Los Angeles Dodgers' Dusty Baker in action

Southern California Rapid Transit District Volume 4, Number 10, December 1977

Employee 'team spirit' wins World Series seatsSeveral deserving RTD em-

ployees were each awarded a pairof highly coveted tickets to the ex-citing World Series in October aspart of the District's ongoing em-ployee incentive program.

The Maintenance Departmentheld a District-wide drawing fortheir employees based on goodwork and attendance records. Therecipients of the tickets wereThomas Hower, Mechanic A atDivision 14, and Manuel Gonzales,Mechanic A, Division 2.

For the telephone informationoperators, another pair of ticketswas awarded, based on superiorattendance and overall job per-formance. The winner was DorothyHoccom, Information Clerk, whohas had a perfect attendancerecord since the first of this year.

Separate drawings were held bythe Transportation Department forthe pairs of tickets allotted to them.The winners—all with outstandingwork records—were Charles Mims,Supervisor, Division 18; Charles V.Colbert, Instructor, Division 8; Ver-non E. Marye, Division 18 Dispat-cher; James J. Waseloff, Operator,Division 9; and Tilmon Perry,Operator, Division 12.

A portion of the field box seattickets were obtained by theRecreation Department. The re-maining tickets, obtained by theMarketing and CommunicationsDepartment, were given to RTD fortheir sponsorship of Dodgersbroadcasts on Radio Station KABC.A total of 186 Dodger games fromMarch 15 to October 2 featured60-second commercials high-lighting RTD bus services,monthly pass sales and discountfares.

The World Series tickets cameas an extra bonus to the otherDodgers premiums given theDistrict for use in their employeegood attitude-building program.These included two box seats anddinner for two for the Operator,Maintenance Employee and In-formation Operator of the Month;200 box seat tickets given away atthe annual employee picnic; 162pairs of box seats distributed toemployees in a random drawing foreach Dodger home game duringthe season; and a two-for-one nightfor RID employees.

Each World Series ticket, tag-ged at $15 each, was valued atas much as $50 each just prior tothe game.

Operators get preview of tomorrow's mass transportationBus operators at seven divisions

received special presentationsdescribing the proposed RegionalCore Rapid Transit Starter Line aswell as other aspects of a four-point program to meet the LosAngeles region's future trans-portation needs. This program hasthe support of the U.S. Departmentof Transportation, the City, State,County, District and the new LosAngeles County TransportationCommission.

The presentations, made atDivisions 1, 2, 3-10, 4-5, 7, 8 and15 during November, were givenby Lou Collier and Marvey Chap-

man, Community RepresentativesII of the District's Rapid TransitDepartment. These divisions werechosen because they have buslines running through the area thatwould be affected.

The goal was not only "to informthe drivers so they'll be able to an-swer their riders' questions" on theproposed projects, Chapman ex-plained, but also to obtain theirideas and suggestions on im-proving transportation.

Similar presentations in con-junction with the City of LosAngeles Planning Department arebeing made to the public and to key

organizations interested in the tran-sit development program. "Wewant to talk to the people who livein these areas, work there anddrive there," she said. Beforemaking a final decision on any ofthe proposals, the effect on thecommunity and the economy, thecost and effectiveness must beevaluated.

The current effort involves theevaluation of several bus/rail andall-bus alternatives through theregional core—the high densityarea encompassing the Wilshirecorridor, Hollywood and NorthHollywood.

The RTD community represen-

tatives also highlighted the otherthree options under study: Trans-portation Systems Management, aprogram of local and express busimprovements; Freeway Transitwith ramp metering, free-flow bus-es on the freeway, and creation ofexclusive busways; and DowntownPeople Mover, a system to tran-sport persons living and working inthe central Los Angeles area.

A final decision and implemen-tation of any of these optionsawaits citizen group meetings, en-vironmental impact reports, publichearings and then the securing ofadequate funds.

gy: ,. 4;■, v,, ". e4,. 1.4,-40.‘ilte.$ ):04):::.)..0..e..o...., a 0. 0 . . a oili, a 0.

‘,0 SEASON'S GREETINGS .r.opA'

The year-end holiday season is once again upon us, a

;6*• time traditionally given to sharing in the festive spirit, ex- 0W

, changing messages of goodwill, and expressing gratitude for 4.4*Ivo the year's accomplishments and blessings. WA45$ This is also an especially appropriate time for me, on °4.5'*-01

•

behalf of the Board of Directors and Management, to express ‘AF.VA0'.. pride in the dedication and teamwork shown by the District's 0 Ne# employees during 1977. This past year has been particularlyO 0:-.

IOA. trying due to budget constraints, service cuts and resulting ft.■XOYI

•

personnel layoffs. I am confident this same attitude will con- Votinue and insure a more prosperous new year.

WO My warmest wishes for a most joyful holiday season to ‘10O 0aft each of you and your families.

■7`■ Jack Gilstrap, General Manager .■41141141:4100 'C'D' a** 4144 41164 0744144 Chapman details proposed starter line to Div. 3-10 operators

Jeff Diehl (left), Superintendent of Transportation Services,congratulates Charles Mims, one of several World Series ticketwinners

Mendes (far left), Squier (center), and Zeke Allen, Operations Staff,inspect historic "fruit salad" bus

Employees invited to take advantageof RTD deferred compensation plan

Thomas Hower (center) conveys his thanks to Bob Falvey (left),Equipment Maintenance Manager at South Park, and Bob Wick(right), Superintendent of Divisions for the pair of coveted ticketsgiven him as part of RTD's on-going employee incentive program

Page 2

Unexpected bonus `Vintage' bus tours DistrictDistrict employees caught a

glimpse of transportation's past onOctober 24 when the only knownrestored bus of the GM-TDH 4506series toured Southern Californiawith its new owner.

This historic bus, number 6339,was delivered to an RTDpredecessor—the Los AngelesTransit Lines—in 1946. Legendhas it that these buses arrived ingrey primer paint and went into ser-vice so quickly their fleet numbershad to be chalked on.

