you begin tofeel overwhelmed. Often, just one or two minor adjustmentsin your routine can make the difference.

©1989 PARLAY INTERNATIONAL


New Law to Provide Special Buses for Disabled"The Americans withDisabilities Act (ADA)gives ciuil rightsprotection toindividuals withdisabilities that arelike those provided toindividuals on thebasis of race, sex,national origin, andreligion. lt guaranteesequal opportunity forindividuals withdisabilities inemployment, publicaccommodations,transportation, stateand local governmentservices, andtelecommunications."

— U.S. Dept. of Justice

by Bill HeardPress Relations Rep.

When the Districtbought its first buses withwheelchair lifts in 1974,Los Angeles was on its wayto becoming a nationalleader in providing trans-portation for the disabled.

There would be nodifference between theservice offered the disabledand that offered otherpassengers, the Districtsaid. The disabled wouldhave access to the sameservice area, hours ofservice, travel times andlevel of transfers. Therewould be no advancereservations and no triprestrictions.

Today, all 220 RTD busroutes are accessible to thedisabled and 98 percent ofthe District's 2,500 busesare equipped with lifts. Bythe end of 1992, every busin the fleet will be able to

embark and transportwheelchair users.

So, when PresidentBush signed the Americanswith Disabilities Act (ADA)into law in July, 1990, LosAngeles already was aheadof many cities in theNortheast and Midwest.

"Thanks to ourforesight in working withthe disabled, the Districtalready is in compliancewith much of the ADA,"says General ManagerAlan F. Pegg. "In suchareas as operator instruc-tion, information services,accommodating, hiring andtraining the disabled, we

can point to significantprogress.

"But, the ADA legisla-tion is far-reaching and canbe expected to generatefurther changes in Districtoperations," he added. "Aninternal RTD task force islooking at how the ADA willaffect us and what more weneed to do to make it work."

Beginning in January,the nation's transit systemswill be required to make allfacilities--pass sales outlets,bus stops, buildings--fullyaccessible to disabledmembers of the public as

well as to their own employ-ees. Bus and train opera-tors must receive moretraining in providingservice to the disabled.

Schedule information,including publications andtelephone service, must beavailable for hearing- andsight-impaired passengers.Headsigns must be read-able by the sight-impaired.Passengers not in wheel-chairs, but who are unableto climb stairs, must beallowed to use the lifts.

Transit systems alsomust expand efforts to hireand accommodate disabledemployees. This includes

providing special training,rewriting job descriptionsand modifying facilities forthem.

But, the most impor-tant change required by theADA calls for creation ofdisabled-only transitsystems using speciallyequipped vehicles. In manycases, these systems willparallel a city's establishedbus and train routes.

This type of transit--called "paratransit service"by the ADA--has usuallybeen known as Dial-A-Ride.The best example might be

the system now operatingin Orange County, whichprovides individual busservice on telephonerequest by the passenger.

Federal regulations sayparatransit service must besimilar to "service providedto individuals withoutdisabilities who use thefixed-route system." Likeother transit systems, theRTD is responsible forsubmitting a paratransitplan to the Urban Mass

As of March, more

than 12 million

boardings were

made by seniors,

many of whom are

disabled.

Transit Authority (UMTA)in 1992.

ADA guidelinesindicate that paratransitservice must be providedalong corridors that mayrange from a quarter-mileto a mile-and-a-half on eachside of fixed routes. Pro-posed regulations call for anext-day service reservationsystem. At least one non-handicapped person couldtravel with a disabledperson. Fares would becomparable to fares on fixedroutes.

The cost to the Districtfor setting up and operatinga paratransit system wouldbe considerable, accordingto testimony given by AnneMcLaughlan-Huck, Acces-sible Service ProgramManager, who spoke for the


In MemoriamBrown, Derald A., beganwith the District on April09, 1946, retired as aDivision Clerk and passedaway on July 17, 1991.

