Good Will in L.A.

A few weeks ago, I was driving a brand new car from Inglewood to downtown Los Angeles after dark. Due to very heavy traffic, I was using city streets just south of Manchester near Western. Suddenly, my entire electrical system failed, and I came to a halt at a pitch-black intersection.

The first car that came up behind me did not honk but politely reminded me to put on my warning lights (which did not work). The second car was full of young people who jumped out and pushed my car beyond the intersection by hand to a safe parking place. The next two cars stopped and offered to call the Automobile Club on my behalf. Then a front door opened and a lovely family invited me into their warm home to make telephone calls and wait indoors. Several of their neighbors were alerted to watch my car. Suddenly a troublesome situation was turning into a truly caring, positive experience.

The tow truck driver came quickly--and was a friend of the people who had opened their home to me. A loose connection was promptly fixed and after profuse thanks, I drove away. When I told the story to my wife, we both wondered if all neighborhoods in Southern California would be so considerate and helpful. We hope so. It’s a wonderful experience for those in distress.

Happy Holidays and thank you, many nameless friends.

CURTIS S. REIS

Rancho Palos Verdes