During 1958, 6339 was trans-ferred to the successor company,Los Angeles Metropolitan TransitAuthority, and then sold to severalother lines, changing colors andbus numbers with each differenttransit company.

The bus was withdrawn fromservice in Sacramento during 1973and then reactivated shortly af-terwards during the Arab oil em-

bargo. Two years later it was againretired.

In July, 1976, Richard LewisMendes of Sacramento purchasedand began refurbishing it, using in-formation provided by Jerry Squier,RTD Associate Surface Planner,and George Powell, now-retiredRTD General Superintendent ofMaintenance and Equipment.

With the assistance of severalother transit authorities, Mendesrestored it to its approximate 1952-53 vintage appearance with thefamous National City Lines' "FruitSalad" exterior color scheme(Chrome Yellow, Sage Green andEgg Shell White) and a Pullma.Green and White interior. Every ef-fort was made to keep it as authen-tic as possible, right down to thecar cards of yesteryear.

The project required painstakinglabor and long hours, Mendes said,adding that credit must be given tothe excellent maintenance itreceived from its original owners.

Robert Williams (right), Manager of Customer Relations, and Bar-bara Hagen (center), Chief of Telephone Operations, awardWorld Series tickets to a surprised but delighted Dorothy Hoccom Each December, enrollment is

open in the Employees' DeferredCompensation Plan. For currentplan participants, this month alsoprovides the opportunity to in-crease or decrease the deferredamounts and to change the way thefunds are invested.

The Employees' Deferred Com-pensation Plan permits District em-ployees to set aside a portion oftheir wages and not pay taxes onthat money, or earnings thereon,until their retirement when taxesshould be lower due to lowerearnings by the employee.

Additionally, gross wages arereduced by the deferred amountfor withholding tax purposes. Theminimum amount that can bedeferred is $15 per pay period withthe maximum not to exceed 90 percent of your pay. The plan hasbeen approved by the InternalRevenue Service.

The deferred funds will be paidto plan participants upon retirementor termination from District service.If the sum accumulated issignificant, the District will arrangeto spread out the payment over aset period of time. Taxes arepayable only on amounts received

during each calendar year.If a participant dies, payment will

be made to a designatedbeneficiary(ies). Withdrawals fromthe plan are not permitted unless asevere financial hardship is proven.You may, however, discontinuecontributions at any time, withpreviously deferred amountsremaining in the plan untilretirement or District employmenttermination.

Deferred wage amounts may beinvested in any of the followinciewways:

1) Short-term investment whichmay include bank certificates ofdeposit, federal governmentsecurities, or issues of U.S. govern-mental agencies.

2) An annuity with a largenational life insurance company.

3) A no-load bond fund.4) A no-load mutual stock fund.The plan is supervised by the

District Treasurer, with individualemployee accounts maintained bya specialized outside firm. An ad-ministrative charge of 40 cents perpay period is deducted from theamount deferred.

Additional information may beobtained from Mel Marquardt atExt. 6593.

Electrician Bill Heffler changes lights at Division 2

Recreation news:

Santa plans division visits

Inside the radio shop, Walker (right) watches while Joe Salazar repairsa time clock

Page 3

Electrical and Radio Dept. keeps power flowingEach time a message is voiced

over a division PA system, a busvacuum goes on, or an operatorwarms his lunch in a microwaveoven, the credit for supplying the"juice" goes to RTD's Electricaland Radio Department.

Headquartered at Division 2,Jack Walker, Assistant Superin-tendent of CommunicationsSystems, supervises a continually-busy staff of electricians and radiospecialists who keep the District'scommunications and electronic ap-paratus in top working order.

A. Recording the District's Board ofDirectors meetings, repairing theclosed circuit TV cameras over-seeing cash counting, or replacingthe floodlights at each yard are justa few of the diverse tasks handledby the department's 10 elec-tricians. The opening of the newDivision 7 kept much of this crewbusy for days on end.

"Anything with wires we main-tain," Walker said. "That is, all theelectrical equipment at all RTD-owned properties—the divisions,terminals, stations, ticket officesand much of the main building."

The employees report for workeach weekday at 7:30 a.m. Most ofthem then travel to the variouslocations involved. But at least oneelectrician remains at Division 2 todo small tool and appliance repairs,and another employee is stationedat the South Park Shops.

•Handling high voltage equip-ment and climbing ladderspresent the danger of elec-trical shock and falls.

The work falls into two basiccategories: responding toemergencies or "priority" jobs andperforming preventive main-tenance. Emergencies would in-clude any power failures con-nected with bus washing, fueling ora division's operation, air con-ditioning malfunctions during hotweather, or impaired securityalarms.

When they're out on priorityassignments, they also review andperform routine maintenance likechanging air conditioning filters,

motor circuits or washers. So theworkload never eases.

Another essential link in Districtoperations is radio communica-tions. The nine radio communi-cation technicians working underWalker are responsible for some100 supervisory and 600 busradios. In addition, they maintain 21widely-scattered base stations thattransmit the signals between theDispatch Center and all Districtvehicle and bus radios.

Walker . . . remembers a timewhen the workload was lessdemanding and the equip-ment less complicated.

The work locations for theseemployees also vary, as bus radiorepairs are performed at thedivisions. But most supervisoryvehicle radios not working up to parare brought into the radio shop tobe fixed or replaced.

The work of both an electricianand radio specialist can be hazar-dous. Handling high voltage equip-ment and climbing ladders presentthe danger of electrical shock andfalls, so special safety clothing andconstant vigilance are required ofthe electricians. The radio techni-cians servicing the base stationslocated in the local moun-tains—some as high as 6,000feet—face snowstorms and roughworking and driving conditions.

But besides safety require-ments, both types of employeesface another responsibility—that ofcontinually learning new facets oftheir job.

Walker, who has worked in thisdepartment since 1964, remem-bers a time when the workload wasless demanding and the equipmentless complicated. But in a worldrelying more and more on sophis-ticated electronic components andinstantaneous communications, therange of technical expertiseneeded is growing.