Chan, Stephen P., beganwith the District on April27, 1981, retired as aMechanic "A" and passedaway on August 28, 1991.

Childers, Gene P., beganwith the District on October21, 1953, retired as aTraffic Loader and passedaway on May 22, 1991.

Cosentino, Michael S.,began with the District onDecember 24, 1952, retiredas a Bus Operator FullTime and passed away onMay 28, 1991.

District at a U.S. Depart-ment of Transportationhearing in April. Sheestimated one-timeparatransit system start-upcosts at $7.45 million to$10.8 million, with theRTD's annual operatingcosts ranging from $38.9million to as high as $107.4million, depending uponlevel of service. Based onthese estimates,paratransit could take asmuch as $30 million eachyear away from theDistrict's fixed routeoperations.

Whether the Districtwill ever have to operate itsown paratransit system isdoubtful. The LACTC hasassumed responsibility forparatransit service byforming a county-wide

Garcia, V., began with theDistrict on September 08,1953, retired as a Mechanic"A" and passed away onAugust 14, 1991.

Kinermon, Prewitt, beganwith the District on June08, 1964, retired as aMechanic "A" Leader andpassed away on August 11,1991.

Lampshire, Lyle J., beganwith the District on July14, 1941, retired as a BusOperator and passed awayon May 28, 1991.

Mcevoy, Roger A., beganwith the District on Decem-ber 24, 1962, retired as aBus Operator Full Timeand passed away on August15, 1991.

Consolidated TransitService Agency (CTSA) thatwould coordinate the largenumber of existingparatransit systems. Awritten plan is due toUMTA in late July, 1992.

Preliminary plans callfor phasing in a cooperativeparatransit system over thenext five years. A demon-stration project will beginsome time next year in theSan Gabriel Valley.During the U.S. DOThearing, McLaughlan-Hucknoted that the RTD hadrecently celebrated 10 yearsof accessible service to thedisabled. As of last March,more than 12 millionboardings were made bydisabled passengers andmore than 56 million weremade by seniors, many of

Mendoza, Julia S., beganwith the District on Janu-ary 03, 1944, retired as aUtility B and passed awayon July 30, 1991.

Parker, David, began withthe District on February 11,1972, retired as a BusOperator Full Time andpassed away on August 11,1991.

Riley, Jack J., began withthe District on March 12,1947, retired as a MechanicLeadman and passed awayon July 29, 1991.

Robinson, Robert W.,began with the District onSeptember 30, 1943, retiredas a Mechanic and passedaway on July 30, 1991.

whom are disabled.The District's record in

serving the disabled and itsplans for improvements inaccommodations shouldhelp smooth the waytoward full compliance withthe ADA.

d'

Soto, Andre, began withthe District on December15, 1972, retired as a SeniorTransit Operations Super-visor and passed away onAugust 17, 1991.

Szathmary, Murray H.,began with the District onJuly 31, 1944, retired as aMechanic and passed awayon August 02, 1991.

Wilson, James W., beganwith the District on Decem-ber 14, 1987, a SupportServices Supervisor andpassed away on August 22,1991.

A FootnoteEditors note: Headway

wishes to thank RTDretiree Pasqual Palacioswho suggested that wepublish the positions lastheld by those whose namesappear in our In Memoriamcolumn.

Currently we list theemployee's name and theposition in which he or shefirst started. He says manypeople may have started atentry level positons, but bythe time they've retiredfrom the District, they'veachieved more. We will tryour best to go with Mr.Nilacks' suggestion;however, the records ofsome of those who workedhere long ago are not ascomplete.

Palacios, by the way,retired from the District in1978 as the manager ofstores. He began his careeras a laborer with PacificElectric Co. He lives in LosAngeles.


