How bad are things in the defense...
How bad are things in the defense industry?
Employees throwing a holiday party in TRW’s Space and Technology Group in Redondo Beach sent out letters to various Southern California businesses earlier this month, asking them to contribute money toward door prizes.
”. . . we again find ourselves working on a very tight budget . . .” the letter said. “Knowing your establishment’s reputation for participating in community events, and in the spirit of the Holiday season, our Holiday Party Committee is asking you to place a gift certificate . . . in the enclosed stamped, addressed envelope.”
And who are the needy recipients of the door prizes? Some “200 of TRW’s finance executives.”
One of the party planners said that the letter grew out of a tradition at TRW to see who could “have the best parties” of the various sections.
In a sense, it was a refreshing change--a defense contractor asking the private sector, not the federal government, for funds.
Alas, some Scrooge in the executive suite has ordered the committee to cancel the fund-raising drive and return any gift certificates it receives.
It says something about Southern California that history’s most famous sailor is honored by a freeway sign: The Christopher Columbus Transcontinental Highway.
Posted alongside the Santa Monica Freeway in West L.A., the obscure monument is all that remains of the failed campaign of former Caltrans director Adriana Gianturco to persuade each state visited by Interstate 10 to install similar tributes. None did.
The lone sign has not escaped the attention of protesters who believe the coming 500th anniversary of Columbus’ voyage should be mourned rather than celebrated because of the resulting tragic treatment of the Indians.
Over the weekend, someone crossed out the Columbus name on the sign and altered it to read:
Sitting Bull Interstate Highway.
Sal Perrotta reports that health inspectors asked the manager of the Los Feliz apartment building where he lived to explain why the restroom in the sauna had no toilet paper, soap or paper towels.
“People steal those things,” she said.
She was told to provide those things or be fined.
Instead, she posted a notice, which Perrotta mailed us.
It said: “If you need toilet paper, soap or paper towels, go to manager’s office.”
Her office was on the third floor--a bit far to hike in an emergency, Perrotta added.
He’s happy to report that she’s moved away, he is now the manager and the restroom is fully stocked.
Item on City News Service schedule of events for today:
“11:30 a.m.--Mayor Tom Bradley will proclaim ‘Thomas Brothers Map Day.’ Mayor’s office, City Hall, 200 N. Spring St.”
We hope to attend if we can just figure out where that is. City Hall is on Page 44 of the 1991 Thomas Guide, and on Page 634 of the revised--some would say confusingly so--1992 Thomas Guide.
At least the area code hasn’t changed.
That homey feeling:
Hainano’s bar in Venice displays a sign that says:
“Like the music or leave.”
miscelLAny:
The first American to reach Southern California overland is believed to be trapper Jedediah Smith, who visited the San Gabriel Mission in November, 1826.