"You cannot become stagnant,"he said. "You must keep abreast ofnew equipment, new digitalsystems and circuits. There'salways something new."

Christmas cheer and holidaymerriment will be spreadthroughout the District during theweek of Christmas as Santa Claus,his helpers and top RTDmanagement pay special holidayvisits to each division. Santa's touris planned to coincide with theChristmas parties being organizedby the division managers.

All employees are encouragedto bring their families to thefestivities because the District'sSanta Claus will be giving awaycandy and other goodies to thechildren. In addition, there will bedrawings for top prizes for the em-ployees and their households. Tobe eligible for the drawing, eachemployee is asked to bring in a toyto their division for donation to theToys for Tots campaign. The em-ployee will then receive a ticket onwhich to write his or her badgenumber and deposit it in the box.Upon Santa's arrival at the party,the drawing will be held, the win-ners announced, and the prizesdistributed.

Don't miss the holiday fun,refreshments and gifts. Moredetails on the parties and the timingof Santa's visit will be available fromthe division managers soon.

To continue the festive spirit, onNew Year's Eve the RecreationDepartment has arranged a night inromantic Avalon on Catalina Islandthat will surpass last year's event.The merrymakers are scheduled toleave San Pedro at 7 p.m. viaCatalina Island Cruises and thendepart Catalina at 1:30 a.m. for thereturn trip home.

The celebration on the island willfeature dancing to the music ofTracy Wells' 18-piece orchestra,"That Big Band," inside the CasinoBallroom until 1 a.m. There'll beparty favors, noise makers andballoons to welcome in 1978.

In addition, there will be a lavishchampagne buffet breakfast serv-ed at midnight, complete with eggs,bacon, sausages, ham, rolls, cof-fee, fresh fruit and champagne. Theprice for this gala celebration is$23.60 per person.

To beat the post-holiday blues, afull week's vacation in Mazatlanbeginning January 10 is being of-fered. The $295.00 base pricecovers non-stop air service, ac-commodations at the El Cid Hotel,and free golf and tennis lessons.Because time is running out,reservations should be made im-mediately with the RecreationDepartment.

In a last-minute development,the Recreation Department hasbeen fortunate in obtaining 31tickets to the Kings Buffalo HockeyGame on Thursday, December 15at the Inglewood Forum. These are$8 tickets being offered to RTDpersonnel for just $6 each on a firstcome, first served basis. Due tothis unusual offer, interested em-ployees and retirees should con-tact the Recreation Department im-mediately.

The District's Second AnnualLas Vegas Discount Trip to LasVegas, priced at just $29.50 perperson, was especially popular thisyear. Tickets sold out well in ad-vance of the cutoff date. OnDecember 16, five buses will carrythe 200 employees and guests fora two-day, two-night stay at theFremont and Stardust hotels.

As soon as the snow beginsfalling in abundance in the Sierras,the Recreation Department plans toorganize a trip for all RTD skiing en-thusiasts. Keep your eye on theRecreation Department bulletinboard for updates.

(Continued on page 10)

RetiredDiv./

Name Dept. Classification BeganDamron, William S. 6201 Former Operator Transferred

to Ind. Leave 3/15/776/8/44

Harris, Frank E . 3209 Operator 12/10/41Hess, Emory Jackson 6201 Former Gen. Ticket Clk. 10/15/66

Transferred to Ind. Leave

Retired10/26/77

10/18/7710/16/77

Page 4

Schedule changes

Welcome aboardDiv./

Name Dept. Classification BeganAguilar, Luis Eduardo 3303 Mechanic B 10/21/77Asuncion, Lourdes Cruz 7100 Accountant 11/1/77Diaz, Ovidio 3303 Mechanic B 10 /19/ 77Forrest, Mike Hector 3307 Mechanic B 10/28/77Greene, Thomas Albert 3303 Mechanic B 10/31/77Hall, Ronald John 7200 Systems Analyst 10/12/77Mitchell, Claude Norris 2207 Mechanic B 10/29/77Moore, Jr., David P. 3307 Mechanic B 10/27/77Osburn, Robert Matthew 7200 Systems Analyst 10/12/77Rodriguez, Elias Daniel 3303 Mechanic B 10/17/77Schoenberg, Allen Stanley 3307 Mechanic B 10/10/77Sullivan, Judith A. 7200 Senior Systems Analyst 11/7/77

Moving up

DIVISION 3-10 TEAM (upper row, from left): Ansel Rodgers; JohnWilkens, Manager of Employee Relations; Winston Fisher; PhillipPlatamura; Michael Trotter; Bernard Cota; Lynwood Stevenson; DaveBautista; Jessie Garcia; Jim Cenderelli, Division Manager. (Secondrow, from left): Jack Storey, Assistant Division Manager; David Young;Evon Lyons; Hector Hernandez; Earl Cobbs; Benny Crosby; PrestonBanks. (In front): William Jackson and Jack Gilstrap, RTD GeneralManager.

Close finish in softball playoffClassificationDiv. Disp. Ex. Asst. Div. Transp. Mgr. toAsst. Div. Transp. Mgr.Div. Disp. Ex. Asst. Div. Transp. Mgr. toAsst. Div. Transp. Mgr.Operator to Op. Ex. Div. Disp.Operator to Op. Ex. Div. Disp.Mechanic B to Mechanic AOperator to Op. Ex. Div. Disp.Mechanic B to Mechanic ARoad Janitor to Road Janitor LeadmanOperator to Op. Ex. Div. Disp.Radio Dispatcher to Chief Radio DispatcherMechanic B to Mechanic AOperator to Op. Ex. Div. Disp.Secretary II to Secretary IIIOperator to Op. Ex. Div. Disp.Mechanic B to Mechanic AMechanic B to Mechanic AMechanic B to Mechanic AMechanic B to Mechanic AMechanic B to Mechanic AInformation Clerk to Inf. Cl. Ex. Super.Mechanic B to Mechanic AOperator to Op. Ex. Div. Disp.Mechanic B to Mechanic AMechanic B to Mechanic AOperator to Op. Ex. Div. Disp.Utility A to Utility A LeadmanOperator to Op. Ex. Div. Disp.Operator to Op. Ex. Div. Disp.Operator to Op. Ex. Div. Disp.Operator to Op. Ex. Div. Disp.Mechanic B to Mechanic AOperator to Op. Ex. Div. Disp.Mechanic B to Mechanic AMechanic B to Mechanic ASup. Shops &Auto Eqp. to Supt. Maint. Divs.Operator to Op. Ex. Div. Disp.Operator to Op. Ex. Div. Disp.