A Family AffairEveryone Gets Into the Act

Busy families welcome all hands to orchestrate festive Thanksgivingmeals. All but young babies can suggest menu items; parents canassure entries even in not universally loved categories such as vege-tables. Then in a thoroughly American tradition, families vote for thecomponents that finally go into the meal. Responsibilities for fixingeach dish can be assigned as well. Adults may need to guide prepa-ration of the stuffing, for example, which nnay require some advanceplanning.

Family members select from an array of other tasks to be carriedout before Thanksgiving and on the big day: shop, decorate the table,fold napkins, contribute to the community Thanksgiving basket, feedbirds, dig up intriguing historical perspectives about Thanksgiving(the Indians and Pilgrims probably did not celebrate the harvesttogether).

Eye-catching aprons can lure the most reluctant cooks into the kit-chen, so supply everyone with a festive cover. With tasks delegated inadvance, final preparations run smoothly, the meal is delicious, thetable is cleared in no time—and a great time is had by all.

.011111.1111111.11111111111Wo

Nostalgia reigns on the all-American holiday called Thanksgiv-ing. Our memories—perhaps of agrandparents' antique-laden homefilled with the aroma of roast

turkey—are not likely to be dupli-cated. But we can make sure that ourchildren have equally warm recollec-tions to pass on to future genera-tions. This year, make your family'sThanksgiving an unforgettable one,not with extravagance, but by involv-ing everyone in making memories.

Celebrate:

Make sure Thanksgiving isn't all work and no play by including otheractivities to brighten the holiday. Before eating, ask each person toadd to the prayer of thanksgiving. The bashful can write their words ofthanks on slips of paper.

Music, either singing family favorites or listening to traditional ren-ditions of "Over the River," brings the whole family together.

Ann Yost, a writer for the WASHINGTON POST, suggests thatschool-age children each ask a relative to reminisce about holidayspast, and that the anecdotes be typed up for all to share (far awayrelatives could contribute either in writing or by phone). Children canrecord memories with cameras ranging from simple point-and-shootvarieties to videos.

Many families have Thanksgiving traditions that span generations,such as watching parades, launching winter holiday plans, or playingsome boisterous games. Whatever you do, the entire celebration canbe a family affair that will live on in people's hearts for years to come.


About Open Enrollment

Open Enrollmentseason is just around thecorner. Once again, it's timeto re-evaluate the medioaland dental plans you'vebeen enrolled in for the pastyear to ensure that yourneeds, and those of yourfamily, are being met.

What is Open Enroll-ment?

This is your opportu-nity to add a dependent(s)or change your enrollmentin the medical and dentalplans for Calendar Year1992. This opportunitycomes only once each year,and you owe it to yourselfand your family to find outas much information aspossible about these plansbefore you make any finaldecisions. Some of the p1 anscurrently offered may havesome changes made tothem. Remember, it'sdifficult to make a wisedecision without making aninformed decision, so planto attend one of the OpenEnrollment meetings listed

below for your employee

gToup.Non-Contract Em-

ployees and TransitPolice

Enrollment is open forthe month of December,and closes on December 20,1991 with no exceptions.

Open Enrollmentmeetings with representa-tives of the various medicaland dental plans arescheduled in the Board-

room, HeadquartersBuilding, on the followingdates and times:

December 4, 9:00 am.December 4, 1:30 p.m.December 11, 9:00 am.

December 11, 1:30 p.m.Further information

can be obtained by callingAnn Craver at (213) 972-7186 or Ext. 27186.

United Transporta-tion Union Health &Welfare Trust Fund

Enrollment is open forthe entire month of Decem-ber. In November, a letterwill be mailed to the homesof UTU employees with aschedule of the counselingsessions at all operatingdivisions. Renewal packetswill be available for UTU

by Leonora Lust adoCredit Union Manager

Here at the CreditUnion, we realize that noone likes being put on hold.So, we're offering differentways to best serve youwhen you call us.

