Hugs, Kisses, Tears Exchanged at 75th Birthday

Morris Diamond, a longtime Culver City resident, has something in common with his adopted hometown: Diamond and Culver City celebrated their 75th birthdays last week.

More than 100 friends, relatives and co-workers surprised Diamond with a party.

“This is more than I can dream for in my life,” he said. “I was so surprised . . . there must have been a world of planning.”

Diamond’s oldest son, Joe, served as the master of ceremonies at the evening’s festivities. He chronicled his father’s life in a “This Is Your Life” segment that included special appearances by longtime business associates, neighbors and friends, some of whom the family had not seen in more than 30 years.

Even the retired neighborhood mail carrier stopped by to extend birthday wishes. There were plenty of hugs, kisses and tears exchanged between Diamond and surprise guests.

Birthday greetings from Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley and President Bush also were presented. Culver City Mayor James D. Boulgarides was on hand to present a proclamation signed by himself and the rest of Culver City Council. McDonald’s Corp., which employs Diamond, gave him a plaque in honor of his birthday and his service to the company.

Diamond started a second career at McDonald’s five years ago after he retired and sold the J & B Junior Department Store in Los Angeles. Fondly known as “Pops,” he works as a counter clerk two days a week at the restaurant on Sepulveda Boulevard in Culver City, where the party was held.

The Illinois native came to California after serving four years in the Army during World War II.

Diamond worked as a salesman for various companies selling variety store merchandise and children’s wear before opening his own department store.

Diamond said he loves working at McDonald’s.

“It’s been the best job I’ve ever had,” the father of four said. “I love working and at my age, it keeps me active.”

When he isn’t working, the 46-year Culver City resident exercises on a regular basis. He rides his bike and takes a walk almost every day, and spends time with his two grandchildren.

Norman Garland has been named the 1992-93 Irwin R. Buchalter Distinguished Professor of Law at Southwestern University of Law in Los Angeles.

A faculty member since 1974, Garland teaches criminal procedure, evidence and trial advocacy.

He also was instrumental in establishing Southwestern’s Conceptual Approach to Legal Education program.

The Mar Vista resident holds a bachelor’s degree and law degree from Northwestern University.

The B’nai Zion Medical Center in Haifa, Israel, will name its Clinical Microbiology Laboratory and Services for Infectious Diseases in memory of the late Beverly Hills resident Leo David Novak.

Novak, who died of testicular cancer in 1990, was chosen by the B’nai Zion Western Region Council at dinner held last month in Los Angeles.

Michael Rich has been selected as president of WISE Senior Services in Santa Monica.

Rich, a vice president for the RAND Corp. in Santa Monica, is a graduate of the UCLA School of Law. He has been a member of the RAND staff since 1975.

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