Date10/2/77

10/2/77

10/17/7710/17/7710/16/7710/17/7710/16/7710/1/7710/17/7710/30/7710/16/7710 /17 / 7710/24/7710/17/7710 /16/ 7710/16/7710/16/7710/16/7710/16/7710/9/7710/16/7710/17/7710/16/7710/16/7710 /17/ 7710/2/7710/17/7710/17/7710 /17 / 7710 /17 / 7710/16/7710/17/7710 / 16 / 7710/16/7710/13/7710/17/7710 /17 / 77

Div./Name Dept.Adams, John I. 3208

Babies, Jr., Walter 3207

Bayliss, Jack 3201Brown, Delbert L. 3207Carlson, LeRoy M. 3314Cosner, Laurence 3209Coward, Jr., Edgar L. 3314Downing, Legustus A. 3334Falicki, James 3207Gibbons, Irvy L. 3298Gonzales, William N. 3314Gray, Ralph 3215Haynes, Marie T. 9100Heberling, Robert 3215Horton, Jackson 3314Kikuta, Bruce Y. 3314Larrea, Rafael M. 3314Lawrence, Frederick H. 3314Martin, Billy F. 3314Miley, Brenda 5050Morrison, Lonnie J. 3314Murray, John E. 3208Peralta, Louis A. 3314Ramirez, Pedro F. 3314Robinson, Fred 3212Sandoval, Marco A. 3303Shutter, Robert D. 3218Smith, Richard 3209Torres, John R. 3201Torres, Joshua C. 3201Tucker, William J. 3314Vaillancourt, David J. 3208Velasquez, John 3314Verania, Benny B. 3314Wick, Robert G. 3399Woods, Jr., Alonzo S. 3210Wright, Jr., Ernest E. 3218

NameBurchett, Fletcher T.Copithorne, Walter R.Gore, Valentine W.Sanders, Ralph E.Vasher, Jr., "LC"

The RTD softball championship playoff on Sunday, November 6,pitting Division 3-10 against Division 7, turned out to be a tense, ex-citing game right up to the very finish.

Through the end of the third inning, Division 3-10 retained the leadwith a 5 to 1 score. Then Division 7 made a comeback with four runs,evening out the score. It stayed tied until the ninth inning, whenDivision 3-10 Operator Michael Trotter drove in the winning run andOperator Phil Platamura made it to home base, resulting in a final 6 to5 score.

Devoted family members and division friends cheered from thesidelines at Whittier Narrows Diamond 1. The weather, brisk andwindy, had dried the field from the previous day's rain.

Following the championship playoff, a silver division trophy wasawarded to Division 3-10, along with individual trophies to the teammembers of both Division 7 and 3-10 and other trophies to the twoteam managers.

In addition, Most Valuable Player trophies were awarded OperatorsPhil Platamura, third baseman, and Preston Banks, catcher.

The playoffs began on October 16, with Division 3-10 defeatingDivision 15 and Division 7 bringing down Division 4-5 during the firstgames.

William Jackson, Division 3-10 team manager, described thisyear's competition as "very tough." In last year's winter playoffs, hisdivision emerged as the undefeated champions, boasting a 15 to 0record.

DIVISION 7 TEAM (upper row, from left): Wilkens; Thomas Isaacs;Dennis Bainbridge; Mike Meredith; John Venable; William Fredrick;Michael Walden; Edward Edmondson; Leon Winston. (Bottom row,from left): Rondy Harris; Walter Bowman; Phillip Samuels; ReiichiNickleberry; Anthony Washington; Will Evanston; George Williams;Carl Motley; Gilstrap.

Off-hour pursuitsAre you into hang gliding? Underwater photography? Raising Dobermanpinschers? Staining glass windows? District employees with an unusual or in-teresting hobby or skill are invited to fill out the card below and return it toHeadway, Location 32, via company mail for possible future feature storycoverage in the "Layover Zone."Name: Badge No.: Work location: Home phone: Work phone: My hobby is:

19/4/77

In memoriamDiv./Dept. Classification

Deceased

3399

Former Clerk Retired 9/26/42

10/ 8 / 773203

Former Operator Retired 5/17/72

10/9/773204

Former Operator Retired 6/1/53

10/17/773215

Former Operator Retired 10/13/56

10/14/773206

Operator 11/1/77

Page 5

Graduation ceremony marks a happy dayNovember 7 was a special day

for six RTD employees, markingtheir graduation from the MechanicTraining Program. Calvin Carpen-ter, Johnnie Grayson, RobertHillard, George Rodriguez, PhilipRodriguez and Jose Ruiz receivedcertificates and congratulatorymessages during the ceremony atthe downtown headquartersbuilding.

Among those present for the oc-casion were Jack Gilstrap, GeneralManager; George Heinle, Managerof Operations; Jerry Long,President, Amalgamated TransitUnion; Jerry Premo, Executive

*Director, Transportation Com-mission; Byron Lewis, Director ofPersonnel; Robert Wick, Superin-tendent of Maintenance Divisions;and Earl Morey, Equipment Main-tenance Supervisor I and also theprogram's instructor. All of thempraised the graduates for their hardwork and dedication.

Each employee had elevatedhimself from a bus service positionto mechanic C by successfullycompleting both phases of the in-depth program.