Are you aware of ourShare Withdrawal RequestLine? A pre-recorded sharewithdrawal line is availableto take your withdrawalrequest at any time, 24hours a day. Simply leaveyour name, badge number,location you wish to receiveyour check, amount of thewithdrawal, and the dateand the time of your call. Assoon as we receive yourrequest, your withdrawalwill be processed and sentto you. You can even makeyour request on weekendsor holidays and it will beprocessed the next businessday. The Share WithdrawalRequest Line is (213) 972-6196.

Here's a tip: Friday,payroll day and the follow-

• •

employees at the divisions.Further information can beobtained by calling the UTUTrust Fund Office at (213)624-6487 or (818) 962-1762.

Transit Communica-tions Union Health andWelfare Trust Fund

Enrollment is open forthe entire month of Febru-ary, 1992. Informationpackets will be mailed to allemployees and eligibleretirees. Please be sure thatthe Trust Fund has yourcurrent address. Allenrollment changes made

ing Monday after payrollare our busiest days. If yourequest service during thesedays, we'd like to help. Ifit's more convenient for you,leave your name and yourtelephone number and we'llmake sure you get theinformation or the serviceyou need.

Apply for a QUE! Howwould you like to accessyour account 24 hours aday? Yes, now you can withour QUE system. Through atouch-tone telephone, youcan quickly and easily dotransfers, withdrawals, andinquiries on your account.To sign up for this service,just call the Credit Union at(213) 972-6183. A PersonalIdentification Number willbe assigned to you. Sign upnow. You'll find this servicesimple and convenient onyour busy schedule. Re-member, our goal is tomake the Credit Union'sservice even better.

by TCU employees duringthe Open Enrollment periodwill be effective March 1,1992. Further informationcan be obtained by callingthe TCU Trust Fund Officeat (714) 739-8476 or (213)921-3730.

Amalgamated Tran-sit Union Health andWelfare Trust Fund

Open Enrollment washeld September 16, 1991through October 28, 1991.All enrollment changesmade by ATU employeesduring the Open Enroll-ment period were effectiveNovember 1, 1991.

Credit Union OfficeHours:Monday through Friday:9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.Last Working Day ofEach Month: 9:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m.Telephone Numbers:Teller Department: (213)972-6183Share Withdrawal RequestLine: (213) 972-6196Loan Department: (213)972-7969Collection Department:(213) 972-6184Que! System/Audio Re-sponse: (213) 972-6185Fax Machine: (213) 972-6186Mark Your Calendars:The Credit Union will beclosed November 11,Veteran's Day and Novem-ber 28, Thanksgiving Day.Address: 124 West 4th St.Sixth Floor, Annex ELos Angeles, CA 90013

We're On Line For You


What Do You Know About Smoking?

by Luanna Urie, HumanResources Analyst

If you smoke, if youknow and love a smoker, ifyou hate cigarettes, this isa little test just for you.Answer the questions andcheck out YOUR knowledgeabout smoking.

AND don't forget thatThursday, November 21, isthe Great American Smoke-out Day. If you smoke, giveyourself a healthy breakand refrain from smokingfor 24 hours. Get someoneto adopt you and give youencouragement and goodiesto help you survive GASDay. If you don't smoke,adopt a smoker and helpthem give up smoking for24 hours.

•1. Smoking contributes to

all these health problems but one:

1. gall stones2. wrinkles3. ulcers4. high blood pressure

2. How many chemicalsare in each cigarette?

4. One pack of cigarettes aday at $2.00 per packequals:

1. $350 per year2. $500 per year3. $672 per year

5. Smoking is a way thatmany people handlestress.

1. T2. F

6. Once a baby is born, isit alright to startsmoking again?

7. Is it safe to smoke oneor two cigarettes a day?

1. T2. F

8. Smokeless tobacco is asafe way to use tobacco.

1. T2. F

9. How much longer is thelife expectancy of aperson who hasnever smoked?

11. A precancerous cell inthe lung of a smokerwould (blank) whenone quits.

1. disappear2. remain unchanged3. become normal4. become cancerous

12. Nicotine is a highlyaddictive drug, not justan every dayhabit that can easily bebroken.

1. T2. F

1. Answer #12. Answer #43. Answer #1 true4. Answer #35. Answer #1 true6. Answer #2 false7. Answer #2 false8. Answer #2 false9. Answer #410. Answer #411. Answer #112. Answer #1

