FOCUS on Malathion Spraying

The Second City Theatre in Santa Monica became Club Medfly on Thursday night when it was host to a benefit for FOCUS (Families Opposed to Chemical Urban Spraying). People opposed to aerial malathion spraying paid $30 to see Second City’s new revue, “Lord of the Medflies,” as well as listen to speeches by local politicos.

But not every politician was there. Mayor Tom Bradley’s office turned down his invitation, said FOCUS President Adelaide Nimitz. State Sen. Herschel Rosenthal (D-Los Angeles) (who called the spraying “idiotic” and has instituted a lawsuit against Gov. George Deukmejian in hopes of stopping it) showed up, however, as well as representatives sent by state Sen. Art Torres (D-Los Angeles) and L.A. City Councilman Joel Wachs.

Proceeds from the evening will fund FOCUS’ malathion hot line and related office costs. FOCUS raised additional money by selling T-shirts and bumper stickers with anti-malathion sentiments. One popular item was a sticker with a picture of Deukmejian and the legend, “The Duke’s a Hazard.”

A preshow reception gave everyone a chance to meet celebrity supporters and snack on guacamole and Goldfish crackers.

On hand were Ed Begley Jr., Robert Blake, Harold Ramis, Billy Crystal, John Ratzenberger of “Cheers,” Soleil Moon Frye of “Punky Brewster” and Henry Polic II of “Webster.” The show concluded with an improvised comedy set featuring some of Second City’s most famous alumni, including Short, Andrea Martin and Joe Flaherty.