Each employee attended three-hour classes twice a week for 22weeks to gather mechanicalknowledge of tools, maintenancemanuals, electrical and fuelsystems, pneumatics, hydraulics,and components such as theclutch, transmission and brakes.Films and displays were used toreinforce classroom instruction,and five written tests measured thetrainees' progess.

The other portion of the programis on-the-job training, in which thestudents were assigned to workwith a mechanic A for 40 hours aweek for 16 weeks. Evaluation oftheir work was made weekly.

Students participate in theclassroom portion of this programon their own time, in addition totheir regular work assignments.The program is offered yearly on arotating evening/daytime basis topermit qualified, interested main-tenance utility As to take advantageof this employment advancementopportunity.

"ALOHA" WAS THE PASSWORD at the Los Angeles International Airporton October 14 when over 100 District employees and their spouses andguests boarded a Continental DC-10 bound for Hawaii. The group took ad-vantage of a RTD-arranged low price of $299 per person (based on doubleoccupancy) price covering round trip air fare, accommodations at theNapualani Hotel, transfers, tips, welcome breakfast and more. "Terrific," "Ican't wait to go back," and "Thank you for the best vacation ever" werejust a few of the vacationers' enthusiastic comments. Keep an eye on theRecreation Department bulletin boards for similar trips in the future.

December's Management Forum topresent insider's account of BART

At the graduation (from left): Long, Heinle, Morey, Hillard,Grayson, Carpenter, G. Rodriguez, P. Rodriguez, Gilstrap

Ruiz,

The inside story behind the BayArea Rapid Transit District (BART)will be revealed by one of its alum-nus. On Wednesday, December 7,1977 from 12 noon to 12:30 p.m.,George McDonald, RTD Managerof Planning and Marketing, will bethe guest speaker at the Man-agement Forum in the downtownheadquarters building, secondfloor, board room.

Using slides and personal com-mentary, McDonald will focus onthe development and implemen-tation of BART's rapid rail system.Four miles of that system liebeneath the San Francisco Bay in amodern, underwater tube.

The Forum audience will notonly find out about BART's basicplanning and engineering con-cepts, but McDonald will alsoreveal how this multi-million dollartransit agency coped with a $150million construction deficit. Andhe'll talk about the mysterious"sunken treasures" unearthedduring the tube's construction.

Other highlights of the Decem-ber presentation will be slides ofthe Market Street subway ground-breaking. On that day, thousands ofSan Francisco youngsters crowd-ed onto Market Street to participatein BART's historic "dig-in."

Layover zone

Maguire's tiny tree-tending takes no small talentIn the adventure tale, "Gulliver's

Travels," there was a world whereeverything was miniature: thelandscape and the people.

Harry Maguire, Senior StaffAssistant in Transportation, spendshis weekends almost like a giant ina tiny forest. His favorite pasttime isbonsai—the art of raising midgetversions of existing plants or* shrubs, such as redwood treesfully grown at three feet of height.

"Some • people have the ideathey're funny, weird trees," heremarked. "Actually, you create inminiature what's found in nature"by "balanced pruning of the topsand roots" and other specialmethods to dwarf their growth.

Bonsai are grown outdoors in apot, with the final product averagingbetween four and 40 inches tall."You can work with anything thatwill take drastic pruning and whoseleaves will miniaturize," he ex-plained.

The most common bonsai in-volve black pine or juniper. Moreadvanced possibilities are elms,maples, beech and hemlock. Some

bonsai enthusiasts get into pyra-cantha, an exotic Eurasianevergreen with thorns and brilliantred berries.

Bonsai plants are not onlysmaller, but they can survive muchlonger, Maguire said. There aresome living bonsai over 700 yearsold, while the same tree ordinarilygrowing in a forest wouldn't livepast a couple of centuries.

The hobby takes continual moni-toring, watering, wiring, pruning andfertilizing. His wife maintains theplants while he's at work and hisneighbors are entrusted with theassignment when the couplevacation.

Bonsai began in China over1,000 years ago, was later refinedby the Japanese, and has recentlyspread in popularity in the U.S.

Maguire got involved with thehobby nine years ago when hewandered into a local arboretum,saw a bonsai demonstration and"was hooked." He studied thetechniques under a bonsai in-

structor and plans to teach it afterhis retirement.

The hobby takes great patience."There's no instant bonsai," hesaid. For example, one of 35 plantshe's now cultivating at home is aJapanese dwarf elm, presentlythree years old, three inches highand has leaves less than 1 /32ndof an inch big. "I'll never see it donein my lifetime," he said, predicting itwill take about 50 years and willstretch three feet tall upon com-pletion.

Another unusual aspect isthere's no instant recognition orreward. While there are numerouslocal clubs and a showing eachyear, the purpose is simply to sharetheir interest and obtain criticaljudgments. "It's kind of low key,"he said. "There are no prizes or rib-bons. The satisfaction comes fromwithin."

But Maguire likes the continualchallenge. "When you're done witha painting, you stand back and ad-mire it. That's it. With bonsai, you'renever done."

ALMOST LIKE A GIANT tending atiny forest, Harry Maguire, SeniorStaff Assistant in Transportation,has a unique weekend hobby. He'sinto bonsai—the Oriental art ofraising miniature plants and shrubsin pots. Redwood trees, elms,maples and others can be stuntedin their growth through specialpruning techniques. Incidentally,the tree shown behind him isn'tbonsai; this photo was taken in thedowntown headquarters building.

Page 6

District kids can color the way to fun prizes!Hey, kids! If you're 14 years old

or under and your mom or dadworks for the Southern CaliforniaRapid Transit District, then you'reinvited to enter the RTD buscoloring contest and compete forfun prizes.

Entering is easy. Simply colorthe drawing with crayons, water-colors, chalk, felt tip pens or otherart materials and send it to RTDwith the entry blank. The address isRTD Recreation Department, 6thFloor, 425 S. Main St., LosAngeles, CA 90013 or have your

mom or dad return it via companymail to Recreation Department,Location 32.