"Smoking

cessation

represents the

single most

important step

that smokers can

take to enhance

the length and

quality of their

lives."-Surgeon General

Antonia C. Novello

Help Your KidsSave $ 1 Mlf the price of cigarettes rises 5percent each year (currentincreases are about twice that),then a kid who puts the cashhe or she could spend on a life-time pack-a-day habit into aninvestrnent paying 8 percentinterest annually would save$100,000 by age 39 and $1million by age 65, accordingto the American LungAssociation.

Of course, $1 million won'tbuy as much in 2044 as it cantoday. But, if a 12-year-oldcan figure that out, he or she issmart enough not to smoke!

1. T The correct answers are as2. F

follows:

1. 1-502. 2-1003. 3-10004. 5-4500

1. 12 years2. 10 years3. 7 years4. 5 years NOVEMBER 21 •

10.ing122,1t ge (c) luY es

1. increased heart rate2. increased blood pres

sure3. cold hands and feet4. all of the above

THE GREATAMERICAN

OKE3. When parents smoke,

their children are morelikely to do so.

1. 1-T2-F

KICK THE HABIT FOR GOOD!


The District adminis-ters approximately 7500drug screens a year.Employees are required totake a drug test for thefollowing reasons:

- Vehicular accident(revenue and non revenue)involving damage greaterthan $1,000, an injury, orfatality.

njury, vehicular orindustrial.

- For cause, whichmeans that two supervisor'smust be present to docu-ment all indicators onperformance, both behav-ioral and physical.

- Re-test (after off-dutypositive).

Biennial examsPositive drug screens

are always confirmed by asecond alternate method.Positive alcohol on-duty testwill be subject to dischargeproceedings. Positive on-duty or off-duty hallucino-genic results are subject todisharge proceedings. Anemployee who tests positivefor prescription drugs mustpresent a valid prescriptionin their name and datedprior to the drug testcollection date. If none isavailable, then the em-ployee is subject to dis-

charge proceedings.Positive on-duty marijuana-discharge proceedings areinitiated if the employeewas involved in a streetaccident or physicalaltercation. Positivemarijuana in all otherinstances can enter Em-ployee Assistance Programon a management referralin heu of a possible dis-charge hearing. Theemployee must ag-ree to thefollowing:

- rehabilitation pro-ceedings within 24 hoursand start program within72 hours.

- satisfactory comple-tion of EAP.

- no duties or compen-sation until released toreturn-to-work.

- must test negative ona return-to-work drugscreen.

- two-year mandatoryperiodic drug and alcoholtesting.

- subject to discharge ifa positive drug and alcoholon-duty result.

Preventing just one"average accident," saysDirector of Human Re-sources Gayel Pitchford,will pay for our clrugtesting program for years.

Bailey...continued from page 17

printed inside the writtenprogram; JohnnyMcKinney, a Division 16bus operator, providedlimousine service for Bailey;Leo Holland, a Division 7operator, served up wonder-ful tunes as the night's discjockey.

Concluded CMFDirector Rich Davis: "Mypersonal prediction is thatLei Bailey will be a generalmanager someday."

Drug Testing...continued from page 31

only for narcotics, and notalcohol. Testing for alcoholis not included underUMTA regulations pub-lished in 1988 which governthe control of drugs in masstransportation. The Dis-trict, which tests for moresubstances than almost allagencies, tests for a total of18 substances, includingalcohol. Besides the abovefive, the remaining 13include drugs which requirea doctor's prescription. Thebill requires randomtesting, which the Districtdoes not presently do.

