Rush Hour? Sometimes You Have to Slow Down to Catch a Train

When a Southern Californian vacations where the pace is slower, it can be difficult to adapt. Wendy Andruschak of Gardena realized as much when she found herself racing to catch a train, the “Ghost Train of Old Ely,” in that Nevada town.

“We got a late start and made it to the station right when the train was supposed to leave,” she said. “We ran up to the ticket window to purchase the tickets. The woman behind the counter was taking her time counting our money and stamping the tickets and I was kind of rushing her. Finally, she said, ‘Don’t worry honey, this train won’t take off till I give it permission to.’ ”

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SPEL CHEK: Alicia Elkort found a freeway sign that bore an unsightly error--one that reminded me of another variation spotted some years ago by Don Durkee (see photos). The latter seemed to warn of a new variety of pig.

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Regarding Seal Beach’s headaches with an overpopulation of rabbits and an absence of seals, Chris Koreivo of Long Beach writes: “ I think renaming the city Bunny Beach would not only solve the problem but bring in a few extra tourists.” Especially of the male variety.

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FINAL L.A. INSULT OF THE DAY: “Toilet-to-tap,” the controversial proposal to return treated waste water to the drinking water supply in L.A., has predictably drawn the notice of outsiders.

San Francisco Chronicle columnist Scott Ostler wrote it’s “a great idea, because in a designer-savvy, style-conscious place like Los Angeles, it makes sense that the water would match the air.”

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IF TOILET-TO-TAP PASSES . . . : Expect to see a return of those bumper stickers that say, “Save Water--Drink Beer.”

Steve Harvey can be reached at (800) LATIMES, Ext. 77083, by fax at (213) 237-4712, by mail at Metro, L.A. Times, Times Mirror Square, L.A. 90053 and by e-mail at steve.harvey@latimes.com.