There are three categories:those 6 years of age and under;those 7 through 11 years old; andthose 12 through 14. First, secondand third place prizes will be awar-ded for each age group.

First prize brings Disneylandticket books for the winning artist ineach age category and their par-ents. The second place winner ineach category receives tickets forhimself/herself and both parents to

visit Knott's Berry Farm. Tickets toUniversal City Studios will be giveneach of the third place winners andtheir parents.

In addition, there will be oneGrand Prize of a bicycle awardedfor the best overall effort, taking in-to account originality, imagination,and the artist's age. The bicycle willbe an appropriate model to suit thegrand prize winner's size and age.

Professional art critics outsidethe District will judge the entries.

Only sons, daughters, stepsons,

stepdaughters, and grandchildrenof District employees may enter.Only one entry per child.

Deadline for receipt of all entriesis Monday, January 2, 1978. Alldrawings become the property ofRTD and cannot be returned.

Following the judging, the win-ning entries will be displayed in thedowntown headquarters buildingemployee cafeteria.

Hurry and start coloring now. Ifyou need extra copies of thedrawing, call 972-6580.

A British couple left Los Angeleswith fonder memories of this citybecause of a RTD bus driver'shonesty.

Operator Leo Knox of Division 4-5, an 11-year District employee,finished his run on the Number 779Airport Express when he spotted aleather case on the coach's floor.Inside was a sizeable amount ofEnglish money.

The operator turned it into thedivision dispatcher. The attache'case wound up in the possessionof Special Agent Kris Kristoffersenwho determined that it containedapproximately $700 in Englishcurrency. Also inside were somepersonal papers indicating the

owner was Alfred Suffick ofWaterlooville.

Kristoffersen called three localhotels before he located Suffickand his wife at the Beverly Hiltonand informed them that their caseand its contents had been turnedin—completely intact.

The appreciative couple left anote for Operator Knox. "Withgrateful thanks for returning mybriefcase" they wrote and en-closed a $20 reward.

"They were very lucky that aperson as honest as yourself foundit," Kristoffersen said as he congra-tulated Knox. "Had a passenger orsomebody else found it, it might nothave been such a happy ending"for them.

Operator Knox (left) receives reward from Kristoffersen

Female now minding Div. 6 storeRTD recorded another "first" in

equal job opportunities on Nov-ember 7 when the first femalestorekeeper started work.

Suzanne Lerman, who's been aDistrict employee for 31/2 years, isnow minding the store at Division 6.She keeps a running inventory ofall parts, orders and dispensesthem as needed, and does all thebookwork involved, besides super-vising the stock shop clerksassisting her.

The biggest challenge, sheforecast, is "learning all the parts

and where they go." Although herlast position as stock shop clerk atDivision 8 provided valuabletraining, each division runs its shopa little differently, she explained.

"I'm very pleased and happy tobe here," she commented abouther new promotion. But this isn'tthe first time she's pioneeredsexual equality in job roles. Lermansaid she was also the first fulltimefemale clerk at Division 8 Main-tenance when she began there inJuly, 1976.

Lerman keeps the inventory in tiptop shape

Page 7

Operator's honesty rewarded

Employees of month laudedDave Biehn, Donald Allison and Clarence Brumwell were the three

District Employees of the Month cited most recently by the Board ofDirectors.

Biehn, Division 2 Maintenance Employee, has worked withcoaches since 1960. In 1961 he transferred to Division 12 asMechanic B on the second shift. His responsible and resourceful per-formance quickly got him promoted to Mechanic Double A Leadmanat Division 2. His Maintenance Manager reported that Dave is alwayswilling to put forward an extra effort in his work and his attendancerecord is superior.

Information Operator Don Allison, who began working for RTD inearly 1976, has established a fine record in attendance and punc-tuality. In addition, the public often compliments this employee for hispolite manner and patience in providing them with accurate in-formation on RTD services.

Clarence Brumwell, Division 1 Operator, possesses an outstandingdriving safety record with a 28-year safety award and has had nomissouts in 26 years. Clarence has earned 60 merits—the highestpossible total—and is noted for the courteousness he consistentlyshows the public.

The awards ceremony brought together (in photo above, from left):Director George Takei; Robert Williams, Manager of CustomerRelations; Allison; Frank Abroson, Maintenance Manager, Division 2;and Biehn.

In photo below are pictured (from left): George Marsala, Division1-11 Transportation Manager; Operator Brumwell; and Director Takei.

Coloring contest entryChild's name: Age:

Parent/employee name:

Badge no.: Work location:

Home address:

r

Home Telephone: Work Telephone:

L Art materials used

TOASTMASTERS' OPEN HOUSE on October 19 brought together some30 District employees—both Toastmasters members and potential mem-bers—to enjoy the hospitality and participate in the meeting. Toast-mastering is an effective oral communication training program which canlead to self-growth and occupational advancement. Judy O'Donnell,Secretary II in Personnel and Administrative Vice President of the group(shown standing), delivers an extemporaneous speech. At the podium isJohn Tincher, Division 15 Dispatcher and Chairman of the organization'sMembership Drive Committee.

Div. 15 party an unearthly scene

THE LATEST AWARD to the division with the largest monthly percentagereduction in road calls went to Division 12. Three sets of tickets to LosAngeles Rams' games were given to Division 12 Maintenance: R. R. Olsen,Equipment Maintenance Supervisor I; In Song Kim, Mechanic B; and J. A.Van Houtan, Mechanic B. For Division 12 Transportation, the followingoperators' names were picked to receive a pair of tickets each: RichardBunch, Ramon Pimentel, Floyd Lawrence, Moses Wilson, Joseph May,Warren Stockton, and Harley Haas. Pictured above conducting the drawingare (from left): Diane Moran, Associate Administrative Analyst; GeorgeWells, General Superintendent of Maintenance and Equipment; and JackWalsh, General Superintendent of Transportation.

