by Robert Larios, CEO, The Club
The future has arrived! I have seen it myself on duty at Fire Station 82 in East Hollywood.
The LAFD’s new all-electric fire truck is indeed impressive. In this month’s Alive!, we dig deeper to tell you how it came about. Meet Battalion Chief Peter Hsiao, Capt. II Darius Cunnigan and Equipment Specialist II Michael Dunbar, who made it happen. (Let me also laud the stunning cover and inside photos by our Vice President of Marketing, Summy Lam.)
People Notes
After we published last month that Americo Garza, Retired, Public Works, had died, we learned that his fellow Hispanic engineer, Rodrigo Garcia, Retired, Public Works, also recently passed away (in July, a month after Americo). Rod founded the national Society for Hispanic Professional Engineers, which his colleague, Americo, co-founded. We mourn Rod’s passing, too, in the spirit of honoring those who made a difference in the history of municipal employees in Los Angeles. May he Rest in Peace.
I wish a very happy retirement to Harold Johnson, Airports, 21 years of City service. Harold worked with the Club on many stories at LAX and Ontario Airports. Thank you, Harold!
I also honor Erika Rodriguez, LAPD, who also retired. Erika worked behind the scenes with LAPD’s Air Support Division, helping make the operation work. She worked with us several times on stories. Thank you, Erika!
Foot Tapper
I read in this month’s Top 10 downloaded song list from the LA Public Library that Buddy Guy, 86, has released a new single, “We Go Back,” with fellow legend, Mavis Staples … and it is number five! That makes it more popular than even a couple of Harry Styles songs. Yay for legends, I say. You can read that, and other amusing facts, every month in Alive! online. Check it out.
Worth Considering
This month marks one year since I became the President and CEO of the Club. I can positively report that I am even more humbled now at the impressive things I see Club Members performing to serve the City. I pledge to continue, with our dedicated Club team, to bring you innovative and value-enhancing ways of honoring your great contributions. We notice what you do and promise to celebrate you for it.
Finally, I wish a sincere and simple Happy Thanksgiving to our Club Members and their families. May we all stop and count our blessings.