Bradley’s Day at Boys’ Camp

Much political significance was attached in a Times story (July 22) to Mayor Tom Bradley’s action-packed raft ride down the Kern River, “heavily covered by reporters.” However, a greater human impact by the mayor occurred the day preceding when he returned to the R.M. Pyles Boys Camp located in the Sierras 30 miles above Kernville to present a plaque to the 15,000th camper over a 37-year span. This was not covered by major media.

In 1949 Bradley was a rookie policeman on the Los Angeles Police Department and he and a fellow officer, Julio Gonzales (now a U.S. marshal), were the first selectors of underprivileged and troubled local boys from minorities to attend this beginning camp sponsored by oil industry and related individuals and companies. He and Gonzales, who also participated in the ceremony, used to visit the camp, then reached only by hiking and backpacking all supplies in by mules.

Bradley mingled with the delighted boys and after presenting the plaque to the 15,000th camper, Gabriel Ramon of Sepulveda, he told them that if they established goals and followed the standards set by the Pyles Boys Camp they could become productive, successful citizens. He stated, “If you strive in that way you can be proud of who you are and what you are.”

The mayor’s participation and remarks were enthusiastically received at the emotion-charged ceremony by the Pyles’ campers, staff, committee workers and directors, plus guests from the U.S. Forest Service, California Highway Patrol, Kern Sheriff’s Department, Tulare County Sheriff’s Department, and educational and youth groups.

From rookie cop to mayor of one of the world’s greatest cities was an inspiration and proof to these young boys what can still be accomplished in America.

JACK M. RIDER

Brea