Page 8

District employees harmonize

Witches, vampires, goblins andother horrible-looking creatures in-vaded Division 15 on Saturdaynight, October 29 as manyoperators, office personnel andtheir families took part in theHalloween celebration.

To start the festivities, acostume party was held, followedby a delicious spaghetti dinnerprepared and served by OperatorBetty Spadaccini and her twodaughters. The meal was high-lighted by the country singingof talented Division DispatcherRichard Winstead and by OperatorJohn Halyak who performed his

strongman feats and did fine im-pressions of famous actors. A veryinteresting and funny story wasnarrated by Operator Neil O'Brien.

Then for a bloodcurdling diver-sion, a fun house had beenerected. Those participating wereOperator Jim Byerley and his wifeLynn, Operator Joe Pryce, andOperator Janet Green. The creditfor make-up and painting goes toOperator Vincent Vizzari.

Many of the merrymakers fin-ished off the fun-filled night with aride around the division yard in adouble deck bus operated by In-structor Donald Cooper.

The festive mood and spirit ofthe winter holiday season wouldn'tbe complete without appropriatemusic. And with Christmas,Hanukkah and New Year's justaround the corner, RTD's currentdrive to organize instrumental andchorale groups among the ranks ofits employees couldn't be moretimely.

Evening practice sessions eachWednesday at Division 9's formerGas Company structure began onNovember 30 under the super-vision of John Jackson, musicaldirector whose professional ex-perience includes coordinationof local school, community andchurch musical groups.

He has been organizingmusically-inclined RTD personnelaccording to their talents and in-terests into such groups as string

chased the stamps out of their own

ensembles, bands and choirs.They'll then be featured at Districtawards ceremonies, company pic-nics, Little Theatre productions,and other events. The District isproviding all necessary equipmentexcept instruments.

Jackson emphasized thatprofessional music experience isn'tnecessary to join—just genuine en-thusiasm and a willingness to par-ticipate in a friendly group effortpooling musical abilities.

It's not too late to become in-volved, if you fill out the form belowand return it immediately to BillWeimer, Recreation DepartmeakLocation 32 or call Betty at OR'6580.

Singers, guitarists, tuba players... don't pass up this opportunity tomake new friends and harmonizewith RTD!

— T

J

I'm interested in participating in an RTD music program.Name: Badge No.: Work Location: Instrument(s) Played: I Own The Instrument(s): YesVocal Range: I Read Music: Yes No Best Days, Times to Meet: Home Phone No.:

_

Ticket service with a lasting smile•The ticket mailings sent out by pocket after deciding to give their

Isabelle Baca and Billie Garlick at correspondence with the public a

the RTD ticket office in Hollywood more personal touch. Since then,

are literally "all smiles." That's many customers have conveyed

because these ticket clerks in- their appreciation.stituted a policy several years agoof stamping everything with a hap-py face and the wording, "Thankyou for letting us help you."

As one man noted, "I love this(happy face) on my envelope eachmonth. I've met you gals and thatexpresses how you feel about

Garlick explained that they pur- customers and I'm sure how yourcustomers feel about you."

Dora Jackson, Utility B, takes care of hosing down the bus

Motion Picture Club's plans in focus

Page 9

Bus 'clean-up crew' puts shine in RTD imageIf it's true that first impressions

are lasting, then the work of theDistrict's 359 utilities and serviceattendants who clean the busesand other RTD property every daybecomes doubly important.

These employees pick up thediscarded papers, scrape off thechewing gum, remove any graffiti,wipe the seats on every coach andoccasionally fumigate the entirebus.

It's a comprehensive job, cover-ing the buses from floor to ceiling. Italso requires attention to minute

1410 tails: shining the railings, wiping windows and cleaning the step-

wells—all very visible to the public.But maintaining a coach's in-

terior is just one phase of their jobresponsibilities. Some of these em-ployees drive the buses throughthe bus washer, operate thevacuum, take care of refueling andchecking the oil and water, andthen park the coaches.

They're charged with thecleaning of all District vehicles—in-side and out. They also keep thesurrounding yard and maintenancepits and area clean.

In addition, their responsibilitiesinclude pulling the vaults out of thefareboxes for loading onto a vault

5410

truck.But perhaps the toughest

assignment of all is steam cleaningthe engines and parts. The em-ployees who do this work mustwear special protective clothing.

Over the years their tasks andmethods of cleaning haven't alter-ed greatly. The chief tools aremops, brooms, sponges, brushesand cleaning fluids. However, theDistrict purchased three mobilemini-sweepers to clean the yards.

One more significant changehas been a notable increase in thenumber of female employees inthese classifications. Their per-formance, according to the main-tenance managers, has been out-standing. Regardless of sex, thejob takes perseverance, care, andhard physical work.

It's an around-the-clock opera-tion, with the three shifts covering24 hours per day, seven days perweek. The clean-up crew's busiesthours follow the peak traffic, rushhours, when the buses are broughtback for refueling, cleaning andwhatever housekeeping is needed.

It's then that they take over, get-ting the buses back into shape intime for their next run.

Jesus Martinez, Maintenance Manager at Division 1-11, discussesequipment with Maria Vargas, Utility B

The cartoon, drawn by Division 18 Operator Melvin Harrison, was sentin by his wife

A dramatic film version of anoperator's life, entitled "The AgonyOf A Bus Driver," is underway bythe Motion Picture Camera Club.Operator Donald Barnes, ClubPresident, said they are activelyseeking persons interested in anyphase of motion picture produc-tion—writing, acting, lighting, soundor even clerical work—to par-ticipate in this and future filmprojects.

This organization of RTD em-ployees meets at Barnes' home the

third Sunday of every month at4536 Don Milagro Drive in LosAngeles.

At their September meeting,Toni Hill, wife of Kenneth Hill, ClubVice President, drew the lucky stubheld by "Pumpkin" of San Josewho purchased the winning ticketfor the gifts while on a weekendvisit.

