Does Leisure World bus service abuse seniors?
Recently it came to my attention that Leisure World bus passengers were asked to wait 20 minutes (either remain on the bus or get off and back on) so that the bus driver can take a break. I could not believe what I was hearing.
Surely this could not be true. I asked several people who ride the busses and each confirmed that this is indeed the practice. Every day. Do they like it? No, but what can they do? These are the most vulnerable, dependent shareholders and they are being taken advantage of because no one can figure out how to get a bus driver a break. Really?
I fully expected that once I brought this practice to the attention of the Security Bus And Traffic Committee, the practice would be stopped, certainly the committee members have common sense.
How naive I am. The committee formed a sub-committee to look into the matter and they will conduct a survey.
It is very disturbing that none of the Golden Rain Foundation directors or Leisure World staff see this as an unacceptable practice that must not be repeated even once.
One director wrote to me: “We have been assured that this incident was a rare and isolated incident. Not one that happens frequently. Bus drivers are required to take breaks as mandated by state labor laws. The 20-minute delay was an unfortunate inconvenience but was in no way an abuse. We have never heard from the three individuals so we don’t even really know their side of the issue.”
In spite of the “assurance” that this was an isolated incident, it is a daily practice. Leisure World management is so out of touch they do not know what is going on.
How can you justify a “20 minute inconvenience” of a senior citizen that does not have to happen? Maybe it’s not abuse, but surely it is disrespectful and cannot be condoned.
What will it take to get Leisure World into the 21st century?
Anne Walshe
Leisure World, Mutual 9
Tis the season
While working in the area of Westminster Boulevard and Seal Beach Boulevard , I heard what sounded like a police motorcycle, but in a lower than normal RPM. I looked up and sure enough, it was a motorcycle officer traveling eastbound on Westminster Boulevard approaching Seal Beach Boulevard going about 10 m.p.h.
My curiosity got the best of me as I assumed he was pulling someone over for a traffic violation, so I kept my eyes in that area looking for the vehicle that was being pulled over. To my surprise, he was following a little old lady who was traveling along on the sidewalk riding an electric scooter. I thought for a moment that she must have done something wrong for him to be pulling her over.
As I continued to watch, it was clear that the officer was not pulling her over, but rather making sure she was kept safe as she made her way to her destination. She seemed not to notice the officer, who was doing a great job making sure that any traffic traveling eastbound, or any traffic wanting to enter or exit any driveways would have to wait until this little old lady had passed. He even stopped at the corner and pressed the pedestrian button for her, which seemed to be the first time she noticed him.
As they parted ways, I had to smile and think—now that’s an officer who is really doing his job “To Protect and Serve.”
I wish I had a camera to capture the moment, but I am glad I was able to see it in person. Thank you Mr. Officer for serving your community. You blessed me!
Bob Wahlsteen
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