Thanks to the District'sstringent testing policy, thenumber of employeestesting positive hasplunged. In September1985, 20.5 percent ofemployees who hit a triggerin the policy and had totake a test were postive fordrugs or alcohol. In Septem-ber 1986, the positive ratedropped to 5.43; a yearlater, it declined to 4.23. InSeptember 1988, the


Head GHOST...continued from page 10

strategy to nah the taggers,she relaxes at home readingnovels by Stephen King orJoseph Wambaugh. Some-times, she and her husbandwill head for the theatre,where she relishes horrorand thriller flicks. Some-times, she'll head to therange and shoot pistol. Amember of the Californiapolice pistol combat team,she took a gold medal in thesemi-automatic course atthis summer's NevadaPolice Olympics.

She's also busy raisingher 17-year old son, who'spondering a law enforce-ment career himself.

As for her nemesis,Nothing But Trouble,Barberic is in the process oftargeting the gang underthe Street TeiTorismEnforcement Program. ltmeans, she says, that thosesuspects her officers arrestwill be eligible for a three-year sentence. She has toshow first that NBTmembers have committed acertain number of crimes.Once she determines thatthey meet the criteria, sheand her men will notifiyeach and every gangmember.

Says Barberic, "They'vedemonstrated that they'reperfectly willing to assaultour officers."

IMIMINIZMIIMmingomm


rhanksging pay: NOVEMBER 28

November17

Raiders vs Sea Hawks * $33.5021

Clippers vs Portland * $22.5022

Lakers vs San Antonio * $13.5023

USC - UCLA - Rose Bowl * $27.5023

"Cats" returns to the Shubert 2:00 p.m.$50 tickets for * $35.50

24

Phantom of the Opera 2:00 p.m. * $50.5025

Rams vs 49'ers * $30.5026

Clippers vs Chicago * $25.5029-30 Julio Iglesias - Universal Amphitheatre

* $27.0029

Phantom of the Opera Special 2:00 P.M.* $45.50

December888

11141521

Raiders vs Bills * $33.50WWF Wrestling - Sports Arena $17.50Phyllis Hyman - Universal Amphitheatre* $27.50Clippers vs Detroit * $22.50Phantom of the Opera 2:00 p.m. * $50.50Lakers vs Utah * $13.50Private Lives - Wilshire Theatre 2:00 p.m.* $36.50

Think now about Christmas Shopping See's Candyorders due by November 22. Regular retail price perpound - $8.40 - Your RTD discount price $6.30 perpound.

Also available are fruit cakes, Ethel M. Candy, awide assortment of novelty Christmas decorations,wrapping paper and gift items. Check with EmployeeActivities for those special items.

Save over 35% on Wild Bill's Wild West Dinner Extrava-ganza

Sun. - Thurs. Reg. $29.76 Now $19.50Fri. & Sat. Reg. $32.99 Now $24.50Children Reg. $19.95 Now $14.50

The Employee Activities office is open from 10:00until 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, second floor

of the Headquarters building, telephone 972-4740.

ECREATIONNEWS

Good any day tickets available for:Universal Studios for $19.00 Adults and $15.00ChildSea World at $16.55 Adults and $12.35 ChildMagic Mountain $17.45 General $13.00 under4' tall

Tickets for movie theatres are as follows: Edwards $4.25;AVCO General Cinema $4.50, AMC $4.00, Pacific WalkIn or Pacific Drive-In $4.50. United Artist $4.00 and•Cineplex Odeon $4.75.

Mobile Unit Schedule

The mobile center will operate Monday through Fridayfrom 9:30 am. until 2:00 p.m.