For more information on theclub, upcoming raffles and ap-plication forms, Barnes can bereached at 213-296-8157.

Wiping the windows is just one small facet of Utility B Alice Robin-son's job

MAKInG HERD WRYA very appropriate Father's

Day present was given Division 3Operator Albert D. Howard byhis wife, Linda. It was a secondson, Albert Donald Howard II,born on June 19. Albert claimshe knew all along it was going tobe a boy. The Howards' otherson, Mathew, is 6.

Division 5 Operator Tom Mit-chell became a father for the firsttime on August 23 when hiswife, Kathy, gave birth to JaimieAnne. She weighed in at 8 lbs.

Operator Roy Townsend ofDivision 18 and his wife Theresaare delighted to announce thebirth of their second son,Raishard Jamal, on September1. They have another son, Roy"Gregory," age 6.

Division 10 Operator Cor-nelius L. Bradford and his wifeClarice will celebrate their twen-ty-fifth wedding anniversary onDecember 25. The couple re-sides in Altadena.

Suzanne Onderco, 17-year-old daughter of Division 9Operator Philip Onderco, re-cently received the OutstandingDedicated Community ServicesYouth Award of El Monte. Sheholds a sergeant's rank in thePolice Explorers for the El MontePolice Department, volunteerstime at Hope House helpinghandicapped children, assistsSanta Claus Inc. in providing toysfor needy children, and helps athealth centers. Suzanne plans tobecome a policewoman, ac-cording to her proud parents.

FRIENDS AND CO-WORKERS gathered around Harry Hoegeman,Equipment Maintenance Division Manager, last month to wish himwell on his one-year trip to Germany as the official representative ofthe Articulated Bus Consortium for the inspection of buses madepossible under an UMTA grant. Pictured here (upper row, from left)are: Sam Singer, Equipment Maintenance Supervisor ll; Hoegeman;Earl Zwiebel, Assistant Superintendent of Maintenance Divisions; andRobert Wick, Superintendent of Maintenance Divisions. Kneeling areJim Thomason, Equipment Records/Stores Coordinator, and T. W.Tegtmeyer, Maintenance Manager.

Spread the good news!Employee Name:Badge No.: Event: Date Occurred: Other Facts:

Work Location:

Place:

"Making Headway" is designed to publicize news about your personalachievements and those of your family, whether it concerns births,graduations, anniversaries, retirements, special awards or other ac-complishments. Please use this card to forward such news to MadeleineBickert, Editor, Headway, 6th Floor, 425 S. Main St., Los Angeles, CA90013 or return via company mail to Headway, Location 32. Cartoons,photos and other contributions are also always welcome.

Page 10

Recreation news(Continued from page 3)

Later in the year, a 15-dayvacation in Miami and the Carib-bean aboard the fun ship Carnivalewill be offered. Starting on Sep-tember 15, 1978, seven days willbe spent ocean cruising, with stopsin St. Maarten in the Lesser An-tilles, at St. Thomas in the VirginIsles and in San Juan, Puerto Rico.The $699 per person price (basedon double occupancy) coversround trip air fare to and fromMiami; seven nights' stay at abeachfront hotel and deluxe ac-commodations aboard the ship,port taxes; all meals, parties andshows on board the Carnivale; andmore. Mark the date now for yourvacation next year.

-HERIMUNINVolume 4 Number 10Published by and for the employees ofthe Southern California Rapid TransitDistrict. Send stories, photos, or justthe facts to Madeleine Sicken, Editor,HEADWAY, 6th Floor, 425 So. MainStreet, Los Angeles, CA 90013 ortelephone 213-972-6680.

Classified• House with fabulous view.Yucaipa, on bus line. Two yearsold. Two bedroom, two bath. Allelectric kitchen, central air/heat.Living room with cathedral ceiling.Plush carpet/drapes. $44,900.Telephone 213-244-0298 or 714-795-4764.

• One-year-old California KingSnake, $25.00. Call Bobbie at213-979-2744.

• Brand new Whirlpool Trash Com-pactor, Harvest Gold color. Retailsfor $260.00, selling for $190.00.Call 213-281-4861 days or eve-nings.

• Baby car bed, new, $15.00.Baby car bed and sheets, new,$15.00. Baby high chair, $5.00.Color console TV, maple cabinet,very good condition, $150.00. Call213-968-0962 in early evenings.

• '56 T-Bird. Automatic, powersteering, power brakes. Rebuiltengine, new interior and tires andpaint. Best offer. Call Bob at 213-547-9473 after 5 p.m.

• Mini Doxies, AKC registered.One black female, two red males, 8weeks. $150.00. Telephone 213-676-3596 between 1 and 9 p.m.

• Two wide tires mounted oil'aluminum mag wheels. Excellent.condition. Will fit Pinto, Vega or anyother small car. Daytona Sport 60-13. $80.00. Call 213-982-4874.

• Pedigreed fancy tan rabbits.Show and meat stock. Also havebunnies for pets. Different prices.Call 213-982-4874 during day.

• Pillow-couch, combinationcolors, striped pattern. Solid woodframe, easy to disassemble andreassemble. Two years old, goodcondition. Fixed price: $300.00.Call Denni at 213-899-6286 after4:30 p.m.

• 1974 Motor Home, 23 ft. (894NWD). Fully self-contained, sleepsfour. Sightseer III (By Travco),19,000 miles. 440 Dodge engine,4-K Generator, 13,500 BTU RoofAir, Roof rack and ladder, seven ftiok_roof storage box. Aux. gas tan$9,500.00 Phone 213-965-4277.

While the softball tournament isover, a number of other tour-naments are planned. The District'sdomino competition is in progressand a pool tournament is scheduledto begin in early December.Moreover, basketball season ishere with sign-ups to take place inJanuary for the District's gamesand playoffs. Again, watch thebulletin board for notices.

More information on theseevents and trips is available fromBetty at Ext. 6580.

Southern California Rapid Transit District425 So. Main St., 6th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90013 BULK RATE

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