She didn’t play favorites
Ellen Stern Harris (obituary, Jan. 3) was a fine journalist, community organizer and a battler for rights and order, even if she bruised a few friends along the way.
When the California Community Foundation honored her in 1995 for her service to the nonprofit community, she thanked me, then pulled me aside.
Rather apologetically, she told me the gift bags we were distributing to departing guests were cluttering up the exit, and she had alerted the Beverly Hills Fire Department. Turned out she was absolutely right, as usual. We removed the bags and paid a modest fine the next day.
JACK SHAKELY
President Emeritus
California Community Foundation
Rancho Mirage
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