Nov. Loc. Dec. Loc.18 9 2 1819 9 3 420 16 4 1221 8 5 222 15 6 1125 9 126 6 10 1027 5 11 328 Holiday 12 CMF29 Maint. 13 9


Drug Testing...continued from page 41

positive rate for incident-based testing was downfurther, to 2.74. In Septem-ber 1989, it was 2.08, andthe following September,the positive rate had dippedto 1.96. This last Septem-ber, the percentage ofpositive employee drugscreens was the lowest ever-- 0.62%.

Director of HumanResources Gayel Pitchford,author of one of thiscountry's toughest publicagency drug and alcoholpolicies, also credits UnitedTransportation UnionGeneral Chairman EarlClark with helping toensure the program'ssuccess.

"Prior to 1985, wespent a year talking to theunions," says Pitchford,who also chaired theAmerican Public TransitAssociation's Task Force onDrug and Alcohol Abuse."He (Clark) didn't take usinto court. He, too, doesn'twant drugs or alcohol in theworkplace. He was one of

the primary movers ingetting our policy intoplace."

Pitchford also giveshigh praise to divisionmanagers for consistentenforcement of the policyand for the many EAPreferrals they have made."They've been meticulous ingetting the word out," shesays.

Where to Go if You Have a Problem. • •

H eadway urges anyemployee who needs helpcombating a substanceabuse problem to contactthe Employee AssistanceProgram (EAP). Simply callthe 24-hour helpline at 800-221-0942 or 714-978-7915.All counseling is confiden-tial and the first threesessions are free.

Last year, the Em-ployee Assistance Program(EAP) worked with approxi-mately six and a halfpercent of the District'semployees, many of whomrequested assistance indealing with family ormarital problems. No one atthe District will know thesort of problem for whichyou're receiving help.

The following is acomposite case, put to-gether by EAP's BruceSteele, to protect confidenti-ality. Not all turn out aswell as this case. Some do.When this is so, everyone isa winner: the employee, hisfamily, RTD, the union, andthe EAP.

A male in his fortieswas a seif-referral to the

EAP. He was a longterm,chronic alcoholic. He hadbeen a mechanic for manyyears, was very functional,and in fact, seldom missedwork.

However, his jobperformance was beginningto deteriorate, by his ownadmission. He had been anexcellent employee, appar-ently, for his entire careerwith RTD. This man hadlost his first wife to divorce,due mostly to his excessivedrinking. He seldom sawhis three children bytheir choice. His secondmarriage was beginning tosuffer from his drinking.

A friend urged him tocall the EAP. He was verynervous when he came forhis appointment. He knewhe was an alcoholic butdidn't know what to doabout it.

I (Bruce Steele)explained to this man thathe had a disease. Indiscussing his familybackground, I learned thathis mother and father wereboth alcoholics. He begandrinking as a young teen

and had continued to thepresent.

Long before he soughtemployment with theDistrict, he'd received aDUI. He 1-2,-.d been throughDrunk Driving School. Hehad attended AlcoholicsAnonymous meetings aspart of those schools. Buthe wasn't yet ready toconfront his disease.

"To my latest

knowledge, he has

been sober for over a

year...he will, quite

hopefully, finish out

his career with

RTD."

However, he was readyto hear and understandwhen I described thedisease of alcoholism. Hewas referred to a treatmentprogram, which he attendedfaithfully. He began to eatright and to exercise.

I followed this me-

chanic, as his employeecounselor, for a year. Heattended A.A. as part of hisprogram and sent inmeeting attendance forms.To my latest knowledge, hehas been sober for over ayear. His wife has attendedAlanon, for family mem-bers, so she can understandhis disease. He will, quitehopefully, finish out hiscareer with RTD. He issober and finding a wholenew style of life. He hasrepaired his relationshipwith his children. Heunderstands he is to take itone day a time.


Southern CaliforniaRapid Transit District425 So. Main St., 2nd FloorLos Angeles, CA 90013

Bulk RateU.S. Postage

PaidLos Angeles, Ca.Permit No. 32705

W#JVMIO«


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